A Cruise Packing List to Get You Started

Packing for a cruise. It’s a little different than packing for a regular trip, and after boarding on my fair share of ships, I like to think I’ve gotten my packing list down to a science! Check below for everything I pack regardless of the itinerary!

And for more beginner advice on cruising, check here.

Your Starter Cruise Packing List

The Luggage & Bags

Carry-On or Checked Luggage?

For longer cruises, I’ll use a larger suitcase like my 30-inch trunk spinner as well as a carry-on. But if the cruise is less than a week, I’ll go carry-on only. I promise, it’s possible!

Keep in mind that you will likely not see your luggage until after dinner on the first day, so set aside a small bag of essentials you may want to reach for during those initial few hours.

Packing Cubes & Organizers

The name of the game when it comes to getting comfortable in your room is organization, especially when sharing with others. I always pack all my things in packing cubes and this goes doubly for a cruise. I like to pack my clothes in traditional cubes and then pack everything else in clear cubes so I can quickly see what I have. For your toiletry bag, get something that can hang from your door or lie flat depending on what space you have. Also make sure it has plastic lining so if something spills en route, it’s easy to wipe down.

A Bigger Personal Item

Bring with you either a tote bag or a daypack for walking around the ship, for excursions, and especially for that first day when you don’t have access to your luggage. Think something big enough to hold a change of clothes, a swim suit, any medications, toiletries, and travel documents.

A Smaller Personal Item

Just something like a crossbody bag or wristlet for when you don’t want to lug around your tote or daypack.

Bonus: A Drybag

A giant ziploc bag or leftover plastic bag works as well! You just want something you can put your wet swimsuit in.

Clothes & Accessories

The main thing I’ll say for clothing is to check your cruise’s recommended packing list. Every cruise has its own dress code onboard, and it usually looks something like this:

• Casual –  Think as comfortable as you can be without wearing pajamas or activewear.
• Smart Casual – Think of something you’d wear to an office party but not necessarily a cocktail party or wedding.
• Cruise Elegant – Not full blown black-tie but still dressed up.
• Formal – Fully black-tie. Think evening gowns and tuxedos.

Cruise companies will also be familiar with your port of call countries as well. Besides weather changes, some countries have unique dress codes you might not even be aware of! (Like camo – did you know a lot of countries ban camo?!)

While I won’t get into the more obvious clothing items like pajamas or underwear, these are some things I recommend packing regardless.

One Fancy Outfit

While many cruises have gone more casual, some still do have fancy dress codes or at least require men to be in dinner jackets. Regardless of dress code, I recommend packing a fancy outfit. It’s fun to plan one nicer night out where everyone in your party gets all gussied up!

A Merino Wool Sweater

Even if your cruise is going to all tropical locations, it’s always good to have at least one sweater on hand in case you get cold. I prefer merino wool as it offers warmth without too much extra bulk!

A Stylish Sun Hat with a Chin Strap

I mean when it comes to being on water… expect wind! A stylish sun hat will help keep hair out of your eyes and make sure you look good in photos. Just make sure it comes with some sort of chin strap so it doesn’t blow off!

A Blanket Scarf

I never travel without a blanket scarf. They’re an extra layer of warmth if the A/C is too strong, can be draped over your shoulders if you’re visiting somewhere like a church, and can even be used as an extra blanket or sarong for the beach. Plus they’re super thin and gauzy so they’re easy to wash and dry in your bathroom.

A Waterproof Rain Jacket

No matter where I’m going, I bring a waterproof (not just resistant) rain jacket.

Shoes

Ah, shoes! The enemy to all suitcases. As a general rule of thumb, I try to only ever bring three pairs of shoes on any trip. For a cruise:

Comfortable Walking Shoes

These are shoes I’ll wear on the plane and for most day excursions. They’re usually just some easy sneakers I can slip into and won’t kill my feet if I’m in them for hours. However, if you know you’re going to exercise onboard or have any excursions that require a bit more physical fitness, you may want to swap your tennis shoes for a more athletic sneaker.

Shoes with Nonslip Rubber Soles

For your cruise specifically, you’ll want shoes with non-slip rubber soles. Walkways can get slippery! It’s nice to just have something you can slide into and wear to gatherings or more casual dinners.

More Formal Dress Shoes

Depending on your cruise’s dress code, these shoes could be fancy dress heels or simple ballet flats. Whatever you choose, make sure you can still walk in them fairly comfortably. Nothing worse than breaking an ankle!!

Toiletries & Medication

Basic Toiletries to Remember

Here’s where I do a quick list of toiletries as an extra reminder of what to bring with you:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Shower supplies – shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Everything for your skincare
• Razors for shaving
• Hairbrush 
• Extra hair ties and bobby pins 
• Hand sanitizer
• Nail clippers and file
• Contact solution and extra contacts

Tide To-Go Sticks

You can’t get these in most stores outside of the US, so bring one or two just in case you have a spill on the high seas!

Tide Pods

I always like to throw a few of these in a small ziploc bag and bring along in case we have any sink washing to do. 

All OTC Medications

Think: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold medication, and antacids. You don’t want to have to buy any of those onboard where they’re way more expensive or have to worry about navigating a foreign pharmacy on your excursion.

Dramamine & Other Motion Sickness Remedies

Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, pack some dramamine just in case. The worst time to discover you suddenly suffer from seasickness is in the middle of a cruise!

Bonus Tip: if you do think you might get a little nauseous on your cruise, book a stateroom in the middle of the ship for the most stability.

Prescription Medications

And here’s where I remind you not to forget your prescription medications!! In fact, bring extra just in case.

Room Essentials

Just some easy ways to make your room feel like a home away from home! 

Magnetic Hooks

Anyone who cruises regularly will tell you heavy duty magnetic hooks are an absolute godsend on a cruise. All doors on ships (and hotels for that matter) are metal as a fire precaution. This means you always know your door will be magnet-friendly! Magnetic hooks help keep things off the floor and just keep your space significantly more organized.

Hanger Organizer

Get one of those little hanging shoe organizers to help even more with organization. Not only can you keep your shoes in them, you can pretty much fit whatever you want in those little rectangular nooks.

A Pop-up Laundry Basket

This is especially great for families. Just something where everyone can put their dirty clothes and keep off the floor or tucked into who knows where!

Bathroom Spray

Thank me later for this recommendation.

A Small Nightstand Fan

Some people need a bit of a breeze when sleeping, so pack a small fan that can sit on your nightstand. Trust me, it’ll do wonders!

A Power Strip

Never once in my life whether it’s on a cruise ship, in a hotel, or even in my own home have I thought, “Wow, I have an abundance of outlets to choose from!” Power strips, especially for families, will make sure everyone can charge what they need to when they need to!

Miscellaneous

At least $100-$500 USD in cash

Tipping is a very important part of cruise life, and it’s still mostly done via cash. Bring at least $100-$500 for tips and break them up into smaller bills to make your life easier. As nice as “thank yous” are, nothing shows your appreciation to these hardworking crew members than actual money!

A Cooling Towel

If you’re going anywhere hot, a cooling towel will work wonders. Just soak them, wring them out, and lay across your neck. These guys saved my crew in Costa Rica!

An Insulated Water Bottle

Water gets expensive on board, so bring an insulated water bottle that you can fill up regularly. Make it insulated so your water always stays cold.

Hydration Packets

When you sweat, it doesn’t just deplete you of water, it also depletes you of electrolytes. This means you need more than just water to get rehydrated. Pack hydration packets to do just that!

A Document Holder

You’ll want some things printed out like your cruise itinerary, photocopies of important documents, travel insurance, etc. Get some sort of document holder to keep it all in one place in your room. 

Internet-Free Entertainment for Everyone

Make sure everyone has entertainment that does not require being connected to the internet. Handheld games, reading material, downloaded podcasts and audiobooks, downloaded movies and TV shows, crafting supplies… Whatever it is, make sure you have plenty of it!

And while I’m at it, double check everyone has headphones. Heck bring an extra pair or two that don’t require a charge.

A Camera

Chances are your phone will do just fine. But either way, don’t forget something to document all the incredible things you’re about to experience.

Gum & Mints

Just an extra reminder!

Nonperishable Snacks

It’s always nice to have some extra snacks on board especially if your kids are picky eaters.

Ear Plugs & Eye Mask

Light sleepers, this is your extra reminder.

Converter/Adapter

Always good to have on hand.

Portable Charger

Like I mentioned in the room essentials section, no one has ever had an abundance of outlets ever! Have a portable charger handy just in case. You’ll especially thank me if your phone starts dying in the middle of an excursion.

And there you have it, a cruise packing list to get you started! Every cruise, of course, is slightly different so this is just a jumping off point.