scorecardI packed for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on suitcase and backpack. See everything on my packing list and how I organized my items.
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  4. I packed for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on suitcase and backpack. See everything on my packing list and how I organized my items.

I packed for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on suitcase and backpack. See everything on my packing list and how I organized my items.

Joey Hadden   

I packed for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on suitcase and backpack. See everything on my packing list and how I organized my items.
Insider's reporter shares her packing list for a seven-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.Joey Hadden/Insider
  • I packed for a seven-night cruise to the Caribbean with just a backpack and a carry-on suitcase.
  • I was onboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world.

I recently took my first cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas — the largest cruise ship in the world.

I recently took my first cruise onboard Royal Caribbean
The author explores a port during the cruise.      Joey Hadden/Insider

It was a seven-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to four Caribbean destinations. I packed for the trip with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack.

It was a seven-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to four Caribbean destinations. I packed for the trip with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack.
The author's luggage packed and ready to go.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Since I live in New York, my trip included flights to and from Florida. I used a carry-on suitcase to avoid paying extra fees and waiting at baggage claim.

Since I live in New York, my trip included flights to and from Florida. I used a carry-on suitcase to avoid paying extra fees and waiting at baggage claim.
The author in a hotel in Florida after flying in from New York.      Joey Hadden/Insider

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

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. So I had to be thoughtful about what I packed in each bag.
Luggage taken prior to boarding (L) and delivered to staterooms (R).      Joey Hadden/Insider

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

I wore a pair of sneakers while traveling, on the ship and at most port stops, so I didn
The author's sneakers — a necessity.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I also wore my sun hat during my travels to save space in my luggage, and shield my eyes and face from the sun.

I also wore my sun hat during my travels to save space in my luggage, and shield my eyes and face from the sun.
The author at a port in front of the world's largest cruise ship      Joey Hadden/Insider

I used an Away carry-on suitcase for this trip. I like its protective shell and think it's roomier than any other carry-on suitcase I've used.

I used an Away carry-on suitcase for this trip. I like its protective shell and think it
Inside the author's packed suitcase.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Away

To keep my belongings organized and save space, I used packing cubes for my clothing and bathing suits.

To keep my belongings organized and save space, I used packing cubes for my clothing and bathing suits.
A packing cube in the author's suitcase.      Joey Hadden/Insider

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

I also packed toiletries and a pair of sandals that could get wet for the pool and beach.
One side of the author's packed suitcase.      Joey Hadden/Insider

For clothing, I brought four pairs of shorts intending 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, though I wish I brought more since mornings and evenings were chilly.

For clothing, I brought four pairs of shorts intending 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, though I wish I brought more since mornings and evenings were chilly.
The author's clothes packed for her cruise.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I also packed three bathing suits and a rash guard since I had to let each suit dry for about a day before wearing it again.

I also packed three bathing suits and a rash guard since I had to let each suit dry for about a day before wearing it again.
The author's bathing suits and rash guard.      Joey Hadden/Insider

In the zip pocket of my suitcase, I packed essentials like sunscreen and a magnet to put on my stateroom door. This helped me easily find my room in a hallway of identical doors.

In the zip pocket of my suitcase, I packed essentials like sunscreen and a magnet to put on my stateroom door. This helped me easily find my room in a hallway of identical doors.
The author's packed magnet.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I also packed a rain jacket. While it didn't rain during my cruise, the jacket came in handy for windy nights on the top decks of the ship.

I also packed a rain jacket. While it didn
One side of the author's packed suitcase.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Without access to my suitcase on day one, I also strategically packed my Brevite Jumper backpack. I like how it holds and protects my camera gear while also being large and versatile enough to carry everything else I might need.

Without access to my suitcase on day one, I also strategically packed my Brevite Jumper backpack. I like how it holds and protects my camera gear while also being large and versatile enough to carry everything else I might need.
The author's camera backpack by Brevite.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Brevite

In the main pocket, I kept essentials like camera gear, sunglasses, and a bathing suit so I could swim on the first day of my cruise before my suitcase arrived at my stateroom.

In the main pocket, I kept essentials like camera gear, sunglasses, and a bathing suit so I could swim on the first day of my cruise before my suitcase arrived at my stateroom.
Inside the author's backpack's main compartment.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I also stuffed a fanny pack inside so I could have a smaller bag to carry around when I didn't need the whole backpack. This is where I stored medications to save space.

I also stuffed a fanny pack inside so I could have a smaller bag to carry around when I didn
The author's cleverly packed medications.      Joey Hadden/Insider

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

I used the front and back pockets of my backpack for my electronics, planner, and a notebook.
Other pockets in the author's backpack.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I think I did a pretty good job packing for my first cruise, save for a few missed items, like a waterproof phone case to take pictures underwater, ear plugs 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.

I think I did a pretty good job packing for my first cruise, save for a few missed items, like a waterproof phone case to take pictures underwater, ear plugs 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.
Items the author didn't think to bring: more pants, ear plugs, and a waterproof phone case.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Here's my full packing list for the cruise, which I thought worked well with limited space, and I'd use it again to avoid checking a suitcase at the airport.

Here
The author's Caribbean cruise packing list.      Joey Hadden/Insider

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