Without knowing how to pack eco-friendly for your cruise, you won’t be able to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with minimizing waste, protecting the environment, and traveling with purpose.

Instead, you’ll continue to struggle with overpacking, contributing to pollution, and wasting resources.

You’re in the right place! I’ve created this proven, 5-step process to help you pack sustainably for your cruise based on my research and experience over the past 15+ years of traveling and cruising.

We’ll cover everything from choosing eco-friendly gear to packing smarter to reduce your environmental footprint. I’ll also share some things to look out for along the way, mistakes I made before I figured out this system, and ones I still see other travelers making.

Just follow the steps, and by the time you finish Step 5, you’ll feel like an eco-conscious packing pro and enjoy a stress-free trip, all while making a positive impact on the planet.

Ready? Let’s go!

Step #1: Choose Sustainable Luggage

PRO TIP: Start with a lightweight, durable suitcase or bag made from recycled materials or eco-friendly fabrics.

Before you can pack your eco-friendly clothes and accessories, you need to take your time choosing the right luggage. Trust me, it’s worth spending a little more time in this step to make sure you’re set up for success.

So, the first thing you need to do is choose luggage that’s both durable and sustainable. Here’s how you can complete this step:

Look for bags made from recycled or renewable materials (e.g., recycled polyester, organic cotton). This helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
Choose a suitcase or backpack with wheels that are built to last. Fewer disposable bags means less waste!
Consider opting for carry-on size. This will encourage you to pack light, reducing your carbon footprint by traveling with fewer items.

For example:
I’ve switched to using a hard-shell suitcase made from recycled ocean plastics. It’s light, sturdy, and even has a sleek design. Plus, knowing I’m supporting a sustainable brand gives me peace of mind.

What to look out for:
Many people rush through this step, choosing a cheap, single-use suitcase. Don’t let that be you! Choosing eco-friendly luggage is your first step to sustainable travel, so take the time to find something that’ll last you for years. It’s worth the investment!

All done? Great job! Let’s move on to Step 2.

Step #2: Pack Reusable Essentials

At this point, you’re probably thinking that packing reusable essentials is a lot of work, or maybe you're wondering, "Will this really make a difference?"

If you hang in there, it will all make sense, promise. What we’re doing is setting you up for a trip where you’re minimizing waste and maximizing your eco-impact.

One thing that may help is to visualize the things you use every day, then find a way to make them reusable!

Now it’s time to grab your essentials and swap out single-use items for eco-friendly alternatives. Here’s what you need to do next:
Invest in a reusable water bottle. Cruise ships often have water refill stations, so you’ll save money and reduce plastic waste by bringing your own.
Pack a reusable shopping bag. This way, if you grab souvenirs or snacks on your cruise, you won’t need to use plastic bags.
Bring eco-friendly toiletries. Swap out plastic bottles for solid shampoo bars and refillable containers for liquids.

The reason this step is important is that it helps you drastically reduce your plastic use and also makes it easier to stay prepared without relying on single-use options.

Plus, you’ll have a system for sustainable travel that feels easy, rather than overwhelming.

Here are some tips to help you move through this step quickly:

Try a collapsible reusable straw. It’s compact and won’t take up much space in your bag.
Use a bamboo toothbrush. It’s lightweight and biodegrades, unlike traditional plastic toothbrushes.
Pack small eco-friendly laundry detergent to wash clothes if needed instead of buying disposable ones on the ship.

What to look out for:
When I first started swapping out my toiletries, I didn’t realize how much waste I was accumulating from those tiny hotel shampoos. But after switching to refillable options, I noticed a huge difference in my trash levels.

I’ve also seen a lot of people forget their reusable bags and end up grabbing plastic ones in ports. Don’t make that mistake—keep them handy!

Step #3: Pack Light and Smart

Are you starting to get excited? I hope so! We’re just about there.

You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything that’s involved in eco-friendly packing, and that’s totally normal. But trust me, once you’ve got the basics down, packing light and smart will become second nature.

Next, let’s talk about packing smarter.

While you’re packing, make a note of how many pieces of clothing you're actually bringing. Do you really need that many options? Consider packing clothes that are versatile and can be mixed and matched.

For example:
I learned to pack capsule-style. All items are generally solid colored and one color way, most often than not, neutrals like black, navy, khaki, and white. This means everything matches everything! This way, I’m not overpacking and can still look cute!

If you want, you can download my Eco-Friendly Cruise Packing Checklist. I created it to help you pack efficiently without worrying about wasteful extras.

What to look out for:
It may be hard to downsize your wardrobe, especially if you’re a “just-in-case” packer like me. But the truth is, you can always buy or rent items at your destination if you need something extra!

Step #4: Use Eco-Friendly Sun Protection

We’re almost done! Just one more step to go. Here’s what to do next:

Swap out your regular sunscreen for a reef-safe option. Look for brands that are free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which damage coral reefs.
Choose an eco-friendly sunscreen container made from biodegradable or recyclable materials.
Don’t forget the eco-friendly lip balm and after-sun lotion! Keep everything natural to avoid causing harm to your skin or the environment.

What to look out for:
Many people forget to check if their sunscreen is reef-safe. I’ve seen so many folks unknowingly use products that harm our precious coral reefs. Be sure to check the label before applying!

Step #5: Stay Mindful of Waste on Board

This is the last step! You’re almost there! Here’s how to get the best results with this:
Stay mindful of food waste. Instead of ordering too much, try smaller portions or sharing meals.
Dispose of your trash properly. Use recycling bins whenever possible to keep your impact minimal.
Use the ship’s amenities thoughtfully. For example, avoid using paper towels when you can dry your hands with a cloth towel.

The first time I tried this, I was worried I’d look “extra” or “out of place” doing things differently. But you know what? It felt good! And a LOT of the cruise lines are even offering cloth napkins as an alternative to excess paper waste.

I took a little extra time to minimize my waste, and I was able to enjoy my trip even more, knowing I wasn’t harming the environment.

Bonus! Here’s a special tip just for you!

Start a waste-free travel kit! I put together a small bag that includes a reusable cutlery set, a cloth napkin, and a portable container for leftovers. It’s such a game-changer when I want to avoid using disposable utensils and napkins on shore excursions or even while onboard!

Key Takeaways

Congratulations! You just learned how to pack eco-friendly for your next cruise. Follow the steps above to pack smart and minimize your environmental footprint, instead of worrying about waste or contributing to pollution.

I’ve given you all my best tips, tools, and techniques to ensure you’re set up for success. Now it’s time to get started and travel sustainably!

Click here to download my Eco-Friendly Cruise Packing Checklist now so you can get started!

Now, over to you. Have you tried any of these steps? Let me know how it worked out in the comments!

How to Pack Eco-Friendly for Your Next Cruise in 5 Simple Steps