How to Look Effortlessly Elegant on a Cruise Without Overpacking

A BIG thank you to all of the brands who helped me have the BEST spa cruise ever by sending these products and to Celebrity Cruises for ALWAYS making sure that every guest has a first-class experience.

Let me just start by saying this: cruising is not what it used to be.

The modern spa cruise is a full-on sensory escape, with all the indulgence, sun, adventure, elegance, and serenity rolled into one floating boutique hotel. And when you’re headed to the Caribbean for five nights of pure bliss, you want to feel relaxed before you set foot on the ship, which means packing smart, light, and intentionally.

Yes, I fit everything — from beachwear to dinner dresses, spa staples to sleep aids — into my Ricardo Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Hardside Carry-On. Just one carry-on. I know. But when you know exactly what you’ll need (and what you won’t), you can cruise in style without lugging a trunk through the terminal like you’re starring in a period drama.

Let me walk you through how I packed for five spa-soaked, sun-drenched, casino-sparkling nights at sea.

The Foundation: The Bag That Makes It All Possible

Let’s be honest — pulling off five nights on a spa cruise with only a carry-on takes a little magic and a lot of smart design. Thankfully, my Ricardo Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Hardside Carry-On (in the absolutely dreamy Arctic Blue) delivered on both. I’ve used a lot of suitcases over the years, but this one is the real MVP of smart travel. Stylish, sleek, and a little futuristic — it turned heads at the cruise terminal before I even got to the security line.

Let’s talk features — because this isn’t just a pretty suitcase.

• Spacious Main Packing Compartment

The main compartment is surprisingly roomy. I rolled my dresses, folded my Clare shirt, tucked in a swimsuit, cover-ups, and loungewear, and still had space for accessories, snacks, and a couple of extra “just in case” tank tops. This was my wardrobe hub, and it never felt cramped or overstuffed.

• Snap-Out TSA-Friendly 3-1-1 Toiletries Pouch

Game. Changer. This little pouch made it so easy to breeze through TSA. I had all my liquids — SPF, facial cleanser, moisturizer, and hand sanitizer all neatly tucked inside and ready to go. No rummaging, no plastic zip-top bags. When I got to my cabin, I snapped it out and placed it right on the bathroom shelf like I meant business.

• Secondary Packing Compartment with Zippered Divider

I used the second compartment as my “soft goods” side — sleepwear, my Spa Dresses, my Pink Martini Chemise, and a few flat accessories. The zippered divider kept everything neatly in place, and nothing shifted during travel. Even when I opened it sideways on the floor, everything stayed exactly where it was supposed to be. Cruise tested. Blogger approved.

• Removable Drawstring Laundry Bag

Do not underestimate how useful this was. After the pool, hot tub, beach excursions, and some post-spa lounging, I had a couple of damp or sandy items I wanted to keep separate. I tossed them into the laundry bag, cinched it shut, and zipped it back into the suitcase for the flight home. It kept the rest of my clothes fresh and organized.

• Pair of Shoe Bags

These felt so luxe. I used one for my Tieks by Gavrielli, and the other for my poolside slides. No dirt or sand floating around my clothes, and they packed flat, so I could slide them right into the base of the case. Bonus: I used one as an impromptu bag for wet swimwear on our last beach day. Multi-taskers make me happy.

• Side Zip Pocket

I tucked my extra face masks, a few mini eye patches, and a folded extra crossbody strap in here — you know, those little things you always end up tossing around the room if you don’t assign them a home. It made such a difference to have a dedicated “little somethings” area.

• Integrated Pouch for Removable Battery + USB Charging Port

Okay, I didn’t pack a removable battery this time because I wasn’t flying and drove to my son’s house, which is 20 minutes from the port, but having the internally routed cord and USB port built in was such a luxury. On future trips, I’ll definitely pop a power bank into that little side compartment for quick access at the airport or in long lines and if you read my Boston article, you’ll see that I used it to charge at the airport in both Palm Beach and in Providence (because I won’t use airport chargers).

Why It Worked So Well for This Cruise

Besides being beautiful (seriously, Arctic Blue looks like sea glass in a suitcase), the Ricardo carry-on is just intelligently designed for the kind of travel I do: quick, intentional, and full of moving pieces. There were compartments for everything,  from the spa dresses, dinner dresses, skincare, sandals, masks, cords, and casino lipstick, and yet it all felt light, neat, and easy to access.

And because it’s hardsided, everything arrived wrinkle-free and protected. Not even the pink silk of my Miami Vibes Lolo Dress creased, and that’s saying something.

I wheeled it smoothly through the terminal, down narrow ship hallways, and even across the carpet. The 360° spinner wheels are butter-smooth, and the telescoping handle didn’t wobble once.

If you’re looking to elevate your cruise (or spa retreat, or weekend escape) with luggage that looks amazing, keeps you ultra-organized, and somehow holds way more than it should, this is your carry-on soulmate.

Spa Cruise Staples: What I Packed and Why

Packing for a spa cruise is a balancing act. You need something breezy for the islands, luxe for the ship’s upscale dinners, comfy for lounging, and practical for casino or shore adventures. I aimed for chic, versatile, and Caribbean-ready.

Here’s everything I brought:

1. The Spa Dress: The Ultimate Post-Shower, Pre-Treatment Essential

Now let’s talk true spa essentials. If you’ve ever awkwardly tried to wrap a towel around yourself while hopping from sauna to steam room — especially in a co-ed spa — you know the struggle. That’s why I packed two Spa Dresses from TheSpaDress.com, and I’ll never cruise without them again.

• The Short Spa Dress in “Starting Over White”: I chose this color intentionally — there’s something symbolic and soothing about white when you’re entering a space of healing and reflection. I wore it during my sessions in the aromatherapy steam room, cold room, sauna, and hamman. Made from luxuriously soft, breathable bamboo, this dress was like a hug for my skin. No more fidgeting with towels, no risk of accidental slippage, and it dried quickly between treatments.

• The Long Spa Dress in “Renewal Blue”: I reserved this one for the Persian Garden’s heated tile loungers — my happy place. I’d sprawl out across the curves of those warm ceramic chairs, curling my feet up into the bottom of the dress like I was in a cocoon. The heat would melt into my joints, and the fabric never felt sticky or heavy. This was TOTAL COMFORT!

These dresses are an absolute must-have for any woman who takes her spa time seriously. Honestly, they’re also perfect for lounging in your cabin post-shower, when you’re too relaxed (or too moisturized) to mess with real clothes but still want to feel elegant. The bamboo material is not only sustainable, but also cooling, breathable, and flattering. And with thoughtful strap design and a gentle shape, they feel like something between resort wear and self-care armor.

Bonus? They’re feather-light and roll up to nothing, so packing both took up less space than a single bulky towel.

2. VP by Valerie Perez: Cruise-Ready Glamour That Goes from Deck to Dreamland

When it comes to packing cruisewear that’s as functional as it is fabulous, I turned to VP by Valerie Perez. I brought three stunning dresses that not only looked incredible on — they pulled double-duty in ways I didn’t even plan for.

• Miami Vibes Lolo Dress – Spaghetti Strap
  This one had me at “Miami.” The colors, the drape, the barely-there silk feel. It screams island nights and spicy rum cocktails. I wore this on night one for drinks on deck and a walk through the ship’s gallery art auction. But here’s where the real MVP moment came: I forgot to pack a nightgown. So, guess what I wore to bed? Yep, Miami Vibes. And shockingly? I woke up feeling like a goddess — no twisted straps, no clinging fabric. I literally rolled out of bed looking gorgeous. (Talk about a glow-up.)

• Mai Tai Moon Lolo Dress
  Worn during one of our sea days when I strolled the promenade, sipped mango mocktails, and sat watching an incredible musical in the Reflection Theater. The print is like being dripped of navy, gold and white. The colors are both bold, yet soft, feminine, and incredibly photogenic. This one looked just as good under the ship’s soft lighting at dinner as it did catching the Caribbean sun by the pool. I can’t tell you how many times I was stopped and asked about it. This is a TRUE compliment getter (I probably gave the website out a dozen times in those 4 days).

• Pink Martini Long Chemise
  This one gave me a serious throwback thrill — the bold print, the flowy silhouette, and the glamour. It reminded me of a very famous 1970s designer (you know the one with the caftans and the fabulous sunglasses). I was worried that at only 5’1″ it would be too long, but with the adjustable straps I was able to get it to the perfect length, even for wearing with my Tieks ballet flats. I wore this for an afternoon of Champagne and shopping, and then to dinner. I had someone come up and say I looked “resort-famous.” It’s long, luxurious, and perfect for when you want to turn heads without trying too hard.

Each of these pieces is crafted in a lightweight, poly-silk blend that folds up small, resists wrinkles, and feels like heaven against the skin. They all transitioned seamlessly from day to night, deck to dinner, and even dreams to breakfast. I didn’t just pack dresses — I packed moments.

Let’s be honest: I could’ve packed just these three and rotated them all five days with different accessories. They’re that good.

3. grace & stella Pink Eye Masks: The Secret Weapon of Spa Treatments

I didn’t think I could elevate my thermal lounger routine until I slipped on a pair of grace & stella pink eye masks. If you’ve never paired these collagen-packed under-eye miracles with a heated tile lounger and a Himalayan salt room, you haven’t truly spa’d.

I brought a few of these individually wrapped masks in my crossbody (they’re so flat and portable), and every time I headed to the Persian Garden, I popped a pair in my bag. The moment I settled into the warmth of the lounger in my Renewal Blue Spa Dress, of course, I pressed the masks gently under my eyes, curled my toes up into the dress’s hem, and let the steam, warmth, and moisturizing gel do their thing.

The ingredients are seriously skin-loving: rose extract, vegan collagen, and just the right amount of hydration to smooth and plump tired under-eyes. I used them after a late night at the casino and again post-island days when the sun had me squinting all day. They’re also adorable. Those millennial pink hydrogel crescent shapes made me feel like I belonged in a fancy spa ad campaign. You will want to take a selfie.

Even better? They didn’t slip or slide around like some other masks I’ve tried. I could close my eyes and fully relax without worrying that one would end up in my hairline.

Let’s just say by the time I walked out of the spa — hair up, face glowing, and eyes completely depuffed I looked like I had just stepped off a private yacht. And all it took was 15 minutes on a lounger and a pink eye mask.

If you’re doing a spa cruise, these are non-negotiable. Keep a few in your bag, and you’ll always be red-carpet-ready… even if the red carpet is just the casino entrance or the line for soft-serve.

3. Tieks by Gavrieli: One Pair, Five Days, Limitless Style

Let’s talk about cruise shoes. If you’ve ever stood in front of your suitcase wondering how you’re going to fit four pairs of shoes into a carry-on, let me save you some stress: you don’t. You just pack Tieks — specifically, the Rose Gold Tieks and thank yourself later.

First of all, these flats are not your average travel shoes. They’re crafted from Italian leather, fold beautifully into their own little pouch (perfect for slipping into the corner of your suitcase), and they’re somehow soft as slippers but dressy enough to wear with cocktail attire. The Rose Gold color was the secret sauce of my wardrobe on this cruise. It shimmered just enough to feel elevated, but still acted like a neutral, going with every outfit I wore.

How They Matched Every Look (Seriously)

• With my Miami Vibes Lolo Dress: the rose gold played off the tropical pink and green tones in the dress like it was made to go together. I wore this combo the first night on the ship for cocktails, and I swear people asked if I had my outfit styled professionally. They looked like gold jewelry on my feet.

• With the Mai Tai Moon Lolo Dress: the gold in the shoes picked up the gold in the dress, and it all melted into the metallic finish of the Tieks like a watercolor blend. I wore this for my second day, walking the decks, attending a show, and yes, stopping at the gelato bar more than once, and not once did my feet ache.

• With the Pink Martini Long Chemise: the 70s-inspired throwback print was bold and flirty, and the Tieks kept the whole look grounded but chic. This outfit was a hit during an afternoon of Champagne tasting and gallery browsing. And even though this look had a very “barefoot luxury” vibe, the flats gave it just enough polish.

• With my Short Spa Dress from The Spa Dress: Okay, this pairing surprised even me. I slipped into the dress for a relaxed lunch in the buffet after a long morning in the Persian Garden thermal suite. The Tieks elevated what would have been a “loungewear” moment into a casual-chic outfit that I could wear to the café or even onshore. I felt like I was living in a luxury resort catalog.

• And yes, I even wore them with my Tiger and the Monkey Clare Shirt and linen shorts during a breezy port morning. The long sleeves, lightweight fabric, and hint of shimmer in the Tieks made me feel stylish even with windblown hair and a Sea Bags crossbody slung across my chest.

Form Meets Function (Without the Blisters)

Beyond the beauty, what really won me over was the comfort. I did a lot of walking — from cruise terminal to ship, from cabin to spa, up and down stairs, in and out of boutiques and casinos. Not once did I get a blister, not once did I wish for sneakers. The split-sole design gives them flexibility, while the cushioned insole offers just the right support for long days on your feet. My feet felt as pampered as the rest of me.

They slipped off easily during spa treatments, looked polished during dinner, and stayed perfectly in place when I danced to live music in the lounge one night (I skipped the silent disco, but only because my travel companion didn’t want to go). I mean, if I can swing my hips and still keep my shoes on? That’s fashion-meets-function at its best.

Why I’ll Never Cruise Without Them

Packing light doesn’t mean compromising — it means choosing items that work hard without looking like they are. My Rose Gold Tieks did everything short of booking my shore excursions for me – HA! Stylish, practical, elegant, and unbelievably comfortable, they were the foundation of every outfit and freed up space in my suitcase for other essentials (like my grace & stella eye masks, naturally).

So yes, I cruised with just one pair of shoes (and one pair of sandals) and felt like a style queen the entire time.

4. Sea Bags of Maine: My Slim Navy Anchor Crossbody for Shore Days & Slot Machine Wins

For this trip, I brought along the Slim Navy Anchor Crossbody Bag from Sea Bags of Maine, and I swear — it became my trusty little sidekick from the moment we boarded.

Made from recycled sailcloth (how cool is that?), it’s not just cute, it’s coastal with a conscience. The slim shape kept it sleek and unfussy while still fitting all my essentials: my room key, lip balm, cash, sunglasses, casino players card, hand sanitizer, and yes… even my grace & stella eye masks for a mid-day spa reset. I loved the sturdy zipper top. Nothing spilled out when I slung it over a lounge chair or wedged it in my thermal lounger.

What really sold me was the iconic navy anchor print — it feels distinctly nautical, like I’m channeling a little East Coast seaside charm even in the middle of the Caribbean. But it’s subtle enough that it didn’t clash with any of my outfits, whether I was wearing a flowy dress or a swimsuit and cover-up combo on shore.

On port days, it was perfectly sized for shopping and sightseeing. I wore it crossbody for safety (and hands-free freedom), especially when browsing straw hats or grabbing street food. And back on the ship? It came with me to the casino every night. I’m not one to carry a big purse when I’m walking between the slot machines and the champagne bar, but I still need a spot for a lucky $20, a lipstick, and my SeaPass card. This little bag handled all that and looked polished while doing it.

Plus, because it’s made from sailcloth, it’s naturally water-resistant — a big bonus when that warm tropical rain rolled in one afternoon while we were strolling back from a shore excursion. I didn’t panic. I just zipped it up, let it dry on a towel in the cabin, and it was back to looking brand new by dinner.

It’s the kind of bag that makes you feel like a seasoned traveler, one who’s thoughtful, prepared, and stylish without even trying. And after a few compliments from fellow cruisers asking where I got it, I realized: the Slim Navy Anchor Crossbody isn’t just functional, it’s a conversation starter.

If you only bring one small day bag on your spa cruise, make it this one.

5. The Glow-Up Essential

You can’t cruise the Caribbean without sunscreen, and my skin is susceptible to getting sun spots (and I burn). I only trust Suntegrity clean, reef-safe, and packed with skin-loving ingredients.

Their 5-in-1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer in “Light” evened out my skin tone on no-makeup days and gave me a subtle glow while protecting me from the sun. I used the Unscented Body Sunscreen SPF 30 for my shoulders, arms, and legs. No greasy residue, no white cast, and no breakouts. Just soft, protected skin.

Plus, I felt like a good guest on the islands because no chemicals are hurting those gorgeous coral reefs.

6. Eye Masks: The Secret to My Spa Cruise Slumber

Sun, spa, cocktails, late-night laughs — all wonderful, but sometimes they made falling asleep a bit tricky.

So I packed two eye masks, because… options.

• Saatva Silk Sleep Mask: Pure blackout bliss. I used this every afternoon for naps after sunbathing or spa treatments. It blocked out every ounce of that blazing Caribbean sunlight, whether I was stretched out on a lounger or tucked into my cabin.

• Saatva Weighted Eye Mask: For those occasional nights when I had too much fun (you know the ones), this weighted mask helped lull me to sleep. The gentle pressure and soft scent were the equivalent of a warm hug.

Don’t skip the sleep prep. Good rest is the ultimate spa treatment.

6. Tiger and the Monkey – The Clare Shirt

Even the Caribbean gets breezy, especially in the morning or after a long massage. For those in-between times, I packed The Clare Shirt by Tiger and the Monkey, a long-sleeved, breathable and printed in tropical tones without screaming “tourist.”

It layered perfectly over swimsuits, paired well with white linen shorts for lunch at the buffet, and made me feel put-together during cool moments on deck. I even wore it knotted over my short spa dress for a fun dinner look.

It’s now my go-to “vacation shirt.”

How I Fit It All in One Carry-On

Here’s the truth: packing isn’t about rolling vs. folding — it’s about choosing the right things.

Here’s what I brought:

Clothing:

• 3 VP by Valerie Perez dresses

• 2 Spa Dresses (1 long, 1 short)

• 1 The Clare shirt by Tiger and the Monkey

• 2 pairs of shorts (linen and cotton)

• 1 swimsuits + 1 cover-up

• 1 sleep set + robe – WHOOPS – I forgot these and left them home (see post above)

• 1 pair of Rose Gold Tieks

• 1 pair of sandals for pool/spa and with shorts

• 3 t-shirts for casual days

• 1 pair of lounge pants

• Undergarments + 1 strapless bra + 1 regular bra + 1 set of “perkies” for under the VP by Valerie Perez dresses

Toiletries:

• Suntegrity SPF (face + body)

• Mini skincare set (cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and Grace & Stella eye masks to wear in the spa)

• Light makeup (concealer, lip gloss, brow pencil)

• Razor, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.

• Hair ties, mini brush, wide-tooth comb

Accessories:

• Sea Bags of Maine Crossbody

• Eye masks (silk + weighted)

• Sunglasses

• 1 sunhat (packable)

• Small jewelry case (earrings, bangles, necklace)

Extras:

• Book

• Small first-aid kit (Band-Aids, Advil, motion sickness patches)

• Refillable water bottle (although I later learned that being in a Spa Stateroom meant that they kept us stocked with LOTS of bottles of water)

• Zip pouch with chargers, Earbuds, and cruise documents

And the secret weapon? Compression packing cubes. I used three: one for dresses/tops, one for sleepwear and swim, and one for casual clothes. Shoes went in the bottom compartment of the carry-on (Tieks in a dust bag that came with my Riccardo carry-on, slides stacked in the second one), and toiletries slid into the dedicated toiletries bag in the suitcase that simply snaps into place.

Cruising with Intention

Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. If anything, it enhances the experience. I had everything I needed for the spa, the beach, dinners, shopping, and even those surprise moments like when we were invited to the Captain’s Meet & Greet or when the onboard DJ had everyone dancing poolside at sunset.

With the right pieces — remember it’s quality over quantity, I felt elegant, put-together, and most importantly, relaxed.

So yes, you can cruise in style for five nights with just a carry-on. Just bring your favorites, plan your outfits, and leave room for spontaneity. Because that’s what spa cruising is really about: indulging in the moment.

And maybe winning a little at the blackjack table too.