What to pack for a cruise? I’m sharing with you my cruise packing list. Everything you can possibly bring to a cruise and what not to bring to a cruise. From what cruise attire to bring to the little things you need in your cruise stateroom to make it a more organize cabin. And hope you will find my cruise packing tips useful whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a past cruiser.
disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
FIRST DAY: CRUISE EMBARKATION
- Purse
- Small carry-on bag – checked bags will take some time to arrive in your stateroom. Pack your first day essentials.Make it light with only your 1st-day cruise essentials as staterooms may not be open yet when you board. If you’re a light packer like us, a carry-on bag will be enough for a 3 or 7-day cruise. But if you love packing a lot, go ahead and bring a small carry on for you to bring up and a bigger luggage that can be delivered to your room.
- Proper Travel Documentation (ex. passport or birth certificate, visas)
- Passport Holder
- Important paperwork (tickets, insurance information)
- Wallet (cash, credit cards, driver’s license)
- Prescription medications in their original containers
- Change of clothes/Swimsuit
- Personal toiletries or anything else you might want access to before your luggage arrives in your stateroom
CLOTHES FOR CRUISING:
You can be in resort wear/casual wear for the duration of the trip except in the main dining room where sit down dinner is held nightly except if you choose to go the buffet route.
- Shorts &/or skirts
- Jeans &/or pants
- T-shirts or Tops
- Maxi Dress – choose from these 20 Long Maxi Dresses that’s perfect for a cruise
- Romper
- Sleep Wear
- Workout clothes and Sports Bra
- Underwear/Bra
- Sandals
- Wedge
- Walking Shoes
If you’ll be touring any museums, cathedrals or churches on your shore excursions, it’s always wise to dress conservatively.
MAIN DINING ROOM ATTIRE:
Cut-off Jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee-shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire is not permitted at the main dining room where dinner is held. Jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee-shirts, sportswear, shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire are not allowed during formal nights at the main dining room. Typically, formal night is 1 night during a 2-5 night cruise whole 2 nights for a 6 nights or more cruise.
POOL DECK:
- Swimsuits
- Swimsuit Cover
- Towel Clip
- Bag
- Sunglass
- Spray Sunscreen
- Hat
- Flip Flops
- Magazines or Books for poolside reading
SHORE EXCURSIONS:
- Dry Bag
- Camera
- Spray Sunscreen
- Insulated Water Bottles
- Binoculars are a must for Alaska and other wildlife-heavy itineraries.
- Poncho or travel umbrella
- Power banks
- Compact Beach Blanket
- Snorkel
- Hat
CRUISE PACKING ESSENTIALS:
- Waterproof phone case
- Medication
- Cellphone Charger
- Toiletries – soap and shampoo is available on board at the very least.
- Sunscreen and Insect Repellant (as needed)
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Water Bottles
- Motion Sickness Medication
- Nausea Relief Wristband
- Phone Earphones
- Mini Sewing Kit
- Lanyard – for your cruise key card
- Ziplock Bags
- Walkie-talkies
- Waterproof Bandages
CRUISE ROOM ESSENTIALS:
- Laundry Bag
- Magnetic metal clips to hang some items like your itinerary since rooms can run small.
- Over the door Shoe Organizer – for your things like accessories, medicine, toiletries, etc since the bathroom has hardly any counter space.
- Extension Cords or Power Strips – due to limited outlets in the room.
- Toothbrush Suction Hook
CRUISE PACKING TIPS:
- Be sure to leave some room in your luggage for all those souvenirs and mementos.
- Wear your heaviest shoes during embarkation and disembarkation so you don’t have to pack them.
- Pack small items inside larger ones for efficiency.
- Bring an additional empty bag for those acquired extras.
- Most cruise lines will let you bring soda and water onboard, saving you the expense of paying inflated onboard rates for nonalcoholic beverages. Do check cruise line requirements before bringing it.
- There is a laundry room for some ships especially for those cruising longer, so check before you pack your entire closet.
- Flip flops or sandals by the pool, sneakers or hiking shoes or running shoes for the gym and shore excursions, heels/leather shoes for the main dining room, and water shoe for the beach. I bring 3 all the time (flip flops, running shoes, and heels). And yes, don’t forget to bring socks.
WHAT NOT TO PACK TO A CRUISE:
Weapons, illegal drugs, and other items that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship. The United States Transportation Security Administration also recommends that you do not pack fragile or expensive items (such as jewelry) in checked luggage.
Coming Soon: What to Pack when Cruising with Kids!
CHECK OUR OTHER CRUISE POSTS!
- Group Cruise Tips: Family Reunion Cruise
- 101 Cruise Tips
- What Princess Cruises Kids Daycare Looked Like
- Tips for Cruising with Kids
- Princess VS Carnival Cruise: Which Cruise is Right for You
- Reasons to Love Cruising
Connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or E-mail Us at Kathleen@anytots.com
