Cruise Packing Fails: The Most Useless Items People Brought Onboard

When it comes to cruise packing, less really is more. Most of us end up hauling around a suitcase full of things we never even touch, adding weight (and stress) for no reason.

So, I turned to the real experts: my Facebook community! I asked them to share the most useless items they’ve ever packed for a cruise, and their answers were not only helpful but hilarious.

Here’s what seasoned cruisers say you can safely leave at home on your next holiday at sea.

1. Those “Just in Case” Outfits

One of the most common responses wasn’t about a single item at all – it was about overpacking.

Many cruisers admitted they packed way too much, with some saying half of what they brought never even left the suitcase!

It’s tempting to pack for every possible scenario, but remember: most cruise ships offer laundry services, and on some ships, you can even do your own washing for free.

So, skip the mountain of extra swimsuits and outfits, and save a little space for souvenirs instead.

2. The Gym Stuff That’ll Never Leave Your Bag

Several cruisers confessed to packing gym clothes that never saw the light of day, and I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of this too!

Most ships have a gym, a running track, and even fitness classes, but let’s be honest — when the choice is between sweating it out or lounging by the pool with a cocktail, the pool usually wins.

Personally, I still pack my gym gear and love doing a few laps with those incredible ocean views. But setting a 7 am alarm on holiday takes commitment, and it’s definitely not for everyone.

3. A Telescope!

One past cruise guest talked about bringing a telescope onboard, and I can understand
the appeal. Being out in the middle of the ocean with a star-filled sky, there would
definitely be some spectacular views to be had.

However, they said they were too busy to even use it, and I imagine a good telescope takes up quite a bit of room in your suitcase!

Some luxury cruise lines have their own telescopes you could use, if you’re a really keen
stargazer.

4. Your Ambitious Vacation Reading List

This one’s a bit of a mixed bag. When I asked for first-time cruiser tips on Facebook, several people suggested bringing a good book to enjoy during quiet moments.

But when I asked about useless items, others said packing a whole stack of books was pointless, there’s just too much happening on a cruise to sit and read! I’ll admit, I usually take a book with me, but rarely ever finish it.

Bringing one book might still be a good idea, especially if you have a flight to your departure port or want something to read while waiting in the terminal.

And don’t forget, most cruise ships have libraries where you can borrow books during your trip, so you can save space and weight in your luggage.

5. Clothes Appropriate for the Weather

Many cruisers admitted they didn’t really think about their itinerary when packing clothes, and it showed once they were on board.

Some packed nothing but light summer outfits for cruises to Norway and found themselves freezing. Others said the opposite, they packed heavy winter gear only to discover Norway was having an unusually warm spell.

The lesson? Always check the climate and the weather forecast before you sail. It won’t be perfect, but it’ll give you a much better idea of what you’ll actually wear.

And don’t forget, some destinations have strict dress codes. For example, camouflage print is banned in many Caribbean countries.

6. That Shapewear That’ll Torture You

If you normally wear Spanx or shapewear, you might want to leave them at home for your cruise.

With all the incredible food on board, you’ll probably want to indulge, and the last thing you need is being squeezed into something uncomfortable when you just want to relax.

Instead, pack a few loose-fitting outfits, especially for the end of your trip. Personally, I live in floaty dresses on a cruise; they’re comfy, breezy, and perfect for guilt-free dessert runs!

7. Formal Wear

Formal nights are still a thing on many cruise ships, and plenty of guests love the chance to dress up for a glamorous evening.

But just as many people choose not to, and these days, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip the formal events altogether. You can simply enjoy a relaxed dinner in the buffet or unwind in one of the quieter areas of the ship.

So, if you’re not excited about donning your smartest suit or fanciest dress, don’t feel pressured to pack them. You can still have an incredible cruise without ever stepping foot in the formal dining room.

8. Those Killer Heels That’ll Kill Your Feet

Several women admitted they packed high heels for their cruise, only to abandon them in favour of comfy flats.

Sure, a pair of sparkly heels can look great at dinner, but remember, you’ll want happy feet the next day if you’ve got a long excursion planned. And if the seas get a bit rough, walking in heels can be tricky (and even a little dangerous).

Comfortable shoes are always the smarter choice on a cruise. So, unless those heels are absolutely essential to your outfit, you can probably leave them at home.

9. All Those “Just In Case” Snacks

I’ll admit it, I usually take snacks onboard with me. It’s nice to have something to nibble on in the cabin, and I’m not paying cruise ship shop prices for Pringles!

That said, many cruisers pointed out there’s really no need. There’s plenty of free food available on a cruise, and you can always bring a plate back to your room from the buffet if you’d rather eat in peace.

Snacks can still be handy, especially on ships that charge a delivery fee for room service — perfect for those lazy days when you don’t feel like going out. But if you’re short on suitcase space, they’re far from essential.

And if you do change your mind, you can always pick up a few snacks in your first port of call and bring them back onboard.

10. Those Sneaky Banned Appliances

Most major cruise lines cater primarily to American passengers, which means many cabins don’t come with a kettle.

For tea-loving Brits, this can be disappointing, so some people try to bring a travel kettle onboard. The same goes for coffee drinkers who like to make their own morning brew.

However, cruise lines often prohibit personal kettles due to fire safety concerns. If you bring one, there’s a good chance it will be confiscated, and you might even have to trek down to security to collect your bag while they explain why it was removed.

It’s not just kettles, either. Guests have reported having travel irons and clothes steamers taken away as well.

If in doubt, check with your cruise line before you pack. But as a rule, it’s easier to leave any small appliances at home rather than risk losing them, and wasting valuable suitcase space.

11. All That Tech You Won’t Touch

Personal electronics like laptops and tablets are perfectly fine to bring on a cruise, as long as they’re in good working order and don’t pose a fire risk.

But the real question is – do you actually need them?

Cruises are packed with entertainment, activities, and opportunities to relax. Many seasoned cruisers recommend using the trip as a chance to disconnect completely.

Personally, I do sometimes work while I’m at sea, so I usually have my laptop with me, and working on a ship can actually be quite peaceful (as long as the WiFi behaves!). But if you don’t need your devices, it might be worth leaving them at home and enjoying a proper digital detox.

12. Those Motion Sickness Meds You Hope Not to Use

I always recommend packing seasickness medication if you’ve ever suffered from motion sickness, or if it’s your first cruise and you’re not sure how you’ll react.

On my last cruise, I didn’t bring any and ended up feeling awful. I had to buy medication onboard, and it cost a small fortune! Some cruise lines do hand out seasickness tablets for free at guest services, but it’s not guaranteed, so I’d rather come prepared next time.

One Facebook follower did tell me they considered seasickness tablets “useless” because they never felt sick at all, and that’s true for most passengers. Seasickness is real, but it usually only affects a small number of people, and mainly when the seas are rough. It’s not like half the ship is running for the bathrooms.

So, if you know you’re fine with motion, you can probably skip it. But if there’s any doubt, bring a pack just in case, and remember, there are natural remedies too, like eating green apples.

13. Random Hobby Gear That Makes No Sense

When I asked my Facebook community about the most useless things they’d ever packed for a cruise, a few people shared some hilarious answers.

One of my favourites was a fishing rod, and yes, some passengers really have tried fishing from their balcony! Unsurprisingly, that’s strictly against the rules and a quick way to get yourself kicked off the ship.

Why We Pack Like We’re Moving In

It’s almost a running joke among cruisers – we pack as though we’re moving onto the ship permanently. But why do we do it?

Part of it comes down to the fear of what if. What if it’s cold? What if it rains? What if I need four pairs of shoes and six formal outfits? We want to be prepared for every possible scenario, and that “just in case” mindset quickly turns into an overflowing suitcase.

There’s also something about a cruise that makes it feel more special than other holidays. Many of us love the idea of having outfit choices, dressing up for formal night, or packing a few extra things to make the cabin feel like home.

But the truth is, cruise cabins are small, storage is limited, and overpacking usually leads to stress — not to mention lugging a heavy case through the terminal. Most of the time, you’ll end up wearing your favourite comfortable outfits on repeat and wondering why you brought the rest.

The key is to plan smartly: check the weather, choose versatile pieces that mix and match, and remind yourself that the ship isn’t the middle of nowhere. If you forget something, you can usually buy it in port or onboard.

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