What to Pack for a Cruise

Fun Fam Travels

Packing for a cruise involves careful consideration of both essentials and items that can enhance your experience onboard and at port. Here’s a comprehensive printable list of items to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable vacation. While we aren’t suggesting you need to pack ALL the items on this list, it will give you a good reference so you don’t leave something behind!

Cruising Travel Product Essentials

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Cruise Packing List

Travel Documents

  • Passport OR original/certified copy of birth certificate and ID
  • Cruise boarding pass
  • Cruise luggage tags and tag protectors
  • Visa (not needed for most ports)

*Always check the requirements for your specific cruise

Clothing

  • Casual outfits for onboard and at ports
  • Formal attire (suit/tie, dresses, shoes)
  • Swimwear (2/pp) and cover-ups
  • Comfortable walking shoes with ties (for excursions and onboard activities)
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Light jacket or sweater/hoodie (evenings can be cool onboard)
  • Workout clothes (for gym or activities)
  • Pajamas and underwear/bras

Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body wash/soap/lotion
  • Reef-safe sunscreen & Aloe
  • Razor and shaving cream
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Hair tools/hairspray
  • Makeup
  • Personal medications (enough for the duration of the cruise)

Accessories

  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or Sunhat
  • Jewelry (leave the valuable stuff at home)
  • Rashguard
  • Beach bag, backpack, or tote bag for pool and ports
  • Watch or travel alarm clock
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Power bank for charging devices
  • Camera or GoPro
  • Phone and charger

Practical Items

Entertainment & Comfort

  • Books
  • Travel games or cards
  • Earplugs
  • Headphones
  • Small Bluetooth speaker

Health and Safety

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • First aid kit with basic supplies/meds
  • Seasickness remedies (if prone to motion sickness)
  • Bug spray and anti-itch cream
  • Prescription glasses or contacts with supplies

Cash & Payment Methods

  • Credit/debit cards (notify your bank of travel plans)
  • Cash for tips, taxis, souvenirs, and small purchases

Items for Babies & Kids

  • Diapers/Wipes/Diaper rash cream/underwear
  • Swim Diapers (check ship’s policy)
  • Disposable Diaper Bags
  • 2+ swimsuits/rashguards
  • Water shoes/socks
  • Kids’ medication/sunscreen
  • Water wings or floaties for ports
  • Swim goggles
  • Sunglasses/sunhat
  • Formula/food/bottles/sippy cup
  • Pacifiers
  • Small pre-packaged snacks for ports
  • Bandaids/basic first aid
  • Thermometer
Click here to see our travel products for babies & kids!

Helpful Extras

  • Binoculars (for scenic views or wildlife spotting)
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Portable speaker (if permitted, for personal use/beaches)
  • Magnetic cabin door décor
  • Magnetic hooks for walls
  • Small personal fan
  • Poo-pouri spray
  • Nightlight
  • Over-door organizer
  • Cabin door magnetic decorations
  • Water socks
  • Floaties for ports
  • Lanyards for cruise card
  • Microfiber towel for ports
  • Beach towel clips
  • Small fan
  • Over door organizer
  • Ducks! IYKYK
Click here to see our cruising travel product essentials!

Tips for Packing:

  • Check Cruise Line Policies: Some cruise lines have specific dress codes (usually not mandatory), theme nights or restrictions on what can be brought onboard.
  • Pack Light: Space can be limited in cruise cabins, so prioritize essentials and versatile clothing items.
  • Organize with Packing Cubes: Keep items organized and accessible in your luggage or cabin.
  • Label Luggage Clearly: Ensure your luggage is clearly labeled with your name for easy identification.
  • Cruise Cabin luggage Tags: Place these on your bags only after flights and use plastic tag protector sleeves to help keep them on

By packing some of these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your cruise vacation to the fullest, whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring new destinations, or dining under the stars. Bon voyage!

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