cruise travel necessities

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Cruise packing list: 56 essentials chosen by experts.

This cruise packing list includes all of the essentials – plus items you didn't know you needed.

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Ensure you have these cruise essentials for your vacation at sea.

Packing for any trip takes some planning, but cruise vacations present a unique challenge – particularly due to limited stateroom storage space and sparse (or overpriced) options for purchasing accidentally forgotten items.

To help you decide what to pack for a cruise, we've curated a list of essentials recommended by cruise experts who regularly sail the high seas. Download the U.S. News Cruise Packing List pictured above to reference while you pack, and read on to learn more about the recommended items and where you can purchase them if needed.

• For packing and planning
• For travel and embarkation day
• For the cabin
• For the ship and shore excursions

Find your perfect cruise

Carry-on bag

Regardless of whether you bring checked luggage, you'll need some type of carry-on bag . Since checked bags need to go through security as they do at airports – and because you may need to wait for your stateroom to be ready, just like at a hotel – you'll want to be able to access any necessities pre-cruise. These might include a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the pools; medications; a bottle of water; and your smartphone, of course. You'll also want to keep your credit card, passport, and any other important documentation or valuables close by. A carry-on backpack works especially well since it can double as a day bag for shore excursions.

Checked bag

While you'll likely want to bring a checked bag, consider sharing one with your ship mate(s) to maximize stateroom storage space. Or, consider bringing medium-sized luggage, such as the The Medium by Away , for checking in.

Read: The Best Checked Luggage Options

Garment bag

Courtesy of Halfday

While many cruises are less formal these days, a garment bag can still be handy for keeping select garments wrinkle-free (since clothing irons are prohibited on cruise ships). Top-rated options include the The Garment Duffel by Halfday and the Briggs and Riley Baseline 22" Carry-On 2-Wheel Garment Bag , both of which double as traditional luggage. If you pack your luggage right, you can make this your only suitcase, in addition to a carry-on bag.

Packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags

Packing cubes are one of the best ways to organize your belongings for travel – especially in a tight cruise ship cabin. Top-rated options include the Veken packing cubes on Amazon (usually priced around $20) and all of the Pack-It Sets by Eagle Creek. The Pack-It Starter Set is especially ideal for cruising since it includes a garment folder designed to minimize wrinkles in clothing. Some cruisers also swear by vacuum-sealed bags , even though they can be a bit more tedious to pack.

Carry-on caddy

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer at The Points Guy, recommends a carry-on caddy , particularly if you're flying to your embarkation point. "I have a fabric sleeve that slides down over the telescoping handle on my carry-on to provide pockets for my passport, phone, coffee – all the things I used to have to juggle during check-in."

Digital luggage scale

The compact Etekcity scale – approximately $10 on Amazon – can weigh bags up to 110 pounds and help you avoid overweight baggage fees.

Read: Carry-on Luggage Size and Weight Limits by Airline

Bungee cord

"Especially for travelling with the family, I use a bright-green bungee cord to strap multiple pieces of luggage together," says Aaron Saunders, senior editor at Cruise Critic. "It's a lifesaver when boarding trains or disembarking ships, particularly when you ' re maneuvering a stroller and a little one around, too."

Luggage tracker

Courtesy of Apple

A luggage tracker isn't just useful for air travel. Attach one to your checked cruise luggage to see when it has arrived in your stateroom (or if it's stalled at security). Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic, doesn't go anywhere without her Apple AirTag after her luggage got stuck in Vancouver for over a week last June. "My AirTag use has expanded beyond my checked luggage, too. I also have AirTags in my handbag, my carry-on, my keychain and my wallet."

Cruise insurance

Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, cruise insurance can be a wise purchase ahead of your voyage. Travel policies can cover unforeseen expenses such as trip interruptions and medical emergencies.

While a passport is often required for cruising, rules can vary depending where you're traveling. Determine whether you need a passport for your upcoming cruise ; if you do, triple-check that you have it packed the day of departure.

Credit cards and local currency

When cruising internationally, consider getting small amounts of each country's currency to have on hand in port. Depending where you go, some local markets may only accept their own country's currency, not U.S. dollars or credit cards. It's also nice to leave cash gratuities for cab drivers, tour guides or servers; in the European Union, 1- and 2-euro coins are convenient and appropriate tips. In ports with vendors that do accept credit cards, be sure to carry a Visa or Mastercard , as some shops and restaurants do not take American Express .

RFID wallet

It's important to protect your travel documents with an RFID wallet like the TIGARI Passport Holder or the ZOPPEN RFID Travel Passport Wallet , the latter of which can hold multiple passports for a family. "Thieves and hackers can steal your credit card information just by using skimming devices," explains Jill Schildhouse, a cruise expert and U.S. News contributor who always travels with her RFID wallet. "And because your wallet wasn't even touched, you won't know it happened until you see your credit card statement."

Read: The Top Passport Holders and Wallets

Medications

Pack more than enough of your prescription medications as well as any over-the-counter medicines you'll need, just in case you encounter an itinerary change or travel delay. While some travelers find it easiest to bring personal medicines in their prescription bottles, others find travel pill boxes to be especially helpful for organization. The Sukuos Weekly Pill Organizer is a well-rated option, with detachable boxes for each day as well as compartments for morning and evening medications.

Sheet masks

Since flying can be so drying for the skin, Faust likes to use sheet masks. "My first step the night before I board (because you should always fly in a day early) is to hydrate with a sheet mask (usually from a Korean brand like Ballon Blanc or FaceTory )," she says. "If I'm meeting up with a friend, I bring an extra sheet mask so our trip starts out feeling a bit like a spa day!"

Magnetic hooks

A surprising fact: Cruise ship cabin walls are made of metal, which means you can optimize your storage space by hanging some of your belongings on magnetic wall hooks. The hooks are perfect for holding bulky coats or boots if you're traveling to a colder climate. You can also use them for wet gear on expedition ships and adventure cruises, or for drying out bathing suits after days at the beach or pool. Purchase a set of magnetic hooks for less than $10 on Amazon .

Like hotels, cruise ships can only provide so many hangers. Bring a few extras from home or pick up a pack from your local dollar store. You might also try packable hangers .

Wrinkle release spray

Whether or not you bring a garment bag, a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release spray, such as Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray , is useful to have on board. If you combine a spritz or two with the steam from your shower, you should be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles in your clothing.

Laundry detergent

"If you don't want to pay for laundry service or spend precious time in the self-service laundry room, bring a small bottle of laundry detergent like Woolite to wash key items in the sink: underwear, bras, quick-dry hiking shorts, bathing suits, etc.," recommends Schildhouse. "Every cruise ship shower has a retractable clothesline you can extend to drape the clothes over while they dry. This can also help cut down on the number of items you need to pack."

Over-the-door organizers

Over-the-door organizers with clear or mesh pockets allow you to find your feminine hygiene products, makeup, jewelry and other small items quickly – without having to hunt through multiple drawers or a tight stateroom closet. It's a good idea to purchase a two-pack like this option by Simple Houseware Store (available on Amazon), since you can also use one to store shoes and maximize floor space.

Courtesy of Poo-Pourri

It goes without saying, but to say it anyway: A toilet spray like Poo-Pourri is a must for your cruise packing list. Any smell – pleasant or not – will travel quickly in small staterooms with small bathrooms. Buy a small bottle to keep in your cabin.

Shampoo and conditioner

Cruise experts agree it's best to bring your own shampoo and conditioner in travel-size bottles, as most cruise ships don't provide separate shampoo and conditioner anymore; instead, they offer all-in-one dispensers. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, likes to pack her shampoo and conditioner in the popular Cadence Capsules , noting she also uses them for another essential: sunscreen. "These capsules are easy to fill, never leak and have clear labels, which you can customize," she says.

Wine or Champagne

Most major cruise lines allow each guest to bring one to two bottles of wine or Champagne on board, while some luxury cruise lines allow even more than that. Disney Cruise Line also gives guests the option to bring a six-pack of beer instead of wine or Champagne. Be sure to consult your cruise line's policies when packing for your trip.

Read: Cruise Line Drink Packages

If you plan to bring wine or Champagne, you'll likely need a corkscrew . While some cruise lines may prohibit corkscrews, others allow them onboard; check your cruise line's policy before sailing. Bringing wine with a twistable cap may be a good alternative.

Portable humidifier

Cruise ship cabins can feel dry – especially in the colder months. A portable humidifier like the GENIANI Erie (less than $25 on Amazon) can provide some relief. At about half a pound, this USB-powered device will fit neatly into your checked bag or carry-on luggage. The travel humidifier features two mist settings and has an automatic shut-off option, plus a night light to help you see around your cabin in the dark.

International travel adapter or converter

You'll likely need a travel adapter, since cruise lines homeported in international locales may have different electrical sockets and voltage strengths than you're used to in the U.S.

McDaniel recommends the OneWorld65 Travel Adapter . "I've used a lot of different travel adapters over the years, but this is my favorite. It charges up to six devices at once, has USB and mini-USB options, and works in over 200 countries," she says. "While many cruise ships have U.S. outlets, most usually also have European outlets. This adapter lets me take advantage of that outlet I'd otherwise ignore." She also notes that while cruise lines are getting better about having more outlets on their ships, it never feels like enough to keep your phone, camera battery, tablet, watch, headphones/earbuds and laptop charged (times two or more if you're traveling with others).

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Sound machine

Cruise experts agree a sound machine can be helpful for blocking out the sound of late-night partiers returning to their staterooms (or your snoring spouse). Schildhouse likes the LectroFan Micro 2 for cruising. "It plays non-looping white noise and doubles as a speaker to play tunes while you get ready for dinner."

Tech organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

A tech organizer like the BAGSMART electronics organizer case – available on Amazon for about $20 – can store all your cables, plugs, SD cards and earphones in one zippered, compact bag that will fit easily in your carry-on luggage. Despite its small size, it can also hold bulkier items like a small laptop charging cord.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is a good thing to have on hand no matter where you go. You can make your own using supplies you already have at home, or buy a premade first-aid kit on Amazon for about $20. While all cruise ships have medical facilities, it's useful to have these items with you on shore excursions, especially those involving active adventures.

Hand sanitizer

Regularly washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer is essential to staying healthy while traveling, especially on a cruise ship. Stock up on a few travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer (less than $2 each at Walmart) ahead of your trip. If you're looking for something with less alcohol that's also less drying, check out Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer .

If you're a parent, you know that your infant or toddler needs a very specific size – and in some cases brand – of diapers, which may very well be unavailable to you on your cruise ship or in the ports of call. Bring more than enough diapers to play it safe at sea.

Most cruise lines also require that non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers wear swim diapers in the children's water play areas. For the sake of sanitation, kids must be toilet-trained to use the pools on cruise ships.

Read:  The Best Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Many cruisers like to personalize their cabin with stateroom door decor. Not only is it a fun tradition, but decorating the door can make it easier to locate your room, too. You can find lots of fun decor ideas on Pinterest as well as Amazon .

" Duct tape is a life-saver in many situations," says Kosciolek. "I primarily use it to attach my printed luggage tags, but it's also great for mending clothing issues on the fly and fixing broken luggage until you can get it back home."

"As a parent, I like to bring lanyards with sleeves so my kids can wear their keycards and not lose them," says Erica Silverstein, senior cruise editor at The Points Guy. "We hang them on the magnetic hooks I put on the wall, so they don't get lost in the cabin either."

Courtesy of Sea-Bands

If you're prone to (or think you may be prone to) motion sickness on cruise ships, put a pair of Sea-Bands on your cruise packing list. These soft wristbands use acupressure to prevent and minimize nausea and vomiting on board, and they are a reusable, drug-free alternative to traditional anti-nausea medications. You can purchase Sea-Bands on Amazon or at most drugstores.

If you need something a bit stronger than Sea-Bands (or to use in conjunction with them), Dramamine remains a tried-and-true solution for both preventing and treating sea sickness. Choose the Less Drowsy formula to avoid getting sleepy, and consider the chewable tablets (dye-free) if traveling with kids who are prone to queasiness. Many travelers like Bonine as a remedy for sea sickness as well.

Mix-and-match clothing

Pack a variety of mix-and-match items, also known as a capsule wardrobe, for your cruise. To do this, choose a base color – black or navy blue – for your wardrobe. Next, pack plain, neutral-colored items, then add a few patterned items to the mix. Remember to include a variety of styles (T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits) and also consider reversible clothing and outfits that can easily transition from day to night.

Read: What to Wear on a Cruise: Daytime, Formal Nights & More

Sports jacket or blazer

Adam Coulter, executive editor of Cruise Critic UK & Australia, recommends packing a sports jacket or blazer. "While cruise lines are getting more casual, what happens if you get that last-minute invite to meet the captain, or there's a meet and mingle where you want to look put together? A jacket will always elevate your elegance (even if you're wearing a T-shirt underneath)," he says. If you're in need of a travel blazer, Bluffworks has some well-rated options; the Gramercy , in particular, gets great reviews.

Themed party attire

Some cruise lines host themed voyages or parties on select nights where passengers can dress up to participate in the fun. You'll want to review your cruise itinerary before you go so you're prepared for the festivities. Bring your buccaneer gear if you're sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line; ships host fun events like Pirate Nights, pirate-themed dinners and a "Pirates in the Caribbean" show. On "The Love Boat"-themed cruises offered by Princess Cruises , pack your platform boots, glittery dresses, bell-bottom pants and halter tops for the line's 1970s-inspired disco party on the deck. No matter the theme, you can't go wrong with a couple of captain hats .

Read:  The Top Party Cruises

Travel wrap

A travel wrap is a versatile accessory that's useful for any trip – even more so on a cruise ship where it can get chilly when the sea breeze picks up. Available in nearly 10 different colors, J.Crew's Oversized Cashmere Wrap is a timeless staple, albeit a bit of an investment; for something less expensive but well rated, try this off-brand pashmina shawl on Amazon .

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

If you're cruising to a cold weather destination such as Alaska , you'll need something heavier than a travel wrap, but not so bulky that it requires additional luggage. Consider a packable jacket that folds easily and compactly; travel experts highly recommend the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket .

Read: Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items

Packable hat

If you're headed to the Caribbean or another warm weather destination, you'll want a beach hat to protect your scalp and face from the sun. This packable straw hat by FURTALK (available on Amazon for about $25) is a stylish women's option that features a broader brim and offers UPF 50 sun protection. For more recommendations, browse the best beach hats in a variety of styles.

Comfortable walking shoes

Courtesy of Allbirds

Even if you never step foot off the ship, there is still plenty of walking to do between bow and stern. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps are safer than flimsy flip flops when boarding a slippery tender into port (if your ship can't dock directly). Check out our recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoes , which include the popular Allbirds Wool Runners and the Birkenstock Mayari , a modern twist on the classic sandal.

Water shoes

Depending on your scheduled shore excursions, you might also need a pair of water shoes. For something that's both functional and fashionable, we like the Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer . While not totally waterproof, the Native Jefferson is a water-friendly, versatile option.

Versatile heels

"Over the years, I've learned that the key to avoiding overpacking is to bring one neutral pair of low heels that match every single eveningwear outfit I've packed – from flowy pants to dresses," says Schildhouse, who loves her Rockport Tabitha 2-Strap Heeled Sandals . "They have a cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing heel so you can dance the night away in the club, and a 3-inch block heel with traction to keep you steady on your feet even if the ship's rocking a bit."

Reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle is useful for filling up at water and beverage stations on your cruise ship; it's also a necessity for shore excursions.

Bathing suit

Pack a couple of swimsuits for the pools, hot tubs and any shore excursions.

Swim cover-up

Another must-have for your cruise packing list is a swimsuit cover-up or two. These are great for wearing over your bathing suit during days at sea, as well as on excursions – especially if you're going on a Caribbean cruise . Amazon sells a variety of stylish, affordable cover-ups, and you can never go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt .

Dry bags are useful for shore excursions where you're likely to get wet but don't want the same to be true for your phone, camera and other precious items. "I use the Outdoor Research Unisex Dry Isolation Pack   and have never had so much as a drop of moisture enter it, which is important for me – it keeps my cameras, documents and important items from getting wet," says Saunders, adding that it functions as a great everyday backpack when it's not raining.

If you need more than one dry bag, cruise expert Brittany Chrusciel recommends the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag Set . "Having these dry bags, in a variety of sizes, means I can bring all my gear along during a Zodiac cruise or snorkeling excursion without having to worry about it getting wet."

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case is also essential, especially if you plan to take photos. The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches (available in a two-pack) come with a lanyard so you can both protect your phone and wear it around your neck. They are compatible with most smartphones.

"I like to bring collapsible pails, small shovels , inflatable beach toys, a floppy Frisbee or other things to entertain the kids on the beach if we're going to a private island or beach destination," says Silverstein. "If you can inflate your own inner tube, you don't need to rent a floating mat."

Beach towel

"Although cruise lines provide guests with towels to take off the ship on excursions, they are often bulky and sometimes small," explains Chrusciel. "The Surfer Towel folds up to nearly nothing, so it takes up almost no room in your suitcase and is super convenient to pack in a day bag. What's more, its quick-drying technology means that the lightweight fabric won't be soaking wet when you need to pack up for the day and head back to the ship."

Towel clips

"Even though giant plastic towel clips shaped like a flamingo are a bit cringey, they make it easy to find your spot in a sea of sun loungers," says Chrusciel. "They also solve a common cruise problem: keeping your towel securely fixed to your chair while reading or sunbathing."

Reef-safe sunscreen

Courtesy of Badger

When choosing a sunscreen, look for something that's reef-safe; not only are these sunscreens safer for the environment, but they're also better for you . The active ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of both. Top-rated mineral sunscreen brands include Think , Badger and Raw Elements , all of which also sell lip balm with sunscreen (another essential at sea).

After-sun lotion

You'll want an extra dose of moisturizer if you've been basking in the sun. COOLA makes an after-sun body lotion that cools and hydrates the skin with aloe vera, agave and lavender oil. Previous buyers rave about this lotion, noting they appreciate that the scent isn't overpowering. If you prefer a spray, try this option by Pacifica .

A good book

Sea days are the perfect time to kick back and relax with a book you've been meaning to read. Find an oceanfront lounge chair in a shaded area on the pool deck, or grab a cup of tea and settle into a quiet nook indoors. There's no need to pack more than one book, however, as many cruise ships have libraries.

What not to pack for a cruise

Power strip.

Many cruise lines do not permit power strips as they present a fire hazard, while others allow them as long as they are non-surge-protected. Instead of a power strip, purchase a portable charger such as this highly rated one by Anker , which can power up multiple devices at once. This can be especially useful for shore excursions. When packing for your cruise, also think about your luggage: If it has an included charging port, you may not even need to purchase an additional charging block.

Weapons and restraints

Firearms, handcuffs and the like are not permitted on cruise ships. This rule also includes toy guns on most cruise lines.

While most major cruise lines allow guests to pack a limited amount of wine or Champagne per person, they do not permit hard liquor. Of course, those of age can purchase cocktails at any of the bars on board.

Household appliances

Irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships, which is why the aforementioned garment bags, wrinkle release spray and packing cubes are recommended for keeping clothing tidy and neat. Coffee makers and mug warmers are also prohibited.

While you can technically bring you own, it's not necessary as hairdryers are available in every bathroom on most ships.

CBD and marijuana

CBD that's derived from hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less is legal at a federal level. However, each state interprets and enforces this law differently; for example, many states require a prescription for it. Due to the ambiguity of the laws, most cruise lines continue to ban CBD in any form.

Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, which means you cannot bring it on a cruise ship – even if you're legally able to purchase it in your home state for recreational or medical use.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

For the U.S. News Cruise Packing List, travel writers Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross tapped leading industry experts for their cruise essentials. They regularly update this checklist with new and useful items to pack.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best All-Inclusive Cruises

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Travel Gear

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• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Cruise Packing Tips

• >> Cruise Essentials – 50 Brilliant Things to Bring on a Cruise

Cruise Essentials – 50 Brilliant Things to Bring on a Cruise

Cruising is so much fun and thinking about what to bring on a cruise is one of the best ways to create some excitement before your trip. Putting together your cruise essentials can start a few months before you set sail. Allow yourself enough time to get all the things to bring on a cruise ordered online, out of storage and packed up ready to go.

Whether you’re a new cruiser wondering what the essential items for a cruise are or an experienced cruiser looking to freshen up your cruise essentials packing list, we’re sure you’ll find something useful on our cruise essentials list! What to take on a cruise depends somewhat on the destination, how light you prefer to pack and the duration of the cruise. All of the things to take on a cruise we’ve listed below are useful items but it’s up to you to decide what cruise travel essentials you’ll pack for your trip.

Start thinking about cruise essentials to pack and laying them out on a spare bed or in a storage box in a quiet corner of your house. Use our cruise essentials checklist to mark off items as you find or purchase them.

You don’t need to purchase every single one of the cruise ship essentials we’ve mentioned but a lot of these items are very helpful. We have covered cruise packing essentials to organize your luggage, useful items for organising your stateroom, essentials to take on a cruise to avoid seasickness

• 1.1 Our Top 10 Cruise Essentials
• 1.2 More Essential Items to Take on a Cruise
• 1.3 Essential Cruise Accessories for Organizing Your Cabin
• 1.4 Cruise Wardrobe Essentials
• 1.5 Cruise Packing Essentials

Cruise Essentials

Our Top 10 Cruise Essentials

These are the top 10 essentials to pack for a cruise. Everyone should have these items (or a variation of them that suits your needs):

• Waterproof phone case – FFor keeping your phone, cash and sailing card safe when you’re swimming or at the beach
• Lanyard – For wearing your cruise card around the ship
• Seabands / Seasickness medication
• Highlighters – For highlighting your daily cruise schedule
• Lysol disinfecting wipes or Lysol to Go spray – For sanitizing your cabin on arrival
• Powerstrip without surge protector – Surge protectors are not allowed on board
• Conditioner – You’ll be swimming a lot and they often don’t have it in cabins
• Sunscreen / Aftersun  – Bring a spray sunscreen for your body, a face sunscreen and aftersun lotion
• Bathing suit coverup / UV swim vest
• Packing cubes – For organizing your suitcase

More Essential Items to Take on a Cruise

• Ginger candy
• Downy Wrinkle Release (travel size)
• Travel coffee cup
• Refillable water bottle
• Earplugs or portable sound machine – If you’re a light sleeper or in case of noisy neighbors
• Travel alarm clock
• Wine bottle – One 750 ml bottle per adult depending on cruise line you’re with
• Wine bottle protector
• Soda – 12 cans per person depending on cruise line you;re with
• Tide to Go – Stain remover pen for emergencies
• Tide pods – Carnival has laundry rooms on board if you need them
• Travel laundry sheets – For handwashing laundry in your room if necessary
• Hand sanitzer – Travel size
• Beach towel clip
• Rain poncho
• Travel umbrella
• Anti-chaffing balm
• Small first aid kit
• Portable speakers
• Refillable perfume atomizer
• Tea bags or instant coffee if you’re fussy about what you drink
• Antacid tablets
• Download a few Netflix shows or movies to your ipad

Tip: These cruise essentials make great gifts for your travel companions or to give to cruise lovers over the holidays.

Essential Cruise Accessories for Organizing Your Cabin

• Small dry erase board – Magentic ones are useful for the outside door of your cabin
• Magnetic hooks
• Ziploc bags
• Plastic document wallet
• Bungee cord – For holding open your balcony door
• Overdoor shoe organizer – For adding additional storage in your room
• Post It notes

Tip: Keep all these items to take on a cruise packed in a storage box for any future cruises you take. It will make packing for a cruise easier next time!

Cruise Wardrobe Essentials

• Aqua shoes – If planning on an excursion that requires them
• UV swim vest
• Bathing suit coverups
• Packable sunhat or sunvisor
• Cheap sunglasses you can wear in the ocean or pool

For a full list of cruise clothing essentials for your specific cruise type, check out our cruise packing lists . We go into great depth on the cruise essentials clothing you’ll need for the various cruise types.

Tip: Read our guide to  fun things to bring on a cruise for more ideas!

Cruise Packing Essentials

These packing essentials to bring on a cruise will help you organize your luggage.

• Travel wallet / organiser
• Packing cubes
• Cruise luggage tags
• Hanging toiletry bag
• Garment bag
• Laundry bag or pop up hamper
• Prescription medication organizer
• Folding backpack
• Cooler – 12 can, soft sided
• Travel toiletry bottles
• Wet-dry bag – For traveling home with wet swimsuits

What do you think the best items to bring on a cruise are? If you’ve got any questions about what to take on a cruise ship or want to share your ideas on the best things to bring on a cruise, leave us a comment below.

If you want to chat more about what to bring on a cruise ship, you can join our Facebook group to chat with other cruises. It’s a great way to get ideas on the best things to take on a cruise.

Still need help? Take our FREE email course!

If you still need help deciding what to pack for your upcoming cruise, sign up to take our short email course. You'll learn what to wear on a cruise, what little cruise essentials can really help, how to pack your bag, what the best suitcase to take is and what to leave behind. Sign up now. It's totally FREE!

We created Cruise Packing Tips to share our extensive knowledge on how to pack for a cruise. As seasoned cruisers who loves to pack just the right amount for each trip, we will help you get your cruise packing list down to a fine art.

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50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon in 2024

Sharing is caring!

If you’re cruising in the near future, you may be creating a list of Amazon cruise essentials to bring on your cruise. These cruise accessories and travel gadgets can be really useful for space-saving and more!

Cruising is the type of travel experience, where you want to be prepared with everything you need in advance. I’ve learned from experience, if you think you might need it, you better bring it from home. 

In this post, I share some of the most useful things to bring on a cruise, from things that help with packing for a cruise to genius items that will organize your cruise cabin space.

In addition, I’ll include a few items you may not have thought of bringing on a cruise, but really should be on your cruise packing list ! You may even have some of these things at home already.

Cruise Essentials Packing List – Amazon Must-haves

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Here are some of Amazon’s most popular cruise travel essentials and accessories that pro cruisers swear by!

Before we get started, you might be wondering if you need all 50 items on this list. Of course, you’ll want to pick and choose. Not every travel item needs to be packed for every cruise!

However, the items that are included, are some of the most popular and well reviewed cruise essentials sold on Amazon.

As well, this post has been updated to include some new cruising essentials for 2024.

Many of these items are things that I bring and use on my own cruises. I’ve included a couple YouTube videos below, if you’d like to see the items and have more information.

Recommended Cruise Accessories to Pack for a Cruise

These items are useful to organize your cruise stateroom , for packing and to use onboard your cruise ship.

1. Cruise Approved Power Bar

It’s surprising, but most cruise ship cabins have only 1 or 2 electric plugs. If you’re bringing electronic items like phones, pads, speakers, go-pros and anything else, you’ll really want more plugs, and even USB’s.

Very important – Cruise lines don’t allow you to bring a regular surge-protected power bar from home (they will confiscate). It’s very important to have a non-surge protected one that is “cruise approved” .

2. Non-Surge Power Cubes with USB-C

A new cruise accessory I’ve found is smaller travel size power cube which includes a USB-C plug.

Recommended: No-surge power bar cube with 6 outlets (check 5* amazon reviews)

3. Over the Door Hanging Organizer 

Cruisers are masters at using small cruise cabin space efficiently . An over the door organizer is very practical to store items you and your family will use often. You can hang this on your bathroom door or even use magnet hooks to hang on a cabin wall.

Pro tip: Pack your over the door organizer at home and place it in your suitcase, ready to hang. It will save so much time on your embarkation day .

4. Magnetic Cabin Hooks

One of the best ways to add storage space to your cruise stateroom is to use magnet hooks to hang backpacks, sunhats and bathing suits to dry. Cruise cabin walls are metal, so using magnets is an awesome cruise cabin hack !

Recommended: 6 pack Magnetic Hooks (these are “heavy duty”)

5. Magnetic Clips

Another cruise essential that really won’t be on other types of travel packing lists, are magnetic wall clips . Funny but cool cruise fact – cruise cabin walls are metal.

Why bring magnet clips? On a cruise, you’ll have some paper cruise planners, shore excursion tickets, and invitations to events on your cruise that tend to clutter up your desk and counter space. Use some magnetic clips to hang these items on the wall.

Recommended: Magnetic clips (see 4.5* Amazon reviews)

6. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

Plastic reusable luggage tags holders are so practical. If you get nothing else, buy luggage tag holders ! Not only are they reasonably priced, but they can be reused again and again.

Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders

• Royal Caribbean
• Holland America
• MSC Cruises

7. Packing Cubes

It’s official. I’m a packing cube convert. While I wrote a blog post about the pros and cons of packing cubes , the fact is, there are very few cons.

In fact, I’ve now found even more cruise packing hacks and ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. I recommend getting at least 2 packs of these packing cubes , with the various sizes, in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family.

Recommended: 5 star rated Packing Cubes

Read more:   The Pros and Cons of Packing Cubes for Cruise Vacations

8. Luggage Set with Spinner Wheels

If you’re anything like me, you might be due for some new luggage. Make sure it’s lightweight and has 4 spinner wheels so that it’s easy to board your cruise ship and disembark (even if you do self-disembarkation).

Recently, I got new hard side luggage and I’m loving it!

Pro tip – If you have a neutral or common color suitcase, like black, blue or grey, make sure to tie some colored yarn or ribbon around a handle so that it stands out and you can find it easily at the airport or cruise terminal.

Recommended : 2 Piece Luggage Set (check price & reviews on Amazon here)

9. Portable Luggage Scale

Make sure to bring along a portable digital luggage scale when you’re flying to and from your cruise. This handheld digital scale includes batteries and is a customer favorite.

Recommended:   Handheld digital luggage scale (see product details & Amazon reviews here)

10. Lanyard and Keycard Holder

Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port.

Recommended: Cruise Lanyard and Cruise Card Holder (waterproof)

11. Cruise Card Holder Phone Pouch

This new cruise accessory, a cruise card holder , is now my husband’s favorite! He used this to hold his cruise key card on our last cruise, and has raved about it ever since.

Recommended: Cruise car holder phone pouch wallet (stays on cell phone case)

12. Refillable (and collapsible) Water Bottles

I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles . While obviously convenient on the cruise ship, more than that I love how they don’t take room in my luggage or beach bag when not being used.

13. Insulated Tumbler Travel Mug

14. Towel Clips

It’s very hard for me to hold in my enthusiasm for pool and beach towel clips . The ship is so breezy and towels would never stay put for me. It used to drive me crazy as I would try to read or relax.

This is honestly an item I’m so happy we bring on our cruises! We bought some towel clips with different styles (flamingo, margaritas, flip flops) and they’re adorable!

15. Adjustable Towel Bands for Beach Chairs

Some cruisers prefer towel bands to clips, as they’re easier to pack and take up less room. I love these, as they are adjustable and have a convenient clip cruisers are loving.

Recommended: Towel bands with clips

16. Poo-Pourri Bathroom Spray

Poo-Pourri bathroom spray is a cruising essential that may not be talked about much, but it works. Cruise cabins and bathrooms are small, and the space is tight. A useful bathroom hack is to spray a little Poo-Pourri before you go. 

17. Cabin Alarm Clock

If you like to know the time during the night or don’t want to rely on your cell phone, consider a simple travel battery operated clock . A lot of cruisers swear this is one of their favorite cruise accessories.

18. Motion Sensor Nightlight

This portable nightlight gets great reviews by cruisers and is one of the best-selling Amazon cruise accessories.

If you’re in an inside cabin especially, it will be pitch black. So having a touch of light for when someone has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night will be appreciated!

19. Portable Fan

If you’re someone who finds that small spaces can get hot and stuffy, consider bringing a small fan  to make your cabin more comfortable. I like this one as it’s battery operated, but rechargeable  – plus it’s quiet.

20. Ladies Carry-on Bag

I love the size and practicality of his weekender style carry-on bag . It’s perfect to carry over your shoulder, but also fits right over the handles of your luggage.

Recommended: Carry-on bag with nautical stripe (see details & style options on Amazon here)

21. Hanging Toiletry Bag

These hanging toiletry bags are so practical to keep you organized in a tight cruise cabin bathroom, so it makes sense that this is quickly becoming one of the popular items to bring on a cruise.

This one in particular is my favorite and has over 35,000 5* reviews (you can see it in my video at the bottom of this post).

Recommended: Hanging toiletry/cosmestic bag (different colors available – read 35,000+ 5 star reviews)

22. Travel Laundry Hamper (pop up mesh)

Recommended: Travel laundry hamper (check price and see Amazon reviews here)

Related:  Do Cruise Ships Provide Irons and Ironing Boards to Guests?

23. Downy Wrinkle Release Spray

Make sure to bring along a travel size Downy Wrinkle Release spray to get any wrinkles out of your cruise wear .

Recommended: Downy Wrinkle Release Spray (travel size available on Amazon)

Read more:   How to Pack Wrinkle Free for a Cruise

24. Tide to Go Stain Remover Stick

Tide to Go instant stain remover sticks will save your cruise outfits! Make sure to pack one or more for your cruise.

Recommended: Tide To Go stain remover stick (verify price on Amazon)

25. Jewelry Organizer Travel Bag

If you like to pack jewelry for your cruise, this jewelry organizer bag keeps necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets separated so they won’t tangle. The clear pouches make it a cruise essential favorite! 

I have the small size, and find it perfect, however it’s available in 3 different sizes so it can suit your needs.

Cruise Shore Excursion Must-haves

26. beach bag.

I love a good beach bag on a cruise. You can use this one as a carry on bag on embarkation day , as well as on shore excursions .

This one is large with a zipper closure, and looks great too.

Recommended: Beach Bag (see price & different colors on Amazon here)

27. Mesh Tote Bag

This mesh tote bag is one of my favorite cruise essentials. I love to use it to keep my sunscreen, book and other items both on the cruise ship and off.

Recommended: Mesh tote bag (check price & 5000+ Amazon reviews here)

28. Trendy Knit Beach Bag

This stylish knit beach bag is super cute for the lido deck or to use in cruise ports of call.

Recommended: Large mesh knit beach bag (3 colors – check excellent reviews)

29. Magnetic Sunhat Clip

One of the best inventions ever is the magnetic hat clip ! Never lose or squish your sunhat again.

Recommended: Magnetic hat clip (check price & different colors on Amazon)

This wide brim beach hat is great for Bahamas, Caribbean or even Mediterranean cruises!

Recommended: Wide brim sun hat (see over 13,000 Amazon reviews here)

31. Waterproof Drybag

If you plan on doing any kayaking or other water excursions, you’ll get good use out of this waterproof drybag .

32. Portable Lock Bo x

This portable lock box safe is great for placing your id, phones, cash and other valuables and keeping them secure while on an excursion.

Recommended:     Portable lock box for beach and pool

33. Water Shoes

Water shoes will be useful if you’re going to a rocky beach or an excursion where water shoes are recommended. We made the mistake several years ago of going to Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica and needing to buy the shoes on site.

In fact on a recent cruise, we brought some new water shoes for an excursion to Virgin Gorda. These were awesome, and I’ll be bringing my water shoes on all future Caribbean cruises !

34. Snorkel and Mask

If you’re going to be snorkeling more than once, it really pays to buy your own snorkel gear. These are two Amazon cruise items that are both recommended, but really depend on your preferences.

Check out the Amazon review for this full face mask style snorkel set (to see why people are loving it).

Recommended: Snorkel Set with Snorkel full face MASK and swim fins (check price & over 5000 4.5* Amazon reviews)

This snorkel set is more traditional, but also very popular with cruisers.

35. Reef Safe Sunscreen

If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise , it’s really important to pack reef friendly sunscreen , as this is safer for the coral reefs. Many Caribbean islands (such as St. Thomas), have laws against using chemical sunscreen, and can issue fines.

It’s best bring the reef friendly sunscreen from home, as it will be less expensive than buying it on site.

Recommended: Reef friendly sunscreen (see price & Amazon reviews here)

36. Aloe Vera After-Sun Gel

Always be prepared in case you get too much sun. A good quality pure aloe vera gel will actually be able to be worn under your clothes, as it won’t be sticky like some gels with fillers.

Recommended: Pure Aloe Vera Gel (see over 60,000 reviews on Amazon)

37. Lip Balm with SPF

So many people forget to bring lip balm with SPF on a cruise. However, if your lips swell up like you had bad lip injections, you’ll regret not packing lip balm (ideally in your cruise carry on bag ).

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

Tech Items & Electronics Accessories to Bring on a Cruise

38. portable phone charger.

one While a cruise power bar might be the most important tech item to have on a cruise , a portable phone charger is super practical.

We used this one on our last cruise to charge two phones at a time! It was awesome and long lasting!

39 . IWalk Portable Phone Charger

Convenient on the go Iwalk portable chargers are great when traveling! I always have one in my purse, even for everyday use.

Recommended: Iwalk phone charger (check price & amazon reviews here)

40. Waterproof Phone Case

These waterproof phone cases with lanyards are great to keep your phone dry, and keep the sand out when you’re at the beach. I love these in particular as these also have a touch screen (so important when cruising and traveling).

Recommended: Waterproof Phone Case with Cruise Lanyards

41. Electronics Organizer Case

Stay organized by keeping your chargers, cables and plugs, and phone accessories together in one electronics bag. I love the Bagmart products – they are well made and sections are well thought out.

Recommended: Electronics organizer bag (see color options)

42. Apple Airtags

If you are taking a flight to your cruise, get a set of Apple AirTags (if you have an iphone). If not, a tile or another similar product can work well for you.

Recommended : Apple AirTags (check price & 40,000+ 5* Amazon reviews)

43. Folding Travel Mirror LED

A best seller, this folding travel mirror ia a favorite Amazon find.

Recommended: Folding LED travel mirror (see price & almost 5000 reviews on Amazon)

These days, many cruise travelers are leaving their books at home and opting for a space saving Kindle. When we asked cruisers for their top cruise must-haves, the Kindle made the top 10!

Recommended: Kindle Paperwhite (check price & over 20,000 4.5* reviews on Amazon here)

45. Sunrise Alarm Clock

A cruise essential that’s gaining popularity this year is the sunrise alarm clock . This is one of the most useful cruise accessories for anyone cruising in a windowless inside cabin .

Recommended: Sunrise alarm clock

Wellness Items to Pack for a Cruise

46 . cruise first-aid kit.

Having a travel first aid kit is one of the most important things you can pack for your cruise. Whether you use this one below, or put together your own, do make sure you bring the medications and general first-aid items with you on your cruise.

Recommended: Cruisepaks Cruise Essentials First Aid Travel Kit – 150 Pieces

47. Seabands

If you’re worried about getting seasick on a cruise , Seabands are a great, natural product that many frequent cruisers love.

Recommended: Seabands (available for adults and children)

48. Bonine Motion Sickness Tablets

Please don’t make this common first time cruiser mistake. Even if you’ve cruised before, you can still be affected by the “motion of the ocean”. Bonine really works well for my husband and I, without drowsy side effects.

Recommended: Bonine seasickness tablets 

Read more: Cruise Toiletries Packing List

49. Ginger Candies

Ginger candies are a natural remedy for motion sickness. If you have a touch of queasiness on a cruise, a ginger tummydrop can really help.

Recommended: Ginger candies (organic)

50. Disinfecting Wipes for Travel

It’s a good idea to bring disinfecting wipes for your travels – in the airplane or even for the car ride if you’re driving to the cruise ship.

Once on the ship, you may find having these healthy cruise essentials useful as well.

Recommended: Disinfecting wipes (check reviews on Amazon)

51. Liquid IV

Liquid IV hydration multiplier and immune support is on the cruise packing list of many! It’s easy to get dehydrated and even a little worn down during a cruise, from the sun and fun ;-).

Liquid IV is a good item to have handy just in case.

Recommended: Liquid IV (see variety of flavors on Amazon here)

Cruise Items You Didn’t Know You Needed

52. binoculars.

If you’re cruising to Alaska , bringing a set of binoculars is a must! Whether on the cruise ship or on a whale watching tour , travel binoculars should be on your Alaska cruise packing list .

However, we’ve cruised in the Caribbean and have actually seen whales and even dolphins a couple of times from afar. Of course flying fish are more common – but there’s a lot you can see and appreciate sitting at a quiet spot on deck or on your balcony with your binoculars.

53. Travel Corkscrew

Are you bringing wine bottles on your cruise ? If so, make sure to pack a small affordable travel corkscrew to bring on your cruise vacation.

Recommended: Small travel corkscrew (see Amazon reviews)

54. Stainless Steel straws

In an attempt to use less plastic, most cruise lines have eliminated plastic straws on board. This means that either the drinks are served “strawless”, or you may get a paper straw.

If you think a soggy paper straw will bother you, consider bringing along a set of your own reusable straws .

Recommended:   Stainless Steel Reusable straws (this one has over 50000 5* reviews – Amazon)

55. Highlighter and post its

Bringing simple items from home like a highlighter and post it’s can be useful. You can leave notes for your cabin steward or highlight activities on your cruise planner.

56. Cruise Staff  Thank-you Cards

Recommended: Cruise staff thank you cards 

Video: The Most Popular Cruise Essentials Cruisers Love

57. Extra Reading Glasses

If you wear reading glasses, make sure to bring along an extra pair , in case they break or get lost.

Recommended: Reading glasses (set including blue light)

58. Emergency Dental Repair Kit

I’ve actually heard this tip from another cruiser, who pointed out that there aren’t any dentists on board a cruise, and how handy an emergency dental repair kit could be.

Recommended: Temporary dental repair kit 

59. Convertible Garment Duffel

If you’re packing a suit and/or cocktail dress for your cruise, the best way to pack them, wrinkle-free for a cruise , is by using a garment bag. This convertible duffle style garment bag is perfect!

Recommended: convertible duffle style garment bag ( see pricing & Amazon reviews here)

60. Travel Hairdryer

The hairdryers in cruise ship cabins aren’t very powerful. This small travel hairdryer was recommended to me by my hairdresser. It’s the best travel hairdryer I’ve ever had!

Recommended: BaByLiss travel hairdryer

61. Water Bottle Tote Pouch

For the cruiser who has every cruise accessory, this is something new. How convenient is this water bottle tote pouch ? Finally, a place to put that refillable water bottle while walking around on the cruise ship on a sea day , or even on an excursion.

Recommended:   Water bottle tote pouch (verify pricing on Amazon)

YouTube video: 30 Amazon Cruise Essentials (and new finds!)

Recap: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

These are the some of the most popular and best-selling cruise essentials that cruisers buy for their cruise. I hope this has been helpful as you plan and prepare for your cruise.

While you may not need all the items, consider which cruise gadgets and accessories would make things most convenient while you’re cruising.

Do you have Amazon Prime?  Amazon Prime comes with many benefits, including faster, free delivery, movies and TV shows (Prime TV) and even borrowing Kindle books. If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, check out the FREE 30 day trial .

CRUISE PLANNING & PACKING LISTS

The ultimate cruise planner.

Do you need cruise packing lists, to-checklists, shore excursion forms and more? Check out the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner .

See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -What’s Included

Need more cruise packing tips?

Here are 5 of the most useful cruise packing posts so you’ll be sure to have all the essential things you need for your cruise.

• What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
• What to Pack for Your First Cruise (Packing List & Tips)
• 23 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag
• 21 Best Cruise Luggage and Packing Accessories
• Cruise Wear over 50: Flattering Cruise Outfits for Women (plus packing list)
• Cruise Toiletries Packing List

Note: Keep in mind that you cannot bring your own power bar from home, as it must be a cruise approved, non-surge protected power bar.

I recommend one with 2 USB outlets – click HERE to verify price on Amazon.

Are you a new or seasoned cruiser? What items do you most recommend people bring on a cruise? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you’ve found this post helpful, please share it with others on Facebook or save it for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top).

30 Comments

Great call with the snorkel and mask! It’s something I wish we had thought to bring while in Bermuda.

Glad you liked the tip. I know so many people love to have their own snorkeling equipment.

I’ll actually add your tip to my Bermuda and Horseshoe Bay post, so thanks for pointing that out!

Enjoy your next cruise!

I live in Toronto, Canada. I have almost all the items listed above. The one thing I don’t have and was interested in … was the collapsible water bottles. I checked your Amazon site. Well … on the US Amazon site, a set of these 2 collapsible water bottles are $15.97. Are you ready for this? On the Canadian Amazon site … the exact same set of 2 collapsible water bottles by the same manufacturer are $46.54 … see below. I copied & pasted it here. The difference in price is obscene.

Collapsible Silicone Water Bottles – Sports Camping Canteen 20 Oz. – Easy to Clean and Store 4.2 out of 5 stars 966 CDN$46.54

Wow, that’s crazy! I wonder if it has to do with where that company is and where it’s shipped from. That’s obviously not worth it at all.

Perhaps the product is available through another distributor? If I see it I’ll let you know.

Thanks for taking the time to let me know.

Great tips. We just returned from our first cruise to Alaska. We used most of these with exception of …. We didn’t bother with the night light. We just left the bathroom light on with the door cracked open. Also our cruise line had a safe in the room. You use your own four digit code and whatever code you lock it with, opens it. So change the code whenever you want. Just remember what you used last. Didn’t use the beachy stuff but will in the future. Thanks.

Thanks so much for your comment. It sounds like you had a great first cruise!

Excellent tip about leaving a light on in the washroom. Simple but does the trick 🙂

Good point too about the safe – I should put this in my first time cruiser tips.

When’s your next cruise? LOL

I actually like the bring your own safe idea. Workers can easily reset your code.

I hadn’t considered that, but it’s a good point if that’s a concern.

Thanks for your comment,

We used the magnet hooks, towel clips and outlet. So glad we did. Next cruise I am adding the collapsible bottle and the folding clothes hangers (bought them before cruise and forgot to pack them 😥). These are all great suggestions. Thank you!

Glad to hear that those items worked out so well for you! I probably should try the folding clothes hangers on my own next cruise, lol!

We cruised to Panama last year and that is in a rain forest. We forgot our rain gear in cabin. We got soaked on our shore excursion. Got back changes hung them to dry. Next day it smelled really bad in our cabin. Next port we got a couple of car air fresheners tree things. They saved the rest of the trip. Water proof case. Went down the water slides on ship. Got great video of inside the slides. Also, we bought a power adapter to fit in European electrical plug. It has four USB ports. Gives us more plug in for our electronics.

Thanks Russell for the great tips. Great point about having rain gear too! I’ll have to add a few items to this list soon I think. I appreciate the useful suggestions!

Instead of plastic towel clips (which are bulky and can be difficult to use), try Towel Bands. I got mine from Cruise On

That’s awesome Robin. I actually have some and will give them a try as well next cruise. I like the practicality.

Thanks for sharing!

We love cruising and thanks to your list it has made it more enjoyable. I would like to add to bring a small bottle of Listerine Blue mouthwash. In case you have to rent or borrow snorkel gear, you can rinse it with the mouthwash to kill any bacteria that might be left behind. It’s not always washed well by the vendors. Also, combined with wipes, the mouthwash completely eliminates the sting of little jellyfish or other small “biters” that often cannot be seen in the water or on a hike. It has helped us more than once.

What a great idea Bo! It’s quite smart to be prepared for jellyfish, which I hadn’t ever considered. I’ll include this tip in my first aid kit list.

Husband and I are going on a 14 day cruise Jan. 2023 Eastern Caribbean. Not sure how much to pack. I do plan to do laundry at east once. Do you have a list for 14 day cruise?

Hi Irene, I have a packing list for a Caribbean cruise. If you plan to do laundry you could bring enough for 7 days or so and wash, plus formal night outfits can be worn more than once if you like.

There is a clothing list for men and women in this post: https://lifewellcruised.com/what-to-pack-for-a-caribbean-cruise/

Have an amazing cruise!

Thankyou for the information on the Caribbean cruise. This was very helpful. I will be able to check off some of the thing on my check list.

John and I will celebrate our 45th Anniversary 7/16/ 2023 . Our plans are to renew our vows on the beach of Galveston, Texas on a Friday afternoon. Then on Saturday, get on the Carnival Dream for a fourteen day cruise. We have belated celebrating our 45th till we cruise. It has been a long stressful year with water damage from a pipe in the attic. When 2022 comes I will toast 2021 good by and never look back. Look ahead to 1/14/2023 of fourteen days of the beauty of the sea and islands I have never seen. Thank you Irene

Sounds wonderful Irene! What a blessing to have spent 45 years together. Happy anniversary & vow renewal!Enjoy every minute of your amazing cruise.

One of the things I noticed you left out is, masks, just in case you might have to use them on the ship or in port. I keep one in my purse just in case the place I have to go to requires it. I also have most of the things in your list and have set it up for our needs on the cruise. We set sail for Alaska next year!

Oh Joyce you’re so right. I think I need to add this (at least for now).

Thanks for noticing and have an awesome Alaskan cruise!

We used the motion detector night light on our December cruise and learned the best place to put it was on the ground. It was so sensitive that it kept picking up our movement in the bed and turning on. When I put it on the ground it only turned on when we needed it and the light was perfect to navigate the room.

Wow Melissa! This sounds brilliant – thanks so much for the tip!

Hi Ilana. Thank you for the very informative post. My family and I will be traveling on Carnival Vista in August and one thing I did have to order is a daily travel pill container. We ordered two just so we can carry extra (vitamins and ibuprofen) instead of the bulky bottles. They store easily my purse and take up hardly any space.

I look forward to reading more of your posts!

Great idea! I should add this to my own list as well. Thanks for the suggestion & have an amazing cruise!

#36 “Bonine”. Amazon also sells the generic of this “meclazine”. I last bought some 2 years ago – 300 for about $10. That’s a lot of cruising!

That’s great! Thanks for sharing.

I love Alaska in September so the beach items don’t apply but one essential for me in a waterproof backpack. My pack with rain cover got soaked so this year I ordered a waterproof backpack for those rainy day hikes. Another trick is bring large ziplock bags to put items in you bag to either prevent from getting wet or to hold wet items, they are a life saver.

On a trip to Germany I picked up a euro plug that goes to 3 USB, we now have plenty of plugs for everything in our cabin. Traveling solo I don’t need it but it might come in handy on my next cruise.

Good tips!! Thanks for sharing

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39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 You’d Never Think Of)

Wondering what to pack for your cruise? We’ll assume you know to bring your swimsuit, socks, and underwear for your next cruise.

But what else should you bring? There are a lot of things many people wouldn’t think to pack that can be extremely useful. That’s because cruising is different from any other vacation. Most other places you aren’t on a moving vessel for a week at a time — miles away from the nearest store.

Cruising requires you to plan ahead and bring everything you might need. While we typically tell people to pack light, there’s no shame in being prepared for anything on your trip.

Having been on literally dozens of cruises across every major line, we know what’s important to bring… and what you can leave at home . To help you out, we’ve rounded up a list of nearly 40 useful items that you need to take on your cruise. 

(Need more packing ideas? See our complete 85-item printable cruise packing checklist . Going on an Alaskan cruise? See what to pack for an Alaskan cruise here .)

In This Article...

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A Small, Portable Cabin Fan

One important tip — no matter which sort of fan you bring, you want something compact. Remember that you’re going to have to lug it to the ship and back home.

Outlet Adapter

Have an iPhone? What about a tablet or a laptop? A small fan? A nightlight, curling iron or straightener? You can see that outlet space can be at a premium in a small cruise cabin.

That’s why we recommend packing an adapter or two that will expand the number of plugs. You can pick one up for just around $5 . Just be sure it doesn’t have a surge protector, which isn’t allowed on the ship. 

4-Wheel Spinner Suitcase

You likely already have a suitcase or a duffel bag to pack your clothes in, but it’s a good idea to switch over to a 4-wheel spinner suitcase if you don’t have one. The walkway from the cruise terminal to your cabin can be pretty long. There are often stairs, inclined walkways, and thresholds to pass.

Having a traditional rolling bag gets caught up in your feet and takes up a lot of space when dragging it behind you. A 4-wheeled suitcase like this one can be right at your side and is also much easier to navigate down narrow cruise ship hallways.

Hand Sanitizer

There’s no glossing over the health issues that have hit the world and the cruise industry. While cruise lines go to major lengths to keep people healthy on their trip, it’s a good idea to take matters into your own hands… literally.

There are hand sanitizer dispensers all over ships, but it’s smart to bring your own so that you don’t have to hunt. Use it regularly throughout the cruise. The good news is that it’s not expensive. Just be sure to get smaller containers that can fit easily in a pocket or a purse. You can find hand sanitizer for relatively little .

Over-the-Counter Medicines

No one goes on a cruise thinking about getting sick, but it does happen. And whether it’s just a headache from a little too much sun (or too much to drink!), or you have an upset stomach, the last thing you want to do is have to tough it out without any sort of remedy.

On the ship you will have a small shop selling medicines, alongside other sundries like toothbrushes and deodorant. However, the prices are expensive and they aren’t open 24 hours. It’s much cheaper and more convenient just to pack a little of everything with you so you’ll have it at the moment you need it.

Nothing beats sitting out on the balcony of the ship, watching the sunset and sipping a glass of your favorite vino. The good news is that most cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine or champagne along with you (sorry, beer and booze aren’t allowed).

Considering the prices on the ship, passengers should take advantage and bring as much as their cruise line allows. It can save you considerable money and trips to the bar.

(Read: 30+ Easy Ways to Save Money on a Cruise )

We’ve all done the dance when you want to open a bottle of wine and search frantically for a corkscrew. If you can’t find one, it usually ends up with you cutting out the cork… and spitting out bits of cork every time you take a sip of your drink. So be sure to pack a corkscrew with your wine. A $5 purchase can save you a lot of headache.

Leakproof Wine Bottle Protector

Still, it’s a good idea to protect those fragile bottles, even in your carry-on. A leakproof bottle protector offers some protection so you don’t have to worry about accidental breaking.

Cabin Nightlight

The cabins on a ship can get dark — especially if you’ve booked an interior room that doesn’t have windows. So what happens if you get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night while trying to navigate a small, unfamiliar cabin with furniture? Your shins pay the price.

We like to pack a glowing nightlight like the ones above to give us a little something to see by. The lights shown here cost about $10 for two on Amazon .

Don’t want a nightlight? You can also keep the bathroom light on and close the door. That provides some light as well.

This stuff doesn’t go in the air. You spray the toilet water before you go and it creates a seal on the surface that keeps odors away. People who use it swear by it.

Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer (NOT for Shoes)

Hang it over the bathroom door and you have a perfect place to put small items like deodorant, shampoo bottles, sunscreen bottles, and anything else. This way you don’t have to take up valuable counter space in the small ship bathrooms. You can find them for less than $10 . They also fold up flat so they don’t take up much room in your luggage.

Magnetic Hooks

In a cruise cabin, efficiency of space is extremely important. After all, a cabin can be only about 160 square feet, meaning you can’t waste a lot of space. That’s why bringing magnetic hooks can be helpful.

The walls and ceiling of the cabin are actually made of metal. So you can place these hooks just about anywhere and have a place to hang hats, lanyards, clothes, and anything else. Best of all, they only cost a few bucks meaning you don’t have to spend a lot to keep the cabin organized.

Wet Wipes (Do NOT Flush)

Ok, let’s be real for a moment. Your cabin bathroom will have plenty of toilet paper, but it is the one-ply stuff that is practically see-through. In other words, it doesn’t feel that great to use and doesn’t leave you feeling clean.

That’s why we’d suggest packing some wipes that offer a better clean and feeling than only using the toilet paper.

One important thing — even if you pack wipes that say they are flushable, do NOT flush them . Place them in the trash can in the bathroom. Flushing anything but toilet paper can cause issues in the ship’s waste systems.

Ziploc Bags

Bringing resealable Ziploc bags is one of the smartest things you can do. From keeping your phone/wallet dry while you swim to keeping wet clothes separate from your dry luggage, Ziplocs are worth their weight in gold. Bring a handful and know that you’re covered for anything you might encounter.

Slip-Resistant Flip Flops

Ok, most people know to pack a pair of flip-flops on their trip. They are a beach and pool essential. But are you packing sandals that actually have tread? Those cheap flip-flops can have a sole that’s rubbed smooth. With wet decks on the ship, it can be like walking on ice when you have no tread.

Instead, look for a pair with actual tread on the sole. We like Reef sandals in general, which we find to be real comfortable. the reviews for them are outstanding .

Mask and Snorkel

First, paying to rent a mask and snorkel can be expensive — $10 to $15 on the cheap end. But as well, you are using something that others have used before, which is a little weird given that the mask and snorkel go right on your face and mouth. This set is around $30 on Amazon and comes in several colors .

Phone Charger

Just a friendly reminder. You should go ahead and put the charger in your suitcase now. It’s too easy to forget. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of the ocean and realize that your phone battery is flashing red.

Think you won’t use your phone on a cruise? Many lines have apps for your phone with things like maps and schedules that are extremely helpful. As well, many people hop on the wi-fi to stay in touch back home.

Phone/Passport Dry Pouch

If you are planning to go to the beach, you’ll want somewhere to keep your passport, credit cards, room key, and cash dry. This bag is a best-seller and is less than $10 on Amazon . You can also use it for your phone if you want to bring it with you to the beach. ( You can read our full review and test of this case here .)

Wide-Brimmed Hat

The sun in the tropics is no joke. The more direct rays mean you burn more quickly. There is no better way to avoid sunburn than to keep the sun off you to begin with. Big hats are always in fashion on a cruise because they protect your face, shoulders and neck from getting sunburned.

A lightweight version won’t break the bank (just around $20 online ) and will help keep you cool. We highly recommend something not made of heavy cloth and nothing that’s dark, which can leave your head sweltering.

Walking Shoes for Port

Everyone knows to bring some sandals if you’re headed to the beach, but if you’re going on a cruise then you should also bring some comfy walking shoes. Excursions (or just exploring the port) involves a lot of walking. You don’t want your feet to be uncomfortable while you are on vacation.

Already have a pair of shoes? You might want to invest in some insoles to make them like new again.

Land ho! Or is it? Believe it or not, there’s a lot to see when you’re out at sea. Many passengers love having a pair of binoculars to people watch from afar or simply look at other ships out on the open ocean. An affordable pair won’t set you back that much and you won’t be heartbroken if you accidently drop them on the deck. You can find a pair for about $30 on Amazon .

Jacket or a Hoodie for the Ship

Pack a jacket or a hoodie just in case. You can find them for about $30 online just in case you don’t have one already.

Netflix (Or Other Services) for Binging

How do you pack Netflix? To be sure, not all wi-fi connections on a cruise allow streaming, and even if they do, internet is expensive on the ship . Netflix (and other streaming apps) allows you to download many episodes to your computer or tablet beforehand so you can watch without an internet connection.

Having a few episodes to binge on a cruise is one of our guilty pleasures. It’s also a great way to keep kids entertained if you feel like taking it easy in the cabin.

A Passport (Though a Birth Certificate Is Usually OK)

Sure, you may know its ideal to bring a passport to cruise ( though you can sail with a birth certificate in many cases ). But do you know why?

First, passports are smart in case something comes up and you have to leave the cruise early to return home. It simply makes things easier. To be honest, however, the vast majority of cruises go off without a hitch. 

Where a passport is truly handy is getting off the ship at the end of the cruise. These days most ports have facial recognition to process passengers. If you have a passport, you simply walk off, take a quick photo, and then walk out of the terminal. Those with birth certificates usually have to wait in line to meet an agent. 

Lanyard for Your Room Key

Sunscreen (Lots of it)

We like to call the day after the first day at sea “Lobster Day.” That’s because many people spent the first day getting too much sun and look like a bunch of lobsters walking around the ship.

You may not realize how powerful the Caribbean sun is until it’s too late. That’s why you should pack plenty of sunscreen. Amazon offers up inexpensive sunscreen , but you can also find deals at your local supermarket.

Aloe Gel (In Case Sunscreen Isn’t Enough)

Everyone knows it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, but many people never think to bring aloe in case you get burned anyway. The lower latitudes of the Caribbean mean the sun is much stronger than your skin is likely used to.

Being able to prevent and treat sunburn is important to enjoying your cruise. Grab a bottle of aloe gel to bring on your vacation .

These days, almost all of us check our phones for the time. But when you are in port, it’s often easier just to carry a cheap wristwatch. That way you can be sure you get back before the ship leaves port, as well as keep track of when any scheduled activities onboard are about to happen. This one is only around $15  and is water resistant (a must on a cruise).

Swimsuit Cover Up

Best of all, you don’t have to worry about big wet spots on your clothes if you use a cover instead of putting shorts and a tank top over your outfit. You can find them for about $10-$15 .

Waterproof Drybag

There’s always a conundrum when you head out in the water. What do you do with your valuables? That’s why we suggest having a drybag. Put your items in the bag, seal, and roll it up and you have a splash-proof container that you can take into the water with you.

No more having to worry and keep an eye on your valuables on shore. They also come in practically any color you’d want and with a waterproof phone case.

We reviewed three different bags, and this one by Freegrace was the clear winner while costing only about $20 on Amazon .

Most cruises will have some seasickness medication out for passengers to take when the waves get rough. You will still likely want to bring your own. It’s only a few bucks and can keep you from feeling bad if the ocean picks up.

Don’t like taking pills? There are also patches you can wear .

(Read:  Will I Get Seasick on a Cruise? Everything to Know About Sailing Comfortably )

Like a cellphone charger, you know to bring your shades on a cruise. The only problem is that it’s so easy to forget them at home or in the car. With the reflection of the sun off the ship and the water, having sunglasses is a must.

Get you an extra pair for your trip and put them in your luggage immediately so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting them later. Worst case, you’ll have a backup pair on your cruise.

Lightweight Backpack

If you want something to carry a change of clothes and some towels — without the bulk of a regular backpack — check out this lightweight bag. Because of the polyester material, it’s no big deal if it gets wet because it will dry quickly. If you don’t need it, the bag also folds down into a small pouch that takes up hardly any space in your luggage.

This is perfect for port days when you only need a small bag that you don’t mind getting wet. The one shown here costs about $20 on Amazon .

Waterproof Valuables Case

Whether you are hanging by the pool or don’t want to leave your valuables on the beach while taking a dip, a waterproof case is a must-have. Use it to keep your phone, wallet, keys, and anything else dry as a bone so you don’t have to worry just because you want to go swimming. You can get two bags for about $12 .

Towel Clips

One of our pastimes on the ship is to watch people struggle with laying their towel on their beach chair. With the ship constantly in motion, there is almost always a breeze on deck. So while you’re trying to relax, the corners of the towel are whipping up and down.

Bringing a few clips like these can help keep your towel secure to your lounge chair and save you some stress. These cost less than $10 for a pack of 8 .

Cabin Alarm Clock

Cabins don’t have clocks. And while most people want to leave the alarm clock at home, we suggest bringing one. It’s nice to be able to see the time at a glance. Not only will it make sure you don’t miss any onboard activities, it’s also nice to know what time it is if you wake up in the middle of the night.

And if you’re the sort of person who likes getting up early to be the first off the ship, then this $20 alarm clock is worth its weight in gold.

Wrinkle-Release Spray (TSA Compliant)

If you’re worried about wrinkles when you unpack your clothes, then this spray is just the thing. Irons aren’t allowed in cabins for fire safety reasons. If you want something pressed, you have to send it down to laundry services. Or, you could pack this, spray the wrinkled item, hang it in the closet, and let the spray do the work.

Just make sure the one you get comes in a small bottle so you can pack it with you even if you have to fly to your cruise port. We like that the one shown here only costs around $7 for a bottle.

Want the convenience of a fanny pack without the bulk? This belt comes in a ton of colors and sits flat against your body with your shirt over it. Put in your passport, cash, cell phone and more, so they are always at an arm’s reach, but safe from pick pocketers. In other words, an investment of less than $10 can give you peace of mind.

We don’t usually carry cash with us on a day-to-day basis. Credit cards are accepted everywhere here at home. However, on a cruise we make sure to pack enough cash to get us through the trip.

Using cash is more secure than using your credit card in foreign ports, plus credit cards aren’t accepted everywhere like they are back home. And if you need more cash on the ship, the ATMs onboard are pricey (expect fees of $6-7 per transaction). You can read our article here to figure out how much cash to bring with you .

Refillable Bottle

TSA-Compliant Luggage Locks

For just a few bucks you can keep your bag locked closed with these locks and keep any fast hands from getting your valuables. One lock is about $8 on Amazon , but you can get a better deal buying multiples.

Cruise Packing Checklist (What Else You Should Bring)

Packing for a cruise is a little different than any other vacation due to the simple reason that in the middle of the ocean it’s not that easy to run out and grab something you forgot. That’s why in addition to what we have above, here are a few more basic items you’ll want to bring:

• Walking shoes
• Nice clothes for formal night
• Books/magazines for poolside reading
• Travel documents

To help passengers out, we’ve put together a complete 85-item printable PDF checklist that makes it easy to make sure you have everything you need. You can see (and print) our full cruise packing checklist here .

What You Don’t Need to Pack

We’ve focused on what you need to pack for a cruise… but there are many things you don’t need to bring. They simply take up space and are already provided.

Hair dryer: No, you don’t need to pack a hair dryer for the cruise. All cabins come with one built in. It’s a small, hotel-style hair dryer, but it will get the job done. If you want, you can bring your own from home.

Soap & shampoo: If you have soap or shampoo that you just have to have, then go ahead and bring in on the trip. That said, every cabin bathroom comes with a soap and shampoo dispenser in the shower. So if you forget your soap, then you are covered. And if you don’t care about what type of product you use, then it’s something you don’t have to pack.

Beach Towels: Just like a hotel, cruise ships provide you with towels in the cabin to use. That’s to be expected. But a nice perk is that ships also provide beach towels. These towels are often in your cabin when you arrive or you can grab them from the pool deck.

You can take these beach towels down to the pool and even bring them with you off the ship. Just be sure to bring them back because you are charged for missing towels at the end of the cruise.

Prohibited Items on a Cruise (Do Not Bring)

The great thing about cruising is that the cruise lines are pretty lenient on what and how much you can bring. If you’re used to flying, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There are no real baggage limits (within reason) and things like liquids don’t have to be contained to three ounces.

That said, there are some things you can’t bring on the ship:

Alcohol and beer:  Yes, cruise ships will let you bring on a bottle of champagne or wine with your carry-on. Things like liquor, beer, and other spirits are strictly against the rules. If caught trying to sneak these on through security, they will be removed and likely discarded.

Weapons that might harm other passengers:   Guns, pepper spray, tasers, and other things of this nature aren’t allowed for obvious reasons. Plus, you also don’t want to be caught with these in a foreign port. It pays to use common sense here; if you aren’t able to bring it onto a plane because it’s considered a weapon, then you shouldn’t try to bring it on a cruise ship (though things like nail clippers are just fine).

Anything that can start a fire:  Hair products like curlers, hair dryers, and straighteners are allowed. As well, cigarette lighters are ok to pack too. But things like candles, hot plates, electric blankets, heaters, and other items that heat up are prohibited.

For more on luggage and baggage rules for your cruise, see our article here .

What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

The items we’ve covered above are about packing with a Caribbean cruise in mind, as this is the most popular cruise destination in the world.

If you are headed to Alaska, your packing list has many similarities, but will be a little different. Specifically, it includes more cool weather gear, including warm socks, hat, and gloves.

We’ve covered what to pack for an Alaskan cruise here .

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Nice in formation.

I’m travelling solo, so I’m worried about sunscreen and being able to apply it properly to cover my body. I’ve never been a beach-goer, so I’m also concerned that a cruise is not for me. Any ideas?

You do not want to be left behind with your actual passport locked away in your cruise cabin. Take it with you when you leave the ship.

So far I haven’t seen anyone mention bandage type protection for falls or blisters. I highly suggest bringing the blister bandage to help with blister pain.

Just a reminder, most cell phones have a flashlight built in! They sure do come in handy. When I am out and about on board ship, I take my phone with me.

Hey Marie, great suggestion!

I’ve learned about cornstarch. Baby powder is questionable. But cornstarch is food safe therefore beach safe. In a old spice jar or shaker will allow you to get the sand out of all those un comfortable places sand can get

Cornstarch is also great for chaffing after long hot walks into or out of ports. Just apply generously to affected area.

I use baby powder daily, and it’s now made with cornstarch not talc.

While preparing for my cruise I just read your question from last year. You probably learned that she would be denied boarding because she would have been denied re-entry into the US. As it is now a full year later I’m sure all is well and re-entry is no longer a concern. I’m not knowledgeable with immigration laws and it’s possible I missed something with my Google search so if I may ask did you and your wife have success or encounter any difficulties with your cruise plans.

Heartburn meds…you will likely be trying many new foods and the worst thing is to get heartburn and have nothing to take care if it….

I usually bring a couple of dryer sheets and 1-2 laundry pods with me so I can do a load of laundry before we leave. That way I’m not packing dirty clothes in my luggage.

Reef makes excellent flip-flops (they are very comfortable & give you great traction [even when wet, depending on the model you purchase]), but I suggest you link to one of the models (available in both men’s & women’s styles) that has one more great feature that few other flip-flops have: bottle openers built right into the bottom of the sole!

I’ve had several pairs of them over the years and they are now the ONLY flip-flop brand that I will buy. They can be a little bit pricey (depending on a person’s point of view) , but if you look for sales and clearances you can find deals, and they are well worth even full price.

We’ve seen these, but putting the bottom of our shoe on the lip of a bottle we plan to drink from sounds… not clean.

Don’t be uncouth and drink from a bottle, terrible modern habit and, NO, not cool

Hello Cruzely Staff, My new wife and I would like to take a cruise… BUT, My fiancé does not yet have her green card for re-entry to the USof A. Nor does she have her PASS PORT. She does have a photo ID though. Are the PASS PORTS required to have as long as you will stay on the ship and not disembark on the different ports of call?

Bottle of wine??? Isn’t it more interesting to try a local wine instead?

Carnival has a retractable clothes line in the bathroom. I take clothes pins to hang swim suits etc on They also work great in hotels if the curtains don’t close all the way. I keep some in my luggage at all times.

Don’t forget extra medication just in case the boat breaks down and you are stuck at sea for a week.

When using the outlet adapters if your bring a multiple extension cord and use the adapter you can charge several items a once without having to wait for your turn.

Does the rooms have hair dryers? Also, shampoo, conditioners, and lotion?

Yes, everything you need is provided. If you have a favorite brand, you might want to pack it, however.

Is a small scissor for cutting small hairs allowed?

Yes they are.

Make sure they are not pointed at the end. Mine were confiscated from my make up bag by Carnival/Charleston.

I am so glad to be so informed as we are going on a cruise on the Costa Pacifica along argentina>Canary Islands>casablanca. I thank all who have offered their suggestions and advice. I have always camped so this is so new to me. Thank you.

You listed TSA approved luggage locks, but the cruises I have been on indicate that the luggage given to the porters must remain unlocked. Of course if you fly to the port, you should use the TSA locks, but remove them at the port. Personally I wish they would allow the TSA locks, as I don’t like having my bags sit around the hallways unlocked. (I have been trying to pack in a small enough suitcase that I can carry on board, but still go overboard-not so much with clothes and toiletries, but with all of the other stuff we bring. We bring most everything you have listed in the article.)

I have always packed a small flashlight and a set of walkie-talkies. One time, the power went out on our ship. Everyone was screaming and some were crying. It was at night. I left our dining room table and made my way back to our cabin. Luckily, it was only one deck up and right off the elevator. I got the flashlight and came back out in the hall where people were sitting along the walls. Everyone cheered and asked…how did you know to bring a flashlight? I told them, it’s just something I always bring! The walkie-talkies are great too if you can’t find your loved one. You just get on an agreed-upon channel and call them! Great for the larger ships! I’ve been on 10 cruises, so you just learn as you go what you need that you didn’t think of beforehand.

I’m hoping someone can help me. We are a group of 12 adults traveling on the Reflection. I’m in charge of organizing a scavenger hunt for one of the sea days. I’m thinking about 20 questions that would entail getting an item/or answering a question. If someone has done this or could offer suggestions of questions, I’d appreciate it very much. I’ve gone on Pinterest and searched on line……

I’ve had them take a photo with themselves and the captain, Their name and date written in the sand with a bonus if they put the Port in it also. Photos with their whole group, photos with Any of the Characters such as Dr. Seuss Characters, or Ship Mascots. A pic in hot tub or pool, or on the water slide, Exotic animal from one of the ports, bonus if animal is being held, Pic of jumping from something, {Feet off the Ground} pic with someone in the Hairy Chest Contest {Not from your group} Pic participating in Any excursion in ports. I have a whole list of things in one of my cruise folders. I would just have to find it. But this is what I can remember off the top of my head.. Hope this helps..

GREAT ideas, Tammy!!

Another thing I keep plenty of is unscented Preparation H cream. I know it sounds crazy, but it is a must have for sunburns or any kind of burn as far as that goes. Use it generously on your burn and it will decrease the swelling and begin the healing process faster. Most pain associated with burns are due to the swelling and inflammatory prcess. The ingredients in PH cream are made to treat swelling and redness. I promise it works wonderfully!

Yes it does! I’ve used it for years! Most recently NewYears!

I actually carry a power strip with me. There are usually only 2-3 outlets tops in the cabins and if you have lots of electronics and need to plug in a hairdryer it sure comes in handy.

extension cords are not allowed on cruise lines I’ve been on, nor are outlet adapters with surge protectors.

The extension cord depends on the cruise line, and the choice of cord. The skinny ones that just have a fairly thin cord with a small block of two or three outlets on the end seem to be OK, on Carnival at least. Totally agree on the surge protected adapters. We have a couple of different ones that are not surge protected, and they’re deemed safe for cruise ships.

We use little hard cases with caribiner on them for our cash, ship card and credit card. (search for Money ID Card Badge Holder Dry Box on Amazon) We got ours at Ron Jons years ago, but just bought some for family members recently. Hubby attaches his in his swimsuit pocket and I attach mine to my swimsuit strap. This way, we can just relax and enjoy the water. If they steal our towel or hat – oh well, but we can still pay for things and get back on the ship. No fuss, no muss.

I was in Mexico City with my kids. I stayed behind with my daughter who felt ill. Once she felt better, her energy kicked in. Next thing you know, we are riding bicycles we rented. It starts pouring rain. We have our cell phones in cute little baskets in front of us on the bikes. I always carry ziplock bags when I travel. Came in handy to keep our cellphones dry!!!

I bring an old hotel key card or old casino players card to use where your room key goes to keep air/lights on while you are out of the room. Just leave it in for the duration of the cruise.

I make my own wrinkle releaser. Take a small spray bottle and once arriving on the ship, insert a dryer sheet and fill with water. Shake it up and spray clothes lightly and give them a little shake. Wrinkles are gone. No worries about what size bottle or fluids. I even use this at home.

I rarely read a “useful thing to bring on a cruise” that I didn’t already know, but your tip about making your own wrinkle release spray was GREAT! Thank you!!!

Thank you I came on here for that and you hit it out the park

just the reason why brought walkie talkies recently now im gonna start bringing a flash light

now this is a great idea was gonna buy some now gonna make it way cheaper and i always have drier sheets

I used a shoe rack holder on my first cruise. Was definitely a good idea. I hung it on the back of a closet door and put some shoes. Sunscreen. Sprays, makeup, chargers anything that can fit

I love the idea of the dry bag.When we went on a cruise to Jamaica ,we left our valubles on shore and we couldn’t really enjoy since there were people selling things on shore and we had to constantly keep an eye on our things.

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work

I like your suggestion to bring a copy of our passport along with our actual passport so we can keep the actual one safe. My husband and I want to go on a cruise together soon. I think the tips you shared will help everything on the cruise go smoothly!

on the 10 drink package can you buy more then one?, and if you don’t can you fine out. cause the drink package is a little high for the reason that you will only be on the ship six day’s so why would they charge you for seven days

You can. Here are more details: https://cruzely.com/everything-to-know-about-royal-caribbeans-10-drink-cards/

Most cruise ships allow you to bring on board one 12 pack of cans per person per cabin. It is cheaper to do that then to buy the drink package unless you are a big drinker. You can alway buy drinks by the drink and not part of the package. If you aren’t a huge soft drink or alcohol drinker I have found it way cheaper to do it this way and just buy a coke(soda) or alcoholic drink here or there.

So do, but not all. You can learn more about bringing non-alcoholic drinks here: https://cruzely.com/bringing-water-or-soda-on-the-ship-carnival-royal-caribbean-princess-and-norwegian/

A fitted sheet works even better. Place water bottles or something similar in the corners to anchor it down with elastic edge up at the top of the bottle (when it is standing. Helps keep sheet in position and sand from blowing onto sheet because it makes a kind of ‘play pen’ shape.

when we go to the beach or think we may need to rest on the ground or seating is dirty I pack a top sheet. they pack well and sand shakes off easily, plus everyone already has at least one so no add’l expense.

How to keep it “down” in breezy conditions?

We also have put something on the outside of our door so we could find it quicker. Also if you put up a light weight chalk board or dry erase board people can leave you notes.

Those are both great ideas. The hallways and doors can all look the same on the ship.

Are there any rules on how you “attach” things to the doors?

Not that we’ve seen. However, it should be something that doesn’t damage the doors. Magnets are ideal or a piece of masking tape.

I’ve heard they only want the command hooks so you can remove the hook without damaging the door.

Use magnets, nothing adhesive.

Command straps. Carnival door decorations

Don’t be surprised if someone adds a comment to your dry board posts. On a recent cruise, the “Grandmas” used a dry board and other passengers added fun comments as replies. All to the enjoyment of grandmas and others.

We always get a balcony room and love the door open. We take a couple bungee cords to hold it open.

That practice is discouraged. It creates a wind tunnel effect. Also, a waste of energy.

Heavy duty magnets will work on the textured walls

These were all life savers on the cruise I just went on. Fan is not necessary though as cabins are air conditioned the walls on the oasis of the seas were textured wallpaper so suction cups or magnets did not work but the bathroom had plenty of hooks

Thank you for the info! We’re going on Oasis of the Seas in 5 weeks!!!

I always buy a few rain ponchos from the dollar store prior to traveling so that if we need them, we are not at the mercy of the local gift shops. Another handy thing is to put a few dryer sheets in your suitcase so that it stays fresh smelling.

Those are great ideas! Love the dryer sheets idea. With the humidity of being at sea, freshness is always nice.

Check out Frog Toggs rain gear. I got a very lightweight rain coat for about $15. It packs down small into a little bag that’s included. The clouds just opened up in Roatan but my wife and I had our rain coats on in seconds. My in-laws were not as prepared.

I would have given mine to in ln Laws.

Since the ship has a lot of metal use heavy duty magnets with hooks on them. I place them around the cabin to hang things on.

Great idea. Definitely a good suggestion.

May I emphasis “heavy duty” magnets in Cynthia’s post? The 1st time I just took some cheapies and they slid down the wall one something was attached to them – they weren’t strong enough.

With heavy duty magnets I have placed my wrung-out swimsuit on a hanger and hung it from them to finish drying with no problems.

There is a retractable clothes line in the bathroom of your cabin, usually in the shower. Happy cruising everyone.

Thank you Pam, I couldn’t remember I thought so but wasnt’ 100%

I like Marie’s idea. I usually travel with an empty pillow case to put laundry in.

Our must-have is a pop-up mesh laundry hamper. It packs flat in your bag and is a life saver in keeping the tiny room tidy and keeping your clean clothes fresh and separate from what’s already been worn.

I use packing cubes. It saves so much room in my luggage. Once in the room, I unpack on the shelves and hangers and then designate one of my largest packing cubes for dirty laundry that lives on lowest shelf. Once home, it too can go into the washer.

Once you unpack your suitcases and slide them under the bed, leave them open and you can use them to store your dirty clothes or a place to keep your souveniers.

We take a few Gain-scented kitchen-sized trash bags to use for dirty laundry. You can store the dirty clothes in a closet, in luggage beneath the bed, or wherever, all while keeping the dirty clothes smell to a minimum and also keeping dirty clothes from touching the inside of your luggage. Trash bags take up no room, hold their structure pretty well while filling, and I can reuse them for their intended purpose once we’re home.

Things I advise to bring that are not on this list:

Highlighters: To note which activities you wish to do on the cruise agenda.

Playing cards / games: To use when you just want to chill but stay active.

Ponchos: Depending on your destination.

Lanyards: Get your sea pass card punched and attach it to a lanyard around your neck.

Lanyards are on the list.

How do you get the lanyard punched? Will they do that for you on the ship?

Yes, there is usually a table with hole punchers.

You can get it punched in the casino. They like you to have it handy for gambling.

Some room cards cannot be punched. The card does so much. Better to get a lanyard with a plastic holder on the end.

Great idea you can take it out to scan, I have one use it eery cruise.

The Alarm Clock only has 4 time zones, “4 US Time Zones Selectable (P/ M/ C/ E)”, not Hawaii or Alaska and nothing if you want to travel internationally and it’s set by radio, so not suggested.

Set it for ship time and don’t set the time zone.

Another thing that is a must for people wearing glasses is a small eyeglass repair kit which can be bought at the dollar store. A screw came out of my glasses while I was going through security. I need them to see. I did not have one and no one else did. Guest services took them and told me they would see what they could do. Who else but the Captain had a kit and fixed them for me. What a life saver. Will not travel without one now!

That’s a great thing to pack! It’s tough when you’re in the middle of the ocean. No easy way to get things like repair kits out there.

It is a good idea to bring an extra pair of glasses if you are truly dependent on them.I have been an optician for 40 years and have heard way to many stories about glasses getting lost or destroyed at the most inopportune times.

I also went to Walmart and purchased the little dental repair kit to keep in my bag when I travel. It’s terrible to be away from home and you lose a crown. The repair kit has dental cement to put it back on until you can get back to your dentist.

This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

I Always take a little colapsable clotheshanger for the wet undies and socks hang it in the shower, I DONT USE THE LAUNDRY ALL THE TIME hand wash the little items.

Thank you for suggesting that you should pack a small portable fan for your cabin on the cruise. My husband and I are thinking of going on a cruise and I want to find the best one. I’ll have to do some research and find something we will both love.

After 6 cruises WITHOUT a small fan and having taken 9 more WITH a fan, my wife and I can’t imagine not taking it. A fan makes all the difference in the world! Highly recommend it.

I like one with a mister to cool me down after time in the sun. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQB6MZDB/?coliid=I2F0DS5KY4LBLX&colid=NL5G49PUCCFJ&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

as far as motion sickness… I use Bonine. it’s less harsh on the stomach.. I take one right before I get embark, and then one every night. https://www.amazon.com/Bonine-Motion-Sickness-Tablets-Raspberry/dp/B000YA8NYQ?th=1

Same here, I think it also causes less drowsiness. We also use Sea Bands.

I always take ginger root pills. I was surprised at how well they work, but they do! No drowsiness, no side affects. Inexpensive and natural.

We always take a beach lock bag to attach to beach chair, to protect our keys etc while we go into beach.

There is a safe in the cabin where we put all our valuables. It’s big enough to put our tablets. So unless you bring a laptop or something big, there’s really no need to get a lock for your suite case. We keep all our valuables in our carry on so they are never out of our possession.

We don’t agree with that. We don’t like the idea of luggage being out of our sight and not secured in someway — even if we carry all valuables with us.

Not on the list is a camera! I want to get a new camera that’s good quality and water proof. What is a good quality brand and model?

Check out the Panasonic Lumix line of cameras; tough and waterproof.

I LOVE the panasonic Lumix Camera. I don’t even take my big Nikon anymore. If you buy one that is not waterproof though, you MUST bring a waterproof hard case for it… and make sure travel guides know you have a camera and not to get you wet. Brought mine to the waterfall at Falmouth and just as I was putting it away the guide decided it was funny to splash us all. My camera stopped working and that was it for my day. I was sooo upset… Thankfully it dried out and it worked for the rest of the cruise.

What about a battery charger for those rechargeable batteries.

A torch for when you are walking in darkened areas.

Also, tablets for sea-sickness even if you think you don’t need them!! You just never know.

Get a Watson battery charger, for ALL your Electronics – check B&H Photo and Video works with Camera, Camcorder, GoPro – almost anything

You shouldn’t take a torch, they don’t allow anything flammable. A flashlight would be better

Torch = Flashlight in UK English. Please bring nothing with actual flames 🙂

agree on the sea-sickness medicine. I just got off a really rough cruise-just general bad weather, not hurricane related-and was glad I had my medicine. There was 2 out of the 4 of us in the room who needed to take it over the course of several days and I was afraid we would run out.

Do not forget constipation and diarrhea pills. God forbid you would need them, but if you do, you need to have them.

Also pocket sanitizer bottles–those little bottles of purell. use it each and every time you get done with a menu, or after touching handrails in a stairway. Washing is better–but not always convenient.

A small extra battery for your e-reader is a good idea too.

Another reason you need a watch: ships operate on “ship’s time,” which may or may not be the time your longitude-sensitive (local time) phone may give you. If you rely on your cell for time, you may be back to the ship an hour early (bummer) or an hour late (real big bummer).

This is 100% correct… especially the real big bummer part!

You can also set your phone NOT to change based on the local time.

If you don’t do that you may not be on ship time while at sea!

I thought I would see Chap Stick on the list with the wind and the sun, but no one has mentioned this tiny little life saver!!

That’s a great idea! The wind on the ship quickly dries out your lips. Chapstick is a must-have.

lol, I cannot live without chapstick. I just bought one with spf 30 (wish it was 50). We’ll be cruising in July. It didn’t even occur to me that I needed it, I just instinctively bought it since it had a good spf. I use chap stick every day.

Lip balm is in the Cruise kit that was mentioned.

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Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Packing for a cruise can be complicated, especially for first-timers who aren't 100% sure what to expect. The task is made even more stressful because you can't run to the nearest shopping mall to pick up something you forgot when you're sailing in the middle of the ocean.

What you need is a cruise packing list that accounts for cruise line dress codes for daywear and evening wear, the various activities you'll do on board and in port, the gear you need for travel and to enhance your cruise cabin, and the necessities you need for daily life and unexpected emergencies.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

We've listed 103 essentials you should always pack for any cruise vacation. Follow our cruise packing list to avoid packing mistakes and be prepared for anything on your next sailing.

Daytime clothing

When packing for a cruise, start with the basics: what you plan to wear each day.

On every cruise line, daytime clothing is casual, and on a big-ship cruise, nearly anything goes. On a more upscale or luxury cruise ship, casual daywear tends to be more fashion-forward and stylish, so you might feel out of place in your cheap tee from Target.

Of course, the destination and weather will dictate what exactly makes it onto your cruise packing list. For a Caribbean cruise , you'll want plenty of beachwear; for an Alaska cruise , you'll want rugged clothes for hiking and warm layers for the frequently changing weather. In the Middle East and Asia, you might need an outfit that covers the shoulders and knees for visiting religious sites.

Remember that any destination can be unseasonably warm, cold or wet, so pack a jacket for that Bahamas cruise or a short-sleeved top for an Arctic sailing — just in case.

If you want to stay fit on your cruise and plan to hit the onboard gym or go biking in port, pack activewear. I once forgot to pack socks on a short warm-weather cruise and was disappointed when I wasn't allowed on the ship's bungee trampoline.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Cruisers traveling in a group should consider planning matching outfits, especially if they wish to take group photos on board. Group T-shirts are common, as are color-coordinated outfits for everyone from the kids to the grandparents.

Most important of all: Double-check that you've packed underwear. You're welcome.

Pack one outfit for every day, or plan to do laundry on your cruise ship . I like to look for ways to reuse pieces to save space. For example, I'll dress up a top with a skirt or dress pants for dinner, then wear the same shirt with jeans in port the following day. Or, I'll bring one solid color dress and wear it twice, but with different accessories.

Here's your daywear packing list (adjust numbers for the length of your sailing):

• Casual tops
• Workout wear
• Bathing suits and swimwear
• Cover-up or swim shirt
• Sweatshirt or sweater

Evening clothing

Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , have a relaxed attitude toward dinner attire, and you can come as you are. Other lines, especially the more upscale ones, have strict dress codes for dinner. For cruises on those ships, you'll need to add some nicer outfits to your cruise packing list.

Evening wear on cruise ships tends to fall into two categories: resort casual and elegant. For casual nights, think of a date-night style. Some cruise lines do allow jeans in the evening; pair them with cute tops and nice shoes.

Elegant or formal nights bring out cocktail dresses, suits, ties and jackets. If formalwear is not your thing, choose room service, or go to the buffet or a casual restaurant for dinner to skip dressing up. Some luxury cruise lines will not allow underdressed passengers into certain restaurants or entertainment venues on formal nights.

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The best meals you can have at sea

Pro tip: Many cruise ships turn up the air conditioning at night. Pack a light sweater or dressy shawl to keep you comfortable in cool onboard restaurants and theaters.

Don't forget to pack outfits for cruise ship theme nights. Popular themes include white night, pirate night and Halloween — and, yes, cruisers do go all-out with costumes. Check with your cruise line to see which parties or theme nights will take place, and then pack accordingly.

Consider an eye patch or swashbuckling hat for Disney Cruise Line 's Pirate Night, a white sundress for Norwegian Cruise Line's White Hot Night and some neon leggings for Carnival Cruise Line 's '80s night.

Definitely don't forget the ultimate evening wear — comfy pajamas — especially if you're sharing a cabin with family or friends.

Here's your eveningwear packing list:

• Skirt and blouse
• Wrap or sweater
• Button-down shirt or polo
• Dress slacks or nice jeans
• Suit or tuxedo for formal night
• Cocktail dress or gown for formal night
• Theme cruise attire and costumes

It's easy to fill a carry-on with footwear alone when packing for a cruise. The must-have basic is a comfortable pair of travel shoes for the flight, ship and walking in port.

Other types of footwear to add to your cruise packing list are sneakers for athletic activities, flip-flops for the pool and beach, and dress shoes for dinner. (Ladies, try to match your outfits, so you only need to bring one pair of heels.) You might also want casual or athletic sandals, hiking boots or water shoes for rocky beaches.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise

Pro tip: Lay out all the pairs of shoes you think you need for the cruise, and then decide which shoes can do double duty and which you can leave at home. For example, on a Caribbean cruise, a sturdy pair of waterproof athletic sandals (like Keens) can multi-task as travel shoes, beach shoes and rugged activity footwear. A comfy pair of flats can pair with your casual daywear and your fancy evening attire.

Here's your footwear packing list:

• Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
• Water shoes
• Hiking boots
• Dress shoes for the evening
• Slippers for in-cabin use

Accessories and gear

Once you've packed all the clothing, it's time to accessorize.

For sunny days, men and women will want to bring hats and sunglasses. On cold-weather cruises, you'll need a warm beanie, scarf, gloves and waterproof gear. (Antarctica and Arctic cruises have unique packing lists, so check with your cruise line.)

Related: 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape

Don't forget belts, jewelry and ties for evening dress. Have a little fun with it — you're on a cruise.

Don't forget to add these accessories to your cruise packing list:

• Wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball hat
• Rain jacket and/or pants
• Pashmina or shawl

Toiletries and medicine

Like hotels, cruise ships typically provide soap and shampoo in your cabin. Some also offer conditioner and body lotion. However, it's hard to know whether your hair will respond well to the onboard products or if you'll hate the scent.

It's always safer to pack your own toiletries. Bring more than you think you'll need because it may be hard to find your favorite brands in foreign ports, and cruise ships sell necessities at inflated prices. (Here are a few more things you should never buy on a cruise ship or in port .)

Although you'll find hand sanitizer stations throughout your cruise ship, you'll still want to pack your own.

Sunscreen is essential; look for reef-safe versions if you plan on swimming in the ocean. Bug spray is also useful, especially in Alaska, where people joke that the mosquito is the state bird.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

It's always smart to pack a first aid kit for your cruise; make sure it contains seasickness remedies if you're sensitive to the motion of the ocean. Over-the-counter medications are pricey on board, so bring the brands you most commonly use. If you take prescription medicine, bring enough for the trip and a few extra days' worth, just in case.

Pack these toiletries and medications for your cruise, preferably in your carry-on bag:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hair-styling products
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Glasses, contacts and contact lens solutions
• Razor and shaving cream
• Moisturizer
• Body lotion
• Lip balm (consider one with SPF protection)
• Soap (if you're picky about scents or ingredients)
• Feminine products
• Hand sanitizer (gel or wipes)
• Seasickness remedies (patches, pills, ginger candies and acupressure wristbands)
• Pain-relief medication, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Allergy medication
• Upset stomach medication

Travel gear

Not all of us are lucky enough to live an hour or two from a cruise port. Many cruisers have to fly or road trip to their departure port and need to pack for this travel as well. Make sure your cruise packing list accounts for your pre- and post-cruise travel needs, as well as items useful for your time on board.

For long and overnight flights to your cruise, pack accessories for the plane. If you've scheduled a pre-cruise hotel stay, consider packing the necessities for that overnight in a separate bag so you don't need to unpack and repack your main suitcase.

Related: 10 must-have travel accessories for less than $15

You'll want to pack your tablet, portable video game system and e-reader for both your pre-cruise travel and the sailing itself. Don't forget all the related charging cables. Or, skip the tech and bring a few books, as many cruise ships no longer offer onboard libraries.

It should go without saying, but you are responsible for packing necessary travel documents, including your cruise/flight/tour tickets, passport book or passport card (or birth certificate) and visa paperwork. Do not put these items in your checked bags. Pack them in your carry-on so they're always on hand and less likely to go missing.

I'm a fan of bringing a day bag for carrying things around the ship (like toting my book, water bottle and cover-up to the Lido Deck pool) and a small purse for carrying my key card, lipstick and tissues at night. Some folks prefer to bring a lanyard to keep their cruise room key card close at hand.

If you like to walk about with your morning coffee or tea, you can't get a to-go cup at the buffet unless you're paying extra for a latte or espresso. Pack a travel coffee mug so you can fill up on the free stuff. I also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it up at the buffet or even a bar. It helps reduce plastic waste, and you don't bust your budget buying bottled water.

• Neck pillow
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Regular headphones or earbuds
• Tablet or laptop
• Portable video game system
• Playing cards or other small diversions
• E-reader or physical books
• Visa documents
• Cruise ticket or documents
• Travel insurance information
• Tour booking information
• Small purse
• Water bottle

Cabin enhancements

First-time cruisers don't realize all the cruise ship cabin hacks they can employ to enhance their onboard accommodations. Usually, all you need to pack are a few key items from home.

Many cruise cabin walls and doors are magnetic (Did I just blow your mind?), so I like to pack magnets both as fun decor and for organizational purposes. Magnetic clips and hooks can help keep paperwork and hats off the in-room desk and couch, while a magnetic whiteboard can be useful for leaving notes for your travel companions.

Newer cruise ships are designed so every cabin has enough electrical outlets and USB ports conveniently located throughout the room. However, older cruise ships have a sad lack of outlets. Unless you want to constantly battle your travel companions for charging priority, pack a power strip, multi-prong outlet or power adapter/current converter so you can charge multiple devices at once (and use any 220V European outlets in the cabin).

Just be sure that your power strip doesn't include a surge protector; those are banned from most cruise ships, as are extension cords.

Related: Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board

For evenings on board, pack a night light or battery-operated candles so you can find your way to the bathroom in the dark. A small, portable sound machine is helpful for blocking out hallway noise if your cabin is in a noisy area of the ship, such as close to the elevator banks.

You can sweeten your cabin bathroom by bringing a bathroom spray to mask unpleasant odors. Traveling with babies and toddlers who hate showers? A small inflatable kiddie pool or tub packs down small and can be used to give your little one a bath.

You don't need to pack a clothesline to dry wet items because one is usually hidden in your cabin's shower. However, I do recommend bringing a laundry bag or pop-up hamper to keep dirty clothes separate and off the cabin floor. Chair clips are useful if you plan to dry your clothes on the balcony and don't want them to blow away.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Pack these items to enhance our cruise cabin:

• Power strip or multi-pronged outlet without surge protection
• Power converter
• Night light
• Battery-operated candles
• White noise machine
• Bathroom spray
• Inflatable kiddie pool
• Pop-up hamper or laundry bag
• Chair clips

Port day gear

You'll want to pack items specific to the activities you aim to do in port. Leave room on your cruise packing list for items that will change based on your destination and planned tours.

No matter where you cruise, you'll want a strong but lightweight backpack to stow everything you want to take off the ship with you. I love the kind with mesh pockets on the side to tuck away a water bottle.

In especially scenic destinations, such as Alaska or Scandinavia, you might want to bring binoculars and/or a DSLR camera (rather than relying on your phone for photos). Don't forget accessories like extra batteries, chargers and memory cards.

On beachy cruises, you'll want a beach bag, sand toys for the kids and perhaps your own snorkeling gear. Wet bags (or even plastic zip-top bags) will keep your wet stuff from leaking onto everything on your way back to the ship.

Related: 8 must-pack accessories for your next beach vacation

For water sports like kayaking, consider a dry bag to stow your camera gear, smartphone and wallet and prevent them from getting wet. Waterproof cases for your cellphone and camera are also useful, as well as "beach wallets" that let you go into the water with your credit cards and cash on your person.

• Camera, memory cards, portable tripod and other accessories
• Waterproof dry bag
• Waterproof phone and/or camera case
• Waterproof beach wallet
• Snorkel, mask and fins
• Beach toys for kids (such as packable pails and inflatable floats)
• Retractable hiking poles
• Packaged snacks (such as protein or granola bars) for long excursions
• Lightweight packable travel towels if you want something that folds up smaller than the bulky cruise ship beach towels

Miscellaneous items to pack for your cruise

Some must-pack items for cruises defy categorization but are important nonetheless. Don't leave them off your cruise packing list.

Cruise lines have strict rules about what types of beverages and alcohol you can bring on a cruise ship . If you're picky about wine, many lines will let you bring on a 750 ml bottle or two. Pack your favorite, but be prepared to pay a corkage fee if you drink it at an onboard bar or restaurant.

If you plan to purchase wine in port to bring home, you'll also want to pack bubble wrap or wine protector bags to get your bottles home safely.

Some lines, such as Holland America and Carnival, also allow you to bring on a limited number of cans of nonalcoholic drinks such as soda, juice or seltzer water. This can cut down on your bar bill or fuel your Diet Coke obsession should your ship carry only Pepsi.

I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone to bring their cell phone on vacation (but remember to pack the charging cables). However, you might not know to download your cruise line's app before you leave home. The app will show you the daily schedule, deck plans, dining reservations, shore excursion options and more. Many apps, like the one from Celebrity Cruises , even allow you to chat with other passengers while you're connected to the cruise ship's internet . (Remember to keep your devices in airplane mode to avoid accruing large at-sea roaming charges.)

You'll want cash, especially small bills, for tipping porters and purchasing small souvenirs in port. Depending on your itinerary, you might want to acquire some foreign currency in advance. Otherwise, you can use an ATM once you arrive in port. (ATMs almost always offer a better exchange rate than airport kiosks.)

Bring a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, so you don't spend more than you need to abroad. (If you don't have one, consider applying for one of the best credit cards for travel .)

What not to pack for a cruise

Now that you know what to put on your cruise packing list, you'll also want to know what to leave out. Some items you might be tempted to pack are outright banned by the cruise lines . Others simply aren't necessary.

Here's what you can leave out of your suitcase.

• Linens and towels
• Hand soap (unless you're picky)
• High chair and portable crib (your ship will provide these)
• Coffeemakers and other appliances with heating elements
• Illegal drugs (including marijuana and CBD products, even if they're legal in your home state or departure port)
• Extension cords
• Beverages beyond the modest allotment of wine or nonalcoholic drinks in cans
• Meat, cheese, fruit or other non-prepackaged food (check with your cruise line if you have dietary restrictions and require special food items)

Bottom line

Many cruisers tend to overpack when it comes to clothes and shoes but sometimes forget about other necessities. When you take your suitcase out of the closet and begin packing for your next itinerary, refer to this list and be sure you're covered when it comes to both clothing and those all-important accessories.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

For many, a relaxing or adventure-filled cruise is the ultimate vacation. One of the most notable benefits about a cruise — aside from all the great food, entertainment, service and excursions, of course — is that you only have to unpack once, but you’ll often wake up in a new country, island or city every single day. It’s an ideal way to travel, whether you’re looking to get a little taste of a lot of different destinations or want an all-inclusive option where most of the planning and logistics are handled for you.

However, packing can be the trickiest part, especially if it’s your first cruise. There’s a lot to consider, from water-based activities in tropical locations to properly gearing up for expedition cruises in cooler climates — and let’s not forget the dress code requirements for dinner that differ from “smart casual” to “formal” based on cruise line. 

Once you’ve figured out the best times to book a cruise for deals and optimal rooms, zero in on your destination’s weather and use this guide — curated based on advice from cruise enthusiasts and experts — to pack accordingly. Plus, don’t forget other necessities, like your passport and travel documents, prescription medications, toiletries, undergarments, a portable charger, and a great bag to carry it all.

Here’s everything you need to pack for a cruise with our top pick for each item. Use this checklist and read more about each of our specific recommendations below.

• Best Swimsuit for Women: RXRXCOCO One Piece V-Neck Swimsuit
• Best Swimsuit for Men: Maamgic Quick Dry Swim Trunks
• Best Dress: Columbia Women’s Freezer Maxi
• Best Jumpsuit: ZESICA Strapless Jumpsuit  
• Best Pants for Men: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant
• Best Shirt for Men: Hanes Cool DRI Performance Polo Shirt
• Best Outerwear for Men and Women: Men’s and Women
• Best Base Layer for Men and Women: Men’s and Women’s  
• Best Active Shoes for Men and Women: Men’s and Women’s  
• Best Evening Shoes for Women: Vionic Rosabel Heeled Sandal
• Best Evening Shoes for Men: Ace Marks Travel Derby  
• Best Versatile Shoes for Women: Naot Kayla Sandal
• Best Versatile Shoes for Men: OluKai Laeahi Slip-On  

Gear and Accessories

• Best Beach Bag: Hello Beaches Straw Beach Bag
• Best Motion Sickness Solution: PSI Bands
• Best Beach Hat for Women: Simplicity Roll-Up Straw Hat
• Best Unisex Hat: Fancet Packable Straw Fedora
• Best Warm Beanie: Minus33 Ridge Cuff Beanie
• Best Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Unisex Polarized Sunglasses

Bags and Luggage

• Best Duffle Bag: Deux Mains Mission Essential Duffle Bag
• Best Suitcase: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Spinner
• Best Packing Cubes: BAGAIL Packing Cube Set
• Best Evening Handbag: Simitri Island Half Moon Bag
• Best Daytime Crossbody: Sea Bags Convertible Bucket Bag
• Best Daypack: Terra Thread Gaia Sling Bag

T+L’s Top Picks and Tips

When narrowing down your clothing pile while packing, suggests focusing on clothes that are light, cool, and made of natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. “In the evening, pack and dress as if you were going to a country club or an upscale restaurant — that means slacks, polo shirts/button down shirts, shoes other than athletic shoes, chic sandals, skirts/tops, and sundresses,” she says. “Nice jeans without rips or holes are also a smart choice for everyone.” 

Headed to Northern Europe, Alaska, or a fall Mediterranean cruise? “I can't underscore the importance of layers when it comes to your clothing,” says Cynthia Drake, a freelance travel writer who has taken more than 20 cruises, including a recent one to Antarctica. “You don't need to pack all the bulky sweaters that you think you do. Instead think of lighter wool base layers, a lightweight fleece middle layer, and then a waterproof outer layer. You can always shed layers.”

Best Swimsuit for Women

Rxrxcoco one piece v-neck swimsuit.

Cruises are known for their abundance of food, from never-ending buffets to multi-course dinners. Feel free to indulge to your heart’s content, because this RXRXCOCO one-piece swimsuit has tummy control in the form of flattering ruching that creates a ripple effect instead of a flat silhouette. It comes in more than 40 colors, which is great because at this low price, you’ll probably want to buy a couple. The material is lined and thick enough to provide plenty of coverage, so you don’t have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions.

Best Swimsuit for Men

Maamgic swim shorts.

Get into the cruise spirit with these navy anchor swim trunks (there are plenty of other tropical colors and patterns to choose from, too — from fish and lobsters to palm trees and flamingos). They feature a mesh lining for maximum breathability and a quick-dry polyester that only needs about 10 minutes to dry out. The waistband has an adjustable drawstring and the length runs about 7 inches (above the knee). There’s a Velcro pocket so you don’t lose your valuables in the ocean or pool, and these trunks won’t turn see-through when wet. 

Columbia Women’s Freezer Maxi Dress

If there’s one dress that can take you from day to night effortlessly, it’s this Freezer Maxi Dress from Columbia. By day, pair it with some sandals for ship and port activities. It’s designed to keep you cool despite heat and humidity thanks to its moisture-wicking fabric, plus it contains a UV-blocking layer to protect your skin from sun exposure. In the evening, swap out your sandals for something dressier, add some jewelry and a pashmina or cardigan and you’re ready to head to dinner. It comes in more than a dozen colors and is machine-washable, too. 

Best Jumpsuit

Zesica strapless jumpsuit.

Another easy way to switch from daytime casual to nighttime chic is with a jumpsuit, like this soft and adorable strapless number from ZESICA. It runs true to size, comes in Caribbean-inspired colors or more subdued shades, and the matching waist tie is a cute touch. Did we mention it has pockets handy for holding your ship card and lip gloss? This garment is especially great if you’re on the shorter side, but will also hit above the ankles for a cute cropped look if you’re a bit taller.

Best Pants for Men

Columbia silver ridge convertible pants.

Men have their own version of day-to-night clothing, in the form of convertible pants — like this breathable pair from Columbia. Zip them off to wear as 10-inch inseam shorts for all your adventures on and off the ship, and then zip them back into full pants for dinner in the dining room (the partial elastic waist should be a welcome feature after a scrumptious four-course dinner). This pair is made of nylon, offers UPF 50 sun protection, and there are nearly two dozen colors to choose from. 

Best Shirt for Men

Hanes cool dri performance polo shirt.

The best thing about this shirt is its versatility: it can be worn all day and into the night. This Hanes Cool DRI Performance Polo is the ideal solution to keeping packing to a minimum — it has classic polo detail, is made from a comfortable polyester jersey fabric, holds up to machine washing, and even helps fight the embarrassment of stinky pits with FreshIQ odor-protection technology. Pair these with your convertible pants and you’ll be set morning, noon, and night on your cruise.

Best Outerwear for Men and Women

Rei co-op xerodry gtx jacket.

Whether you’re at sea or on land, there’s nothing more important than staying dry, no matter the forecast. Don’t miss out on all the cruise fun just because of a little inclement weather. The REI XeroDry rain jacket has men’s and women’s versions, each sporting two-layer GORE-TEX Paclite waterproof and breathable laminate, core ventilation, hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs, a hem drawcord, and a two-point adjustable hood. The jacket comes in several fun colors that’ll look great in photos even if it’s a dreary day. 

Best Base Layer for Men and Women

Craft core wool mix base layer set.

When taking a cold-weather cruise , skip the bulk in your suitcase without skipping out on the warmth with REI’s Craft ORE wool mix base layer set. It’s made from a recycled polyester and merino wool blend that’s super soft while helping maintain thermoregulation. Your neck to your ankles will be kept nice and warm when you layer these under your outfit, and the natural material will wick away any wetness or sweat. A couple sets like these will go a long way toward keeping you from complaining about the cold as you explore parts of the world you’ve always dreamed of.

Resist the temptation to pack all your favorite footwear for a cruise, and instead focus on a few pairs that can be worn with multiple outfits — like comfortable sandals, sneakers, and one dressier pair for a five- to seven-day itinerary. 

“Not only is room in your luggage precious, but it's also a hot commodity in your cabin,” says Megan duBois, a travel journalist who has taken more than two dozen cruises. “Skip the flip flops in lieu of a sandal with a backstrap for a bit of extra insurance while taking the stairs around the pool decks and between floors to your cabin. Cute sandals can easily transition from day to night if you're planning on going to the main dining room for dinner as well.” 

Another type of footwear that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves, especially on tropical cruises, is a trusty pair of water shoes. “You never know what the terrain of the beach will be, and you never know how hot the sand is,” says Jill Whelan, Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises. “When I forget them, I always regret it.”

Best Active Shoes for Men and Women

Xero aqua x sport water shoes.

You’ll be amazed at how many land- and water-based excursions you can enjoy in your Xero Aqua X Sport shoes, and even more amazed at their 5,000-mile sole warranty (just think about how many cruises you can take in the same pair!). Xero is all about delivering natural comfort, with wide toe boxes to let your toes spread out, flexible soles that let your foot bend naturally, and a patented FeelTrue sole that feels like you’re barefoot but offers plenty of protection, no matter if you’re running, walking, climbing, hiking, or swimming. The ultra-light, minimalist Aqua X Sport has mesh to shed water and an all-terrain traction sole, which will keep you dry and on even footing. 

Best Evening Shoes for Women

Vionic heeled sandal.

A not-too-dressy but not-too-casual chunky heeled sandal with an ankle strap is all you need to pair with your evening outfits, and this Vionic Rosabel is the perfect choice. It comes in several tempting colors (including a bright verde green and more subdued terra cotta), though the wheat will go with everything in your suitcase. Worried about comfort while navigating a large ship? These offer three-zone comfort with arch support and the built-in orthotic can help treat plantar fasciitis. The bow detail really seals the deal on style.

Best Evening Shoes for Men

Ace marks travel derby shoes.

Men’s dress shoes take up so much room in a suitcase, which often makes it tempting to just leave them at home — but what if there was a pair of snazzy leather Derby-style shoes that also folded down to fit in your carry-on without creasing? Meet the Ace Marks Travel Derby, which does exactly that. Each pair is handcrafted in Italy by fourth-generation artisans, it comes in three classic colors, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find this level of flexibility and comfort in another brand’s construction.

Best Versatile Shoes for Women

Naot kayla sandal.

When luggage space is at a premium, you can feel confident about packing the Naot Kayla. These three-strap sandals breeze through pool days and port days thanks to the hook and loop strap for extra stability, and the anatomic cork and latex footbed to cradle your feet — they even come with the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval for promoting good foot health. Throw in the fact that they can easily transition from day to night, come in 25 colors, and are available in wide sizing, and you’ll be all set in the shoe department. 

Best Versatile Shoes for Men

Olukai slip-on sneakers.

What does every man want in a cruise shoe? The ability to go from roaming around the ship to meandering around a port to heading straight to dinner all in the same pair — and you can do that with the OluKai Laeahi Slip-On. The wet-grip rubber sole will handle any conditions you encounter, but the coolest part is the two-in-one drop heel design that gives it both shoe and slide functionality. The mesh is water-resistant and breathable for even the most hot and humid weather, yet nobody in the ship’s restaurant will question if you’ve met the dress code. 

For warm-weather cruises, don’t forget to pack a cute beach bag that’ll help haul all your gear to the pool or on excursions. “Try to find a bag that has multiple pockets where you can keep sunscreen, sunglasses, and phones all separate,” says duBois. “There's nothing worse than a bottle of sunscreen accidentally opening on the bottom of a beach bag and getting all over everything else.” 

And never underestimate the importance of great accessories, such as hats and jewelry, to really jazz up a casual outfit and make it evening-ready. “Accessories can change the look of an outfit, which I try to build around just a few mix-and-match components,” says travel writer Theresa Russell, who has cruised six continents so far.

Best Beach Bag

Hello beaches straw beach bag.

Nothing says beachy vacation like a straw beach bag, and this fashionable option that’s hand-embroidered with a cute message takes the cake. It folds down like a dream for easy packing (or feel free to use it as your carry-on, because you’ll no doubt get plenty of compliments en route to your ship), has a magnetic closure, and has several interior pockets to keep your beach-going belongings well organized. There’s a supportive base so it doesn’t tip over and several colors and messages to choose from, too.

Best Motion Sickness Solution

Psi bands acupressure wrist bands.

While your cruise ship is more than happy to hand out Bonine or Dramamine sea sickness medication, a chemical-free option — like Psi Bands — comes free of any unwanted side effects (read: sleeping through your entire vacation, because even the non-drowsy versions can leave a lot to be desired). They are adjustable acupressure bands that snap securely onto your wrist and come in several fun colors and patterns so you won’t feel silly wearing them. Plus, they are waterproof, so you don’t have to remove them when taking a shower or swimming, either.

Best Beach Hat for Women

Simplicity women's roll-up straw sun hat.

Sun hats seem like a great idea for protecting you from intense rays, until you realize your hair is stuck to your sweaty neck and back. Choose a visor style, like the Simplicity, that allows you to plop your hair in a pony or messy bun to instantly feel cooler. It’s made from 100 percent straw, offers a UPF of 50+, and the adjustable hook and loop closure allows the perfect fit on any size noggin. It folds up into a small cone shape for easy packing and the bow detail is absolutely precious. Choose from a number of colors to match your vibe. 

Best Unisex Hat

Fancet packable straw fedora.

Packable, foldable, crushable — these are all words that help define the perfect Fedora for any vacation. Protect your scalp from the scorching sun and your face from a burn with the Fancet Packable Straw Fedora, which comes in four adjustable sizes and 10 colors. Whether you stuff it into your suitcase, jam it into your backpack, or accidentally step on it, this hat welcomes the abuse and keeps coming back for more. There’s also a built-in sweatband inside to keep you looking cool even on the hottest days.

Best Warm Beanie

Minus33 ridge cuff beanie.

Don’t be fooled by how thin this Ridge Cuff Beanie from Minus33 is — it’ll keep your head warmer than you’d ever imagine. That warmth comes from the 100 percent merino wool, which helps wick moisture away so you stay dry, even when sweating through winter-weather activities like glacier hiking or ice fishing. It’s machine-washable, comes in an array of neutral and fashionable hues, and will hardly take up any room in your suitcase.

Best Unisex Sunglasses

Ray-ban unisex polarized sunglasses.

Polarized sunglasses help eliminate the amount of reflecting light that hits your eyes, which is crucial for enjoying glare-free ocean views from your cruise ship balcony or while on deck (and during excursions, too!). These unisex Ray-Bans are durable, come in a classic black or tortoiseshell, and are sure to help you spot any whales or other passing ships at sea while protecting your eyes from wind. 

There’s plenty to think through in terms of choosing the right suitcase and bags for day and evening use, but try to keep things as simple as possible. “A crossbody or fanny pack for shore excursions or exploring cities are must-pack items,” says Jill Robbins, a freelance writer and self-proclaimed “less is more” packer who’s been on 14 cruises. “I recommend a bag that keeps your valuables close to your body — a backpack makes it too easy for someone to reach into a zipper pocket and grab your wallet or passport.”

For luggage, duBois says to look for bags that will easily roll under the bed in your stateroom — styles that have expander zippers usually have enough clearance. And those packing cubes everyone raves about? Definitely bring them! “Add compressible packing cubes for easy organization and unpacking in under 10 minutes in your stateroom,” say Mickey and Vickey Popat, who have spent over 150 nights at sea. “These cubes fit perfectly in the stateroom drawers and make finding your clothing really easy.”

Best Duffle Bag

Deux mains mission essential duffel bag.

Set sail in style with the Mission Essential Duffle Bag from Deux Mains, a handcrafted luxury goods brand sustainably made in Haiti that helps artisans earn a livable wage and health insurance. Yes, it’s made of leather, but it's sourced in small batches locally to reduce waste and carbon emissions, and the high quality is made to last. This bag features a separate shoe compartment, cotton twill liner, an interior and exterior pocket, and adjustable shoulder strap, and will fit airline carry-on requirements for your journey to and from the ship.

Best Suitcase

Samsonite omni pc.

Many frequent cruisers swear by their 24-inch suitcases, like this Omni PC Hardside Spinner from Samsonite. The micro-diamond polycarbonate texture is scratch-resistant, it only weighs 8.34 pounds when empty (giving you plenty of room to work with before you reach your airline-mandated limit), the TSA locks help deter theft when you leave them outside your cabin the evening before disembarkation, and the expansion feature helps compress your clothes and give you a bit more room when you need to pack some extra souvenirs on the way home. Plus you can’t beat the 10-year warranty. 

Best Packing Cubes

Bagail 8 set packing cubes.

The ultimate space-saving solution in your suitcase becomes the ultimate organizational tool in a cramped cruise cabin. The BAGAIL packing cube set comes with eight sizes and shapes — including a shoe bag, cosmetic bag, and a drawstring bag for dirty clothes — and features a mesh design so it’s easy to see what’s inside without having to rifle through everything. Make sure everyone in your cabin chooses a different color set of cubes, and you will always know which ones are yours in the dresser drawers at a glance. 

Best Evening Handbag

Simitri island half moon bag.

When you’re keeping your wardrobe simple so you can mix-and-match outfits, let your accessories show off your personality. This darling Island Half Moon Bag from Simitri practically screams “tropical cruise,” with its vivid hues and floral stitching. The detachable pearl strap and pop of sequins elevate the look for specialty restaurant dining, and the playful aesthetic is also perfect for hitting the nightclub afterwards. There’s a metal flap closure to keep your belongings in place and a faux leather cross-body strap for dancing the night away.

Best Daytime Crossbody

Sea bags convertible bucket bag.

Want a hint of nautical style without going overboard? The sustainable Sea Bags Mariner Stripe Convertible Bucket Bag is made from recycled sail cloth, handcrafted in the USA — no two bags are alike, as sails that have been reclaimed have earned unique marks and colorations which enhance the charm of this handcrafted bag. It morphs from a cross-body, to an over-the-shoulder, to a handbag, to a backpack, as you go from one cruise activity to the next, all day long. Want a design that’s a little bolder? Check out the barnacle print, navy anchor, and sea glass designs that are sure to be the talk of the ship. 

Best Daypack

Terra thread gaia sling bag.

Terra Thread

Behold! Your perfect daypack for on-ship activities and off-ship excursions. The Terra Thread Gaia Sling Bag is made of eco-friendly cotton canvas, comes in a wide range of colors, has an adjustable strap, only weighs 10 ounces, and is machine-washable in case it needs a little refreshing after too much fun. There are several pockets, each secured with a zipper, so you can separate your belongings into various compartments — one is even big enough for a bottle of water.

To ensure you have a hassle-free and safe trip, avoid packing the following items: illegal substances, such as drugs, firearms, or explosives; irons and other heating elements that can pose a fire hazard; excessive amounts of cash and valuables (your room will have a safe, but is it really necessary to bring your grandmother’s irreplaceable pearls?), and large suitcases that can’t store underneath the bed. Finally, double check your specific cruise line’s policy on bringing alcohol onboard, as the rules vary. 

When leaving on a five-to-seven-day cruise, it’s important to pack efficiently while also bringing enough clothing for all your planned activities. Generally speaking, you’ll want a handful of mix-and-match daytime outfits for exploring ports of call, lounging by the pool (two bathing suits), or participating in onboard activities. Plus, you’ll need appropriate evening wear for dinner — some cruise lines have formal nights where you may want a cocktail dress or suit, while others are more casual and only require slacks and polo shirts, blouses, or dresses. Plan on four outfits for evening, as there will likely be a couple of nights you choose to enjoy room service or visit the buffet instead. For longer cruises, know that most cruise lines have self-service laundry options or full-service laundry for an extra fee, so you can pack for five nights and wash and repeat your outfits.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jill Schildhouse is a Phoenix-based travel writer who has taken more than 15 cruises over the last two decades, from 300-passenger yachts to mega-ships — some of her favorites include Alaska, the Mediterranean, and Southern Caribbean. She not only relied on her own experience (she owns and swears by many of these products herself) but also spoke with other travel writers and cruise experts to determine the best things to pack for a cruise.

Those she consulted with included:

• Cynthia Drake , a freelance travel writer who has taken more than 20 cruises
• Megan duBois , a travel journalist who has taken more than two dozen cruises
• Mickey and Vickey Popat , who have spent over 150 nights at sea
• Jill Robbins , a freelance writer and self-proclaimed “less is more” packer who’s been on 14 cruises
• Theresa Russell , a travel writer who has cruised six continents so far
• Jill Whelan , Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises

Related: The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List

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What to Pack for a Cruise: A Beginner's Guide

Packing for your first cruise can be tricky. After all, cruise rooms aren't exactly known for being spacious, dress codes can be confusing and luggage fees on airlines are steep. You'll also want to consider what you'll need aboard your cruise aside from clothing.

For the most part, cruising on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean , Carnival and Norwegian (NCL) has become an almost entirely casual affair. That makes packing simpler than the days of stuffing full suits and elegant dresses into your suitcase. You'll also want to consider the destination of your itinerary and how connected you'll need to be on your cruise to gauge your non-clothing packing needs.

With that in mind, we've put together a basic (but comprehensive) cruise packing list, including the clothes you'll need as well as the odds and ends you'll want with you as well. Read on for our beginner's guide to packing for a cruise.

To find out the dress code on your next cruise, check out our updated guide to Cruise Line Dress Codes .

Clothing Women Should Pack for a Cruise

Knowing what clothing to pack for a cruise can be especially challenging, and cruise line dress codes don't always match what passes as acceptable on board. The key to maximizing your wardrobe on the high seas is working with a few core pieces of clothing and mixing them up over the course of your itinerary. That's especially handy for evening wear, which tends to be bulkier and take up more luggage space.

What Women Should Pack for the Daytime on a Cruise:

From breakfast through the afternoon, you don't need to stress about your outfits. The name of the game is casual, which makes packing easy. If you're cruising in tropical regions, pack one pair of shorts for every two days of your cruise (in cold regions, switch shorts for pants or jeans). If you like to vary your look, pack different color shorts or breezy skirts.

Focus on lightweight tops -- tank tops and T-shirts are more than fine all day long, indoors or out. You'll likely want one top for each day of your cruise (roll them to save space in your luggage). One or two bathing suits should be the maximum, just don't expect to wear them into dining areas.

Unless you're doing intensive shore excursions or plan on taking fitness classes or using the gym , you can skip activewear. If you're visiting any religious landmarks, keep in mind that you may have to cover shoulders and legs.

What Women Should Pack for Evenings on a Cruise:

Yes, your cruise ship probably has a dress code in the evenings, and it's generally a bit easier to adhere to for women. A maxi sundress (or similar one-piece), sharp romper or a nice shirt with pants (or skirt) all fit the bill. Follow the same rule for your slack or skirt options as you would for shorts: one for every two days. Pay attention to colors so you can mix and match from one day to the next and, if you're really looking to fly under the "she wore that already" radar, steer clear of bold patterns.

Related: What to Wear on a Luxury Cruise

Clothing Men Should Pack for a Cruise

In general, the same rules apply to men and women when it comes to packing for a cruise. Keep shorts, jeans and pants to a minimum and devote space to fresh shirts, tank tops, polos and what not. On nearly every mainstream cruise line, you can forgo a suit or tuxedo. If you'd like to spiff things up, consider a sport coat, but it's generally not required.

What Men Should Pack for Daytime on a Cruise:

Follow the one-bottom-for-two-days rule when packing. That means one pair of shorts, chinos or jeans for daytime (depending on your cruise's itinerary). Again, pay attention to colors if you're hoping to mix and match. T-shirts are fine for all daytime indoor dining (tank tops are fine for the pool, but may get a look on some ships during breakfast or lunch indoors). Two bathing suits are more than enough for longer cruises. One will suffice for short four- and five-day itineraries.

Note which shore excursions you'll be doing and keep in mind your fitness routine before packing. You may need to up the amount of your activewear. It can help to determine how many workouts you'll do during your time onboard as well as the number of active shore excursions before devoting precious luggage space to more clothing than you'll need. Men will also be required to cover legs and shoulders at most religious monuments, so be prepared ahead of time and reconsider shorts and tank tops.

What Men Should Pack for Evenings on a Cruise:

If you're cruising on a mainstream cruise line like Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian, you'll want a selection of casual collared shirts (polos, short-sleeve button downs, nice sweaters or long-sleeve button downs are all fair game). These are best paired with a casual chino or dressy, wear-free jeans. You'll likely see more of the former than the latter in the evenings, though many ships have casual dinner spots where jeans are welcome. T-shirts, shorts, tank tops, hoodies and long-sleeved T-shirts are a no-no for men in the evenings.

As we mentioned, tuxedos are out of place on almost every mainstream cruise ship these days and you likely won't even see a full suit. Some mainstream ships do have upmarket dining spots, though (like Le Bistro on NCL), and you may want a sportcoat to freshen up your look You can find packing videos online that will help you economize space and minimize wrinkles when packing a sport coat.

Related: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

The Clothing and Accessories Everyone Should Pack for a Cruise

Sandals, Shoes and Sneakers: If you're looking to save space, one pair of sneakers, one pair of shoes and one pair of sandals are all you'll really need. Close-toed shoes are a must for men in the evening, though women can get away with dressy open-toed options (and no, that doesn't include poolside slides). Stick to darker neutrals like black and brown shoes to maximize your matching. If you're touring wet-weather destinations like Alaska, you'd do well to opt for waterproof sneakers.

Sweaters and Jackets: Embrace the layered look. You will want a waterproof jacket and sweatshirt on pretty much any cruise (rain is always possible and indoor air-conditioning can be blasting). For colder regions, consider packing slightly fewer T-shirts and opt for long-sleeved options instead. You can typically get away with wearing neutral sweatshirts and sweaters more than once if you're worried about looking the same every day.

Hats: Pack one baseball, bucket or wide-brimmed hat for your cruise. These protect your head and face from the sun, which is an issue no matter where you cruise in the world. If you're heading to destinations like Alaska, the Arctic or Antarctic, a proper beanie or winter hat is a must as well.

Sunglasses: This may seem like a no brainer, but a pair of polarized sunglasses will do wonders for your sightseeing or poolside reading. You'll likely use them in colder destinations, too, as summer daylight hours are long during summers in Norway, Iceland, Antartica and Alaska.

Related: Why You Should Pack These 6 Things in Your Carry-On

Non-Clothing Accessories to Pack for a Cruise

Backpack, Tote or Other Small Bag: Small to medium backpacks or tote bags can be useful for carrying cameras, books, sunscreen, water bottles and other items around the cruise ship or in port. If you're looking to economize space, use your backpack or tote as a carry-on if you're flying to your port of departure. For those who prefer carrying something smaller on dry land, a fanny pack is the easiest way to go (and are no longer cringe-worthy).

Phone and Laptop or Tablet: Resisting the urge to bring every piece of technology we own with us is a challenge when we travel. However, since your days on a cruise will likely be filled with activities, stick to the tech basics. Your smartphone and a laptop or larger tablet will be enough for most travelers. That's especially true if you have a newer model smartphone with an excellent built-in camera (making DSLR cameras obsolete for all but the most die-hard photographer). However, if your cruise destination is filled with wildlife viewing opportunities, a zoom lens and proper camera might be better. Be sure to pack all chargers, and headphones, too.

Related: The 6 Things You Need to Know About Wi-Fi at Sea

Beach Gear (but Not Towels): You won't need to bring your own towels if you're visiting any cruise line's private island or the ship's pools. If traveling with kids, consider inflatable water toys for the beach that can be deflated and packed easily (as opposed to sand buckets, shovels, and other bulky plastic items).

Toiletries: The cruise ship provides soap and shampoo (and often body lotion, conditioner and body wash). But if you're picky, pack your own.

Medications and Sunscreen: Bring any prescriptions with you and bring more than the quantity you'll actually need in case you encounter any travel delays. If you're taking prescriptions that are controlled substances, bring those in the original bottle with your information on it. Consider packing over-the-counter medications as well, as these can be exorbitantly priced on cruise ships. Sunscreen is, of course, a must (reef-safe varieties are the way to go if you'd like those reefs to be there in the future).

Reusable Water Bottle: Water on cruise ships is purified and safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid bottled water charges and to save the planet from excess plastic waste.

Related: What to Expect: Cruise Ship Drinking Water

Waterproof Bags: Some destinations are prone to rain, or you may be cruising in a wet season. It can pay to have at least one waterproof bag to store electronics and important items -- like your wallet -- on shore excursions. Most backpacks and totes are water resistant, but not waterproof, meaning items inside may still get wet. A large Ziploc bag will do the trick, though you'll find more expensive rolltop waterproof storage bags at outdoor retailers.

Identification: You must check and check again that you have your passport or ID plus birth certificate before leaving your house.

Extra Storage: Many experienced cruisers swear by over-the-door shoe bags for storing toiletries or keeping small items from getting lost in cramped cabin quarters. If you plan on doing a lot of shopping in port, consider taking a foldable duffel that can be packed into your luggage at first and then filled up with souvenirs (or dirty laundry) and checked on the way home.

Kids' Toys: Mainstream ships all have kids' clubs and most also have pool areas that are suitable for little cruisers. With that in mind, skip bringing bulky toys in favor of smaller or flat toys you can pack with minimal space.

Related: What to Pack for Kids on a Cruise

Books and Magazines: For those who love the feel of words on paper in their hands, one or two books (or a few magazines) should do the trick. Some ships do have libraries, but don't bank on finding a title that speaks to you. If you're really keen on saving space and traveling light, download books to an e-reader or tablet before you leave home (onboard Wi-Fi isn't always the best for large downloads and can be incredibly expensive).

Earplugs: If you're a light sleeper or have a room in a noisy area of cruise ship (low decks near the anchor, engine or thrusters; directly under the pool deck or buffet), you should consider packing a pair of earplugs.

Towel Clips: There are almost always breezes at sea (and on most beaches), so it can help to throw towel clips in your luggage. While you're splashing in the pool or the ocean, they'll prevent your towel (and whatever items you may have on it) from being lifted off your lounger by a stiff breeze.

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The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

By Elissa Garay

Last updated: November 7th, 2023

• Find a Cruise

The task of packing for a cruise can feel daunting, given all of the special considerations—there could be temperature variations between ports of call, there are onboard dress codes to adhere to, and different types of shipboard activities and shore excursions that you can sign up for.

And, of course, destination consideration comes into play. A cruise packing list for an active, outdoorsy cruise to Alaska is going to look a lot different than one for a laid-back beach trip to the Caribbean , or for a sophisticated city-hopper sailing in the Mediterranean.

Have no fear: our expert-compiled cruise packing list will make sure you’re the savviest passenger at sea—and the best dressed one, to boot. After all, you want to spend your precious time in port shopping for spectacular souvenirs—not some forgotten sundries.

And remember that the beauty of a cruise vacation is that once you get everything into your bag, you only have to unpack one time after boarding the ship. So simply zip through this comprehensive list of things to pack for a cruise, and you’ll be packed like a pro and ready to go in no time.

What clothing, shoes, and accessories do I need to pack for a cruise?

A cruise vacation covers a lot of ground, which means you’ll need a lot of flexibility with your wardrobe, too. You can generally count on transitioning from daywear to smart casual on one or two nights per cruise and Evening Chic aboard the ship.

You should also be able to segue from a fun-in-the-sun beach outing to a rainy-day city walking tour with ease.

Consult the weather forecasts closely in the days leading up to your trip, and think in terms of layers and mix-and-match ensembles to make sure your suitcase doesn’t burst at the seams.

Don’t be afraid to recycle your more gently worn outfits—rest assured that your fellow cruisers will be none the wiser if you don the same pieces twice. Remember that there’s an onboard launderette and a laundry service, too.

Read: Expert Cruise Packing Tips

Undergarments & Sleepwear

Start off with the basics. As for any trip, don’t leave home without your underwear, socks (both athletic and dress socks), and bras/undershirts as the base for any day’s dress. You’ll want comfy pajamas to cozy up in after a long day spent exploring in port, too.

Casual Daywear

For laid-back days spent walking around the ship or port, you’ll want to have a good selection of comfortable and casual clothing.

Check the weather, and stick to a cruise packing list with a good selection of shorts, jeans/khakis, sundresses/skirts, T-shirts (both long- and short-sleeved) and tank tops.

Remember that if you’re visiting churches, mosques, or other religious sites on your adventures ashore, it’s expected that shoulders and bare legs are covered.

Smart Casual Evenings

Evenings on Celebrity’s ships reflect the ambiance of Relaxed Luxury.

Most nights, the dress code is smart casual, which means you look comfortable yet tasteful in anything from a skirt or dress to long pants, chic jeans, and a stylish top or button-down.

Evening Chic

Some evenings take on a dressier air aboard the ship, so be sure to consult with the dress code to make sure you’re dressed appropriately.

On Celebrity’s polished Evening Chic nights, you’ll have the chance to dress to impress with your own interpretation of glamor and sophistication. This might be a cocktail dress, a skirt, slacks, designer jeans with a blazer, or an elegant top.

There’s no requirement to pack a tuxedo or formal gown, although some guests love doing this for the sense of occasion. A suit and tie is welcome for Evening Chic nights, but is by no means essential.

Celebrity’s sailings of seven nights or longer have two nights designated as Evening Chic, while shorter cruises have one. All other days permit Smart Casual attire in the evenings.

Study the weather forecast and be sure to bring along climate-appropriate outerwear. When you’re packing for an Alaska cruise , for instance, you’ll almost certainly need lots of layers, with waterproof outerwear, winter hats, and gloves on hand.

You might have to throw in a sweater or sweatshirt on your packing list for a Caribbean cruise , and the same goes for a spring or fall stroll in a Mediterranean port.

Don’t forget sun hats and baseball caps for sunny days out on deck or in port, while a dressy scarf or shawl to drape over your shoulders is a good accessory for sophisticated evenings aboard the ship.

Beachwear & Activewear

Whether you’re splashing around on the pool deck or beachside, you’ll want to bring along at least a couple of swimsuits so they can dry between uses.

Cover-ups offer added protection on sun-kissed days, as well as an easy transition in attire from swimming to grabbing a bite to eat poolside or in the Oceanview Café at lunchtime.

Keep in mind that ships are equipped with gyms and outdoor tracks, fitness classes abound, and many ports welcome runners, kayakers, bikers, and other active types. There’s no need to skip out on your fitness regime if you don’t want to, so bring along your activewear, too.

You’ll want comfortable walking shoes for long excursions in port, whether it’s a pair of sneakers or comfy flats.

Sandals and flip-flops are must-haves for pool and beach days, while more elegant shoes are de rigueur for fancier evening dinners on board. Flip flops aren’t allowed in the main dining rooms and speciality restaurants in the evenings.

If the weather is going to be very rainy, the beaches rocky, or if there are mountains you’re looking to climb, be sure to bring along appropriate footwear, too, like rain boots, water shoes, or hiking boots.

Accessories

Don’t forget the trimmings! Bring some jewelry if you like, though, as with any trip, you’ll want to leave your best pieces at home. Though staterooms have safes, you’d be wise not to flash expensive baubles in some ports around the world.

A wristwatch is key, especially when cruising between time zones (so you won’t stress about missing the ship while out on an excursion), while an umbrella or poncho can help save a rainy day.

Topping your cruise packing list should be your eyeglasses and sunglasses. Do be sure to bring along some protective cases to help keep them intact during all of your travels.

Once you get the luggage unloaded, you’ll want some smaller bags on hand for the many adventures that await during the course of your cruise.

A daypack and/or beach bag is essential for toting items while in port, as well as whatever purse you want to use on board in the evenings.

Adding a collapsible tote to your list of things to pack for a cruise is a good strategy to help carry any extra souvenirs you might acquire along the way.

Other handy add-ons include ziplock bags (for waterproof storage and organization), and a wet bag (for snorkel gear and trips to the beach).

A top tip for embarkation day is to pack a day bag with essentials. With swimwear, flip flops, cover-up, and sunblock in hand, rather than in your checked baggage, you can head straight for the pool once you’re onboard and let the vacation begin.

Bring a bag for dirty laundry along. If you are on a longer sailing, consider taking advantage of the onboard laundry service rather than overpacking.

What hygiene products do I need to pack for a cruise?

Apart from clothing, shoes, and accessories, you’ll want your stateroom bathroom and vanity well-stocked with all of your favorite personal hygiene products from home.

While your stateroom will come stocked with premium bath amenities, you might want to bring travel-sized bottles of your preferred products, too.

Other cruise packing list must-haves include a facial cleanser, moisturizer, deodorant, shaving supplies, lip balm, Q-tips, and cotton balls/pads.

Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash, too. Contact lens wearers should bring all the related gear (including a case and solution), and a pair of tweezers and a nail file and/or clippers will surely come in handy, too.

In the case of emergency, you can always restock most of these items from the onboard shops or from a drugstore in port.

Hair & Makeup Products

Hair can sometimes require extra taming when coming in from a day at the beach or a windy sea day up on deck. Be prepared with all the hairstyling products, accessories, and tools you need, as well as a brush/comb, too.

Hairdryers are provided in each stateroom, and all Celebrity ships have an onboard salon should you wish to try a new look.

Bring along your makeup (and don’t forget the makeup remover). You might also want a small bottle of perfume or cologne, too.

Health & Safety Products

Cover your health and safety bases by packing any necessities like medications (including seasickness remedies , as needed), pain relievers, vitamins, feminine hygiene products, birth control, and a basic, personalized first-aid kit.

Other things to pack for a cruise include sunscreen (and aloe vera for relief, just in case you miss a spot), as well as insect repellent if you’re sailing somewhere tropical.

Keep hand wipes and sanitizer close on hand to help keep the germs at bay while you’re on the go. Sanitizer is provided all over the ship, too.

What documents do I need to pack for a cruise?

Sure, it’s vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can get by on sunshine and frothy drinks alone. You’ll need some essential documentation and a properly stocked wallet to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.

Wallet & Money Belt Items

You may want to trade in your wallet for a money belt while on your trip. Whichever route you choose, be sure to bring cash (including small bills for tips ashore), an ATM or debit card, and credit cards.

Tuck away your driver’s license, too (as well as an international driver’s license if you plan on renting a car abroad). Foreign travel also means having a passport on hand that’s stamped with any visas, if necessary.

You’ll also want to have your medical insurance card, as well as any travel insurance information, on you at all times.

Read: Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

Documentation & Contact Info

Be sure to bring along key travel documents, like copies of flight and hotel bookings. The cruise line will send you designated luggage tags, too; add those onto your luggage before embarking the ship.

Make sure you have copies of key documentation and information as backup, should anything get lost or stolen on your trip. Keep photocopies separate from the originals, and consider having scanned copies saved somewhere digitally, too.

Also have important phone numbers available (like for credit card companies or emergency contacts back home), as well as the mailing and email addresses for any friends or relatives you might want to write to while away.

It’s also prudent to keep copies of any prescriptions you take, as well as a list of medications and your medical history, should any medical incidents arise.

Travel guides can come in handy to read up on the ports that await you, while a pen and journal will allow you to jot down anything that might come up on the trip—or to document your vacation memories for posterity.

What technology items do I need to pack for a cruise?

These days, all of those electronic gadgets that we love could take up a suitcase all their own! To be digitally entertained and easily catch up with emails and news back home, keep your cell phone and laptop (or tablet) high on your cruise packing list.

Your cell phone might be all you need to take pictures, listen to music, and have an alarm clock for the morning. If that’s not the case, you might want to bring along a proper camera (with lenses, memory cards, etc.), music (and a player), and a travel alarm clock.

All those gadgets will need charging, too, so don’t forget those chargers. A power strip (preferably with built-in USB ports) can help ensure that the stateroom has more than enough juice to go around. On Celebrity’s Edge-series ships , you’ll find USB charging ports in your stateroom.

If you’ll be spending a lot of time by the pool and beach, do consider a waterproof phone case to help protect your cell phone. And if you’re staying abroad at a hotel pre- or post-cruise, don’t overlook voltage adapters, as needed.

Finally, if you’re headed somewhere with great wildlife—like Alaska , for instance—a good pair of binoculars is sure to up those wow-factor moments.

What else do I need to pack for a cruise?

There are a few more odds and ends to help ensure that your cruise packing list is seamless. Toting along some favorite snacks, chewing gum, and a reusable water bottle is a smart move to keep you satiated and hydrated on the go, whether at the airport or in port.

Travel aids like earplugs, a travel pillow, and a sleeping mask can help make long flights or car rides more comfy. A pack of travel-sized antibacterial wipes is always a good idea to help wipe down germ-prone surfaces as needed.

Consider bringing along some reading materials for lazy afternoons on your veranda or by the pool, whether you prefer paperback or e-books or magazines.

If you’re headed somewhere with loads of time for sand and surf, you might want to bring along your own snorkel and goggles so that you can set off on snorkeling excursions at whim.

If you’re cruising with kids , there’s a whole world of age-appropriate gear to consider, like diapers, strollers, toys, and games.

Finally, don’t forget to tuck away your house and car keys somewhere safe—you won’t need them until the end of your trip, but you’ll want to be able to find them in a snap when the time comes.

The Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist

Tick off this handy cruise packing checklist to ensure that all of your vacation essentials make it into your bags. Just note that some of these items will be optional, depending on factors like your cruise destination, duration, weather, and the types of activities you choose on your cruise.

Read: What to Wear on a Cruise

• Socks/stockings
• Undershirts

Casual Attire

• Jeans/khakis
• T-shirts/tank tops
• Sundresses/skirts

Formal Attire

• Dress shirts
• Blazers/suits/tuxedo
• Cocktail dresses/gowns
• Skirts/blouses
• Dressy pantsuits
• Sweaters/sweatshirts
• Coats/jackets/raincoats
• Hats/sun hats
• Scarves/shawls
• Workout clothes/activewear
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Leisure shoes
• Dress shoes
• Specialty footwear (hiking boots/rainboots/water shoes)
• Wristwatches
• Glasses cases
• Umbrella/poncho
• Daypack/beach bag
• Collapsible tote
• Ziplock bags
• Luggage locks
• Laundry bag
• Laundry kit (detergent/wrinkle-release spray/stain remover)
• Dental floss
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Facial cleanser/skincare products
• Moisturizer
• Shaving cream
• Contact lenses/case/solution/eye drops
• Nail file/clippers
• Cotton balls/pads
• Hairstyling tools
• Hairstyling products
• Hair accessories
• Makeup remover
• Perfume/cologne
• Sunscreen/aloe vera
• Insect repellent
• Feminine hygiene products
• Birth control
• Pain relievers
• Medications/vitamins
• First-aid kit
• Seasickness remedies
• Hand sanitizer
• Wallet/money belt with cash/ATM card/credit cards
• Driver’s license/international driver’s license
• Passports/visas
• Medical insurance card
• Travel insurance information
• Travel documents (cruise boarding passes/airline tickets/hotel info/itinerary/etc.)
• Printed/personal luggage tags
• Maps and directions if you don’t have them on your cellphone
• Travel guides/phrase book
• Prescriptions/list of medications/medical history
• Copies of passport/important documents/credit cards/etc.
• Important phone numbers (credit cards/emergency contacts/etc.)
• Addresses/e-mail addresses for friends/relatives
• Small notebook/journal
• Pens/highlighters
• Cell phone and charger
• Laptop/tablet and charger
• Camera/lenses/memory cards/batteries/charger
• Voltage adapters (for international pre-/post-cruise hotels)
• Alarm clock
• Power strip
• Portable speaker
• Waterproof phone case

Miscellaneous

• House/car keys
• Snacks/chewing gum
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel aids (earplugs/sleeping mask/travel pillow)
• Pleasure reading (magazines/books/e-book with charger)
• Antibacterial wipes
• Snorkel/goggles
• Kids/baby gear (diapers/toys/games/etc.)

Now that you can pack like a pro, the only thing missing is your cruise ticket and you’ll be all set to go! Browse our cruise itineraries that visit more than 300 destinations across the seven seas. Simply visit our website to book your dream cruise today.

Elissa Garay

Modern-day explorer, perpetual seeker, and diligent travel scribe Elissa Garay has traveled to and reported on 60-plus countries and 30 cruises, contributing to major national publications like Condé Nast Traveler , CNN Travel , AFAR , and Fodors  along the way. When not out globe-trotting, Elissa resides in Kingston, NY, with her husband and young daughter.

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How to Pack for Your Cruise Vacation

Everything You Need to Take on Your Cruise

TripSavvy / Melissa Ling 

Packing for a cruise is one of the worst parts of your vacation . The only thing most cruise travelers dread more is unpacking when they get home. To lessen this dread, a comprehensive packing list is essential. Anyone who has forgotten some important item and then had to purchase it at double the price on the cruise ship or in a port of call will know that such a list can be invaluable.

One important packing tip: If traveling with a companion or spouse, divide your checked items into two suitcases. That way, if one is lost, you will both have some clothing to wear. It would be terrible for your spouse to have all of his/her clothes and you to have nothing but your carry-on. Also, be sure to carry-on anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (medicines, swimsuit, clean underwear), just in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

Cruise Travel Essentials

Use this cruise packing list as a starter and modify it for your personal tastes. You may not need everything on this list, but all are items worth considering. 

Travel Documents, Wallet Items, and Paperwork Packing List

• Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
• Cruise documents
• Passports and visas (if necessary) or other proof of citizenship 
• Vaccination certificate (if required)
• Driver's license and auto insurance card (in case you decide to rent a car when ashore)
• Medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone)
• Copy of prescriptions and list of all medicines you are taking
• Another government-issued picture ID (e.g. driver's license)
• Credit cards (be sure to call credit card companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal area)
• ATM card (be sure to call your bank to notify them you are traveling)
• Pre-paid phone card or SIM card for mobile phone (these can also be purchased at your destination)
• Cash (some in small bills for tipping or buying low priced souvenirs)
• Copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary: Pack one copy in your carry-on, one copy in your checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone at home. Alternatively, you can scan the documents and email an electronic copy to yourself so that you can access them from any computer terminal.
• Contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks
• Emergency numbers at home
• Currency conversion chart or app downloaded

Reading Material and Necessities Packing List

• Glasses, contacts, contact cleaner
• Extra reading glasses
• Reading sunglasses
• Guidebooks and other port of call information
• Foreign language phrase book or dictionary
• Reading material (books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool; if you pack an electronic book, don't forget the charger)
• Journal or notebook and pen/pencil (for making notes to tell your friends back home about your experiences)
• Business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends
• Home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home (for sending postcards, emails, or gifts)
• Photo album (to share pictures of those adorable kids, grandkids, or pets with new friends)

Electronics and Camera Equipment Packing List

• Plug adapter and converter (most electronic items like cameras, computers, and e-books do not need a converter, but do need an adapter in hotels)
• Mobile phone and charger
• Tablet or e-book and charger
• Laptop computer
• Underwater camera (for snorkeling or beach days)
• Digital camera and manual
• Extra memory cards for digital camera
• Batteries for digital camera
• Battery charger
• Extension cord/power strip with multiple plug-ins
• iPod and headphones (for listening on the airplane, walking on deck or on a treadmill)
• Small travel alarm clock (battery operated)
• Lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin
• Small flashlight

Medicine Kit Packing List

• Prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry-on bag
• Earplugs or "ear planes"
• Small first aid kit (band-aids, Q-tips, vaseline, Dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrhea medication, cortisone cream, aspirin/Tylenol/Advil)
• Germicidal hand cleaner
• Handi-wipes (for cleaning hands when ashore)
• Hand lotion
• Rubbing alcohol or foot lotion for soothing tired, hot feet
• Bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes and "nonos" ashore)
• Sunscreen/sunblock and lip sunblock

Other "Necessities" Packing List

• Extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for the return trip (better than locks, but one-time use only)
• Extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip)
• Ziploc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags
• Corkscrew (be sure to put in checked luggage)
• Swiss Army knife or something similar with screwdriver head, etc. (be sure to put in checked luggage)
• Small umbrella
• Collapsible travel pillow for those long airplane flights
• Playing cards
• Sports gear (e.g., snorkeling gear)
• Shoehorn (for getting those shoes back on your swollen feet)
• Sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage)
• Travel-sized detergent
• Clothespins
• Empty folding tote bag (for souvenirs or the beach)
• Hats/caps/visors
• Insulated large coffee mugs
• Insulated reusable water bottle

Women's Cruise Clothing Packing List

• Compression stockings (for airplane flight to prevent swollen ankles)
• Exercise/walking socks
• Trouser socks or pantyhose
• Camisole/slip
• Purses (day and evening)
• Gloves and warm hat (if expect cold weather)
• Walking shoes
• Walking sandals
• Rubber sandals for reef walking and beach
• Evening shoes
• Costume jewelry and extra watch
• Swimsuit cover-up/pareo/sarong
• Thongs/flip-flop shoes
• Work out clothes and jog bra
• Dress/outfit for informal nights on ship
• Dress/outfit for formal nights on ship
• Dress/outfit for casual nights on ship
• Tops of all types (sleeveless, short-sleeved, long-sleeved)
• Capri pants
• Windbreaker jacket
• Evening sweater
• Raincoat with hood

Women's Sundries and Miscellaneous

• Blow dryer (most cruise ships provide, so this is optional)
• Curling iron or curlers
• Hairspray (non-aerosol)
• Conditioner
• Bar soap in plastic container
• Dental floss
• Make-up mirror
• Make-up and make-up bag
• Make-up remover
• Moisturizer and freshener
• Nail polish and remover
• Nail clippers and file (be sure to pack in checked luggage)
• Razor and shaving cream (pack in checked luggage)

Men's Cruise Clothing Packing List

• Underwear (briefs or boxer shorts)
• Undershirts
• Pajamas and robe
• Compression socks (for airplane flight to prevent swollen ankles)
• Black dress socks
• Gloves and warm hat (if you expect cold weather)
• Rubber sandals/shoes for reef walking and beach
• Evening or dress shoes
• "Docksider" casual shoes
• Tuxedo jacket and pants (or dark suit)
• Tuxedo tie, suspenders, and cummerbund
• Tuxedo cufflinks/studs
• Sport jacket
• Regular ties
• Tuxedo shirt
• Dress shirts
• Swimsuit cover-up
• Work out clothes/T-shirts
• Casual shirts
• Slacks (casual and dress)

Men's Sundries and Miscellaneous

• Shampoo and hair products
• Razor and shaving cream (or electric razor and supplies)

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41 Cruise Essentials You Shouldn’t Cruise Without

Planning a cruise in 2024? Whether it’s your first voyage or you’re a seasoned cruiser, it’s time to organize your cruise essentials to pack for your cruise. Don’t forget to print our cruise packing list below.

We’ve compiled essential tips from our cruises and our experienced friend, Kim, aka the Cruising Queen. She has amassed over 60 cruises since childhood and has contributed invaluable packing wisdom to this list.

What are cruise essentials? Cruise essentials are recommended items that enhance your experience by providing comfort and enjoyment. While our list covers basics, consider adding personal preferences like a refillable water bottle or necessary medications not readily available on the ship.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

Pack essentials for a cruise, including cabin comforts and shore excursion items. This guide covers things to bring on a cruise that will make your vacation more enjoyable. Your needs may vary, so adjust accordingly. Note : Some cruise itineraries may require a slightly different packing list.

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Table of Contents

CRUISE MUST-HAVES: PRE-CRUISE ITEMS

1. be prepared and have your passport and/or government identification ready.

Don’t overlook the passport—it’s the top priority on your cruise packing list. Without it, you won’t be allowed on board, especially if you’re departing from or arriving outside the US.

Pack it in your  travel essentials bag  and check its expiration date; some countries enforce a 6-month validity rule.

I discovered mine was too close to expiring when planning our Celebrity Beyond cruise to the Mediterranean. It prompted me to expedite its renewal immediately upon returning from our last cruise to avoid any hassles with our upcoming cruises.

2. Sturdy Luggage With Wheels That Glide

The importance of sturdy luggage with smooth gliding wheels becomes evident when navigating airports and cruise terminals. Opting for reliable luggage with smooth-spinner wheels can alleviate travel difficulties.

We recently tested Monos and Away travel luggage, focusing on durability, sturdiness, organization, and carry-on capacity. Our recommendation for an excellent overall experience goes to AWAY luggage . However, if you’re looking for budget-friendly options, Amazon offers a variety, including brands like Samsonite and Level 8 .

3. Track Your Luggage: Apple AirTags or Tile Mate Tracker

Lost luggage is a common issue at flight check-in or with cruise porters.  Apple AirTags  offers a modern solution for easy tracking, a small investment for added peace of mind. We always check in to see if our luggage arrives on the plane or the ship.

Android users can opt for  Tile Mate tags .

4. Cruise Luggage Tags

Cruise luggage tags will likely not be mailed to you unless you’re a suite or luxury cruise guest. And even then, you may not receive anything as we did not when we booked a suite at  The Retreat on Celebrity Beyond .

Print them before embarkation. Some staple them to their suitcases, while others use cruise luggage tag holders for security and a neat look. You can then slide the printed e-tags into sealed plastic holders, securing them with a steel loop.

Print an extra set in advance—avoid the hassle of long lines at the port for last-minute printing.

Save now, share with friends, or come back to it later.

Cruise Cabin Items For Efficiency

5. electrical hub essentials: power strip | power outlet.

Bring a power strip or power outlet extender for your cruise, especially on older ships with limited outlets. Cabins often have just a few outlets, and with multiple devices to charge, it’s a smart investment.

Consider a power strip with USB-A and USB-C compatibility.

Newer ships may have more outlets, like our balcony cabin on the Norwegian Joy, which has three US outlets. Assess your needs and plan accordingly.

We have purchased quite a few throughout the years to fit our different needs as we travel:

• CruiseOn Power Outlet
• Tessan Universal Travel Adapter
• One Beat Multi Plug Outlet Extender

‼️ Important Cruise Tip: Surge protectors are  banned on cruise ships  – leave them at home. Bring a plain power strip.

6. Additional Power Hub: USB Charging Station

For your cruise, research and check if your cabin has USB ports—if so, a power outlet extender with extra USB-A ports (as mentioned in #4) suffices. If not, you may want to bring a USB charging station for multiple devices.

If you have many devices needing charging, we recommend an extra charging station—one with USB-A and USB-C ports. Don’t risk a dead camera or phone during port outings.

You can keep all cables, chargers, and power outlets organized in a cable/electronic case like this one that we use.

Read more: 30 Enjoyable Cruise Activities: From Free to Paid Options

7. Power on the Go with a Portable Charger

Having a portable charger with you, especially when disembarking the ship for the day, is important. Since I take so many photos and videos throughout the day, even on Sea Days, by mid-day, I usually bring my portable charger out to get a boost.

Over the years, we’ve tried various portable chargers, and the Morphie chargers stand out as a favorite. Its fast charging capability and ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously make it a reliable choice, especially when sharing with hubby.

8. Smart Space Solutions: Over-the-Door Toiletry Organizer

Consider an over-the-door organizer for three or more people in one cabin, maximizing bathroom storage. This is great for shared spaces with limited surface area. The organizer allows everyone to store their toiletries and other items in designated pockets for easy access later.

We recently upgraded to the BAGSMART Toiletry Bag , replacing our old five-year-old organizer . The new bag is a standout, accommodating everything from our previous organizer and more. It’s practical with a secure zip, foldable design, and features like a handle and door hook, making it perfect for our cruise cabin. We opted for the large size, which suits our needs as a duo.

9. The Handy Portable Fan

A portable fan may seem surprising, but a portable fan is a top recommendation and one of the most popular items on our list. Battery-operated, foldable, and easy to pack in your luggage.

Our friend Kim swears by it for a good night’s sleep and to keep the air circulating, making it a must-have for her on every cruise. Other cruisers can’t sleep without the noise of a fan.

10. Portable Glamour: Your Essential Travel Vanity Mirror

Kim’s stand-up mirror is a brilliant suggestion that our readers love. It’s a must-have if you share a compact cabin with limited space. A standing makeup mirror is a practical solution when you need to do your make-up and someone else is hogging up the bathroom.

For an upgraded experience, explore a travel vanity mirror with lights . While not as basic, it’s rechargeable and provides extra illumination—an excellent choice for enhancing your makeup routine.

11. Utilize Cruise Cabin Space: Maximize Efficiency with Magnetic Hooks

Cabin walls are made of metal, making magnetic hooks a cruise essential.

Opt for heavy-duty ones that hold 100 lbs or more —they’re perfect for keeping your lanyard, hat, or other items organized and secure in the cabin. I also use them to hold important documents on the wall instead of buying and carrying a 2nd set of magnets.

Additionally, you can use them to hang items to dry in the bathroom by sticking one to the ceiling of the shower. They are efficient and versatile.

12. Portable Clothes Line to the Rescue

A must-have when there’s no built-in clothesline in your cruise cabin bathroom. This handy cruise cabin hack , combined with magnetic hooks, lets you dry clothes anywhere inside your cabin. Research your cabin category before cruising to determine if you need to pack this versatile item. Ideal for drying hand-washed items or drying wet swimsuits.

Our balcony cabin on Celebrity Solstice did not have a clothesline.

13. Clothespins Have More Than One Use

In the comments, a seasoned cruiser suggested bringing a few clothespins from home. In your cabin bathroom, use them on the clothing line to hang up wet swimsuits or hand-washed items. They also come in handy for securing balcony curtains and keeping light out of the room. This is a small, practical addition to enhance your cruise experience.

If you purchase the Portable Clothes Line above, you don’t need to bring clothespins, as that set comes with them.

14. Don’t Stub Your Toe in the Middle of the Night: Bring a Nightlight

Nighttime in the cabin can be pitch dark, risking a stubbed toe during nighttime bathroom trips– I speak from experience, ouch.

Solve this with a small LED nightlight. Battery-powered tea lights work well. They’re cheap, take up minimal luggage space, and are often available at local dollar stores– I get mine at Ikea.

You can also consider the travel nightlight by CruiseOn or a plug-in nightlight .

15. Packing Cubes: Packing Tip Not To Be Missed

I believe in packing cubes . Packing cubes keeps your suitcase organized and saves space, making unpacking a breeze. After dropping off your suitcase in the cruise cabin, transfer your packed cubes to the drawers or shelves. Hang a few items in the closet, and you’ll be ready to head out for another vacation cocktail in no time.

16. Stuff Your Dirty Clothes in a Laundry Bag

This foldable laundry bag easily fits in your luggage or carry-on. Conveniently toss dirty clothes during your trip, and when packing for disembarkation, stuff the bag, clothes, and all into your luggage. While others prefer pop-up laundry bags, we like to keep our dirty clothes separate when repacking.

A shopping bag may also suffice, but our trusty laundry bag has been a reliable travel companion on many trips. Even though our new suitcases came with laundry bags, we still packed and used this one .

Cruise Ship Essentials: Accessories

17. a coffee tumbler for the coffee lover.

For coffee lovers, packing your favorite coffee tumbler is a game-changer. Those buffet cups are a joke, and since we all like to save money on a cruise , hubby uses his tumbler to avoid multiple buffet trips. Essential since anything outside the main dining areas and designated coffee spots is considered a specialty and costs extra.

It’s also environmentally friendly, safer in crowded spaces since it is covered (I’ve almost run into other passengers a few times while carrying an open cup of coffee), and keeps your coffee hot longer. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Note: If you purchase a premium beverage package that includes all the specialty coffees you can drink, leave the tumbler at home. They provide to-go cups, and health regulations prohibit them from serving coffee in your tumbler.

18. Stay Hydrated and Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

An insulated water tumbler is your eco-friendly companion on and off the ship. Cruise ships don’t provide free bottled water unless you have a drink package, so fill up your tumbler with ice and water at the buffet with the filtered water they provide. It’s another great way to save money and stay hydrated. You can also bring it off the ship with you on port days.

Tip: Some cruise lines will allow you to carry on a case of water water bottles. Check with the cruise line you’re sailing in.

19. Reusable Straws If You Can’t Drink Your Frozen Drinks Without One

Plastic straws are a thing of the past on many cruise lines, replaced by eco-friendly options like paper and compostable straws. Depending on the cruise, they probably won’t give you one, or only by request.

Missing a straw with your piña colada? We get it. It’s not the same. Although bringing your straws may seem unnecessary, it’s a personal choice considering the environmental impact of plastic. Cruise lines are adapting, but if you prefer your own, go ahead and bring them along.

20. Lanyards & Alternative Ways to Hold Your Cruise Card

You’ll receive a cruise cabin card upon embarkation—a multifunctional key to your cruise experience. Linked to your credit card, it serves as your payment method, grants access to your cabin, and facilitates embarkation and disembarkation. Carrying it with you is vital, and using a lanyard is a popular, convenient, and readily accessible way to keep your cruise cabin card close at hand.

While lanyards are sold on the cruise ship, you can find affordable options on Amazon. Remember to carry your cruise ship card when leaving your cabin, and since hole-punching is no longer allowed, opt for a lanyard with a plastic slip.

I’ve ditched lanyards for a small crossbody bag on cruises. Alternatively, consider phone/wallet crossbody bags or phone wallets that attach to your phone—perfect for keeping your cruise cabin card accessible.

This is the crossbody purse I’ve been using since it fits my Kindle, too.

Some newer cruise ships offer advanced features, allowing you to manage everything from your phone and its app, including locking and unlocking your cabin door. Virgin Cruises gives you a bracelet to manage it all, making cruise cards a thing of the past their ships.

21. Ziplock Bags

The most versatile item for your cruise is a Ziplock bag —handy for unexpected needs like storing wet clothes, organizing last-minute items in your luggage, and even snacks. We recommend bringing gallon and quart-sized bags. Environmentally friendly reusable storage bags are also a great alternative.

Cruise Shore Excursion and Port Day Essentials

22. keep your towel in place with beach towel clips & bands.

During one of our cruises, we discovered the value of beach towel clips while sunbathing by the pool deck on the ship and then at the beach in port. These clips keep your towel secure on your chair, preventing the frustration of constant readjustments, especially on windy days. And when you’re out at sea, it’s windy. Now, we always travel with beach towel clips.

Another option popular among cruisers is beach towel bands .

23. Waterproof Phone Case for Water Adventures

Ideal for vacations with water activities, a waterproof phone case has proven invaluable during cruise shore excursions like kayaking in Harvest Caye . The universal waterproof phone pouch, being both affordable and popular, is my go-to. It’s a permanent fixture in my travel essentials arsenal; it’s easy to roll up and pack, taking up minimal room.

24. Bring Your Own Snorkel Set

While we include the snorkel set in our beach packing list , just like we won’t miss packing our flip-flops, we will always bring our own set when cruising to beach destinations. This way, we are ready to head to the beach and snorkel if we don’t plan excursions. Even if we do, we like having ones we are used to using and know that no one else has used them. Plus, you save money by not having to rent them out.

25. Water shoes

These are always a must for us when cruising the Caribbean. Not all beaches are equal with that soft white sand you want to sink your toes in. Some have rocky beaches, like in Bonaire and Curacao , where our water shoes were lifesaving. You can carry them in your beach bag or wear them for the day if you know you’re going to beach hopping.

These are my favorite water shoes because they look like sneakers, while my husband prefers his Speedos .

26. Packable Beach Towel

The cruise ship will give you a beach towel to bring off the ship on port days. Realistically, there is no need to spend money on more towels if you don’t want to.

However, these packable microfiber beach towels are not bulky, easy to pack, and take up less room in your beach bag. They’ll do the same job or better than the cruise ship towel. This may be a wise investment if you’re a frequent cruiser looking to save space in your beach bag.

27. A Hat For Sun Protection

Don’t underestimate the power of a sun hat. Often overlooked, it becomes a regrettable afterthought when you’re under the scorching sun. Ideal for sunny days on the pool deck, too.

Learn from my experience, pack your favorite sun hat, and avoid impromptu purchases at the port.

28. Beach Bag or Travel Backpack for Port Days

Choose a beach bag or travel backpack for sunscreen, water bottle, towel, and more.

We use a versatile carry-on bag , doubling as a cruise carry-on and a beach bag at ports. During other trips, we take it empty in our luggage to fill it up with goodies we find while on vacation to bring back.

Another great option that we love to use is the packable backpack .

29. Travel Umbrella Because You Can’t Let Some Drizzle Rain on Your Parade

Cruise ships typically provide umbrellas only to passengers staying in higher-end suites. If it’s raining at port, you might consider staying on the ship, but that doesn’t stop everyone. Bring a travel umbrella ; weather can be unpredictable, especially in the Caribbean, where rain showers come and go. It’s also a must-pack item for cruises to Alaska , and we certainly used ours.

Essentials Toiletries & First Aid You’ll Need

30. don’t forget the sunscreen.

Planning to sunbathe on the pool deck or at the beach at port? Don’t forget sunscreen —even on overcast days. I skipped it once on a cloudy day and regretted it with a severe sunburn. Sunscreen is a cruise essential and will cost you double or triple the normal cost on the cruise ship. Try to get reef-friendly sunscreen if you’re heading out snorkeling at port.

31. Take Care of That Sunburn with This Sunburn Relief

Have you ever ended up buying overpriced aloe at the port due to a bad sunburn? I’ve been there. Despite ample sunscreen in Hawaii, we faced serious sunburns. We discovered an incredible after-sun moisturizer in Kauai that is worth bringing with you.

32. Keep Mosquitos Away: Mosquito Repellent

This will depend on where you’re cruising, but adding an insect repellent to your cruise packing list isn’t a bad idea. If mosquitos love you, you won’t regret having a good repellent with you. We love the Natrapel brand repellent , which you can find in sporting goods stores like REI.

33. Prepare for Seasickness

Bring sea bands or a motion sickness patch , just in case. If you prefer alternatives to medications like Dramamine or Bonine . Ginger pills can help, but start taking them 2-3 weeks before the cruise for effectiveness. Green apples in the buffet are readily available and can assist with motion sickness.

34. Shared Cabin Tip: Poo-Pourri to the Rescue

When sharing a cabin with limited bathroom privacy, like on the Norwegian Epic cruise ship , having a bottle of Poo-Pourri can be a lifesaver. This before-you-go toilet spray ensures a more pleasant shared space experience.

35. No Iron, No Problem: Use Downey Release Spray

Avoid the hassle of no irons onboard with Downy Wrinkle Release Spray . Just spray it on your clothes, smooth them out, and watch the wrinkles disappear within minutes. You can also hang your clothes in the bathroom after spraying them. The steam will help loosen those wrinkles out even more.

Note: Some Carnival, Princess, and Disney ships may have laundry rooms with irons, but you should verify within your cruise roll call or Facebook groups for the cruise ship if they are available.

You can also consider sending clothes for formal nights for proper ironing on day 1 of your cruise.

36. Laundry Detergent for Handwashing

We love to travel with the Tide-to-Go packets when we cruise. These handy detergent packets are perfect for handwashing clothes, and a little goes a long way—lasting for 2-3 washes.

If washing machines are available during our travels, we bring a few Tide pods from home in a ziplock bag for convenience.

37. Tide-To-Go Pen For Quick Clean-Up of Small Stains

Don’t travel anywhere without a Tide-to-Go pen. This pen is such a lifesaver. It will easily clean out spots you probably don’t know how they got there. Takes up no space, and it’s easy to pack.

38. Add Electrolyte Mixes to Your List

Whether exploring hot ports or winding down with a few drinks, enhance your cruise experience by including travel packs of electrolyte mixes to your cruise essentials.

Our top choice is Liquid I.V Hydration Multiplier , a refreshing and effective way to replenish electrolytes and stay energized. They are easy to pack, and the packets are small enough to keep 1 or 2 with you in your bag.

39. Medications You Need

For regular prescription medications, ensure they are always in your bag with you. Consider adding over-the-counter meds that you think you will need. Our handy pill organizer is filled with potential OTC meds and has proved invaluable during our travels. You can purchase something like this, too, and then label it.

• Allergy meds
• Aspirin (Tylenol)
• Anti-inflammatory (Advil, Aleve)
• Anti-diarrhea (Immodium, Pepto)

Create a list based on your needs. Be prepared for unexpected health situations during your cruise.

40. First Aid Kit

Always bring a small first-aid kit when traveling. They sell premade ones online that you can purchase and add a few things to do or make your own.

We do have travel with a first-aid kit with bandages and the like, but these are the top things that we like to keep in our first-aid kit outside of medications:

• Hydrocortisone
• Blister Bandages

41. Avoid Getting Sick: Use Hand Sanitizers and Disinfectants

When we travel, we always carry hand sanitizers and wipes. You can find mini disinfectants in local convenience stores, pharmacies, and markets.

While cruise ships have hand sanitizer stations, hand washing stations, and staff equipped with spray bottles with hand sanitizers, carrying your own helps keep your hands germ-free between hand washes is wise. Be proactive about your hygiene even when on board.

Is this a 100% foolproof way of not getting sick? No, but it helps to minimize your chances and someone else’s.

OUR Top 5 Cruise Essentials We Never Sail Without

• Portable Charger
• Over-the-Door Toiletry Bag
• Magnetic Hooks
• First-Aid/Medications

Printable Cruise Essentials Packing List

We’ve created a printable cruise packing list of the essentials mentioned in this post. You can cross off anything you don’t plan to take or don’t make sense for your traveling style. Check mark things you plan to pack as you add them to your suitcase.

What should I pack for my first cruise?

For your first cruise, pack travel documents, casual and formal clothing, toiletries, medications, electronics, sun protection, travel accessories, and optional items such as books to read.

What do I not need on a cruise?

On a cruise, you do not need to worry about packing things like shampoo, conditioner, and soap if you don’t mind using what they provide. You can also leave behind hangers and household items like coffee machines, and don’t think of bringing an iron or a steamer as they are prohibited items that are not allowed on a cruise ship .

What do I need when boarding a cruise?

When boarding a cruise, you must have your official identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID, and your boarding pass. Have a credit card to link to your cruise card for onboard expenses and cash for additional tipping. Additionally, you should keep the necessary medications and change clothes in your carry-on bag to be pool-ready if your checked luggage is delayed.

Clever Cruise Cabin Hacks and Tips

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• Must-Have Items to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
• Packing For An Alaskan Cruise Must-Haves
• Women’s Cruise Clothing for Packing Smart
• Essential Men’s Cruise Wear Guide and Packing Pointers
• Beach Gear: 25 Must-Have Items for the Beach

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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40 Comments

I just booked a cruise so this was very helpful info to know in advance. Thanks for sharing!

That is great! Let me know if you need any other tips.

I’m about to book a cruise and this list is going to help me a lot! I love making travel lists and this one gave me some new ideas like makeup mirror lol (you know, us ladies need that!!) and tea lights. Overall, great tips!

Thanks, Amira at ASelfGuru.com

I’m so glad it helped! Let me know how that mirror works out for you.

I love that your husband needs to have his travel coffee mug! That is the best. Maybe you can make it a tradition to buy one on every ship…you know, just like people collect shot glasses or magnets?

So TMI but when I am packing for short trips (like overnights), I forget the most important item ever. AND IT’S NOT THE WINE. For some dumb reason, I forget clean undies. Yup. Confession from a world traveler here, and I am SO embarrassed. But I had to bring it up after the coffee mug thing.

Love the little electric candles. Clearly, I am too barfy for a cruise, but they came in so handy for our last FL hurricane. They are romantic too. A must; you are right.

I 200% need to travel with a stand up mirror! I need something for the plane too.

I will be sure to use your affiliate links when I make purchases.

Great post and tips. Thanks!

Love, Christine, The Uncorked Librarian

? But that is the most important thing to pack! ?? Love It!

But yeah, who knew that a coffee travel mug was an essential? I mean, I need coffee too but I just get it at breakfast and lunch if needed. I guess I don’t have the addiction your hubster has? He must literally drink it all day long. If I did that, you’d never see me cuz I’d be in the restroom ?

Kathy, your posts are always so informative! Informative, fun, and engaging! A triple threat! And Kim, awesome tips! Thank you!!

Haha, about the bathroom thing. I plead the 5th! =D

When you go on your first cruise and it’s one of those mega ships, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. It’s a long walk to and from the buffet usually. Coffee mug is a must for the free coffee. 🙂

Keep an eye on Bermuda cruise sales from NYC. You can get a great deal to go here and they stop in Bermuda for like 3 days. Great week away, even with the family.

Omg, Christine! I was dying laughing reading your comment last night. The way you express yourself is a skill I wish I had. Never change!

And, we did try to buy a travel mug at the gift shop on board, but they didn’t have any in stock. Can you believe that? Lack of marketing because I believe they would make a killing. We are not the first people to forget our travel mugs.

If you take a stand up mirror on the plane, I want pics!

Thank you for the support. You are amazing.

This post is awesome! I’ve been wanting to cruise forever and I’ve read so many posts about what to bring when you cruise. I promise you, none of them covered half the things you put on this post. And all of these things are super necessary. Great post 🙂

Oh, you made my day! This is so great to hear. Hope it helps with your future cruise plans.

This post comes at a perfect time for my family and I. We leave on our cruise in a week! So excited but nervous I may forget something. This will be my husband’s 10th cruise, my 4th cruise, my daughter’s 3rd cruise and my son’s 2nd cruise and all on Carnival!

Oh, how exciting! You must come back and let me know how it went. Or do you plan to blog about it? Either way, have a fantastic time! Cruising is a great family vacation.

Wow, I’ve never been on a cruise and I would have never thought to pack even half of these items!

Some of these items are great for other travel too. =)

It’s been many years since I was on a cruise, but I know that a list like this would have been extremely helpful! Great advice!

Thanks! Hope you get to go on a cruise someday soon!

What a treasure trove of tips! Many of these are great tips for travel in general. I’d never thought about an insulated cup for taking ice out in. I’ve never been on a cruise but if I ever do, I’ll definitely be referring back to this list ?

Hey! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, some of these just make life easier. I’m not one to pack a lot, but when we cruise, we do tend to take more stuff than usual.

I have never been on a cruise, but I would love to go on one at some point. These packing tips will come in handy if/when we do go on one. Thanks for sharing.

Hope you get to go on a cruise soon. It’s a great vacation option.

There are some awesome tips here that I would never have thought of!!! I love the suggestion of using an over the door shoe rack as storage space in the bathroom – genius!! We’ve only ever been on one cruise but it’s definitely something I’d like to do more of! Thanks for sharing these great tips!

How did you like that one cruise? People either love it or hate. Would love to know your thoughts!

Useful info! I’m not sure if I’ll ever be brave enough to go on a bigger cruise but it’s also exciting. Do you know any good pills that one can take if they are seasick? Or do you not get that on these huge ships?

I think the bigger the ship, the less likely you’ll get seasick. Also, important to book a mid-ship cabin so you don’t feel the rocking so much. Generally, I don’t feel it and I get used to it after a day. My BFF loves to cruise but suffers from motion sickness… ginger pills help, so she says. The crew always tells us to eat green apples cause that helps. Hope you get to try it out some day, even if its for a long weekend. It’s really like one great big party on the ship, especially if you go with a group of friends you love. Thanks for coming by, Jella! You’re awesome!

@Jella, I take a natural over the counter ginger vitamin 2 to 3 weeks before a cruise and during definitely has helped I also wear sea bands you can also buy ginger candies

Great tip. I love those ginger candies and chews, too.

This will be my third Cruise! I am definitely looking forward to it. Ever since my first cruise, I have researched what I might need on each trip. Your suggestions are spot on! I have gone through each trip list and either taken out some items or added to the list. I love cruising very much and like that you have made a list of essentials needed. Take care and cruise on!

Hi Joyce! Your feedback means so much! I’m always learning from other cruisers as well. So glad you agree with this list and think its helpful. Have fun on your next cruise!

I am curious as to how you take all this stuff and still stay under the 50# weight limit for the airlines. Haha. Going on our 2nd cruise in 12 years in a few months. Have been stocking up but need to watch the weight.

Hi Karen! Not everyone will pack everything on this list, only what they think they need to make their cruise more comfortable. We manage to always be under 50 lbs unless I start adding too many things from my beach packing list, that’s when it starts getting tricky. As we usually travel with a carry-on and then another suitcase that is slightly bigger that needs to be checked in. We also have travel backpacks. When we travel it is also just hubby and I, depending on the cabin, we probably won’t need the shoe rack and I may not be in the mood to apply make-up, so no mirror necessary. It all depends, however, most of this is small and light. I also do not like to overpack when it comes to clothes because I used to do this all the time and return home with never wearing half of what I packed. We also always take advantage of laundry on the ship (NCL offers $20 per bag of laundry as a mid-week special). When do we run into problems? On the return flight! Usually, its too many pounds of duty-free foreign coffee that we need to bring home or chocolate! That’s when the travel backpacks truly help. 😀 Hope you have a fantastic time on your cruise! Don’t stress about packing every single thing, just what you think you’ll need.?You can also buy one of those handy luggage scales and weigh your luggage before you leave your home.?

For a couple you could check 100 lbs of luggage. That seems like a fair amount to me.

Also, the only hassle would be lugging bags around the airport as once on the cruise you are situated. It is not like a European driving trip where you change hotels.

You just mentioned one of my favorite reasons to cruise… once situated on the ship, that’s it. No dragging luggage like when we go on a European adventure. Definitely a nice perk. Thanks for commenting!

Easiest way to weigh your bag is a bathroom scale. If it doesnt fit then weigh yourself, then hold the bag and subtract your weight from the new weight.

Yes, that’s a great tip. Also, a travel luggage scale is a great tool for when you’re not near a bathroom scale.

After 35 cruises I agree with every item. There are some that are new to me but I definitely will include. Another suggestion is plastic clothes pins to hang up lingerie and wet swim suits on the cord in the shower. Thanks for the tips

Hi Patricia – That’s a great tip! I will definitely add that one soon. Appreciate your comment – made my day!

Once i forgot my swimsuit. Not pretty. They didn’t have anything onboard to help and we searched in every port and finally found one I could squeeze into! My husband assured me it was fine. It was WAY to small. I actually wore a bra under it (and it had a DEEP plunging neckline!) Can we all say jacuzzi and suddenly every guy older than 70 is in the tub with me! Oy! And there water slide???? LOL 😣

One time I only took one bra. It malfunctioned – one front fastener on the strap broke and almost hit my husband in the eye when it propelled across the room! 😯 We didn’t have a safety pin and tried to fix it with an old earring until our room steward found a safety pin on the ship somewhere because even the gift shop didn’t have any!

So, the moral of my story is to be careful with your packing. Check off lists! I put all of my essential stuff on a chair as I remember what I am sure I’d forget.

We are off on a vaccinated cruise on Carnival next Sunday. Bathing suit, a spare and two extra bras plus more masks than one person needs, in the packing cube as I speak! 🤣

Oh no! I totally envisioned the hot tub scenario. Hubby always says the same, “you look fine” haha – gotta love them for loving us blindly.

Yes, it is so important to be careful with what we pack. There are some things that I’ve learned my lesson on and learned the hard way that I won’t always be able to buy it when I get to my destination.

I’m totally adding safety pins to this list after this comment. Also, going to mention a quick reminder of going over lists and not forgetting swimsuits. Thanks so much for commenting!

FYI, it’s “ports-of-call”. Many of your suggestions are very good.

Thank you, Betty!

29 Cruise Essentials on Amazon - 2023 Cruise Must Haves List

These 29  cruise essentials have been deemed "absolute must have accessories" from our amazing community. We've added Amazon links to each of these cruise accessories to make it as easy as possible.

Cruises are weird . You'll be floating in the middle of the ocean with 2,500 strangers. Your cabin is small. The dining situation is unusual. Port visits last half a day.

Face it... the whole cruise experience is like no other type of vacation. Don't get us wrong. We LOVE to cruise. But, we enjoy it much more now that we're experienced and know what to expect and the cruise essentials to pack.

After dozens of cruise, you learn the cruise packing hacks to make the most of your time at sea. At first, we had no idea what items to pack for a cruise. We rolled up like it was a normal vacation. Hats, sandals, lotion... the basics.

Our Cruise Essentials list below is NOT a complete checklist. Click through here if you're looking for a full cruise packing list with PDF . Otherwise, continue for the most clever cruising essentials to make your travels even more enjoyable. This is a curated list from hundreds of cruise passengers and thousands of must have cruise essentials submitted for consideration.

Fortunately, you don't need to go on dozens of sailings (like we had to) in order to learn these cruise hacks. And you don't need to spend hours searching for the best cruise accessories online. We've done the heavy lifting .

Below, find the 29 cruise essentials with links to easily purchase from Amazon. Most of these "must have cruise accessories" we've actually tested and fully endorse ourselves.

Before you dive in, check out our quick video showing these cruise essentials in action on our last sailing!

Here are the must have cruise items for your next sailing.

Cruise Essentials - 29 Must Have Cruise Items

Travel Sanitizer Bottles are an essential packing item in this strange new world of ours. The worst thing that can happen on your cruise is an illness. We’ve seen friends and family plan their cruise vacation for years, only to catch “the bug” early in the week. It’s devastating. This little cruise hack will improve your chances of a safe, healthy cruise. Attach to any purse, bag, or belt loop for easy access. PRO TIP: this product is sold in combination with our favorite cruise lanyards for even more protection!

We consider this one of our better cruise hacks. When deciding what to pack for a cruise, have some consideration for your cabin mate. If you’re not familiar with the product, here’s how it works. You spray into the toilet then go about your “duties.” The natural oils trap in the odor. Given the size of your cruise cabin, this is a must have accessory to stay on good terms throughout the week.

Remember that sea turtle you swam with in Cozumel? Of course you do. And you have the pictures to prove it! Thanks to your waterproof phone case. Not only will you have amazing photos and videos, you’ll protect your device and other goodies while at port. There will be no soggy dollars and broken iPhones on this trip.

This cruise accessory is brilliant. It’s perfect for lugging your stuff up to the Lido Deck or to carry back all your souvenirs from port. When not in use, it fits into your back pocket. We’ve lost count of the times other cruisers have asked where we got this collapsible tote bag.

Your mini travel fan serves two functions. First, it keeps you cool. We can’t sleep unless it’s cold and often staterooms are too warm. Second, it provides “white noise.” The late night buffet parade will get drowned out with a gentle “whirring.” It also helps at night if you decided not to go with the poo pourri seen above.

With this travel bottle set, there's no need to leave your creature comforts at home. We all have our favorite soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, etc. It's not easy being this beautiful. It takes a few inputs. The cruise line will provide some options. But, you'll find similar products in your local hostile. No thanks. We need our Aveda and nobody is washing baby with anything but The Honest Company soap.

Do you like to make new friends while on a cruise? Of course you do. We all do. The easiest way to make shipmates is by providing an easy opener. This funny cruise shirt does exactly that. You're guaranteed to get loads of smiles and a few comments. The shirt's seller guarantees two new drinking buddies or your money back.

This is one the best cruise accessories ever invented. If you’ve cruised, you can relate… it’s 2am and you have to pee. You get up to find the restroom and it’s pitch black. You step on the conch shell souvenir you picked up in Nassau. With tears in your eyes, you turn on the light. Your spouse wakes and yells obscenities. Neither of you can go back to sleep. Problem solved. This motion sensor night light gives a soft light when you get up. And it magnetically attaches to your cruise wall to point in any direction you’d like.

Sa-rong it’s right. We love cruise accessories that add convenience. That’s why this cover up is a must have for your cruise. Slip it on or off with ease. It’ll make your transition from pool to buffet that much quicker.

Ladies, don't forget to pack that bling. You'll want to look your best (and shiniest) for nights out on the ship. To avoid a bird's nest of gold and jewels, this cruise essential item is a must have. Each piece of shiny has its own little home. It'll be ready and eagerly waiting its time to shine.

We like to call this product, the

We often hear cruisers talking about irons. But here’s another cruise hack to stick in your hamper. Wrinkle Release Spray! Yes, it’s a thing and it actually works well. You can’t stop your dresses from getting wrinkled during before the cruise. You can fix the problem, though! Unpack your stuff. Spray your wrinkled cruise wear. Hang up. In a few hours, you’ll be ready for Formal Night.

Whether we like it or not, technology dominates our lives. Phones, cameras, video games, iPads, e-readers, e-cigs, blah, blah. Everything runs on power. It’s tough to keep everything charged while poolside or at port. That’s why we always mention a Portable Charger when asked what to pack for a cruise.

This cruise accessory is like “organization porn” for the tidy. There’s a feeling you get when unpacking your cubes and sliding them into your closet. It’s a satisfaction reserved for the Type A out there. If the list were “how to pack for a cruise” instead of “what to pack for a cruise,” it would be #1 on the list.

In addition to the question, “what to pack for a cruise,” we’re commonly asked “can I do laundry on the ship.” And our answer is, “forget all that noise.” Your on vacation. Laundry is not a vacation chore. We say stuff it in a sack and leave it for home. That’s why the travel laundry bag makes our list of cruise essentials. Shove that stink-pile into a corner and go back to the piano bar.

This is a super fun way to meet shipmates and to easily find your cabin after a long day at the Rum Bar. We'll print five or six designs before the cruise and swap them out with each passing day. Some show where we're from and what we're celebrating. Others show interesting port info or fun facts about our ship. We like to mix it up and keep passerbys interested. We've met a ton of friends this way!

Remember the last time you snorkeled and you had to chew on that piece of jagged plastic while breathing spit-foam? Well there’s good news. Snorkeling has upped it’s game. The snorkel 2.0 has entered the arena. You’ll be more comfortable down there than Ariel. You may even decide to just swim home.

“Travel safe” sounds like something your neighbor yells as you leave for your cruise. But, that’s not we’re talking about there. We’re talking about an actual safe. A portable safe that will make sure you come home with all of your passports, wallets, credit cards and iPhones. This essential cruise item locks onto any fixed object to secure your most precious goods. It also doubles as a great room safe since the one that’s provided is as secure as your mother’s AOL account.

Here’s another cruise hack that we recommend when asked what to pack for a cruise. It’s more of a strategic investment. How, you ask? When you get to the beach, vendors will charge $20 per lawn chair per person. That’s $40 per day for just one port! You could buy a few of these for that price. And, with this cruise accessory, you’re not limited to how far you can drag a beach chair. You’ll have the freedom to escape the crowds and lounge where you please.

This is one of our favorite cruise packing list items. Most importantly, it makes a sincere impact on the hard working cruise staff. A secondary benefit is the immediate

This brilliant solution replaces the need for a cruise lanyard. Your Key Card Phone Wallet is lightweight and attaches to your iPhone or Android to assure that you'll never lose your Cruise ID. Because face it... you'll NEVER let your iphone out of your sight. With your cruise key card piggybacking your phone all cruise, you'll have the least chance of losing that!

What’s that? Another cruise hack you say? Don’t share this one with too many friends and family or you’ll spoil the trick. Towel bands are great for… well, banding your towel to your deck chair. But, they have a hidden talent. They also secure your deck chair so nobody else grabs it. While we don’t condone chair-hogging, this is what we’d use if we were of that variety.

Some people take a little while to get their sea-legs. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’re a land-based people. The rocking back and forth is unnatural. If you get a little wishy washy with motion, then you’ll want to get ahead of full blown sea sickness. At that point, you’re done. You may as well walk the plank. If Dramanine isn’t your drug of choice, check out these 33 sea-sickness options to choose from.

Here’s another trick we’ll file in the “cruise hacks” bin. Most people aren’t aware that their cruise cabin walls are metal. That means they’re magnetic! These hooks will stick right to the walls wherever you choose. You can then hang your cruise lanyard, bathing suit, handbag, or whatever else you fancy.

Like it or hate it, cruise lines are now requiring proof of stabbing. This vaccination card holder provides easy access to your immunization record. It also assures that oh-so-valuable proof of vax is not lost at sea or port. Keep this document (and other items) close by and waterproof at all times with this must have cruise accessory.

Whenever asked what to pack for a cruise, we proudly include this item to the list. We also consider it among our super secret “cruise hacks.” It lets cruisers take advantage of “vertical” storage space as opposed to horizontal. Most cruisers have piles of stuff stacked on the small counter-space provided. Go clutter free by neatly organizing those items in hanging pockets.

On your last cruise, you probably noticed 50% of the passengers wearing cruise lanyards. Those are the veterans. When the bartender asks, “can I have your card please?” These are the few at the ready. They’re half-way done with their mai tais while you’re digging through your tote bag trying to find your key card. Add this to your cruise packing checklist and you’ll be slinging keycards like no other.

Your cruise luggage tags will have you looking like you’ve done this before. Not only will your luggage turn heads, it’ll also show up to your room. Unlike the sucker that stapled his e-tags, you’ll be swimming in luggage. While you’re on your third wardrobe change, he’ll be arguing with Gustav at the “Passenger Services” office below decks. Make sure they're fitted for your cruise line! Click through for our favorite cruise luggage tags. Using the link below, you'll find custom cruise tags for each specific line. Click below then choose Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess, Celebrity, or Holland America.

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America

This is the most purchased cruise accessory out there. Why? Because we are addicted to our devices. Does this make us an “enabler?” Let’s not point fingers here. Facts are, you need your smartphones, cameras, laptops, iPads, video games, e-cigs, C-PAP machines, electric tooth brush, e-readers, e-massagers… umm, I mean. Well, cruise cabins have 2 outlets. This is the only cruise-approved power strip out there. Get that power!

We hope that this Cruise Essentials list was helpful and that you have a wonderful vacation. If you enjoyed this, you'll our Funny Cruise Shirts post. There you'll find 26 hilarious cruise t-shirts that will absolutely embarass your spouse.

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A company is turning former cruise ships into floating hotels — see inside its largest 'floatel'

• Bridgemans ServicesGroup operates a fleet of former cruise ships turned into hotels. 
• Its "floatels" are designed to house workers during long-term projects.
• See its largest 652-cabin floatel with a game room and buffet.

Some old and unwanted cruise ships meet their demise at ship-breaking yards , where they are disassembled and sold for scrap.

Other vessels find a more fortunate fate, receiving a second chance to do what they already do best: serve as floating hotels.

Canada-based Bridgemans Services Group buys and charters former cruise ships to turn into "floatels," outfitted with standard cruise amenities like daily housekeeping, buffets, and relaxing lounges.

But the ships aren't designed to transport tourists from one destination to another anymore. Instead, companies turn to Bridgeman when they need to house workers for a long-term project, whether it be the construction of an offshore wind farm in Europe or the shooting of a major film in a remote destination.

Floatels can accommodate workers in remote destinations where hotels might not be an option.

In more metropolitan areas, Bridgemans says its ships could lessen the stress an inundation of workers might have on the local housing market.

And once they are no longer needed, the vessels depart and "leave no trace behind," the company said.

Over the last decade, Bridgemans has deployed its ships for 15 projects on every continent, Brian Grange, the company's president, told Business Insider.

Grange said that its deployments — most often for liquified natural gas companies — last for an average of two years.

In the past, it has also provided accommodations for MSC Cruises at its Ocean Cay private island and housing for more than 1,000 workers in the Philippines' on a project for the Manila International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company's three ships range from 150 to 652 cabins.

The floatel operator acquired its largest ship, the 561-foot-long MV Isabelle X, in 2023.

In its past life, the 35-year-old vessel sailed around the Baltic Sea as one of Estonia-based Tallink Gruipp's cruise ships.

But gone are its days of leisurely cruising. The 35,000 gross-ton ship is now on its first deployment in Howe Sound, just north of Vancouver, where it's housing more than 600 workers who are building Woodfibre LNG's "net zero" LNG export facility.

Isabelle X underwent a six-month retrofit before it was sent to Howe Sound.

The process included updating the ship's cabins and adding amenities like a game room and an 8,000-square-foot gym.

The latter two are especially important: "We need to make sure we delineate between work and home," Grange told BI. "We have to create a social environment on board these vessels that makes it attractive for workforces around the world."

During their free time, workers can play billiards, relax in the outdoor lounge, or use the ship’s WiFi to catch up on social media.

The sports lounge has large television screens, while the games lounge has darts, ping pong tables, and air hockey.

The 'quiet lounges' are the go-to space for people who need to unwind after a long work day.

Or, they could recharge and catch up on the latest shows in their cabins, which all come with desks, storage, and 32-inch televisions.

Like a typical cruise ship, Bridgemans' vessels have buffets with live cooking stations, a dessert bar, and the occasional themed night.

The ships' chefs tailor their menus to the demographic and dietary restrictions of the workers on board, the company's president told BI.

Residents can expect at least four protein options, plenty of veggies, and handmade bread and desserts.

Unlike most cruise lines, Bridgemans can pre-purchase all the food it needs before deployment.

Grange says this allows the ships to maintain food quality and consistency in remote locations.

Remember that deployment in the Philippines during COVID-19? He said the ship had packed almost 800 tons of food ahead of the project.

He wouldn’t disclose the cost to rent one of Bridgemans’ floatels.

But he did note that the cost of a cabin on the Woodfibre LNG project in Howe Sound is comparable to a hotel room in nearby Vancouver, as is the case with most of its projects near major cities.

The company’s most recent acquisition, the 150-cabin Diamond XI, is currently being retrofitted and would be ready for deployment this year.

According to the company's president, the vessel is small and high-end, likely to be used for sporting events and movie shoots.

It could also be the start of a greater expansion: He hopes to add two or three more vessels to its fleet in the next five years.

"The world has opened up to this as a valued alternative to housing," Grange told BI.

Who knows, the next time you see a cruise ship off the coast, there's a slim but possible chance it could be housing workers — not vacationers.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Hotels near electrostal history and art museum, property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance from Electrostal History and Art Museum See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.