Okay, let's talk cruise packing. That moment when you're staring at your empty suitcase two days before sailing, wondering how you'll survive a week with limited luggage space? Been there. Last summer I nearly ruined a Caribbean trip because I forgot reef-safe sunscreen – ended up paying triple onboard. Lesson learned.
What to pack on a cruise isn't just about clothes. It's about anticipating tiny problems before they happen. Will your cabin have enough outlets? What if it rains during your shore excursion? Can you really survive with cruise ship shampoo?
Cruise Packing Essentials You Absolutely Cannot Forget
These are the non-negotiables – the items that'll make you panic if left behind. Trust me, watching someone beg for a power strip at the guest services desk isn't pretty.
| Category | Items | Why It Matters | Personal Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Documents | Passport (with 6+ months validity), boarding passes, visa documents, vaccine records | No boarding without these | Make color photocopies and leave with someone at home |
| Money | Credit cards (call banks before travel), $100 in small bills ($1/$5 for tips), waterproof wallet | Ship operates cashless system | Don't rely on ship ATMs – insane fees |
| Tech | USB charging hub (most cabins have 1 outlet), waterproof phone case, Kindle | Outlets are scarce | Buy a hanging organizer with pockets for cords |
| Health | Prescription meds (in original bottles), motion sickness remedies, high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen | Medical center prices are brutal | I pack Bonine even if I "never get seasick" |
Pro tip: Pack a small crossbody bag just for documents. Mine holds passports, vaccination cards, and a backup credit card. When they call your boarding group, you're not frantically digging through luggage.
The Outlet Situation is Real
Modern ships claim to have upgraded outlets. Don't believe it. On my last Royal Caribbean cruise, our "updated" cabin had exactly two usable plugs behind the TV. A 6-port USB hub saved us. Bring one with surge protection – some lines confiscate power strips.
Clothing Strategy: What Actually Works Onboard
Here's where most cruise packing guides get it wrong. They tell you to bring 5 formal outfits for a 7-day trip. Reality? Most people re-wear pieces. Cruise attire breaks into three buckets:
Daytime Wear (Pool & Activities)
- 2 swimsuits minimum (one always wet)
- Light cover-ups that double as dresses
- Quick-dry shorts/tanks (avoid cotton – takes forever to dry)
- Sun hats with chin straps (wind on deck is no joke)
Personal confession: I used to pack cute sandals for pool days. Now? Waterproof sandals with grip. Saw too many people wipe out on wet decks.
Evening Attire Demystified
| Night Type | Women | Men | How Often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | Sundress or nice top with slacks | Polo + khakis | 3-4 nights/week |
| Smart Casual | Cocktail dress or dressy separates | Button-down + dress pants | 2 nights/week |
| Formal | Evening gown or fancy cocktail dress | Suit or tuxedo (rentals available) | 1-2 nights/week |
Carnival does "cruise elegant" nights where you'll see everything from sequins to dressy jeans. Norwegian is more laid-back. Always check your specific cruise line's dress code.
What about themed nights? White parties, tropical nights, 80s throwbacks – check your cruise app before packing. I wasted money buying a pirate costume only to discover my sailing didn't do pirate night.
The Shoe Dilemma Solved
Shoes eat luggage space. Here's what actually earns its place:
- Comfortable walking shoes: For shore excursions (think cobblestones)
- Water shoes: Essential for rocky beaches like Dunn's River Falls
- Dress shoes: One versatile pair for men, women can use dressy sandals
- Flip flops: For pool and quick cabin runs
Leave bulky sneakers at home unless you're doing serious hiking. I made that mistake on an Alaskan cruise – my hiking boots occupied half my suitcase for one excursion.
Toiletries and Medications: Beyond the Basics
Cruise cabins provide shampoo and soap. But let's be honest – it's the cheap stuff that dries your skin. Pack these lifesavers:
| Category | Items | Why Cruise-Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Skincare | Aloe vera gel, moisturizer with SPF, lip balm with SPF 30+ | Ship AC dehydrates skin faster |
| Haircare | Leave-in conditioner (saltwater damage), strong hold hairspray (windy decks) | Cabins have weak hair dryers |
| Medical | Sea bands, ginger chews, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream | Medical center charges $150+ just for consultation |
| Misc | Over-the-door organizer, disinfecting wipes, air freshener | Bathrooms lack storage and ventilation |
Biggest toiletries mistake? Forgetting reef-safe sunscreen. Many Caribbean ports (Mexico, Hawaii) ban chemical sunscreens. If you show up with regular Coppertone, they'll confiscate it during bag checks.
Tech Gear Most People Overlook
Modern cruises require more tech than you'd think:
- Magnetic hooks: Cabin walls are metal – create instant storage
- Waterproof Bluetooth speaker: For balcony relaxing
- E-reader loaded with books: Spotty Wi-Fi makes streaming impossible
- Walkie-talkies: If traveling with kids (ship Wi-Fi messaging costs extra)
Wi-Fi packages are highway robbery. On Princess last fall, "premium" Wi-Fi was $30/day and still couldn't handle Zoom calls. Download everything beforehand.
Specialty Cruise Packing Lists
Cold Weather Cruises (Alaska, Norway)
- Waterproof windbreaker with hood
- Fleece layers (cabins get warm, decks freezing)
- Telescoping trekking poles for glacier hikes
- Hand warmers and thermal socks
Tropical Cruises (Caribbean, Bahamas)
- Mesh laundry bag for wet swimwear
- Collapsible water bottle (stay hydrated off-ship)
- Dry bag for water activities
- Multiple swimsuits (humidity slows drying)
Pro tip: Pack a small foldable duffel inside your suitcase. Perfect for souvenirs on the return trip. I learned this after having to wear three cruise t-shirts home to free up space.
What NOT to Pack: Surprising Prohibited Items
Cruise lines have stricter rules than airlines. These commonly confiscated items surprise people:
| Item | Why Prohibited | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Steamers/Irons | Fire hazard | Use ship laundry pressing service ($5/item) |
| Candles/Incense | Fire hazard | Battery-operated tea lights okay |
| Drones | Security risk | Never allowed, even in ports |
| Liquor over 15% | Revenue protection | Most confiscate and return end of cruise |
| Extension cords | Surge risk | Non-surge protectors sometimes allowed |
They totally opened my luggage last year for a "contraband" power strip. Took it and gave me a receipt. Annoying but understandable.
Packing Hacks That Save Sanity
After 12 cruises, here's what actually works:
- Roll clothes, don't fold: Fewer wrinkles, more space
- Use packing cubes by category: One for daywear, one for evening, etc.
- Ziploc bag for liquids: Pressure changes cause leaks
- First-night bag: Essentials in carry-on (meds, swimsuit, docs)
Ever arrived to find your luggage delivered at 8PM? That first-night bag with your meds and toothbrush is crucial.
Shore Excursion Must-Haves
Don't get caught without these during port days:
- Port address card (written in local language)
- Waterproof phone pouch with lanyard
- Copies of passport main page
- Local currency (small bills)
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
In Jamaica, our tour bus broke down. Without local cash for a taxi back to port? Disaster. Now I always stash $50 equivalent in currency.
Final Thoughts on Cruise Packing
So what's the real secret to knowing what to pack on a cruise? Anticipate problems before they happen. That tiny sewing kit? It saved me when a hem ripped before formal night. Those magnetic hooks? Created extra storage in our closet-less cabin. Packing light doesn't mean packing sparse – it means packing smart.
Your cruise packing list shouldn't cause stress. Focus on versatility and problem-solving items. And seriously? Leave those extra "just in case" outfits at home. You'll wear half of what you think.
Cruise Packing FAQs
Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise?
Most lines allow 1-2 bottles of wine per cabin on embarkation day only. Hard liquor gets confiscated. Check your cruise line's policy – Carnival allows one 750ml bottle per adult, while Royal Caribbean charges a $15 corkage fee.
How formal are formal nights now?
Way more relaxed than pre-2020. On recent sailings, I've seen everything from tuxedos to dressy jeans on "formal" nights. Unless you're on Cunard or luxury lines, a dark suit or cocktail dress suffices. Many skip formal nights altogether – buffet stays open.
Do I need a tuxedo for a 7-day cruise?
Nope. Unless you want to rent one for photos. Most men wear suits or even just dress pants with a blazer now. I stopped packing my tux after noticing only 10% wore them on my last Princess cruise.
Should I pack beach towels?
No! Ships provide towels you can take ashore (scan your room key). But bring a distinctive towel clip – hundreds of identical blue towels on deck chairs get mixed up.
Is there a laundry service?
All ships have paid laundry (usually $3-$5 per item). Some offer mid-cruise bag specials ($35 for a full bag). Pack a few sink detergent pods if you'll hand-wash intimates.
What if I forget something crucial?
Ship stores have essentials at 300% markup ($30 for basic sunscreen). Better to pack right. Pro tip: CVS/Walgreens near ports sell forgotten items cheaper than onboard.
How many outfits per day should I pack?
Two maximum: One for daytime, one for evening. Realistically, you'll re-wear dinner outfits. For a 7-day cruise, pack 5 daytime outfits, 4 evening outfits, 3 swimsuits. Laundry fills the gaps.
At the end of the day, figuring out what to pack on a cruise comes down to balancing preparedness with practicality. The goal isn't to bring your entire closet – it's to bring the right stuff. Now go enjoy that vacation without worrying you forgot something essential!
Comment