As someone who books cruises for others and has also been on more than my fair share of cruises, I can tell you that packing for one is both exciting and a little daunting. You want to bring everything you need, but not overpack and struggle with too much luggage. After years of cruising, I’ve learned what really makes a difference when you’re onboard and exploring those incredible ports of call. From the basics like swimwear to some unique items that can really elevate your experience, here’s my packing guide for your next cruise. If you prefer to print a list, click here.
The Common Essentials – The Basics You Won’t Want to Forget
Before diving into the fun stuff, let’s start with the tried-and-true essentials you’ll need to get through a cruise comfortably.
1. Clothing Essentials
First and foremost, it’s important to pack for a variety of situations. Cruise ships can be very laid-back, but there are also formal nights, beach days, and excursions that require different outfits. Remember that you don’t HAVE to participate in formal nights if that’s not your thing, but here are all the clothing essentials that most cruisers bring:
- Swimwear: You’ll definitely want more than one swimsuit. I always pack two or three to make sure I have a dry one handy at all times. A little pro tip: if you plan on lounging by the pool or hitting the beach, having a second swimsuit on hand is a lifesaver! Drying out swimwear tends to take longer in a cruise cabin than it does at home. If you have a balcony and some strong clips to keep items from blowing away, you’re in luck. But it’s best to plan on long dry times if you get your swimwear wet.
- Casual Outfits: Pack those easy-to-wear, breezy clothes for daytime exploring and relaxing. T-shirts, shorts, sundresses—these are the go-to outfits for most of the trip. Wicking shirts are always nice in warmer climates, but if you are going on a cooler weather cruise, remember to bring layers for a wide range of temperatures.
- Formal Wear: A formal night is a staple on many cruises, so don’t forget a suit (guys) and a cocktail dress or gown (ladies). Trust me, it’s an event you won’t want to miss – or at least your wife will probably not want to miss it. If you’re like me, I don’t dress up often so it’s nice to use this as a reason to step it up a bit and get some nice photos.
- Activewear: Even if you’re not a gym person, you’ll probably want something to wear for a hike or a bike ride during shore excursions. Comfort is key! You may just want to take some laps around the boat to burn off a few extra calories or participate in some of the high-adventure offerings your boat may provide like a rollercoaster, zip-lining, go-carts, obstacle course, virtual reality, mini golf, pickleball, basketball, ping pong and more! Some of those activities require a closed-toe shoe, so keep that in mind if you are on a super cruise ship.
2. Footwear
As I just touched on, a cruise is full of different activities, and your shoes need to keep up. Here’s my take on the shoes you’ll want to pack:
- Flip-flops or Sandals: Perfect for walking around the deck, lounging by the pool, and heading to the beach.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: If you’re planning on exploring ports or getting active, these are a must. Think sturdy sneakers or supportive sandals.
- Dress Shoes: For the formal nights, pack a nice pair of dress shoes. They don’t have to be fancy, but they should complement your best evening wear.
- Water Shoes: If you’re doing water activities like snorkeling or exploring rocky beaches, a good pair of water shoes can save you from foot injuries and slippery surfaces.
3. Toiletries and Personal Care Items
While your cabin will likely provide basic toiletries, there’s always that one thing you forget or that special product you can’t live without. I always make sure to pack the following:
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss: A no-brainer, but don’t forget it.
- Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash: I like to bring my own for that extra bit of comfort.
- Sunscreen: Even if you’re not planning on basking in the sun all day, sunscreen is a must. UV rays can get you even on cloudy days!
- Moisturizer: The sea air can dry out your skin, so a good moisturizer is key.
- Shaving Kit: Whether you’re bringing a razor or electric shaver, don’t forget to pack it.
- Hairbrush/Comb: Unless you want to deal with tangles after a day at sea, this is a must!
4. Travel Documents
Cruising is all about adventure, but you need your important documents in order. Here’s the checklist:
- Passport or ID: Always make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.
- Cruise Tickets: Whether digital or printed, don’t forget your cruise tickets.
- Excursion Tickets: If you’ve booked any shore excursions in advance, bring the necessary tickets or confirmations.
- Travel Insurance: You never know what could happen, so keep a copy of your insurance policy handy just in case.
5. Medications and Health Essentials
Trust me, the last thing you want on a cruise is to be dealing with a headache or seasickness without any remedies. Here’s my list of must-bring health items:
- Prescription Medications: Make sure to bring enough for the whole trip, and keep them in their original bottles.
- Motion Sickness Pills: If you’re prone to seasickness, bring those little pills or natural remedies that keep you feeling fine.
- Pain Relievers: You never know when a headache or muscle ache will hit, so I always bring a bottle of something to help.
- Band-Aids and Antiseptic: For those small injuries when you’re out exploring.
- Bug Spray: If you’re visiting tropical destinations, don’t forget this little lifesaver.
The Unique Items – Little Extras That Can Make a Big Difference
Alright, now for the fun stuff—the items that go beyond the basics and can make your cruise even more enjoyable. As a frequent cruiser, I’ve found that some unique items really enhance the whole experience. Let’s dive into those:
1. Insulated Tumblers or Water Bottles
Hydration is key on a cruise, but let’s face it—those drinks from the bar or buffet can get warm pretty quickly, especially in the sun. That’s where an insulated tumbler or water bottle comes in handy. I bring my own to fill up with cold water or iced tea and keep it chilled all day long. Not only does it save you from constantly buying bottled water, but it’s an eco-friendly option too. Click here to order my favorite Stanley tumbler.
2. Foldable Cooler
If you’re planning on excursions or beach days, a foldable cooler is one of those items you didn’t know you needed but will thank yourself for packing. These compact coolers are lightweight and easy to store in your luggage, but once you’re on land, they can hold all your snacks and drinks, keeping them cool throughout the day. A small cooler is an absolute game-changer if you’re planning to spend the day on a remote beach or out on a nature hike. This backpack cooler was my choice for something I can load up and carry easily.
3. Portable Charger or Power Bank
This is a must-have for anyone who takes photos or likes to stay connected while on vacation. Cruises are full of once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, and you don’t want to miss them because your phone battery dies. I always pack a portable charger or power bank, so I can keep my devices charged and ready to go at all times.
4. Dry Bag for Water Excursions
Whether you’re snorkeling, kayaking, or just enjoying the beach, a dry bag is a must if you want to keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables safe from water damage. I use a dry bag on pretty much every water-based excursion I go on—it’s the best way to keep your things dry while you enjoy the water. Click here for a deal on a dry bag that also comes with a waterproof phone case.
5. Magnetic Hooks
Here’s a little tip that changed my cruise life—bring magnetic hooks! They are very inexpensive and stick to the metal walls in your cabin to give you a place to hang wet towels, hats, or bags without taking up precious closet space. Cruise cabins can be cramped, so anything that helps with organization is a win in my book!
6. Snorkeling Gear
If you’re planning to snorkel at your ports of call, it’s a good idea to bring your own gear. While cruise ships often provide snorkeling equipment, I’ve found that having my own mask, snorkel and fins makes a big difference in comfort and fit. I prefer just bringing my full face mask with a built-in snorkel and I usually skip bringing the fins unless I plan do to major snorkeling. Plus, it saves you from paying those rental fees.
7. Beach Towel Clips or Bands
Throw some beach towel clips or elastic bands into your beach bag. These are not only handy for making sure your beach towels don’t fly away in the wind, but they also help identify which chairs are yours. Plus if you need to get creative and clip some towels from an umbrella to create extra shade, these little buddies can do the trick!
Final Tips for Packing
- Pack your carry-on wisely: Keep essentials like sunscreen, swimsuits, sun hats, water bottles, and medications in your carry-on that you keep with you after getting on the ship. Checked luggage can take several hours to arrive to your room.
- Bottle of Wine: Most ships allow 21+ adults to CARRY ON one bottle of wine each. Don’t make the mistake of packing this in your checked bag like my wife did once. It’s the opposite of airports – you must carry-on your bottles of wine or they will be confiscated.
- Don’t Overpack: You don’t need to bring everything under the sun. Cruise ships offer a variety of shopping options, so leave a little extra room for souvenirs! Plus storage in rooms is limited, so you don’t want to feel cramped with too many extra items.
- Check the Weather: Always check the forecast for your destinations, so you can pack accordingly.
- Click here to print a checklist for packing!
Wrapping Up
Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right combination of essentials and fun extras, you’ll be ready for anything the ocean and your destinations throw at you. From the basics like sunscreen and swimwear to must-have items like insulated tumblers and foldable coolers, the key is to be prepared but not overstuffed. Trust me, I’ve been there, and with these tips, you’ll be cruising in style! Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of your cruise adventure!
Chris Ordway, the Trip Bookie
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