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The Ultimate Printable Cruise Packing List
Wondering what to pack for a cruise? Grab our go-to cruise packing list covering must-have items, tech, clothing, and more.
August 8, 2024
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My first time on a cruise ship wasn’t my last! My partner and I went on a cruise last summer to take in the wonders of the Mediterranean coastline and Northern Europe’s fjords.
While cruising in the South of Europe through azure, crystal-clear waters I wished I had packed more swimsuits and summer dresses to stay cool in the scorching summer heat. As I sweltered under the midday sun, I kicked myself for not bringing my wide-brimmed hat. And, as I belly-laughed when I slipped and fell in my pumps on my way to dinner, I realized I should have brought my flats.
The list of I wish I would’ve brought this with me on the cruise could go on forever. It was a teachable moment, no doubt.
Now, as my cruise packing list skills have drastically improved and my cruise essentials have been updated, I’m sharing my learnings with you—in the form of a downloadable cruise packing checklist.
Download our cruise packing checklist for free!
What to consider before packing for a cruise
Don’t start packing just yet! Besides the international travel packing essentials, I have some advice on what to include in your luggage based on ship-specific amenities and activities.
Check your cruise ship’s dress code
Before going on our cruise vacation, I was under the false impression that a cruise ship is just a floating beach resort where you do everything in your bathing suit, except the shore excursions—of course!
Wrong!
It took me one quick look around during an upscale dinner to discover there is a thing called cruise ship etiquette. This refers to the degree of fancy you’re expected to bring forward on formal nights.
Most cruise ships today don’t require black-tie attire, but walking about in swimwear all day is generally not acceptable unless your only goal is to stick pool side. Do your due diligence before you start packing. In most cases, you’ll be fine with packing a few evening-chic or smart-casual outfits to wear at formal dinners, shows, or galas.
Consider the climate for all destinations
My cruise started from the most Southern European countries with summer temperatures exceeding 100 °F before heading North, finishing in Norway—where it got significantly colder.
I certainly didn’t pack enough cardigans and didn’t even think to bring hoodies or sweaters for what was starting off as a ‘summer’ trip.
Don’t make the same mistakes I did! Make a list of all the countries on your tour list and pack according to their weather conditions.
Review eSIM options for your cell phone
Even though you can use your cell phone to text and call your loved ones while sailing about, the expensive roaming charges will change that real fast.
Instead, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi package from your cruise line and only use your cell phone while on the ship, only via Wi-Fi. If you go this route, just take into consideration that the internet may be slow in busier areas of the ship, and the Wi-Fi signal poor in some places too. Plus, it’s also pretty pricey. Some charge around $16 per day, others $0.25 per MB.
To bypass surprise roaming fees and stay connected, you can use a virtual SIM card (eSIM). It’s the cheapest way to use your phone while on a cruise ship and great if you’re passing through different countries or even continents!
eSIMs will work in the same areas as conventional SIMs (ports and coastal areas). This means you won’t have service in the middle of the ocean.. An eSIM enables you to:
- Avoid surprise roaming charges with your carrier
- Access high-speed internet in multiple locations at a fixed cost
- Connect to the most reliable, local networks without changing physical SIM cards
Plus, some eSIM providers and carriers offer multi-destination packages for your multi-country travels and cruises. For example, Holafly, providing one of the best eSIMs for the Caribbean region, offers coverage for over 16 countries and access to up to 7 GB of data with a buy-it-and-forget-it single purchase.
Consider which on-ship activities you’d like to try
Modern cruise ships will offer everything from mini golf courses to rock climbing walls, on-ship surf simulators to jogging tracks. It’s up to you to pre-pick what you want to try your hand at and pack accordingly.
Even if the chances of you straying away from the swim-up pool bar and playing a lot of sports while aboard are low, consider adding a pair of trainers to your carry-on bag all-the-same—keep your options open! And, maybe throw your golf gloves in there as well—who knows! You never know the adventurous spirit your cruise trip may awaken in you.
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71 Must-have items for your cruise packing list
The question of what to pack for a cruise was on my mind even before booking my tickets. While researching to see what others have packed for their voyage, I realized that my usual international trip checklist needed major updates before embarking on this new adventure.
Now, after an initial update based on plenty of research and first-hand experience, this is what my cruise packing list looks like.
Electronics packing list
There are a lot of ways to get Internet worldwide and all of them will require you to keep your phone charged. So, make sure you’re prepared for any electric socket that cruise life throws at you. Consider packing the following electronic items to keep your phone happy:
- Universal power adapter
- Portable battery pack
- eSIM card
- Power strip (check cruise line policy)
While on the topic of electronics, consider adding these devices to your cruise packing list to get ready for maximum comfort:
- Night light
- Flashlight
- Portable fan
- Kindle
- Noise-canceling headphones
Clothing packing list
Regardless of personal style and fashion preferences, there are some cruise essentials everyone should pack, including:
- Undergarments and socks
- Pajamas
- T-shirts
- Multiple bathing suits
- Bathing suit cover-ups
- Workout clothes
- Head scarf (in case you plan on visiting religious sites)
- Sunhat
- Beach and cocktail dresses
- Dress pants
- Casual shorts and skirts
- Lightweight raincoat
- Cardigan
- Accessories (like belts, handbags, jewelry, and sunglasses)
Toiletries packing list
No matter how fun and adorable travel-sized toiletries are, you’ll need the full-size version of some products when boarding a lengthy cruise. I suggest you pack full-size:
- Sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
- Body wash or soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Moisturizer (face and body)
- Deodorant
Other toiletries, full-size or mini versions, to include on your cruise packing list include:
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Face wash
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair ties or clips
- Tweezers
- Wet wipes
- Nail clippers and file
- Perfume or cologne
- Razor and shaving cream
- Floss and mouthwash
- Makeup and makeup remover
- Cotton swabs and cotton balls
- Insect repellent
- Feminine hygiene products
Footwear packing list
The footwear cruise essentials will depend heavily on what activities you plan to do. Here are some ideas on what you could include:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water shoes
- Non-slip flip flops
- Sandals
- Trainers
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Dress shoes
- Slippers (for the cabin)
Documents packing list
Here comes the not-so-fun, adult what to pack for a cruise part: key travel documents.
Place your essential documents in your crossbody, money belt, or day bag for easy access when in the departure port or any other foreign ports you’ll visit. You’ll need:
- Valid ID
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Cruise tickets and boarding passes
- Shore excursion tickets (if booked in advance)
- Travel insurance & medical insurance card
- Proof of vaccination (if applicable)
- Medical prescriptions
- Credit and/or debit cards
Medications packing list
Most cruise lines make over-the-counter medicine available on board. These include pills for minor colds, coughs, or digestive issues. Your prescription medication will not be available onboard unless you bring it with you.
Technically, you could fill in your prescription during on-shore trips if your international travel insurance allows it. But, that will complicate your travel, and take away from your time exploring a new place..
Medical things to bring on a cruise include:
- Prescription medication
- Personalized first aid kit
- Pain relief medication
- Anti-itch cream (for insect bites)
- Motion sickness tablets
- Allergy medication
- Antacids
- Cold and flu pills
Beach essentials packing list
Back in the fun packing zone! Let’s get you ready for exotic beach trips.
Other things to bring on a cruise, besides bathing suits and flip flops, include:
- Snorkel gear
- Sun protection (in the form of lotions and anti-UV clothing and glasses)
- Waterproof phone case
- Reusable water bottle
- Beach towels, mats, or blankets
You thought your cruise packing journey ended here? It doesn’t! You may want to unzip your carry-on and make room for more essential items. Scroll for more packing tips.
Essential tips for cruise packing from a traveler that has been there!
These tips come from my first-time-cruiser forgetfulness—and ignorance. It didn’t cross my mind that Norway, a non-EU country, has another currency than EURO. As a result, I had to withdraw cash from an ATM with a not-so-favorable exchange rate and pay some hefty commission fees. So….
Remember to bring cash
Research the local currency of each destination country on your itinerary and prepare a small amount of cash for each. This will enable you to:
- Purchase souvenirs and snacks from street vendors
- Use paid public restrooms
- Offer tips
- Be prepared for any malfunction of electronic payment systems.
Check the weather forecast
The outfits you pack depend on temperatures—especially on cold weather cruises where temperatures can switch from winter chill to summer heat in hours.
Make sure to check the weather forecast for all the destinations you’ll visit and pack accordingly. You may have to give up a few beach fits for a raincoat and a cardigan—you’ll thank me for it!
Remember, the weather is unpredictable. So, have a plan B in mind, just in case your cruise is not all sunshine and blue skies.
Pack for formal nights
Even though many cruise ships stopped calling their elegant night events ‘formal’ and cruise dress codes have relaxed over the years, you’ll still need to dress up—or may want to from time to time.
Check your cruise line’s recommendations for dinner attire beforehand to avoid being underdressed.
Bring a refillable water bottle
It’s a drag to get a small paper cup refilled every time you’re thirsty—which will probably be more often than expected when cruising closer to the equator.
A refillable water bottle simplifies things—both for on-shore visits and on-board activities. If you can, opt for an insulated one that can keep your water cool in the summer heat, or your tea warm on a colder day.
By now, your bags are probably full. There are things that you may need to take out though. Let’s go over the things you need to leave at home.
What not to bring on a cruise
Each cruise line will have its own policy on forbidden items. However, there are some general conventions on what to leave out of your luggage when boarding a cruise ship.
Prohibited items for a cruise ship
Here are some items that most cruise lines won’t allow you to carry on board:
- Perishable food
- Alcohol
- Weapons and firearms
- Knives and scissors (blade length restrictions may apply)
- Fireworks and pyrotechnics
- Flammable liquids
- Lasers
- Drugs
- Some appliances and electronics (i.e., hot plates, coffee makers, electric irons and steamers
- Candles and incense
- Musical instruments
Items you don’t need on a cruise ship
From laundry services and fully-equipped gyms to physical maps and all-you-can-eat food buffets, your ship has everything you need. Don’t waste space in your luggage by bringing things like:
- Hair dryers
- Irons and steamers
- Laundry detergent
- Physical books
- Exercise equipment
- Snacks
- Maps
Even though you can rest assured that you’re able to leave a lot of things at home, there’s still a lot to include in your luggage. I’ve learned that you can still pack in everything and ensure you don’t exceed the weight limit. Here’s how!
Extra cruise packing tips
Minimize packing
Although it’s important to be prepared for any kind of emergency—be it medical or an outfit malfunction—you need to limit yourself to the essentials and pack efficiently.
Instead of throwing in random clothing items and hoping fashion inspiration strikes after you sip a Margarita by the pool, try to create complete outfits before packing.
To save space, center multiple outfits around versatile basics, like a pair of black pants or a white t-shirt.
Remember: your ship most likely provides a laundry service. So, instead of packing your whole wardrobe, get your clothes cleaned and re-wear them throughout your trip.
Cruise luggage weight limits
By some miracle, you manage to squeeze EVERYTHING in your luggage by rolling your clothes and using packing cubes. The happiness, the pride…You crossed off all the items on your ultimate cruise packing list. But you forgot something: checking your cruise luggage weight limit.
To avoid this hypothetical pain, know that most cruise lines allow each checked bag and carry-on luggage bag to weigh up to 50 pounds. Dimension restrictions also apply!
You probably don’t need 50 pounds of luggage for a 7-day cruise. Or do you?
What to pack for a 7-day cruise
Worried you packed too much or too little? Here’s a packing list example for a 7-day cruise:
- 3 Casual outfits that can be mixed and matched to create at least 6 fashionable combinations
- 2 Extra tops
- 2 Formal or smart casual/semi-formal outfits for dinners and other events
- 2 Swimsuits
- 1 Pair of flip-flops
- 1 Pair of comfortable sandals (that can also be worn on formal nights)
- 1 Pair of sports shoes
- Sleepwear
- 9 Pairs of underwear and socks
- 1 Hat
- 1 Scarf
- Sunglasses
- eSIM
To this core list, add the required toiletries, meds, and electronic devices you’d normally bring along for any trip.
Now you’re ready to zip up your luggage and zipline your way to the port! It’s time you embark on a sight-seing adventure that will make you fall in love with the sea. Just please don’t come back home with one of those sailor’s hats. They’re not fun, not even for Halloween.
Wrapping up your cruise packing list: stay connected with Holafly
Download my checklist, if you haven’t already, and start crossing off items to prepare for your cruise.
Leave your worries at bay (pun intended) and enjoy the open sea freedom regardless of what you forgot to bring along. The important thing is to enjoy every second of it (and maybe post about it along the way on Instagram #cruise).
Holafly helps you stay in the moment and share your journey with your friends and loved ones. Pack your Holafly eSIM to stay connected, even after you sail away into the sunset!
