cruise packing ideas

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.

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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

60 Cruise Packing Tips & Hacks All Cruisers Need to Know

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Are you wondering what to pack for a cruise? Cruises are such easy vacations, but cruise packing takes some planning.

In this post, I share the very best cruise packing tips and hacks you need to know. Whether you’re a first time cruiser or cruise veteran, this cruise packing list will help you to keep organized and have everything you need for a cruise vacation.

I’ve included some genius cruise packing hacks that will help you streamline the process. You’ll find smart organization techniques and essential items and travel gadgets you may not have considered for your cruise vacation.

If you’re looking for a full list of Amazon cruise essentials , I’ll include some resources at the bottom of this post.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cruise Packing Tips, Tricks and Hacks

Things to Consider When Making Your Cruise Packing List

Before I share the top cruise packing hacks and tips, these are some things to think about as you create your own cruise packing list. All of these things will make a difference to what you decide to pack for your cruise vacation.

• What will the weather be like? (hot or cold, or both?)
• What’s your cruise line dress code? (for cruise wear planning)
• Will you be flying or driving to the cruise port?
• How many people are in your cruise cabin? (for cabin organizing)
• What excursions and cruise ship activities do you have planned?
• Will you be packing with checked luggage or carry-on only?

What to Pack for your Cruise – Cruise Packing List Must-haves

1. passports and government id.

Firstly, have your cruise documents and your passport or birth certificate on you (in your purse or wallet) as you board your cruise , and not packed in your suitcase! You can be declined boarding if you do not have the proper ID and documents, so do not under any circumstances put them anywhere in your suitcase!

Cruise tip: As soon as you get to your stateroom, put your passports in your small cabin safe, along with any other valuables and cash you’ve brought on the trip.

2. Cruise Documents

Be sure to have your cruise documents ready for embarkation day as you board your cruise.

After you complete your cruise online check-in and fill in health questionnaires, it’s a good idea to print out your travel documents. While you may be using the cruise line app for boarding, it’s always a good idea to have your cruise boarding documentation on hand.

As well, print out any shore excursion reservations, hotel reservations etc. to pack for your cruise. 

3. Embarkation Carry-on Bag

One of the things that first time cruisers often forget, is to pack an embarkation day carry on bag . Basically, you’ll want to pack anything that you may need for the first day of your cruise , as it will take several hours for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom.

Recommended: Nautical stripe carry on bag tote (check price & over 3400 5* Amazon reviews)

Related:   23 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag

4. Hard Shell Luggage

While there’s some debate about which luggage is best, hard of soft sided luggage, hard shell luggage wins out for cruise packing!

Since cruise passengers drop luggage off with the porters outside the cruise terminal, it is possible for rain and other weather to have an impact.

The hard shell will protect your luggage from the weather, and keep your clothing and other items dry.

Hard sided luggage with spinner wheels will also make it so much easier to travel before and after your cruise.

Recommended: Level 8 hardshell luggage (my favorite luggage brand – check Amazon reviews here)

5. Pack with Packing Cubes

Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space and keep your belongings organized.

One of the best pieces of packing advice I ever received was to use packing cubes to pack for a cruise . They help keep cruise outfits organized and stay mostly wrinkle-free .

If you’re cruising with kids , it’s a good idea to have packing cube sets i n various colors and sizes.

Recommended: packing cubes (5 piece set on Amazon)

6. Use an Air Tag (or other luggage tracking device)

A smart cruise packing hack that many travelers use these days is a placing a GPS luggage tracking device in all checked luggage.

Flight travel continues be be chaotic, and having a luggage tracking device such as an Apple Air Tag or Tile Bluetooth Tracker can be a life saver!

Recommended: Apple Air Tags & holders

7. Place Your Contact Information Inside Your Luggage

This low tech cruise packing hack can be very useful! Before closing up your luggage, write your name and email address, as well as your travel information on a large paper that you place inside your luggage.

Luggage tags can rip or fall off luggage. If this happens, if your luggage is lost or misplaced at an airport, it can be forwarded to your destination by the airline.

8. Shore Excursion Bag

Make sure to bring a shore excursion bag , that you can bring on beach shore excursions or other tours. 

For Caribbean cruises , a big beach bag or good size backpack is essential to pack towels, sunscreen and everything you need for cruise shore excursions.

If you’re on an Alaskan cruise , bring a lightweight water repellant backpack for port days in Juneau, Ketchikan and other Alaska ports.

Recommended: Mesh beach bag with zippers (see details & 4.5* reviews on Amazon here)

Recommended: Light foldable backpack (waterproof)

9. Cell Phone

While having a mobile phone isn’t a necessity, it’s a good idea with you as you travel. Many cruise lines are now using apps for check in and even for new muster drills. 

These apps are free and a great addition to the paper daily planners that cruise lines put in your cabin each night. You can see what you want to do any any given hour of the day, and plan ahead for activities and reservations. You may even have a messaging service that can be used between guests, like with Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion .

If you want to use internet while on your cruise for posting on social media or checking emails, you can purchase a cruise wifi package .

Cruise tip : Remember to put your phone on airplane mode, as soon as you sailaway from the cruise port.

10. “Cruise Approved” Power-bar (non surge protected)

While there’s a whole list of cruise accessories you could pack and bring with you, one thing not to forget is a non-surge protected “cruise approved” power bar .

Most cruise ship cabins just don’t have enough outlets. Although newer build ships may have a couple of USB outlets, most do not. Given all our electronic equipment and chargers, most cruisers would agree that packing a power bar with USB ports is a cruise cabin essential .

Note, for safety reasons, you cannot use a surge protector, iron or steamer. Click here to see my recommendation for a Cruise safe power strip (amazon).

11. Cruise Outfits and Comfortable Shoes

Overall, pack what you are comfortable wearing, but do check your cruise line’s dress codes . Some are more casual (ie. Norwegian) and some are more formal (ie. Cunard), while others are somewhere in between.

No matter the dress code, make sure to pack cruise wear for the weather. If cruising in a cool climate, pack layers for the day if spending time outdoors. When cruising in the Caribbean, light clothing can be worn most of the time.

Don’t forget to pack shoes for daytime activities and evenings. You don’t need a pair of shoes for every cruise outfit, but you do want to pack comfortable shoes for the activities you plan to do.

Don’t forget to pack at least one pair of flip flops for any cruise. You’ll want to have flip flops to wear at the pool deck, thermal spa, in your cabin and on your cruise ship balcony .

Related:   What I Wore on a 7 Day Caribbean Cruise (Cruise Outfits )

Recommended: How to Pack Light for a Cruise

12. Formal Wear/Dressy Outfits

Not all cruise lines have formal nights , however most do have an evening where passengers tend to dress up. For instance, Celebrity Cruises has “evening chic” , Carnival has “Elegant” night and Norwegian has “ Norwegian night out “. 

These days cruise lines have relaxed the suggested dress codes, but many people do enjoy occasion to dress up a little. If you would like to participate, plan on bringing some fancier outfits.

For men this can be a tuxedo, suit or dress pants and dress shirt. For ladies an evening gown, cocktail dress and “little black dress” are all appropriate.

Read more:   What to Wear on a Cruise Formal Night (and frequently asked questions)

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13. Hanging Toiletry Bag

The average cruise ship cabin is fairly small and has minimal storage space. I pack my toiletries in a hanging toiletry bag and it saves a lot of space in the cabin bathroom.

Recommended: Hanging toiletry bag (available in large & medium size)

14. Travel Size Toiletries

Cruise lines provide basic toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel in your stateroom. However, the quality of products varies by cruise line.

If you have specific products you like to use, it’s a good idea to pack your toiletries in leakproof travel containers .

Recommended: Travel containers (includes TSA approved leakproof bottles, containers & toothbrush covers)

15. Shoe Bags

Don’t pack dirty shoes straight into your luggage and next to your clothing. Shoe bags are great to keep your shoes protected, scuff free and are more sanitary.

Shoe bags are a great packing organizing tool for cruises and any travel. Stuff shoes with small items like socks, ties and more.

A cruise packing hack that’s an alternative to a shoe bag is using a plastic shower cap to cover the bottom of the shoe. These can be found cheaply at the dollar store , with other travel items.

Recommended: Shoe bags (check price & Amazon reviews here)

Check with your cruise line, however many cruise lines allow you bring a couple bottles of wine on board. There is a corkage fee of 15$, however when you consider what a bottle of wine will cost on the ship, this is likely worth it!

17. Travel Corkscrew

If you drink wine, I suggest you bring a small travel corkscrew (TSA approved) , and keep it in your luggage for next time too. This really saves some time and energy for me when cruise packing!

Cruise tip: You can ask your room attendant to keep ice in your ice bucket every day and also for wine glasses to be kept in your cabin. Alternatively, you can also pick up glasses at any bar.

18. Refillable Water Bottles

The water on board the ship is filtered and safe to drink, so bring refillable water bottles to sip from while on the ship by the pool and especially in port when going to the beach .

Keep in mind that you will not want to drink the water in most ports of call so this item is a must on your cruise packing list . At about 3$ a bottle, you’ll save a lot of money by bringing your own.

Recently some cruise lines, including Virgin Voyages, have banned single use plastic bottles. Having a thermal good quality water bottle is useful to have both on the cruise ship and in ports of call.

Recommended: Refillable Water Bottles (check price & over 3000 Amazon reviews)

19. Travel Coffee Mugs

If you’re a coffee lover, pack a thermal travel coffee mug . You’ll be able to fill your coffee mug at the cruise ship buffet or cafe, and enjoy a big cup at any time of day.

Recommended: Travel coffee mug

20. Wrinkle Release Spray and Tide To Go

These 2 laundry items are very useful when traveling, but especially on a cruise ship when you don’t have easy access to laundry facilities.

Make sure to pack travel sizes of Tide to Go stain removal stick and Downy Wrinkle Release .

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

21. Bring a Pop up Mesh Laundry Bag

A great way to keep your cruise cabin organized and store dirty clothes is to bring along a collapsible mesh laundry hamper . This one actually folds up super small so it’s easy and light to pack for your cruise. 

This is honestly one of my favorite cruise tips!

21. Pharmaceutical Items

Some of the most overpriced items on a cruise are often pharmaceutical or health products sold in the cruise ship convenience store. So, avoid buying these items onboard, and pack them from home instead.

You’ll need; waterproof bandaids , polysporin , immodium , pepto-bismal or tums tablets , re-hydrate tablets , pain reliever , throat lozenges , allergy medicine like benadryl l, calamine lotion and cough candies .

This is what I bring and include on my cruise packing list, but I suggest you write out your own cruise first-aid kit packing list. 

Read more: 31 Cruise First Aid Kit Essentials You Need to Have

22. Lanyards for Cruise Ship Cards

You might be wondering where to keep your cruise card? Having cruise lanyards for your cruise key card is a convenient way for cruisers to be a bit more hands free on a cruise.

With this must-have cruise essential , you won’t be losing your cruise card!

Recommended: Cruise lanyards (available in different colors)

23. Waterproof Phone Case

Consider bringing a waterproof phone case (great to pack for shore excursions) on a lanyard. You can take photos and videos with the phone case on, and avoid ruining your phone on a cruise!

Recommended: Waterproof phone case on lanyard (see 80,000+ Amazon reviews)

24. US small bills

Why bring small bills on a cruise? You won’t need cash to pay cruise ship tips or gratuities , as this can be charged to your credit card during your cruise. For your convenience, you can even prepay gratuities before your cruise if you like.

However, it’s a good idea to have small bills to tip the luggage porters as you drop off your luggage on embarkation day , or if they assist you for disembarkation . You may also want to tip for room service delivery, tour guides in a cruise port and have cash to make small purchases in a shore side market.

Keep in mind that US dollars are welcome in most Caribbean cruise ports. However, when you cruise in Europe or outside of North America, make sure to use the local currency.

Cruise tip: Avoid using your credit card in cruise ports, unless it’s for larger purchases. Even then, keep an eye on the currency being charged and that the amount is what was agreed upon.

25. Credit Cards

It’s always a good idea to have a credit card or two when you’re traveling and visiting cruise ports of call. A good cruise travel hack is to apply for a credit card that has benefits like reward points and travel insurance.

26. Seasickness Medication

Make sure to be prepared for possible motion sickness on a cruise . While we all hope not to get seasick, seasickness medication or prevention should be on your cruise packing list just in case.

Years ago I used to bring scopolamine or motion sickness patches , although we never used them. If you are prone to seasickness, I do suggest bringing them as people report that they work really well. You can also bring seabands,   which are great for the cruise ship as well as boat excursions.

Nowadays, I  bring some candied ginger as well as Bonine motion sickness medication, just in case.

Related:   How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise: 10 Effective Remedies

Bonine vs Dramamine: Which is the Best Motion Sickness Medicine on a Cruise

27. Sunscreen & Aloe Vera

If you’re packing for a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise, make sure to pack reef-friendly sunscreen and aloe vera for potential sunburns.

Recommended: Reef-safe sunscreen (spf 50)

This is my favorite aloe vera gel ! We used it on our last cruise when we got too much sun, and it was effective, non-sticky and moisturizing.

Recommended: Organic aloe vera gel (see price & amazon reviews here)

28. Lip balm

 Protection from the sun goes beyond our skin. Don’t forget to pack lip balm with an SPF for each member of the family, to avoid unwelcome swollen lips on a cruise.

I used this Neutrogena tinted lip balm on my Caribbean cruise and highly recommend it!

Recommended: Neutrogena tinted lip balm with SPF

29. Ziplock Baggies

Even though I love packing cubes and hanging toiletry bags , sometimes, a good old ziplock baggy is what you need. 

Pack a few bandaids in a baggy and throw them into your cruise shore excursion bag . Use baggies to pack a few snacks for your children from the buffet. You may even want to make a DIY wet bag and put wet bathing suits in large ziplocks after a beach excursion.

30. Water shoes

If you’re going to the beach, water shoes will be very useful. We brought water shoes for a shore excursion to Virgin Gorda, the Baths and have decided to bring them on every Caribbean, Bermuda and hot weather cruise from now on!

Recommended: Water shoes (men’s & women’s sizes & styles)

31. Children’s Items

If you’re traveling with young children, bring what you would need for any trip: diapers , wipes, rash creams . Bring some children’s tylenol or your preferred medication as well. Do check with the cruise line as to what will be provided as food, and what you may need to bring and add that to your children’s cruise packing list .

Related:  7 Best Cruise Lines for Families

32. Sand Toys

There really isn’t much of a limit on what you can bring on a cruise, so if you’re cruising with young children, why not pack sand and beach toys ? These can really keep the kids busy on beach days , and having fun on your cruise!

33. Towel Clips

If you’re going on a cruise, you’ll want to pack towel clips to keep your towels from blowing away with the sea breeze.

I bought these towel clips a few years ago. Not only are they probably my favorite cruise accessory , but they are so useful! When it’s breezy on a cruise ship on sea days , or even on our beach days, I simply clip my towels to the lounge chairs and they stay in place.

There are a few options such as cute flamingo clips , or parrots and more!

Recommended: Boca Clips Beach Towel Holders

Towel Bands

Alternatively, you may want to pack towel bands , especially if you’re trying to pack light on your cruise .

Recommended: Towel bands (check price & reviews here on Amazon)

35. Microfiber Towel

While you don’t have to pack a towel for a cruise, there are many cruisers who swear that bring their own fast dry towel is a great cruise tip!

The cruise ship will provide you with towels that you can use on the lido deck as well as in cruise ports. However, they can be heavy and take time to dry when they get wet.

Consider packing lightweight microfiber towels that dry quickly (and stay sand free) for beach and water excursions.

Recommended: Microfiber towels (see different sizes – medium & larger is best)

36. Inexpensive Watch

Consider bringing along an inexpensive watch so that you can be sure to stay on ship’s time in the cruise ports of call.

Recommended: Digital waterproof wristwatch (great reviews & affordable)

37. Luggage Sleeves

Protect your luggage when you fly or cruise with a reusable luggage sleeve or cover.

Recommended: Luggage cover (see through)

38. Reusable Straws

Cruise lines have banned plastic straws in recent years. Consider packing silicone reusable straws if you’d rather not have the soggy paper straws.

These make a great gift for the cruise lover in your life that seems to have it all.

Recommended: Silicone straws (check price & 3000+ Amazon reviews here)

39. Pill Organizer Box

I love this pill box with several compartments for over the counter medication and vitamins. This pill organizer box has separate compartments in a handy folding design.

Recommended: Pill organizer box (check price, color options & 8000+ reviews)

40. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

After you print your luggage tags for your cruise , make sure that you purchase cruise luggage tag holders for your cruise line. This cruise packing hack will ensure that your paper tags don’t fall off your luggage during the boarding process.

• Carnival luggage tag holders
• Royal Caribbean luggage tag holders
• Princess luggage tag holders
• Norwegian luggage tag holders
• Celebrity luggage ta g holders
• MSC luggage tag holders
• Holland America luggage tag holders

Cruise Packing Hacks to Save Space & Pack Better

These cruise packing hacks will save space in your luggage, stay organized educe wrinkles in clothing.

41. Use Packing Cubes for Organization

Use packing cubes to separate different categories of clothing for your cruise. Daywear, evening and sleepwear can all be placed in their own packing cubes.

42. Roll clothing instead of folding

Rolling clothes is a great way to pack clothing and reduce wrinkles. Many people also claim that rolling clothing is also a space saver.

43. Use tissue paper between clothing items

Tissue paper can be placed between clothing make of linen or cotton to reduce friction, which increases the chance of wrinkles forming in the clothing.

44. Place socks, scarves and small items in shoes and handbags

There are a lot of small places to pack items. This includes shoes and handbags. Putting soft items in handbags will preserve the shape of designer handbags.

45. Pack belts in dress shirt collars

A commonly known packing hack is to place a belt in the collar of dress shirts. This helps to keep the shape of a man’s dress shirt and also saves space in luggage.

46. Use dry cleaning bags for blouses and formal dresses

Dry cleaning bags can be placed between dresses and other clothing, and rolled. It will prevent wrinkles in formal wear.

47. Use bubble wrap to wrap fragile and glass items

If you’re packing fragile items like perfume bottles, why not use bubble wrap you’ve saved from packaging?

48. Use a plastic shower cap to cover shoes

Cover the sole of your favorite shoes as you pack them in your luggage.

49. Pack dryer sheets to keep clothing smelling fresh

Dryer sheets are great to have in your luggage to keep your clothing smelling fresh. This is especially important as you pack up at the end of your cruise, and will likely have dirty clothing.

50. Pack a kitchen garbage bag for dirty laundry

Put your dirty clothes in a scented kitchen garbage bag before you put them into your luggage at the end of your cruise.

51. Lock luggage with a TSA approved combination lock for safety

Don’t fly without locking your locking your luggage with a TSA approved lock. You can also lock valuable items like laptops and luxury bags in locked luggage to keep your items secure in your cruise cabin .

52. Pack a Separate Pre-Cruise Hotel Bag

Remember to have a packing cube with change of clothes and other items you’ll need for a pre-cruise hotel stay.

53. Make Your Luggage Stand Out

Most of us have black or gray luggage, which isn’t easy to spot in a sea of suitcases. Use ribbon, yarn or duct tape on your luggage to make it stand out at the airport and cruise terminal.

Cruise Packing Hacks for Your Cabin & Cruise Essentials

These are some ways to organize and add more storage to your cruise ship cabin. Many cruise passengers use a few cruise cabin hacks .

If you’re looking for add to your cruise packing list , here are some of the best selling cruise accessories on Amazon , that may be useful to pack for your cruise. 

54. Over the Door Organizer

Use an over the door shoe organizer to hold toiletries, flip flops, umbrellas and other items and add vertical storage to your cruise ship cabin.

55. Foldable Travel Hangers

You can request extra hangers from your cabin steward. However, if you prefer to bring your own, you can bring some lightweight foldable hangers so that you can unpack quickly.

56. Magnet Hooks

Pack some magnet hooks to hand your hats, sweatshirts and even backpacks in your cruise cabin. Many cruise ship cabin walls are metal, so magnetic hooks are genius! Make sure they are heavy duty (50 lbs plus).

57. Sticky Notes

Pack sticky notes to leave notes for your cabin attendant or cabin mates.

58. Highlighters

Cruise lines have apps where you can your daily schedule. However, if you like a paper cruise planner (as I do), then bring a highlighter to mark the activities you want to check out.

59. Travel Fan

Cruise ship cabins can get hot and stuffy. Consider packing a small travel fan .

60. White Noise Machine

If you need white noise to sleep, consider packing a small white noise machine or download a white noise app on your cell phone.

First time cruisers should know that cruise ships can have noises that you won’t hear in a hotel room (like ocean sounds, hallway noise and creeks).

Would you like to see more about packing for a cruise? In this video I share more cruise packing tips you’ll enjoy!

61. Cruise Cabin Night Light

Cruise ship cabins get very dark at night, especially inside cabins. You may want to pack a motion sensor cruise cabin night light .

Related & Popular Posts:

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• Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On
• What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
• Cruise Wear over 50: Flattering Cruise Outfits for Women
• Plus Size Cruise Wear: Beautiful Cruise Outfits for Curvy Women
• Best Travel Gadgets to Bring on a Cruise (tech items & electronics)

Final Thoughts on Cruise Packing Tips and Hacks All Cruisers Need to Know

In this post we went over what to pack for a cruise, as well as over 60 useful cruise packing tips and hacks for new and experienced cruisers. I’ve also included some of the most useful cruise items that can make your cruise easier as well.

I hope this post has been helpful to give you a good idea to know what to pack for your cruise vacation.

What are your cruise packing tips or must-haves items you bring on a cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana 

If you found this post helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Share it on Facebook or Save for later Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

34 Comments

I’ve read from a lot of travelers to use packing cubes. I myself haven’t used them YET. I just bought some for our next months cruise. They really help avoid wrinkled clothes, and they keep everything organized.

I just googled those. What a good idea! I know I’ve tried the plastic packing bags (ziplock I think), but since I pack my shoes in between my clothes I preferred my clothes more “flexible”. Perhaps I’ll try these. If you cruise shortly please pop back and let me know how you like them 🙂

I love packing cubes!! Rolled clothes pack with ease. Check out YouTube for folding techniques.

Seems I have to try these!! Next cruise for sure 🙂

LHaggard I have cruised a dozen or more times. Last year the Celebrity Equinox and this year on the Carnival Freedom is booked. Enjoyed several different lines and never disappointed.

It’s great that you enjoy the different cruise experiences on different cruise lines.

Have fun on the Freedom!

I always use packing cubes, they work really well for me 👍🏻😊

Well I will 100% be trying them for my cruise next month! Thanks for the tip :-)!!

I used packing cubes for the first times on my last cruise. I loved them. You can leave all your clothes in them and just put the cubes on a shelf or in a drawer. Just unzip and leave open in the shelf or drawer. So much quicker to unpack and pack now. I love them.

Really? That sounds like such a time saver!! I actually hate packing up to go home, so especially for that! Thanks for the tip Judith 🙂

Just returned from the Eastern Caribbean. I definitely overpacked. I must say, I brought 4 swim suits and wore all of them and lived in light weight board shorts, flowy tank tops and flip flops. Didn’t need the fancy shorts at all. All you need is one LBD and play it up with accessories if you have 2 formal nights. Long summery maxi dresses were perfect for evenings and don’t forget a light weight sweater. The ships air conditioning can be quite chilly.

You’re right. A LBD really works! I too love my sundresses. I am a sucker for shoes though. One cruise I brought 17 pairs for 7 days… but that included flip flops, fancy sandals, heals, running shoes. In any case I know that was too much, even for me, lol. I’m better now!! Thanks for commenting 🙂

Great info. I love to travel but have not yet been on a cruise. What would you say is the best part of taking a cruise? Thanks Nina

Hi Nina, A cruise is definitely worth a try! Personally, I like so many things. It fits my need to have fun, relax, reconnect with my loved ones and travel and explore. If you love to travel but cruising makes you a bit nervous, perhaps try a cruise that leaves out of a destination you always wanted to visit. I this way you can plan 2 or 3 days in that city to explore more deeply. After that each day in a port is about 10 hours, so you can decide what you want to do. Perhaps browse my site for the Cruise Misconceptions post, as there is a cruise for everyone and one size does not fit all. Let me know if you need advice or have questions 🙂

Thanks for your practical tips, one of the best I’ve read so far. Going on my first cruise around the Med for 14 days in a July and this will help a lot..

Thanks for your comment Kathryn! I’m so glad to hear that you found the tips helpful. I have another post with Med Cruise tips that you might like too. Shoot me any questions about your Med ports if you like :-).

I rarely drop comments, however i did some searching and wound up here Cruising this Year? Simple, Easy and Practical Packing Tips for the Best Cruise – LifeWellCruised.com. And I do have a few questions for you if it’s allright. Could it be only me or does it look like a few of these responses look like they are coming from brain dead visitors? 😛 And, if you are writing on additional sites, I’d like to keep up with everything new you have to post. Could you list of the complete urls of your social pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile? https://www.silicone-wristbands.co.uk

Hi there, for sure if you have questions I am happy to answer. Feel free to contact me through the contact page or at [email protected] . I’m in the process of developing my social sites, but for now you can follow me on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LifeWellCruised/pins/

I always have to make the packing list for my family, this makes life a lot easier! Great information!

Hey Jessica, I am so glad it was helpful for you! Thanks for taking the time to comment xoxo, Ilana

Please do to leave a case of water with the porters if you are cruising Disney Cruise Line. All drinks must be carried on.

Thanks for that tip Jody!

I have been using packing cubes for a few years now. They are a must! You can pack more and keep everything super organized!

Thanks Sandy for sharing that. They definitely see to make life so much easier when packing for a cruise.

I’ll have to take your advice and try and find some I love!

I finally bought packing cubes before our last trip to Arizona last year…what a difference! I’m cruising next month on a mother/daughter birthday trip with my mom, and can’t wait to see how efficient I can be for our cruise 🙂 Thank you for all of your hacks and tips. I feel very prepared….now to get all of this stuff packed into a small suitcase!

That’s awesome! Great to hear the packing cubes work so well!

Thanks for your kind words – I’m glad you’re feeling prepared for your mother/daughter cruise. It sounds really special!

Have an amazing cruise!

I am a light sleeper and I need complete darkness when I sleep. I never travel without this as I find this works on cruises as well as in hotel rooms. My discovery?

I take 10 to 12 large “chip bag” clips with me and use them to keep curtains tightly closed thereby keeping out ALL light.

So for all you light sleepers out there, try this hack.

That’s a smart hack! It could definitely be used on cruises (for ocean view & balcony cabins) as well.

Thanks for sharing

Ilana – We will soon be on our 16th cruise and I would like to share: I use large zip-lock bags to pack separate items – undies, socks, short sleeve shirts, sweaters etc…( you get the idea) and when I unpack, the bags go right in the drawers and/or shelves – don’t have to worry (especially when packing for disembark) both goes fast. Also my husband is left handed so everything is layed out as per… closet, bathroom shelves.. he is on the left. I unpack- he hangs the clothes- you would be surprised how fast you accomplish that duty and ready to roam the ship. Also these filled bags fill in for slipping between slacks ( I have no wrinkles upon arrival). I hope this idea is as useful to some as it is to me. PS: when I zip the bags, try to get as much air out of them – takes less room in luggage!

Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

I use 2 colors for cubes, cube pack everything and then split his and mine between two suitcases. Unpacking is easy and if one suitcase is lost, we still each have some clothes.

Great point

I leave one suitcase (unzipped) under the bed and as dirty laundry accumulates during the cruise, I pack it into this suitcase. When disembarkation rolls around, much of your packing is done. Once you get home, unpacking is easier because all the laundry is in one suitcase. This works for my husband and me, can’t speak for a family situation.

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The Essential Cruise Packing List

When packing for a cruise vacation, the good news is you’ll likely only have to pack and unpack once. but be prepared for a wide range of activities. here’s a detailed list of what to bring..

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From more formal evenings to active outings, you’ll need to pack a lot in.

Illustration by Shutterstock

One of the best things about cruising is the variety it affords—you’ll visit different ports of call and participate in diverse shore excursions, too. Scuba diving in the Galápagos or an after-hours visit of Spain’s Alhambra palace , anyone? And then there’s everything to do onboard, such as the fancy dinners, live entertainment, and time poolside or, on splashier ships, full-service spas and tricked-out recreation areas.

But all of that can pose a problem when you’re packing. Sure, you only have to unpack once, so you can bring a little more than you normally would on a one- or two-week trip, but how much is too much? What do you absolutely need to be prepared without being overprepared? To answer, here’s AFAR’s essential cruise packing list, complete with packing tips.

Luggage and organizational accessories

Most cruise companies don’t restrict the amount of luggage you bring, except for some expedition lines that might limit passengers based on the weight restrictions for chartered flights to get to more remote locales. Your best bet is to opt for a medium-size or large checked bag—without going oversize or overdoing it since cruise cabins can be on the small size—rather than trying to cram everything into carry-ons. Ideally the bag will fit under the bed in your cabin so it is out of the way once you’ve unpacked and settled in. Also remember that if you’re flying to your port of embarkation, you’ll need to check those full-size bags, and most airlines have a 50-pound weight restriction.

Since you’ll be settling into one room for anywhere from 5 to 14 days (or longer), it’s nice to be organized. Pack your formalwear in a hanging garment bag, and pick up a set of magnetic hooks from Amazon . Most walls on cruise ships are made of metal, so these will help keep hats and other items handy.

For shore excursions, or even just for an afternoon by the pool, you’ll want a day pack or tote bag to carry your sunscreen, books, and other sundries, as well as your wallet if you’re heading ashore. You can use this as your personal item or pack a smaller collapsible bag in your suitcase.

• A medium-size or large checked suitcase (We like the 60-liter Rimowa Original Check-In Medium , $1,650, for its durability and because its classic design reminds us of the golden age of cruising.)
• Hanging garment bag
• Packing cubes
• Magnetic hooks
• A packable day pack or tote, like the Baggu Cloud Bag ($56)

Essential travel documents

On a “closed-loop” cruise route —meaning you depart from and return to the same U.S. port, after visiting at least one foreign port of call—you are not required to bring your passport, but you will need a driver’s license or other form of photo identification. (If you’re flying to a domestic cruise terminal, don’t forget that you’ll need to have a Real ID to fly , starting May 2025.)

Here are the travel documents you don’t want to leave at home:

• Passport, or other photo ID (if it’s not an international cruise)
• Any visas required
• Confirmation information for your cruise and any flights you take—these are often electronic documents, so make sure they are accessible on your mobile device or any relevant apps
• Emergency documents, such as your health insurance card, travel insurance information, emergency contact
• Wallet with cash and credit cards (Even if you’re on an all-inclusive, you may want to have cash for onshore purchases and tipping—however, the main gratuity for the majority of the cruise can often be left at the end and many cruise lines offer the option to bill it to your credit card.)

Cruise-friendly clothing

Clothing is often the biggest question mark when you’re packing for a cruise. First, check the weather in the cruise ports you’re bound for and pack for the climate. If layering is the name of the game, then a capsule wardrobe is your best bet for success. On a five-day cruise or a two-week itinerary, you’ll likely need to change clothes a few times a day. Many—but not all—cruise ships have laundry facilities, but even if you rely on laundry service, you’ll want to employ a mix-and-match strategy. For example, on an Antarctic cruise , Aislyn Greene, the associate director of podcasts at AFAR, found that cashmere sweaters from Everlane were nice enough for formal dinners and cozy enough for lounging around her cabin.

Every cruise is different, so take note of what sort of shore excursions you’ll be going on and how many formal or semi-formal dinner nights you’ll be expected to spruce up for, plus any theme nights. You can also opt not to dress up at all, but in that case you may be limited to dining at the more casual buffet or eateries.

And don’t forget to bring clothing for your port of departure, especially if you’re staying an extra day or two. When Greene went to Antarctica, she made sure to bring shorts and T-shirts for her extra days in Buenos Aires.

Clothing to pack:

• 2–3 swimsuits (We like Summersalt suits , $23–$125, which are made with recycled polyamide fabric and include sizes 0 to 24.)
• 1–2 swim cover-ups—if you don’t want to dash back to your room after an afternoon at the pool, you’ll need something to throw over your suit if you want to visit any ship restaurants.
• Rashguard for additional sun protection in the water
• 3–4 shirts and T-shirts for everyday wear and shore excursions
• 1–2 tops or shirts for casual evenings
• 3–4 pairs of pants or shorts for everyday wear
• 1–2 pairs of nicer pants or skirts for casual evenings
• 1–2 versatile dresses that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion (Cruise writer Terry Ward recommends Reformation’s cult midi-length Rou Knit Dress , $98, which can be tossed over a bikini aprés-swim, belted with sandals for traipsing around a port town, or paired with heels for dinner.)
• 1–2 sweaters—even in tropical destinations, it can get chilly out on the water, so bring a sweater or two.
• Pajamas and loungewear
• Underwear and socks
• 2–3 activewear outfits for shore excursions—this will vary depending on your shore excursions, whether it’s walking, hiking, or biking.
• A light rain jacket —weather can be changeable; be prepared.
• A warm jacket if you’ll be cruising in colder climates

For formal evenings:

It may sound like you’d need to pack the tux for formal or semi-formal evenings and captain’s dinners, but don’t let it stress you out. Yes, some people do bring tuxedos and full-length dresses, but on the whole, the dress code tends to be resort evening wear.

• 1–2 formal dresses or skirts
• A pair of slacks
• 1–2 blouses or button-down shirts
• A blazer or suit coat
• Sandals or flip-flops (Note that these are usually not allowed in dining rooms.)
• Dress shoes/heels
• Tennis shoes or walking/running shoes
• Any specialty footwear you might need for shore excursions (hiking boots, water shoes , cycling shoes)

Accessories:

• A sun-protecting cap or hat
• Polarized sunglasses, like the Maho Positano shades ($195), to reduce glare from intense sun on the ocean or snow (depending where you are)
• Watch—don’t miss the boat after a shore excursion
• Belts, scarves, and for polar trips, gloves
• A warm hat for cold-weather cruises

>> Still stymied by cruise fashion? Find more specific recommendations in The Ultimate Guide for What to Wear on Your Next Sailing .

Toiletries and hygiene products

Like hotels, most cruise ships will provide basic toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, and/or body wash. But if you choose to bring your own, you won’t have to worry about using travel-size containers if you checked your bag—cruise ships have no size restrictions for liquids.

Don’t forget sunscreen : It’s important in tropical destinations where you’ll be snorkeling or relaxing on the beach, and on Antarctic or Alaskan cruises too—the glare from the ice can make the risk of skin damage even greater on such excursions.

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Skincare and other lotions
• Eye drops and contact solution (if needed)
• Shaving items
• Feminine care products (if needed)
• Sunscreen (Opt for reef-safe sunscreen like Thinksport or Australian Gold Botanical sunscreen—Hawai‘i and an increasing number of other destinations are banning sunscreen with toxic chemicals, including oxybenzone and avobenzone.)

A basic first-aid kit:

While you can usually purchase any emergency first-aid supplies on board, chances are they’ll be more expensive than whatever you’d get at home. Even if you don’t think you’ll have a problem with seasickness, consider tossing a pack of ginger chews into your bag just in case—they do wonders for nausea. And read more about how to beat motion sickness here .

• Pain killers
• Any medications or sleep aids you take
• Allergy medications
• Anti-seasickness medications, like over-the-counter like Dramamine , or prescription medications, like the Transderm Scop
• Antidiarrheals
• Antibiotic ointment
• Hand sanitizer
• Antibacterial wipes (AFAR senior commerce editor Lyndsey Matthews found on a Galápagos cruise that while she didn’t need to bring her own snorkel gear, she wanted antibacterial wipes to clean the shared equipment the ship provided.)

You may also want:

• Mosquito repellent ( Kinfield’s Golden Hour mosquito repellent , $22, is DEET free and works. Its mix of citronella, lemongrass, and clove smells amazing.)
• After-sun leave-in hair conditioner, like Sun Bum’s Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Treatment ($13), which detangles, conditions, and protects hair from the damaging effects of the sun and salt water.

Travel gear and electronics

With more and more destinations banning single-use plastics, it’s an increasingly good idea to BYO water bottle on any trip. We recommend bringing a water bottle—it’s especially important to stay hydrated in tropical places where you’ll sweat a lot—for regular use and shore excursions, as well as a wide-mouth drink cup for strolling on deck with a frosty beverage.

And while you might want to disconnect completely, you might also appreciate having a laptop or e-reader with you. But know that you will likely have to pay big bucks for reliable Wi-Fi, so consider downloading books and movies ahead of time. (For instance, you have to pay for expensive upgrade packages if you want to download movies onboard.) On a similar note, if you’re bringing a cell phone and are planning to use it, check with your carrier about international options so you don’t get stuck with roaming charges; you will be out of the country on the water, after all, and the charges on ships can be huge.

• Reusable water bottle
• Travel coffee mug or other drink cup (so you can take your other beverages to the deck)
• Wrinkle-release spray (Fire-safety regulations usually prevent irons in cruise cabins.)
• Laptop and e-reader (with movies and books aleady downloaded)
• Universal travel adapter

Greene found that her iPhone camera was just what she needed on her Antarctic adventure, but Matthews felt that an underwater camera GoPro was a necessity for her snorkel-heavy Galápagos cruise.

• Underwater camera, like the GoPro Hero12 Black ($400), which is waterproof down to 33 feet and comes with accessories like a floating hand grip if you purchase it in a bundle directly from GoPro
• Beach blanket (The cruise will have pool towels, but this is nice to have for beach days.)
• Binoculars (We like the Bushnell Legend L-Series 10x42mm Binoculars , $150, as a good entry-level set.)
• Small flashlight (Some ships will have flashlights or nightlights in their cabins, but it never hurts to pack a small one of your own—just in case.)
• Sticky notes (Many cruisers swear by these. They’re particularly useful for leaving notes for new friends on their stateroom doors.)

This story was originally published in 2020, and was updated on March 29, 2024, to include current information.

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• Cruises Under $300
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• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
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What to Pack for a Cruise

• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
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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...

Note: The links to Amazon used below are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

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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I Used to Work on a Cruise Ship, and These Are the 13 Things You Should Never Leave Port Without

A former crew member reveals the most important packing essentials.

Kelsey’s writing has appeared in outlets like Condé Nast Traveler, TripSavvy, Edible Magazine, and TimeOut. Some of the most standout experiences in her travels include living in Tokyo, abseiling in Vanuatu, surfing in Costa Rica, and cycling through the Pyrenees mountains.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure

My first career as a cruise ship entertainer had me sailing all over the world, living and working aboard these large floating resorts for six to eight months at a time. After years of roaming the world’s ports and experiencing every ship and shoreside scenario that you could imagine, I became adept at packing a single suitcase to ensure a comfortable life at sea. 

Although living on a ship long-term is different from taking a 10-day cruise, crew and guest cruise packing lists are similar — emphasizing items that make sailing more comfortable and easy. Whether you’re embarking on a world cruise or just escaping to the Caribbean for a quick trip, these essential travel accessories are what my fellow seafarers and I would suggest bringing to make life on the water all the more comfortable. From versatile travel bags to helpful gadgets and genius seasick remedies , here’s what to pack for a cruise like a pro. 

Travel Voltage Converter

Most ship staterooms are outfitted with a three-prong 110-volt (North America-grounded) and a 220-volt (Europe) outlet. It’s always a good idea to carry an international adaptor and surge protector to safeguard your devices from electric irregularities. What's more, smaller interior cabins may have only two outlets, which could pose a problem if you and your guest have multiple devices to charge at the same time. Useful for more than just onboard, an internal adaptor is also handy for cruise itineraries that drop you off in multiple countries. Keep this adaptor in your day bag so you can plug it in ashore if your tech needs a charge.

Liquid I.V. Packets 

Cruises are vacations, a time to enjoy yourself and indulge. But it’s all too easy to go a tad overboard (ship pun intended) on alcoholic beverages, savory foods, and sunbathing. If you think a hangover is bad, just wait until you have one on a rocky ship at sea. To avoid losing a precious day of your cruise, bring along Liquid I.V. powder, an electrolyte mix that delivers hydration to the bloodstream faster than just water alone. Each bag comes with 16, travel-friendly powder packets and you have your choice between 17 flavors. 

Portable First Aid Kit 

Visits to the ship’s medical center can be pricey. Avoid this unexpected expense if you can by bringing  your own first aid kit. Start by packing your essential prescription medications. Then,  add bandages and antibiotic ointment for attending to small surface wounds. Bring pain relief medication and cold medicine, just in case. Don’t forget antacids and over-the-counter medicines to ease digestion. Sunscreen and aloe vera gel are must-haves  so you don’t spend your whole cruise hiding from the sun. Bug repellent and after-bite lotion will also ease your sleep if you’ve run into sand fleas at the beach. If you have any allergies, make sure that you have an EpiPen or your chosen allergy medication. 

Portable Charger

When I lived on a ship, I would be one of the first ashore and the last back onboard. Exploring new locales is one of the best parts of cruising. If you like to head ashore for the whole day, you’ll want to keep your phone charged so you can navigate your way back to the ship, call for help in case of an emergency, and snap pictures and videos of your destination. Carry a powerful battery bank with you like the Anker Portable Charger so your phone doesn’t die and you’re prepared for long adventures, or fun overnights, in ports of call.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

You’re never far from water on a cruise ship, which means that you’ll want to protect your tech with waterproof gear. Great for island cruise itineraries, this phone bag is watertight and retains touchscreen operations through its polyvinyl shell. It comes with a detachable lanyard should you want to take it into the waves and capture underwater adventures. Even if you’re not going in the water, this pouch will protect your phone from snow and rain, too. Beach-bound cruisers will also find it useful for keeping their phone sand- and salt-free too. 

Collapsible Umbrella

Weather on a cruise can be tough to predict, particularly for various ports of call. Even if the forecast is fair, weather can change in an instant particularly if you’re cruising near shoulder seasons. You’ll be grateful to come prepared with an umbrella so you aren’t forced to buy the marked-up ones in port or onboard. Even if there’s no sign of rain, a good umbrella doubles as a sun protectant for harsh midday sun.

Formal Night Attire 

Almost every cruise has a formal night where guests are encouraged to dress in elegant wear. This event usually occurs on a sea day at the beginning of your itinerary. Formal nights are fun and evoke the old-world, slow-travel glamor of cruising. Even the officers dress up and don their formal ship whites. When everyone onboard participates in the formal night dress code,  it makes the event all the more special and luxurious, so remember to bring a few upscale resort looks onboard. This stunning Tadashi Shoji Off-Shoulder A-Line Crepe and Taffeta Gown will do the trick, but if you’re shopping on a budget, there are plenty of swanky cocktail dress options at Amazon; start your search with the Anrabess Pleated Maxi Dress or PrettyGarden One-Shoulder Slit Maxi Dress — starting at $43. 

Sand-Free Beach Towel

Most cruise guests bring the ship’s pool towels shoreside for lounging. But, the terry cloth towels cling to the sand, bringing it back in your bag to be dumped on your stateroom floor. If you want a tidier beach trip, bring along a sand-free beach blanket like this Turkish Beach Towel. It's made with cotton and folds up slim so it won’t take up too much space in your suitcase. What's more, it dries quickly to prevent your bag and its contents from getting soggy. 

Packing Cubes

When I reached out to a crew member friend to discuss packing tips, his first thought was emphatically packing cubes. Organization is key to enjoying your cruise, particularly on the day that you embark as it’s the most hectic day for all staff onboard. By the time that you’re able to check into your room, it’s almost time to sail away, and you’ll probably want to be on deck with a daiquiri and sweet treat in hand, not organizing your wardrobe — which is why I recommend traveling with packing cubes. They're not only great for condensing your suitcase contents but also keeping them organized and easy-to-spot, so you can spend less time searching for the things you need and make unpacking and getting ready a breeze. 

Collapsible Duffel Bag

One of the perks of cruise ship travel is that, unlike airlines,  most cruise lines don’t have strict luggage policies. For travelers who like to shop or collect souvenirs, this is a huge perk. On itineraries with excellent shopping, cruising can be a great way to source neat gifts. Onboard shopping is also a fun way to pick up items to remember your trip. If you’re worried that you won’t have room in your case for your purchases, bring a collapsible duffel bag like this handy 40-liter version from REI for your treasures. Amazon reviewers also love the Gonex Foldable Travel Duffle Bag and the Vomgomfom Travel Duffle Bag for the same reason. 

Reusable Collapsible Bag

If you’re cruising around islands, you can make this collapsible tote bag your designated beach bag. Its nylon fabric makes it easy to brush off sand and it dries quickly should you need to wash it (or accidentally get it wet while you're at the beach). If you’re cruising around Europe, you’ll quickly learn that single-use plastic bags are often banned. Many markets, shops, and stores expect everyone to come with their own bag to take away their products. This reusable bag folds to a pocket-size when you’re not using it, so you can keep it in your purse or backpack until you need it. 

If you’re a light sleeper, the noises of a ship may come as a shock. Whether it’s the sounds of the anchor dropping at 5 a.m. or your raucous neighbors enjoying late-night revelry, earplugs will help you get restful sleep at sea — no matter the time of day. Make sure you pick up this on-sale pack of 60 at Amazon; they're made with soft foam for a comfortable and adjustable fit and deliver impressive noise-canceling capabilities. 

Non-Drowsy Seasick Patches 

If your itinerary is taking you through rough waters, like the Drake Passage or the Tasmanian Sea, be prepared with remedies to fight motion sickness. More than 11,500 reviewers swear by these seasick patches that use a holistic herbal blend to fight nausea. The onboard medical center offers Dramamine to seasick guests, which will make you sleepy and groggy. If you want to stay alert while fighting the nausea, these non-drowsy patches are the way to go. A few crew tips for fighting sea stomach: stay on the upper levels of the ship, munch on green apples, and keep your eyes on the horizon. 

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14 Essential Cruise Packing Tips

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: April 28th, 2023

• Find a Cruise

Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or are about to embark on your maiden voyage, there are always ways to refine your packing, whether you want to fit more in, travel lighter, or simply travel more efficiently.

Here are some of the best cruise packing tips to consider when you’re preparing for your next vacation.

1: Make a List

Resort Deck on Celebrity Beyond

Are you the kind of person who thinks, “But what if…?” and ends up packing for multiple climates and every sartorial eventuality? Then the best place to start is to consider where you’re going, what you might want to do while you’re there, and make a cruise packing list .

Daywear is as it would be on any vacation: casual shorts, jeans, T-shirts, sundresses. Evenings are a little dressier than, say, a vacation rental or a camping trip, but that’s all part of the fun. If you forget any essentials, don’t worry; you can buy them on board.

2: Decode the Dress Code

Rooftop Garden on Celebrity Beyond

Celebrity Cruises’ evening dress code is really simple. Best of all, it’s largely open to interpretation, so you can express yourself.

Evenings on board are either Smart Casual or Evening Chic. Smart Casual means tasteful dress, skirts, long pants or jeans, and a stylish top or button-down. Shorts, bathing suits, cover-ups, and flip-flops should be kept for the pool by day.

So what is Evening Chic? For women, it’s a cocktail dress with heels, for example, or palazzo pants with a floaty top, or slacks, or designer jeans with an elegant top or blazer. Ballgowns and tiaras can be left at home, unless that’s how you like to dress, in which case, it’s fine; you can never be too overdressed on a cruise.

For men, Evening Chic does not mean sweltering in a tux and bowtie on a hot Caribbean night. Stylish trousers or designer jeans with a shirt, jacket optional, is fine. Suits and ties are welcome, but not required.

If you’re short on packing space, outfits for evenings can be mixed and matched. Different color tops, a silk scarf, or glittery flats one day and strappy sandals the next can make a single pair of evening pants work harder.

The reality is, nobody is likely to be clocking what you wear on your cruise every night. Your fellow guests are too busy enjoying their vacation.

Note, too, that all of Celebrity Cruises’ ships have super-efficient laundry service, so don’t feel you have to pack 14 outfits for a 14-day cruise.

3: Pack for the Pool

Swimwear aside, here are a few cruise packing tips and tricks for pool and beach time. Towel clips are handy for windy days. They come in bright colors and will stop your towel from flying away the minute you get up.

To save applying endless doses of sunblock to kids, invest in sunsuits. They come in bright colors, dry really quickly and most have an SPF of at least 50.

Adult rash vests are great, too, if you plan to spend a lot of time snorkeling on beach days and don’t want a burned back.

You don’t need to pack a pool towel, as these are provided. A cover-up is useful for when you need to head back to the stateroom. A floaty kaftan for pool and beach hides a multitude of sins. You’ll need a sun hat that won’t fly away on a sea breeze, too.

4: Look the Part Ashore

Mykonos, Greece

Put some thought into where you’re going. In Europe, many churches and cathedrals won’t let you in with bare shoulders and legs, so a scarf is a useful accessory. Entering a mosque or a temple requires similarly modest garb.

There’s nothing to say you should want to dress like a local, but if you want to fit into the Mediterranean summer scene, keep it simple and stylish.

When packing for a Mediterranean cruise , consider bringing a Panama hat, as it always adds a dash of panache. The folding versions that roll up in a tube can be packed in your luggage.

Denali National Park, Alaska

When you’re packing for an Alaska cruise , bring layers for daywear; Alaska can be surprisingly warm and unsurprisingly wet. High-tech, wicking fabrics are best.

When packing for the Galapagos , you’ll need lightweight clothing in neutral colors and some sturdy shoes that will double up for wet landings and hiking over rocky ground.

And while it’s comical-looking and not remotely cool, a fold-up rain poncho for each family member is always worth having at the bottom of your bag.

5: Footwear Fixes

Most likely, you’ll want flip flops for days around the pool, something dressier for the evening (sandals for women that go with everything, deck shoes or loafers for men), and something sturdier for walking around in port or taking a stroll on deck.

If you’re sailing somewhere like Croatia , where beaches tend to be pebbly, pack jelly shoes or mesh water shoes for kids (and yourself).

Should your adventures take you to Alaska, Norway, or Iceland, you might want to consider lightweight walking boots. Some adventure activities like zip-lining require closed-toe shoes, too.

And remember that Celebrity Cruises’ ships have high-tech gyms and group workouts, so you might want to pack sneakers.

6: In Praise of Packing Cubes

What’s not to love about packing cubes? You can pack items in categories, like evening, underwear, and workout gear. They’re neater, and you can fit more into a suitcase.

Some savvy cruisers go even further and buy vacuum packs, which flatten even bulky items down to nothing—helpful if you’re traveling somewhere like Alaska and are packing fleeces and padded jackets.

Be careful with these, though; often, you flatten them by sucking the air out with a vacuum cleaner. Unless you take a hand pump with you, they’re much harder to squish down for the journey home. They can also leave you with overweight luggage if you’re too efficient.

7: Be Clever With Your Carry-On

Sunset Bar on Celebrity Beyond

On embarkation day , if you plan to head straight to the pool for a swim, a top cruise packing tip is to put everything you’ll need in your carry-on.

If you’re flying to your embarkation point, you can use a packing cube to bring your favorite or essential items of clothing in your carry-on.

Other things that should always go in the carry-on include your valuables, documentation, a plug adapter, your house keys, medication, and a laptop (if you’re bringing one).

8: Invest in Bathroom Space Savers

However much space you have in your bathroom, a hanging washbag will create more. Stash it on the back of the bathroom door, and you’ve created instant storage for extra sunblock and other bulky items.

If you’re sharing a stateroom with kids, which a lot of families do, you’ll be grateful for that extra space.

If you’re on regular medication, a pill organizer is handier than a bag full of bottles. Plan for a few extra days, though, just to be sure.

You don’t need to travel with a vast pharmacy as you can buy essentials on board, and every ship has a well-equipped medical center, but a small first aid kit is worth having.

Band-aids, pain killers, insect repellent, bite cream or spray, motion sickness medication, antihistamines, and stomach relief medication should be enough for unplanned incidents.

Celebrity Edge amenities

You won’t need to bring shampoo or soap, both of which are provided. So is body lotion, but you might want to throw in a big tube of aftersun or aloe vera to cool off any sunburn.

9: Organize Your Stateroom

Infinite Veranda Stateroom on Celebrity Beyond

Take time to explore your stateroom, especially if you’re a first-time cruiser . Celebrity Cruises’ accommodation is designed with all kinds of clever storage, so check behind mirrors, in stools, under the bed (where you can stash your suitcases), and in every cupboard. You’ll be amazed at how much space there actually is.

Stash suitcases under the bed as soon as you’ve unpacked (and if they’re too box-shaped, unzip them and they should fit). Pack a cloth drawstring bag in which to keep dirty clothes before you use the ship’s laundry.

Read: What to Expect Your First Time on a Cruise

10: Don’t Forget Your Gadgets

You may opt for a digital detox on vacation, but the reality is, especially with kids in tow, you’ll arrive with a selection of electronic equipment like smartphones and cameras.

An e-reader is great for bookworms, as a suitcase full of paperbacks isn’t especially practical. A selfie stick is good for candid family shots, while a waterproof smartphone case will protect your phone at the beach and pool.

Whale-watching in Alaska

If you’re going somewhere like Alaska, binoculars are essential for whale-watching and bear-spotting.

For long journeys, kids tend to love losing themselves in music or streaming, so a good set of headphones—the chunky wireless models, which are less likely to get lost at the bottom of a bag—can make a great travel accessory.

11: Power Up

While Celebrity Cruises’ staterooms are extremely well equipped with charging points, a family of four sharing will inevitably compete for USB sockets.

Invest in a lightweight multi-USB charger, and you can power up several gadgets at once. Don’t bring a regular power strip; they’re not safe on cruise ships.

An external power pack for smartphones is a good idea, especially if you’re out all day using the phone for power-hungry activities like video. Pack spare camera batteries for the same reason.

Read: Things Not to Do on a Cruise

12: Special Considerations for Kids

Pack any medication your children might need, and keep it in your carry-on if you’re flying to your embarkation port.

As any parent knows, snacks are essential for long journeys. You won’t need to worry about these on board; one of the joys of cruising is that growing kids with bottomless appetites will never go hungry.

Some of the best cruise packing tips for families are to bring a few beach toys along, as well as distractions for journeys, from coloring books to hand-held games.

A favorite cuddly toy from home is always comforting and makes a stateroom look more welcoming. On a cruise with a toddler , you might want to pack a night light. Bringing along playing cards or your favorite game is always a good idea, too.

13: The Perfect Day Pack

Whether you opt for a rugged backpack for excursions or a stylish tote for the pool or beach, you’ll need a day pack. If you’ve got kids in tow, you’ll need a bag big enough to bring along their essentials and yours.

On hikes, a backpack is obviously best as it keeps both hands free. If you’re into kayaking and other watery pursuits, a dry bag will protect valuables.

14: Take Advice From the Experts

Craft Social

Experienced travelers have all sorts of cruise packing tips they’ve picked up over the years. Some favorites include:

• A tiny night light for the bathroom to save you from waking up your partner and using your phone as a flashlight.
• Magnetic hooks for extra hanging space.
• Wrinkle-free spray if you need a quick fix to get the creases out of an outfit for dinner.
• Insulated water bottles to keep your water cool all day.
• Plastic bags for anything from snacks to items for the beach that can’t get wet.
• A highlighter pen so you can mark up what you’d like to do on the daily program.
• Some experienced cruisers swear by their favorite room fragrance for the bathroom, too.

Some families with teens travel with a magnetic whiteboard and pens, so you can stick the whiteboard to the wall and leave each other notes (though you can also communicate through the Celebrity app ).

Celebrity Beyond

Ready to pack and set sail? Browse our website for unforgettable cruise itineraries and book your next vacation today.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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Alaska cruise packing list: 36 must-have items.

Your cruise packing list for Alaska will look a little bit different than the one you'd use for the Caribbean.

Alaska Cruise Packing List

Getty Images

Stay warm and dry in Alaska by ensuring you've packed the right gear.

Alaska is one of the most stunning places to visit on Earth. The vast pristine wilderness, ever-changing landscapes and opportunity to view wildlife – including bear, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, wolves, and marine mammals such as orcas and humpback whales – are just a few of the reasons it's one of the most popular cruise destinations.

An Alaska cruise , however, can be difficult to pack for with big swings in temperatures, rainy days in the forecast and even experiencing four seasons in one day ashore. You'll need a strategic plan to pack for your trip especially if you're cruising during the colder months of April and October at the tail ends of the Alaska cruising season . U.S. News has compiled a list of essential items and ones you'll be glad you brought to round out your cruise packing list.

• For the cabin
• For the ship and onshore excursions
• For the journey

(Note: Any mentioned prices were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate.)

For the cabin  

Portable humidifier.

It gets cold in Alaska, especially at nighttime, so you may need to turn on the heat in your stateroom. If you've traveled in the winter on a cruise ship, you'll know that the dry warm air combined with the airtight seal in the cabin can cause several issues, including difficulty sleeping and dry skin. The MOVTIP Portable Mini Humidifier ( less than $30 on Amazon ) is compact and lightweight at 9.5 ounces, so you can easily pack it into your carry-on or checked luggage . It has two mist modes, acts as a nightlight in your cabin and has an automatic shut-off when the water level is too low.

Magnetic hooks

A fun fact: The walls of a cruise ship are made of metal, so you can use them for extra hanging space when you bring along magnetic hooks for the trip. There are plenty of plain silver magnets on Amazon to choose from, but DIYMAG heavy-duty magnetic hooks are available in bold colors like green, red and purple. That way, each person can have their own color-coded hook. The extra hanging space will come in handy with all the layers you'll need for your cruise. You'll also appreciate having the hooks for wet gear after shore excursions .

Motion sickness remedies

Courtesy of Sea-Bands

Sea-Bands, which you can find on Amazon for less than $15 , are a must-have item if you're prone to motion sickness. A drug-free alternative to medicines like Dramamine, they use an acupressure point to minimize nausea and vomiting. You never know when you'll encounter rough seas, especially if you're on a small vessel . You can even get motion sickness riding in one of the whale watching boats, so it's best to come prepared. Be sure to start wearing the bands before you get on the ship.

If you need something stronger than the Sea-Bands to quell the nausea, Dramamine has a less drowsy version that's recommended by pharmacists. Another motion sickness alternative is to wear the prescription scopolamine transdermal patch, which lasts up to three days, behind your ear. Ginger chews are an option for mild cases of upset stomach; you can purchase a pack of them on Amazon for $5 .

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

It's a good idea to keep moisturizing eye drops in your toiletry bag , backpack or handbag, especially if you're prone to dry eye. The cabins on the ship can get warm and arid, as mentioned above, particularly when you need to turn on the heat. Systane on-the-go vials are an excellent choice for hydration. Lumify is another option if your eyes have a problem with redness.

Courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.

Alaskan cruises are a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many travelers, so you'll want to record every moment of your adventure. Rifle Paper Co. sells sets of three stitched notebooks with beautiful floral and nature designs. Each book has 64 ruled pages and gold foil accents. There's even a Bon Voyage-themed set that's perfect for journaling your cruise travels.

Read: The Top Travel Accessories, Chosen by Our Editors

Wrinkle release spray

Travel irons are not permitted on cruise ships, so a travel-size bottle of Downy's Wrinkle Release Plus spray comes in handy for getting rid of wrinkles. It also acts as an odor eliminator and static remover. To remove wrinkles, it works best if you spritz the garment first and then hang it in the shower so the steam can work its magic, too. For tougher wrinkles in fabrics like linen, you might need to send the garment out for pressing. If you do, be sure to give it at least a 24-hour turnaround time if you're planning to wear the item on a specific evening.

Travel-size bathroom sprays

There are several companies that make travel-size bathroom sprays, including Poo-Pourri, Fresh Wave and Flushie. They are all available on Amazon. If you prefer aromas beyond the traditional lavender vanilla and citrus scents, Poo-Pourri sells its 2-ounce packable sprays in pumpkin spice, apple, coconut and more.

Over-the-door organizer

It's best to stay organized when you're on a cruise, especially if you're not traveling solo . Storage space is limited in the closet and in the bathroom, so you'll want to keep your items separate. An over-the-door organizer, such as Bagsmart's hanging toiletry bag ( less than $30 on Amazon ), is an excellent choice for securing smaller items, such as jewelry, lip balm and travel-size sunscreen. The clear, zippered pockets are also large enough to accommodate full-size moisturizers and other makeup items.

Electronics organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

Keep your cords, battery chargers and any items for your camera – like SD cards – in one place with this electronics organizer from Bagsmart . It's easy to pack in your carry-on and even carry in your backpack or daypack if you'll need access to some of the items during the day. Everything is visible, zipped up and secure so you won't lose anything either in the room or in transit.

Flip-flops are great to have to walk around the stateroom, especially if your accommodations don't come with a plush robe and slippers. It's nice to shed heavier boots and shoes after exploring outside and have something easy to slip on your feet. Reef makes all types of flip-flops, and you can purchase the basic styles on Amazon for less than $35 a pair .

For the ship and onshore excursions  

Disinfecting wipes.

If you don't like the tacky feeling that hand sanitizers can leave on your hands, consider packing antibacterial wipes such as Wet Ones . They kill 99.99% of the germs, so they're also useful for wiping down surfaces (think tables in the buffet restaurant). These wipes are perfect to pack for an excursion or to use while enjoying the ship if you want a quick refresh.

It doesn't have to be sunny outside for you to need protection from the sun. You'll be outdoors a lot in Alaska and will want to use sunscreen with at least an SPF 15, as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Reef-safe sunscreen is better for you, the environment and the wildlife as it eliminates the use of certain chemicals and ingredients. Save the Reef's website has a list of reef-safe and ocean-friendly brands that include: All Good ( available in travel-size tubes on Amazon ), Mama Kuleana and Badger ( also sold on Amazon ).

Read: Sustainable Travel: Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler

Insect repellent

Courtesy of Badger

The height of mosquito season runs from the second week of June to the end of July. Pesky bugs are not typically as bad in the places where most tourists visit, but that will depend on the type of cruise you take. DEET-based sprays, like Cutter Backwoods Repellent are the most effective against mosquitoes, but there are alternatives. Badger makes an organic DEET-free repellent with lemongrass and citronella, and it comes in a travel-size.

Hiking poles

Lightweight collapsible hiking poles are important to pack, especially if you're going on adventurous treks looking for wildlife in the woods. Covacure's set of two trekking poles costs about $35 on Amazon . They're made of aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, so they're strong, and they fold down to less than 14 inches each. They also have foam handles, three types of rubber tips for the poles and adjustable wrists straps. The set comes with a carry bag.

Read: The Top Alaska Tours

A dry bag is essential – particularly for water-based shore excursions – if you're carrying a camera, a cellphone or other items that can't get wet. HEETA's 5-liter waterproof dry bag ( on Amazon for about $15 ) comes in a wide selection of colors. There are also larger sizes, depending on your needs. The clear plastic allows you to see what's inside, and you can carry the bag over the shoulder or as a backpack.

Rain jacket and pants

Courtesy of Columbia

The weather can be unpredictable in Alaska, with rain occurring at any time. In the Inside Passage, August and September are typically the rainiest months. In the Southwest part of the state, which includes Katmai National Park, it rains nearly half the month from May to September. If you want to go, travelers during those months especially will want to pack some rain protection for the outdoors; to stay dry, invest in fabric that is water-repellent and not just water-resistant. Columbia has a selection of rain jackets and rain pants with everything from lightweight packable shells to pieces with fleece lining for colder weather.

Silk thermal long underwear

Silk thermals are a great base layer for the weather in Alaska when you need extra warmth. The 100% silk interlock fabric is lightweight, breathable and thin enough to fit under other layers. It also naturally wicks moisture. L.L.Bean's collection of silk thermals includes tops and bottoms for both men and women.

Mid-layers are also known as insulating layers, which include fleece and windproof or insulated jackets. These garments should be breathable, quick-drying and able to keep you warm by trapping body heat without making you feel cold or clammy. Helly Hansen makes a lightweight, zippered Polartec Daybreaker Fleece Jacket for women and men that comes in a variety of colors. If you would rather wear a jacket for a mid-layer, the Gore-Tex website has a large selection of windproof and insulated jackets in collaboration with brands like Marmot, Patagonia and Quicksilver.

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Waterproof shoes and boots

Courtesy of Merrell

Merrell's comfortable shoes and boots are ideal to pack for your Alaskan adventure. If you want a shoe for walking, the Moab Speed Gore-Tex shoe is lightweight, durable, waterproof and made with FloatPro Foam to cushion your feet. It's also available in wider sizes. The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof offers more stability as a hiking boot. It also has extra features for better traction on rugged terrain and an air cushion for maximum shock absorption. Waterproof boots from XTRATUF are another option to consider if you're going to be fishing on small boats on a pre- or post-cruisetour in Alaska.

Read: The Top Walking Shoes for Travel

You'll want several T-shirts for relaxing in your stateroom and layering under your clothes. An old favorite are the Pima cotton, short-sleeved crewnecks from L.L. Bean . They're super soft and wash well. They also make a long-sleeve version that is mostly made of Supima cotton but features modal and spandex for additional comfort.

Bathing suit

While you may not go swimming ashore in Alaska, there's a good chance that you'll want to check out the pools or spa while you're on the ship. In that case, you'll be glad you brought a swimsuit to fully experience the thermal suites available on lines like Celebrity Cruises , Princess Cruises , Viking and Holland America Line .

Warm hat and gloves

Be sure to bring a hat and gloves for the chilly mornings ashore. For a lightweight and packable option, consider Lands End microfleece gloves for men and women , as well as a beanie . Or, if you prefer a natural fiber, a wool beanie and gloves from Smartwool will keep you toasty warm.

Fleece-lined pants

Courtesy of REI

Packing a pair of warm-lined pants for cooler days is essential. The REI Co-Op Sahara Pants are U.S. News' top travel pants pick . There's also a wide selection of fleece-lined leggings and pants on Amazon, including Baleaf fleece-lined leggings . These pants essentially include a base layer, so you won't need silk thermals on days when you wear them.

Packable jacket

A packable lightweight travel jacket is another essential item when traveling to Alaska. You can layer clothes underneath in the morning as you head outdoors, then remove the jacket as it gets warmer throughout the day. The Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is a top pick based on thousands of reviews – and it's windproof and water-resistant. It also comes in a wide selection of colors.

Read: The Top Packable Jackets

Casual clothes

You'll want to bring lightweight layers for daytime excursions off the ship. Columbia has a great selection of nearly wrinkle-free travel pants and bottoms , along with a variety of tops and hoodies . You can mix and match these pieces throughout the week to keep packing at a minimum. In the evenings, you'll want to dress up a bit more in smart casual attire. It's best to check with your cruise line to see what's permitted in the evenings (for example, if men need a jacket to dine in a specialty restaurant), especially if you're on a luxury cruise ship .

Read: What to Wear on a Cruise

Formal clothes and themed evening attire

Some cruise lines, such as Holland America Line, still have formal evenings. It's not required to dress up, but many women wear cocktail attire and men don their suits for the evening. You'll also want to check with your cruise line to see if there are any theme parties on your voyage. If you're on a family-friendly voyage with Disney Cruise Line , you may have a "Freezing the Night Away" theme party with Anna and Elsa and the other characters from "Frozen." Look online or check with your cruise company to see what clothes you need to bring to join in the fun on your cruise.

Read: The Top Themed Cruises

Reusable water bottle

Courtesy of Ello Products

Ditch the plastic and pack a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at onboard water stations before heading off the ship. Amazon has plenty of options to choose from, including colorful soft silicone stainless steel bottles from Ello Cooper in three sizes that come with a straw, a handle and a leakproof locking lid.

Lightweight folding daypack

The Zomake folding daypack will become a regular item in your suitcase, no matter where you go. The 30-liter size weighs about 12 ounces and folds up into a compact pouch. The nylon construction is durable and there are plenty of exterior pockets – there's even an interior pocket with deep storage for items like a wallet or phone. Two mesh side pockets accommodate reusable water bottles. The bag is available in a variety of bold colors for less than $25 on Amazon.

Read: The Top Carry-on Backpacks

Lightweight mirrorless camera and lens

Today's smartphones have impressive cameras, but most phone cameras won't have the same clarity and quality as a regular camera. If you don't want to carry a heavy DSLR camera and lens around on your Alaskan adventure, there are other options. The Canon EOS R10 is an excellent choice for a lightweight mirrorless camera along with the EF-M 18-150 mm lens. You can also purchase a mount adaptor for the camera that will allow you to use your other EF and EF-S Canon lenses.

Read: The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises

While you may have some up-close encounters with wildlife – such as whales coming alongside your boat on a whale watching excursion – most of the wildlife viewing will be at a distance. A good pair of lightweight binoculars is key if you don't want to miss views like bears fishing for salmon along a river or a moose wading through a faraway lake. Bushnell's H20 8X42 binoculars are waterproof and fog-free.

For the journey  

Carry-on bag.

Courtesy of Travelpro

The type of carry-on you use will depend on how you pack. If you're a minimalist and able to stow everything you need for a week in Alaska in a carry-on, then a larger carry-on, such as the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Expandable Spinner , is a great choice. If you're checking a bag and don't need as much space in a carry-on, consider bringing a smaller option like the 21.5-inch Cargo Hauler XT from Eagle Creek . This water-repellent wheeled duffel bag comes in four colors including charcoal and red.

Read: The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces

Garment bag

Delsey makes a checked-size rolling garment bag that will keep your hanging clothes organized and wrinkle-free. It has seven pockets (one exterior and six interior) for storing folded clothes and other items. There are also two compartments that will fit smaller pairs of shoes. You can hang the bag in the stateroom with the door hook if you prefer to leave the items in the bag. Another trick to ensuring wrinkle-free items is to cover your clothes on the hanger with plastic bags like those you'd get at the dry cleaner.

Read: The Top Garment Bags for Travel

Packing cubes

Packing cubes keep clothes neat and organized and mostly wrinkle-free. Luggage brands like Ricardo Beverly Hills and Eagle Creek make well-rated packing cubes and organizers. You can also purchase sets of packing cubes on Amazon, such as the Veken Set 8-piece set , a U.S. News top packing cube pick .

Travel pillow and quilted wrap

Courtesy of Trtl

You'll want a travel pillow to take a nap on your flight en route to your Alaskan cruise. The unique design of the Trtl Travel Pillow supports your head so you don't wake up with neck pain, and the fabric is super soft. It comes in a travel pouch with a hook so you can attach it to your carry-on bag. If you get chilly on flights, Trtl also makes a new packable quilted mini wrap that weighs less than 13 ounces. It comes in a pouch and even has pockets to keep your hands warm or to stash your valuables (such as a passport, wallet or phone) while you nod off.

Read: The Top Neck Pillows for Travel

Medications

Keep your medications with you in a carry-on bag or personal item (such as a handbag) just in case your checked bag is lost or delayed. Request smaller bottles for prescriptions from your pharmacist, so they're easier to pack, and make sure they're clearly labeled should you be questioned by TSA. You'll also want to bring any over-the-counter items you may need, such as antacids or antibiotic ointments. It's possible to buy these items on the ship, but they are expensive.

Read: What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

Collapsible duffel

If you're a shopper and plan to bring home souvenirs to friends and family, you might want an extra bag to pack up the items for the return trip home. Look for a collapsible duffel bag that will fit into your suitcase. There are many options on Amazon, including the Gonex Foldable Duffel . At the end of the cruise, you can offload your dirty clothes to the duffel bag so you'll have space in your suitcase for T-shirts, moose stuffed animals, Alaskan specialties like Captain Jim's Alaska smoked salmon and other memorabilia from your adventure.

Book an Alaska cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What not to pack for your cruise

Small appliances.

Travel irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships due to the fire hazard. As mentioned above, there are several other ways to prevent wrinkles in your clothes. You're also not allowed to bring coffee makers and other small electrical items. In addition, don't bring a hair dryer as they are usually provided in your stateroom.

Alcohol and spirits

Some cruise lines permit guests to bring one or two bottles of wine or Champagne on board the ship, but hard alcohol is almost always not allowed. If you have a beverage package or are sailing on an all-inclusive line , alcoholic beverages will be covered. Check with your cruise line before you sail to see what you can bring on board the ship.

CBD and marijuana

Cannabis is illegal in the U.S., and many cruise ships do not allow any form of CBD, including gummies, oils and lotions. It's best to play it safe and leave these items at home. You don't want to risk having the items thrown away or, in the worst case, not being allowed to board the ship.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has cruised to Alaska and traveled through the state in every season on several land tours. She used her personal experience and extensive research to compile this list of what to pack to cruise to The Great Land.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

• How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Ultimate Cruise Packing List – Printable Checklist Included!

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

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

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

What to Wear on Cruise Vacations

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

Excursion outfits

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

Around the ship

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

Non-formal dining nights

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

Formal night on cruise

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

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

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

Packing List for Cruise

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

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

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

Clothes for Cruise Travel

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

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

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

Accessories

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

Other Things to Bring on a Cruise

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

Electronics

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

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

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

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

Seasickness Prevention

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

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

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

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

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

Cruise Packing List for Men

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

What to Wear on a Cruise Men

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

Shoes & Accessories

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

Cruise Packing List for Kids

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

What to Pack for a Cruise for Kids

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

What to Bring on a Cruise with Kids

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

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

How to Pack for a Cruise

Here’s what luggage I recommend for a cruise:

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

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

Cruise Packing Checklist to Download

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

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

Questions & Comments on What to Pack on Cruise Ships

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

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

Join Our Facebook Group to Chat More About Cruise Packing Tips

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

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Wow, such thorough info! Nice job.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this helps! Marisela

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

pdf is no longer available. Can you help?

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• Food & Drink
• How to Plan
• Shore Excursions
• Onboard Activities
• What to Expect

Ultimate Cruise Packing Tips for First-Timers

By Carnival Cruise Line

• Remember Essential Documents
• Bring a Carry-On Backpack
• Keep a First-Aid Kit
• Use Sun, Bug, and Rain Protection
• Wear Comfortable Closed-Toed Shoes or Water Shoes
• Have Proper Attire For Dinner
• Take a Light Jacket, Sweater, Sweatshirt or Wrap
• Carry a Non-Surge Power Strip
• Use Resealable Plastic Bags
• Bring Hanging Essentials
• Remember Additional Cruising Essentials

After lots of dreaming and planning, you’re going on your first cruise . Now, all you have to do is pack. Don’t worry. This handy cruise packing checklist for first-timers offers all the tips you need for an enjoyable voyage.

Essential Documents

When packing for a cruise, start with a few essential documents. Make sure to bring:

• Your paper or digital airline tickets, if you are flying to your cruise departure port
• Your cruise documents
• Your passport, an enhanced driver’s license or a government-issued birth certificate to show proof of citizenship (take photos of these documents in case of loss)
• A certificate of vaccination (if required)
• A medical insurance card and your medical history
• Copies of your prescriptions and a list of all medications you’re taking

Carry-On Backpack

On the first day of your cruise , it may take a few hours for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom, but you don’t have to wait to have fun. Stuff a carry-on backpack with essentials like your cell phone, wallet, bathing suit and sunglasses, and start swimming, sunning or exploring your ship immediately. When it’s time for shore excursions, pack this handy tote with everything you’ll need for the day and save space for a few souvenirs you’ll pick up along the way.

First-Aid Kit

Chances are, you’ll enjoy every day of your cruise in perfect health, but it’s good to be prepared for small ailments that might pop up like a scratchy throat, a headache or a blister. Bring along a small toiletry bag packed with pain relievers, cough drops, allergy medicine, adhesive bandages, antacids, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial hand gel and seasickness remedies like pills, wrist bands, skin patches or ginger chews.

Sun, Rain and Bug Protection

A few protective items keep cruisers comfortable on board the ship and on land. To guard against harmful UVA and UVB rays, pack sunglasses with UV lenses, sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or more and a brimmed hat.

In the event that you are going on a snorkeling tour, you need to remember to only bring eco-friendly sunscreen, as most tours now only allow that type of sunscreen on their excursions. In case of rain, stay dry with a small umbrella or light raincoat, and prevent bug bites with some travel-sized mosquito repellent.

Comfortable Closed-Toed Sandals or Water Shoes

Your footwear can make or break your cruise vacation. Comfortable, closed-toed sandals or water shoes with anti-slip soles make the perfect choice for staying upright on slippery pool decks, wading in rocky reefs, exploring ancient ruins or shopping till you drop in outdoor markets. For easy transitions from water to land, purchase products made from durable, quick-drying materials.

Proper Attire for Dinner

If you’re cruise packing for the first time, make sure to bring the proper attire for dinner. While you can come as you are at lunchtime, dinner on a cruise calls for more elegant attire. Think smart-casual dress for women and slacks and a collared shirt for men. If you enjoy extra glitz and glamour, you can dress up in cocktail dresses, gowns, suits and ties or tuxedos on “formal night.”

Light Jacket, Sweater, Sweatshirt or Wrap

When you’re at sea, it can get chilly after the sun goes down. Don’t miss out on stargazing from the deck or cozying up in a lounge chair with a box of popcorn for a dive-in movie . Stay warm and comfortable with a light jacket, sweater, sweatshirt or wrap.

Non-Surge Power Strip

These days, travelers depend on lots of electrical gadgets and electronics for a comfortable vacation including phones, tablets, cameras, portable gaming devices, electric shavers, hair dryers and curling irons. Make sure you have enough plug-ins and outlets in your stateroom by packing a non-surge power strip. When shopping, look for one with a few regular outlets and USB ports.

Resealable Plastic Bags

Who knew something as simple as a resealable plastic bag could be a cruiser’s best friend? These handy items take up little space in your suitcase, and they keep your smartphone, wallet and other items safe and dry on water-related shore excursions . When you’re ready to pack for your trip home, use them to store wet toothbrushes or bathing suits.

Hanging Organizers

Few items help keep your stateroom neat and orderly like hanging organizers. A variety of companies sell attractive toiletry bags that can hang on bathroom towel bars and hooks. For all of your toiletry needs, consider packing the following items:

• A comb or brush
• Conditioner
• Non-aerosol hairspray
• A toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Nail polish
• Nail clippers
• A razor and shaving cream

To keep other items like wallets, cell phones, sunglasses and water bottles organized and always at the ready, bring along an over-door shoe organizer with clear pockets.

Additional Cruising Essentials

A few additional essentials help ensure a more enjoyable cruise. To stay extra comfortable throughout your vacation, consider packing these items:

• Magnetic hooks to hold light jackets and bags, hats and wet swimming suits
• Athletic shoes for hitting the jogging track or SportSquare ™
• Wrinkle-release spray and spot stain remover to always look neat and put together
• A waterproof camera for exploring scenic reefs or cenotes
• Reading material like paperback books or magazines
• Magnetic message board for communicating with fellow travelers
• A lanyard for your cruise ship keycard

Because you may not be able to pick up whatever you need when you’re out at sea, it’s important to pack carefully for your first cruise. To ensure you don’t forget any of your must-haves, make use of this handy cruise checklist.

When packing for a cruise, always consider your destination , the duration of your trip, your ship’s onboard activities and the shore excursions you’ll be taking. But most of all, don’t forget to save room pack some new memories during your trip and have fun!

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

Related articles

Plan for fun.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx

How to Pack Like a Pro: British Isle Cruise (Free Packing List)

A re you going on a British Isle cruise? Below, I will give you some travel tips on what to pack for your European cruise to England, Ireland and Scotland. Plus, I will share my British Isle cruise packing list as a free PDF printable that you can download and use as a checklist to help you with your cruise packing.

British Isle Cruise Packing Tips

When you go on a British Isle cruise, be prepared for weather fluctuations. First of all, rain is common in England, Ireland and Scotland. You need to be prepared for rain anytime. 

Also, the temperature can fluctuate a lot from cruise port to cruise port. For example, I went on a summer British Isle cruise, one day it was tank top weather high 80’s F and it was a good day to take a dip in the pool. Then the following day it was chilly, in the high 50’s F where you need a jacket. 

Plus you will be on an air conditioned cruise ship. When packing for your UK cruise, you have to pack with layering in mind. You should have clothes and accessories that can be versatile for rainy days to cool evenings. 

Looking to save money on your cruise? 21 Smart and Easy Ways to Save Money on a Cruise

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What to Pack for Your British Isle Cruise

Pack a few pairs of pants that are comfortable and easy to mix and match. Jeans, khakis and capris are great. 

Pack a variety of shirts that can suit different occasions and temperatures. You can pack t-shirts, polo shirts, button-down shirts, or blouses. You can also layer your shirts with a cardigan or a jacket.

3. Sweatshirts and/or Sweaters

Pack a few sweatshirts and/or sweaters that can keep you warm and cozy on the ship or on shore. 

You will need a jacket when you go on your British Isle cruise. It’s best to pack a waterproof jacket that will keep you warm and dry. It’s common for it to rain out of the blue with no warning and then be sunny immediately after. 

5. Socks and Underwear

Pack extra socks and underwear. Especially if you swim, that means you will need an extra underwear to change into. I always add extra, for example if you are going on a 10 day cruise, bring 14 underwear. 

6. Eveningwear (dress, jacket)

You will want to dress up on your British Isle cruise. Although the dress code is often optional, it’s always nice to dress up for the different evening dinners such as captain’s dinner, the gala night, or the farewell party. There are also a lot of photographers at the cruise so it’s always nice to be dressed up when you get your picture taken. I always try to get our family photo during cruises because it’s a lot less expensive to buy them on the cruise than having to go to a studio back home.

7. Hats or Baseball Caps

Pack a few hats or baseball caps that can protect you from the sun.

8. Gym Clothes with Sneakers

When I go on cruises, I always forget to pack gym clothes and I always regret not packing any gym clothes. They are perfect for working out on sea days or just relaxing on the ship (even if you don’t exercise).  

Pack some pajamas that are cozy and comfortable.

10. Flip Flops

Pack a pair of flip flops, you will need them when you go to the pool. It also doubles as slippers when you are in your cabin. 

11. Umbrella

Pack a small and compact umbrella that can fit in your bag. Trust me, you will be glad you have an umbrella for when it rains while you are out sightseeing. I suggest packing one umbrella per person so everyone has their own umbrella. 

12. Sunglasses

Don’t forget your sunglasses! It’s a must-bring for British Isle cruises.

13. Mesh Laundry Bag

Pack a mesh laundry bag that can help you organize your dirty clothes.

14. External Battery Packs

Pack a few external battery packs that can charge your devices and that can last for a long time. I like these external battery packs because they have a built-in flashlight. 

15. Chargers

Don’t forget to pack the chargers for your phone and other electronic devices!

16. European Plug Adapter

A European plug adapter is a useful item for your British Isle cruise. Depending on the cruise ship, you may or may not need one on board. However, if you are staying in a European hotel before or after your cruise, you will definitely need one. For UK and Ireland hotels, use this US to UK Travel Plug adapter . For other European countries, the Type C plug with two round pins will work. 

17. Electronics (iPad, Switch)

Don’t forget your devices to keep you and your family entertained – such as iPad, Switch, or Kindles. You will have some downtime during the cruise, especially on sea days, and you may want to use your devices. To avoid using your internet data or paying for a subscription on the ship, I recommend downloading movies and games at home before you board the ship.

18. Travel Coffee Mug

A travel coffee mug that can keep your drink hot or cold is a must-have for your cruise. I recommend these 20 oz insulated mugs with lids . I love filling mine with water or seltzer and adding some lemon for a refreshing drink. It’s so convenient to have it with me all day on sea days. You’ll thank me later when you don’t have to go to the buffet every time you need water.

19. Refillable water bottles

Refillable water bottles will come in handy during your Mediterranean cruise. Most cruise ships don’t provide free water in your cabin, unless you purchase the bottled water from the cruise line or get water from the buffet. I like to fill up my water bottles with water and ice and take it to my cabin. I also do the same when I go ashore. Don’t bring water bottles with straws since it’s a hassle to wash. I like these insulated water bottles without straws .

20. Bathing Suit and Swim Goggles

Since you are going on a British Isle cruise, you will most likely not be spending a lot of time by the pool since most days it will be too cold to swim. However, I’ve been on a June British Isle cruise and there were some days where it was pool weather! Also, if your cruise ship has an indoor pool, you may want to take a dip during one of the sea days. Bring your bathing suit and goggles just in case! 

21. Walking Shoes

You will be doing a lot of walking and visiting castles when you go on a British Isle cruise. Definitely bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and when you go on shore excursions exploring castles. 

22. Sunblock

Pack some sunblock that can protect your skin and that can fit in your bag. I like to pack at least a 50 SPF sunblock. I usually bring a sunblock stick for the face and cream for the body. 

Check out: 30 Unusual Things to Pack for a Cruise: Things You Didn’t Know You Need

23. Tote Bag or Backpack

Pack a tote bag or backpack for when you go on shore excursions. It will come in handy to put drinks and snacks when you’re out sightseeing.   

24. Resealable Plastic Bag (Ziploc)

Pack some resealable plastic bags or Ziploc. It will come in handy to store snacks. If you have kids, you can get some Cheerios from the breakfast buffet and bring them down with you at the port for a snack. 

25. Luggage Scale

I always bring a luggage scale with me because it’s so easy to go over the airline checked baggage weight limit. To save me the stress and the hassle of having to move items around if one of my luggage is overweight, I always bring a luggage scale with me so I can weigh it to make sure it’s not overweight. I like this manual luggage scale with hook . 

Lost luggage is a major headache when it comes to traveling. Why not give yourself peace of mind by putting an AirTag in each of your checked luggage. That way, if you ever encounter lost luggage, you know where it is!

27. Evening Bag or Clutch Bag

Pack an evening bag or a clutch bag that will go with your evening wear. I personally like clutch bags with wrist straps so I can keep my hands free especially when I’m at the buffet. 

28. Shawl/Pashmina

A shawl or a pashmina is a handy item to pack for your British Isle cruise. You can use it to keep warm in the chilly dining rooms when you wear a dress. It also comes in handy as a blanket when you’re in the air conditioned bus during your shore excursion.

29. Dressy shoes

Pack a pair of dressy shoes that can complement your evening wear. Make sure it’s comfortable because that’s your only dressy pair!

Check out: 8 Reasons Why Balcony Cabins are Worth It on Your Next Cruise

30. Swim Cover Up

Pack a swim cover up. It’s especially useful when you are at the pool and just want to go to the buffet to grab a quick bite, you can easily put on the swim coverup. Of course, if you don’t plan to swim even if there is an indoor pool, then you don’t need a swim cover up.

31. Lip Balm with SPF

Pack a lip balm with SPF that can moisturize your lips and prevent sunburned lips. 

32. Lanyard

Pack a lanyard to hold your cruise card. Trust me, you will wish you had a lanyard because you need your cruise card for everything- getting on and off the ship, buying in the gift shop and getting into your cabin. It’s a hassle to have to rummage in your bag to find your cruise card. Do know that some ships will have wristbands (kind of like the Disney MagicBand) or even Medallion necklaces so you don’t need lanyards. 

33. Walkie Talkie

If you are traveling with family or a big group, it’s nice to have a way to communicate to each other onboard. Cellphone service is poor and internet service is expensive. Bringing a long range walkie talkie is an easy way to stay in touch and it can be a lot of fun for kids to use.

34. Binoculars with strap

I always pack binoculars when I go on cruises. It’s fun to use when your balcony. Definitely get one that is compact, lightweight and with a strap .

35. Seasick Medicine

Years ago, cruise ships used to give out seasick medicine freely. Now, I find that is not the case. It’s best to bring your own seasick medicine (unless you want to pay Cruise ship gift shop pricing!)  If you are cruising with kids, you should bring seasick medicine for kids – they are chewable and the dosage is meant for children. Check out: Cruise without Seasickness: Genius Tricks You Need to Know

36. Cross Body Bag with zipper

A cross body bag is a great choice for British Isle cruises since it can keep your valuables safe and handy. It’s also more convenient than a shoulder bag, as it stays close to your body and does not slip off. Make sure it has a zipper to keep your valuables secure. I like this crossbody bag that has RFID to prevent identity theft by keeping your credit card information secure. 

37. 1 Bottle of Wine (check cruise policy)

Most cruise lines will allow you to bring one bottle of wine on the ship when they board. You are allowed to bring one 750 ml unopened bottle of wine or champagne per person. Any alcohol that you buy ashore will be taken and kept until the end of the cruise. Double check with your cruise line before you bring wine. 

38. Corkscrew (no knife)

If you are planning to bring wine, don’t forget your corkscrew so you can enjoy it in your cabin. If you bring your wine to the dining rooms, you will be charged a corkage fee. Just make sure you pack a corkscrew that does not have a knife, as some cruises may have security rules or regulations for bringing sharp objects. To be safe, check your cruise policy.

39. Cash (small bills)

Pack some cash in small bills. It will come in handy for tipping. Of course, you can always get change from the guest services desk. But if you bring your own, you will avoid the long lines at Guest Services.

40. Travel Documents (Passport/Tickets)

Don’t forget your passport and tickets and other Identification for travel.

41. Photocopy of Passport/Cards

Pickpocketing is a common problem in Europe, so you should pack photocopies of your passport and your credit cards as a backup. If your wallet gets stolen, you can call the credit card companies to cancel the card and report the theft. You can also go to your consulate to report the loss of your passport, which will be easier if you have a photocopy of it.

Check out: I’ve Been on over 25 Cruises, Here are 17 Things I’ll Never Do on a Cruise

42. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Comb

Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hairbrush, they don’t provide this on the cruise ship. You will have to buy it from the cruise gift shop if you forget to bring yours.  

43. Laundry detergent

British Isle cruises are typically long. You might need to wash some clothes. If you want to save money and avoid running out of clean clothes, you can wash some of your garments in the sink or the shower. Bring some laundry detergent to make it easier. I like these travel detergent packs .

44. Moisturizers and Face soap

Pack moisturizers, face cream and face soap. You don’t want to break your daily routine just because you are traveling. 

47. Shampoo/Conditioner (if you like to use your own)

This is optional. You don’t need to pack shampoo, conditioner, or body wash for the cruise ship, as they usually provide them in the shower dispensers. However, if you are picky about your hair products, like me, you may want to bring your own shampoo and conditioner.

48. Medication

Don’t forget to pack your medication. Bring some over-the-counter meds for allergies and pain relief.  If you take prescription medicine, bring extra in case of emergencies. You never know when you might get stranded due to a flight cancellation or a strike, which are common in some European airports, especially in France. I’ve gotten stuck in France many times because of strikes!

49. Lysol Wipes

I always pack Lysol wipes so I can sanitize my cabin. I like to wipe down the remote control, cabin phone, door knobs and more! 

50. Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a useful item to pack for your British Isle cruise. Even though the ship has many sanitizing stations, you will need your own when you are out on shore excursions exploring castles and museums.

51. Magnetic Hooks

Most cruise cabin walls are made of metal, which means you can use magnets to hang your photos, notes, itineraries, and other papers. I like these cruise magnet hooks to stay organized. I hang baseball caps and cruise lanyards on these magnetic hooks. Just don’t forget to bring them home! 

Check out: 16 Cruise Ship Embarkation Hack (How to Board the Ship Faster)

2 Weeks British Isle Cruise Wardrobe for Women

Here is an example of what to pack on a 14 days British Isle Cruise for women

• 20 pairs of underwear
• 14-18 pairs of socks
• 14 t-shirts/blouse/button down shirts
• 10 pairs of jeans or pants
• 1-2 pairs of leggings (for the gym or sea days)
• 4 sweaters or cardigans or sweatshirts
• 5 sleepwear/PJs
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1-2 blazers 
• 2 dresses or suit
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 pair of very comfortable walking shoes (stylish, not sneakers)
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 bathing suit (optional)
• 1 swim cover ups (optional)
• 1 hat or baseball cap
• 2 shawls or pashminas
• 1 evening bag or clutch bag

2 Weeks British Isle Cruise Wardrobe for Men

Here is an example of what to pack for a 14 days British Isle Cruise for men

• 14 t-shirts/polo shirts/button down shirts
• 10 pairs of jeans/khaki pants
• 1 pair of shorts or sweatpants (for the gym or sea days)
• 4 sweaters or sweatshirts
• 5 sleepwear/pjs
• 2 suits or blazers
• 2 dress pants (match with blazers)
• 4 dress shirts
• 2 ties, belts and cufflinks
• 1 pair of very comfortable walking shoes 

What to Pack in Your British Isle Cruise Carry-On Bag

A large carry-on bag is essential for your British isle Cruise. You should bring a small roller luggage that you can take on board with you and store in the overhead compartment on airplanes. This is because your checked luggage will not be delivered to your stateroom right away on the first day of the cruise. It may take a few hours for your luggage to arrive. Therefore, you should pack your first day essentials in your carry-on bag. Here are some items that I suggest you pack in your carry-on bag.

Lysol Wipes

I like to sanitize my cabin the moment I get in, so I always keep a pack of lysol wipes in my carry on bag. 

Definitely bring your medication in your carry-on bag. My son is allergic to peanuts and I always pack his epipen and allergy medication in the carry-on bag.

Book, Electronics and Toys

There will be some downtime on the first day. If you are cruising with kids, you will need electronics and toys to keep them entertained. I like to bring my book with me just in case.

Toiletry Bag

I always pack my toiletry bag in my carry on so I have access to my face soap if I want to freshen up.

British Cruise Packing List

Get your free British Isle cruise packing list , it’s a one page PDF printable to help you with your cruise packing!

If you need to book shore excursion tours for your British Isle Cruise, a great platform to book tours is with viator .

Check out these cruise packing lists with free printables

Alaska cruise packing list

Caribbean cruise packing list

Mediterranean cruise packing list

Mexico cruise packing list

Bermuda Cruise Packing List

25 Things People Forget to Pack on their Cruise

42 Banned Items you can’t take on a cruise

Check out: Cruise without Seasickness: Genius Tricks You Need to Know

Check out: How Cruise Lines Trick You Into Spending More Money: 12 Sneaky Ways

The post How to Pack Like a Pro: British Isle Cruise (Free Packing List) appeared first on Suburbs 101 .

I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before sailing in the Mediterranean.

• I've been on 50 cruises around the world and took my first Mediterranean route last year.
• Picking the right time of the season to go can make a big difference in your trip.
• Before packing, I always check to see if any of the experiences I've booked have a dress code.

As someone who's taken over 50 cruises all over the world, I know firsthand how popular cruising is this year. But one seabound itinerary people often forget to add to their bucket lists is a Mediterranean cruise .

The dreamy ships take passengers around European destinations like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.

After taking my first Mediterranean cruise last year, here's what I think everyone should know before booking the route.

Going early or late in the sailing season means fewer crowds and better weather.

Many cruise lines, like Virgin, Celebrity, and Disney, start the Mediterranean season in early spring and sail through early fall.

Going early or late in the season usually means you'll have more tolerable weather and smaller crowds in some of the big destinations like Athens .

I made the mistake of going on my Mediterranean cruise at the end of May (over Memorial Day weekend).

Some ports of call, like Nice, France, were easy to get around, but others like Rome were packed to the gills. I wanted the day to end before we even made it to the Vatican on our tour.

Arriving at your embarkation port early is key to having a smooth sailing.

My biggest tip for any cruise — but especially for Americans traveling to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise — is to arrive at your embarkation city at least a day before your sailing starts.

This gives you plenty of time to ensure you make it to the port, especially with the airline delays that typically spike in the summer. The boat isn't going to wait for you i f you don't land on time

Even though it means paying for lodging and likely a few meals before boarding the boat, getting a good night's sleep before a jam-packed vacation is worth it to me.

As a bonus, arriving early also gives you a chance to explore the city.

Be sure to pack at least one shirt with sleeves and bottoms that cover your knees.

Some of the major European tourist destinations have strict dress codes — typically everyone must at least cover their shoulders and knees out of respect.

If you're planning on checking out Vatican Ci t y in Italy or the Meteora monasteries in Greece, b e sure to pack at least one outfit that fits the bill.

Most cruise ships have laundry services (self-serve or valet), so you can wear the same dress-code-approved outfit for a few excursion days if needed.

Food tours are a great way to see a city, taste local dishes, and learn some history.

If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour . I've done tours in places like Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris, and I've never been disappointed.

Food tours can be booked through third-party travel operators, like TripAdvisor or Viator, and offer the chance to see some of the major landmarks of a city, try local dishes, and learn some history all in one outing.

The tours are usually led by locals, which means the guides can also give you some good recommendations if you have time before you need to return to the ship.

Consider booking tours through third-party sites.

Mediterranean cruises can last anywhere from seven days to two weeks, depending on the company and itinerary. Booking every excursion through the cruise line can add up, but luckily, there are typically more affordable options through third-party companies.

But I only book with third-party operators if the ship docks right at the city I want to explore because I never want to miss the all-aboard time.

For example, on my Mediterranean cruise last summer, the ship anchored at Cannes, and I was able to keep my eye on it throughout my excursion.

If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations , I always book excursions through the cruise line. For instance, the day my family and I explored Rome, the ship docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, and we had to take a two-hour bus ride into the city.

Booking with the cruise company guarantees your return to the ship, even if your excursion runs late.

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