She Cruises; He Cruises: Are They Packing for the Same Boat?

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This transatlantic cruise packing list post was originally published in 2013 by guest writer, Merle Minda. It’s recently been updated and refreshed. See all packing list posts.

I recently read a piece published in the New York Times Sunday Travel Section on transatlantic cruises or crossings. The piece was generally excellent. I have made this “crossing” myself on the exact same ship mentioned in the article (Cunard’s Queen Mary 2) and agree with most of their advice.

However, there was one thing I took major exception to – the included packing lists.

The men’s packing list was generally okay (still heavier than ideal), but the female packing list went completely overboard. It was like they were preparing for a whole different cruise altogether.

We’re going to dissect these two packing lists further in this post and I’m also going to share with you my Transatlantic cruise packing list, a much lighter version than what was suggested in the article.

What is a Transatlantic Cruise?

As the name suggests, a transatlantic cruise is a cruise that crosses the Atlantic Ocean. This is typically between North America and Europe and can be either one-way or a round trip.

These cruises are usually between 7 and 14 days and there will be numerous days at sea with ample opportunity to relax on-board and enjoy all of the ship’s amenities.

Because you will be spending so many days at sea, transatlantic cruises place a large focus on the onboard experience and you will generally find that there are more formal events planned than on other cruises. This is especially true on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 but varies between cruise lines.

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She Cruises; He Cruises: Are They Packing for the Same Boat?

So what exactly was on these packing lists?

For men:

The list included a tuxedo and a suit, two pairs of shoes, and so on. The standard items you’d expect to find to follow the dress code and attend several formal nights on this very British ship. 

While this list is MUCH shorter than the female list, it is still overkill. My husband just takes a dinner jacket, slacks, and one sports coat.

For women:

The list induces a heart-thumping ‘fear-of-packing’, including: 

• Three formal dresses and two cocktail dresses.
• Three pairs of heels, pumps for day and evening, boots, and walking shoes. 
• Shawls and scarves of wool and silk at different levels of warmth.
• Three purses (a clutch for the evening, a daytime purse, and a spa bag).
• Assorted skirts (3), blouses, sweaters, tights, socks, and underwear. 
• Pajamas AND a nightgown.
• Two bathing suits.
• Your best jewelry and “lots of it.”

What are we dressing for here – Downton Abbey at sea? 

Only a man could have come up with this list; daunting enough to intimidate even the most practiced female packer.

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Is This Large Transatlantic Cruise Packing List Really Necessary?

I agree that it is much more challenging to pack lightly for a cruise than most other trips, but I think this author must face the fact that the era of the steamer trunk is over, even on board the Queen Mary 2.

Let’s dissect author Dwight Garner’s packing list for women. 

Dresses:

Even though the atmosphere on board is a bit more formal on a British ship, taking three formal dresses and two cocktail dresses is beyond overkill.

My suggestion: two dressier outfits – I get around the various evenings by packing one pair of black silk slacks (a long black silk skirt works too) and two sparkly tops. 

This leaves me with plenty of options. I wear each outfit twice and on another night I can pair a black silk blouse with a pretty scarf or shawl and the same silk slacks. 

I say no skirts, but rather, two or three pairs of khaki or black cotton pants. If you are a skirt person, make it two casual cotton skirts. 

No cocktail or day dresses for me; days on board remain casual. 

Shoes:

As for shoes, I take only two pairs – one casual and one for the evening. Plus, I usually wear athletic or tennis shoes for traveling and walking the decks. 

Jewelry:

Leave your best jewelry AT HOME! 

For evenings, I wear fake rhinestone earrings and one string of pearls, which can also be fake. 

Yes, there is a safe in every cabin but why worry? And whom do we need to impress? You don’t know 99 percent of the passengers and chances are you will never see them again. 

Shirts, Underwear, and Socks:

When it comes to shirts, underwear, and socks, be sparing. The ship has a laundry and a dry-cleaning service should disaster strike.

You won’t regret these decisions as you lug your luggage to and from the ship, on trains, or through airports. Why risk a rotator cuff injury for strangers?

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Packing Light: 7 Night Transatlantic Cruise Packing List

Here is my complete packing list for a 7 night transatlantic cruise.

Clothing:

• 1 pair of black silk slacks
• 2 sparkly tops
• 3 khaki pants or casual cotton skirts
• 4-5 assorted t-shirts or blouses
• Socks or tights, underwear, and 1 set of pajamas (plan to do 1 laundry load)
• 1 rainproof and fleece-lined jacket with hood

Accessories:

• Scarves or shawl: 1 black Pashmina shawl (they’re warm), 1 silk scarf
• 1 pair of earrings, 1 necklace, and 1 pair of earrings for the evening (I suggest fake)
• 1 carry-on bag (for airport travel)
• 1 smaller, cross-body purse for day or evening use
• Skip the spa bag, the ship gives you a branded canvas bag that works
• 1 warm hat for deck-walking

Shoes:

• 2 pairs of shoes – one casual for the day and one for the evening
• Wear 1 pair of athletic or tennis shoes for traveling and deck-walking
• If you are a swimmer or hot-tubber, perhaps 1 lightweight pair of flip-flops

That’s it, enjoy a lighter approach to cruise packing!

About the Author: Passionate traveler Merle Minda is a travel writer and travel blogger based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her articles are published in Delta SKY Magazine, the Star Tribune, and many other regional publications. She also appears on television with packing and travel tips. Access Merle’s travel blog at www.travelovereasy.com.

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NOTE from HPL: While this packing list is just for clothes, shoes, and accessories, you might want to take a look at our other cruise packing lists for toiletries, electronics, and other miscellaneous items.

• How to Pack Light for a Cruise
• Cruise Hacks: Getting the Most Out of Your Cruise Vacation
• 5 Things I Learned Overpacking for a Cruise

Have you got a transatlantic cruise planned in the future? What advice will you be taking from Merle’s packing list?