Particularly for first-timers unsure of exactly what to anticipate, packing for a cruise can be difficult. When you’re cruising in the middle of the ocean, and you can’t go to the closest shopping mall to grab anything you forgot, the work gets much more taxing.
You need a cruise packing list that takes into consideration cruise line dress codes for daywear and evening wear, the different activities you will engage in on board and in port, the gear you will need for travel and to improve your cruise cabin, and the daily needs as well as unanticipated ones.
We have compiled 103 basic items you should always carry for each cruise trip. Use our cruise packing guide to prevent packing errors and get ready for everything on your next sailing.
Cruise Packing List: From Basics to Luxuries
Daytime Apparel
Start with the basics—what you intend to wear every day—when packing for a cruise.
On any cruise line, daytime attire is laid back; on a big-ship cruise, almost everything goes. You could feel out of place in your cheap tee from Target on a more elegant or luxury cruise ship since casual daywear usually reflects more fashion-forward and stylish trends.
Of course, the location and climate will determine exactly what gets on your cruise packing list. You’ll want lots of beachwear for a Caribbean cruise; for an Alaska trip, you’ll require tough gear for hiking and warm layers for the usually changing weather. For visiting holy places in the Middle East and Asia, you might want to wear something covering the knees and shoulders.
Pack a jacket for that Bahamas trip or a short-sleeved top for an Arctic sailing; any location can be unseasonally warm, cold or damp. Just in case.
Pack activewear if you intend to keep fit on your trip and schedule a visit to the onboard gym or bike in port. On a short warm-weather trip, I once neglected to take socks and felt let down when I was denied access to the bungee trampoline on the ship.
Particularly if they want group pictures on board, cruisers heading in a group should think about coordinating clothing. Common are group T-shirts and color-coordinated clothing suitable for everyone from young children to elders. Most importantly, make sure you have packed underwear.
Plan to wash laundry on your cruise ship; pack one outfit for every day. I enjoy looking for methods to make use of items to conserve room. For dinner, for instance, I’ll wear a top with a skirt or dress pants and then wear the same shirt with jeans at port the next day. Alternatively, I’ll wear one solid color outfit twice with various accessories.
Here is your daywear packing list; adjust the figures to suit your sailing length:
- T-shirts
- Casual tops
- Sundresses
- Shorts
- Jeans
- Slacks
- Underwear
- Socks
- Workout wear
- Bathing suits and swimwear
- Cover-up or swim shirt
- Jacket
- Sweatshirt or sweater
Evening Clothing
Certain cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, have a laid-back approach toward dinner wear and let you come as you are. Other lines, particularly the more elegant ones, have tight dinner dress codes. You could include some fancier clothing on your cruise packing list for trips on those ships.
On cruise ships, evening attire usually fits either resort casual or elegant. Consider a date-night look for informal evenings. Some cruise companies allow jeans in the evening; wear them with lovely outfits and smart shoes.
Elegant or formal evenings highlight cocktail dresses, suits, ties and coats. If formal attire is not your style, go to the buffet or a laid-back restaurant for supper or room service to save dressing up. On formal evenings, certain luxury cruise companies would refuse underdressed guests into specific restaurants or entertainment locations.
Pro tip: Many cruise ships blast night air conditioning. To be comfortable in cool onboard restaurants and theaters, pack a light sweater or stylish shawl.
Remember to pack clothes in line with the cruise ship theme evenings. Popular events include Halloween, white night, and Pirate Night, and, indeed, cruisers do go all-out with costumes. Find out from your cruise line which parties or theme evenings will take place, then pack appropriately.
For Disney Cruise Line’s Pirate Night, think of an eye patch or swashbuckling cap; for Norwegian Cruise Line’s White Hot Night, think of a white sundress; for Carnival Cruise Line’s ’80s night, think of some neon leggings.
And don’t overlook the best evening wear: cozy pajamas, particularly if you’re sharing a cabin with friends or family.
Here is your eveningwear packing guide:
- Dress
- Skirt and blouse
- Pantsuit
- Wrap or sweater
- Button-down shirt or polo
- Dress slacks or nice jeans
- Sport coat
- Tie
- Suit or tuxedo for a formal night
- Cocktail dress or gown for a formal night
- Theme cruise attire and costumes
- Pajamas
Footwear
When preparing for a cruise, a carry-on might easily be filled with shoes by themselves. A decent pair of travel shoes for the trip, ship and walking in port is the must-have basic.
Along with formal shoes for dinner, flip-flops for the pool and beach, and sneakers for sporting events, other kinds of shoes to carry for your cruise are (Ladies, try to match your clothes so you just need to pack one pair of heels.) For sandy beaches, you could also choose athletic or casual sandals, hiking boots or water shoes.
Pro tip: Sort all the pairs of shoes you believe you will need on the cruise, then choose which ones you could leave at home and which would double purpose. For instance, a strong pair of waterproof sports sandals (like Keens) can serve as travel shoes, beach shoes and tough activity footwear on a Caribbean cruise. Your casual daywear and your elegant evening clothes will look great with a comfortable pair of flats.
Here’s your packing list for shoes:
- Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
- Flats
- Sandals
- Flip flops
- Water shoes
- Hiking boots
- Dress shoes for the evening
- Slippers for in-cabin use
Accessories and Gear
It’s time to accessorize once you have packed the clothing. Men and women will want to pack caps and sunglasses for sunny days. On cold-weather cruises, you will want a warm beanie, scarf, gloves and waterproof clothing. (Antarctica and Arctic cruises have different packing lists; hence, ask your cruise line.)
Remember ties, jewelry, and belts for evening wear. Have some fun with it; you are on a cruise.
Remember to include these accessories on your cruise packing agenda:
- Belt
- Jewelry
- Wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball hat
- Warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Rain jacket and/or pants
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Pashmina or shawl
Medicine and Toiletries
Like hotels, cruise ships usually supply soap and shampoo in your cabin. Others also have body lotion and conditioner. It’s difficult to find out, though, whether the onboard items will suit your hair or whether you would detest the smell.
Your own toiletries are always safer to pack. Bring more than you would think you would need, as cruise ships charge outrageous rates for basics, and it may be difficult to locate your preferred brands in foreign ports. Though hand sanitizer stations abound on a cruise ship, you still want to pack yours.
Sunscreen is really important; if you intend to swim in the ocean, search for reef-safe models. Particularly in Alaska, where residents joke that the mosquito is the state bird, bug spray is also quite handy.
If you’re sensitive to ocean motion, make sure your first aid box includes seasickness treatments; it’s always wise to pack one for your cruise. Bring the brands you most usually use since over-the-counter drugs are expensive on board. If you use prescription medication, pack plenty for the trip and some additional days’ worth in case.
For your cruise, particularly in your carry-on suitcase, pack these items and meds:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair-styling products
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Floss
- Glasses, contacts and contact lens solutions
- Razor and shaving cream
- Makeup
- Facewash
- 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)
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Seasickness remedies (patches, pills, ginger candies and acupressure wristbands)
- Pain-relief medication, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen
- Allergy medication
- Upset stomach medication
- Bandaids
- Tissues
Travel Accessories
Not many of us have the good fortune to live one hour or two from a cruise port. Many cruisers either fly or drive to their departure port and must pack for this kind of travel as well. Your pre- and post-cruise travel needs, as well as goods handy for your time on board, should all be considered in your cruise packing list.
Pack airline accessories for your long, overnight travel to your cruise. If you have a pre-cruise hotel stay, think about packing the basics for that overnight in a different bag so you won’t have to unload and reorganize your main luggage.
For both your pre-cruise journey and the sailing itself, you’ll want to carry your tablet, portable video game system and e-reader. Remember all the related charging cords as well. Alternatively, forego the technology and pack a few books; many cruise ships no longer have onboard libraries.
It should go without saying, but you are in charge of organizing required travel paperwork like your cruise/flight/ticket, passport book or passport card (or birth certificate), and visa application. Leave these things out of your checked bags. Store them in your carry-on so they are always available and less prone to disappear.
Like toting my book, water bottle and cover-up to the Lido Deck pool, I enjoy packing a day bag with items around the ship and a little purse with my key card, lipstick and tissues at night. Some people would rather have a lanyard with their cruise room key card close at hand.
Unless you pay extra for a latte or espresso, you cannot acquire a to-go cup at the buffet if you like to stroll around with your morning coffee or tea. Bring a travel coffee mug so you can load up on the freebies. I also advise carrying a reusable water bottle and filling it from a bar or buffet. You won’t break the budget for purchasing bottled water, and it helps cut plastic waste.
- Neck pillow
- Eye mask
- 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
- Passport
- Visa documents
- Cruise ticket or documents
- Travel insurance information
- Tour booking information
- Tote bag
- Small purse
- Water bottle
- Travel mug
- Lanyard
Cabin Enhancements
First-time cruisers are unaware of all the cruise ship cabin tips available to improve their aboard living quarters. Usually, all you really need to pack are a few basic home things.
I like to carry magnets both for organizational needs and as fun décor as many cruise cabin walls and doors are magnetic (Did I just blow your mind?) While a magnetic whiteboard might be helpful for noting travel companions, magnetic clips and hooks can assist in keeping paperwork and hats off the in-room desk and couch.
More recently built cruise ships have been made so that every cabin has enough USB ports and electrical outlets spread out across the room. Older cruise ships, however, have a terrible dearth of outlets.
Pack a power strip, multi-prong outlet or power adapter/current converter so you may charge several devices at once (and use any 220V European plugs in the cabin) unless you want to continually fight your travel mates for charging priority.
Just be sure your power strip lacks a surge protector; most cruise ships forbid both extension cables and surge protectors.
Pack a night light or battery-operated candles for evenings on board so you can navigate the dark bathroom. If your stateroom is in a busy part of the ship, like near the elevator banks, a tiny, portable sound machine will help to filter off corridor noise.
Bringing a bathroom spray to cover offensive smells will help you sweeten your camping bathroom. Traveling with children who detest showers? Your young one can have a bath with a mini inflatable kiddie pool or tub pack.
You don’t need to pack a clothesline to dry damp goods as they’re usually hidden in your cabin’s shower. To keep dirty items separate and off the cabin floor, I advise carrying a wash bag or pop-up hamper. If you intend to dry your clothes on the balcony and want them not to blow away, chair clips come in handy.
Pack these things to improve our cruise cabin:
- Magnets
- 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
Items particular to the activities you intend to engage in at Port will be something you wish to pack. Allow space on your cruise packing list for things that will vary depending on your destination and intended itinerary.
You’ll want a robust yet lightweight rucksack to pack everything you wish to leave the ship with anywhere you sail. I like the style with side mesh pockets to stow away a water bottle.
Instead of depending just on your phone for pictures, you might choose to pack binoculars and/or a DSLR camera in extremely picturesque locations like Alaska or Scandinavia. Remember to bring accessories, including memory cards, chargers, and extra batteries.
You’ll want a beach bag, sand toys for the youngsters, and maybe your own snorkelling gear on beachy cruises. Damp bags—or even plastic zip-top bags—will prevent your damp items from seeping onto everything on your return to the ship.
For water sports like kayaking, think about using a dry bag to keep your photography equipment, wallet and smartphone from becoming wet. Additionally handy are waterproof cases for your camera and phone and “beach wallets”, allowing you to carry cash and credit cards into the ocean.
- Backpack
- 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)
- Binoculars
- 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 You Should Bring for Your Cruise
Some must-pack things for cruises defy categorization yet are nonetheless vital. Don’t leave them on your cruise packing list.
What kinds of alcohol and beverages you can carry aboard a cruise ship is strictly regulated by cruise lines. If you have specific tastes in wine, several lines will let you bring on a 750 ml bottle or two. While you pack your preferred, be ready to pay a corkage fee should you drink it at an aboard bar or restaurant.
Pack bubble wrap or wine protection bags to safely get your bottles home if you intend to buy wine in port to carry home.
Some lines, including Holland America and Carnival, also let you carry aboard a limited supply of nonalcoholic drink cans such as soda, juice or seltzer water. Should your ship carry exclusively Pepsi, this can reduce your bar cost or fuel your Diet Coke fixation.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell anyone to pack their cell phone on vacation (but keep in mind to take the charging cables). You might not know, though, to download the app for your cruise line before you leave your house. The app will include a daily schedule, deck plans, dinner reservations, choices for shore excursions and more.
Many apps, including one from Royal Caribbean, even let you communicate with other guests while linked to the internet of the cruise ship. (Don’t forget to keep your gadgets in airplane mode to prevent running significant at-sea roaming charges.)
For tipping porters and buying little mementos at the port, you will want cash—especially little amounts. Your trip may call for you to desire to get some foreign money ahead of time. Otherwise, when you get to the port, you can use an ATM. (ATMs virtually always provide a better exchange rate than airport kiosks.)
Bring a credit card free of international transaction fees so you avoid spending more than necessary overseas. (If you lack one, think about applying for one of the top credit cards for travel.)
Related Article: To ensure you’re fully prepared for your selected cruise, check out our guide on How to Pick a Cruise Line to match your packing needs with the right cruise amenities and activities.
What Not To Pack for a Cruise
You’ll also want to know what to exclude now you know what to include in your cruise packing list. The cruise lines expressly forbid several things you might be tempted to pack. Others are not absolutely essential.
You can leave the following 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
- Weapons
- Illegal drugs (including marijuana and CBD products, even if they’re legal in your home state or departure port)
- Candles
- 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
While many cruisers overpack for clothing and shoes, occasionally, they overlook other needs. Refer to this list and be sure you’re covered when it comes to both clothes and those crucial accessories when you pull your luggage from the closet and start packing for your next trip.