Ever wondered What to Pack for a Cruise so you don’t end up with a suitcase full of things you never wear? This post is your ultimate guide to creating a cruise packing list you’ll actually use.
I know how overwhelming it feels when you’re packing for a cruise. Between formal dinners, shore excursions, and sea days, it’s easy to overpack or forget the essentials.
That’s why I’ve put together a simple, practical list of cruise essentials, cruise outfits, travel accessories, and packing hacks that actually make your trip easier.
This post is all about What to Pack for a Cruise.
📦 The Cruise Packing Basics (Non-Negotiables)
Let’s start with the bare essentials you absolutely need:
- Passport or ID – Check destination rules. Some require passports even for closed-loop cruises.
- Cruise boarding pass & travel documents – Keep them handy (print & digital).
- Credit card & some cash – Many cruise lines are cashless onboard, but you’ll want bills for tipping or excursions.
- Health insurance cards & medications – Bring prescriptions in original packaging.
- Luggage tags from the cruise line – Print these before boarding day!
✅ Pro tip: Carry a small personal bag with essentials (meds, docs, a swimsuit) on embarkation day—your luggage might not arrive in your cabin for hours.
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
👗 Cruise Clothing: What to Wear Onboard
Cruises usually involve casual, poolside, and formal nights, so here’s what to bring for every vibe:
👙 Daytime & Pool Wear
- Swimsuits (2–3)
- Cover-ups or sarongs
- Flip-flops or pool sandals
- Sunglasses 😎
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Lightweight beach bag or tote
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Waterproof phone pouch
👟 Daytime Casual & Excursions
- Shorts, tanks, sundresses, tees
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Activewear for gym or excursions
- Lightweight backpack or sling bag
- Reusable water bottle
✨ Evening & Cruise Dinners
- 2–3 smart-casual outfits
- 1–2 formal outfits (long dress, cocktail dress, or suit)
- Dressy shoes or sandals
- Clutch or evening bag
- Jewelry or accessories
🎉 Theme night tip: Some cruises have white parties, ’80s night, or tropical evenings—check ahead!
🛌 Cabin Comfort & Sleep Essentials
Your cabin might be compact, so these items can add a layer of comfort:
- Light sweater or shawl (AC can be chilly!)
- Sleepwear
- Eye mask & earplugs
- Small fan or sound machine (optional, but useful!)
- Magnetic hooks (cruise walls are metal—these help with organization!)
🧴 Toiletries & Personal Care
Your cruise ship may provide the basics, but here’s what most cruisers prefer to bring:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Hairbrush & hair ties
- Shampoo, conditioner & body wash (travel size or bars)
- Deodorant
- Razor & shaving cream
- Face cleanser & moisturizer
- Lip balm with SPF
- After-sun lotion or aloe gel
- Mini first aid kit (band-aids, seasickness meds, pain reliever, etc.)
🧠 Smart Extras (You’ll Thank Yourself Later)
These are the MVPs of smart cruise packing:
- Power strip (non-surge protected) – Outlets are limited.
- Laundry bag – Keeps dirty clothes separate.
- Wrinkle-release spray – Irons are usually not allowed in cabins.
- Ziplock bags – For wet swimsuits or snacks.
- Highlighters or sticky notes – Handy for marking events on cruise schedules.
- Towel clips – Keeps your towel in place on windy decks!
- Binoculars – Amazing for scenic cruises like Alaska or the Mediterranean.
- Book or Kindle – For chill time on deck.
🧒 Packing for Kids on a Cruise? Don’t Forget:
- Kid-friendly snacks & water bottles
- Pool floaties or swim diapers
- Entertainment for downtime (coloring books, tablets)
- Extra clothes & PJs
- Baby monitor (if traveling with infants)
- Stroller (lightweight, foldable)
💻 Tech & Travel Gear Checklist
- Phone & charger
- Portable power bank
- Waterproof phone case
- International adapters (if cruising outside your country)
- Camera or GoPro
- Headphones
- AirTag or luggage tracker
🛍️ What NOT to Pack on a Cruise
Cruise ships are strict with certain items. Leave these at home:
🚫 Irons or steamers
🚫 Candles or incense
🚫 Power strips with surge protectors
🚫 Alcohol (unless allowed by the cruise line)
🚫 Sharp objects or weapons
🚫 Drones (many cruise lines ban them)
📋 FREE Printable: Cruise Packing Checklist
Want to keep it all organized? Download the free printable Cruise Packing Checklist to make packing stress-free! 🖨️🧾
(Available at the end of the post or sign up for the email list!)
🌊 Final Tips for a Smooth Sail
- Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on for embarkation day (you can hit the pool before your luggage arrives).
- Label your luggage clearly with your name and cabin number.
- Bring a light sweater for AC indoors, even in tropical destinations.
- Double-check your cruise line’s dress code before you go.
Ready to sail? With this ultimate cruise packing list, you’ll board that ship fully prepared and feeling fabulous. Just add sunscreen, a piña colada, and a sense of adventure. 🏝️⚓
