I packed for a weeklong cruise with just a carry-on and a backpack. Here are 10 items I'm glad I brought and 9 things I wish I had with me.

Joey HaddenJun 18, 2024, 23:45 IST

The author packed for a weeklong cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took my first cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships.
I brought only a carry-on suitcase and a backpack for the seven-night Caribbean cruise.

I took my first cruise in April 2022 on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas — one of the largest cruise ships in the world. For the seven-night cruise to the Caribbean, I brought just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack.

While packing light made the trip easier, I did forget a few critical items. Here's everything I was thankful I had during my voyage — and the items I longed for and will remember to pack next time.

One of the best things I packed was a magnet.

A magnet on the author's door.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

But I wished I downloaded some movies and shows to watch on my phone in my room.

The author forgot to download movies.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

For long days in the sun, I was glad I packed sunscreen.

The author's sunscreen.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

However, I wished I had remembered to bring some aloe vera gel for the day I forgot to lather up.

The author forgot aloe vera gel.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I was glad I brought a rash guard to swim in the ocean.

An arrow points to the author's rash guard hanging up to dry.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

But the water was so clear that I wished I had a waterproof case for my phone to take pictures.

Clear waters at the beach in Tulum (L) and a waterproof phone case (R).Joey Hadden/Business Insider, Getty Images

This sunhat also came in handy to block the sun.

The author wears a sunhat at a port.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

But I wished I had brought an adjustable cap for windy days on the top decks when my sunhat wouldn't stay on my head.

The author forgot to bring a cap for windier days.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Even though the weather was hot during the day, this sweater came in handy for cool, windy nights and mornings.

The author wears a sweater early in the morning.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

But I only packed one pair of pants and had to wear them every night.

The author wears the only pair of pants she brought.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I should have brought a windbreaker, too, to keep me warmer on the top decks in the morning and at night.

The author wears a windbreaker during a trip to Oregon in 2015.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I wished I'd brought a bar of detergent to wash my clothes since I packed light, and laundry services on the ship cost extra.

The author didn't bring detergent.Getty Images

But at least I brought the right shoes.

The author's walking shoes (L) and waterproof shoes (R).Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Thankfully, I also remembered to bring a waist pack to carry a few things when I didn't feel like lugging my backpack around.

The author uses a smaller bag.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I was also glad I brought a digital watch to keep on ship time.

The author wears a digital watch.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

But I wish I had downloaded guidebooks for the ports I visited to get a better idea of things to do.

Roatan, Honduras, is one of the ports the author visited during her cruise.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I wanted to try my best to avoid illness and was glad I packed vitamins ...

The author brought vitamins.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... and also medicine to combat motion sickness, which I experienced frequently.

The author remembered to pack Dramamine.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

More than anything, I wished I had earplugs to help me sleep during rough nights at sea, which sounded like thunder in my stateroom.

Earplugs were the author's most missed item.modustollens/Shuttershock

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