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    Let's be friends!

    Guilty as charged. Guilty as charged.
    Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨ Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨

This flight was actually so smooth. We had great weather, and — more importantly — WiFi.

You could say the flight ~flew~ by.

We spent about 5 hours flying from northeast Wisconsin to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for my uncle’s Air Force Change Of Command.

Would you fly cross country in a tiny plane? ✈️
    Testing his patience one vertical video at a time. Testing his patience one vertical video at a time.🫡
    10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this 10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this summer!

When I started visiting the national parks, I quickly realized that many national parks are seasonal. While the park entrances and overlooks may be open year-round, there are definitely better and worse times to visit some of them.

For example, if you try going to the mountains in fall through early spring, some of the hiking trails and roads will be closed due to snow.

On the flip side, if you try going to the desert in summer, you’ll be battling that fatal heat.

So, these are 10 of the best US national parks to visit in summer!

Share this with your road trip buddy to drop a subtle hint. 🚗

#usaroadtrip #usatravel #usroadtrip #roadtripusa #nationalparksusa
    He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not arou He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not around here partner… Not around here.”
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How To Pack For A Cruise In A Carry-On (7+ Days!)

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: February 13, 2023 | Updated: August 9, 2024

Wondering how to pack for a cruise in a carry-on, even if your cruise is 7 days or longer? Well, you’re in luck. Despite my doubts, I was personally able to pack for a 7-day cruise in only a carry-on. With these tips, you can too.

How To Pack For A Cruise In A Carry-On (7+ Days!)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you.

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  • How do you pack for a cruise in just a carry-on?
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How do you pack for a cruise in just a carry-on?

Here’s how to pack for a cruise in just a carry-on bag.

1. Buy A Rolling Duffle Carry-On Bag

First, consider investing in this Rockland carry-on size rolling duffle bag.

I know you may have a certain brand or style of luggage that you prefer, but, at least for the cruise, consider opting for a rolling duffle.

In my 20+ years of travel, I can promise you that I have never fit more in a carry-on than with one of these Rockland bags. I’ve packed upward of three weeks of clothes in one of these duffles before, so whenever I have to pack for a lengthy trip in a carry-on only, I always choose this bag.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

2. Use Packing Cubes

Furthermore, using packing cubes will help you consolidate all your clothes in an organized, suitcase-shaped fashion.

Trust me. I used to think packing cubes were gimmicky until Well Traveled sent me these packing cubes to try out for my cruise. Let’s just say, I’ll never not use packing cubes again. I’m not even being paid to say this.

Plus, once you get to your stateroom, all you have to do to unpack and stay organized throughout your trip is place each cube unzipped into the closet shelf/drawer space.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

3. Roll, Don’t Fold

Next, roll your clothes. Don’t fold your clothes.

This is another packing hack that I always doubted until the past few years. However, this time-old packing trick still proves to be one of the most efficient, space-saving and wrinkle-free ways to pack.

You’ll especially want to roll if you are using packing cubes. By rolling, you’ll be able to see all of your clothes inside the cube at once without digging through an otherwise folded stack.

4. Use A Foldable Hanging Toiletry Bag

On the contrary, this is a secret packing hack I have yet to see mentioned anywhere else: foldable hanging toiletry bags.

First of all, I love hanging toiletry bags because they allow you to hang up your toiletries wherever is most convenient, whether that’s on the bathroom door hook, mirror, shower curtain rod or closet.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

But, in terms of packing a carry-on, foldable hanging toiletry bags also enable you to bend the bag into any leftover suitcase space and/or lay the bag flat on top of the suitcase after you have packed everything else. In essence, you won’t have to think about how on Earth you’ll fit another giant cube in your carry-on.

5. Bring Minimal Cruise Toiletries In Your Carry-On

Likewise, bringing minimal toiletries for your cruise will save a lot more space than you would expect.

carry on packing list for cruise

Random bottles, tubes and other clunky products can take up an unnecessary amount of suitcase space, especially because you probably won’t use all of the toiletries that are currently in your toiletry bag anyway.

So, instead of just packing your daily dopp kit or makeup bag, take out only the individual products you will actually need on your cruise. Leave the rest at home. This is a minuscule packing tip that makes a massive difference.

How To Pack For A Cruise In A Carry-On (7+ Days!)

6. Buy Sunscreen In The Cruise Port City

You’ll need a lot of sunscreen (multiple bottles) on your cruise — way more than TSA allows you to take on your carry-on.

Instead of packing a travel-size bottle of sunscreen, which will only last you one day on the cruise anyway, buy sunscreen in the departing port city once you get there. This way, you’ll also avoid the overpriced sunscreen on board the ship.

Alternatively, ship sunscreen from Amazon (we love this non-toxic brand) to your port city hotel or AirBnB — with permission from the front desk/owners, of course.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

7. Bring Two Pairs Of Shoes Maximum

Shoes are arguably the biggest culprit to every overpacking scenario.

7 day cruise packing list

Now, I know what you’re thinking. For cruises, you need, at minimum, one pair of shoes for the pool, one pair of shoes for formal dinners, one pair of shoes for exercise and one pair of comfortable walking shoes.

While this may be true, don’t settle for packing 4+ pairs of shoes. Get creative. Find one pair of cruise shoes that can serve as your pool, formal dinner and walking shoes. (I have an entire guide filled with cruise shoes that fit all these functions here.) Pack those. Then, wear your tennis shoes on the plane.

8. Pack Multi-Purpose Cruise Outfits

Just like it’s key to pack multi-purpose shoes, it’s also key to pack multi-purpose cruise outfits.

Now, you’re probably thinking you need two outfits per day: one for the daytime, one for nighttime dinners and entertainment — not to mention formal night evening gowns or swimwear. So, try to find outfits that you can wear both to the pool and to dinner, such as sundresses for the ladies and button-ups for the men.

cruise packing list caribbean

Even so, if you chose to use packing cubes (which, again, I highly recommend) and roll your clothes, you shouldn’t have a problem packing 15+ outfits. I did it with these Well Traveled packing cubes.

9. Pack Cruise Outfits You Can Rewear

On that note, don’t be afraid to rewear clothes, too, especially denim shorts, swimsuits and swimsuit cover-ups.

Otherwise, you may indeed find yourself packing 15+ outfits, which is doable but certainly not ideal.

Ladies, I particularly love full-coverage swimsuit cover-ups and one-piece suits (I love this black one-piece from Amazon) because you can wear them as tops (when dry) into the buffets and casual restaurants during the day. Pair them with a rewear-able pair of denim shorts, and you’re set.

10. Use A Full-Size Backpack As Your Personal Item

Finally, not many people know that on most airlines, particularly US airlines, you are allowed to use a full-size backpack as your plane personal item.

Many people assume that personal items only include purses or shopping bags, but, actually, you can get by with a full-size school backpack as long as it will fit under the seat in front of you.

So, now, not only do you have a carry-on suitcase for all your cruise essentials, but you also have an entire backpack. For pro tips on packing the ultimate personal item bag, check out my personal item packing list here.

How To Pack For A Cruise In A Carry-On (7+ Days!)

And, just like that, you are fully equipped on how to pack for a cruise in a carry-on. Have any questions? Ask in the reply section below or by sending me a direct message on Instagram.

How To Pack For A Cruise In A Carry-On (7+ Days!)

More Cruise Tips

Cruise Shoes For Ladies To Fit Your Every Need
Amazon Cruise Essentials You Need
50 Genius Women’s Travel Essentials
Cruise Puns You Need To Steal

Save This Cruise Packing Guide

Save these guide on how to pack for a cruise in a carry-on for later by sharing with others!

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By: Indigo Sahara, M.A.

About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

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Comments

  1. Pat Rodricks says

    July 16, 2023 at 1:29 am

    What size Rockland rolling duffle carry-on bag do you suggest – 22 inch or, 30 inch? I am going on a 10-day European cruise, with 5 days precruise in Istanbul, & would like to only take a carry-on. Tks very much.

    Reply
    • Indigo Sahara says

      July 17, 2023 at 5:54 pm

      Pat, great question! I definitely recommend the 22-inch bag, as this is the largest acceptable size for carry-ons in the US. This is the size I use as well. (Double check with your airline to make sure they don’t have a smaller carry-on size regulation. If you’re flying within the US, you should be okay with 22-inches.) Anything bigger than 22-inches would have to be checked. 🙂 Hope this helps!

      Reply

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Guilty as charged. Guilty as charged.
Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨ Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨

This flight was actually so smooth. We had great weather, and — more importantly — WiFi.

You could say the flight ~flew~ by.

We spent about 5 hours flying from northeast Wisconsin to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for my uncle’s Air Force Change Of Command.

Would you fly cross country in a tiny plane? ✈️
Testing his patience one vertical video at a time. Testing his patience one vertical video at a time.🫡
10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this 10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this summer!

When I started visiting the national parks, I quickly realized that many national parks are seasonal. While the park entrances and overlooks may be open year-round, there are definitely better and worse times to visit some of them.

For example, if you try going to the mountains in fall through early spring, some of the hiking trails and roads will be closed due to snow.

On the flip side, if you try going to the desert in summer, you’ll be battling that fatal heat.

So, these are 10 of the best US national parks to visit in summer!

Share this with your road trip buddy to drop a subtle hint. 🚗

#usaroadtrip #usatravel #usroadtrip #roadtripusa #nationalparksusa
He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not arou He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not around here partner… Not around here.”

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