Bring: Backpack or Beach Bag for Excursions – When you disembark the ship for daily excursions, whether you’re headed to a chill beach day or a strenuous hike, you’ll need a place to stash all your bulky goodies—towels, water bottles, sun hats, camera equipment, bug spray, suntan lotion, etc.

Bring: Magnetic Hooks – It’s hard keeping a small cruise ship cabin organized. While many cruise lines thoughtfully make the most of storage with various nooks, closets, and drawers, it’s amazing how quickly you can run out of room for everything. What can you use these hooks for? Hanging jackets, umbrellas, hats, robes, bags, swimwear, and more. It’s a genius move you’ll come to rely on, cruise after cruise.

Skip: Clothes Iron and Steamer – Many cruise lines have policies forbidding the use of clothes irons and steamers and won’t allow these fire hazards onboard. Try spraying wrinkly garments with wrinkle spray, then hang them in the bathroom during a hot shower.

Skip: Too Many Shoes – Footwear can be the hardest part of paring down your cruise packing list, but do your best to think practically. You can probably make do with four pairs on most cruises: one pair of sneakers/hiking boots, one pair of beach shoes (flip flops or closed-toe water shoes), one pair of dressy shoes that match all your evening outfits, and one pair of daytime sandals.