What to Pack for Holland America Cruises
(Perfect for organized, easy packing — especially in smaller HAL cabins)
I cruise eight to ten times a year, and this upcoming sailing will be my third Holland America cruise — I appreciate their laid‑back atmosphere and the little refined touches that make the experience feel special. For this Canada & New England itinerary, I’m traveling with my 18‑year‑old son, and we’ve booked some incredible excursions, so I’m packing with cooler weather, cozy sea days, and Holland America’s smaller cabin layouts in mind. After so many cruises, I know exactly what earns a spot in my suitcase, and this guide covers the real items I’m bringing on board for a comfortable, organized, and stress‑free HAL trip.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use, pack, and trust for my own travels. As always, thank you for supporting No Point Left Behind.
🧳 1. My Holland America Luggage Setup
(Perfect for organized, easy packing — especially in smaller HAL cabins)
Away Pack‑Away Carry‑On Closet (my new favorite for small cabins)
I bought the new Away Pack‑Away Carry‑On Closet specifically for this Holland America cruise, and I’m already obsessed. HAL cabins are cozy, and having a built‑in hanging closet system means I can unpack in minutes and stay organized the entire week.
👉 Away Pack‑Away Carry‑On Closet
Matching Away Packing Cubes (red — my signature set)
I’m bringing my trusty red Away packing cubes to match my hard‑shell carry‑on and my embarkation bag. They keep everything tidy, color‑coded, and easy to grab — especially when I’m sharing a cabin or trying to get ready quickly.
If you want to see exactly how I use them, here’s my full post: 👉 What I Carry in My Embarkation Bag
Away Overnight / Featherlight Tote (my personal item)
This is the bag that lives under the airplane seat and holds everything I need within reach.
Both pair beautifully with the Pack‑Away Closet system and make travel days feel effortless.
🧴 2. Skincare I’m Loving for This Cruise
Cruise ship air is dry, Canada winds are chilly, and my skin needs hydration. These are my real, current favorites.
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream (new obsession)
I just bought this and WOW — it’s perfect for cooler, windy weather. My skin drinks it up and it layers beautifully under makeup.
Patchology On‑The‑Fly Travel Facial Kit
This is coming with me because it’s TSA‑friendly and perfect for a little self‑care moment in the cabin.
👉 Patchology Travel Facial Kit
Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask (my forever dry‑lip fix)
This is one of those products that works — especially on cruises where the cabin air is dry and the wind on deck doesn’t help. I put this on at night and wake up with soft, hydrated lips every single time.
And I had to laugh when I saw my niece pull the same one out of her bag — it’s truly a multi‑generation favorite. When something works for both of us, it’s a keeper.
☕ 3. My MiniPresso (because I didn’t buy a drink package)
Holland America coffee is… fine. But I like having my own backup, especially on port days. My MiniPresso is tiny, powerful, and fits perfectly in my Away bag.
It’s my favorite Lazy Girl hack for saving money and getting good coffee.
My Coffee Hack That Saves Me Every Cruise
If you’re picky about your morning coffee (same), don’t miss my simple trick that lets me skip the drink package and still get great espresso on every sailing. It’s one of my most‑shared tips and works perfectly on Holland America.
👙 4. What I’m Wearing on This Holland America Cruise
Blue Rod Beattie Swimsuits (my favorite brand this season)
Since I bought the thermal spa pass, I already know where I’ll be spending half my sea days. Even though I doubt I’ll hit the outdoor pool much on a Canadian sailing, I will be in the thermal suite every single day.
Blue Rod Beattie suits are cute, supportive, and made for real women’s bodies — my favorite brand this season.
Democracy Jeans (perfect for my 5'1" frame)
These are my go‑to jeans for every trip. They fit my petite frame perfectly, hold my stomach in without feeling tight, and work for chilly Canada evenings or casual dinners onboard.
Layers, Layers, Layers (it’s Canada after all)
Canada & New England cruises can swing from sunny to chilly fast. I’m packing:
A soft cardigan
Lightweight sweater
Puffer vest
Comfortable long‑sleeve tees
🛁 5. Toiletries & TSA‑Ready Items
Include:
Travel‑size shampoo/conditioner
Tatcha moisturizer
Tatcha Kissu lip mask
Sunscreen
Minimal makeup
Patchology kit
Mini first‑aid items
Lip balm
Hairbrush + dry shampoo
🔌 6. Cruise Essentials I Always Pack
Portable charger
Lanyard (or not — Lazy Girl choice)
Refillable water bottle
Lightweight tote for port days
Wrinkle‑release spray (HAL doesn’t allow irons)
Magnetic hooks (HAL cabins are metal!)
🛳️ 7. Holland America‑Specific Items
HAL is cozy, calm, and classic — so pack for comfort:
A good book or Kindle
Sweater for the Crow’s Nest
Comfortable walking shoes
A small crossbody for onboard
Packing for Holland America doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple, keep it comfortable, and bring the things that make you feel relaxed and ready to enjoy the ship.
If you’re sailing soon, this list will have you covered without overpacking — and without stress.
💡 Related Posts & Resources
How I Book Cruises & Save
If you want to see the exact strategy I use to find deals, stack offers, and book cruises for less, read my full guide: 👉 How I Book Cruises & Save
How I Book Shore Excursions
I break down how I choose between cruise‑line, third‑party, and DIY excursions — plus how I monetize those recommendations.
Join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group
If you want a friendly place to learn travel hacking without feeling overwhelmed, come join my community. It’s where I share beginner tips, real examples, and the exact strategies I use to book cruises and flights for less.
👉 Join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group
✍️ About the Author
Julie is the creator of No Point Left Behind, a travel blog that helps families and frequent cruisers travel smarter using points, miles, and real‑world strategy. She cruises 8–10 times a year and loves the calm, classic atmosphere of Holland America Line. Julie’s goal is to make travel feel simple, attainable, and rewarding — one cruise at a time.
