The Ultimate 7 Day Cruise Packing List for People Who Always Overpack

If you’re the kind of traveler who packs half your closet “just in case,” you’re not alone. Packing for a cruise somehow makes it even harder. Suddenly you’re juggling formal nights, pool days, shore excursions, and unpredictable weather, all while trying to zip one suitcase shut.

After more than a few trips spent lugging way too much or forgetting something obvious, I’ve learned what actually earns a spot in the bag and what can stay home. This 7 day cruise packing list breaks down everything you really need for a week at sea. A week on board gives you time for multiple sea days, at least three or four port stops, and one or two formal nights.

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Clothing for Seven Days at Sea and in Port

Over seven days, you’ll repeat outfits. The trick is to bring clothes that mix and match. Most people change at least twice a day: casual for mornings/shore excursions, then something nicer for dinner. For one week, plan for seven daytime outfits and four to five dinner outfits, knowing you’ll re-wear some.

• 7 casual daytime outfits – t-shirts, polos, sundresses, shorts.
• 4–5 evening outfits – smart casual tops, slacks, or skirts.
• 1–2 formal night outfits – one dress or button-up with slacks is enough.
• 2 swimsuits – rotate so one dries while you wear the other.
• 1 cover-up or sarong – ship rules usually require them in dining areas.
• 1 light sweater or jacket – ships are over-air-conditioned.
• 1 pair comfortable walking shoes – mandatory for port days.
• 1 pair flip-flops or sandals – pool or quick cabin runs.
• 1 pair dress shoes – for evening wear.
• Sleepwear for 7 nights

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Footwear for a 7-Day Cruise

Three pairs of shoes cover everything on a weeklong cruise. You don’t need more. Walking shoes for excursions, sandals for pool and beach, and dress shoes for evenings.

• 1 pair walking shoes – handle city streets, cobblestones, or trails.
• 1 pair sandals/flip-flops – for sea days and casual port visits.
• 1 pair dress shoes – covers both formal nights.

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Swim and Sun Gear for a Week Onboard

Over seven days, you’ll swim, lounge, or hit a beach excursion multiple times. Two swimsuits are a must, or you’ll end up wriggling into a wet one.

• 2 swimsuits – rotate them.
• 1 rash guard/swim shirt – good for long sun days.
• 1 sun hat – keeps your face shaded on deck.
• 1 pair sunglasses – polarized if possible.
• Reef-safe sunscreen – you’ll go through more than you think in a week.
• Aloe vera gel – one person always burns by day two.

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Toiletries and Medications for a 7-Day Cruise

Bring one week’s worth of toiletries plus a little extra in case of travel delays. Cruise ship shops sell basics at 3x the price.

• Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash – a week’s supply.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste – ships don’t provide them.
• Deodorant – seven days of close quarters makes this vital.
• Razor – you’ll likely need it once on a weeklong trip.
• Moisturizer and chapstick – salty air dries you out.
• Prescription meds – pack enough for 10 days, just in case.
• Seasickness remedies – even if you’ve “never gotten seasick.”
• Small first-aid kit – blister pads, ibuprofen, band-aids.

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Electronics and Accessories for a Week at Sea

Seven days is plenty of time to burn through batteries and storage. Plan for extra power and backups.

• Phone and charger.
• Camera – plus 2 memory cards (you’ll take hundreds of photos).
• E-reader or tablet – great for sea days.
• Multi-port USB charger – cabins have limited outlets.
• Portable charger – crucial on long shore excursions.
• Waterproof phone case – for pool or port days.
• Headphones – for downtime or plane rides.

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Travel Documents and Money for Seven Days

For a 7-day cruise, you’ll likely have at least one international stop. Even if not, always travel with proper ID.

• Passport – safer than just a driver’s license.
• Printed cruise docs – internet may fail.
• Credit cards – primary way to pay.
• Small bills – tipping guides and buying snacks.
• Travel insurance info – medical care at sea is expensive.

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Extras That Make a 7-Day Cruise Easier

After a week in a small cabin, the little comforts matter. These items won’t take much room but will make a big difference.

• Refillable water bottle – hydration is constant on a weeklong cruise.
• Travel mug – for larger coffee fills.
• Magnetic hooks – keep bags, hats, or lanyards off the floor.
• Zip-top bags – for wet swimsuits or snacks.
• Laundry bag – keeps dirty clothes separated.
• Reusable shopping bag – for port souvenirs.
• Cruise lanyard – holds your keycard, which you’ll use hundreds of times in a week.

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Things You Should Not Bring on a 7-Day Cruise

A weeklong cruise does not require overpacking. Stick to sailing essentials, and skip items that the ship provides or bans.

• Irons/steamers – banned.
• More than 3 pairs of shoes – waste of space.
• Towels – ship gives pool and cabin towels.
• Hair dryer – cabins have them.
• Too many formal outfits – one or two is fine for a week.
• Extra toiletries – travel sizes cover seven days.

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Theme Nights and Formal Nights on 7-Day Cruises

Almost every 7-day cruise includes one or two formal nights and at least one theme night (like tropical or white night). You don’t need to buy a costume, but a simple Hawaiian shirt or white outfit covers most themes.

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Shore Excursion Gear for Seven Days of Ports

With 3–5 port stops in a week, you’ll want lightweight, easy-to-carry gear. A small backpack makes days ashore easier.

• Daypack – carry sunscreen, snacks, souvenirs.
• Hat – shade for long walking tours.
• Portable fan/mister – tropical ports can be brutal.
• Waterproof pouch – cash and ID stay safe.
• Snacks – excursions run long and food isn’t always included.

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Handy Final Tips for a 7-Day Cruise

• Pack a swimsuit and change of clothes in your carry-on so you can hit the pool right after boarding.
• Re-wear outfits; no one cares if you repeat clothes on a 7-day cruise.
• Laundry service is available if you spill or need fresh items.
• Keep luggage light—your cabin is small and storage is tight.
• Plan your outfits day by day before you pack so you don’t overdo it.