The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

So, you’ve booked a cruise but now you don’t know what you need to pack? We totally get it! Deciding what to bring with you on a cruise ship is a bit more difficult than packing for Mexico. There are a lot of destinations, activities and events you need to account for, from off-board sightseeing tours and shore excursions to on-board spa treatments and formal nights.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive cruise packing checklist. Read on to find out what clothes, accessories, gadgets and other items to put in your suitcase.

• Clothes and accessories
• Toiletries and personal care items
• Cabin enhancements
• Technology and gadgets
• Activities and extras
• Travel documents and cruise essentials

Deciding which clothes, shoes and accessories to pack largely depends on your cruise destination. If you’re going on a sunny Caribbean cruise, a bathing suit and flip flops are essential — but for a cool Alaskan cruise, you’ll need sweaters (and likely a winter coat!). 

Check the weather forecasts in the days leading up to your cruise vacation, and keep in mind that each port destination will vary. Many cruise ships will take you through multiple countries and climates, meaning you need to be prepared for anything. In other words, bring lots of lightweight clothes for layering! 

Of course, you’ll need to keep your shore excursions in mind when packing for a cruise. Planning on visiting religious sites in the Middle East? Bring items that can cover your head and arms. Stopping by a private island in The Bahamas? Throw a pair of water shoes in your bag! Some cruise lines also have strict dress codes when it comes to dinner attire, so make sure to review all those rules and guidelines before you depart.

This may sound like a lot, and we’ll be honest with you… it is! But the good news is that cruise lines don’t charge for luggage or have baggage weight limits. You’ll need to keep airline restrictions in mind if flying to your departure port — but otherwise you’re free to pack as much or as little as you’d like. 

• T-shirts, tank tops and long-sleeve shirts
• Shorts and lightweight pants
• Sweaters and cardigans
• Bathing suits
• Cover-up
• Raincoat or puffer
• Blouses or dress shirts
• Evening wear (e.g. cocktail dresses, dress pants)
• Small backpack or day bag
• Beach bag or tote
• Purses and handbags
• Flip flops and sandals
• Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes
• Heels or dress shoes
• Water shoes
• Activewear — most cruise ships have gyms on board! 
• Sleepwear
• Socks and underwear
• Sunglasses
• Jewellery
• Sun hats or toques 
• Scarves
• Pashminas or shawls

Pro tip: It can sometimes take a while for checked luggage to arrive in your stateroom, so pack a small carry-on with a few necessities (say, a bathing suit and a cover up so you can head straight to the pool deck after embarkation). 

This part of your cruise packing checklist is the easiest to plan for. That’s because many cruise lines provide toiletries and personal items to passengers. Royal Caribbean International, for example, puts shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a hair dryer in each of its staterooms. As such, you really only need to worry about packing your preferred products (including more sustainable options like soap bars and mouthwash tablets).

If you want to save space in your suitcase, you have the option of buying these personal items on board and at each cruise port — but keep in mind that you’ll probably pay more for them there than you would at home. It may also be difficult to find your go-to products in foreign destinations.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap or bodywash
• Makeup
• Face wipes
• Lip balm
• Deodorant 
• Hairbrush
• Blow dryer, straightener and curling iron
• Perfume or cologne
• Razor or shaving kit
• Period products
• Hand sanitizer
• Stain remover (just in case you spill on your dress code-approved shirt)
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Sea sickness remedies
• Prescriptions, supplements and multivitamins
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Bathroom odor spray
• Mini first-aid kit

One of the best things about going on a cruise vacation is that you only have to unpack once. Your cruise cabin is your home away from home for the duration of your journey, whether you’re on a 7-night European river cruise or an 11-night cruise around Asia — so you might as well make it as comfortable as possible!

Many of the walls and doors in your stateroom are metal, so make sure to bring some magnets along for the journey. These will allow you to keep your cruise ticket, booking confirmations and other papers organized. You might even want to consider bringing a magnetic whiteboard, so that you and your family can leave notes for each other. Packing a few extra clothes hangers and a power strip will also help to ensure that you’re not fighting over outlets or closet space.

Did you know you can also bring wine on board? Many cruise ships allow you to bring a couple bottles from home. Check your ship’s policies to learn what is or isn’t allowed if you want to pack alcohol on your next cruise.

• Power strip — but no surge protectors allowed, as they create a fire hazard
• Clothes hangers
• Wine or champagne
• Garment bag
• Laundry bag
• Magnets
• Chair clips or clothes pins
• Night light (for your kids… and for those middle-of-the-night bathroom runs)

Pro tip: A laundry bag will help keep your cruise cabin tidy. They also make it easier for you to transport dirty clothes across the ship — a lot of cruises have a laundry service on board for you to use.

Vacations are usually a time to disconnect, but some tech toys deserve a spot in your suitcase. Packing a GoPro or cheap waterproof phone case will ensure you capture every picture-perfect moment — from snorkelling with tropical marine life to kayaking in a secluded bay. These gadgets also come in handy on cold-weather cruises that are more prone to sailing through rain and other wet conditions.

It's also a good idea to download the app for whatever cruise line you’re sailing with. The Norwegian Cruise Line app, for instance, allows you to book excursions, keep track of your schedule and daily activities, and even communicate with other guests on board.

• Cell phone and other devices
• Waterproof phone case
• Portable charger
• Travel adaptors (if staying abroad pre- or post-cruise)
• Headphones
• GoPro or underwater camera
• Cruise line apps
• Luggage tracker

There’s plenty of things to do on board a cruise ship — but if you need a bit more stimulation (or a few additional creature comforts) while sailing between each cruise destination, feel free to pack these extra things in your carry-on bag or checked luggage.

• Novels and magazines
• Puzzle books, colouring books or sticker books
• Deck of cards
• Journal or diary
• Your own snorkel, mask and fins (if you don’t want to rent gear)
• Reusable water bottle
• Umbrella
• Guidebooks
• Binoculars

There are a few items you need to pack for pretty much every vacation. Consider this a friendly reminder to double check that you’ve considered the things that will allow you to get through security with ease — both at the airport, if necessary, and at the cruise terminal — and make your journey as comfortable as possible.

• Passport and other photo ID
• Health and travel insurance papers
• Boarding passes and itineraries
• Wallet, purse or money belt
• Cash and credit cards
• Travel pillow, eye mask and earplugs

Now that you have your cruise packing checklist, it’s time to make the most of your trip! Get in touch with our travel consultants if you need any additional advice or recommendations — they can help with everything from booking shore excursions and informing you of cruise line dress codes to busting common cruise myths.