The list isn’t an exhaustive one, but this is a great starting point. Check out the downloadable packing list at the end to have a quick and easy starting point!
Create or Download a Starter Packing List
If you’re the kind of person who wonders about all the “what ifs” , & end up over-packing for every climates and eventuality, the best way to start is to consider where you’re going, think the weather and activities there, & start your cruise packing list.
As you add on to your packing list, consider that on a cruise you’ll want a flexible wardrobe, outfits for daytime casual, evening chic, formal night wear perhaps, weather & destination appropriate attire, and more.
Accessories
Wearables
- Jewelry but not your best pieces (don’t want to create any temptation of a less well raised guest)
- Belts & Ties for the guys
- Watch
- Umbrella/Poncho
- Glasses
- Sunglasses
- Sun hats
- Protective cases for any breakable accessories
Bags
- Luggage (primary)
- Daypack or beach bag for port days
- Ladies may want 2 purses – 1 for casual and 1 for evenings
- Collapsible tote for extra souvenirs
- Plastic bags for dirty, wet or soiled clothing and/or even some zipper plastic bags
- Laundry bag for longer sailings in case you want to store dirty clothes or ask for laundry service
Clothing
You’ll want a good selection of comfortable and casual clothing. Check the expected weather, and choose a good selection of the following items:
Casual Wear:
- Shorts and pants
- Jeans/Khakis
- Sundresses or skirts
- Tee shirts, perhaps both long and short sleeve
- Tank Tops
Formalwear:
- Dress Code: Check the evening / formal night dress code for your cruise line
- For the ladies: Dresses, combos or a fine dressy pants type outfit, cocktail dresses, skirt/blouse combination, or polished pantsuit or elegant top with really nice jeans
- For the guys: Button down shirts, blazer
- For anyone: sweaters, nice pants or designer jeans
- Super fancy wear: Tuxedos and evening gowns are more traditional and are more common on certain cruise lines than others.
Outerwear:
- Check the weather again for your destinations and pack accordingly.
- Winter weather cruise: layers with hats/gloves
- Sunny weather cruise: Sun hats & baseball caps
- Sweater and/or sweatshirt
- Scarves/shawls or jackets for evenings out on the ship deck
Beach & Swimwear:
- 1-2 swimsuits
- Cover ups
- Snorkel & goggles if you like to snorkel on your own
Activewear:
- Fitness clothing & sneakers if you plan to stay fit onboard
- Anything special you may need to stay fit
Sleepwear
- Whether you wear your birthday suit or pajamas, don’t forget these items!
- Slippers
- Sleeping socks if you wear special ones!
Footwear / Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers, flats, whatever is appropriate)
- Sandals & flip flops
- Dress shoes for evening, dinner
- Boots if you’re going to be hiking, rocky terrain, or might see rain
- Water shoes if you like to use them
Family Considerations
- Babies: diapers, strollers, toys, wipes
- Kids: games, snacks
Documents & Money
- Airline ticket information
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Directions if needed
- Driver’s License
- Hotel information (pre or post cruise)
- List of medical conditions & medications you take
- Medical insurance card
- Maps if desired
- Money Belt
- Passport
- Travel guidebooks
- Travel Insurance Information
- Wallet
- Visas required for the destinations you are visiting, if needed
Tip: Give someone, like your travel agent or family member at home, copies of key documents, like credit card numbers (you could also use a backup service like LastPass for this too), copies of your passport, driver’s license, prescriptions/medications and a list of the phone #s for all your credit card companies.
Packing Gear
Packing Cubes: these are pretty amazing, they may seem like it would just add, but I’ve used them and they do work! You can use them to categorize items, pack outfits together, or whatever works best for you!
Boarding Day Carry On Bag: Be sure to pack what you need on day one, like a swimsuit, cover up, change of clothes, but most importantly – your valuables, medications, documents, charger, laptop, and house keys.
Stateroom Hacks
Consider Bathroom Space Savers – something like a door hanging shoe holder or other storage device can save tons of space in your cruise stateroom!
Pill organizers can be more beneficial than carrying a full bag of prescription bottles. Pack extra though!
Small first aid kit with items like band-aids, pain killers, insect repellent, bite cream or spray, motion sickness medication, antihistamines, and stomach relief medication should prevent any too crazy mishaps from becoming too much without having to visit a shop to buy them overpriced or visit the medical center.
Technology
- Binoculars (for sight seeing)
- Camera if not your cell phone & its accessories
- Cell phone & charger
- Earbuds or Headphones
- Laptop or Tablet & charger
- Multi-USB charger (power strips are not advised due to cruise ship guidelines in most cases)
- Selfie Stick
- Travel alarm clock if desired
- Waterproof phone case
- Voltage adapters if needed
Toiletries
- Aloe Vera gel in case of sunburn
- Contact lens supplies
- Cotton swabs, cotton balls or cotton pads
- Deodorant
- Facial Wash
- Fragrance (cologne, perfume)
- Glasses cleaning supplies
- Hair products: brush, comb, styling products, accessories, hair ties
- Oral care: floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
- Lip balm
- Makeup: remover, lip makeup, eye makeup, blemish/cover up, powder or foundation, and any tools, brushes you use
- Moisturizer
- Nail file and clipper
- Shaving supplies
- Tweezers
Tip: unless you’re particular, you shouldn’t need to pack shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as they are typically provided.
Health & Safety
- 1st aid kit
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand Sanitizer
- Medications
- Pain relief
- Seasickness remedies
- Vitamins
- Wipes for sanitization
Miscellaneous Packing Items & Advice
- Antibacterial wipes
- Bathroom fragrance, like Poo-Pourri – keep in mind you are very close and it’s all compact!
- Earplugs
- Favorite snacks
- Gum
- Magnetic hooks
- Nightlight if you use one
- Playing cards
- Reading materials
- Reusable water bottle
- Sleep mask
- Travel pillow
- Wrinkle free spray
Keys Tip: pack your keys securely where you could not possibly lose or misplace them or pack them where they’re not easily accessible. Remember where you’re going and what you’ll be doing when you return from your cruise!
Unpacking Tip: Stow your suitcases under the bed and check behind mirrors, in closets, and in stools for storage spots!
Download a PDF Easy Breezy Journeys’ Ultimate Packlist for Cruises by clicking HERE.
Ready to plan your cruise?
If so, Easy Breezy Journeys is here to make it easy for you! Just click HERE to answer a few quick questions and we’ll get started!
