Cruise Packing List (32 Essentials to Bring)

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Cruising is one of the most convenient ways to travel, as you can visit multiple destinations while only unpacking your suitcase once! As a longtime cruiser who has sailed on over 50 itineraries, I’ve mastered my packing list with must-have items and cruise necessities. 

Trust me, there’s nothing worse than boarding your cruise ship and realizing you forgot something back home. Onboard prices are expensive for everyday necessities and you don’t want to waste your time ashore shopping for essentials.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned veteran, it’s important to pack strategically and efficiently for a smooth vacation. While a scenic cruise to Alaska is vastly different from tropical Caribbean sailing, there are many cruise essentials that should always be packed in your suitcase – regardless of your destination. 

Here’s exactly what you should pack for your cruise vacation.

PS – you can also browse all these items on a single shoppable Amazon list here.

Travel Essentials for a Cruise

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

Magnetic Hooks

Cruise cabins are compact, so it’s important to stay organized in your small space. Because the walls are typically magnetic, you can pack a small set of these DIYMAG magnetic hooks for improving organization in your cabin.

Magnetic hooks allow you to hang a variety of items directly on the wall, such as hats, towels, light jackets, and more. If you’re tight on space, these can quickly help your cabin feel less cluttered. They’re a favorite for veteran cruisers!

USB Charging Station

Newer cruise ships are equipped with multiple outlets and USB ports, but that’s not the case for older vessels. Some of the older cruise ships might only have one or two usable outlets in each cabin. If you’re lucky, you might have a USB port on your bedside lamp. 

It’s best to bring a charging station like this Anker Charging Station with USB ports to expand charging capabilities in your stateroom. With so many devices that need to be charged daily, this is a necessity!

Lanyard

During your sailing, you’ll be provided with a cruise card. This primarily serves as your cabin key and doubles as your identification card for boarding and disembarking in ports of call. In addition, you’ll use your cruise card for all onboard purchases, so keep it on hand at all times.

Cruisers love lanyards as an easy way to keep track of their cards, like these ZHEMEILU lanyards. They have cute nautical designs with multiple colors and detachable buckles. 

Hanging Cosmetic Organizer

If you think your cruise cabin is small, wait until you see the bathroom! Newer cruise ships have more spacious bathrooms with additional storage, but older ships can feel especially cramped. Storage can be limited, especially if you’re sharing the space with multiple people. 

I always pack my Vera Bradley hanging cosmetic organizer to hang on the back of the bathroom door. This helps the bathroom feel less cluttered by maximizing the limited space. I never cruise without it!

Reusable Water Bottle

It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated when traveling, but especially when you’re cruising. Between hot days in the sun and poolside piña coladas, it’s easy to get dehydrated quickly. In addition, bottled water is typically an added cost while cruising, unless you’ve purchased a beverage package. 

One cruise essential is my Owala reusable water bottle that I can easily refill in my cabin bathroom (yes, your sink water is safe to drink!). Trust me, you won’t want to venture far from your cozy cabin each time you want a drink of water.

Luggage Tag Holders

Just like an airport, you’ll need to check your larger suitcases at the cruise terminal before boarding the ship. You should plan to print your luggage tags before embarkation day and place them on your suitcase. The cruise porters will take your luggage, which will be delivered to your stateroom later in the afternoon. 

I never cruise without Seavilia luggage tag holders. These protect your paper tags from tearing off unexpectedly, which could lead to lost luggage. I was especially grateful for these protective holders while boarding my cruise ship in rainy Sydney, Australia! The rain could have easily ruined my printed luggage tags, but they stayed perfectly intact despite the damp weather. 

Over-the-Counter Medication

Nobody wants to get sick on their cruise, but it can sadly happen. If you need to visit the medical center onboard, you might be stuck with an unexpectedly high bill. In addition, basic over-the-counter medication can be astronomically priced onboard.

Instead, I always bring my small travel pharmacy with medication to store in my cabin, such as this medicine kit. If you end up with a small cold or motion sickness from rough waves, you’ll be thankful for having medication conveniently in your stateroom! 

Packing Cubes

Using packing cubes is one of the best ways to stay organized and maximize space in your suitcase while traveling. If you’re cruising, I find packing cubes are especially helpful, as they make unpacking a breeze in your cabin. 

BAGSMART compression packing cubes are my favorite because I can easily compress all of my clothes to optimize space in my luggage. But the best part is how effortlessly they make unpacking. All you have to do is place the cubes directly in your cruise cabin’s closet, drawer, or shelf for easy unpacking. At the end of my cruise, I designate one packing cube for dirty clothes, which makes laundry easier when I return home. 

Portable Sound Machine

Whether you have a noisy neighbor or your cabin is right below the ship’s nightclub, unwanted noise can be an issue while cruising. This can make it difficult to sleep at night and leave you feeling exhausted on your vacation.

To make sure I sleep well, I always cruise with my Babelio white noise sound machine. It helps block out things like engine noise, hallway conversations, and late-night music. This one is compact and easy to pack with a surprisingly powerful speaker.

Wrinkle Release Spray

Fire is a huge concern for cruise ships. As such, irons and steamers are not allowed because they are potential fire hazards. Because of this, cruisers rely on wrinkle spray to smooth out large wrinkles from tightly packed clothes.

A travel-sized bottle of Downy wrinkle release spray is essential on any cruise. Simply spray your clothes to eliminate pesky wrinkles in seconds – without an iron! Your clothes will be looking good as new for dinner each evening.

Sunscreen

Regardless of your destination, it’s always a good idea to have sunscreen packed for your cruise. This is especially important for sunny destinations, such as the Caribbean, Australia, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Mediterranean.

Sunscreen is usually very expensive if you need to purchase a bottle onboard, so it’s best to be prepared. I prefer lotion sunscreen instead of spray bottles while cruising, as the ship’s upper decks can be windy. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen is a highly rated lotion that won’t blow away on a windy day!

Beach Bag

Most cruise lines don’t provide bags to use during your vacation. You’ll need something to carry your belongings, such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and towels. Because of this, a beach bag is a cruise essential, even if you’re planning to stay onboard the ship.

This Fammart Store mesh beach bag is foldable and convenient to pack in your suitcase without taking up too much space. The bag comes highly rated for its functionality, lightweight design, and multiple pockets for storage.

Toilet Spray

It’s not uncommon for your cabin bathroom to have a stench longer than you might like. When sharing close quarters with others, Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go toilet spray is a must-have for seasoned cruisers. 

This spray is an odor deodorizer with a natural citrus scent to keep your bathroom smelling fresh. The travel-sized bottle will fit perfectly in your suitcase and won’t take up too much space in your stateroom either. 

Portable Charger

Bringing a portable charger is crucial while traveling, but especially when you’re on a cruise ship. Older cruise ships have limited outlets, making a portable charger even more convenient. You’ll also be relying on your phone to access the cruise line’s app for onboard reservations, daily schedules, and onboard communication. This means your battery can drain quickly.

An INIU portable charger ensures your devices stay powered, whether you’re exploring ports of call during the day or lounging on the pool deck at sea. I always have one in my bag, especially during full-day excursions. 

Apple AirTag

An Apple AirTag is a tiny device that allows you to track your belongings using Bluetooth technology. I never travel without one, but they can be particularly helpful when cruising. 

After checking your suitcase at the terminal with porters, you can track your suitcase’s location in real-time. You’ll know when your bag makes it onboard the ship, and if needed, you can even play a sound to help locate it.

Portable Fan

If you tend to sleep hot, a portable fan is a smart item to pack for your cruise. Caribbean sailings can be particularly hot and humid – and some cabins don’t have the best airflow. 

A small, portable fan can help circulate air in your stateroom at night. This makes it easier to comfortably sleep and stay cool all night. Seasoned cruisers love this battery-powered travel fan from TOPK for its compact design, powerful airflow, and long-lasting battery. 

Pop-Up Mesh Hamper

With limited space in your cruise cabin, it’s important to stay organized and keep your stateroom clutter-free. Without a dedicated place for dirty clothes, laundry can accumulate quickly, particularly if you’re in a tropical climate. 

This Ducco pop-up hamper is lightweight and collapsible, so it conveniently fits in the bottom of your suitcase. I place a mesh hamper in my cruise closet to store all my dirty clothes throughout the cruise. It’s a small product that makes a big difference in my cabin organization.

Liquid Hand Soap

Although it might seem unnecessary, I always pack a small bottle of Softsoap liquid hand soap for my bathroom. Many cruise lines only give you a bar of soap for your bathroom, which can become messy and soggy over the course of your cruise. 

I prefer using liquid hand soap while cruising because it feels more effective and leaves my hands feeling cleaner. Good hygiene is key to staying healthy while cruising! 

Travel-Sized Sanitizer Wipes

Between the handrails, elevator buttons, and buffet tongs, there are germs everywhere on a cruise ship. I’m constantly wiping my hands to kill nasty germs! Whenever I leave my cabin, even if I’m not going ashore, I always bring sanitizer wipes, like this travel-sized pack from Wet Ones. 

I always make an effort to sanitize my hands before eating, which seems to happen a lot on a cruise! While hand sanitizer is a good alternative, I prefer sanitizer wipes to clean my hands when soap and water aren’t available. 

Shampoo & Conditioner

Unlike hotels, some cruise ships will only provide a basic 2-in-1 shower product for body wash and shampoo. This often leaves my hair feeling stringy and dry – definitely not my favorite vacation look. 

As such, I always bring my own travel-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner from home instead of relying on the cruise line to provide products. I love this Method travel shampoo and conditioner set, as it also includes a bonus bottle of body wash. 

Checklist of Other Cruise Essentials to Pack

• Passport or proper documentation (varies based on sailing and nationality)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Prescription medication
• Toiletries
• Makeup
• Makeup remover
• Face wash or cleanser
• Facial lotion
• Aloe vera lotion or wipes
• Earplugs
• Charging cables
• Razor
• Tablet or laptop
• Headphones
• Jewelry
• Lip balm with SPF
• Hand sanitizer
• Contacts, lens case, and solution

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for a Cruise

Cruise ships tend to be very casual, especially on warm-weather itineraries to the Caribbean and Mexico. Most mainstream cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line, have a laid-back atmosphere onboard. However, some luxury and premium cruise lines have stricter dress codes, so it’s best to check before packing. 

Focus on packing comfortable, versatile outfits with layers that you can wear both ashore and onboard. You should bring a mix of casual outfits for days spent in ports of call and a few nicer options for the evenings onboard. 

Swimsuit

Cruise ships have a variety of pools, hot tubs, and waterslides to enjoy while you’re onboard. I prefer to pack my Cupshe one-piece swimsuit for cruises. After indulging in all the delicious cruise food, I rarely feel like stepping into a bikini!

Even if you’re cruising somewhere chilly like Alaska or Norway, it’s always a good idea to bring a swimsuit. One of my favorite memories is hot tubbing with my husband while cruising through the brisk and beautiful Norwegian fjords! 

Swimsuit Cover-Up

Most cruise lines require you to wear more than just your swimsuit to enter a restaurant, including shoes, shirts, or cover-ups. If you’re spending your day at the pool, you won’t want to run back to your cabin to change before grabbing a snack. 

Be sure to pack a swimsuit cover-up that you can wear around the ship. This Blooming Jelly cover-up is perfect to toss in your bag and makes a cute, effortless outfit. 

Waterproof Sandals

Whether you’re cruising to Alaska or Mexico, it’s important to bring comfortable, waterproof shoes on your cruise. My favorites are the Birkenstock waterproof sandals – I truly never cruise without them. 

You can slip on these sandals to wear around the ship or the various ports of call. They also dry quickly if you’re heading to the pool or spending your day on the beach, making them very versatile! 

Crossbody Bag

You’ll need to bring a comfortable bag to carry your belongings both onboard and ashore. I prefer to pack a crossbody that’s lightweight, practical, and easy to travel with, like this Pander Crossbody Bag.

A reliable crossbody is particularly important when exploring ports of call throughout Europe, where you might be subject to pickpocketing. I also use mine at night aboard the ship to carry my evening essentials. 

Cruise-Themed T-shirt

If you’re sailing on a shorter itinerary to the Caribbean or Mexico, many guests like to pack matching t-shirts for their cruise! This is especially popular with groups traveling together, such as family reunions and bachelorette or bachelor parties. 

Join the fun with a cruise-themed shirt, like this MNLYBABY In My Cruise Era oversized t-shirt. There are so many fun designs online that would be perfect for matching outfits! It also makes for a great “Welcome Aboard” photo with your group!

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Although vacation is meant to be relaxing, some cruise itineraries will have you walking thousands of steps each day, such as Northern European or Mediterranean cruises. Not to mention, cruise ships have gyms and walking paths if you want to keep active on vacation. 

It’s crucial to have comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that you can wear throughout your cruise. My favorite walking shoes are these white Hoka sneakers for support and style. White can get dirty, but they match all of my outfits and keep my feet comfortable for miles! 

Tropical Shirt

With breathable fabric and a relaxed fit, tropical shirts are popular options for men. You can wear them casually by the pool during the day or dress it up in the evening for dinner in the dining room. 

One great option is the COOFANDY Men’s Hawaiian Shirt, which is highly rated for comfort and quality. The fun pattern is the perfect choice for tropical or Caribbean-themed nights – a staple on many warm-weather cruises! 

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for a Cruise

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for a cruise? Here is a quick clothing checklist for most 7-night cruises: 

• 5-6 casual shirts
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 2 sets of pajamas
• 4-5 casual dresses for women
• 2-3 button-down shirts for men
• 1-2 evening or formal outfits
• 1-2 athletic outfits 
• 1 light sweater
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 7-8 pairs of underwear
• 2-3 t-shirts
• 6-7 pairs of socks

Seasonal Items to Pack for a Cruise

Most people picture sunny, warm weather when they think of cruising. However, some of the most popular cruise itineraries visit cooler destinations with breathtaking scenery, such as Alaska, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, South America, and Canada. 

For these seasonal itineraries, plan to pack for windy, rainy, and cool weather. You’ll want to bring many of the same cruise essentials listed above, such as magnetic hooks, a lanyard, and wrinkle release spray. However, you’ll also want to prioritize packing layers, rain gear, and warmer outerwear.  

Here are recommendations for seasonal items or clothing you might need for a cold-weather cruise:

Rain Jacket

Whether you’re sailing through Alaska’s Inside Passage or the Norwegian fjords, you’ll definitely want to bring a rain jacket. Itineraries that visit cold-weather destinations, especially Alaska, can experience rainy, unpredictable weather. Not to mention, you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors on these sailings enjoying the scenery. 

I prefer packing a long, black rain jacket that matches any outfit, like this Ubon rain coat. Even if it’s not rainy, a windbreaker can easily be layered with warmer clothes throughout your cruise.

Hat, Gloves, and Scarf Set

Itineraries to cooler destinations often include scenic sailings, such as Glacier Bay in Alaska and New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. You might be spending more time outside taking in the scenery in cold, windy, and rainy weather. 

I always make sure to pack hats, gloves, and scarves for cold-weather cruising to stay warm. This set from FISFET comes highly rated with multiple color options to match your outfits. Even better, it takes up very little space in your suitcase, yet makes a big difference on chilly days.

Waterproof Boots

Outdoor excursions are popular for cold-weather cruising, particularly for Alaska, Iceland, and Norway. From hiking trails to glaciers and whale watching, it’s a good idea to have waterproof boots to ensure your feet stay dry and comfortable all day. 

Most cruisers will bring a pair of waterproof hiking boots for these cooler itineraries, like OUTJET waterproof hiking boots for men. These are versatile, lightweight, and sturdy, making them perfect for your outdoor adventures. 

Umbrella

Cold and rainy weather is expected for cooler itineraries, including Canada, Iceland, and Alaska. I cruised around Iceland a few summers ago, and it was one of the rainiest cruises I’ve ever taken. I learned quickly to pack for rainy and drizzly weather, even if it wasn’t in the forecast.  

This Repel Travel Umbrella is a favorite for many travelers because of its compact size and wind-resistant design. It’s perfect for disembarking the ship or casually strolling the upper decks on a wet and windy sea day. 

Travel Binoculars

Travel binoculars are one of the most underrated cruise essentials for cold-weather itineraries. Many of these cruises often sail through areas with abundant wildlife that you can see from your ship. I’ll never forget seeing whales in the distance on my Canadian cruise last summer – wishing I had packed my binoculars! 

Bring a pair of compact binoculars on your cruise so you won’t miss any of the breathtaking wildlife. These Hontry travel binoculars won’t take up much room in your suitcase, but you’ll be thankful to have them when you see puffins nestled on the cliffs in Iceland or seals lounging on Canada’s rocky coastline! 

Other Seasonal Items to Pack for a Cruise

So what seasonal items should you pack for a cruise? Here is a quick checklist for cruises: 

• 2-3 warm sweaters
• 4-5 pairs of boot socks
• 3-4 long-sleeved shirts
• 2-3 pairs of long pants
• 2-3 leggings 
• 1-2 pairs of sweatpants 
• 1-2 sweatshirts
• Thermal base layers

Cruise Packing Tips

Pack a carry-on bag for embarkation day

Like an airport, you’ll check your larger luggage with cruise porters and you won’t receive your checked bag until later in the afternoon. You should plan to bring a carry-on bag onto the ship, which will hold your essentials, like medication and passport (or travel documents). 

In addition, if you want to hit the pool or try some of the onboard amenities, such as the waterslides, pack your carry-on bag accordingly with a swimsuit, sandals, and change of clothes. 

Don’t be afraid to do laundry in your cabin.

Some cruise ships offer self-service laundry, but it’s not common. You can always pay for professional laundry services, although this can be pricey. Instead, wash your clothes in your cabin bathroom and use the shower’s clothesline to hang items to dry. It’s not glamorous, but it does the trick!

Versatility is key.

It’s easy to overpack evening outfits for a cruise, but focus instead on packing versatile options. Bring clothes that can be mixed and matched, especially neutral colors and layering pieces. 

I prioritize packing outfits that I can wear during the day or to dinner at night. You’ll only wear your evening outfits for a few hours anyway, so don’t be afraid to wear the same outfit to dinner more than once!

Check for themed nights before embarkation.

Many mainstream cruise lines have themed nights and parties onboard, such as 80s Night or White Night. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, provide theme information beforehand in their app. If you want to participate, be sure to pack an outfit to partake in the fun! 

Try not to overpack.

With so many essentials to pack, you might find your suitcase filling up quickly. Try your best not to overpack, as cruise cabins are notoriously small with limited storage space. Packing light will keep your stateroom feeling less cluttered and more comfortable.

The ship is usually cold, so don’t forget a light sweater.

Even if you’re visiting warm and sunny destinations, cruise ships are typically kept cold with blasting air-conditioning. I always bring a light sweater to wear in the evenings onboard so I’m not chilly at dinner or during the nightly entertainment.

Check the prohibited items list for your cruise line.

All cruise lines have a list of prohibited items that you aren’t allowed to bring onboard. This includes things like irons, steamers, candles, weapons, and surge-protected power strips. Make sure you review your cruise line’s banned-item list before packing so you don’t get held up at security. 

Pack cash and small bills.

You might not think to pack cash for your cruise, but it’s a good idea. You can provide cash tips to crew members who provide outstanding service, such as waiters, bartenders, and stateroom attendants. Some local vendors at various ports of call might prefer cash too, so have some on hand!

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

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A little bit of research goes a long way to help you feel prepared and organized for any cruise. Regardless of where you’re cruising, packing strategically and efficiently will ensure a smoother, more enjoyable vacation. Bon voyage! 

Next up, check out some of our other popular packing lists:

• Europe Packing List
• Carry On Packing List
• Beach Packing List
• Alaska Packing List
• Mexico Packing List
• Australia Packing List
• New Zealand Packing List