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Counting down to your cruise holiday? It’s never too early to start thinking about what to pack. With our ultimate cruise packing checklist, you can simply tick off the items and relax knowing you are prepared for the trip of a lifetime.

Whether it’s your first or your hundredth cruise holiday, you always face the same packing conundrum: what goes and what stays? You want to pack light, but at the same time, you want to be prepared for all the fun and activities the ship and on-shore destinations have to offer. To help you, we’ve put together the ultimate cruise packing checklist. If you need it, it’s on the list. Plus we’ve included savvy cruiser packing tips to help you pack light and pack smart.

Best of all, you can print out the checklist as a handy printable PDF or spreadsheet, so you can tick as you pack!

Download Cruise Packing List PDF

Before you begin

Every cruise ship is different, so here are a few quick things you need to check before you start:

What’s the dress code policy on your ship? Some cruises have a strict dress policy, especially for dinners and events. Typically, casual dress is worn during the day and a semi-formal dress is recommended for the evenings. Some cruise ships require formal attire for evenings though, especially on the last night of the cruise. Don’t be caught without the right outfit – check before you pack.

Where will your cruise stop and for how long? Depending on the activities and climate at each port of call, you may need to pack a few extra items.

Every cruise ship has different activities, facilities and amenities. For example, some provide quality toiletries, whereas others stick to the basics. Becoming familiar with these things before you go will help you pack the right items. Check out our detailed ship articles for more information on your chosen cruise ship.

ULTIMATE PACKING CHECKLIST ESSENTIALS

Even if you forget everything else, DO NOT leave home without the following:

• Power adapters
• Mobile phone, plus charger
• Camera, plus battery charger, spare batteries and memory cards
• Laptop or tablet, plus charger
• Portable music device, plus charger and headphones
• Travel alarm clock
• 3-way power plug, if you have lots of gadgets
• Hairdryer, if you want more than the in-cabin hairdryer

Savvy Cruiser Tip: Always pack your passport, medical records, tickets, and other important documents in your daypack or carry-on luggage.

ELECTRONICS

Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, e-readers and digital cameras are part of everyday life. But when you consider all the things that come with them, it can be easier to leave them at home! Think about which gadgets you really want on your cruise.

With today’s cruise ships, you really don’t need to pack much entertainment! But here are a few things you might want to add to your list.

• Journal, diary or notepad
• Playing cards

Packing Tip: To save space, invest in an e-reader or visit the onboard library. You will also find playing cards and other board games onboard.

Your cabin will provide soap, shampoo and conditioner but if you have favourites, be sure to pack them.

• Sea sickness tablets
• Medications and supplements
• After-sun lotion
• Mosquito repellent
• After-bite cream
• Hand sanitiser
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss
• Razorblades, shaving cream
• Comb / hairbrush
• Glasses, contact lenses and cleaning products
• Feminine hygiene products
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Face products

Savvy Cruiser Tip: Ships will sell a range of toiletries, including razors, toothpaste etc., in case you run out.

EXTRA BITS & PIECES

There are all sorts of things you can pack to make your cruise more enjoyable and relaxing. Bear in mind that most ships have a laundry service and dry cleaning, but don’t expect it to be cheap! Some of the bigger ships offer self-service washing machines and dryers.

• Stain remover
• Ziplock bags
• Luggage locks
• Water bottle
• Shoe polish
• Eye mask       

Savvy Cruiser Tip: No need to bring beach or bath towels – these are all provided onboard!

You never know what weather or activities you might get on a ship or in port. Men, women and kids should pack the following items to be prepared for everything!

• Swimwear and cover-ups
• Exercise clothes
• Jumper or cardigan
• Long-sleeved top
• Raincoat / windproof jacket
• Gloves, scarves, hat (for cold destinations)

Be ready to move in shoes for every occasion, whether you’re lazing by the pool, beating your family on the sports court, or learning new dance moves!

• Sports shoes
• Walking shoes
• Thongs / flip flops
• Formal shoes

MEN'S CLOTHES

To get the most out of your wardrobe, mix and match as much as possible. Pack light fabrics with neutral colours that go together easily.

• Light trousers
• T-shirts / polos

Smart Casual

• Smart pants
• Business suit
• Formal shirt

Savvy Cruiser Tip: Check whether your ship offers a tuxedo hire service.

WOMEN’S CLOTHES

Choose versatile styles and neutral colours that you can easily mix and match throughout the cruise to keep your bag light.

• Smarter dresses
• Trouser suits
• Smart jacket
• Evening gown
• Cocktail dress
• Matching scarf

Savvy Cruiser Tip: Accessorise! With a choice of scarves and jewellery, you can get more from your wardrobe.

• Clothes for all weather, as above
• Travel backpack
• Travel journal and pencils
• Electronic games device, plus charger/batteries
• Child’s prescription medication (in carry-on bag)
• Child’s thermometer
• Favourite cuddly toy / blanket
• Swimming floaties
• Night light
• Kids’ toiletries (see list above)

Savvy Cruiser Tip: Pack a kid’s travel backpack full of snacks, activities and swimwear so you can explore while waiting for your bags to arrive in your cabin.

KBABY AND TODDLER ITEMS

• Clothes for all weather
• Bottles and kids’ cups
• Baby formula / food

Savvy Cruiser Tip: Check whether you can hire baby equipment onboard.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Think ahead and pack the right items for every shore excursion.

• Phrasebooks
• Money pouch
• Any specific items required by your shore activity

Ready to get started? Print out this checklist and tick the items as you pack!

AN IMPORTANT NOTE: Each ship provides guidelines around what items are not allowed onboard the ships, which will include items like irons, candles, explosives, flammable liquids, weapons, power boards and extension cords. Be sure to check these guidelines. The local port authority will put your baggage through customs checks and have the right to confiscate any items at their discretion. Always be ready to declare items.

Cruise Packing List for Dummies: 150+ Items & Free Printable PDF!

Embarking on a cruise is an exhilarating journey, promising adventures on the high seas and unforgettable memories at exotic ports.

Whether you’re a cruising newbie or a seasoned sailor, our cruise packing list will help you navigate through 150 essential and optional items, ensuring you’re well-prepared for every moment on board.

So, without further ado, print out your free cruise packing list and let’s get started!

Essential Documents

Navigating the vast expanse of the ocean on a luxurious cruise liner is a dream for many, but even dreams need some practical groundwork.

That groundwork starts with essential documents as part of your cruise packing list. Imagine arriving at the port, the buzz of excited travelers around you, only to realize you’ve forgotten a crucial piece of paper.

To ensure you’re never in that nightmarish situation, we’ve compiled a list of must-have documents. Keep them handy, and you’ll have a seamless boarding experience.

Passport & Visa: Your primary identification when traveling internationally. Ensure they’re up-to-date with sufficient validity. Some destinations might require a visa, so do your research well in advance.

Boarding Passes & Cruise Tickets: Think of these as your golden tickets to paradise. Without them, the dream cruise remains just that – a dream. Always double-check your reservation details and timings.

Travel Insurance Documents: Hope for the best, but prepare for the unexpected. Travel insurance can be a lifesaver in emergencies. It can cover anything from medical expenses to trip cancellations, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.

Emergency Contact List: In the age of smartphones, we often forget numbers. A physical list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, and medical professionals, can be invaluable in case of mishaps.

Photocopies of All Important Documents: Loss or theft can happen, even in the middle of the ocean. Having photocopies (and digital backups) means you’re not completely stranded if the originals go missing.

Driver’s License or Other ID: While your passport is primary, having a secondary form of ID can be useful on your cruise packing list for in-port activities or rentals.

Medical Prescriptions and Health Insurance Cards: Your health is paramount. Always carry prescriptions for any medications you’re on, and don’t forget your health insurance details. It simplifies processes if you need medical attention.

Currency and Credit Cards: While most cruises are all-inclusive, when you disembark at various ports, you’ll need local currency or a universally accepted credit card for expenses.

With these documents on your cruise packing list, you’re not just packing papers; you’re packing confidence. Knowing you’re prepared for any administrative eventuality means you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying your cruise to the fullest.

The allure of cruising is its unique blend of relaxed leisure and sophisticated elegance. As the ship sails from one magnificent destination to another, the backdrop might change, but one constant remains: your need to feel comfortable and look fabulous.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring a local market, or attending a black-tie dinner, your wardrobe choices play a pivotal role.

Let’s help you pack cruise clothes that resonates with every mood and moment of your cruise adventure.

Casual Wear (Shorts, T-Shirts): Your day-to-day staples. Perfect for a sunny day on the ship’s deck, an impromptu volleyball match, or a laid-back lunch at the buffet. Remember, comfort is key here.

Formal Wear (For Cruise Dinners & Events): Many cruises host formal nights where elegance reigns supreme. A stylish dress or a sharp suit can make you feel like royalty. Don’t forget the matching shoes!

Swimwear : With pools, jacuzzis, and tropical beaches at many port stops, you’ll be glad you packed that swimsuit. Consider bringing more than one, so you always have a dry option.

Light Jacket or Sweater: Even in tropical paradises, evenings can get a tad chilly. A light jacket or sweater ensures you can enjoy the ocean breeze without the shivers.

Workout Clothes: For those motivated mornings or post-dessert guilt trips. Cruise ships often feature state-of-the-art gyms, and you might want to join a sunrise yoga class.

Comfortable Walking Shoes : Essential for those port excursions. You might end up walking more than anticipated while exploring, and the right shoes can be the difference between an adventure and an ordeal.

Sandals/Flip-Flops: Perfect for the poolside, spa, or beach. Easy to slip on and off and quintessential for a beachy vibe.

Hats & Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun’s rays while looking effortlessly stylish. A wide-brimmed hat or a snazzy pair of shades elevates any outfit.

Rain Jacket or Poncho: Tropical weather can be unpredictable. Stay dry during unexpected drizzles or showers.

Themed or Specialty Attire: Some cruises have themed nights – think ’70s disco or masquerade balls. Check in advance and pack accordingly to be part of the fun.

Dressing right on a cruise is more than just fashion; it’s about feeling in tune with your surroundings.

With a well-thought-out mix of cruise essentials and a sprinkle of specialty items, you can ensure that you’re not just dressed for the occasion, but you’re dressed for every memory you’re about to make on your cruise packing list.

Personal Care Items

Cruising is as much about the exhilarating experiences as it is about self-care and relaxation. As you sail the seven seas, ensuring that you maintain your personal hygiene and appearance is crucial.

After all, feeling great is integral to fully enjoying every moment. This section is your compass to the personal care essentials that should find a place on your cruise packing list.

Toiletries : The basics can make or break a trip. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash – pack travel-sized versions if you’re tight on space.

Sunscreen : You’ll likely be spending a lot of time under the sun. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with a good sunscreen, and consider one that’s waterproof if you’re hitting the pool or beach.

Deodorant: Stay fresh as you hop from one activity to the next. Whether you prefer roll-on, stick, or spray, don’t forget to pack your trusty deodorant.

Moisturizer & After-Sun Lotion: The sun and sea can be drying. Keep your skin hydrated and soothe any sunburns with moisturizing lotions.

Razor & Shaving Cream: For those who prefer a smooth shave even while on vacation. Remember, even if the cruise has a store, these items can be pricey.

Makeup & Makeup Remover: Whether you’re aiming for a natural look or something more glamorous for the evening events, ensure you have your makeup essentials. And at the day’s end, a good makeup remover is a must.

Hair Care Products: Hair spray, gel, or your favorite styling product. With the sea breeze, having something to manage your mane can be handy.

Personal Hygiene Products: Such as sanitary napkins, tampons, or any other personal hygiene product you typically use. It’s always good to be prepared.

Nail Clippers & Tweezers: For those unexpected hangnails or stray brows. Small but essential tools.

Lip Balm: Salty sea air can be harsh on the lips. Keep them soft and moisturized with a good lip balm.

Travel Towel: While the cruise will provide towels, having a compact, quick-drying one can be handy for off-ship excursions or if you prefer your own.

Hand Sanitizer: A small bottle can go a long way, especially when you’re exploring ports and might not have immediate access to soap and water.

Travel Laundry Detergent: For those small emergencies or if you prefer washing certain items by hand. A sink-friendly detergent can be a lifesaver.

Looking great on a cruise is a blend of preparation and self-care. With these personal care items on your cruise packing list, you’ll not only feel refreshed but also face every day with confidence, ready to make the most of your cruising adventure.

Health and Medication

The majestic views, the rhythmic waves, and the promise of new horizons—cruises are an escapade into serenity. Yet, amidst all this, health should never take a back seat.

Whether it’s the thrill of adventures in foreign lands or simply indulging in on-board activities, being prepared on the health front ensures you can make the most of every moment.

Here’s our beacon of guidance on what to put on your cruise packing list for health and well-being during your cruise journey.

Prescription Medication: Always at the top of the list. If you have ongoing medications, ensure you pack enough for the trip’s duration and a bit extra. Keep them in their original packaging to avoid any customs issues.

First Aid Kit: A compact kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and gauze can come in handy for minor accidents. You never know when you might need it, especially during excursions.

Over-the-Counter Medications: Think pain relievers, antacids, or allergy meds. Even if you don’t regularly use them, they’re good to have on hand for unexpected ailments.

Motion Sickness Remedies: The ocean isn’t always calm. Whether you opt for pills, wristbands, or natural remedies, it’s wise to have something for potential seasickness.

Insect Repellent: Depending on your destinations, this can be crucial. Protect yourself from unwanted insect bites, especially in tropical locations.

Water Purification Tablets or Bottle: For those stops at places where tap water might be questionable. Staying hydrated is crucial, but so is ensuring the water is safe to drink.

Vitamins and Supplements: If you’re on a daily regimen, remember to pack them. Even on vacation, it’s essential to keep up with your health routines.

Digestive Health Items: Travel can sometimes upset your system. Pack items like probiotics, anti-diarrhea medicine, or anything else you trust to keep your digestive system in check.

Sleep Aids: New environments and time zones can disrupt sleep. If you occasionally use sleep aids, they might be worth adding to your cruise packing list, whether they’re over-the-counter meds or natural remedies like melatonin.

Contraceptives: If you use them, don’t forget to pack them. Better safe than sorry.

Ear Plugs & Sleep Mask: For a peaceful night’s sleep, especially if you’re sensitive to unfamiliar noises or lights.

Hand and Face Wipes: For quick refreshers. They can be especially handy after long excursions or activities.

Personal Medical History & Doctor’s Contact: In the rare event of a medical emergency, having a brief medical history and your primary physician’s contact can be invaluable.

Health and wellness are foundations for any memorable trip. A cruise, with its blend of relaxation and adventure, is no exception.

By ensuring you’ve packed smartly for all health-related scenarios, you’re setting yourself up for a journey where every day is lived to the fullest, free from unnecessary worries.

Gadgets and Electronics

As the waves whisper stories of far-off lands and the ship sails into the horizon, modern travelers know the importance of staying connected and capturing memories.

In the digital age, gadgets and electronics aren’t just conveniences—they’re essential companions.

Whether you’re a tech junkie or a casual user, this cruise packing list section will guide you through the electronic cruise accessories to pack for a seamless cruise experience.

Camera & Extra Memory Cards: From the vastness of the open sea to the intricate details of local markets, there’s a lot to capture. A good camera ensures you don’t miss a moment. And extra memory cards? They ensure you never run out of space.

Smartphone & Charger: Your multipurpose tool—camera, communication device, map, and more. And its charger, because what’s a smartphone without power?

Portable Charger/Power Bank: Especially useful during long excursions ashore. A reliable power bank ensures your devices stay charged even away from the ship.

Universal Travel Adapter: Cruise ships and foreign ports might have different outlets. An adapter ensures you can plug in wherever you are.

Headphones or Earbuds: For those personal music moments, movie nights, or simply when you want to block out the world and relax.

E-reader or Tablet: Carry a library with you without the weight. Perfect for poolside reading or winding down in the evening.

Laptop (if necessary): For those who might need to check in with work, edit photos on-the-go, or stream movies.

Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker: Keep track of your steps during excursions or monitor your health. Plus, it’s an easy way to check the time without pulling out your phone.

Waterproof Phone Case or Pouch: For those beach excursions or poolside lounging moments. Protect your devices from unwanted splashes.

USB Flash Drive: Handy for transferring or storing photos, especially if you plan on sharing with fellow travelers.

Travel Router (if staying connected is a priority): Some ships offer Wi-Fi, but having a personal travel router can sometimes give a more reliable connection.

Portable Speaker (waterproof, if possible): For impromptu dance parties in your cabin or background music during sunset gazing. Just ensure you’re respectful of your neighbors!

Digital Luggage Scale: Avoid overpacking or fees by ensuring your luggage is within the weight limits, especially useful if you’re flying to or from the cruise port.

Electronics enrich our travels in myriad ways, from capturing memories to facilitating convenience.

While disconnecting occasionally on your cruise is therapeutic, having these gadgets ensures you have the choice to connect when you wish.

As you pack these cruise packing list essentials, remember to also consider insurance or protective cases for your pricey items, ensuring they stay safe and functional throughout your journey.

Entertainment

Cruising is often a delightful blend of excitement and relaxation. While there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy onboard and at various ports, there will be moments when you crave personal entertainment.

Perhaps it’s a day at sea, a quiet evening on the balcony, or just some downtime in your cabin. Whatever the scenario, it’s great to be equipped with a mix of entertaining resources to keep you engaged.

Books: Dive into a gripping novel, a travel guide about your next port, or a magazine as the sea breezes by. Even in the digital age, there’s something magical about flipping through real pages with the sound of waves in the background.

Board Games or Card Games: Perfect for those lazy afternoons or evenings with family and friends. From classics like Scrabble or Uno to travel-sized versions of your favorite games, they’re fantastic social entertainment to add to your cruise packing list.

Journal or Notepad: Document your journey, doodle, or even pen down postcard messages. It’s therapeutic and creates a keepsake of your memories.

Coloring Books & Colored Pencils: Adult coloring books have surged in popularity. They’re not just fun but also a meditative way to relax.

Music Playlist or Streaming Service Subscription: Create a cruise-themed playlist or enjoy your favorite tunes as you sail. With offline modes available on many streaming platforms, your music can accompany you even without Wi-Fi.

Movies or TV Show Downloads: While many cruise cabins offer entertainment systems, having your favorite shows or films on your device ensures you’re entertained even during Wi-Fi downtimes.

Puzzle Books (Crosswords, Sudoku, etc.): Engage your brain and pass the time with some challenging (or not-so-challenging) puzzles.

Crafting or Knitting Supplies: If you’re into crafting or knitting, the calm of the sea can be the perfect backdrop to some creative time.

Portable Video Games: Devices like the Nintendo Switch or other handhelds can be great for personal entertainment or even multiplayer fun with fellow travelers.

Audiobooks or Podcasts: Download a captivating story or a series of informative podcasts. They’re perfect companions for a sunbathing session or even a workout in the ship’s gym.

Language Learning Apps or Guides: Heading to foreign ports? Use the journey time to pick up a few local phrases. It enhances the travel experience and is a fantastic way to engage your mind.

Binoculars: Not strictly for entertainment, but these can amplify the joy of spotting distant islands, marine life, or even stars on a clear night.

While cruises are a treasure trove of entertainment options, having personal choices on your cruise packing list truly enhances the experience.

It ensures that in every moment—whether action-packed or leisurely—you’re immersed in enjoyment, making the most of your voyage.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Amidst the frenzy of packing clothes, documents, and tech gadgets, there’s a realm of often-overlooked items that can significantly enhance your cruise experience.

These aren’t always the first things that come to mind, but trust us—they’re absolute game-changers. This section delves into those miscellaneous must-haves that might not scream “essential” but often prove to be invaluable during your journey on your cruise packing list.

Ziplock Bags: These are versatile wonders. Keep your belongings dry during beach excursions, separate wet swimwear, or even store snacks for a day out.

Travel Pillow: Be it for an unexpected nap on the sundeck or ensuring better sleep in your cabin, a familiar and comfortable pillow can make all the difference.

Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated without constantly purchasing bottled water. It’s eco-friendly and ensures you have a drink on hand during excursions.

Snacks: While all-inclusive cruises offer an abundance of food, having some of your favorite snacks on your cruise packing list can be comforting, especially for mid-adventure munching.

Backpack or Daypack: Perfect for carrying essentials during port excursions. Make sure it’s comfortable and lightweight.

Waterproof Phone Pouch: Protect your phone from splashes, sand, or an accidental dip during beach visits or water activities.

Highlighters & Pens: Highlight activities you’re interested in on the daily itinerary provided by the cruise line. And pens? Always handy.

Door Decorations: Some cruise enthusiasts love personalizing their cabin doors. It adds a touch of home and makes your room easily identifiable in the long corridors.

Sticky Notes or Dry Erase Board: Leave notes for your cabin mates or keep track of daily plans. It’s old-school but effective.

Clothespins or Clips: Useful for hanging wet clothes or simply keeping your towel in place on the deck chair.

Tote Bag: An eco-friendly option for shopping at ports or carrying essentials around the ship.

Earplugs: If you’re a light sleeper, these can be lifesavers, especially if there’s ambient noise or if your cabin is close to high-traffic areas.

Extension Cord or Power Strip: With the number of gadgets we carry, cabin outlets might not suffice. Ensure it’s cruise-friendly and doesn’t have surge protection, as many cruise lines prohibit those.

Nightlight: Cabin rooms can get exceptionally dark. A small nightlight ensures you find your way without disturbing others.

Lanyard for Cruise Card: Many travelers find it convenient to hang their cruise card (used for room access and onboard purchases) around their neck, especially if you’re prone to misplacing things.

These items might seem trivial, but they epitomize the saying, “It’s the little things that matter.” By ensuring you pack these miscellaneous must-haves, you’re not just preparing for a cruise; you’re optimizing for an experience that’s as seamless as it is memorable.

Optional But Handy

There’s packing, and then there’s pro-level packing. This section is for those travelers who love to be ultra-prepared, reveling in the comfort of knowing they’ve thought of everything.

While these items aren’t necessities for everyone, they can significantly enhance the cruise experience for many, turning potential minor inconveniences into moments of “I’m so glad I packed that!”

Binoculars: Eager to spot distant islands, ships, or marine life? These are your best friends. Especially if you have a balcony cabin, binoculars can bring the horizon a little closer.

Travel Journal: Sure, photos capture memories, but a journal captures feelings. Document your journey, the people you meet, and the unique moments that photos might miss.

Collapsible Laundry Basket: For those longer cruises, this helps keep your dirty clothes organized and makes the trip to the ship’s laundromat easier.

Portable Clothesline: A nifty tool if you prefer washing some items by hand in your cabin. String it up in the bathroom and let your clothes dry.

Corkscrew/Bottle Opener: If you’re bringing wine or beverages onboard (as per the cruise line’s alcohol policy), adding this to your cruise packing list ensures you’re not left staring at a sealed bottle.

Small Umbrella or Poncho: Weather can be unpredictable. A compact umbrella or poncho can easily fit in your daypack for those unexpected showers.

Thermal Flask/Coffee Mug: Keep your coffee hot or your water chilled as you roam around the ship.

Portable Fan: Especially useful for those who prefer a breeze while sleeping or for quickly drying wet items.

Sewing Kit: For those unexpected wardrobe malfunctions. A small kit with some needles, threads, and buttons can be a savior.

Extra Glasses/Contact Lenses: Your vision is paramount. If you wear corrective lenses, having a spare can prevent potential inconveniences.

Magnets or Over-the-Door Organizer: Cruise cabin walls are usually metal. Use magnets to pin daily itineraries or an organizer for added storage space.

White Noise Machine or App: If you’re sensitive to unfamiliar sounds while sleeping, this can help mask unwanted noises and ensure a peaceful rest.

Beach Toys (for kids or the young at heart): Building sandcastles or beach games can add an extra layer of fun during shore excursions.

Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Gear: If water adventures are on your agenda and you prefer using your own equipment, consider packing them.

Reusable Straw: Eco-friendly and handy, especially if you’re particular about how you sip your favorite drinks.

Having these optional items on your cruise packing list showcases foresight and an anticipation of needs that many might overlook. They epitomize the traveler’s mantra: “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

While they might not be essentials for every cruiser, they certainly add an extra layer of convenience, ensuring your voyage is as smooth as the calmest seas.

Commonly Forgotten Items on a Cruise

Cruises are a whirlwind of excitement. Amidst the anticipation, even the most seasoned travelers sometimes forget items that would have made their trip just a bit smoother.

These aren’t always big-ticket items, but their absence on your cruise packing list can sometimes lead to inconveniences or missed opportunities. Let’s dive into those commonly overlooked essentials, so you can ensure they find a place in your luggage.

Over-the-Counter Medications: Yes, there’s usually a medical center onboard. However, why pay marked-up prices for simple pain relievers or antacids when you could easily bring them along?

Extra Swimsuit: One might be enough on your cruise packing list, but having a second ensures you always have a dry option, enhancing comfort and spontaneity for that dip in the pool or jacuzzi.

Sea Bands or Ginger Tablets: Even if you’ve never experienced seasickness, cruises can be unpredictable. Having a non-drowsy remedy on hand can be a game-changer.

Formal Attire Accessories: While you might remember your formal dress or suit, it’s the tie, cufflinks, or matching jewelry that sometimes get left behind.

Refillable Drink Container: Many cruisers forget that while drinks might be available, having a personal container can be more convenient and eco-friendly.

Extra Sunscreen: You might remember to pack sunscreen, but underestimating how much you need is common. The sun at sea is fierce, and reapplying is crucial.

Water Shoes: Great for rocky beaches or excursions that involve water. They can protect your feet and offer better grip.

Daily Backpack or Tote: While luggage and evening bags are often remembered, a simple daily bag for excursions or lounging on the ship can be overlooked.

Chapstick with SPF: The lips are one of the most forgotten areas when it comes to sun protection. An SPF lip balm can save you from the unpleasantness of sunburned lips.

Room Freshener or Essential Oils: Cruise cabins, especially bathrooms, can get stuffy. A mild freshener can keep your living space pleasant.

Dress Socks or Hosiery: In the flurry of packing, these small items often get overlooked, only to be missed when dressing up for formal nights.

Conditioner or Special Hair Products: While cruises might provide basic toiletries, they often lack conditioners or specific hair products. If you’re particular about hair care, don’t forget these.

Outlet Multiplier or USB Hub: Cruise cabin outlets can be limited. Expanding your charging capabilities can be especially handy when multiple devices need juice.

Local Currency (in small denominations): While credit cards are widely accepted, having some local currency for tips or small vendors at port stops can be invaluable.

Reading Glasses or Prescription Sunglasses: Overlooked, especially if they’re not used daily, but oh-so-essential when you need them.

No one’s perfect, and the excitement of a looming cruise can scatter even the sharpest minds. This list is your safeguard against those “Oh, I wish I’d remembered to pack that!” moments.

Double-checking against these important cruise packing list items ensures that, big or small, you have everything you need to set sail with confidence.

Extra Items Depending on Itinerary

Every cruise is unique, shaped not just by the ship but also by the destinations on the itinerary. A Caribbean voyage is vastly different from an Alaskan expedition or a European river cruise .

As such, packing without considering your specific route might lead to some significant oversights. Let’s delve into items you might need, tailored to various popular cruise itineraries.

Tropical or Caribbean Cruises

• Aloe Vera Gel: Sunburns are more common closer to the equator. A good soothing gel can provide relief.
• Beach Bag: For those sandy shores and picturesque beaches.
• Insect Repellent: Tropical paradises often come with pesky mosquitoes.

Alaskan or Northern Cruises

• Warm Clothing: Layers are your best friend here. Think thermal wear, fleece jackets, and warm hats.
• Waterproof Boots: For those icy terrains or wet landings.
• Gloves and Scarves: Keeping extremities warm is essential in colder climates.

European or River Cruises

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: European towns are best explored on foot, often on cobbled streets.
• Plug Adapters: Europe’s electrical outlets are different from those in North America.
• Lightweight Rain Jacket: Weather can be unpredictable, especially in places like the British Isles.

Asian Cruises

• Travel Guide or Translation App: Navigating diverse cultures and languages can be challenging.
• Face Masks: In some Asian cities, wearing a mask can be a norm, especially during high pollution days or certain health outbreaks.
• Conservative Clothing: For visiting temples or religious sites.

Adventure or Expedition Cruises (e.g., Galapagos, Antarctica )

• Specialized Gear: Depending on activities, think snorkel gear, hiking poles, or even waterproof pants.
• Binoculars: Enhance wildlife spotting opportunities.
• Specialty Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or even mud boots for wet landings.

Middle Eastern Cruises

• Headscarf or Shawl: Essential for women when visiting mosques or religious sites.
• Sun Hat and Lightweight Long Sleeves: Protect from the sun while respecting local customs.
• Hand Sanitizer: Handy as you traverse through traditional markets or street food areas.

Australian or New Zealand Cruises

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: If you’re exploring the Great Barrier Reef or other marine areas.
• Daypack: For hiking or exploring the diverse terrains.
• Swim Gear: The beaches down under are tempting!

Remember, the joy of cruising lies in its diversity. Every destination offers a new world of experiences, landscapes, and cultures.

By tailoring your packing list to your specific itinerary, you ensure that you’re not just ready for a cruise, but you’re ready for your cruise.

How Best to Pack for a Cruise

Cruises are a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. While the idea of sailing into the horizon is thrilling, packing for such a journey can be a daunting task.

How do you maximize limited luggage space, ensure you’ve got everything you need, and still manage to navigate airline weight restrictions if you’re flying to the port?

Here’s a guide to help you pack this cruise packing list like a pro, ensuring your cruise starts on the right note.

1. Start with a Checklist: Before you even touch your suitcase, make a checklist. Our comprehensive packing guide above is a great place to start. Tailor it to your needs, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

2. Embrace Packing Cubes: These small zippered containers compartmentalize your items, making it easier to organize clothes and find items quickly. Plus, they help compress clothes, saving space.

3. Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes instead of folding can free up more space and reduce wrinkles. For bulkier items, consider using compression bags.

4. Limit Shoe Choices: Shoes can be bulky. Prioritize versatility. A pair of comfortable walking shoes, formal shoes for dinners, and a pair of sandals or flip-flops can cover most needs.

5. Pack Versatile Clothing: Think layers and outfits that can transition from day to night with a few tweaks. Neutral colors can be easily mixed and matched.

6. Use Inside of Shoes: It’s wasted space! Stuff socks, underwear, or even toiletries inside.

7. Pack Toiletries Strategically: Use travel-sized containers. Consider double bagging to prevent leaks. If you’re particular about brands, decant products into smaller bottles.

8. Heavy Items at the Bottom: When packing your suitcase, heavier items like shoes should be at the wheelbase. This distributes weight more evenly and makes your bag easier to manage.

9. Consider a Carry-On Only Approach: If you’re on a shorter cruise, this can be a game-changer. Not only does it force you to prioritize essentials, but it also makes embarkation and debarkation smoother.

10. Leave Some Space: Chances are you’ll return with more than you left with, be it souvenirs, gifts, or duty-free purchases. Ensure there’s a little wiggle room in your suitcase.

11. Waterproof Everything: Invest in a waterproof bag for excursions. Also, consider packing a few resealable plastic bags. They’re handy for storing wet swimwear or protecting electronics.

12. Medications in Hand Luggage: Always pack essential medications in your carry-on. You don’t want to be caught out if your checked luggage gets delayed or misplaced.

13. Jewelry and Valuables: These should always be in your hand luggage. Consider using a jewelry roll or even pill containers to organize and protect individual pieces.

14. Dress in Your Bulkiest Items: If you’re flying to the port and worried about luggage weight, wear heavier items like boots or jackets. You can always stash them away once onboard.

15. Digital Backup: Consider scanning important documents like passports, ID, and travel insurance, and store them securely in a cloud or an offline device. This can be a lifesaver in case of loss or theft.

16. Last-Minute Essentials Bag: Pack a small bag with items you’ll need immediately upon boarding (like swimwear or medications). This ensures you can kick off your cruise without waiting for your primary luggage to be delivered to your cabin.

By approaching cruise packing with a strategic mindset, you transform it from a daunting task into a seamless part of the travel experience.

Remember, cruising is all about relaxation and exploration, and starting off organized sets the tone for a journey you’ll cherish forever.

Setting sail on a cruise is more than just a vacation—it’s an odyssey of experiences, memories, and adventures.

While the vast oceans and enticing cruise ports beckon, ensuring you’re well-prepared is the key to truly immersive enjoyment. Our comprehensive packing guide is your trusty compass, steering you away from common oversights and towards a journey where every moment is cherished.

As you zip up your suitcase and anticipate the horizon, take a moment to relish the excitement. With every cruise essential (and a few extras) in tow, you’re not just embarking on a cruise; you’re diving headfirst into a voyage of a lifetime. Safe travels!

FAQs on Cruise Packing List

Navigating the ins and outs of cruise packing can sometimes feel as complex as plotting a ship’s course. But fret not! We’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to ensure smooth sailing as you prepare for your journey.

1. Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise? It varies by cruise line. Some allow a limited quantity of wine or champagne, while others might charge a corkage fee. Always check your cruise line’s specific policy beforehand.

2. How many suitcases can I bring? Most cruise lines don’t have a strict luggage limit, but remember, cabin space is limited. It’s wise to pack efficiently, considering both your needs and storage constraints.

3. Do I need formal attire on a cruise? Many cruises host formal nights or events. If participating appeals to you, pack appropriate attire . However, there’s usually no obligation, and alternative dining options are available for those who’d rather keep it casual.

4. Is there a laundromat on board? Many modern cruise ships offer self-service laundromats or paid laundry services. Check with your specific cruise line to know what’s available.

5. Can I pack a hairdryer or iron? While hairdryers are generally allowed (and often provided in cabins), irons are usually prohibited due to fire safety concerns. If you need to smoothen out your clothes, consider wrinkle-release sprays or utilize the ship’s laundry services.

6. Do cruise ships provide toiletries? Yes, most cruise cabins come equipped with basic toiletries like shampoo, body wash, and soap. However, if you have specific brands or products you prefer, it’s a good idea to pack them.

7. Should I bring cash or just rely on credit cards? While many transactions onboard will be charged to your cruise account, it’s wise to carry a mix of cash (especially for smaller ports or tips) and credit cards for flexibility during shore excursions.

8. Are there power outlets in cruise cabins? Yes, but their number and type might vary depending on the ship and its origin. It’s always handy to bring a universal adapter and consider a power strip (without surge protection) for multiple devices.

9. How can I minimize the risk of seasickness? Packing motion sickness remedies like wristbands, ginger tablets, or over-the-counter medications can be helpful. Additionally, mid-ship cabins on lower decks tend to experience less motion.

10. Can I bring snacks or food on board? Cruise lines have different policies, but in general, bringing non-perishable, pre-packaged snacks is usually allowed. Check with your specific cruise line regarding their policy on bringing food onboard.

11. What should I pack for excursions ashore? Consider the nature of the excursion. For beach outings, bring swimwear, towels, and sunscreen. For city tours, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and a daypack might be essential. Always carry some local currency, your cruise ID, and a copy of your passport.

12. Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi, and should I pack my devices? Most modern cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, though it might be at an extra cost and may not be as fast as your home connection. Packing devices like tablets, e-readers, or laptops can be handy for entertainment and staying connected.

13. How can I secure my valuables on the ship? Most cruise cabins come equipped with safes. Use them for storing passports, jewelry, or other valuables when you’re not using them. Also, consider investing in anti-theft bags or pouches for excursions.

14. Do I need to pack beach towels? While most cruise lines provide towels for onboard and shore use, some travelers prefer to bring a lightweight, quick-drying towel for excursions.

15. Is there a dress code for dining on the cruise? While daytime dining is usually casual, evening meals, especially in the main dining room, might have a dress code ranging from smart casual to formal. Always check your cruise line’s specific guidelines.

16. Should I bring my snorkeling or diving gear? If you’re an enthusiast and particular about your equipment, bringing your own might be a good idea. However, many excursions offer rental gear, so weigh the convenience against luggage space.

17. Can I pack bottled water or soda? Policies vary by cruise line. Some allow guests to bring a limited quantity of bottled water or soda, while others might charge a fee. It’s crucial to check the cruise line’s specific policy.

18. How do I manage packing for a family, especially with kids? Consider using packing cubes to organize items for each family member. Don’t forget kid-specific items like games, favorite snacks, or comfort items. For infants, ensure you pack essentials like baby food, diapers, and wipes, as these might be pricey or unavailable onboard.

19. Are there restrictions on what I can pack? Yes. Most cruise lines prohibit items like illegal drugs, weapons, candles, drones, and certain electrical appliances. Always check the cruise line’s prohibited items list.

20. Should I pack specialty items for themed nights or events? Many cruises have themed events like “White Night” or “Pirate Night.” It can be fun to participate, so if you’re keen, pack accordingly. However, participation is typically optional.

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Free, Printable and Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist

Cruise booked? Excited to sail but not sure what to bring? I got you! I just got back from a January 2023 sailing with Celebrity Cruises on the Beyond Cruise Ship. (Which I loved!) I am going to share with you everything I packed to bring on my Celebrity cruise (which includes my favorite cruise and travel items) and a FREE PRINTABLE cruise packing checklist. This cruise packing list will make easy work of packing for your cruise. Keep scrolling for the free and printable cruise checklist, what to pack in your carry on, my favorite cruise items and what not bring on a cruise.

At Pragmatic Travelers , we only recommend what we have actually experienced and the travel products we love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links of products that I trust and use when I travel. This means I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Again, I only recommend products that I have used and trust.

Thinking of sailing with Celebrity Cruises? Check out our review of the Celebrity Beyond Review .

Table of Contents

Best Items I Brought on my Cruise

Samsonite freeform carry on.

I hate checking my bags. So I always bring a carry on/personal item. This Samsonite Freeform Carry On suitcase did just the trick. I was able to fit multiple outfits and shoes into this suitcase. It fit easily under the stateroom bed and was a breeze around airports. Practical and reliable! 

Lily & Drew Carry On Weekender/Shoulder Bag

Travel Space Saver Bags

Mangopop Long Sleeve Bodysuit

Soft White Sweater

Silky V-Neck Midi Slip Dress

What I packed: Cruise Packing List

Important items.

• Passport/photo ID
• Cruise materials and shore excursion materials (if necessary)
• Wallet with CASH. I can’t tell you how important that was. I brought cash with me and the cruise staff helped break down large bills.
• Printed luggage tags
• Cell phone with charger
• Portable charger
• Insurance Cards and COVID Vaccine Card

Clothing & Accessories

• Workout gear for exercise and walking to the beach
• Underwear/socks/bras
• Bathing Suits/coverup
• 3 bodysuits (easy to mix and match for the evening)
• 2 dresses and 2 skirts
• 2 pairs of linen shorts
• 2 tank tops
• Sneakers, sandals, nice pair of flats
• Small clutch that fit my phone and credit cards
• Collapsible tote bag with a zipper to bring to the beach
• Spare pair of glasses

Bathroom Gear

• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Daily moisturizer with SPF, concealer and eye liner
• Night cream and eye cream
• Shower gel (didn’t use it much. I just used what they provided.)
• Shampoo, conditioner, gel and a volume product
• Body lotion
• Portable diffuser for my curly hair
• Sunscreen and bus spray
• Powdered laundry detergent (Just in case)

Medical Gear

• Personal medications
• Pain Relief, Imodium, Stool Softners
• Masks and hand sanitizer

Miscellaneous

• Headphones and charger
• Kindle with charger
• Lip Balm with SPF
• Wrinkle Release Spray

What should be in your carry on bag?

• Passport, photo ID, wallet, cash
• Important cruise documents
• Personal medications and motion sickness medication (if needed)
• Change of clothes, bathing suit and sandals
• Jewelry and valuables
• Entertainment gear like your Kindle or games
• Sunscreen and sunglasses

Don’t bring these items on a cruise

• Irons and steamers
• Candles and incense
• Homemade snacks
• Liquor, beer, cider
• Weapons of any kind
• CBD products
• Large floats for the pool
• Beach towels
• Coffee makers, tea kettles, mug warmers

Free/Printable Cruise Packing Checklist

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Cruise Packing List | Ultimate 2023 Checklist [With PDF Download]

Our 2023 Cruise Packing List is the only checklist you'll need in preparation for your cruise vacation. From the "essentials" to the "extras," we've got you covered.

We're constantly asked "what to pack for a cruise." To make it as simple as possible, we've created this printable PDF Cruise Packing List . Click that link for a high-resolution, downloadable Cruise Packing List.

Use the button above to add this to your Cruise Packing Pinterest Board .

We've also included your cruise necessities below. Each section of the list is broken up to provide a bit more detail. When advising our community to pack a "dress shirt," we often have follow up questions. Or when suggesting a "cruise power strip" we're given blank stares. That's why you'll find images and a short description to go along with many items on our checklist. Hopefully that helps to avoid any confusion.

Clothes to Pack for a Cruise

*Below are the clothes you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist.

This is probably the trickiest set of items on our cruise packing list. Depending on where you're cruising to and from, your clothing items will vary. Your specific itinerary will also have an impact on your packing list. If sailing for 7 days, you'll obviously need more stuff than a 3 nighter. Seven-night cruises are the most common. We'll assume seven night in our list below.

With our downloadable packing list, we've included a "Quantity" column. Feel free to adjust this. Some items will require multiple pieces (like socks).

As a woman, what clothes will I need for my cruise?

Cruise Packing List - CLOTHES

Athletic Shoes : You'll be doing a LOT of walking. You'll need a comfortable set of sneakers for the extra-long walks when exploring the ship, port, or hitting the gym.

Casual Shirts : Comfortable shirts are needed for strolling around, breakfast, port-stops, and more, throw on comfortable, casual shirt.

Dress Shirts : Pack dressier shirts and blouses for night-time activities such as dinner, shows, and lounges.

Dresses : Expect at least one "formal night" on your cruise. Check with your agent or the line to see how many you'll have. Consider bringing a dress for each that you plan to attend.

Gym Clothes : Cruise ships are equipped with running tracks, beautiful gyms, rock climbing walls, and many more opportunities to get active. Bring an outfit or two to get in on the action.

Jacket / Windbreaker : The top deck of your ship will be windy (guaranteed). Also, ship venues will have the A/C cranking. Have a light jacket or windbreaker to keep warm.

Jeans : Jeans are great for mid to late day activities. You'll wear these often to events like bingo, exhibitions, snacking, etc.

Leisure Shoes : You'll want shoes somewhere between a sandal and a sneaker. They'll be necessary for walking around the ship or port in mid-range distances.

Pants : Whether sweatpants or slacks, we're sure you have your favorite pants you'll want to take on vacation.

Sandals / Flip Flops : Hopefully you'll spend a good amount of time poolside or visiting cruise port beaches. Sandals are a must.

Shorts : You'll want a few sets of shorts to slip on during the day.

Skirts : Pack some longer skirts for night-time activities or shorter skirts for day-time activities.

Sleepwear : If you have a favorite set of jammies, make sure to stick those in your luggage. Your cabin could be warmer or colder than you're expecting based on the individual ship. Plan for either.

Swimsuits / Cover Ups : You'll want multiple swimsuits for the pool, jacuzzis, beaches, and maybe even waterslides. We bring 3-4 pairs for a seven-night cruise. You're expected to cover some skin when popping into the buffet and other eating venues, so pack a cover up for ease.

T-shirts : We typically pack 7 casual shirts or t-shirts for the week. Also, we love wearing a funny cruise shirt on Day 1 of the cruise. When wearing, you're guaranteed to make ship mates that you'll see throughout the week.

Undershirts / Bras : Easily overlooked and oh so necessary. The ship store will not have your favorite brand!

Underwear : Don't forget to pack that pair you've been saving for vacation. Ooh la la.

Accessories to Pack for a Cruise

Below are the cruise accessories that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist.

These are in the " very easy to forget " category of our cruise packing list. You won't realize you forgot some of these items until you get ready for dinner on Night One of your cruise.

Not this time. Use our accessories checklist to assure that you're fully accessorized throughout your sailing.

Cruise Packing List - ACCESSORIES

Sunglasses : The top decks of your ship will be super bright. Not to mention the powder-white sands at port. Grab a UV-protected set of sunglasses for extra care.

Watches : Cruise ships are infamous for their lack of clocks. As such, cruise passengers are infamous for missing out on events. Consider bringing a watch that's easy to adjust. Cruise ship staff may ask that you set your clock to a specific time (ship and port times can actually differ) to assure that you're back on board before the ship leaves.

Hat : We take a few hats with us. Some for "dress up" and then possibly another for the gym or jogging track.

Belts : This is probably one of the most forgotten items. A missing belt can ruin the whole outfit. Please note that cruise ships have been known to mysteriously shrink belts.

Jewelry : There are two schools of thought here. The first is to pack your fancy jewelry that you otherwise don't get to wear in "real life." Strategy Two is to only include the cheap stuff on your cruise packing list. We see the logic in both and will let you decide.

Purses : We bring purses for night-time activities (dinner, shows, bars) and small handbags for the essentials. Typically, one of each will do.

Journal : If you're like us, you enjoy capturing your cruise vacation in time. There's nothing better than sitting top deck with a warm coffee and journaling about the amazing cruise thus-far.

Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise

Below are the toiletries that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist.

Another set of easily forgotten cruise packing list items... Toiletries! If you forget dental floss, you'll probably be just fine. Forget your contacts, though, and things could get a bit less enjoyable.

Below, you'll find a list of the essentials you'll need in your cruise bathroom.

Cruise Packing List - TOILETRIES

Shaving Cream and Razors : Just know that your cruise cabin bathroom will be tiny. There's very little space to maneuver, in case that impacts your choice of shaving devices.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste : A tube of travel-sized toothpaste will last one person the full week... unless you really like the taste of toothpaste.

Tweezers : It always happens. You think to yourself, "I won't need these." Then two days into your vacation, you really wish you had them. They take up so little space, just pack them!

Makeup : You'll have seven full nights to get all "made up." Make sure to take advantage of each!

Makeup Remover : After a few drinks, it's so easy to just hit the hay without washing off "your face." Make it easy on yourself by packing some proper makeup remover.

Contacts & Solution : There will be plenty to see. Make sure you're able to fully take it all in by packing your contacts and solution.

Hair Brush : "Salt hair don't care" is a phrase that feels appropriate here.

Deodorant : Travel-sized may not be enough. Bring a full stick just to be "sure."

Floss : Food will be in abundance. And some of it may come in the form likely to get caught up in those teeth. You'll be glad that you packed floss.

Facial Cleanser : Your face will undergo a daily regimend of lotion, salt, sand, margaritas and more. Prepare to wipe the slate clean at the end of the night.

Shampoo & Conditioner : We use the cruise ship stocked shampoo and conditioner, but can appreciate that some like to add these to their cruise packing list.

Moisturizer : Unlike a hotel, typically a cruise cabin will not come equipped with moisturizer. Bring your own to stay hydrated.

Face Lotion : Keep your face healthy from the sun, lotion, makeup, and salt air from the week.

Electronics to Pack for a Cruise

Below are the electronics that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist.

Some people prefer to unplug on their cruise. Not us. We like to enhance our cruise experience with our favorite gadgets.

Whether watching our favorite movie on the back deck of the ship, jamming to our favorite song while jogging the track, or capturing a wide shot of the port, we appreciate our electronics while cruising.

Here are the items our family packs for each cruise.

Cruise Packing List - ELECTRONICS

Camera & Memory Card : Smartphones are great for capturing most photos. But, to get that underwater shot or for museum-quality photos, we like to bring our own gear.

Video & MP3 Player : We use this less on the cruise than we do traveling to our ship. While waiting for our plane or our embarkation group to be called, this is a great option to pass the time.

iPhone : We try to limit our phones to photos, the ship's texting plans, and emergency contacts.

Laptop & Charger : We're much more motivated to curate and edit photos or videos as we go. If we wait days or weeks to edit, it never gets done. A laptop is the easiest way to edit as we go.

iPhone Charger : Bring a good charger, not a dollar-store version. You'll find yourself waiting in your cabin while your device charges and you'll want to limit that downtime. A good charger will achieve that.

Cruise Cabin Power Strip : Your cabin has just one outlet. Turn two outlets into five with a small power strip. Note, cruise lines ban most power strips. This power strip is cruise approved.

eBooks : Another great way to spend the time. We love curling up with our favorite e-book while the sun sets. Make sure to download before you board the ship, as internet will be gone (or terrible) once at sea.

Earphones : Don't forget your favorite earbuds or noise cancelling headphones.

Health Items to Pack for a Cruise

Below are the health essentials that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist.

You've waited so long to finally set sail and you deserve this vacation. Don't let anything, like a sunburn or seasickness, ruin it for you.

Below you'll find the "must-have" health & wellness items for your cruise packing list. It's better to be prepared and to sacrifice a little bit of luggage space then to wish you had some of these essentials once on your ship.

Cruise Packing List - Health Items

Compression Socks : Many in our community complain about the "swelling" that occurs on a cruise ship. We've also heard from many that compression socks are the best way to control this ailment.

Water Bottle : This is an absolute essential. It's surprisingly inconvenient to find a glass of water on the ship. Pack this and never get parched.

Reading Glasses : While you won't have access to your Wall Street Journal, you will be reading the Daily Planner and Dinner Menus with frequency.

Tissues : Tissues are always an essential when traveling, particularly with children.

Dramamine : Seasickness can be devastating to your cruise experience. If Dramamine isn't your cup of tea, here are 32 other ways to prevent or treat seasickness .

Prescription Meds : An obvious and super important item on our cruise packing list.

UV Sanitizer Box : In this day and age you can never be too careful. This UV Light Sanitizer Box uses ultraviolet rays to kill pathogens on key cards, phones, and more. It's the same technology used in hospitals! UV Sanitizer Box

Vitamins : Your diet is in for a roller coaster of a ride. Bring vitamins and probiotics to supplement your health.

Pain Reliever : This can come in handy for common headaches or less common ailments like sore feet (from tearing up the dance floor).

Feminine Hygiene Products : Also available at the ship's sundry store if needed.

First Aid Kit : You can always visit your ship's medical facility when needed. We like to have this on-hand for minor cuts and scrapes as well.

Photocopy of Medications : In the rare case that you and your bags are separated, this will come in handy. This can also be used as a shopping list while in Mexico... totally joking - please don't do that.

Refillable Sanitizer Bottles : These are super convenient! Attach to your cruise lanyard or other accessory. Everywhere you go, you'll have sanitizer at the ready! Refillable Travel Sanitizer Bottles

Lip Balm : The cruise line gift shops likely make a killing charging 5x the cost of lip balm for all those forgetting to pack this essential item.

Sunscreen : Double up on your favorite sunscreen. We want to see you cruising for many years to come.

Money & Docs to Pack for a Cruise

Below are the money and document items that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist.

This is one of the more boring categories, but essential to get right on your cruise packing list.

You can forget many of the items on this list and bust out the credit card as a fail safe. But if you forget that credit card, you're in some deep waters.

Double-check this section of your list to assure everything is checked here.

Cruise Packing List - Money & Docs

Cash : Don't worry about foreign cash. The almighty USD is all that you'll need at any of your cruise ports.

Credit Cards : Always default to your credit card rather than your debit card when on a cruise. You'll be much more protected in situations where it's necessary.

Passport & ID : Technically, you probably won't need your passport. But if you have an active passport, we strongly encourage you to bring it.

Vaccination Card : You may or may not need this. Check your specific cruise ship policies for confirmation.

Photocopies of ID's : In the case that your ID or passport is stolen, this will be critical. Consider hard copies and digital copies as backup.

Insurance Information : Most personal insurance plans aren't covered on cruise vacations. You'll want cruise-specific coverage. Here's a great article on what you'll need and what you can expect to pay.

Pen and Paper : You'll need a pen to fill out boarding and customs docs. A pad of paper could also come in handy for those note-takers out there.

Boarding Pass : The cruise line will email your boarding pass. When showing up to your embarkation port, they'll ask for this. It's not 100% necessary, but will save some time.

Excursion Confirmations : It's a good idea to book shore tours in advance. Search all major providers using Gangwaze . Once booked, print and pack your confirmations.

Emergency Numbers : Include essential contacts back on shore in the case that someone needs contacting in an emergency.

Extras to Pack for a Cruise

Below are the extra must-have items that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist.

While the items below aren't 100% essential to your cruise packing list, they can seriously enhance your cruise.

This is, by far, the most fun packing category. In the cruise items list below, we've included the best of the best "extra" items to buy in preparation for your sailing. To see more of these items, check out our post, 29 Cruise Essentials on Amazon .

For some of these items, we've included links to our favorites found on Amazon. All have been thoroughly tested and get our seal of approval.

Cruise Packing List - Extras

Cruise Luggage Tag Holders : Your cruise line will email your e-tags before your cruise. They'll advise you to staple these to your luggage. We're better than that. Cruise Luggage Tags on Amazon .

Playing Cards : Gin Rummy has never been more fun than when played listening to the crashing ocean waves.

Bottle of Wine : Most cruise lines allow you to bring one bottle of wine. Don't lick a gift horse in the mouth... or whatever that expression.

Travel Pillow : Great for the plane ride, but also wonderful in your deck chair.

Towel Bands : The Lido Deck is super windy. Don't lose your towel (and towel deposit) to Mother Earth. Towel bands are a perfect way to secure these to your chair. They also make it easier to find your beach chair in a sea of similar towels. Cruise Towel Bands on Amazon

Ear Plugs : Your cruise neighbors and their noise level is entirely up to chance. Be prepared.

Cruise Lanyards : Never lose your cruise key card again. Also protect money and credit cards while at port. Cruise Lanyards on Amazon .

Cruise Cabin Night Light : One of the most brilliant cruise products we've ever used. Invaluable for the pitch-black cruise cabin in the middle of the night... and it's magnetic to stick to your cabin wall! Cruise Night Light on Amazon .

Cruise Cabin Hanging Organizer : Staterooms are tiny. Add this to your cruise packing list to become the most organized cruiser on your deck. Make sure it's flame retardant, as with this one. Cruise Hanging Organizer on Amazon .

Collapsible Tote Bag : This is perfect for trips to and from the pool and also lugging stuff around port. And it collapses to the size of a wallet for easy packing. Collapsible Travel Tote Bag on Amazon .

Travel Laundry Bag : For those soiled clothes piling up in the cabin corner.

RFID Money Belt : Keep your essentials safe while at port. Your credit cards can be stolen these days from across the room without RFID protection.

Snorkel : If you have extra room and plan to snorkel, this is a great addition to your cruise list. You can pick one up for the price of a rental once you get to port. And you won't have to french kiss a used piece of plastic.

Cruise Staff Thank You Cards : These will turn good service into amazing service and it's heartwarming to do. We've seen cruise staff in tears and never go without these. Cruise Crew Thank You Cards on Amazon .

If you haven't yet, you can download our printable PDF Cruise Packing List . Feel free to add or edit it as you'd like. We hope that it helps to remember everything that you need.

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Complete Guide: What to Pack for a Cruise Plus Printable Checklist

It’s been decades and hundreds of cruises since I packed for my first cruise. Never one to leave anything behind, you’d think I packed for an around-the-world voyage rather than a seven-night Caribbean cruise.

Back then, I didn’t have a cruise packing list or even a checklist to help me pack for my cruise. That’s why I finally put together a packing list for a Caribbean cruise—or a cruise to just about anywhere!

If you’re wondering what to pack for your cruise, here’s my complete guide to packing for a cruise. 

Plus, at the end, there’s a printable packing checklist to get you organized and on your way.

What Things to Pack for a Cruise

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Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned what I should pack for a cruise. I try to pack light so I can always maneuver my way through any concourse, corridor, or cobblestone street.

My goal is to pack everything I need into a 25” spinner suitcase plus a carry-on bag like a backpack or duffle. I check my larger suitcase with the port baggage handler, along with a $5 tip!

Lately, for my iPad, laptop, camera and accessories, I use my Delsey small computer spinner suitcase , too. I’ve dragged both pieces of luggage with me on a two dozen transatlantic crossings, 40+ river cruises and hundreds of Caribbean and other cruises.

Four Basic Rules for Packing for a Cruise

• The first seems obvious but frequently overlooked: know the weather where you’ll cruise.
• Second, you’ll need essential items no matter where the destination is.
• Third, take half of what you’ve pulled out of your closet and drawers.
• Fourth, certain items must always stay with you.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag or Backpack

• Important paperwork – tickets and travel insurance info
• List of emergency phone numbers back home
• Travel ID documents – passport, visas
• Wallet with cash, credit cards (2 credit cards if possible or 1 debit and 1 credit card), driver’s license
• Cruise line luggage tags to attach at destination (if you are flying)
• All medications in original prescription container
• Tip money for porters – $1 and $5 dollar bills in US currency
• Jewelry (leave the good stuff at home)
• Touch-up makeup and toiletries
• Spare glasses and/or contact lenses
• Compact camera – in addition to my iPhone camera.
• Phone and equipment chargers
• Change of clothes to wear until your luggage is delivered
• Laptop, iPad, Kindle Paperwhite  e-reader

Even Teddy loves Packing Cubes . I wouldn’t travel without them. I usually roll my clothes into each packing cube. 

When I unpack in my stateroom, the cube is unzipped and placed into drawers or on shelves. So easy. 

Clothes to Pack for a Cruise

• Dress socks/stockings, athletic socks
• Swimsuits: 1 or 2 and cut-offs are not allowed in the pool
• 1 beach and pool coverup
• 1 or 2 sets of workout clothes/yoga pants/sports top
• 2 or 3 pairs of women’s shorts or capris
• 1-2 casual pants/skirts
• 1 to 3 casual sundresses
• 2 or 3 pairs of men’s shorts/casual pants/khakis
• 4 or 5 T-shirts/blouses/tops for women
• 5-6 T-shirts/polo shirts/casual shirts for men during the day and casual nights
• Jeans are acceptable – not torn or ratty looking – and not at dinner in the main dining room.

More Cruise Packing Tips:  What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

What to Wear on Formal Night

Much of your decision on what to pack for a formal night should be based on the cruise line you choose. Many passengers on luxury lines like Silversea, Regent, and Cunard tend to dress up on formal nights.

• Women:  One or two dressy outfits – dressy pants and blouse, cocktail dress. Some women still wear long formal dresses, but not as often.
• Men:  One sport coat or dark jacket, 2 ties, 1 or 2 collared shirts.

Shoes and Wearable Accessories

• 3-5 pairs:  Sandals, sneakers, dress shoes, comfortable walking shoes. Optional – sturdy closed-toe shoes for horseback riding or hiking, flip-flops for pool, beach, and inside your stateroom.
• Lightweight sweater, cardigan, or pashmina for air-conditioned public rooms.
• Crushable sun hat/cap/visor
• Packable poncho (disposable) or folding umbrella
• If cooler weather is predicted, bring “layer-able” clothes and a jacket, say, for a winter cruise that includes the Bahamas.

Cruise Maven Packing Tip

Seems obvious but easy to overlook. Choose one major color and mix ‘n’ match your wardrobe around it. Bring 1 or 2 lightweight scarves to dress up or change the appearance of the same outfit.

Your cruise ship will provide the basics: shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. Sometimes, their shampoo doubles as a body wash—ick. Unless you’re going on a luxury cruise, you may want to bring your own.

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Poo-Pouri 
• Hair spray or styling spray/gel
• Bar soap/body wash
• Body lotion
• Emery board and nail clipper
• Toothbrush – toothpaste – floss
• Travel size mouthwash
• Contact lens solution (spare lenses go in your carry-on)
• Eye makeup remover
• Insect repellent
• Lip balm with an SPF for the dry air in the stateroom
• After-sun lotion with aloe
• Flat or curling iron
• Folding hair dryer. Ask the cruise line. Some older ships still have wall-mounted, short-cord, low-watt dryers.
• Styling brushes and comb

Makeup and Skin Care

If you tend to use a full array of makeup every day, try to bring only the bare necessities.

• Eye shadow base
• Makeup brushes
• Concealer – If you plan to tan, bring concealer one shade darker, too
• Eyebrow pencil and/or powder filler
• Day treatment products
• Night treatment products
• Hand/body lotion

Here’s My Printable Cruise Packing List

What to pack for a 7-night cruise also works for a 14-night cruise. On a weekend getaway cruise to the Bahamas, obviously, you won’t need as much clothing, but you’ll still pack the same items in your carry-on bag.

Cruise Packing Tip for Cosmetics

I’ve stopped using those pretty makeup bags. Instead, I use clear plastic zip-top freezer bags in various sizes. I put all the makeup brushes into one bag. Then eye makeup and face products (blush, concealer, foundation) into another.

Hair brushes and combs (yes, I travel with two hair brushes, one wide-tooth comb, and a rat-tail comb) go into a large freezer bag. 

I have hair products (travel-size hair spray, mousse, and conditioner) in yet another freezer bag. I can see where every item is without having to rummage around to find the right one.

Finally, when I unpack, I put all my eye pencils, mascara, and brushes into one or two of the bathroom glasses. They are easy to find, use, and put away.

Another advantage of using little bags is that I can roll them up and stuff each one inside my shoes save a ton of space.

Medications & Hygiene

• All daily meds must go into your carry-on bag. Bring the original containers.
• Get your prescriptions refilled at home so you don’t run out.
• Sanitary items for women, bathroom wipes, Clorox wipes for stateroom surfaces, handi wipes for shore excursions
• Ask your physician about a “care” package that includes cough meds, antibiotics, Imodium, a Benadryl-type antihistamine, an anti-itch medication, and anti-nausea.
• First aid supplies – assorted bandages, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, aspirin or whatever you take for pain relief, kid scissors
• Seasick pills like Bonine (doesn’t make you drowsy), Dramamine (makes you drowsy), or naturopathic remedies like candied ginger and ginger chewables can help. Check with your doctor first. I’m not a physician.

Cruise Maven Travel Tip

If you are bringing kids, check with their pediatrician for any other necessary items or suggestions on what you should pack for your cruise with kids.

Convenient Cruise Items

• Night light for your stateroom
• Travel-size flashlight
• Travel alarm clock
• Foam earplugs
• Magnet hooks to hang up clothes, important notes and such – most walls are metal.
• Clothes pins to use for hanging hand washables on the shower clothesline
• Highlighter pens to use for your daily cruise planner
• Dirty clothes bag
• Lightweight beach bag or tote bag that folds into itself for packing
• Extra zip-top freezer bags
• A few sheets of bubble wrap for souvenirs

Read Next:  10 Essential Little Items to Pack for a Cruise

Electronics.

• Mobile phone
• Phone charger, including plug and cord (bring a spare if you have one)
• Laptop or iPad/Kindle (goes in your carry-on) and chargers
• Non-Surge Power Strip with USB  
• Camera, lenses, and filters (see above – in your carry-on)
• Camera battery charger and camera case
• Underwater camera
• iPhone Tripod Selfie Stick with remote
• Any instruction books that you might need to brush up on devices’ features
• Travel-size Bluetooth speaker and charger
• External hard drive (I have this one) or flash drive to download your wonderful photos each night
• Extra memory cards – so you don’t have to buy a weird, non-name brand card in port
• Lightweight binoculars – especially if you don’t have a telephoto camera lens

ALWAYS download all your podcasts, music, movies, and TV shows before you leave home.

Unless you buy an unlimited streaming internet package, don’t waste your expensive onboard internet minutes trying to download anything…it’s nearly impossible anyway.

Spread out all of your electronics on your bed before you pack them. Pair each device with its charger and accessories. 

Then, pack each device with its own gear. It will be a lot easier to find everything later.

How Do I Bring Alcohol on My Cruise

Each cruise line has its own and varying policy for BYOB.

• You may be able to hand-carry one or two bottles of wine onboard your ship.
• Check your cruise line’s website for its alcohol policy details, or ask your travel agent
• Read my list of every cruise line’s policy for bringing wine on your cruise ship.

I hope my cruise packing list helps you to know what to pack for your cruise. I still use my printable packing checklist every time I get ready to leave. Have a wonderful cruise!

Download My Printable Cruise Packing Checklist

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15 comments.

Hi Fran, Ooooh, that’s a great idea! I “collect” those little emergency sewing kits from hotels or cruise ships that are pre-threaded. I have one of those old Buttoneer gizmos, so that’s probably why I didn’t think of a sewing kit. I’m sure they are also available on Amazon. Thanks for the terrific suggestion and taking the time to add your suggestion. Happy travels! P.S. For a major repair, you can ask your room attendant to see if someone in the laundry area can do any alterations. I did that once with a dress that I didn’t have time to fix before a Holland America cruise. But maybe that isn’t an option anymore.

Hope you’ll include a portable Sewing Kit for emergency stitching.

This is a great list. I have traveled on over 80 cruises, and this is exactly what I have needed. It is compact and concise.

That’s a very good point. I’ll mention it again. There’s nothing more embarrassing that being in a store in Europe and having your credit card declined simply because the bank didn’t know you were overseas. Thank you for your comment. Sherry

Hi Sherry, Please remind your readers to call their credit card companies in advance and alert them to your travel plans. Fraud protection these days will often put a hold on a card if it’s used outside your geographic region.

Hi Liz, Perfect timing! I’ve been working on an Alaska packing list for this week. After my trip to Alaska last summer and staying for 6 weeks, I learned a lot about what to pack (it was 80 and sunny in September!)and how to prepare for weather variations. I hope to have it published later today or tomorrow. Please check back or if you subscribe to my newsletter, it will be there either this week or next. Thank you for writing! Happy cruising! Sherry

HI Sherry, This sounds very much how we pack for warm weather cruises. 7 nights in our train luggage. However, do you have an alternative list for Alaska? Especially when there are no launderettes on ship?

Hi Karen, I’m so jealous…I loved my recent Panama Canal cruise and would go again in a minute! I’m glad my crazy-long packing list is helpful for you. Have a fabulous cruise! Sherry

This looks like a perfect list….been looking for a while, Everything covered. About to try it out, 30 days until my departure ….first cruise …. going through panama canal. Thanks

Hi Karen, Thanks for sharing your idea! I especially like the convertible cocktail cup concept! Bon Voyage to you, too! Sherry

My husband and I NEVER go on a cruise without our TRAVEL COFFEE (COCKTAIL) MUGS. The coffee cups are so small on ships, we load up on the coffee and walk the ship/shore with it. Then it turns into our cocktail class. The insulated mug keeps our drinks cooler much longer. BON VOYAGE!

Hi Marlene, All good ideas! Thank you for contributing to the list. Sherry

Extra zip lock bags of various sizes. Travel alarm.

Hi Marcia, Thanks for your comment. I’ve heard from others that also bring a battery candle. And I totally agree about bringing more than one credit card…I have a fear of getting it trapped in an ATM! I hope your summer is off to a good start. Sherry

Nice list Sherry. Instead of a nightlight I bring a battery tea candle light(s), I don’t have to worry about a plug and I place it where it works for me. Also, never travel with one credit card. I had one get trapped in an ATM.

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Updated on April 29, 2024 by Wesley Edwards

Ultimate Cruise Packing List – Printable Checklist Included!

Lucky you! You’re off on a cruise. You’ve got your trip booked and now you need to put together the ultimate cruise packing list before you set sail. If you’re wondering what to pack for a cruise, look no further. Our cruise checklist with help you decide what to wear on a cruise as well as other cruise essentials you’ll need to bring onboard. In addition to knowing what to take on a cruise, you’ll also need to know how to dress, how to pack and what little extras are important to bring.

Making a list of what to bring on a cruise is essential. Download my printable cruise packing list! You’ll find it further down in the post. This post focuses primarily on what to pack for a Caribbean cruise but the cruise check list is customisable for any type of cruise you’re headed on. For other location-specific cruise ship packing lists see these posts:

• If you’re looking for advice on what to pack for an Alaskan cruise, read my Alaska cruise packing list  post.
• If you’re looking for advice on what to pack for a Mediterranean cruise, read my European cruise packing list post .

What to Wear on Cruise Vacations

Wondering how to dress on a cruise? Knowing what to wear on a cruise ship isn’t easy if you haven’t been. When I think about Caribbean cruise clothes, I think of bright, light and airy resort wear. Picking your clothes for a cruise is actually pretty easy. Break it down and think about the tips of activities you’ll be doing on board though and it’s actually pretty easy to work out how to dress for a cruise.

Excursion outfits

This can be anything from workout gear for active excursions, resort wear for city excursions & shopping or beachwear. It depends on what you plan to do when you’re in port.

Around the ship

Think of your cruise wear clothing as resort wear. Around the pool desk is pretty casual. Dining in the buffet for breakfast, lunch or dinner is also casual. Shorts are acceptable but not swimwear.

Non-formal dining nights

In the dining room on regular nights, dress as you would going out to dinner or drinks with friends. I’ve heard it referred to as “country club casual” . People tend to dress nicely.  Men wear collared shirts and sometimes a sports coat. Women wear sundresses or pants and a nice shirt or tunic. Jeans are acceptable in the dining room so long as they are nice jeans with no tears.Children can wear shorts & t-shirts in the dining room.

Formal night on cruise

On a 7 day cruise there are usually two formal dining nights. Cruise formal wear isn’t as strict as it used to be. You will see a few tables dressed to the nines in evening gowns and a tux but most passengers will go for nice evening wear. Cocktail dresses or a jumpsuit is perfect formal cruise wear for ladies. Men usually wear a dark suit & tie but if you don’t have it then a dark shirt is fine. Boys should wear pants & a shirt. Girls should wear a party dress. If you don’t want to bring fancy clothing, you really don’t have to as there is also buffet dining, speciality restaurants and room service.

Need more inspiration on what clothes to wear on a cruise?

• For some specific ideas on cruise attire, read my post on 12 cruise outfits you’ll love to wear  where I show how to turn seven key items of clothing into 12 outfits for a cruise.
• For some specific ideas on styles of dresses that work for a cruise, read my post on cruise dresses.
• For some specific ideas on cruise formal wear, read my post on what to wear on cruise formal night

Packing List for Cruise

Planning what to pack for cruise needs quite a bit of thought. I would encourage you to get organised now and print out my checklist for cruise packing below. Go through your own wardrobe and look at the clothing you already have and decide what would make good cruise apparel. Then fill in the gaps by buying a few extra items. It’s always nice to have something new to wear for a vacation!

My biggest tip for deciding what to pack for a 7 day cruise is to think of outfits you can create and selecting pieces of clothing that work with one another . My Caribbean cruise packing list consists of a mixture of excursion outfits, clothes for cruise ship wear, resort casual pieces for non-formal evenings and cocktail dresses for formal wear for cruise dinners.

This is a 7 day cruise packing list. For longer cruises, you will be able to do laundry on board. For shorter cruises, just omit a few outfits to suit the length of your trip.

Clothes for Cruise Travel

• 3 Vest tops – For wearing under tunics and kimonos
• 3 T-Shirts – Striped t-shirts make great cruise wear!
• 2-3 Tops – Something like this red chiffon vest top is ideal.
• White or black Bermuda shorts (or capri pants if you don’t feel comfortable in shorts)
• Denim shorts
• Short romper (or extra pair of shorts or capris if you don’t feel comfortable in a romper)
• White jeans – Stretchy pull on ones like this are ideal! You could also go for light linen pants or palazzo pants. I have a full list of the different types of pants for travel in this post .
• 2 Sundresses – One black and one coloured or print
• Colourful maxi dress
• Black jumpsuit – This one is very affordable and comes in a tonne of colours if black isn’t your thing. If you don’t want to do a jumpsuit, add in a second maxi dress/
• 1-2 Cocktail dresses – This one is absolutely gorgeous for plus size women! . A nice black or navy dress is also a good option.
• 2 Set of workout clothes – Either for the gym or active excursions if planned
• Cardigan – For cool evenings or to wear on the plane
• 8 Pair of underwear – Enough for a 7 day cruise
• 3 bras – One nude everyday bra, one black evening bra and one white sports bra

Your swimwear is one of the most important things to take on a cruise! After all, you will be spending a lot of time in the pool or at the beach. You don’t need to bring a beach towel as they are provided onboard on the pool deck or when you’re leaving for excursions in port.

• 2 Bathing suits – I love the Miraclesuit which is an amazing slimming bathing suit!
• 2 Beach cover ups – You can use the tunic and kimono as part of the clothing listed above or have dedicated beach/pool coverups
• Aqua booties (if you’re planning any water sport excursions that require them)

Accessories

• 2 Pairs of sunglasses – 1 nice pair and 1 cheap pair  for wearing in the pool & sea
• Colorful print scarf
• Pashmina scarf for cooler evenings and wearing on the plane
• 2 statement necklaces
• Tote for every day use
• 2 Clutch purses for evening use
• Sneakers – Sketchers Go Walk sneakers are fantastic for travel!
• Sandals – Aerosoles are my preferred style of sandals for travel. Check out these ones or these ones.
• Wedge sandals – Aerosoles also make incredibly comfortable wedge sandals that look fantastic. Check out these ones .
• Heels – Pick one pair of black or nude strappy heels that work for cocktail dresses or jumpsuits.

Other Things to Bring on a Cruise

Of course clothes are not the only things you need for a cruise! What to bring on cruise depends a little on personal preference, especially in terms of electronics.

Electronics

Electronics may come under the list of things to pack on a cruise vacation…. or they may not! A cruise is an excellent “digital detox” vacation as internet is very slow and expensive on board. You’ll pay about $200 for a week long cruise if you want internet in your cabin. You won’t need a travel hair dryer as they are a provided on board.

• JOTO waterproof iPhone case – I love mine so much! For using my phone at the beach or pool and keeping it safe from sand & water and for taking pictures and videos in the water.
• Hair straightener or curling tongs – You can get travel-sized ones like this and this . I have a whole post dedicated to finding the best flat iron for travel if you’re interested!
• Smartphone (just be wary of additional roaming charges when you are abroad)
• All chargers for your devices
• Portable battery pack for charging your items on excursions
• Walkie talkies – A read just suggested these to me as a great tool when traveling with older kids so you can keep in touch without them needing to make expensive cellphone calls. Great idea!

While you will get some basic toiletries provided in your cabin, it’s often not adequate quality or quantity for me personally so I like to bring my own. I recommend decanting your own shampoo and conditioner into travel bottles. These squeezey silicone ones are the best. Use a hanging toiletries bag for your bathroom essentials. You can organise your toiletries further by using small Ziploc bags for things like makeup, hair accessories and first aid items. Put your sunscreen and bug spray in a large Ziploc bag so you can pop it into your tote when you head off on excursions.

• Moisturiser
• Toothpaste (travel size)
• Toothbrush (travel size)
• Conditioner
• Hairbrush (travel size)
• Hair ties and bobby pins
• Make up remover – Make up remover wipes are great for travel.
• Razor and shaving foam (travel size)
• Sunscreen – This is my absolute favorite sunscreen. It smells amazing!
• Aftersun lotion in case of sunburn
• Bug spray (travel size)
• Antacids – In case you overindulge at the buffet!
• Any medication you require
• Hand sanitizer (travel size)

Seasickness Prevention

A couple of things to pack for a cruise that I would definitely recommend for everyone is seasickness prevention supplies. You never know how your body is going to react to the motion of the ship so it pays to prepare in advance. Throw all these little items into a Ziploc bag together so you can put your hands on them if you need them. Once you return home, keep them bagged up for your next cruise!

A little seasickness prevention pack makes a nice gift for someone you’re cruising with also!

• Essential oil blend to calm motion sickness
• Ginger candy
• Lysol disinfecting wipes – Give your cabin surfaces a good wipe down when you first arrive. Although they are cleaned thoroughly it always pays to disinfect your room to prevent against cruise bugs like norovirus.

Pop all your documents in a travel document wallet to keep them organised. A money belt is also a good idea for cruise excursions when you don’t want to bring your wallet along.

• Driver’s licence
• Wallet – Bring some cash in US dollars as this can be used at most cruise ports
• Credit card & debit card – Only take one out at any time so that if you lose your wallet you still have access to funds
• Cruise booking print outs
• Excursion booking print outs
• Highlighter pen – For highlighting activities you want to do on your daily schedule

Cruise Packing List for Men

My cruise packing list for men is fairly similar to the women’s list above. All the extras can be shared between travel partners so I’ll just cover the list of what to wear on a cruise for men. Men’s cruise wear is relatively straight forward. Cruise attire for men means short sleeved shirts or t-shirts with shorts during the day. Evening cruise clothes for men on non-formal nights is slacks, long sleeved shirts and maybe a sports coat. Formal cruise attire men is a dark suit, shirt and tie with dress shoes or a tux if you’re going full formal. Tuxes can be rented on board.

What to Wear on a Cruise Men

• 2 Pair of shorts
• 3 Short-sleeved shirts – Something like this shirt is fun for cruising!
• 5 T-shirts or polo shirts
• 2 Set of workout wear
• 3 Long-sleeved shirts
• 2 Pair of chinos or khakis
• Sport coat or blazer
• Dark suit (if you are dressing up for formal night)
• Sweater – For cool evenings or to wear on the plane
• 8 Pairs of underwear

Shoes & Accessories

• Leather sandals or  Boat shoes
• Sport sandals
• Dress shoes
• 5-7 pairs of socks – A mix of dress or sport depending on your outfits
• Belt (1-2 to match your outfits or a reversible one )
• Baseball cap
• 2 Pair of sunglasses – One nice pair and one cheap pair  for swimming
• 2 Sets of swimming trunks
• UV rash vest
• Aqua booties (if you’re planning excursions that require them)

Cruise Packing List for Kids

As a mom it’s up to me to decide what to pack for kids on a cruise. Thankfully the rules for dress codes and cruise wear for kids is a little more relaxed. You know your kids best so feel free to adjust my family cruise packing list.

What to Pack for a Cruise for Kids

• 5-7 T-shirts
• 3 Sundresses for girls
• Party dress for formal nights
• Shirt for boys on formal nights
• Sweatshirt or caridgan – For cool evenings or to wear on the plane
• 10 Underwear
• Diapers & wipes (if necessary)
• 4-5 Pairs of socks
• 2 Sets of sleepwear
• 2 Swimsuits – UV swimwear is best for kids as it means less area to apply sunscreen
• Swim diapers (if necessary) – Children must be potty-trained to swim in pools onboard the ship but you may need a few swim diapers for excursions.
• Dress shoes – Only if you’re getting really dressed up for formal dining as a family or having family portraits taken

What to Bring on a Cruise with Kids

You won’t need to bring your own portacrib for babies & toddlers. They are provided by the ship.

• Coloring book & crayons
• Small selection of toys – Cars, dolls etc for playing in cabin
• iPad with games
• Kids’d headphones
• Any special comfort items they need like blankets or lovies
• Lightweight stroller (if necessary)

How to Pack for a Cruise

Here’s what luggage I recommend for a cruise:

Suitcase – Don’t bring a huge suitcase. When you’re packing for cruise trips, remember that your stateroom will be quite small. If you follow my packing list for a cruise below you won’t overpack. A 25″ suitcase should be adequate. This one from Delsey is great! . If you’re sharing a suitcase with your travel partner, then a 29″ suitcase like this will also work. There is limited storage in stateroom closets for multiple large suitcases so it’s a good idea to share one per family.

For further tips on packing for a cruise, check out my post 10 Cruise Packing Tips.

Cruise Packing Checklist to Download

All of the items from my cruise list above have been collated into an easy cruise packing list pdf that you can download and print. As you lay out items for your vacation, check them off the cruise packing checklist pdf so you can organise yourself ahead of time.

>>> Download here: What to Pack for a Cruise Checklist PDF

Questions & Comments on What to Pack on Cruise Ships

I hope you’ve found my cruise checklist, packing advice and ideas of things to wear on a cruise helpful. Good luck with your packing for a Caribbean cruise!

What do you wear on a cruise? I’ve love to know. I’d love to know what you think are the must-have items to take on a cruise.

Join Our Facebook Group to Chat More About Cruise Packing Tips

If you want to ask a specific question, chat to other cruisers about what to pack for your cruise or share your own cruise packing advice then join our Facebook group on Cruise Packing Tips!  We would love to help you work out exactly what to pack or hear your own ideas about what gear you use on your cruise. Join us for some fun and friendly discussions.

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Wow, such thorough info! Nice job.

I love how detailed you were and also how you have the images of the outfits. Will definitely be coming back to this post when we take a cruise!

This is a FANTASTIC list. Cruises seem to be the HARDEST thing for me to pack for this printable will be totally helpful. Pinned for later.

Awesome post!! Getting ready for our multi-gen cruise and needed to send our first time cruising family a good post. Yours was perfect friend 🙂

Oh awesome! Glad I could help. Where are you cruising next??

Hello there! I wanted to add something we have found absolutely necessary for families with kids…..walkie talkies!

We use these to keep in touch with our kids since we do not want to get a huge phone bill at the end. The kids love them because they can also switch the channel and talk with each other! And best of all, no searching the ship for our kids and we can all get together when we need to!

Hope this helps! Marisela

That is an EXCELLENT idea Marisela! Our kids are little still but I can totally see that being useful for older kids or if traveling with an extended family group or friends. I love it! Will add it to the post. 🙂

Ooo forgot to say AWESOME JOB on the post! I’ve been on a ton of cruises but my parents who have never been wanted a checklist and thought before I started to reinvent the wheel I’d search for one and found several but yours was by far the best list out there! Thanks!

Thank you so much for the compliment! I love solving problems for people and what to pack seems like such a common one. Glad I could help your parents! Where are they cruising?

WOW! You are amazing! I am a 76 year old grandmother. I have been on a few cruises and always over packed. My daughter is taking me on a first time 10 day western mediterranean cruise, I LOVE your beautiful outfit ideas/packing list etc. and I am having fun using them all. You are a God Send. Thank you very much.

Oh thank you so much Judy! That is super kind of you to say. I love hearing that what I put out there online has helped someone get read for their trip.

You can join our cruise packing group on Facebook too if you want to ask some questions! Here is the link – https://www.facebook.com/groups/cruisepackingtips/

This information is great but when I click to print, the page is “not found”. Any suggestions?

I’ve fixed the link. You can find it here – https://flashpackerfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/The-Ultimate-Cruise-Packing-Checklist-PDF.pdf

This is fabulous! The best site I have been to for Cruise tips! My husband and I are planning our first cruise ever in March of 2018. We are very excited and this post has helped A LOT!! Thank you 🙂

That’s awesome to hear Allie! Where are you cruising to?

Let me know if you have any questions. You can join our cruise packing group on Facebook here if you’d like to chat more about your cruise with me and other travelers – https://www.facebook.com/groups/cruisepackingtips/

LOVE your post! Going on my first cruise, southern carrebean for 10 days. So excited, but I think I have over packed big time. I have a carryon for toiletries, jewelry and change of cloths. I am on oxygen so I needed to pack in my 21 in. Suit Case my concentrator with accessories for overnight use. Plus I have my crossover purse as well as my crossover portable oxygen concentrator. I have 5 shorts with 5 tops, 2 capri with 4 tops, 2 short sundresses, 3 bathing suits with 3 coverups, 1 black jumpsuit, 1 long blue and white dress. 1 sequin black shawl and a white ballerio, beige wideleg dress slacks with 1 topa lightweight sweater shawl. I also have white skinny jeans with 2 tops and a pair of skinny blue jeans with 1 top. Have white blue, black soft sandals as well as flip flops, sneakers and black dress shoes and beige dress sandles. I need help!!

Thank you for taking the time to give such a detailed list! I am having trouble downloading the pdf – it says it can’t find the server?

pdf is no longer available. Can you help?

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The Ultimate Cruise Vacation Packing Checklist & Best Tips [Printable]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Director of Operations & Compliance

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Table of Contents

Cruise packing tips and advice, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Whether you are new to the cruising life or a regular seafarer, taking a vacation onboard a luxury liner is an affordable and fun way to see the world and make new friends along the way. Seasoned cruisers and rookies alike get to enjoy action-packed days and fun-filled nights on a vacation that is as high energy or laid back as you want it to be.

With so much to see and do, packing for your cruise vacation can be a bit of a nightmare. Make sure you have everything you need to dress for dinner or dive in the pool by downloading our cruise vacation packing list before you go.

📋 Click Here to View Our Printable Cruise Packing List 📋

Cruise vacations offer lots of different activities and destinations. Follow these top tips to ensure that you are always dressed for the occasion.

Getting Started

Check the weather.

Out on the ocean waves, it can get pretty chilly at night, no matter how tropical it may feel during the day. Cruise ships offer lots of indoor entertainment to suit long days at sea, inclement weather, and occasional rain, but you will need to check the weather before you to leave to see how many layers you need to pack.

Weather is an important factor if you’re going on a cruise to Alaska . You’ll need to include things like a jacket, boots, and a hat in your suitcase to be prepared.

How Many Nights Are You Away?

A 7-, 10- or 14-day cruise should require several outfit changes. Unlike similar vacations on land, you will not always have access to laundry facilities so you will need to make sure you have enough clothing to see you through.

Because you can’t take your entire wardrobe with you on your cruise vacation, it is vital that you understand how to mix and match key items to make them work for you.

Bottom Line: As a rough guide, for a 7-night cruise you will need to bring enough clothing for at least 4 formal or semi-formal nights, a couple of casual evenings, pool and loungewear, and practical clothing for excursions on dry land.

Are There Any Special Occasions or Themed Nights?

Cruise ships may assign daily dress codes that take effect in public rooms and restaurants from 6 p.m. onward. You may be expected to dress up for dinner , so be sure to pack lightweight, interchangeable items of formal attire and shoes to go with them.

If you want to bring your own costumes for themed nights or fancy dress — go ahead! Cruises are all about having fun, so bring as many as you can pack if that’s your thing.

Make a Packing List Early

Buying, sorting, and packing for your cruise vacation is not just a necessity — it is also an exciting part of the cruise vacation experience. Start shopping and planning as early as possible to ensure that you have everything packed and ready by the time you leave.

Choose the Right Luggage

Most cruise line companies will allow you to bring up to 2 full-size suitcases onboard, although there may be restrictions on weight. When thinking about the right luggage for your cruise vacation, think of it more like staying at an upscale hotel, rather than cramming your belongings in a carry-on .

Your cases should be large enough to carry everything you need, but not so big or heavy as to be difficult to lug through the cruise terminal. You will also have a limited amount of space in your cabin, so don’t go mad with oversized cases as you will have nowhere to put them. Stick with hard-sided luggage, too, as it will protect your belongings better.

Purchase Travel-Sized Items

The “3-1-1” rule does not apply to cruise ships. You can bring full-sized bottles if you want to, but most cruise liners will supply shampoo and shower gel in the cabins on your arrival. Save space for other items by bringing travel-sized versions of your toiletries.

Hot Tip: Check out these ways to book a cruise using points and miles .

What Electronics Should I Take?

Cruise ship vacations are designed to keep you entertained every minute of the day. From sunbathing on deck to fitness classes, live music, and midnight buffets, there is never a dull moment out on the ocean.

Wi-Fi can also be limited, and you may have to pay extra for access to it. But, if you do want to take electronics onboard with you, limit them to:

A digital camera — You will want to capture epic images of life at sea, as well as the many destinations you will visit along the way. Read our guide to buying a digital camera for travel if you don’t have one already.

An e-reader — If you like to read when sunbathing or winding down at night, download a few e-books before you go for your e-reader .

Your laptop — Catching up on your emails while sipping a coffee in the lounge is a wonderful way to work if you really have to. Laptops are welcome onboard, but they are your responsibility to keep safe for the duration. Don’t forget travel insurance to keep you covered.

Your cell phone — Always worth taking. Call home and tell them what a wonderful time you are having!

Hairdryers and styling appliances — Cruise ships will usually provide a hairdryer in your cabin, and there is no rule against bringing your straightening irons or electric curlers.

You will not usually be able to bring your travel iron onboard, but most ships have laundry services of some kind where you can pay to have your clothes laundered for you.

Hot Tip: Most cruise liners will have U.K., U.S., and European plug sockets in the cabins, so you may not need to bring a travel adapter . However, you should confirm what your particular ship offers before you go.

Travel Admin

Flying to your cruise terminal, boarding the ship, and disembarking at various ports of call will all require tickets, passports, and other paperwork. You will need to have everything with you, either electronically or in paper format, otherwise, your cruise vacation will be a total non-starter.

You will, at the very least, need to have:

Your Passport

Passports are not technically required if you are a U.S. citizen embarking on a “closed-loop” cruise route. This means that you depart from and return to the same U.S. port, after visiting at least 1 foreign port of call. If you are leaving from and returning to separate ports, you will need your passport. 

While an Enhanced Driving License may suffice for I.D. on a closed-loop route, it is probably best to take your passport with you just in case, and all passengers should be sure that it is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

Your Tickets and Travel Documents

Your tickets will usually be in the form of electronic documents that are either downloaded or sent to you by email. These will also include useful information such as the departure date, itinerary, and airline details if you are flying into shore. You may also want to print a hard copy of all of the above and keep them in your bag, just in case.

Usually, cruise vacations are all-inclusive, and you shouldn’t have to pay for food, drink, and entertainment. You may, however, need to pay for specific activities and excursions while onboard and on dry land, and you will also need to tip the staff while onboard (if not pre-paid).

Keep the majority of your money (and even your cards) in the safe in your cabin closet. Most cruise staff and fellow passengers would never dream of helping themselves to your money, but better to be safe than sorry.

Your Personal Details

In case of an accident or illness, you should keep a copy of your personal details somewhere easy to find . Print basic details like your name, address, next of kin, and any relevant health issues on a credit card-size laminate, and tuck it in your purse or travel wallet .

Hot Tip: Make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck! Check out our list of the best websites to book cruises at the cheapest prices .

Packing Your Luggage

Prepare for the perfect cruise vacation by packing everything you need, and not a single item more.

Get Everything Together and Lay It Out

The key to always looking awesome on a cruise vacation is making sure you bring the right items for every occasion. Before you start to pack, lay out everything that you want to pack out in front of you . This way, you can see how much room you are going to need in your suitcase (or even how many cases you will need), and what, if anything, you are missing.

Pick Capsule Items

With a variety of dress codes and themed events taking place throughout your cruise vacation, it is essential that you can find the right mix of outfits for every occasion. A capsule wardrobe will help you to mix and match your formal wear to look gorgeous every evening, as well as dressing down to lounge and look great around the pool.

A sample capsule wardrobe for a cruise vacation could include:

• 3-5 bathing suits
• Flip flops for the pool or beach
• Sneakers for the gym
• 3 pairs of shorts
• 3 casual shirts
• 3 beach cover-ups
• Enough socks and underwear for a clean pair every day
• 1 sweatshirt/sweater as nights can be chilly on deck
• Dress or smart trousers
• A formal skirt
• 2 formal tops
• A formal jacket
• A pair of smart shoes
• Make-up, jewelry, and accessories to dress up evening wear

Remove Anything Unnecessary

If you are unsure of what not to take, have a look at the website for the cruise ship you are about to travel out on or read passenger reviews. For example, if it turns out that there isn’t a gym or track onboard, you can take out your sportswear as you will have no use for it.

Your luggage allowance may be more than you would usually enjoy on an airplane, but that doesn’t mean you need to take your entire wardrobe with you.

Consider Washing Clothes on the Road

Some cruise liners have laundry facilities that you can use yourself for a small fee. Be aware though, that these are in the minority and most will have serviced laundries that will charge to wash and iron your clothing.

You may get away with washing your small items in the sink, but drying facilities will be scant if you have an inside cabin.

Fold, Interfold, Bundle, or Roll?

Once you have your definitive list of what to take with you, and you have purchased the perfect set of luggage, it’s time to get packing. Want to arrive crease-free and ready to roll? Try these different packing techniques for your next cruise vacation:

Folding — Folding your clothes is the most traditional way to pack your luggage. Freshly laundered and nicely folded items should be packed in the order that you want to unpack them when you reach your cabin. If you do it well, your items should be pretty crease-free on arrival.

Interfolding — By cleverly layering clothes on top of each other in a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top format, you will be able to unpack well-organized outfits, that arrive wrinkle-free and ready to roll.

Bundling — By tightly folding or wrapping your clothing around your bulkiest pieces, like a pair of sneakers or your toiletry bag , you can save much-needed space and decrease the risk of wrinkles.

Rolling — Rolling your clothes is a great way to get casual items neatly packed without wrinkles. This is a space-saving technique used by many experienced travelers, but be wary of rolling your formal items — stick with a hanging garment bag instead.

Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes provide useful zippered compartments that can be removed from your suitcase to help keep your items well organized on the move. Keep your swimwear, shoes, underwear, and all manner of other items all in 1 place with these smart little portable compartments.

The cubes stack neatly meaning you never waste any space in your suitcase, and they can even help compress your belongings so you can squeeze even more in.

Secure Your Liquids

If you are planning on decanting your full-sized products into smaller, travel-sized containers, be sure that they are leakproof. While the “3-1-1” rule does not apply to cruise ships, you may still need travel-sized bottles for your onward journey, or you may prefer to use them.

Stuff Your Shoes

Stuffing your shoes with socks or underwear helps them to keep their shape, as well as helping to save space in your suitcase.

Take Sticky Notes

This is not a joke and is a great secret weapon for making your cruise life a bit easier. Made a new friend in cabin 1005 and want to meet them for drinks later? Leave a sticky note on their door. Sometimes the simplest methods of communication are best.

Other niche items you may not have thought of are:

• A lanyard to keep your room key easily accessible
• A corkscrew because there’s never one around when you need one
• A small portable fan for your cabin
• An alarm clock with night light for your cabin

Hot Tip: Get started on the right foot — use a great travel rewards credit card to book your cruise so you’ll earn points or miles with each sailing!

Airline Considerations

Check the airline baggage policy.

Different airlines have differing types of restrictions, but there are some general rules that you need to keep in mind when traveling to the port to take your cruise:

Cabin Luggage

Every airline has carry-on allowances that restrict the size and amount of luggage that each passenger can bring onboard. If your carry-on luggage is too large, it will be placed in the hold and also cost you extra.

Cases and carry bags must be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches to fit in the overhead locker and are limited to 1 carry bag or case per passenger. Passengers may also carry 1 small purse or shoulder bag but this depends on the airline. There is not usually a restriction on weight.

Bottom Line: Always check with your airline about carry-on luggage restrictions so that you don’t get caught out at the airport.

Checked Luggage

Most airlines will allow for 1 checked item per passenger for international flights for free but may charge for checked items on domestic flights. Your suitcase should not have a total dimension of more than 62 inches. That’s the total measurement of the length, height, and width.

Your checked luggage should not exceed 50 pounds in weight , and you may be charged fees if it weighs more. Each airline will have different restrictions so please check with yours first before you travel.

Other items such as strollers , sports equipment, wheelchairs, musical instruments, and other medical items can also be checked, but you should speak to the airline first.

Follow the 3-1-1 Rule for Carry-On

The TSA has strict rules for anyone carrying liquids onboard any domestic or international flights. Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces, and they must be carried in a clear plastic bag.

The 3-1-1 rule essentially means:

• 3.4-ounce bottles or less
• 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
• 1 bag per passenger

Never Check Essentials

You may be hoping that you can stash your currency, medication, and money in the shiny hardshell suitcase that you have purchased especially for your cruise vacation, but honestly — don’t!

Always keep your essential personal belongings in your carry-on bag; this way they will always be close at hand when you need them.

Pack Spare Clothes in a Carry-On in Case of Delays

Airline travel can lead to lost or delayed luggage from time to time. To prevent your arrival at the cruise terminal with nothing but your purse and passport, pack an emergency change of clothes in your carry-on.

Apps for Packing

Sometimes it’s useful to ask for a little extra help with getting organized. These packing apps can help to ensure you never leave a single item behind:

PackingPro offers sample lists that can be used to get you packing, or you can build and customize your own based on your clothing preferences and expected weather conditions. You can create lists for multiple travelers and share them via iTunes, Airdrop, or iCloud . You can even attach photos and add scheduled alerts to remind you exactly what to do and when to do it.

This useful little app is only available on iOS and costs $2.99.

While the free version is pretty basic, an upgrade to the paid version will give you a variety of useful additions to the list building element of the app. With gender-specific packing recommendations and expected weather conditions , this intuitive and easy to use app also lets you share your lists and will convert your list to a PDF for printing.

This app is available on iOS and Android, and the Premium edition costs $4.99.

Travel List App

With an easy to use interface, the Travel List App allows you to view your information in list or calendar format, and you can set reminders and alarms to pack specific items and tick them off when they are packed. Fully customizable lists can be synced via your iCloud account or shared on social media.

The app is only available on iOS and costs $1.99 to buy.

Create your own individual packing list for you and your family based on your destination, the duration of your cruise vacation, and the weather forecast. You can share your lists with fellow Packtor subscribers, and you can make duplicate lists and sync them on all of your other devices to ensure you never leave anything behind.

This app is available on both iOS and Android and is free to download, although in-app purchases are available.

Packing List Checklist

This easy to use app will help you to pick suggested items for your next cruise vacation, as well as creating your own customized categories. Use both the “To Do” and ‘To Pack” lists to help get organized , and set reminders and alarms to make sure you don’t forget anything. You can also sync your list with all of the other iOS devices you use before and during your cruise vacation.

The app is available on iOS only and is free to download.

Apps for Cruise Vacation Travel

Make the most of your next cruise vacation with these top traveling apps:

Cruise Ship Mate

As one of the most popular cruise apps available, Cruise Ship Mate has lots of fun features that will help you interact with your fellow passengers both on and off the ship . See the full roster of passengers embarking with you, check out deck plans and entertainment programs, or find things to do in your various ports of call. You can even view the deck cams in the run-up to your cruise vacation, and share a cruise countdown on social media.

The app is available on iOS and Android and is free to download.

As the most popular trip planner and flight tracker in the U.S. today, TripIt is much more than just another packing list app. You can save all of your electronic travel documents in 1 place, build your own itinerary, and send a comprehensive list of your travel plans to yourself and fellow travelers.

TripIt Pro also offers more advanced features, including interactive maps and real-time flight checkers.

The app is available on both iOS and Android. The basic edition is free, or you can upgrade to Pro for $49 per year.

Cruise Card Control

It can be easy to overspend while onboard and trying to live the luxury lifestyle regardless of your budget. This app is designed to help you budget and track your onboard spending and offers a straightforward way to monitor your outgoings with an easy to use expense tracker. You can create custom categories, enter costs along with pictures of receipts, and have a customized budget with helpful graphs to keep track of how you’re doing.

Available on iOS only, this app is $2.99 to download.

Deck Director

Taking deck maps to a new dimension, this app offers simple, step-by-step directions to any place or amenity on board the supported cruise ships . Not only is it a handy tool for anyone who gets lost easily, but it is also a useful app for passengers with limited mobility who need to be able to traverse the ship using elevators. You can also link up with fellow passengers using the real-time chat facility.

See the skies like never before with this stargazing app designed for cruisers. The night sky is brighter and more beautiful out at sea, and by simply tilting the device towards the sky, the intelligent GPS technology will track the position of the stars, planets, and moons in real-time , so that you can see what’s going on up above.

The app is free for both iOS and Android devices.

How to Prepare Your House Before You Leave

Before you head out off on your dream cruise vacation, be sure to take care of a few basic housekeeping chores at home:

Clean out the refrigerator — You don’t want to return home from your vacation to a stinky house and a kitchen full of rotting food, so clear out date-sensitive produce and give everything a quick wipe over before you leave.

Take out the trash — All of those items that you have just thrown out of the fridge need to be disposed of. Take them, and any other garbage bags out to the trash before you go.

Check the laundry — Nobody wants to return to the laundry that has sat wet in the washer for weeks on end. Prevent sour smells and even mold by checking your washer and dryer before you leave.

Program your thermostat — Save money and energy by re-programming your thermostat to only come on for an hour or so a day. That way, you can come home to a house that is the perfect temperature and also avoid any burst pipes if the weather is freezing.

Put your lights on timers — Deter burglars by setting your lights to come on using timers or smart devices. A little light every evening will make your home look occupied and therefore less attractive to would-be criminals. If you have a smart hub, you could even put your TV on for an hour or so at a time, too.

Ask a friend to check in — Have a friend or neighbor check in regularly to collect your mail. Doormats piled high is a sure sign of a vacant property, making it an attractive proposition to burglars. Have them collect it, and you can pick it up when you get back from your cruise vacation.

A cruise vacation is an experience unlike any other. With plenty to see and do, and tons of new people to meet along the way, many cruise vacationers find themselves returning year after year.

Make your next cruise vacation the best ever by getting your packing groove on nice and early. Create a carefully crafted packing list, and you really can’t go wrong. With apps to help you create and share your packing lists and to remind you what to buy and when to pack it, you can be better organized this time than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i pack for my cruise.

You can download a printable cruise packing list here, but as a rough guide you will need to pack:

• Travel documents such as your passport, tickets, and boarding passes.
• Items for personal comfort such as a neck pillow, eye mask, and ear plugs.
• Electronics
• Medication and health products
• Clothing, shoes, and accessories

What can you not bring on a cruise?

Prohibited items will vary depend on the cruise company you are traveling with but here are some general guidelines of items you should not take on a cruise:

• Firearms and sharp objects
• Flammable objects and explosives
• Illegal drugs
• Coffee makers and hot plates
• Skateboards and scooters
• Self-defense items such as pepper spray

How much cash should I bring on a cruise?

The amount of cash you need on a cruise is less than you think. Cruise lines will have your room key tied to an account that you can pay off by card. The same usually applies for gratuity.

Cash will therefore only really be needed for days in port and the amount will depend on your spending habits and how many shore days you have.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The BEST Cruise Packing List (And What Not To Pack)

Heading out on a cruise? This is the ultimate cruise packing list with a free printable cruise packing checklist.

Not only that, but you’ll learn some packing tips and 16 items you may not realize you need on your cruise packing list – plus why you need them. Some links are affiliate links that earn me a commission if you purchase through them.

Heading out for a Caribbean vacation instead? Make sure you check out my beach vacation packing list , too!

I love to cruise. I love to be on vacation in general, especially somewhere warm. Cruises, however, let me explore a variety of locations with minimal effort.

Plus, someone else cooks. Someone else cleans. Someone entertains my entire family.

That doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine and roses, however. Personal space tends to be less than what we’re used to. Some in my family suffer from seasickness.

And then there are some things that just make life easier on a cruise ship, many tips I’ve learned the hard way. Who doesn’t want a vacation to go as smoothly as possible?

What to pack for a cruise?

Like most vacations, people tend to overpack. That’s ok if you have the room, but cabin storage space on cruise ships tends to be far less than most vacation spots.

When you pack, realize that you’ll likely spend most of your time in a swimsuit if you’re on a Caribbean cruise vacation. You don’t need a new outfit every day.

You do want to be sure to pack at least two swimsuits, and for a 7 day cruise, I pack three swimsuits. You also want at least one coverup that works for you to grab a casual breakfast and lunch.

If you eat in the main dining room, you need slightly nicer clothing for the evening, but slacks and a collared shirt or a pantsuit or sundress works just fine most nights. Depending on the length of your cruise, you will have one more more formal nights that are dressier.

However, if you choose to do the buffet or its equivalent for dinner, shorts and a t-shirt are just fine there, too.

Make sure to check the dress code for your particular cruise. They will also tell you how many formal nights or theme nights you have, which helps you plan.

If you book any excursions, know if they require any special items, whether that’s long pants, comfortable walking shoes, water shoes, reef safe sunscreen, or something else entirely. Your booking confirmation always includes that information.

Investigate, too, what essentials your cruise cabin includes so you know whether you need to pack shampoo or can use theirs and whether you need a hair dryer, etc.

Needless to say, since I wear my “real” clothes for just a few hours – and generally immediately after I showered from the day by the pool or in the ocean – I wear them more than once. I may bring just three or four sundresses and two t-shirts and a couple pairs of shorts.

Use packing cubes to help fit everything into a smaller space – like a carry on in my case – or fewer suitcases. Once aboard, use the ironing boards they have or a wrinkle release spray as needed.

Packing just cruise essentials helps me not run out of space in the small closets and limited drawers.

Use the same strategy for your shoes. Think about packing in a color palette that lets you wear the same evening shoes rather than having to pack a different pair of shoes for each outfit.

This leaves me room for the other cool things to bring on a cruise like my over the door organizer and flameless candles. Read on to see why these are also cruise essentials I never skip!

What medications should I bring on a cruise?

When you go on a cruise vacation, it is hard to easily pick up what you forgot at home, and everything costs more aboard the ship and at your cruise destination while you’re in port. This includes medications.

While cruise ships do have doctors on board if you have a medical issue, they have somewhat limited “regular” hours, and they can be expensive. If you bring what you’re likely to need from home, that’s less stressful and cheaper.

Be sure you have seasickness remedies on hand. My husband always gets the prescription patches that work fantastically, but we also keep ginger gum and Dramamine on hand just in case.

Obviously, you need to pack your prescription medications. Be sure to keep them in their original prescription bottles in case there are ever any questions. Pack extra medication and not just for the number of days you’ll be gone to ensure nothing prevents you from getting home on time.

If you plan to drink alcohol, bring along hangover remedies . And because we often eat more food and richer food than we do at home, bring along heartburn medication and Pepto, etc.

Make sure to have pain relievers, aloe in case of sunburn, and after bite in case the bugs in port like you.

If you’re truly reliant upon them, pack extra prescription glasses and copies of prescriptions just in case something happens.

Download the free printable cruise packing list

Download this cruise packing list and print it out to check off the items to ensure you have what you need for your trip and don’t forget any critical items! This includes standard vacation items plus the cruise must haves.

Click on the image or download the free printable here .

Packing strategies for embarkation day

When you first board the ship, you often do not have access to your cabin immediately. You check your luggage (including your airplane carryon bags) with porters and keep just your personal items.

Note: make sure you tip the porters!

For me, I keep a lightweight backpack with me that contains my essentials: my laptop and tablet, passports, boarding passes, good jewelry, medications, and swimsuits (especially when we’re coming from cold weather to warm weather).

If there is something I absolutely cannot be without, I keep it in my backpack the same way I do when I fly. However, I do not want to wheel around a carry on bag aboard ship, dodging crowds of people trying to figure out where they want to go, so I minimize what I keep with me.

My luggage gets delivered straight to my cabin, and I have always been lucky enough to have it before I change for dinner the first night.

Snafus do happen, but they are rare and thankfully generally get straightened out pretty quickly. This is why it’s critical to have those cabin tags printed and why I love the plastic luggage tags that protect them!

What NOT to pack for a cruise

Cruise ships often have a list of items you cannot bring aboard. All your luggage goes through screening prior to boarding, and they will remove anything forbidden and hold it for you until the end of the cruise.

The exception to that rule? If you bring illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, etc., you will not get them back. Some cruise lines will return alcohol to you, but many will not.

The alcohol policy also varies by cruise line, so be sure to read it carefully. Most let you bring two bottles of wine or champagne per person, but anything you buy in a duty free store or in port, they hold until the day before you disembark.

So what can’t you bring? Make sure to check your cruise line for their list, but this includes examples of common items people try to bring but can’t.

• Irons or clothes steamers (ships will have irons available to you in their self serve laundry rooms)
• Extension cords (go for the multi outlet adapter I share below instead)
• Baby monitors
• Perishable items (sealed cookies, chips, etc are allowed)
• Candles (no flames on a boat! Flameless battery operated candles are allowed)
• Anything that generates heat or has an open flame (curling irons and hair straighteners are the exception)
• CBD oil and CBD products
• Sharp objects, including knives and scissors (personal grooming products are allowed, as are scissors with blades until 4 inches)
• Self defense items like pepper spray

This is not a complete prohibited list of items on cruise ships, so make sure to review the prohibitions for your cruise line if you have any questions.

Check out more cruising tips at the end of this article.

Cool things to bring on a cruise.

Digital Luggage Scale

While I am a firm believer that no one should pack anything they don't need, if I plan to check bags, I always bring this digital luggage scale with me.

I've had so many people beg me to use it and then rave about it and go home to buy their own!

The last thing anyone wants to do is arrive at the airport to discover that your suitcase is overweight and you have to pay extra or reshuffle everything in full view of the entire terminal. That is just no fun.

Instead, I use this digital luggage scale to figure out exactly how much my suitcases weigh before I head to the airport. We all buy souvenirs, and even when we don't, our suitcases are somehow magically heavier at the end of a trip. (No? Just me?)

This is absolutely worth the suitcase space. I've found that this one is accurate, and it goes up to 110 pounds, not that anyone should have a suitcase anywhere near that heavy!

Save yourself the headache - keep this in a pocket of your suitcase at all times so you never forget to pack it!

Cruise Luggage Tags

Any bag that you drop with a porter - and for me, that's everything except my backpack - needs to have your luggage tags attached. This is the paper you print out at home with your deck, cabin, and name that ensures your bag makes it to your cabin.

I used to pack a mini stapler so that I could staple the luggage tag closed around my suitcase handle just before I dropped them with the porter. If I put them on before that, I risked them coming off on the plane or taxi, and I didn't want my personal information (name and cabin number) shared with everyone.

Finally, I discovered these way cool luggage tags.

They're reusable, and incredibly secure. You just twist the braided steel wire together, and it stays.

I leave mine on my suitcase all the time, and pop the zip closure on the tag portion to add my luggage tag when I reach the cruise terminal.

When I'm not cruising, I use it as a suitcase tag to store my personal info for when I check a bag.

This set comes with 8 tags and easily holds your cruise luggage tags from pretty much any cruise line. I won't cruise without these now!

Once you actually get on board, pretty much the only thing you need is your cruise card. It's your room key, your method of payment, your access to all the things...

You see people wearing these everywhere, and the lanyards are super easy to wear for kids and pretty much for everyone.

You see people walking around with them all the time on cruise ships. I like the lanyards with the plastic holder for the card rather than the one that relies on a hole in your card.

Yes, you can buy this on your cruise ship. No surprise, they're far more expensive on a cruise ship than when you buy them before you go.

Cell Phone Case that Holds Your Room Key

Another alternative to hold your cabin key and a couple bucks or a photo ID is a phone case that has a secure compartment that slides open to hold them. I actually use this style case on my phone all the time, not just when I travel.

I can hold my phone up to my cabin door and unlock it with the key without having to search for anything. If I'm on an older ship with a lock that requires me to slide the card through a strip reader, it's easy to access.

The back slides open easily, and the case is strong, too. I drop my phone all the time, but – knock on wood – have never cracked a screen. Winning!

• iPhone case
• Samsung Galaxy cases

Travel Straws with Silicone Tips

So many cruise lines are doing away with straws altogether or replaced them with paper straws. Neither works well when you just want to enjoy your drink.

Instead, pick up these metal retractable straws. They have a silicone tip that feels good, so you aren't drinking straight from metal.

I love that they "grow" as big as you need them. In other words, you can have a shorter straw for a smaller glass and a taller one for a bigger drink.

Four different colors in each pack means you can assign each person a different color, which means you know you're using "your" straw. And the carabiner clip means it's easy to attach to your lanyard or bag or anything else without damaging it.

They also come in individual cases, so they stay clean when you aren't using them. And yes, they include bottle brushes so you can wash them on your cruise.

One note: make sure they're fully dry before you put them back in the case to be sure they stay perfect long term.

TSA Approved Liquid Travel Containers

We all know the TSA 311 rule, right? Liquids in your carry on have to be 3.4 ounces or less in a single quart size zip top bag, and only bag per passenger.

Even if you check your bags, make sure you have the critical items in your carry on – a change of clothes, travel documents, medicine, etc. That means my hair products, sunscreen, and the like, too.

Wellll some of those bottles are huge, so I found the perfect liquid travel bottles. I love these for so many reasons, and I’ve travel tested these, so I know they work.

Multiple colors, BPA free silicone, and no leaks? Sign me up for right around $10 any day.

I have used mine for years, and they are in great shape trip after trip.

Over the Door Organizer

Everyone always wants - ok needs - more room in their cabin. An over the door organizer is perfect to create some of that space for you.

It fits easily inside a suitcase, and you can use it for so much more than shoes. We store hairbrushes, hair dryers, toiletries, and more in it.

And yes, we store shoes in it, too, but they go towards the bottom. We used to just toss shoes onto the floor of the closet, but we inevitably spent five minutes digging through the pile to find the ones we wanted. This is way easier.

When you go down a cruise ship hallway, every cabin door looks the same. Whether you're tired or trying to find a friend's cabin, this can be a challenge.

That's PART of the reason so many people decorate their cabin doors. Be sure to read what is and isn't allowed for your cruise line, but have fun with it!

A magnetic dry erase board will stick to the door - yes cruise ship doors are metal. This lets you leave messages for friends or family letting them know where to meet you or what you're up to.

But have fun with your decorations, whether it's photos of your family, a themed set of decorations, or birthday or anniversary banners. It's a great way to let your personality shine.

Magnetic Hooks

So in addition to that cool metal door, cruise ships also have metal walls, which is perfect to help counteract that storage space issue I talked about earlier.

These magnetic hooks are just about the best thing ever.

Wet swimsuits? The drying line in the shower isn't big enough, so I hang them on hooks along the side of the room instead. (Not dripping wet because that's just rude!)

It's the perfect way to organize hats, to hang up the extra things that don't fit in a closet that don't "need" to be on a hangar, and more. Because they're magnetic, I can move them around to fit what I have to hang.

And once again this fun addition to a unique cruise packing list is neither expensive, nor does it take up much room in your suitcase.

Travel Hangers

Maybe it's to encourage people to pack less, but I find that the closet in the cruise ship rarely has as many hangars as I need. But hangars are a pain to pack, so I just deal with it.

Or I did until I discovered foldable hangars designed for travel. These fold up small so they don't take up much room in my suitcase, but they expand to hold shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, and more.

They are a lifesaver sometimes when I have clothes I don't want to have to fold!

Multi Outlet Adapter

In addition to not enough space, there are never enough outlets. Once upon a time when we traveled with a hairdryer and maybe a curling iron or electric razor, the limited outlets worked.

Today we have phones and tablets and more. For everyone traveling. Most cruise ships don't provide enough outlets for everything to charge overnight.

Thankfully, you can bring a multi-outlet adapter to fix the issue. I bring my Belkin with me on every trip.

This adapter is compact and includes multiple 3 prong plugs for your devices plus two USB slots. Its plug also swivels, so you can rotate it to best fit where you need to use it.

How much do people love this? My parents "borrowed" mine for their last cruise. And now my dad refuses to return  it, so I have to buy a new one. Thankfully they aren't too expensive!

LED Tea Light Candles

For real. Hear me out.

In your cabin, the light switch to the bathroom is outside the door. They don't put it in the bathroom, but in the main room.

Let's think about that. All you light sleepers are already with me.

Anyone who has to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night needs a light, but what happens when you open the door to go in? Yup, that stream of really bright light goes right into the main room waking you up.

This has been a source of consternation in my family for years. My husband suggested I just use a sleep mask, but I don't sleep well with them. I suggested he not get up in the middle of the night, but that didn't go over well.

Instead, before we go to sleep, we turn on two battery operated tea lights in the bathroom. They reflect in the mirror and give off plenty of light for your night adjusted eyes to see what you need to while in the bathroom, but they don't wake up everyone else in the cabin.

I've used the tea lights I currently own for 19 nights at sea, and they have yet to burn out. When they do, this comes in a pack of twelve, and I always keep extras in my suitcase for that day.

Since we're talking about small quarters and cabin living, let's be honest for a quick second. The small bathroom doesn't come with a fan, and sometimes you need it to.

I feel like I don't need to say a whole lot here other than the fact that this spray works - as long as you remember to use it before you go. The 1.4 ounce size is carry-on allowed, so you can bring it even if you are a carry-on only traveler like me.

Do your family a favor - or make them do you a favor - and pack some Pou-Pourri for you next cruise. I told you this was a unique cruise packing list, and I bet you didn't think about this!

I cannot tell you what a miracle Sea Bands are for my family (and so many others I know). The first time we got on a ship, we realized my son gets incredibly seasick.

Thankfully, I just happened to tuck these into my suitcase, and combined with ginger gum, he went from green to absolutely fine in about five minutes. He wears them every cruise we go on now, and he's never had another issue.

If you or anyone you know is prone to seasickness, I cannot recommend these enough. In fact, I have an entire article filled with tips to help prevent and deal with seasickness . Go ahead - read it!

The Perfect Sun Hat

Whenever you spend time in the sun, you should wear a hat and protect your face and ears. I found my absolute favorite sun hat ever. I’ve been using it since 2014, and it’s still going strong in 2022.

I can pack this hat and not worry about crushing it. When it gets wet, it doesn’t lose its shape. And it comes in all sorts of colors.

And my favorite feature? It rolls up when I’m not wearing it, so it doesn’t take up a ton of room in my beach bag or my suitcase.

Oh, and did I mention it’s right around $20? When I thought I lost it this summer, I had another one in my cart on Amazon in a heartbeat!

I usually pack a ball cap, too, for outings where I want my hair out of my face but am not as concerned about the sun, but I never travel without this hat.

Towel Clips

If you've never been on a cruise, you may be surprised by the amount of wind you experience at sea, especially when you're sitting by the pool on the upper decks. Depending on where you sail, the wind can blow your towel off your chair when you stand up.

Even when you sit on your chair, the wind sometimes pushes the corner of the towel onto you. Me? I find that annoying.

But the biggest reason I pack towel clips ? Everyone on the cruise ship has the same towel because you use the ones they provide.

When I stand up and do something with my kids then try to head back to my chair, I don't always remember which one is mine. People get cranky when they think you're trying to steal their chair!

The towel clips help me easily identify which chair belongs to me, so I can spot it in a hurry. 

My only request? Don't be THAT person. The one who saves a chair with a towel early in the day then doesn't use it until much later. You'll find a chair when you need one, so let those of us who only take a chair when we plan to use it find one more easily.

A Locking Bag for Your Chair

When my mom travels with us, she's "Towel Grandma." She watches our chairs and our towels and our stuff while we go play. Unfortunately, she doesn't travel with us every trip.

And unfortunately, there are some people out there who don't always remember that what's yours isn't theirs. Having something stolen while on a cruise is a nightmare of mine.

Thankfully, you can purchase a bag to hold your critical items that you can lock to your chair , whether you're sitting at the pool or on a beach on an island. In fact, this is great for anytime you travel and need to leave belongings unsupervised like water parks or other beach vacations and more.

This particular version has a three digit combination lock you can attach over the arm of a lounge chair (or a closet rod), and it's big enough to hold a few phones, your keys, a wallet if you need, and the like. And yes, it will fit your Kindle but not a full size iPad.

Waterproof Phone Case

I refuse to ruin my phone in water, but I don’t want it stolen either. When on vacation, I tend to put my phone into a waterproof case and wear it around my neck when hanging in the pool, etc.

These cases come in a set of two and have never leaked. They’re easy to use, but always do the tissue test before you use it the first time on vacation.

They’re perfect for snorkeling. I love that you can take photos underwater with these for some great memories. Just remember to turn your phone on through the case before you go underwater.

Their vibrant colors and long cords make them easy to spot them in case they float away from you.

They’re another pretty inexpensive purchase – for two cases mind you – that just takes stress away from your vacation. Add this stat to your beach vacation packing list.

Full Face Snorkel Mask

When I cruise, I spend a lot of time in the ocean. Sometimes I'm on organized excursions (and you can read about some of my favorites at the end of this article) and some are hanging at the beach and playing in the ocean on my own.

Either way, this full face snorkel mask is so much better than the snorkel masks I used to use growing up and that I get when I rent them. I can see so much more easily, and it's a lot more comfortable than traditional snorkels.

The breathing part is designed to keep water out, which is a huge issue for my kids. They feel more comfortable and secure snorkeling with a full face mask, and I get why.

Microfiber Beach Towels

Yes, your cruise ship provides towels for your use. I'm fully aware of that, but I still always pack two microfiber beach towels whenever I go on a cruise.

When I do a shore excursion, it almost always involves water in some way, shape, or form. The towels from the cruise ship are bulky and take up a lot of room. If I have to carry them all day - especially at the end of the excursion when they're wet - I get cranky.

These microfiber towels are perfect. They're much more compact, and they dry much faster. That means they're much easier to take with me; I may even put the kids in charge of towel carrying!

Speaking of water activities, I travel nowhere without my dry bag . This one works as a backpack or messenger bag style - I have the 30L bag; the 20L also does this.

I feel like anytime I'm on a boat, whether it's a catamaran ride or snorkeling or SCUBA, my stuff gets wet. Sometimes it's from the ocean spray, but usually I put my bag down somewhere dry that is wet by the end of the excursion.

I don't want my stuff ruined or even damp. On the flip side, when I have wet stuff, I don't want it to leak and get me wet.

This bag accomplishes both purposes.

When I want to keep everything dry, I just pile it all in my dry bag and seal it. I can hold multiple towels - especially those microfiber ones I mentioned above! - and a change of clothes and my phone and wallet and more.

When it's time to change, I take out all my dry stuff and put it in a separate travel backpack. The wet stuff goes into the dry bag, and I stay dry. Magic!

Underwater Camera and Accessories

I cannot tell you how much I love my GoPro . Whenever I cruise, I spend ton of time in the water, whether it's on a beach at the cruise line's private island or snorkeling or SCUBA diving or any other water focused activity.

My phone camera just doesn't cut it, and it's amazing some of the footage I can capture with the new GoPros - so much better than my original one from many years ago.

If you take your GoPro, make sure you get a waterproof float stick to ensure it doesn't disappear in the water. And always get a high quality memory card with more room than you think you'll need!

If you think you'll get several accessories, pick up an accessories kit instead. They have most of what you'll want to purchase and cost you less in the end.

Lightweight Backpack

In general, backpacks aren't waterproof, but they're great to hold a whole bunch of "stuff" easily. In fact, we usually bring multiple backpacks so that we have at least a few for my family to use.

After we drop off our suitcases with the porters, we still want to keep some items with us - knowing that we generally can't access our cabins immediately. The day we board, we put swimsuits, sunscreen, meds (never leave your meds in your suitcase), wine if we bring a bottle, wallets, phones, and the like.

It's much easier to carry a lightweight backpack than it is to roll a suitcase around the ship until we can put things in our cabin safe or unpack.

When we do excursions, we put what we need in a backpack and carry that rather than purses, etc. It's much more comfortable, and things don't feel as heavy in a backpack compared to other carrying options.

I love this backpack because it is water resistant (little sprays, some rain) and because it is packable. It folds into a tiny bag so if you aren't using it at the time, it doesn't take up a ton of space.

Xlear Nasal Spray

The very last thing any of us wants is to test positive for covid either before you get on the cruise or before you make it home. I am not a medical professional or offering medical advice by any stretch, but I have heard so many good stories about Xclear nasal spray .

This is one that the manufacturer claims may alleviate congestion and prevent bacteria and other pollutants from sticking to nasal tissues. I have heard from multiple people who have used this to help clear remaining covid symptoms that allowed them to test negative faster.

And yes, testing negative faster meant they could take their planned trips and not have to cancel. For me, it's worth that peace of mind.

Vaccination Card Protector

To cruise, you need to show your vaccine card. The last thing you want is to lose it or damage it because they are often not easy to replace.

We all know (now) not to laminate it, but I love these clear card holders that are the perfect size for your card to keep it safe. Clear mean that you can show both sides easily without having to remove it from the case.

When I travel, I store mine in my passport holder where I know it's safe and I won't lose it. Having an assigned spot for all your travel documents is always a smart idea!

Passport Holder

Yes, I did mention a passport holder above. This is something I carry with me anytime I travel internationally, and especially when I cruise.

I love having this holder because it lets me easily access my passport when I need to show it to customers or immigration. And at the same time, it holds pretty much everything I need when I travel, so I don't need to pull out my wallet and my passport and potentially lose something.

Inside, I store my Global Entry card, among other thing. (You know you should get Global Entry or at least TSA Precheck, right? Here's why and how you apply for TSA precheck .)

This passport holder has space for a few credit cards, as well as cash. a slot I can stick my vaccine card in, and smaller pockets that hold an extra SIM card when I'm traveling to a specific country that needs one or memory cards for my camera or GoPro.

Packing Cubes

How do I pack a week's worth of everything into a carry on suitcase with room to spare? I use compression packing cubes.

I LOVE these things. They let me fit so much more into a smaller space with ease.

They're strong and sturdy yet lightweight and really increase the amount of clothing I can get into my suitcase.

Pro tip: I pack one cube that has exactly what I need when I arrive from my cold weather home to warm weather destination that I can easily pull out and change into. This way, I don't have to hunt and dig for what I need!

Insulated Water Bottle

Not only do I love using an insulated water bottle on a cruise ship or at a resort to stay hydrated while I’m out and about easily, but I use it as I travel, too.

Leave your bottle empty, then fill it at a drinking fountain as soon as you pass through security. Many airports now have water bottle stations, which is great.

Forget having to wait for a flight attendant to come through with the drink cart – you’re all set. This is one item I know often gets left off a beach vacation packing list, but you want it!

Pro tip: I use a wide mouth bottle so I can pour a drink into it from the bar and take it to the pool or ocean and not worry about it spilling. But no matter what, this keeps things hot. Or cold.

What do you need to bring as part of your unique cruise packing list?

More great cruising tips:.

• The BEST containers to hold liquids for carry-on
• How to stay in touch internationally
• Why you need TSA precheck
• Where to snorkel in St. Maarten
• SCUBA in Cozumel
• Stingray City and Turtle Farm excursion in Grand Cayman
• Do you know about Carnival’s  Chef’s Table experience ?
• Aruba pirate ship experience
• Grand Cayman shipwreck snorkeling
• Belize Great Barrier Reef snorkeling
• Belize Mayan Ruins experience
• Roatan: Pirates, Birds, and Monkeys
• Curacao: Ostrich Farm Excursion
• What to pack
• Barbados: Pirate Ship Adventure
• Explore the Secret River in Cozumel
• How to get your AOW SCUBA certification
• Check out all my other cruise tips

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Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Printable PDF)

If you’re planning an upcoming cruise vacation, you’re probably working on a list of things to pack for your trip. If so, we’ve got you covered. No matter which of the major cruise lines you are sailing, the cruise packing checklist below will help you get organized.

Whether you’re sailing on a short, three day cruise itinerary or you’re lucky enough to enjoy one of the longer cruises, the printable packing list below will help you prepare for your trip.

In the post below, we have organized cruise necessities into several categories. You’ll find packing checklists for your boarding day carry-on bag, cruise essentials (including outfit planning), beach must haves, tips for cabin organization, and baby necessities.

You’ll also find our free printable cruise packing list, which is available in PDF format for you to print for your trip. Before you print the checklist, we highly recommend reading through this whole post since we detail exactly why each item is needed. So, continue reading below for helpful cruise packing tips and your free printable cruise checklist!

(This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.)

Free Printable Cruise Packing List

If you’re looking for a checklist of items to pack for your cruise, we’ll provide our full list below. You’ll notice that some of the (bold) items might seem strange or unique for a trip. If you’re wondering what we use each item for, you can scroll through the article for a more detailed explanation as well as specific brands my family uses. For a quick view of our packing checklist, this is our family’s list of essentials:

• Collapsible Hamper
• Zip Lock Bags

Magnetic Hooks

• Hanging Closet Shelves
• Over Door Shoe Organizer
• Swimsuits (2-3 pp)
• Undergarments
• Socks/ Shoes

Dinner Outfits

Day outfits.

• Cardigan/ Light Jacket
• Workout Clothes
• Themed Night Clothes
• Antibacterial Wipes
• Prescription Medicine
• Driver’s License
• $1 Bills for Tipping
• Chargers for Electronics
• Sea Sickness Prevention
• Glasses/Contact Lenses
• Toothbrushes/ Toothpaste
• Floss/Mouthwash
• Shaving Cream/ Razors
• Hair Brush/ Products
• Face Moisturizer
• Perfume/ Cologne
• Hair Dryer/ Flat Iron
• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Collapsible Sand Pails
• Shovels/Toys
• Water Shoes
• Re-fillable Water Bottles

Power Strip

• Liquid Hand Soap
• Air Freshener
• Dish Soap/ Bottle Brush
• Pre-packaged Snacks
• Downy Wrinkle Release 

We like to print our list so that we can easily mark off each item as we pack. You can find our free printable cruise packing list here or by clicking on the image below. You’ll notice that the items are organized into sections in this printable cruise packing list. We also include a blank page for you to add your own items. The free printable comes in PDF format and is a great cruise planning tool.

If you would like additional resources for packing for your cruise vacation, we created a 30+ printable cruise planner for our Etsy shop. This digital planner includes planning tools like hotel comparisons, daily itinerary plans, trip budget worksheet, outfit planner, and more. You can find this cruise planner in our Etsy Shop at the image below.

For more information about our packing list items, including links to the specific brands we use, you can check out the information below.

Carry-on Bag Packing Checklist

We are going to start with items you will want to carry on the ship with you. My family and I tend to board the cruise ship with a carry-on backpack. This allows us to organize our carry-on items in the different sections of the bag. The backpack is also super easy to carry around on the ship.

Many cruise lines do not allow you to have access to your cruise cabin until mid-afternoon. This means you’re basically stuck with your carry-on bag until your stateroom is open. So, make sure you choose a carry-on bag that is comfortable to haul around with you until you can store it in your room. You can see the bag we use here . (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Note that your carryon bag must be able to fit through the security machine upon entering the cruise terminal . Similar to the airport X-ray machine, your bag must be able to slide through the machine. The items below are important items that my family and I make sure to pack in our cruise carry-on bag:

• Passports/Identification Documents – We use our passports at check in and then store them in the stateroom safe throughout the trip. 
• Driver’s License – Since we leave our passports onboard the ship, my husband and I take our driver’s licenses off the ship and into each port. It’s also a good idea to carry a picture of your passport just in case.
• Cash – Put $1 bills or $5 bills in your carry-on for tipping. We tip our driver to the port and the porters who handle our luggage when we arrive. 
• Sea Sickness Remedies – I pack motion sickness remedies in my embarkation bag just in case I need them before our luggage arrives in the stateroom. This includes Seasickness Bracelets . (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Other Important Necessities – glasses/contacts, cell phone, camera, chargers, prescription medication, luggage tags

Additionally, you may need extra items if you plan to swim on embarkation day . My kids wear their swimsuits under their clothes when boarding. So, I pack a change of clothes for them in our carry-on bag in case their clothes aren’t in our stateroom by dinner time. If we plan to spend time on the pool deck, I also include sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hairbrush in our embarkation day carry-on bag.

Cruise Essentials

In addition to cruise essentials like pajamas, socks, undergarments, and shoes, you’ll want to add other clothing items to your packing list. The items below are included in our printable cruise packing list, but we will explain them in more detail below:

In general, you can wear what makes you comfortable on cruise ships. Most of the cruise lines have rules stating they don’t allow swimsuits or tank tops in certain areas of the ship. However, if you dress in what you would wear to a restaurant at home, you should be fine.

Even on a formal night, you will see lots of people wearing casual outfits and some in formal clothes. Therefore, you shouldn’t feel out of place in a formal gown/tux or in a sundress/polo shirt. Plenty of people will be wearing both types of clothing, so you will fit in no matter what you decide to do. 

We like to pack 3 swimsuits per person . This way we have an extra suit to wear while the other one is hanging to dry. Since we sometimes wear swimsuits at two different times during the day, we pack a third swimsuit to be safe.

There’s nothing worse than putting on a wet swimsuit! Even though we pack 3 swimsuits, I tend to only take 2 coverups per person. If you have extra space in your suitcase, you can always pack a third one though.

Depending on where you choose to eat on the ship, you can typically dress in a smart casual manner. My husband usually wears golf attire (polo and pants), and my daughters and I wear casual dresses for dinner in the dining room.

↓↓ Check Out My Etsy Shop ↓↓

I ALWAYS pack a cardigan or light jacket for my kids and me because the dining rooms can get chilly. Additionally, your cruise itinerary may include a theme night or two like pirate night, Caribbean night, 70’s night, etc. If you would like to participate in a themed night, you will want to pack accordingly.

In addition to your swimsuit and coverup, you will probably want an outfit to wear during the day. We tend to return to our stateroom after swimming to change into dry clothes before going back out for other activities. Day outfits can consist of anything from athletic wear to sundresses.

If you plan to work out on the trip or utilize the jogging track, make sure you pack sneakers and appropriate clothing for this as well. Also, try to determine what types of activities you may want to experience during the day. Some of these may have dress requirements. For example, an ice-skating rink may require long pants and socks.

You will typically find items like soap, shampoo, and conditioner inside your cabin’s bathroom. However, many cruisers prefer to bring their own items. You may also want to pack the following:

• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Floss/mouthwash
• Face moisturizer
• Shaving cream/razors
• Hair brush/Hair products
• Perfume/cologne 
• Air freshener 
• Flat iron/Curling iron 
• Hair Dryer (Most ships have this item, but we like to bring our own.)
• Dish soap/Bottle brush- If you bring refillable water bottles, you will want to pack dish soap to clean them in the bathroom. I also pack a bottle brush to reach down into the water bottle for cleaning. 
• Downy Wrinkle Releaser- This is a miracle product! You just spray it on your clothes, smooth them out, and the wrinkles disappear as it dries. You can find travel sized bottles here. (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Liquid hand soap- This may just be my family, but we prefer liquid hand soap by the bathroom sink. The bar soap that is typically provided tends to dry out our hands, and it makes a huge mess.

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

If your cruise itinerary includes the Caribbean islands or the Bahamas, you are probably going to be spending time on a beach. If so, these are the items I recommend adding to your cruise packing checklist. (Note that the links below are Amazon affiliate links that take you to the product we use on Amazon.) 

• Beach Bag or Backpack
• Reef safe sunscreen
• Water Shoes (for beaches with lots of shells or rocks)
• Collapsible Sand Pail
• Refillable Water Bottles
• Jellyfish Repellent

It’s important to note that you DO NOT need to pack beach towels. The cruise lines should allow you to take a towel from the ship to use on any shore excursions provided you bring it back. 

(I also want to mention that I am only recommending items I personally use for my family. Any Amazon link you find in this post connects you to a product that I use for every cruise we take. I do not ever recommend things I have not tried and loved.)

Cruise Cabin Organization

Now that we have covered clothing and other necessities, let’s discuss some fun tricks and hacks for keeping your stateroom organized. These especially come in handy if your room is on the smaller side.

Key Card Holder

Many cruisers use lanyards to hold their room cards while on the cruise ship. While I used to recommend them and used them myself, I now carry my room card in my phone case. Since I tend to keep my phone on me at all times for picture taking etc, it seemed like a good idea to attach my room card to my phone. So, I purchased this phone case, which holds my ID and room card (and credit cards when I’m not sailing).

Some cruise cabins do not offer a lot of charging outlets for devices. Cruise lines are very particular about what type of power strip you can bring aboard. Surge protectors and extension cords are not allowed, but my family and I use this power strip to provide extra outlets when needed.

Laundry Bag

My family and I travel with a laundry bag on every trip we take. It makes it easy to have the kids throw all their dirty clothes in one spot. When we are unpacking at home, it’s easy to see where all the dirty clothes are located.

Packing Cubes

These packing cubes are AMAZING! You can buy them in different colors and assign each family member his/her own color.

You can pack pajamas in one, workout clothes in another, undergarments in a different one, etc. They make it super easy to unpack your clothing because you can pile them on shelves or in drawers without mixing up your items. I highly recommend them as we don’t travel anywhere without them. You can see the packing cubes we use here.

Gallon Ziplock Bags

I pack anything that can potentially leak in a Ziplock bag. I also pack a few extra bags to hold wet swimsuits. This way we can change clothes while on an excursion and put our wet swimwear in a bag.

These are awesome! Did you know that most of the walls, doors, and ceilings on the ships are magnetic? That means you can stick these hooks virtually anywhere in your stateroom and they will be secure. We like to hang wet swimsuits from the magnetic hooks. Many families also secure the hooks to the ceiling and attach a curtain to them. This serves as a room divider for parents/kids.

Over the Door Shoe Organizer

I also use the magnetic hooks mentioned above to attach this shoe organizer to the bathroom door or to a wall in our stateroom. You can then use the shoe organizer to hold anything from sunscreen to hairbrushes to toiletries. (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Hanging Closet Organizer

I like to pack this hanging closet organizer because it folds up really flat and doesn’t take up much space in your luggage. You can hang it inside your stateroom closet for more storage space. (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Baby Cruise Packing Checklist

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, you will have extra items to take with you. Some of the items you may want to pack for little ones are as follows:

• diaper rash cream
• disposable diaper bags
• favorite toys/blankets
• sippy cups/bottles
• pacifiers 
• formula/breastfeeding accessories
• swim diapers 
• Pre-packaged snacks

Final Thoughts on the Printable Cruise Packing List

We know the above information can seem really overwhelming. Packing for any type of vacation is sure to be stressful. If you print the cruise packing checklist and refer to this post for explanations, you should be able to make a shopping list of cruise essentials. If you forget something, try not to fret. 

Many of the cruise ships and ports of call offer shops where you can purchase any forgotten items. We hope you found this information really helpful and that you enjoy your upcoming cruise vacation! If you would like to read more about my family’s adventures while cruising, you can check out our Oasis of the Seas Trip Review here!

Did we miss something? What would you add to the printable cruise checklist? Comment below to share with us!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist Plus Cruise Itinerary Planner Printable

By Life, Family Fun Team

Updated on April 12, 2023

What to Pack for a Cruise

Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruiser, you always need to be prepared when packing for a cruise. This cruise packing checklist and itinerary planner (with free printable) will come in handy for your next cruise vacation.

Taking a cruise is crazy fun. It’s seriously like no other vacation out there.

Imagine spending days upon days surrounded by the bluest waters that you’ve ever seen, and traveling to some beautiful destinations. A cruise vacation truly is a favorite vacation of ours.

Sounds pretty amazing, right? This is exactly what a cruise is. It’s jam-packed and full of so much fun. 

Things you may not think to pack 

Remember to pack all your essentials because once you leave the port, there’s no option of “running to the nearest Walmart” to pick up things you might have missed.

When it comes to packing for a cruise, don’t forget about these items!

1. Outlet adaptor

So many of the cruise ships are set for international travel and the electric outlets more than likely won’t work for any of your electronics. Pack an outlet adaptor , or two, for your cruise. 

2. Sunscreen & Aloe

When you’re on a giant cruise ship for days on end, there’s a good chance that you’ll be soaking up plenty of rays. Don’t forget sunscreen because you’ll want to protect your skin.

There’s nothing worse than getting a horrible sunburn and having to miss out on the rest of the fun. If you get burnt, it’s always a good idea to have some Aloe Cream or Gel handy too.

Pack a bottle or two or sunscreen so that everyone in your family doesn’t have to worry about getting burnt. Plus, purchasing sunscreen on a cruise will cost double the price!

3. Passport holder

When you’re traveling in international waters, you’ll need to have your passport or proper travel documents with you at all times.

Luckily, there are some super handy passport holders, like this one , that make it easy to have with you wherever you may go.

Make certain to find one that’s waterproof as well because you never know when you might get the urge to jump in that crystal clear blue water without taking off your belongings. 

4. Comfy Shoes

Be prepared to walk everywhere on your cruise because you’re going to want to explore.

Even more than that, when that cruise ship docks, you’ll be getting in your steps, too.

Packing some comfy shoes is key to not letting your feet hurt you from exploring everywhere that you want to. 

(Ask my hubby how he enjoyed walking in his flip flops when we explored Chichén Itzá for the day. It was not exactly a wise decision on his part!)

5. Water Shoes

Water shoes really come in handy. I cannot count how many times in the past, I have forgotten to pack our water shoes and then booked an excursion that required them!

Thankfully the cruise ships sell them but expect to pay at least $20 per pair! 

6. Hanging Shoe Organizer

Speaking of comfy shoes and water shoes, you probably packed more shoes than you needed for this cruise! That is why I highly recommend bringing a shoe organizer for the cabin door.

If you are anything like me, having a ton of shoes laying around the floor may drive you crazy! Especially in a tiny cabin. It really comes in handy and helps to keep the room tidy. Not to mention, it prevents you from tripping over any shoes thrown on the floor.

7. Dramamine For Motion Sickness

Some people get seasick, some people don’t. If you don’t know if you do or not, don’t wait to find out.

Head to the local store and pick up some Dramamine for your trip. It’s super cheap and it’s so handy to have on hand just in case you need it. 

Don’t forget to pack these cruising essentials:

8. waterproof backpack.

This is a must. Especially if you’re traveling on a cruise with kids! More than likely, everyone will be heading out and about to explore the cruise ship and that means that there will be lots of items like sunscreen, towels, and books that need to be kept together all in one location.

A waterproof backpack is your best bet for that, without a doubt. Don’t waste your time trying to keep track of everything when you can easily just keep it all together in one spot.

9. Reading Material or Waterproof Kindle

There’s always a ton of activities going on during a cruise, but there is downtime as well. For those times, pack lots and lots of reading material.

Load up your Waterproof Kindle or head to the store and pick up a few of the latest best-sellers to help occupy your time.

There’s nothing quite like sitting out on the cruise deck, reading a book and hearing the waves crash against the side of the ship. 

10. Deck of cards

During the evening hours, who says you can’t have a ton of fun games to play in your cabin? Create an epic cruise ship card night for you and your family, like a game of Rook ! Or if you are hanging out by the pool all day, a deck of cards is always fun to play by the poolside.

Let’s face it! Smartphones nowadays take excellent photos, unless you have an ancient one. We know leaving our cell phones out in the heat for too long can be a big problem. And sometimes, the cell phone photos just don’t compare to a high-quality DSLR when you are capturing moments like this… 

12. Waterproof Camera Phone Bag

Speaking of cell phones, it is always a good idea to pack a waterproof mobile phone bag . Your phone is your life, right? The last thing you would want is for it to get wet. Trust me, I have seen it happen on vacation. It’s even happened to me! It is always best to protect your phone, even when you think nothing will happen to it.

These must-have items for your cruise cannot be left behind:

Many people tend to overlook the power of cash…and while it can be a bit of a pain to carry with you on the ship, rest easy knowing that you will have a safe in your cruise cabin to store items such as that.

The reason that cash is important is when you are exploring certain islands or countries. Some islands have vendors selling nice souvenirs that you might want to purchase. Okay, maybe not quite like these souvenirs below…but I’m sure you will find something you would want!

Handing over your card (especially a debit card) in another country can be nervewracking. Plus, you may have to pay extra just for using it. If you can bring a bit of cash for purchases, it’s much better in the long run. 

13. Medications

This is important for your own personal health reasons. Don’t forget to pack your medications that you are required to take every day. When you’re out in the middle of the ocean, you can’t just run to the local pharmacy and pick up what you need.

Double and triple-check that you have all your necessary medications before you leave your house. 

Cruise Ship Hacks Everyone Needs to Know:

When it comes to going on a cruise, you’ll want to remember these cruise ship hacks!

• Certain cruise lines allow you to bring up to 2 bottles of wine with your onboard. Make certain you call ahead and find out what the rules are for carrying on your own wine.
• Board the cruise ship as early as possible on the day of departure. They have their buffets open and serving food during that time.
• Bring a carryon with you for a change of clothes just in case. Sometimes your luggage is delivered after your allotted dinner time. 
• While alcohol is an extra fee when you’re on a cruise ship, there are actually several different ways that you can score some wine or drinks for free. There is usually some sort of toasting or happy hour where you can snag a drink or two on the house!
• Another great way to get a free drink is to attend any type of exhibits on the ship. Many times they’ll have complimentary drinks for those who are interested in seeing what art is for sale. 

Going on a cruise is seriously so much fun! We are avid cruisers who sail at least twice a year! Relax and enjoy your time and know that you’re about to embark on one of the most fun vacations and journeys of your life. 

If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me. I am happy to answer all your questions and concerns. I love helping others plan their cruise vacations.

Rest easy knowing that traveling on a cruise ship is fun and relaxing as long as you plan ahead and have the key items mentioned above! Once you leave the port, it’s all smooth sailing from there! 

Related Articles:

• 10 Expert First-Time Cruise Tips For Families
• Top 7 Tips When Booking a Disney Land and Sea Vacation

Don’t forget to grab your free Cruise Packing Checklist Pack and Itinerary Planner , which is packed with several pages that includes a cruise outfit checklist, cruise checklist, cruise to-do list, trip planner, and more!

What are your must-bring items when packing for a cruise?

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Hi! Where can I find your free ultimate cruise packing lists? I keep clicking the link but it just takes me back to the same article. Thank you!

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Printable Cruise Packing List + What to Pack for a Cruise

15 cruise packing tips and a free cruise packing list to help ensure you’re ready to set sail! Print your free checklist and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime!

This cruise packing list post is in partnership with Princess Cruises. All opinions are 100% my own. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re sailing to Cancun , Roatan, Honduras , or Freeport, Bahamas ; this checklist will cover everything you’ll need so you can sit by the pool and enjoy a refreshing Dirty Monkey knowing you didn’t leave anything at home!

What to Pack For A Cruise

My husband and I recently returned from the best Caribbean cruise! We spent a week onboard the beautiful Caribbean Princess, celebrating my husband’s 40th birthday. A Princess cruise is a great way to celebrate a special occasion, and I already want to go back!

You’d be surprised at how little you need to pack for a cruise. Most people spend the week in the same pair of shorts, swapping out a few favorite t-shirts. You definitely don’t need an outfit for every day, nor do you usually wear more than just flip-flops around the ship. But there are some things you need to plan for and some helpful items that seasoned cruisers all consider a must!

Today I’ll show you my personal list of what to pack for a cruise. Even though we went on a  Caribbean cruise, these items are perfect no matter where you’re sailing. Take a look –

Things to Pack for a Cruise

10 items you might not have thought of that can save you some headache and offer a ton of convenience! 

1. Ziploc Bags

I learned how handy Ziploc bags can be on a cruise ship years ago, and this is always the first piece of advice I offer to first-time cruisers. Not only can use them on board to save food, snacks, and leftover room service in your cabin refrigerator, but you can take them on excursions to keep your phone, camera, and ID away from sand and water. Bigger plastic bags can also be used to store wet bathing suits and water shoes so your other clothes don’t get wet and dirty on your way home.

2. Backpack

Leave the designer handbag on board and bring a backpack to all your excursions. Not only are they safe and less likely to be set down and forgotten, but they also come in handy if you plan to purchase souvenirs. Things to pack in your backpack include – your driver’s license (leave your passport in your cabin), your wallet, a bottle of water, sunscreen, and perhaps a towel.

3. Portable Charger

Even though your phone will most likely stay in airplane mode for the duration of your cruise, you’ll still drain your battery using your phone for an alarm clock, a camera, and to check the ship’s app throughout the day. It is also a good measure for safety in your various ports of call. Having a portable charger allows you to charge your phone or tablet back to full battery life – no outlet needed.

• Here is a portable charger on Amazon with great reviews for less than $10.

4. Waterproof Cell Case

Another cell phone accessory I found to be extremely helpful on our last cruise was a waterproof cell phone case on a lanyard. They are cheap (less than $10 at Walmart) and they not only protect your phone, they are a great way to carry cash or a credit card too! We did a few water excursions on our Princess cruise, and I used my cell phone as my camera at each port, so I was constantly using it.

The plastic case allows you to still access your touch screen, and it was so handy to have it around my neck and know that it wasn’t being lost or stolen. Also, when we were in the Cayman Islands it rained on us – hard! Thanks to my waterproof case, I never had to worry about my phone getting wet, or sandy. I even took it on our Zip Lining Excursion and felt secure enough to use my camera while soaring over the jungle!

• Here are a few waterproof cell phone cases , similar to the one I bought at Walmart. They also start at around $6.

5. Power Strip for more outlets.

Most staterooms on a cruise ship don’t have very many outlets. If you are traveling with your family or have multiple people in one room, it could be a fight over who gets to charge their cell phones or tablets each night. A power strip takes up very little space in your luggage and they are affordable too!

• This power strip has USB outlets and is nice and compact
• This universal adapter will allow you to use any European outlet(s) in your cabin.

6. Over the Door Shoe Rack

There isn’t a lot of extra space or storage in your cruise cabin, so hanging a shoe rack with pockets is a great way to organize smaller items. Toiletries, chargers, kid’s toys, cameras… they fit perfectly in a pocket where they are off the floor, spotted at a glance, and are easily accessible.

7. Nightlight

If you have an inside cabin, a small nightlight can help a child who might be afraid of the dark. It also comes in handy to light the way to the bathroom for an adult who likes to see where they are going! (It gets DARK in those rooms!)

8. Sunscreen + Extra Sunscreen

Make sure you bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need. Years ago my husband got a pretty nasty sunburn on day 3 or 4 of our cruise and it nearly ruined the rest of his cruise experience – he was miserable!!! If you do run out of sunscreen, the ship will sell some to you, but you’ll pay a pretty penny for it!

9. Bug spray

A lot of excursions suggest bringing bug spray, and it’s for a good reason! On one cruise we did years ago, we decided at the last minute to do an excursion to some ruins. The experience was completely unforgettable, but we were definitely not equipped for the bugs and mosquitos all along the trail. Now, bug spray is one of the very first things I put in my toiletries bag… just in case!

10. First Aid Kit + Medicine Bag

Just as it is unlikely that you’ll ever get bored on a cruise, it is also unlikely to become seasick too! All cruise ships have a medical office where you can get treated for small injuries and illnesses, so if you forget to pack bandaids or Tylenol, no worries. For peace of mind, I try to remember a travel first aid kit and some simple medicines – especially if I am traveling with kids. Here is what I like to include –

• Tylenol / Motrin / Ibuprofen for headaches or fevers
• cough medicine (nothing worse than being in tight quarters with a kid coughing all night long!
• Benadryl – this helped with my husband’s sunburn. (Knocked him out so he was able to sleep!)
• aloe vera lotion – to soothe any sunburns
• Dramamine (for adults and kids) I’ve never had to use this, but on the off chance that someone in your party starts to feel queasy, it’s better to be prepared.

Cruise Packing Tips

5 helpful cruise packing tips to remember.

• passport / ID
• wallet with money and credit cards
• cruise documents
• medications
• bathing suit
• items for kids/babies (bottles, favorite toys, blankets, etc.)
• Leave the hair dryer at home. Most cruise cabins provide a hard dryer, so you can save some serious space in your luggage.
• When we go to the beach, I bring a disposable diaper to wrap my cell phone, keys, and wallet in. (A clean one, obviously!) Not only is a big white blob harder to lose in the sand, but it also keeps potential thieves from stealing my things. (Just make sure your entire party knows what you’re doing so no one tries to be helpful and tosses it in the trash. 🙂 
• On our last Princess cruise, I saw several passengers use colorful spring clamps on the top of their deck lounge chairs to keep their towels in place – genius!! This idea also helps you identify your spot after a dip in the pool. Those bright-colored clamps stand out in a sea of striped towels! 
• Bring half of what you initially packed. Lay out everything you think you need, then set aside half of it. This guarantees you only bring the essentials. (If you do run out of things to wear, Princess Cruises has a laundry facility available too!)

Cruise Packing Checklist

Now that I’ve shared some helpful tips, let’s look at a list of evvvvvvverything you need while packing for a cruise!

Essentials –

• Passport + Drivers License / Personal ID
• Wallet with credit card + cash

Clothing –

• Formal Night clothes + shoes – You will see attire all across the fancy spectrum, from tuxedos and ballgowns to nice slacks and cute sundresses.
• daily clothes – shorts, shirts, tank tops, 1 pair of pants/ jeans
• sandals/ flip flops
• closed-toe shoes (some shore excursions require it)
• water shoes (some excursions recommend it)
• nicer clothes + shoes for dinner in the dining room
• swimsuit cover-up
• exercise clothes + shoes (if hitting the gym is your thing)
• sweatshirt/jacket (evenings on the deck can be windy and cold)
• rain jacket or poncho (our last cruise rained EVERY DAY!)
• jewelry, belts, accessories

Electronics –

• power strip to charge all your devices
• cell phone + charger
• portable cell phone charger
• camera + charger / batteries
• iPad/Kindle/ Laptop + all chargers
• selfie stick
• watch (for time changes)
• straightener / curling iron

Toiletries –

• hairspray + hair products
• toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash + floss
• conditioner (save room by using the cruise-provided soap and shampoo)
• meds – dramamine, Benadryl, Tylenol, motrin etc.
• bug repellant
• nail clippers + emery board + nail polish
• razor + shaving cream
• first aid kit

Misc. / Optional

• backpack/day pack
• waterproof cell phone case
• over-the-door shoe rack
• ziplock bags
• books + magazines
• water bottle
• snorkel gear (excursions will usually provide you with some)
• playing cards

More Great Cruise Tips

• Making The Most Of Your Days At Sea
• 10 Best Cruise Tips
• The Best Things To See & Do In Nassau
• How To Give Someone A Surprise Vacation

You’ve read all our tips on how to pack for a cruise. It’s time to download a copy of our Cruise Packing List and fill it in with everything you think you’ll need! Enter your name and email address below for immediate access –

Now that you know how to pack for a cruise, tell me – is there anything I forgot to add to our list?

Leave me a comment in the section below!

This post is in partnership with Princess Cruises. Thanks for supporting our sponsors so we can continue to provide family-friendly travel content to our readers. We appreciate it!

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Cruises allow checked baggage as well as carry-ons. To be on the safe side, you should split up what you pack and bring the most essential items in your carry-on. They will be – State ID Birth Certificate or Passport Vaccination records (This is a new day, ports will want you vaxxed) Spending cash, wallet, credit cards Swimsuit Prescription meds Sunblock Bug spray for port days 1 Change of clothes Cell phone Charger Toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant

These go in the carry-on because in case your checked baggage is lost, you will be able to get by and enjoy your cruise anyway until you get to port, where you can purchase some more clothing.

I do not recommend any kind of heat element, like a hair straightener, as those are often confiscated by the cruise lines as fire hazards. Just let your hair go, you’re on vacation anyway!

Such great recommendations!

We just went on a cruise last year, and I would add Pepto Bismol or some type of upset tummy medicine. One of my kids ate something that didn’t agree with him and the onboard shop didn’t have anything to help.

Such a great idea, thanks!

glow sticks works really well in bathroom. If you get up in middle of night you don’t have bright light.

That’s such a great idea!

I have found it’s a time saver to take a simple bow, etc with sticky back to place on cabin door. Easy to find your cabin.

Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

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The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Packing List (PDF and Google Doc formats)

By: Author Heather Thomas

Published: June 21, 2023 Updated: January 18, 2024

Fresh off our incredible Alaskan cruise experience (thanks to Small World Vacations!), we’re thrilled to share our top packing tips for this bucket list adventure.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with a list of items to pack for your Alaskan cruise , plus we’ll cover what not to pack, too.

We’ve organized our packing list into different sections, including essential documents, clothing, toiletries, specific items for Alaskan cruises, electronics, kids and family, miscellaneous items, and more. Plus, we even have some handy packing tips, too.

Ready to dive in and get packing? Let’s go!

Although this list is customized for Disney Alaskan Cruises, you can easily use it for other cruise lines by eliminating the Disney-specific items.

(Downloadable PDF, and Google Docs versions are near the bottom of this page.)

In each category, we will highlight the things that we think are the MOST important, but then we’ll follow that up with a list of everything you might want to consider packing.

Please don’t think you need to pack everything on this list. We do NOT recommend it.

This is just an all-inclusive list to help jog your memory for the items your group might need.

In this article

Essential Documents and Money Matters

Before setting sail, it’s crucial to have all the necessary documents and money matters figured out ahead of time. Failure to take care of this well in advance can ruin your trip before you even make it to the port.

Passports and IDs Travel Insurance

First and foremost, ensure you have valid passports or other accepted identification for each traveler. And please, please, please don’t forget to double-check the expiration dates and review the entry requirements for Alaska and Canada.

Yes, Alaska is in America, but our cruise departed from Vancouver, Canada. That meant we had to clear both U.S. and Canadian Customs. Plus, many of the port excursions also crossed the border between the 2 countries, and our passports were checked on those crossings, too.

We joined a Facebook group with other travelers on our same cruise, and there were multiple families who found themselves scrambling when they realized the day before the cruise that they did not have the necessary documents for their child to fly from the U.S. into Canada. All they had was a birth certificate, and that wouldn’t work for flying.

To be honest, I had no idea until reading about their troubles that the citizenship document requirements for children under 16 were different when driving vs. flying.

Driving is more lax (children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship, which could be a birth certificate) but if you plan to fly into Canada, everyone will need to have a passport.

Travel Insurance

Additionally, consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances.

You don’t have to purchase the insurance through your cruise line, but we do highly recommend you consider getting some. Look for insurance that can cover you for both travel interruptions AND for things like medical emergencies. Many of the ports that you’ll visit will be remote and isolated without hospitals nearby, so in an emergency, you’ll have to be evacuated by plane or helicopter – and those trips are VERY, very expensive.

If you don’t know where to start when exploring your insurance options, talk to your travel agent or check out a site like  InsureMyTrip.com  where you will be able to compare a bunch of different options at once.

Currency and Payment Options

While most onboard expenses will be charged to your stateroom account, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller expenses and off-ship activities. Plus, on Disney Cruise Line, it is nice to have cash to tip for things like room service.

For tipping, we typically travel with a few hundred bucks in cash in U.S. dollars, mostly in a mix of smaller denominations.

Consider packing:

• Passports/Drivers Licenses/Birth Certificates
• Hotel confirmations
• Rental car confirmation
• Boarding passes
• Cash/credit cards
• Dollar bills for tips & tolls
• Notepad/notebook
• Insurance cards
• Membership cards (AAA, DVC)
• Addresses for postcards

Clothing Essentials

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to pack versatile clothing suitable for varying conditions.

Here’s a list of clothing essentials to consider:

Layering for Changing Weather Conditions

Layering is key to adapting to the ever-changing Alaskan weather.

Pack lightweight base layers, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a waterproof and windproof jacket. This way, you can easily adjust your clothing to accommodate temperature fluctuations throughout the day.

On our cruise, when getting off the ship for port days, I would wear a couple of pairs of leggings layered together, a light shirt, a light zippered jacket, and then my heavier jacket over the top of that. I also always had a hat and gloves with me, too.

Throughout the day, I would take off and put on a layer or two, depending on the current conditions.

Warm Jackets and Sweaters

Alaska’s cool climate often demands warm jackets and sweaters – especially if you are traveling early in the season.

Opt for insulated, water-resistant jackets that provide both warmth and protection from rain. And, consider packing a lightweight down jacket for extra warmth during glacier-viewing excursions. The wind blowing off the ice can be downright chilly.

It rains in Alaska. A lot. Expect it to rain daily and be prepared. Make sure your outer layers are waterproof, and consider bringing an umbrella or poncho if you plan to explore the ports on foot.

Bringing a nice camera? Don’t forget about protecting that, too. The same for any strollers, wheelchairs, or scooters.

Comfortable Walking Shoes and Boots

Since you’ll be exploring both the ship and various Alaskan destinations, comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Invest in sturdy and waterproof shoes or boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable during shore excursions and nature walks.

Tennis shoes can work, just make sure they will provide protection from the damp conditions and rain. Many tennis shoes have a lot of lightweight mesh in them – which is great for keeping your feet cool, but terrible for keeping the rain out. If you do opt for tennis shoes, leather shoes would be a better option since they will offer your feet more protection from the rain.

Hats, Scarves, and Gloves

I was so thankful we brought our hats and gloves with us.

Because we knew we would want to take lots of pictures, I opted for mittens that opened up into fingerless gloves for myself.

And a warm stocking cap was perfect for keeping our heads warm while we were enjoying the amazing views.

Swimwear for Onboard Pools and Spas

All Disney Cruise ships offer pools, water slides, and spas. Even though the air temperature is freezing, you’ll still see people enjoying them (especially the hot tubs).

If you are a brave soul, don’t forget to pack swimwear to enjoy these onboard amenities and take a dip in the heated pools while sailing through the Alaskan waters.

• Shirts (long sleeve and short sleeve)
• Shorts (especially if traveling later in the season, if you are early in the season, 1 pair is probably enough)
• Pants/capris/leggings
• Suit/dressy clothes  (only if you are planning to dress up for formal night)
• Light sweater or jacket
• Water resistant outer layer
• Rain jacket
• Stocking hat or ear warmer
• Water-resistant walking shoes or hiking boots
• Dress shoes  (for formal night)
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Hairbands & accessories
• Hats/visors
• Sunglasses w/strap
• Swimsuit cover-ups

Toiletries and Personal Care

Don’t forget to pack the necessities! Here’s a list of toiletries and personal care items to pack:

Basic Toiletries for Daily Use

Remember to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other personal care products you use daily.

Disney Cruise Line has full-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion in all staterooms, but if you have a favorite brand, you may want to consider bringing yours with you, too.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm with High SPF

Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can be intense in Alaska.

Protect your skin with a high SPF sunscreen and don’t forget to pack a lip balm with sun protection to keep your lips hydrated and shielded from the elements.

• Shower gel (Disney Cruise Line provides full-sized bottles in the shower)
• Shampoo (Disney Cruise Line provides full-sized bottles in the shower)
• Hair conditioner (Disney Cruise Line provides full-sized bottles in the shower)
• Contacts/glasses
• Contact lens solution & case
• Lip balm w/sunscreen
• Face lotion
• Body lotion (Disney Cruise Line provides full-sized bottles in the bathroom)
• Make-up remover
• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Tampons/pads
• Foot powder
• Shaving cream
• Nail clippers
• Hair brush/comb
• Hair gel/mousse
• Blow-dryer (Disney Cruise Line provides full-sized hair dryers)
• Travel hair diffuser (Some ships will have them, but others don’t)
• Hand sanitizer
• Kids shampoo
• Kids toothbrushes
• Kids bath soap
• Kids hairbrush/comb

Medicine (especially your prescription medication) is one thing you don’t want to forget on vacation – especially when you are out in the middle of the ocean.

Here are some common items you may find in your medicine chest that are useful to travel with.

Insect Repellent and Anti-itch Cream

When venturing ashore, especially during the summer months, insect repellent is essential to ward off mosquitoes and other pests. We found travel-sized bottles of OFF! that worked great.

Additionally, you may want to bring along anti-itch cream in case of bug bites or skin irritation.

Motion Sickness Medication

If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to pack the appropriate medication.

Although modern cruise ships are designed to minimize motion, it’s always wise to have medication on hand, just in case.

There are lots of over-the-counter remedies, but if you are concerned, definitely speak to your doctor, too.

• Prescription medications
• Moleskin (for blisters)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Anti-itch gel/spray
• Birth control (or other prophylactic)
• Pain medicine (like Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
• Kids pain medicine
• Motion sickness remedies
• Sinus/allergy medicine
• Cough drops

Laundry Supplies

Laundry isn’t typically on anybody’s list of “favorite things to do while on a cruise” but if you find yourself planning to do some on your trip, here are some things you’ll probably want to have with you.

• Laundry soap
• Dryer sheets
• Stain remover
• Pop-up hamper
• Wrinkle release spray

Note: On Disney Cruise Line, you pay for laundry using your Key to the World Card (no coins needed).

Alaskan Cruise-Specific Items

Alaska offers unique experiences, and there are a few items that are especially beneficial during your Alaskan Disney Cruise:

Binoculars for Wildlife Spotting

Alaska’s abundant wildlife is one of its most incredible attractions. Don’t miss out on spotting whales, eagles, bears, and other animals from a distance.

Make sure you pack a pair of binoculars and don’t forget to take them with you when you go ashore!

Waterproof Backpack or Dry Bag

Exploring Alaska often involves water-based activities and excursions.

To keep your belongings safe and dry, invest in a waterproof or water-resistant backpack or a dry bag. It will protect your essentials from rain or splashes during kayaking, ziplining, or boat tours.

Hand Warmers and Thermal Socks

Alaska’s cold temperatures can be quite challenging, especially during glacier visits or outdoor adventures. If you get chilled easily, pack hand warmers and thermal socks to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Rain Poncho or Waterproof Jacket

Alaska’s weather can change rapidly, and rain showers are common. Stay dry and prepared by carrying a lightweight, portable rain poncho or a waterproof jacket. It will keep you protected during outdoor activities or while exploring port cities.

• Camera and camera equipment
• Waterproof backpack or dry bag
• Hand warmers
• Thermal/warm socks
• Poncho or rain jacket

Electronics and Gadgets

To capture and document your Alaskan adventure, consider bringing along the following electronics and gadgets:

Power strips aren’t allowed, but USB hubs are, and since most devices these days are charged through USB cords and there are very few outlets in a cruise cabin, having a hub where you can charge multiple devices all at once is the way to go.

Camera or Smartphone for Capturing Memories

Preserve the breathtaking scenery and memorable moments by packing a camera or ensuring your smartphone has ample storage and battery life. Trust us: you’ll want to capture the stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and all the fun and cute characters on board.

Portable Charger and Extra Batteries

With all the photo-taking and exploration, it’s crucial to have extra battery power.

Bring a portable charger and spare batteries to keep your devices juiced up throughout the day, especially during long excursions.

Travel Adapters for Charging Devices

If you’re traveling from outside the United States, ensure you have the appropriate travel adapters to charge your electronic devices. This will prevent any inconvenience caused by incompatible power outlets.

Waterproof Phone Case or Pouch

To protect your phone from water damage during outdoor activities or unexpected rain showers, invest in a waterproof phone case or pouch. This way, you can capture memories without worrying about water-related mishaps.

• Camera or smartphone
• Portable charger and extra batteries
• Travel adapters (if traveling from outside the United States)
• Waterproof phone case or pouch
• Earbuds/headphones
• Handheld games
• Charging cords for all devices
• Battery powered nightlight

Kid, Baby, and Family Essentials

Disney Cruises are renowned for their family-friendly experiences. Here are some essential items to pack when traveling with children:

Diapers, Baby Food, and Essentials for Infants

If you’re traveling with infants or toddlers, ensure you have an ample supply of diapers, baby wipes, and any specific baby food or formula they require.

While limited supplies may be available onboard, it’s best to pack enough for the duration of your trip. You may also be able to re-stock at some of the ports, just keep in mind that it will be more expensive and your selection may be limited.

Kids’ Medications and Comfort Items

If your child requires any medication, bring an adequate supply for the entire cruise. Additionally, pack comfort items such as stuffed animals, blankets, or their favorite bedtime stories to create a familiar and soothing environment.

Strollers, Baby Carriers, or Car Seats

Navigating the ship and exploring ports of call may require mobility aids for young children. Consider bringing a stroller, baby carrier, or car seat based on your child’s needs and the activities you plan to partake in.

Travel-Size Games and Toys

To keep your little ones entertained throughout the cruise, pack a few travel-sized games and toys. These can be great distractions during travel time or for keeping them engaged during downtime.

• Swim diapers
• Stroller 
• Baby monitor (Will be inspected and returned if approved)
• Blanket/toy
• Board games
• Kids ID tags
• Outlet covers

Misc. Items & Everything Else

In addition to all of the essentials like clothes and medications, there are a few other things that we always pack when cruising:

• Refillable water bottles . Not only do we use these on board to keep water in our cabin, but we also take them with us on excursions and port days.
• Large refillable mug/cup. Disney Cruise Line has complimentary soda/pop, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. Small cups are provided, but if you want something a bit larger, it is nice to have a refillable mug or cup to use. Note: for sanitary reasons, you should fill the disposable cup and then pour it into your refillable mug.
• Magnetic hooks. On some cruise ships, all the walls are magnetic and on others, just the doors will be – but either way, magnetic hooks can come in handy for holding so many things, from shoes to bags to all the extra layers you’ll need for an Alaskan cruise.
• Battery powered night light. Especially if you have little ones or if you are in an interior room, having a small, battery-powered night light can save you from stubbing your toes. Small battery-powered tea lights work well and take up virtually no room.
• Ziplock bags. Ziplock bags in various sizes can be useful for organizing small items, keeping wet clothes separate, storing snacks, or protecting electronics from water or sand.
• Books, E-Readers, or Travel Games. During downtime or evenings spent in your stateroom, indulge in a good book, load up your e-reader with your favorite novels, or bring along travel games to keep yourself entertained. It’s an excellent way to unwind and relax during the cruise.
• Lanyard . Lanyards come in very handy for carrying your Key to the World card with you without having to worry about pockets.
• Charging cords. Don’t forget all of your charging cords for things like phones, cameras, and handheld games.
• Earplugs. If your stateroom is near an elevator or directly beneath a deck that is loud, you may want some earplugs to help muffle the sound.

Alaskan Cruise Pack List Downloads

You can download our Alaska Cruise Packing Lists for FREE!

• Download Alaska Cruise Packing List in Google Docs
• Download Alaska Cruise Packing List as a PDF

What to Pack for Dining and Formal Nights on a Disney Alaskan Cruise

Disney Cruise Line’s dining experiences are exceptional, and some evenings may require specific attire – but only if you want to.

Please trust us when we say that the vibe on an Alaskan cruise is a lot more relaxed. Yes, some people still get dressed up, but it isn’t the same caliber as what you might find on other sailings.

Here are a few considerations for dining and formal nights:

Formal Night

Remember – you can go as formal as you’d like. You’ll see everything from sequins to denim. Wear what you feel the most comfortable in, but if you’re up to it, we think it is kind of fun to get a little dressed up for Formal Night.

It is a great opportunity to get some pictures, too.

Frozen Night (Freezing the Night Away)

Disney Alaskan Cruises have a Frozen themed night instead of the usual Pirate themed night you find on the Caribbean cruises.

We wore Frozen -themed t-shirts for this night (which we saw plenty of people doing) but there were many others in full costumes, too. Again, do as much – or as little – as you feel comfortable.

Other opportunities to dress up

If you are a group that loves dressing up, here are a few other ideas that we saw guests on our Alaskan cruise doing:

• Dress in 1920’s style attire for Mardi Gras night at Tiana’s
• Dress up like the characters in the Alaskan outfits
• Dress up like Captain Mickey for embarkation day
• Is there a movie debuting while you are onboard? Wear themed shirts or costumes for that. For example, The Little Mermaid debuted when we were on our cruise, and there was a huge line of Ariels waiting to get into the theater the day it opened.

What to wear for dinner on an Alaskan cruise

If you’re a first-time cruiser, the question of what to wear for dinner may be causing some stress. However, you’ll be relieved to know that the expectations for dinner attire on cruise ships have become much more relaxed in recent years, even more so on an Alaskan sailing.

The focus on an Alaskan cruise is the outdoors, and you’ll likely want to spend as much time as possible outside exploring and taking in the scenery as much as you can. That doesn’t leave as much time for getting super dressed up – and that is okay!

I know we mentioned it before, but it is worth repeating: the atmosphere on an Alaskan cruise is more relaxed .

The pressure to dress to the nines for every meal simply isn’t there. In fact, you’ll encounter fellow cruisers who rush into dinner straight from an excursion because there wasn’t enough time to change – and that’s perfectly fine.

On the other hand, you’ll also come across individuals who choose to dress up a bit more. And guess what? That’s perfectly fine too! You’ll find a mix of styles and attire, and the beauty of it all is that you can truly dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Restaurants with a Dress Code

Some restaurants outside the main dining room will have their own dress codes. For example, on the Disney Wonder, you have the option of making a separate reservation at Palo for either brunch or dinner. These meals cost extra (they aren’t included in your cruise fare) and they do have a stricter dress code than the main dining rooms.

Here’s what Disney says about that:

“Adult-exclusive restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line ships are elegant dining experiences. Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s sophistication. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Dress casual attire with a polished look is permitted (such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts and blouses and lifestyle shoes). T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire are not permitted.”

Packing Tips and Tricks

Now that you have a comprehensive packing list for your Alaskan Disney Cruise, here are a few tips and tricks to optimize your packing experience:

Rolling vs. Folding Clothes

To maximize space and minimize wrinkles, consider rolling your clothes instead of folding them. This technique not only saves space, but also keeps your clothes neat and organized.

Utilizing Packing Cubes or Compression Bags

Packing cubes or compression bags can be a game-changer when it comes to organizing your luggage. Group items by category, such as tops, bottoms, and undergarments, using separate packing cubes.

Compression bags can help further condense bulky items like jackets and sweaters.

Distributing Weight in Luggage

To prevent your suitcase from toppling over or becoming too heavy to handle, distribute the weight evenly.

Place heavier items at the bottom and near the wheels, while lighter items can be positioned at the top.

Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On

When traveling to your embarkation port, pack essential items like medications, travel documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage.

This way, even if your checked luggage gets delayed, you’ll have everything you need to start your cruise comfortably.

What not to pack for an Alaskan cruise

There are some things that you should not bring on any cruise because they are prohibited.

The actual complete list of prohibited items is quite long, so we’re only listing some of the most common items we see people mistakenly try to bring on-board.

Make sure you check with your specific cruise line, but in general, you can expect these items to not be allowed on a cruise ship :

• Extension cords, power strips and surge protectors: Exceptions may be made for medical devices, but in general, extension cords, power strips, and surge protectors are not allowed.
• Dangerous items: Items that can be considered dangerous or pose a safety risk are generally not allowed. This includes fireworks, explosives, flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials.
• Firearms and weapons: Cruise ships have strict policies against bringing firearms, ammunition, knives, or any other weapons on board.
• Illegal substances: It goes without saying that you should never pack illegal drugs or any prohibited substances. And, even if substances are legal in your departure port, the cruise line may have rules prohibiting them from being brought on board . From Disney’s website: “… all drug paraphernalia used for marijuana, cannabis and hemp is prohibited. Medically prescribed marijuana, as well as items derived from or enriched by marijuana, including items and products that contain THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and or CBD (Cannabidiol) are also prohibited. “
• Irons and steamers: There are self-service laundry facilities where you can find an iron and ironing board if your clothes need pressed.
• Other items that heat up: heating pads, hot plates, space heaters, hot pots, coffee pots, bottle warmers, etc. Basically, aside from curling irons, straighteners, and hairdryers that are 230V or less , electrical appliances of any kind are NOT allowed.
• Candles and incense: Open flames are typically not allowed on cruise ships due to fire hazards. This includes candles, incense, and any other similar items.
• Drones and other remote controlled devices: Most cruise ships have policies that prohibit or restrict the use of drones and remote controlled devices on board for safety and privacy reasons. This includes Star Wars droids.
• Large coolers: Coolers smaller than 12″ x 12″ x 12″ (30.5cm x 30.5cm x 30.5cm) are allowed but only as carry-on luggage and only for storing medications, baby food or nonperishable items related to dietary restrictions only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i bring alcohol on board a disney cruise.

Every cruise line has their own alcohol policy. Here’s how Disney’s works:

All guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or sparkling wine (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call.

Alcohol brought onboard must be in your carry on.

And yes, in most cases, the drinking age on board is 21. The only exception to that rule is if your cruise is departing from a country that has a lower drinking age, that age may be lowered to 18.

Please note that does NOT include Alaskan cruises departing from Canada. The drinking age for Disney Alaskan cruises is still 21.

Other important things to know:

• Alcohol packed in checked luggage will be removed and will not be returned. Please note that no compensation will be offered in such cases.
• All alcohol brought on board must be in its original unopened container. It is strictly prohibited to bring partially used bottles or those with broken seals.
• Exceeding the allowance of 2 bottles of wine or sparkling wine, or 6 beers, is prohibited. Any excess alcohol must be discarded before boarding the ship, and no compensation will be provided.
• If you purchase liquors, spirits, or additional wine and beer during port visits, they will be stored until the end of the cruise for your convenience.
• It is essential for guests to retrieve any stored alcohol at the conclusion of the cruise. Failure to do so will result in the items being discarded, and no compensation will be offered.
• Consumption of alcohol brought on board is not permitted in any lounge or public area. If you want to drink the wine you brought on board at dinner, you will be charged a $26 corking fee per bottle.
• All guests must comply with all applicable laws and Disney Cruise Line policies regarding the consumption and distribution of alcohol. Providing alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age, is strictly prohibited.

Is there a luggage weight limit?

Disney Cruise Line recommends keeping your luggage weight below 50 pounds per bag for ease of handling. However, there are no strict weight limits, but be mindful of airline restrictions if flying to your embarkation port.

Are laundry facilities available onboard?

Yes, Disney Cruise ships offer self-service laundry facilities, which are equipped with washers, dryers, and detergent. Plus, the laundry facilities are also where you’ll find an iron and ironing board.

There are also typically full-service laundry options available as well.

Keep in mind that the later in the cruise you go, the busier the laundry facilities will get.

Can I bring my own food or beverages on board a Disney cruise?

Yes, you can – but the items must be in original, factory-sealed packaging.

More from our Alaskan Cruise:

• 10 tips I’m glad I listened to for my first Disney Alaskan Cruise
• LISTEN: Cruising to Alaska
• VIDEO: Our VERY FIRST Disney Alaskan Cruise

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Think you might want to plan your very own Disney Alaskan cruise? We recommend the friendly folks over at Small World Vacations. Contact them now for a quote on your next dream cruise!

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Alaskan Cruise Packing Checklist: 80+ Things To Bring (Printable)

Need a checklist in order to pack for your cruise to Alaska? We have you covered.

Sailing to Alaska is like no other vacation. In fact, even if you’ve cruised before to somewhere like the Caribbean, what you pack to visit this region of the world can be very different.

That’s because Alaska presents more different situations that you’ll encounter than just about any other trip.

Consider that in the course of a day, you might wake up in the morning, and head to a hot tub in your swimsuit to take in the stunning views of Alaska. Then you might head back to the cabin to dress for a day that’s rainy and cool while you explore a port like Juneau.

That afternoon the weather could clear out, giving you a day that’s 75 degrees and sunny, meaning short sleeves and shorts are ideal. Back on the ship, it might be formal night, where you want to get dressed up for a nice evening around the ship.

And then there are all the other items to consider bringing, from binoculars to see wildlife to magnetic hooks that help you organize the cabin.

Remember, you can’t easily run out for something you forgot to pack, so having a full checklist to serve as a reminder of what to bring on an Alaska cruise is ideal. That’s why we’ve put together a printable list to help you plan. It has everything you need to consider bringing, all put into easy sections .

Note: This article contains links to Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate we earn a portion of each sale at no extra cost to you.

Download the Printable Alaskan Cruise Packing Checklist

Our checklist of things to pack for a cruise is completely free. While we cover all the items in detail below, you can click the image (or click this link ) to download the printable PDF.

Cruise Packing Checklist: Clothes

Clothing will make up the bulk of what you’ll bring on a cruise, and rightly so. With so many different scenarios to dress for when sailing to Alaska, just know that you’re going to want a little of everything.

We’ve constructed this list with the idea in mind of a typical 7-day round trip cruise. Remember that it’s ok if you wear the same thing twice on a cruise. For a 7-day cruise, having 3-4 outfits is a good idea.

Casual Clothes

• T-Shirts (at least one for every two days of your cruise)
• Shorts (at least one pair for your cruise)
• Long pants (at least 2-3 pairs)
• Long-sleeve shirts (great for adding layers)
• Swimsuit (At least one should you decide to hit the hot tub or heated pool)
• Light jacket or hoodie (this will be worn often)
• Rain jacket/poncho (rain jackets are ideal as they can keep you dry)
• Sleep clothes
• Athletic shorts (for hitting the gym)
• Flip-flops (won’t be worn much, but ideal for heading to the pool/hot tub)

Formal Clothes for Men

• Dress shirt
• Dress pants
• Dress shoes
• Blazer (optional, if you want to be more formal)
• Tie (optional)

Formal Clothes for Women

• Evening gown or cocktail dress
• Dress blouse
• Shoes/sandals

Cruise Packing Checklist: Items For the Cabin

Think you only need to pack things to wear? The following items are ideal for a cabin to make it more comfortable during your cruise. Don’t think you have to pack all of these items, but those that catch your interest should be brought along.

• Small fan (cabins don’t have fans to circulate air)
• Nightlight (interior cabins are especially dark)
• Magnetic hooks (to hang from the ceiling to dry swimsuits)
• Outlet adapter (to provide more outlet spaces in the cabin; those with surge protectors aren’t allowed)
• Shoe organizer (hangs over the door for storage of small items)
• Alarm clock (there’s no clock in the cabin)
• “ Poopouri ” or air freshener (bathroom smells can linger)

Cruise Packing Checklist: Personal Items

In addition to clothes, you need to pack a few other items with you to make your cruise to Alaska a success.

• Boarding documents
• Luggage tags
• Passport/birth certificate
• Emergency contact numbers
• Cash ( we’ve written about how much you need here )
• Backpack ( a light backpack is perfect for taking into port)
• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter medicines (headache, stomachache)
• Motion sickness pills/patches
• Ziploc bags (these bags have numerous uses)

Toiletries/Personal Care

• Cotton swabs
• Feminine products
• Hair straightener/curling iron
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Hair products
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Wet wipes (cabin toilet paper is thin, 1-ply product)

Cruise Packing Checklist: Kids Items

Cruises to Alaska don’t draw as many families as trips to the Caribbean but it’s certainly an awe-inspiring place for a family vacation. If you are packing for a family, then there are some things that good to bring. See our full list of ideas here .

Infants/Toddlers

• Silicone place mat
• Umbrella stroller
• A new toy (great for when kids are fussy and need a distraction)
• Bottles/water bottle
• Diapers and wipes

One thing to know is that cruise lines will provide a crib for sleeping in your cabin at no charge. Just let the staff know you need one.

• Handheld video games
• Playing cards
• Books/magazines

Cruise Packing Checklist: Other Items to Bring

While we’ve covered a number of things to pack for your cruise, there are some other miscellaneous items that are a good idea to bring when you sail to Alaska.

• Wine/champagne ( a bottle or two is allowed )
• Non-alcoholic drinks ( if allowed by your cruise line )
• Phone charger
• Lanyard (for holding your room keycard)
• Wrinkle-release spray
• Refillable bottle

Cruise Packing Checklist: Not Needed/Not Allowed

The following items may be tempting to bring, but cruise lines either take care of these for you or they aren’t allowed on the ship.

• Hair dryer (already provided in each cabin)
• Liquor/beer
• Homemade snacks (not allowed; pre-packaged snacks are ok)
• Towels (beach towels are supplied on the cruise)
• Clothes iron
• Weapons (including small knives and pepper spray)
• Marijuana (even if legal in Alaska)

Alaskan Cruise Packing Tips

Want some more tips on how to pack for a cruise to Alaska? Here are a few ideas that can better help you prepare when it comes to getting ready.

Luggage Rules Are Fairly Lenient (So Don’t Stress) We’ve talked about how you have to pack for a lot of different scenarios when sailing to Alaska on a cruise. The good news is that unlike traveling on a flight, cruise lines are very lenient on luggage. There are no fees for bringing luggage. There aren’t real limits on how much you can bring (within reason). Liquids are allowed in your bags, and there are even porters that will take your bags at the terminal and then they are delivered to your cabin.

In other words, yes, there is a lot to pack for, but it shouldn’t be a point of stress.

Remember the Flight When Packing While cruise lines are more relaxed in what you can bring, many people fly into port cities like Vancouver or Seattle to head to Alaska. Due to their location in the northwest, driving simply isn’t an option for many travelers.

In that case, you want to keep the flight in mind when packing. That means bringing less stuff to avoid baggage fees, being careful of liquid rules, and resisting the temptation to pack heavy suitcases as you’ll be carrying them around an airport.

Versatile Clothing Is Great Have a jacket that really only goes with one set of clothing? Leave it at home. Versatile clothing that can be worn in several different situations is ideal as it allows you to pack less. For example, instead of bringing one heavier coat in case it gets cold and windy, it’s a better idea to bring something lighter that can be worn with layers. This way you aren’t packing bulky items you’ll only wear once or twice. 

For more things to pack, don’t miss our 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of) .

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The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List: Free Printable Checklist

A re you planning to go on an Alaska cruise with kids? If so, you might be wondering what to pack for your cruise. Alaska is a cruise destination that poses some challenges when it comes to packing. Unpredictable weather, outdoor shore excursions and limited luggage space makes packing for an Alaska cruise difficult.

Below, I will share with you some helpful tips on what to pack for an Alaska cruise with kids, based on my own experience. I have also created a free printable Alaska Cruise packing list that you can download and use for your own trip. I wish I had this packing list when I went on my first Alaska cruise, but now I’m happy to share it with you.

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What to Pack for Alaska Cruise

Packing for an Alaska cruise can be a daunting task, especially if you are traveling with kids. The weather conditions in Alaska are unpredictable and varied, so you need to be prepared for different scenarios. Even in the summer, the temperature can range from hot to chilly, so you need to pack in layers that you can easily add or remove.

You also need to bring waterproof clothes and shoes, as it can rain or snow at any time. Or you might be taking a shore excursion that is outdoors on a glacier so you will need snow gear!

To make matters worse, you have limited luggage space, as you probably have to fly to your cruise port and follow the airline luggage restrictions. And since Alaska cruises are usually long, you need to have enough clothes to last for the whole trip, or find a way to wash them on board.

Pro-Tip: Check if your cruise ship has laundry machines, so that you can do your laundry there and save some space in your suitcase.

Clothes to Pack on Alaska Cruise

When packing for an Alaska cruise, you need to dress in layers to cope with the changing weather conditions. Most Alaska cruises are in the summer, but the temperature can still drop to freezing levels, especially if you are visiting a glacier.

You need to have a jacket that is lightweight and waterproof, as well as sweaters and fleece that you can zip up or down. A hooded jacket is a great option, as it can protect you from the wind and rain.

You also need to bring hats, gloves, and boots that are waterproof, since you might encounter snow or rain on your shore excursions.

Don’t forget to pack your bathing suits and swim goggles, your kids will want to swim on the ship. And depending on your cruise, you might also need some eveningwear, such as dresses, blouses, jackets, and khakis, for the formal nights or special events.

You may like: Pros and Cons of Cruising from New York

Accessories to Pack on Alaska Cruise

When packing for your Alaska cruise, you will need to bring a lot of accessories. Bring a tote bag or a backpack to carry your accessories when you go on shore excursions, which can last for the whole day.

You will want to bring binoculars to admire the stunning views of Alaska (glaciers!). You will also want to bring a good camera phone or a camera to take pictures and videos of the beautiful scenery. I took my GoPro with me.

Don’t forget to bring chargers for your devices. Your kids might also want to bring their iPads and Nintendo Switches to play games or watch movies during the downtime.

Since you will be outdoors a lot in Alaska, you will need to bring sunblock and bug spray. And of course, you will need sunglasses and baseball cap.

Another item that I always bring on cruises are refillable, insulated water bottles, since you will need water during your shore excursions. You can fill it up with water from the ship, and it will keep it cold for a long time. Bringing your own water bottles will also save you money because you don’t have to buy expensive water and drinks from the ship!

Check out: Best Alaska Cruises for Families

What to Pack in Your Overnight Bag

Another tip that I have for packing for an Alaska cruise is to have an overnight bag that you can carry with you on board. I usually use a small roller luggage that fits in the overhead compartment.

This is because you will not get your checked luggage right away when you board the ship. It might take a few hours for them to deliver your luggage to your room.

So I always pack an overnight bag with the essentials that I might need for the first day or night. I pack bathing suits and swim goggles for me and my kids, in case we want to jump in the pool right away.

I also pack a change of clothes for each of us, as well as any medication that we might need. My son has a nut allergy, so I always keep his epipen in my overnight bag. I also don’t forget to pack sunblock, as the sun can be strong in Alaska.

I also pack some entertainment for the kids in the overnight bag, such as books, toys, games, iPads, and devices. This way, they can stay busy while we wait for our luggage or when we are done exploring the ship that first day.

The roller luggage will also come in handy on your last night, because you will need a bag big enough to pack your overnight stuff for the next day. The cruise will ask you to give them your big luggage the night before, so that they can prepare them for disembarkation.

Download your Free Alaska Cruise Packing Checklist Printable

Download your Alaska cruise packing checklist , it will come in handy as you pack for your upcoming cruise. Bon Voyage!

Check out our other cruise packing lists with free printables:

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

Mexico Cruise Packing List

25 Things People forget to Pack for a Cruise

Help us spread the word and pin this free packing list printable on Pinterest. Thank you!

The post The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List: Free Printable Checklist appeared first on Suburbs 101 .

Packing List Template

Do you use a packing list or a travel checklist when you go on vacation or a business trip? Or, are you like me and just go through everything in your head? After a while, you learn that your memory isn't good enough, so you start making packing lists.

Stay Organized from Trip to Trip This packing template can be used over and over again to help you keep track of your travel essentials. Customize it, duplicate it, and adjust it for various destinations.

Collaborative Effort The travel necessities listed in these packing lists were collected by group effort from the experience of a number of different people and families. I hope you will find these useful.

Vacation Packing List Template

License : Private Use (not for distribution or resale)

Description

Use this generalized list to help you consider items to take on your vacation. As you customize the list for your particular vacation, make sure to consider all the different activities you'll be doing and what you may need for those particular activities.

Business Travel Packing List Template

If you travel routinely for business, you can customize this list to make your planning easier for your next trips. And if you don't travel for work very often, this general list may help you consider items to take. Make sure to consider all the activities you'll do while traveling.

College Packing List Template

Some important items to consider when you are headed off to college. Customize the list or use the printable version to help you avoid forgetting some important items. Of course, you may not need everything on this list.

3-in-1 Packing List Template

This older version of the spreadsheet was used to create all 3 of the packing lists. The Vacation Packing List, Business Travel Packing List, and College Packing List are each on separate worksheet tabs.

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