Cruising is the best kind of vacation: unlimited food, exotic destinations, and great service! I love going on a cruise, I love meeting new people from all of the world, and seeing new places on the way. Did you just book your cruise vacation? Now you need to pack everything from your cruise packing list to be prepared for all the pleasant surprises that await you!
Packing for a cruise can seem overwhelming: days at the beach, formal nights, snorkeling excursions and museum walks – How can you pack for all of it without packing your whole house in with you? What are you forgetting? On my previous cruise, all of these tips and the cruise packing list really helped me prepare myself for everything, hope it will help you as well!
If you forget something important you will probably have to buy it at a double price on the ship or the port of call, so you should make sure you take all of the essentials!
Things You Should Buy Before You Go on a Cruise
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A Vacation Lanyard
It’s a lot easier to keep up with your key if you have a lanyard with you. They are a lot more expensive on the ship, so you can grab them from Amazon* for your whole family or look for an old one at home.
A Bag to Go on Land
A lot of people forget to grab abeach bag or a backpack to go on-shore. You can fit all of your necessities into your bag when you go on-shore, so easy!
A New Beach Hat
Ok, this one isn’t a must, but it will save you from the sun you will look stunning on the beach. One of my favorites – this cute hat* – and, once again, you don’t have to spend a fortune on it!
Take Wine (or Sodas)
Each line has its own rules, but generally, you will have to pay for drinks on-board unless you purchased a drink package. It would be a lot cheaper to bring a bottle of wine or a few cans of soda with you on-board than buying it there. Make sure to check with the cruise company how much alcohol you can bring on-board.
Cruising doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s hard to budget for your first cruise as you don’t know what to expect! In this article, I cover most paid services you will find on the cruise so that you can pick and choose what you want to budget for!
Sunscreen or Spray
Don’t forget to grab sunscreen with you, and don’t forget to apply it every morning. With the winds, it’s easy to skip the sunscreen and you just might regret this later. This package* should be enough for the whole cruise for the whole family.
Pack a Laundry Bag With You
Throw your dirty clothes in a separate bag while on the cruise. Isn’t this one so adorable? I love that it’s travel-related!
Grab a Good Camera
Isn’t that what cruising is about? You want to remember all of the beautiful moments when you are on-board or on an exotic island. Don’t forget to grab your camera with you on your next cruise vacation. You can get a cheaper modelthat will last you many more vacations to come.
Another great option is getting an action camera like a GoProif you are planning to go zip-lining or snorkeling in one of the islands. You can get some really great underwater shots with it. I was really surprised when I found out that some other action cameras like this onehave such high customer ratings for a low price.
Everything above will be a lot more expensive on the cruise ship if you forget to pack it with you! Get a Free SMART, EDITABLE, and PRINTABLE checklist below:
Cruise Travel Packing Checklist
Now that you have all of the essentials, it is time to start packing! Use this cruise packing list as a starter and modify it for your personal tastes. You may not need everything on this list, but you should consider all of them!
Travel Documents and Paperwork Packing List
- Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
- Cruise documents – itineraries, luggage tags, and excursion tickets
- Passports and visas or other proof of citizenship
- Vaccination certificate (if required)
- Driver’s license and auto insurance card – in case you decide to rent a car when ashore
- Medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone)
- Credit cards (call credit card companies to alert them you are traveling)
- Cash (some in small bills for tipping and buying low-priced souvenirs)
- Wallet
Clothing Cruise Packing List – What To Wear
Cruising is a fun time for fashion, but you do not need to pack your entire wardrobe for a cruise. Whatever your activity, make sure you have comfortable walking shoes. You will need casual clothing for breakfast (something like what I wore on the picture) and it might be a good idea to check for details with your cruising company to see if there will be any theme night during your cruise.
All cruises are different but you can definitely plan for one elegant evening. Most cruise lines will have at least one, no matter the length of the cruise. The cruise formal wear doesn’t have to be anything outrageous. I have seen people on cruises wearing tuxedos and super fancy dresses and some in jeans and a polo shirt. Wear whatever you want, just feel confident and enjoy yourself! And if you are wanting some inspiration, see my cruise clothing guide to get advice on cruise outfits and answers to all of your clothing-related questions!
Cruise Clothing and Shoes
- Shorts/ skirts
- Tank tops
- Casual dresses
- Evening wear/ formal
- Cardigan/jacket
- Long-Sleeved shirts
- PJs
- Jeans/casual pants
- Dressy tops
- Workout gear
- Swimsuits – I pack two pairs
- Underwear and bras – pack enough so you don’t have to worry about washing.
- Socks – 1-2 pairs should be fine, depending on your activities.
- Sandals
- Flip flops
- Hiking shoes – exercise shoes
- Evening wear shoes
Cruising Tip: No need for packing beach towels! The ship will provide pool towels you can use and you can take them with you when you get off at each port.
Accessories / Miscellaneousfor Cruising
- Beach Hat
- Evening purses
- Beach bag
- Jewelry
- Watch
- Cork Screw
- Empty Water Bottle
- First Aid
- Wine or sodas (Check with the cruise company how much alcohol you can bring on-board)
What to pack in your travel medical kit
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen or spray
- Band-aids
- Medications
- Ibuprofen
- Thermometer – the one item I recommend you don’t forget to pack when traveling with kids.
- Seasickness prevention
- Probiotics – the number one best thing you can do for your health, especially when you travel!
Toiletries Cruise Packing List
As with any resort or hotel, you will be given basic toiletries to use, but my hair feels terrible if I use them so I always bring my own shampoo and conditioner. Keep them in a zip-lock bag.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Face Wash
- Face Cream
- Makeup Remover
- Makeup
- Bobby Pins
- Brush
- Hair accessories
- Hair straightener/curling iron – may come in handy for the elegant night, if you want to go all out!
- Razor
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Packing Accessories for Cruise Travel
- Laundry bag
- Toiletry bag – I prefer something cute and compact like this one.
Entertainment and Electronics Packing List
Minimize your electronics as much as you can. Cruising is a great way to unplug, especially since wi-fi prices are so expensive!
- A book (or 2)
- Camera
- GoPro
- Selfie sticks
- Powerboard or power strip
- Water-resistant camera case – when swimming with stingrays, we found that having a waterproof camera case helps take some amazing shots!
- Waterproof phone pouch – also a must take with you for taking pictures near the water and on the beach.
- Power adapter – essential if you are traveling internationally. Also, cruise ships usually have a limited amount of outlets in a cabin. But they have both, European and American outlets. If you bring a power adapter you can use to charge your electronics onboard.
- Laptop – we travel with ours as work and travel are rarely separate.
I really hope this list helped you with your packing and now you are even more excited about your vacation! Before you leave, be sure to download this checklist so you don’t forget anything!
Cruising Tips Before You Start Packing
1. Divide up your stuff with your partner
If you are traveling with a companion, divide your checked items into two suitcases. If one is lost, you will both have some clothes to wear. Also, be sure to carry-on anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (medicine, swimsuit, clean underwear), just in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
2. Check the weather before you start packing
Does it look like it might be chilly? Take a warmer jacket just in case it’s colder in the evenings. Does the weather look hot and humid? Grab a rain jacket and a lot of sunscreen. On our last vacation, it was raining a lot and I am very glad I had a waterproof jacket with me.
3. Think about the length of your cruise
Planning your outfits before you leave can save you a lot of space in your suitcases. Plan a couple of outfits for each day – one for the morning and afternoon (activewear and swimsuits) and one for the evening (casual or more elegant). And you can mix and match when you are on the ship!
4. Take an empty refillable water bottle
This one is huge. With a refillable water bottle, you will be able to bring water to your stateroom and have water with you anywhere on the ship. You will have to throw away your water at customs, but you can come on board with an empty bottle. Then you can refill it at one of the water stations on the ship. Otherwise, you are stuck with $4 bottles in your stateroom or carrying a cup of water down 5 floors.
The one I found best comes in a variety of sizes and vibrant colors, it’s inexpensive and has really good customer reviews. It’s BPA free and has a vacuum seal. This one will serve you for many cruise adventures to come!
5. Get an editable packing checklist from Travel Eat Blog!
I made this smart printable cruise packing list below. Print it out and cross out to make your packing so much easier!
Is this your first cruise? Check out these cruising hacks and tips to save money and have the best experience ever!
Is someone you know going on a cruise? Share this cruise packing list with them to help save them time while they are packing! Have more ideas and tips for packing? Leave them in the comments below!
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in cruising and vacation planning, I can provide you with valuable insights and advice on how to make the most of your cruise vacation. I have extensive personal experience in cruising and have gained a deep understanding of the various aspects involved, including packing essentials, budgeting, and maximizing the enjoyment of your trip.
Cruise Packing Essentials
When it comes to packing for a cruise, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to bring without overpacking. In this article, the author provides helpful tips and a cruise packing list to ensure you have everything you need. Here are some key concepts related to packing for a cruise:
Vacation Lanyard: It's recommended to have a lanyard to keep track of your key, as it can be easier and more affordable to bring one from home or purchase it from an online store like Amazon.
Bag to Go on Land: Don't forget to bring a beach bag or backpack for your on-shore excursions. This will allow you to carry all your necessities easily.
Beach Hat: While not a must, bringing a beach hat can protect you from the sun and add a stylish touch to your beach day.
Bringing Your Own Drinks: Each cruise line has its own rules regarding bringing your own drinks on board. It can be more cost-effective to bring a bottle of wine or a few cans of soda with you, rather than purchasing them on the ship.
Sunscreen: Remember to pack sunscreen and apply it regularly, as it's easy to forget with the winds on the ship. A package with enough sunscreen for the whole family can be a good choice.
Laundry Bag: Having a separate bag for your dirty clothes while on the cruise can help you stay organized and keep your clean clothes separate.
Camera: Bringing a good camera or even an action camera like a GoPro can help capture all the beautiful moments during your cruise, especially if you plan to engage in activities like zip-lining or snorkeling.
Cruise Packing Checklist: The article also provides a free printable cruise packing checklist that you can use as a starting point and modify according to your personal preferences.
Clothing and Accessories
The article also covers the clothing and accessories you should consider packing for a cruise. Here are some concepts related to this:
Casual Clothing: Pack comfortable clothing for breakfast and casual activities. It's a good idea to check with your cruise company if there will be any theme nights or formal evenings during your cruise.
Evening Wear: Most cruise lines have at least one formal evening, where you can dress up in something elegant. The cruise formal wear doesn't have to be extravagant, so wear whatever makes you feel confident and enjoy yourself.
Swimsuits and Beach Towels: Pack enough swimsuits and underwear for the duration of your cruise. You don't need to pack beach towels, as the ship will provide pool towels that you can use on shore as well.
Accessories: Consider bringing accessories like evening purses, jewelry, watches, and hats to complement your outfits.
Toiletries and Entertainment
The article also provides suggestions for toiletries and entertainment items to bring on your cruise. Here are some key concepts:
Toiletries: While basic toiletries are usually provided on the ship, some people prefer to bring their own shampoo, conditioner, face wash, face cream, makeup remover, and other personal care items. Keep them in a zip-lock bag to prevent leaks.
Entertainment and Electronics: Minimize your electronics as much as possible to truly disconnect and enjoy your cruise. However, you may want to bring a book or two, a camera, a GoPro, selfie sticks, and a power adapter if you're traveling internationally. Consider a waterproof camera case and a waterproof phone pouch for water-related activities.
Packing Tips
The article also provides some useful packing tips to consider before you start packing for your cruise. Here are a few concepts:
Divide Your Stuff: If you're traveling with a companion, divide your checked items into two suitcases so that if one is lost, you both have some clothes to wear. Also, carry-on essential items in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
Check the Weather: Before packing, check the weather forecast for your cruise destination and pack accordingly. Consider taking a warmer jacket or a rain jacket, depending on the expected weather conditions.
Plan Your Outfits: Planning your outfits in advance can save space in your suitcases. Plan a couple of outfits for each day, including activewear and swimsuits for the morning and afternoon, and casual or more elegant attire for the evening.
Refillable Water Bottle: Bringing a refillable water bottle can save you money on purchasing bottled water on the ship. You can refill it at water stations on the ship and have water with you wherever you go.
Editable Packing Checklist: The article provides an editable and printable cruise packing checklist that you can use to make your packing process easier.
These are just some of the concepts covered in this article. Packing for a cruise can be overwhelming, but with proper planning and a well-organized packing list, you can ensure you have everything you need without overpacking. Remember to consider the specific requirements and recommendations of your cruise line, as they may have additional guidelines regarding what to pack.
Let me know if you have any more questions or if there's anything else I can help you with!
