So, you’ve booked your dream cruise and the excitement is building! You’re imagining sun-soaked days on deck, exotic ports of call, and endless buffets. But then reality hits — what do you even pack for a cruise? You don’t want to overpack, but you definitely don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the ocean missing something important. Don’t worry, I’ve got tried and true packing tips for a perfect cruise vacation that’ll keep you stress-free and ready for anything.
Here, we’ll walk you through the essential packing tips to ensure you have everything you need for a fabulous cruise vacation. From clothing essentials to handy gadgets, we’ve got all the insider advice to help you pack like a pro.
Before we get into the details, know that cruise ships are notoriously hard on luggage. They toss it around like it’s a football, so don’t use your prized suitcases or they may get roughed up more than you like.
1. Start with the Basics: Clothing Essentials
Let’s be honest: cruises are as much about relaxation as they are about looking good for dinner. But that doesn’t mean you need to bring your entire wardrobe.
Daytime outfits
Casual and comfortable is the name of the game here. Think lightweight sundresses, shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear. Most days, you’ll be lounging by the pool or exploring ports, so you’ll want to keep it breezy. Pick clothes that you can mix-and-match so you don’t need to overpack.
Evening attire
Many cruises have at least one formal night, so be sure to pack a dress, suit, or dressy outfit. The rest of the time, “cruise casual” is usually fine — meaning nice jeans, khakis, and smart tops. Many restaurants don’t allow cutoff shorts or tank tops in the restaurants, but this is fine at the poolside bars/cafes.
Footwear
Bring comfortable walking shoes for those shore excursions, flip-flops for the pool, and maybe one pair of dress shoes for the evenings. Wear good walking shoes if you’re going on any excursions.
2. Don’t Forget Swimwear
Here’s a pro tip: pack more than one swimsuit. You’ll be spending plenty of time by the pool or hot tub, and nobody likes squeezing into a damp suit. Two or three should do the trick, especially if you’re cruising for a week or longer. Cruise ships do not allow you to hang suits to dry on the balcony, so they’ll take some time to dry.
And while you’re thinking about swimwear, don’t forget a cover-up or sarong. You’ll want something easy to throw on when you’re grabbing a snack or wandering around the ship.
3. Layer It Up: Cruise Weather Can Be Tricky
Even if you’re headed to a tropical destination, remember that cruise ships can get a little chilly in the evenings or inside air-conditioned areas. So, make sure to throw in a light sweater or jacket. If you’re cruising during the cooler months or to a destination with unpredictable weather, layers are your best friend.
Think cardigans, long-sleeved shirts, and even a light raincoat if you’re headed to a spot with the chance of rain. It’s better to have it and not need it than to be caught in a cold breeze while watching the sunset on deck.
4. Toiletries: Cruise-Specific Must-Haves
While most cruises provide basic toiletries like soap and shampoo, you’ll want to bring your own if you’re picky about brands or need specific products. Plus, don’t forget the following essentials:
- Sunscreen: You’ll need more than you think, so bring an extra bottle.
- After-sun lotion or aloe: Just in case you overdo it on the first day (we’ve all been there).
- Motion sickness medication: Even if you’re not prone to seasickness, it’s good to have just in case the waters get rough.
- Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes: These come in handy, especially when you’re sharing spaces with lots of people.
And yes, cruise ships often have small stores onboard, but they can be pricey. Better to pack what you need!
5. Your Cruise Carry-On: What to Bring
On embarkation day, your luggage will be taken by the staff and delivered to your room later — sometimes much later. That means your carry-on is super important! Here’s what you’ll want to have with you:
- Passport and cruise documents: You won’t get far without these.
- Medications: Always keep these on hand.
- A change of clothes: In case your luggage takes a while to show up.
- Swimsuit: You can hit the pool before your bags arrive.
- Phone charger and electronics: Keep these within reach for snapping pics and staying connected.
Basically, anything you need for the first few hours of your cruise should be in your carry-on.
6. Stay Organized with Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a lifesaver when it comes to staying organized. They help you separate your items by category, making it easier to find what you need without tearing through your suitcase. Plus, they compress your clothing, giving you a little extra room for souvenirs (or snacks — no judgment here).
7. Shore Excursions: Plan and Pack Accordingly
Not all shore excursions are created equal, so you’ll want to pack specifically for the activities you have planned. Going hiking? Bring sturdy shoes and a small backpack. Beach day? Throw in a towel, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Zip-lining or snorkeling? You might want to pack a waterproof phone case or GoPro to capture those epic moments.
It’s always a good idea to bring a foldable tote bag for these outings — something lightweight that can be stuffed into your suitcase but expanded to carry everything you’ll need for a day off the ship.
8. Don’t Forget Your Tech
Sure, you might be going on vacation to unplug, but let’s face it, you’ll probably still want your tech. Here are a few must-haves:
- Portable charger: With all the photos you’ll be taking, your phone battery won’t last long. A portable charger is a lifesaver, especially on shore excursions.
- Travel adapter: Depending on where your cruise is taking you, the outlets onboard might not be the same as back home.
- Headphones or earbuds: Perfect for relaxing on deck with your favorite playlist or podcast.
9. Pack a Mini First-Aid Kit
While most ships have medical facilities, it’s always good to have a small first-aid kit with basics like band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes. You never know when you might need a quick fix for a blister or headache.
10. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
While cruise ships often provide plenty of drinks, having your own reusable water bottle is great for staying hydrated, especially during shore excursions. Just fill it up in the morning, and you’re good to go!
11. Don’t Forget Your Entertainment
There’s a lot to do on a cruise, but you’ll also have downtime — perfect for a good book or a few episodes of your favorite show. Bring along a Kindle, tablet, or even a paperback. And if you prefer old-school entertainment, pack a deck of cards or a travel game for some fun with your fellow passengers.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning, you can make sure you have everything you need without overstuffing your suitcase. Stick to the essentials, consider the activities you’ll be doing, and don’t forget to leave a little room for those souvenirs you’ll want to bring back. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the journey — after all, that’s what a cruise is all about!