Petite-Friendly Cruise Trip Capsule Wardrobe: Packing Essentials

Happy August! I hope you're doing well. 😊 It's amazing how our world experiences different seasons at the same time. While we're enjoying sunny days and warm weather in the Northern Hemisphere, our friends in the Southern Hemisphere are enjoying the cozy charm of winter.

How about treating yourself to a lovely cruise after all the hard work you've put in? 🥹 We all deserve a break that's simple, soothing, and just plain fun. This is the beauty of cruises. As you sail, you'll blend into diverse cultures in one incredible journey, and if you have a petite frame like me, it's also a wonderful time to discover styles that perfectly compliment you.

Onboard, you get to discover breathtaking destinations without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. You can indulge in delicious dishes from various cultures, immerse yourself in diverse traditions, enjoy entertaining shows, and participate in a range of activities for all age groups. For me, the highlight is always the art of towel animal folding and those unique food sculptures! 🚢🌎

In this blog post, I'll share my travel capsule wardrobe packing essentials for a 7-day cruise trip. As we explore these petite-friendly packing essentials, I'll also reveal some of the items that I personally love using during my own cruise adventures. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!

(P.S. I've worked hard to create a jewelry collection that fits any time of day and is great for travel. If you're looking for pieces that effortlessly blend with any outfit and occasion, I'd love for you to explore what I've curated. Your support would mean the world to me. If you're curious and eager to discover your next favorite piece, please visit my shop. 👇 Every look, share, and purchase helps my small business grow and allows me to continue doing what I love.)

Before the Trip: Cruise Essentials Packing List

Cruise trips are becoming more and more popular. Many people are choosing to go on cruises for their vacations. Because of this, it is a good idea to plan your cruise early. I suggest trying to book your cruise at least 12 months in advance. This will help you get the best choices for where you will stay on the ship and what you will do on your trip. It can also help you get a better price.

In my opinion, setting a reward for my hard work and planning ahead creates a goal I can eagerly look forward to, and it builds anticipation and excitement. Because of this goal, I find I have more energy and motivation to work towards it. When I finally embark on the trip I've been working towards, the feeling of fulfillment is unique and truly special.

Before your cruise starts, it's a good idea to learn a bit about the activities and stops you'll experience. Find out what you'd really love to do. This doesn’t just mean more fun – it helps you pack the right stuff, especially if you've got just a small space for your things.

If possible, consider bringing just a carry-on so you can move around more easily and focus on the adventure!

I've put together a list to help you know what to bring: 

• Tops: I recommend bringing 4 different tops. They can be mixed and matched with various bottoms to create fresh looks.
• Bottoms: Include 3 bottoms like pants or skirts. Make sure they're comfortable and coordinate well with your tops.
• Dresses: Pack 2 dresses that are suitable for day outings or elegant evenings.
• Layers: Bring 2 extra layers like jackets or sweaters. They provide warmth in case of cooler weather.
• Shoes: Choose 2 pairs of shoes that offer comfort and style. Choose one pair for walking and exploring, and another to match with your dresses.

This packing approach ensures you have enough outfit options without overdoing it, making your cruise experience simple yet enjoyable!

Cruise Style Guide: Outfit Inspiration & Ideas

In the packing list above, you may have noticed that I always include swimsuits and athletic wear because I love making the most of the amenities on board. However, this blog post will focus on petite-friendly outfit inspiration and ideas for occasions beyond athletic or swimwear activities.

Cruise trips usually have three main dress codes: casual, resort casual (or smart casual), and formal. Depending on the events and places on the ship, you might need specific attire. Also, where your cruise is going and the places you'll visit influence what you should pack. Sometimes, you'll need more formal or modest outfits, while other times, casual wear is just fine.

Part 1: Casual

• What it means: This is relaxed and comfortable clothing. It's what you might wear on a regular day.
• Examples: T-shirts, shorts, sandals, or jeans.
• When to wear: During the day, while exploring the ship, attending informal events, or when on shore excursions.

When I go on a cruise, I like to keep my clothes simple. I always pack a top and bottom in neutral colors like white, black, or grey. These colors are good because they can match with many other things. This way, I can wear them with different items and look different each day. It helps me pack less and still look nice on my trip. 

If you own an off-the-shoulders top, it's a good choice for a cruise. This kind of top can look both relaxed and fancy. You can wear it with many different bottoms. If you want a simple look, maybe wear it with shorts or jeans. But if you want to look a little fancy, try it with a nice skirt or dressy pants.

Part 2: Resort Casual (or Smart Casual)

• What it means: A step up from casual but not as dressy as formal. It's a bit more polished than everyday wear.
• Examples: A nice blouse with a skirt or pants, or a casual dress.
• When to wear: Often for dinners in the main dining room or for some special events or shows on the ship.

For "resort casual" events on the cruise, a printed dress is a good choice. It looks nice without being too fancy. And if you want to pack light, remember the neutral top we talked about before? You can wear it over the printed dress. This way, the dress looks like a skirt, and you have a new outfit without packing more clothes! 

Have you thought about packing a long-sleeve dress in a neutral color like beige or light brown for your cruise trips? It's a wonderful idea, and here's why: Neutral colors can match many other colors, so you can wear the dress with different shoes, bags, or accessories. This not only makes it easy to match but also saves space in your luggage since you don't need to bring as many clothes. Plus, dresses in neutral colors look good and are always stylish for various events on the cruise.

Part 3: Formal

• What it means: This is your dressiest clothing. It's what you might wear to a very special event or celebration.
• Examples: An evening gown or a cocktail dress.
• When to wear: On certain nights, cruises might have formal dinners or events where they ask guests to dress up.

For us petite women gearing up for the formal events on a cruise, a well-fitted maxi dress can be a great choice.

When you're picking one, go for a maxi dress that sits higher on your waist or under your bust (that's the empire waist). These styles create the illusion of longer legs, helping to elongate your frame. Also, look for dresses with vertical patterns or detailing, as they can make you look even taller. Slits on one side of the dress can also give a more elongated look while making walking easier.

And don't forget, pairing your maxi dress with a pair of heels can give you that extra lift! 

My Recommended Products to Pack for a Cruise

Disclaimer:

I wanted to let you know that in this section, I'll be sharing a few affiliate links from Amazon.com. If you decide to click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. However, please be assured that this will not incur any additional cost for you. I only recommend products that I personally find to be of high quality and I believe you will enjoy them as well. Thank you for your support!

Ship Approved (Non Surge Protection) Cruise Power Strip

Have you ever faced the challenge of having only one plug in your cabin when you need to charge your phone, hairdryer, and other gadgets?

I've stumbled upon something really useful – the Cruise Power Strip. It's made especially for cruises, and it doesn't have surge protection or extension cords. We need to use power strips without surge protection because cruise ships now have rules against surge protectors. These rules are in place because surge protectors can create problems with the ship's electrical system.

I've tried it out for various things, from hairdryers to gadgets, and it's small enough to hold with ease. Another thing to note: three-prong outlets have a grounding wire that adds an extra layer of safety – something that two-prong outlets don't have. Because of this grounding wire, three-prong outlets are safer than two-prong ones.

Travel Packing Cubes

I really enjoy using these travel packing cubes. They're sturdy, cushioned, and very strong. They're great for keeping similar items grouped together, and the shoe bag they come with is quite handy. They truly simplify the process of packing and unpacking. Also, they have a water-resistant feature, which is especially useful if you're going on a cruise with swimming activities. In my opinion, these cubes are a smart option for travelers.

Moroccanoil Treatment Light, Travel Size

I'm really excited to share how amazing this argan oil hair treatment is, especially when it's summer and you're enjoying some fun swims in chlorinated pools. I apply it to my damp hair, focusing on the mid-length to ends, right after a shower, and then I give my hair a blow-dry. This helps keep my hair in great condition, and what's wonderful is that it doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy or heavy. The travel size is a real plus, and you'll be surprised at how little you need to achieve fantastic results.

Aloe Vera

I enjoy using this 92% aloe vera soothing gel because it's like having a soothing friend for my skin. If I stay out in the sun too long and get a sunburn, aloe vera is what I use to feel better. It cools my skin right away and takes away the irritation. But aloe vera isn't only for sunburns.

I also use it in my daily skincare routine. This is because aloe vera contains antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and E, which can help improve skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated. I like using it as a moisturizer because it's light, not greasy, and quickly gets absorbed by my skin. It keeps my skin hydrated and gives it a natural, healthy glow. If you're interested in learning about herbs in skincare, I've written more about it in my blog. You can read it by clicking here.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to explore cruise essentials and fashion tips! Whether you're gearing up for a relaxing getaway or seeking inspiration for your next adventure, I hope you've found valuable insights to enhance your travel experiences.

If you've enjoyed this journey and want more travel inspiration, outfit ideas, and beauty tips, don't hesitate to explore my other blog posts. And if you'd like to stay connected and receive updates, I invite you to join my email list.

Thank you again for being a part of my community. Wishing you happy travels and unforgettable adventures ahead! 😊

🎁 P.S. To make the reading experience even more enjoyable, Vicki has once again worked her magic and crafted some amazing AI images! (You can find more of her awesome images right here in this metallic fashion blog post. 🎨)