I took a 7-day cruise with carry-on luggage and a backpack. See everything on my packing list and how I organized it all.

8 hours ago 2

A composite image of the author standing on the top deck of a cruise ship and clothes inside a cabin closet

I packed for a seven-night Caribbean cruise with just a backpack and a carry-on suitcase.
I was on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas mega ship.
Look inside my suitcase and backpack, and check out my packing list, from clothes to sunscreen.

In April 2022, I packed my favorite backpack and carry-on luggage and took them from my home in New York City to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for my first cruise.

The seven-night voyage aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas took me to Honduras, Mexico, and the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas.

Since I had to fly to Florida, I used a carry-on suitcase to avoid extra fees and the wait at baggage claim.

For a first-time cruiser, I think I packed pretty well.

When boarding the ship, my bag was checked and brought to my stateroom later that night, leaving me with just the backpack for my first day of cruising.

A composite image of checking a bag on a cruise

So I had to be thoughtful about what I packed in each bag.

Without access to my suitcase on day one, I also strategically packed my Brevite Jumper backpack.

The author's backpack by Brevite on a chair in an Amtrak Roomette

I like how my Brevite backpack holds and protects my camera gear while also being large and versatile enough to carry everything else I might need.

In the main pocket, I kept essentials like camera gear, sunglasses, and a swimsuit.

Side-by-side photos show what's inside a camera backpack, including sunglasses, a watch, and a bathing suit.

I included a bathing suit in my backpack so I could swim on the first day of my cruise before my suitcase arrived at my stateroom.

I also stuffed a fanny pack full of medication in my backpack.

A patterned bag unzipped with medicine bottles inside

I brought the fanny pack so I could have a smaller bag to carry around when I didn't need the whole backpack. I stored medications in there to save space while traveling.

I used the front and back pockets of my backpack for my electronics, planner, and a notebook.

Side-by-side photos show what's inside a camera backpack, including a notebook and electronics

I also stuffed my phone charger in the front pocket.

I used an Away carry-on suitcase for this trip.

An Insider author's packed suitcase opened with the mesh unzipped.

My Away carry-on luggage has a protective shell, and I think it's roomier than any other carry-on suitcase I've used.

I used packing cubes for my clothing and bathing suits.

Inside the author's packed suitcase for a cruise

The packing cubes kept my belongings consolidated and organized.

I also packed toiletries and a pair of sandals that could get wet for the pool and beach.

The author's packed toiletries on a white sheet

I didn't pack shampoo, conditioner, or body wash because I knew these toiletries would be provided in my cabin.

For clothing, I packed versatile pieces so I could make multiple outfits with the same items.

The author's cruising clothing inside an open packing cube

I brought four pairs of shorts (to wear each pair twice), six shirts (to have a fresh one most days), nine pairs of underwear (so I always had extra), one dress for formal nights on the ship, and one pair of pants.

I also packed three bathing suits and a rash guard.

The author's rash guard and bathing suits inside an open packing cube

I was glad I had multiple swimsuits since I had to let each dry for about a day before wearing it again.

In the zip pocket of my suitcase, I packed essentials like sunscreen and a magnet for my stateroom door.

The magnet helped me easily find my room in a hallway of identical doors.

I also packed a rain jacket.

While it didn't rain during my cruise, the jacket came in handy on windy nights on the ship's top decks.

I wore a pair of sneakers while traveling, on the ship, and at most port stops, so I didn't have to pack them.

The author's sneakers while standing on a railing on the ship

I wore a light pair of canvas sneakers so my feet wouldn't get too hot.

I also wore my sun hat during my travels.

The author at a port in front of the world's largest cruise ship

Wearing my big, floppy hat saved space in my luggage and kept the brim from getting damaged.

I think I did a pretty good job packing for my first cruise, aside from a few items I missed.

The author wearing pants and a sweater on the top deck of a cruise ship

I longed for a waterproof phone case to take pictures underwater, earplugs to help me sleep, and more pants for cold mornings and evenings. I think these items would have fit in my suitcase — had I thought to bring them.