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.
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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 camera backpack by Brevite.
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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.
A peek inside the author's backpack.
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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.
The author stored medicine in her fanny pack.
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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.
The author's gear inside her backpack.
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I also stuffed my phone charger in the front pocket.
I used an Away carry-on suitcase for this trip.
The author's packed suitcase.
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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.
The author's swimsuits in a packing cube.
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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 toiletries.
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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.
Clothing in the author's packing cube.
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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 swim wear.
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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 author made sure to pack a magnet for her stateroom door.
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The magnet helped me easily find my room in a hallway of identical doors.
I also packed a rain jacket.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
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 wears sneakers on the ship
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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 poses at a port in front of the world's largest cruise ship
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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.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
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.
Here's my full packing list for the cruise, which I thought worked well with limited space.
The author's Caribbean cruise packing list.
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I'd use this packing list again to avoid having to check a suitcase at the airport.