pack smarter – Experienced cruisers say the biggest mistake first-timers make is treating a cruise like a fashion show. From how much to pack on a seven-night trip to planning for extra outfits and activity-specific shoes, they share practical guidance to stay comfortable wi
The moment a first-time cruiser steps onboard, the holiday feeling is supposed to win. But for frequent travelers, the trouble often starts long before the ship leaves port—when packing turns a trip into a wardrobe workout.
Sharon Taylor, a frequent cruiser, warned first-timers not to overpack. “New cruisers think cruising is a fashion show and pack way too many clothes and shoes, but you wind up just wanting to be comfortable,” she said.
Her own seven-night cruise aboard the Wonder of the Seas shows how quickly overpacking can snowball. Taylor said she packed six tops, four pairs of shorts, two pairs of shoes, one formal outfit, two bathing suits, and eight pairs of underwear. She also planned to buy two more tops during the trip.
Paul Gallifrey offered a different version of the same lesson—pack for the schedule, not for the fantasy. Gallifrey told Business Insider in 2022 that he’d been on 30 cruises. For those, his guidance was simple: pack what you need for the length of the cruise and add an extra outfit just in case.
“Maybe you decide to change clothes between pool time and the buffet,” Gallifrey said. “An extra shirt and pair of shorts will come in handy.”
He also pointed to the kind of outfit that can’t be improvised once you’re already aboard. Some ship activities and excursions, Gallifrey said, require specific clothing—such as lace-up shoes for zip lining. For those requirements, he advised checking the cruise line’s website and packing accordingly.
The basic pattern is stark: Taylor’s list shows how quickly comfort gets crowded out by “just in case” decisions, while Gallifrey’s approach keeps the wardrobe tied to the cruise length—then cushions it with one practical backup outfit and the right shoes for activities that demand them.
cruise packing tips first-time cruisers Wonder of the Seas Sharon Taylor Paul Gallifrey zip lining shoes cruise line packing requirements
So just wear the same shoes forever then? Lol
I swear people overpack because the cruise photos are all staged. Like you gotta have 12 outfits or the vibe is ruined. But also… what if you gain weight? Then you’re stuck.
Wait, does this mean you’re supposed to not bring formal stuff? My cousin said cruise ships don’t even enforce dress codes anymore so why would you pack the one “formal outfit” thing. Zip lining shoes?? Can’t they just give you something on the ship or whatever
The whole packing like a fashion show thing is true but also people forget laundry exists? Like just bring detergent or use the ship wash. Sharon Taylor packed like a small department store though, 6 tops?? I can’t even remember what I wore yesterday. And “buy two more tops during the trip” sounds like shopping therapy, not packing advice. Also what if the cruise changes excursions last minute… then you’re screwed with the “right shoes” or whatever.