Don’t set sail unprepared!
This comprehensive cruise packing checklist covers all your onboard essentials, shore excursion must-haves, and cabin comfort items.
Print this packing list for cruises before your next voyage and cruise with confidence!
The Ultimate Cruise Packing List for Stress-Free Sailing
Save this list for packing for cruise trips and say goodbye to that nagging “I forgot something” feeling!
1. Essential Documents:
• Travel Documents: Passport, cruise documents, boarding passes, visa (if applicable), and copies of important documents.
• Clear Luggage Tag Holders: Protect your cruise line luggage tags from tearing off or getting destroyed in wet weather during embarkation. (Buy From Amazon Here)
• Travel Insurance Information: Keep policy details and emergency contact numbers easily accessible. (Grab Cruise Insurance Here)
• Credit Cards and Cash: Include both USD and local currency for ports of call.
• Vaccination Records: If required for your cruise destinations.
2. Clothing & Accessories:
• Formal Attire: Evening wear for elegant nights – cruise traditions that are worth participating in.
• Smart Casual Outfits: Perfect for main dining room dinners when formal wear isn’t required.
• Casual Shorts: Essential for comfortable port exploration and warm weather sightseeing.
• Comfortable T-shirts: Perfect for shore excursions and casual onboard activities.
• Swimwear (2-3 Sets): Having multiple sets ensures you always have a dry option ready.
• Cover-ups: Essential for moving between pools, hot tubs, and your cabin.
• Underwear and Socks: Pack extra – essential basics that you’ll need plenty of for a multi-day cruise
• Sleepwear/Pajamas: For comfortable nights in your cabin
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll do plenty of walking during shore excursions.
• Dress Shoes: For formal nights and upscale dining venues.
• Sandals/Flip-flops: Perfect for poolside relaxation and casual strolling.
• Light Jacket or Sweater: Ships can be surprisingly cool, especially in air-conditioned areas.
• Hat for Sun Protection: Essential for deck time and sunny port destinations.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from sun glare off the water.
3. Technology & Electronics:
• Smartphone and Charger: Stay connected and capture memories throughout your voyage.
• Portable Power Bank: Stay powered up during long shore excursions when outlets aren’t available. (This is a great travel power bank)
• Phone Flash Drive/Photo Storage Stick: Back up all those vacation photos and videos without relying on ship’s Wi-Fi. – Grab one from Amazon
• Waterproof Phone Case: Essential protection for poolside use and water activities. – Grab one from Amazon
• Cruise Approved Charging Block with Multiple Ports: Cruise cabins notoriously lack sufficient outlets for today’s tech-dependent travelers. Grab a cruise approved power strip from Amazon
• Camera and Charger: Capture those once-in-a-lifetime cruise moments in high quality.
• Headphones: Perfect for entertainment, relaxation, and not disturbing your cabin mate.
4. Cabin Organization & Comfort:
• Magnetic Hooks: Cruise cabin walls are typically made of metal, making these incredibly useful for hanging hats, lanyards, or wet swimwear. – Buy some from Amazon
• Magnetic Tape: Cut to create custom solutions for areas that don’t have metal surfaces. – Grab it from Amazon
• Door Magnets: Cruise ship corridors have identical doors that can be confusing after a fun night out – make yours instantly recognizable. – Grab some from Amazon (or Etsy)
• Over-the-Door Organizer: Hang on the bathroom door to store toiletries, sunscreen, and small items that would otherwise clutter limited counter space. – Grab this handy one from Amazon
• Portable Foldable Clothes Hangers: Cruise cabins never have enough hangers for all your outfits, especially formal wear. – Grab these handy foldable hangers from Amazon.
• Wrinkle Release Spray: Formal nights are a cruise tradition, but tiny cabin bathrooms make ironing impossible. – Grab a bottle from Amazon
• Laundry Pegs: Essential for hanging wet swimwear or rinsed items in your cabin shower or on your balcony.
• Nightlight: Cabins can be very dark, and this prevents stubbing toes during midnight bathroom trips. – Grab some from Amazon
5. Toiletries & Personal Care:
• Sunscreen (High SPF): You’ll be in intense sun reflecting off water – don’t underestimate the need for strong protection.
• Motion Sickness Medications/Remedies: Better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.
• Medications and Health: Prescription medications, pain relievers, motion sickness remedies, and mini first aid kit.
• Silicone Bottle Covers: Protect toiletry bottles from leaking in your luggage. – Grab these handy covers from Amazon
• After-sun Lotion or Aloe Vera: Soothe sun-exposed skin after long days on deck or at beach ports.
• Hand Sanitizer: Keep germs at bay in crowded ship environments.
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Basic essentials that ships may not provide.
• Shampoo and Conditioner: While some ships provide these, having your preferred brands ensures consistency.
• Makeup and Skincare Essentials: Foundation, concealer, mascara, lipstick, face creams, moisturizers, and makeup remover
• Face and Body Care: Face wash, moisturizer, body wash/soap, after-sun lotion, and deodorant for daily freshness.
• Oral Care Essentials: Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss for complete dental hygiene.
• Hair Care Kit: Shampoo, conditioner, styling products, hairbrush, hair accessories, and styling tools.
• Shaving Supplies: Razor and shaving cream for grooming needs.
• Personal Care Items: Hand sanitizer, feminine products, contraception, nail care kit, and perfume.
• Contact Care: Contact lenses and solution if needed.
6. Shore Excursions & Water Activities:
• Day Pack or Small Backpack: A necessity for spending a full day off the boat exploring ports.
• Waterproof Waist Pouch: Perfect for carrying your cruise card, cash, and phone during water-based activities. – Grab one from Amazon
• Waterproof Bag for Electronics: Protect valuables during beach excursions or unexpected rain showers.
• Dry Bags: Essential for beach excursions and water activities to keep belongings completely dry.
• Towel Clips/Bands: Secure your towel to lounge chairs and prevent it from slipping or blowing away on windy deck days. – I love these bands from Amazon
• Binoculars: Enhance wildlife viewing and scenic port approaches.
• Insect Repellent: Essential for tropical and jungle excursions.
• Snorkel Gear: If you plan to snorkel frequently, bringing your own ensures proper fit and hygiene.
• Reef-safe Sunscreen: Required for many Caribbean and Pacific destinations to protect coral reefs.
7. Entertainment & Daily Planning:
• Books or E-reader: Perfect for relaxing on deck or by the pool.
• Highlighter Pens: Each evening you’ll receive a printed schedule – highlighting helps you plan efficiently without missing activities.
• Playing Cards or Travel Games: Great for sea days and socializing with fellow passengers.
• Journal and Pen: Document your cruise memories and experiences.
• Reusable Insulated Drink Container: Keep beverages at the perfect temperature while lounging on deck.
8. General Travel Items:
• Zip-lock Bags (Various Sizes): Organize small items, protect electronics, and separate wet items.
• Foldable Tote Bag: Essential for souvenirs and day trips – choose one that folds small in your luggage. – Grab one from Amazon
• Disinfecting Wipes: Clean surfaces in your cabin and during excursions.
• Stain Remover Pen/Wipes: Quickly address spills before they set, especially important for formal wear. – Buy wipes from Amazon
• Lanyard for Cruise Card: Your cruise card is your lifeline – it’s your room key, payment method, and ID all in one. – Grab some from Amazon
• Travel-sized Laundry Detergent: Wash light items like undergarments in your cabin sink. – Grab some from Amazon
9. Optional Items:
• Underwater Camera: Capture amazing underwater memories during snorkeling and swimming.
• Portable Fan: Personal cooling for hot, still days on deck or in ports.
• Thermal Coffee Mug: Keep your morning coffee perfect while watching the sunrise from your balcony.
• Rain Jacket or Poncho: For unexpected weather during port visits
• Workout Clothes: If you plan to use the ship’s gym or participate in fitness activities
Final Thoughts on Our List for Packing for a Cruise
With this comprehensive cruise packing checklist, you’ll never board a ship unprepared again.
This guide covers what to pack for a cruise – from elegant formal nights to adventurous shore excursions – ensuring you have everything needed for the perfect voyage.
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Vacation Travel Planning Guide:
**🚑 Do I need travel insurance?
100% YES! — Visitors need travel insurance for emergencies. I recommend SafetyWing.
**🚙💨 How to get around whilst traveling?
By Car: Renting a car through DiscoverCars gives you the freedom to explore charming hilltop towns and vineyards at your own pace.
By Train: For travel between major cities, trains are efficient and affordable – book tickets through Omio.
**📲 Will my phone work in another country?
Maybe — But you might come back to massive bill as it might be pricey. For the best experience, I recommend getting an SIM Card online before you travel.
**🏩 What’s the best way to book accommodation?
My go-to for hotels is Booking.com. However we often prefer a more authentic experience, and book apartments and homes through VRBO.
**✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
