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Cruising 101: Cruise packing tips

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Cruise travel packing list: What you need to pack for a cruise all in one handily cruise ship packing list

• Updated February, 2018 •

When we took our first cruise back in 1993, I knew cabins onboard were small. We went to celebrate my husband’s graduation from medical school, so we had a teeny tiny cabin to fit our teeny tiny budget! I learned that the only way to pack for a cruise is with a cruise packing list. Nowadays (what a word), airport baggage restrictions make careful cruise planning even more important. Who wants to spend extra money on airport baggage fees when they could use that money for cruise souvenirs? Am I right?

Do you know what you need to pack for a cruise? How about what not to bring on a cruise ship? If you answered no to either of those questions, then you have found the right place! No more asking yourself what to pack for my cruise! This post — and the included cruise packing list pdf — explains it all. Now, let’s get to packing for a cruise, shall we? (This post focuses on what to pack for a cruise to the Bahamas, packing for a Caribbean cruise and packing for a cruise to Mexico. The same list will also work for packing for a cruise to Bermuda, since the weather is similar.) Without further ado, here are all the cruise packing tips and hacks you need to cruise like a pro, whether you’re cruising on a budget like we were or you’re in a luxury suite.

Cruise wardrobe essentials: What clothes should you wear on a cruise?

When we took our first cruise, everyone dressed up for dinner each night. Freestyle cruising, which translates as casual cruising, didn’t exist yet. Cruise ships were smaller, with fewer amenities. So, we needed to pack more than we do now. Cruise lines do not allow tank tops or swim suits in the dining room, and shoes are required in all dining areas, so keep that in mind when planning which outfits to wear on a cruise. I’ve learned a lot of tips to pack for a cruise since that first trip and know the best items to bring on a cruise. I’m focusing on what to pack for a seven day Caribbean cruise. If you’re going on a shorter trip, take only one formal outfit and take out at least one (or two) casual outfits. You won’t need them!

Women’s cruise packing list

Generally, when you pack for a 7 day cruise, take one “formal outfit,” a semi-formal outfit, five day’s worth of casual clothes to wear on a cruise, two swimsuits, essentials and accessories. I go for simple, a flowy dress with some costume jewelry for formal night and a bright, fun dress for semi-formal night. Other nights, I wear a skirt and blouse or sundress. Packing within a color palette so you can wear the same cute sandals with each dressy outfit is a great way to pack light for a cruise. (Our cruise packing list downloadable has everything listed item by item to make it easy for you to plan!)

Men’s cruise packing list

We use a great strategy to pack light for the guys, even when we pack for a seven day cruise! Wear a casual shirt to dinner (except on formal nights), then wear that shirt another day later in the trip for a shore excursion, so the shirt is used two days not one. That way you avoid over packing for your cruise vacation. For formal nights, my husband wears the same suit. On formal night, wear the tie and jacket. On semi-formal night, go with a fun tie (or no tie) and skip the jacket. Pack two swimsuits, five casual daytime outfits, essentials and accessories.

Cruise packing list for kids

If you really want to enjoy your kids, let them be kids! Pack nice outfits for formal night, but something they can be comfortable in. Pack five or six outfits (a couple extra for babies), two swimsuits, a jacket, sweater or hoodie, and comfortable shoes! I recommend comfortable sandals with a heal strap (flip flops with a strap that goes behind the heel so they don’t trip on slippery pool decks or on the stairs) and tennis shoes. Comfort rules!

Besides clothes, what do you need for a cruise?

Cruises are almost all-inclusive, so you don’t need to bring a whole lot of extras. We bring sun essentials, like a beach bag, sunscreen and sunglasses. We also bring our cell phones and chargers, though we try to leave the computers at home! Books or Kindles are great to relax on sea days. It’s also important to bring all required cruise documents: boarding passes, reservation confirmations (including any shore excursions booked before the cruise), required identification (a passport is best) and cash/credit cards. That’s about it! Have I convinced you that a cruise travel packing list is a great place to start?

Prohibited items on a cruise: What to leave at home

When working on your cruise planning checklist, it’s almost as important to know what not to pack for a cruise! If you pack something that is not allowed, it will be confiscated at the luggage screening. After you go through the screening area, look for the tables full of confiscated items. If nothing you own ends up over there, you packed well! On all cruise lines, weapons, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, irons, candles, and most small electrical appliances are banned. Curling irons and flat irons are allowed for hair (but I mostly go with a pony tail!)

Some questions I’ve been asked about what is banned on a cruise ship.

    • Can you take prescription drugs on a cruise? Yes! Prescription medications are allowed on a cruise. I recommend that you bring all medications in their original packaging. That way, if you get sick or injured, the ship’s doctor has easy access to your medical information.
    • an you bring an iron on a cruise? No! Irons are strictly forbidden because they pose a fire hazard. (Instead, use this, one of my favorite cruise packing hacks: bring a spray wrinkle releaser. Spray your garment and hang it in the bathroom while you shower. It works like magic. Or, send your clothes to the cruise ship laundry to be ironed. It’s not expensive.)
    • Can you bring weed on a cruise? No! While marijuana is legal in some states, it is not legal on a cruise ship. Sorry, people. You’ll have to find another way to mellow out — and I suggest a lounge chair on the upper pool deck.
    • Can you bring alcohol on a cruise? Probably. Most cruise lines allow you to bring one or two bottles of wine onboard, but the uncorking fee is pretty hefty! Check with your specific cruise line to make sure you know what’s allowed (see below for a link to the most popular family cruise lines)
    • Can I bring my sports equipment? Nope. Leave the baseball bats and golf clubs at home. On the ship, all sports equipment is provided. Pool noodles and frisbees are banned also. Sports related shore excursions include equipment; they know you can’t bring them. We have brought kids’ snorkels to use at the beach, but that’s all.

Because cruise line policies change and each cruise line’s rules vary, check what’s allowed before you go. Here’s a link to the four major family cruise lines’ lists of prohibited items:

What are my luggage limitations?

Most cruise lines don’t have a set limit on luggage, but when you’re trying to figure out how to pack for a cruise to the Bahamas or things to take on a Caribbean cruise, remember that less is more! Just don’t take more luggage than you can store under the bed, and you’ll be fine. (Though, remember airline restrictions. Those might be more restrictive!) Some cruise lines allow small coolers, but others don’t. So, check the cruise lines prohibited items lists to be safe. If you’re packing for a Disney cruise, just leave the cooler at home. It’s not allowed (unless you have a medical need.)

About your cruise carryon luggage

On our first cruise with the kids, I made a huge mistake and brought way too many items in carryon luggage. Since cabins aren’t available for hours after boarding, everything you carry on with you stays with you until the cabin is available. Juggling kids, a buffet lunch and luggage is no fun! Trust me!

So, what are the best items to bring on a cruise carryon?

  • ALL cruise boarding documents (boarding passes, photo ID, passport, and anything else the cruise line requires). When I say what the cruise line requires, I mean requires! If you don’t have the required documents, you can’t cruise!
  • ALL medications. If checked luggage gets lost or delayed, you can’t easily replace prescriptions.
  • Swimsuits. HINT: Have boys wear their swim trunks as shorts! If girls have 2-piece suits or tankinis, they can wear theirs under clothes, too. Simple cruise packing hacks make life so much easier, don’t you agree?
  • Sunscreen.
  • Sunglasses.
  • All valuable electronics. If you must bring a computer, carry it with you. Cruise lines have computers available on-board, so consider using those instead. It’s a whole lot easier!
  • Camera. Make sure batteries are fully charged so you don’t have to carry those.
  • Valuable jewelry if planning to bring any. (I don’t recommend it. Simplify with a few costume pieces and pack in checked bags.)
  • Diaper bag for younger kids with enough diapers and wipes, baby food/bottles, and a couple toys to get through 6 hours. (Of all the family cruise tips, this is my favorite. Think of what you’d normally pack for a one day outing. That’s all you need for your carryon diaper bag.)

Things you don’t need to carry on to the cruise ship:

  • A change of clothes. You’ll have access to your cabin before dinner so you can change. And if your luggage arrives late, don’t worry! Dinner the first night is quite casual.
  • Beach towels. Towels are provided for guests by all major cruise lines. You can use them for shore excursions, but remember to return them to the ship or you’ll be charged for them.
  • Chargers for electronics. Make sure phones, cameras, e-readers and computer are fully charged the morning of the cruise and pack the chargers in your checked luggage. Less is best for cruising carry-ons.

Some final cruise tips to make packing easier

Tip One: When I travel, I always take a photo of my checked luggage. If my luggage gets lost — or held by cruise security — I can show staff exactly what the bag looks like, making it quicker and easier to retrieve.

On a Carnival cruise with my mom, security held one of my bags because something apparently didn’t look right to them. When my bag didn’t arrive in my cabin, I went to guest services with photo pulled up on my phone. They quickly identified the bag and explained it needed a hand search. There was nothing in it, but apparently the x-ray machine didn’t make that clear. Two minutes later, I had my bag and enjoyed a lovely vacation. TIP TWO: If traveling with someone else, divide your checked items into two suitcases.  That way, if one is lost or delayed, you both have something to wear. This is a great tip for all travel, not just cruise travel. TIP THREE: When packing, ask yourself, “Do I need this?” If the answer is no, leave it out. If the answer is, “But if XYZ happens, I might need….” leave it out. [bctt tweet=”Experienced cruisers know to pack light! Less fuss = More fun! Get our free cruise packing list to make it easy. #cruising #packing #traveltips”]

Our cruise packing list printable!

Download our Ultimate Cruise Packing List PDF now. It’s free! The last page includes space for notes so you can personalize your list to meet any special needs you have. And a special note to first time cruisers: Cruise ship packing isn’t a whole lot different from other vacations. If you use this as a first time cruise packing list, you’ll be the pro on board — and you’ll have a great time. The articles below will help you learn more about cruising. Bon voyage!

Read these articles for more great cruise tips

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Comments

  1. I am taking my first cruise early this fall and I always over pack. Thank you for the list. I am going to try to pack everything in two bags. One checked bag and one swim bag. That would be picture worthy!

    Reply

  2. Thank you for the packing list! I will be going on my first cruise this upcoming January! Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico!

    Reply

  3. Another tip that I remember from the last cruise that my family took, is to make your luggage unique b/c at disembarkment they just pile everyone’s luggage together and you have to try to decide which bags are yours. It is worse than at the airport.

    Reply

  4. Anyone just carry on their bags? We managed to pack within the 22x14x9 bag per person, so we could just carry these on. Plus they let you have a purse. We are backpackers so used to carrying way heavier things, and have a check in of 1230 so we probably won’t get on board til 130 which is close to room readiness anyway. Any thoughts?

    Reply

    • Jen, For airlines, it’s nice to do carryon only and avoid that baggage fee. For a cruise ship, cabin delivery is included for free! I’d keep all valuables (computer, camera, passports) with me, but check everything else! Hauling those bags through the buffet line, up and down elevators or stairs, and everywhere else you go is a pain! Also, the rooms aren’t always open on time. If your cabin got trashed by its previous occupant (it happens, sadly), you may have those bags longer than you think.

      Reply

      • Thanks. That is what most info postings say. It’s not about the money/fees, but the day bag for all four of us is more than half our packed bags. We are very light efficient packers. So it is more efficient for us to just keep our stuff. Just thought I get someone to reply who had done this. I did find on Disboards several posts of people on varied length cruises who did carry luggage on and did just fine. I guess it depends on what you are used to and which is less stressful.

        Reply

        • Hello Jen,

          I have gone on several cruises and honestly, I have been trying to find a way to pack everything in just a carry on because I always get very nervous about my luggage being lost. I personally, would carry it on if you feel that you can! They may check your bag to make sure everything checks out but you shouldn’t have to check it in and wait for it to arrive at your room. Also, it may be a bit of extra weight to carry around that first day to have everything with you, but at least you don’t have to be worried about losing any luggage!

          Reply

          • Great discussion. What did you decide to do, Jen? You can carry your luggage to the cruise ship and then let them take it to your room. That way you don’t have to worry about the airline, but you don’t have to lug it all over the ship either.

            If you do decide to carry on, opt for a later check-in time (after 1). You might be able to take your luggage directly to your cabin! Easy.

            If not, find a table near the pool and away from the lunch buffet lines. Leave one person with the luggage while the other 3 go through the lunch line — that’s the only thing that’s really tricky with luggage in tow. The buffet dining room is way too crowded to navigate with luggage.

  5. I went in my first cruise it was a blast but I under packed I bought some thing s on board to waer though. now I am going (maby ) 2 crusie in april I went on carnval they are truly aewsome

    Reply

  6. We are about to go on our sixth cruise, and my best tip would be to bring an over the door shoe organizer with clear pockets, and use it on either side of your bathroom door to store everything….meds, hair/makeup supplies, lotions, mini 1st aid kit, hair brush, flip flops…you get the idea. The bathrooms are not like a large hotel, there is usually 3-6 small corner shelves, the counter top, and maybe a shelf underneath- this is also a great spot to use a collapsible square bin for larger items. In most showers there is also an expandable clothes line to use for suits and such. We also always bring travel size hand sanitizer to take to port (the cruiselines usually provide it on ship, at the buffet). Hope this helps!

    Reply

    • Anne,
      Great tip! I actually wrote an organizing post on how to use over-the-door shoe hangers for hotel vacations with young kids. The bottom row can keep toys organized and out from under bare feet!

      NOTE: These organizers are NOT allowed on Disney Cruise Line because they damage the paint job. With that said, though, Disney offers an abundance of space. We didn’t even use all the bathroom shelving in our cabin… or the drawers… or the closet! Lots of storage. 🙂

      Thanks for all your tips!

      Reply

  7. We took a Disney cruise with our 4 & 6 yr old. Packed each kids outfit, headband, underware, etc in a gallon Baggie from $1 store. Made dressing so easy & fast they could see what they wanted to wear with out help from us & it was all together. Plus we put all their clothes baggies in drawers & bulky suitcase was stored out of way!

    Reply

    • I leave in 5 days for our 4th cruise and packed my 2 daughters clothing like this again… I used quart ziplock freezer bags w/ a pump to get all the air out. Im a true over packer and this saves a ton of space- plus no searching for undies, socks, or hairbows!!

      Reply

  8. I bring adult sippy cups(water bottles)! Those cups they provide for the ice tea and water are so small! Its nice to not refill all of the time!

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    • Excellent tip, Crystal! We took Tervis mugs — they kept drinks plenty cold and held a lot — on our last cruise. Many people asked where they could get them. I will definitely pack them for my next one, even though I’m flying and luggage space is tight. 🙂

      Reply

      • We are taking our Tervis tumblers again on our second cruise. They make handles for them also that are amazing (which we didn’t have the first cruise). Now one person can run to the soda machine and easily grab drinks for our family of four.

        Reply

    • I use a cheese grater and use a bar of nice smelling soap shredded and stored in small mesh bags hung in restroom and placed in drawers to keep things fresh.

      Reply

  12. Where was this list back in 2012!? LOL, I really could of used something like this when I went on my 1st cruise. But now I can pin this for my future cruises 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply

  14. We are going on our first cruise in July. I don’t really want to dress up for a formal dinner. Will I still be able to visit the restaurants, etc that night? We are going on Carnival Liberty.

    Reply

    • Yes, you can still go to dinner if not dressed formally. Don’t wear swimsuits to dinner. If you wear a sundress or capris/dress pants or skirt and a top, you’ll be just fine. For formal night, I usually wear a maxi dress with my flashier earrings and call it done. Some will dress formally and others will just freshen up.

      If you feel like staying in your swimsuit, just eat at the buffet on the pool deck that particular day. Though, I have to say dinner with our server is usually a highlight of the trip for me.

      Reply

  15. I’m glad you guys have left a lot of tips for us 1st timers. I’m cruising for 8 days March 27-April 4 and so needed this information.

    Reply

    • Orshedia, Thanks! I’m glad we could help. I hope you have a fabulous cruise vacation. Just remember, if you forget to pack something, you’ll be just fine! (Except that passport and cruise boarding documents)! Enjoy!!!!

      Reply

  16. I always do laundry on board. On one of our sea days, I just go early in the morning and wash a load or two, so I don’t have to pack as much. I bring my own detergent (either pods, or those laundry sheets). I know it isn’t for everyone, especially on vacation, but I’m fine with doing it.

    I pack the kids’ clothes in ziploc bags. One outfit per bag, and then I suck the air out of each bag as I seal it. They take up very little space that way.

    I also bring a tiny steamer for my clothes.

    Reply

    • What kind of steamer? I have never heard of one being allowed, but it sure would be nice to take.
      I also do laundry on most vacations, though not cruises. If I was cruising for 12 days, I would certainly rethink that strategy!!!!

      Reply

      • Celebrity Cruise ships do not have do-it yourself laundry facilities, but valet service/ dry cleaning/ laundry prices are reasonable enough to take advantage of. One of the perks of reaching an elite level of frequent cruising is free laundry. Almost as nice as free internet!

        Reply

  17. I pack plenty of ziploc bags in various sizes and a lunch bag with straps. For excursions, i can grab my snacks for the day from the food counters. Also, be sute to grab beverages. You’ll find lots of uses for ziploc bags.

    Reply

  18. Great tips Karen, love the idea of photographing your checked bags! Here’s some others we share with our clients… A small power strip for all your tech gadgets (phones, pads, readers, cameras) since outlets can be scarce and humans today gotta stay charged! Post-it notes to leave reminders and notes for your roomie or family members in different cabins, or even requests for your stateroom steward. Battery-operated tea light candles to set the mood on romantic getaways, plus it doubles as a night light. A lanyard to wear around your neck that can hold your sea pass card. Pack an empty fold up duffel or tote bag inside your luggage that can be used later to carry off souvenirs. Travel Febreeze for those quick traveling odors or to freshen up clothes when you recycle outfits. Binoculars for sightseeing and Walkie talkies to keep in touch on the ship. Disposable rain poncho (from the dollar store) just in case. Chair/curtain clips to ensure your pool or beach towels don’t fly away in the wind. Gum isn’t sold on ships, so pack some if you can’t do without it! If taking wine, remember a travel corkscrew (I forgot it on my last cruise and it took forever for the attendant bring us one). Baggage gremlins got your suitcase? Pack half of your stuff in your traveling partners bag, put half of theirs in yours. This way if one bag gets lost, you aren’t completely put out! And some other cruising tips: hang clothes in the bathroom while you shower and the steam gets rid of wrinkles. I’ve also seen a “travel smart mini iron” on Pinterest. Cabins are stingy when it comes to providing hooks to hang your personal things and did you know that most cabins have doors and walls that are made of metal? Pick up a pack of strong magnetic hooks to stick on cabin walls or doors to create more hanging space for sweaters, robes, baseball/straw hats, swimsuits, etc. Also, finding space is challenging for over-packers or a third person in a standard cabin–never fear–slide a suitcase under the bed, but leave it open, now you’ve got a new “drawer” for items you won’t need as frequently. Here’s another secret–why not use it to store your dirty laundry?

    Reply

  19. The first time we went I packed a sundress for every evening meal. That is for me and my two daughters. You do not need a dress for every evening meal. In fact, every night (on a 7 day cruise) except for formal and semi-formal night, we wore nice shorts and a nice shirt/t-shirt. It was so much more comfortable and not having to worry about the dresses getting wrinkled!! Plus, the girls could then go straight to their kids club without having to go back and get play clothes on. Good idea on taking a picture of your luggage. I would have never thought of that. Two thumbs up!!!!

    Reply

  20. Great minds think alike, as my husband and I have utilized 99% of the tips. I find that rolling your clothes in the carry-on size suitcase leaves less wrinkles and more room for stuff, eliminating the need to carry a backpack (most times, there is enough room for the backpack to lay flat).

    I don’t bother bringing shampoo or sunscreen anymore, as the ship store has all of this and it’s way more convenient than lugging it around and bagging it for the airlines.

    Reply

  21. Sharing a “V8” moment: Pack smaller dental toiletries inside travel mugs and cups; especially if they’re going into checked bags. Makeup & applicators, cleansers & lotions can be stored & carried in them, too.

    Small items that either get lost in suitcases or forgotten are ideal. Lip balm, wet & dry wipes, contact lens solutions or eye drops, anything that might leak or melt, etc. Nail polish & remover double bagged and tucked into a travel mug has a better chance of survival.

    Tape a “packing slip” inside the lid. This helps Inspectors when bags are scanned and pulled for hand-inspection. Inspections happen. Make it easier on yourself and maybe put a smile on the Inspector’s face. I’ve put silly stickers on Baggies many times… just to give myself a smile while packing.

    Oh! Almost forgot. Empty toilet paper and paper towel tubes are great for corralling all kinds of things in suitcases. I usually tuck in USB pigtails, charging cords, and similar items. Bandanas & scarves, extra hair ties & elastics…

    Getting excited planning a solo cruise for the beginning of November. Enjoying reading different hints, tips & suggestions!

    Reply

    • We have been rolling our clothes and packing kids clothes in ziploc bags for years. I recently invested in packing cubes. We have traveled with them three times now and I love them in a way I never thought possible. I bought a different color for each family member and different sizes for different articles of clothing and toiletries. I am amazed at how much space they save in our suitcases, as well as how simple they make packing.

      Reply

      • As a massage therapist, I purchase MANY sheet sets, I find the plastic zippered bag the sheets come in are very strong and works great as a packing cube. Even when placing clothes in zip lock bags, the air sometimes creeps back into the bag and makes repacking difficult without squeezing or rolling out the air again. If you immediately place the compressed bags tightly into the plastic bag the sheets came in then zip it up, it stays compressed. I typically pack weeks before the trip so this works for me. I also place a fabric softener sheet in each bag to keep clothes just washed fresh.

        Reply

        • Great tips! We recently bought a new comforter set and discovered that those bags make great storage packing cubes. Never thought about the sheet set bags. Thanks for that awesome tip!

          Fabric softener sheets keep clothes smelling fresh — and they help with static. Double great tip!

          Reply

  23. I like to pack black, white, and khaki colored pants and tops plus scarves of all kind and all colors. Scarves and jewelry make an outfit look new!

    Reply

    • Hi Karen! Great name AND great packing tip! I like scarves, too, because the air conditioning in the dining rooms and theaters can get chilly. Scarves offer a coverup option if needed. 🙂

      When’s your next cruise?

      Reply

  24. Heyy! I love your tips! I never went for a cruise, but we are planing this summer. Your packing ideas will help me a lot to organize my suitcases. Greetings

    Reply

  26. Thank you for these wonderful tips!! We are going in our first cruise in 5 day??!! (Beyond excited). Please could some one tell me if you are allows to take the ships pool towels on shore with you? And are you allowed to pack a food snack for your day on shore, including a beer possibly ?

    Reply

    • Hi Sandy,

      Have a GREAT cruise! So exciting.

      Regarding pool towels, the short answer is yes, you can take them with you. However, if you lose the towel, the cruise ship will charge a fee to replace it. Understandably, of course.

      I do pack snacks for shore, but only packaged foods (crackers, etc.) In general, you cannot take fresh food off the ship because of safety issues.

      I’ve never taken a beer off the ship, so I don’t know if you can or not. But, they do not search bags before you leave. The greater risk here might be drinking in a public place where alcohol is not allowed or where outside alcohol is not allowed. Be sure you know local laws before you consider it. Does that help at all?

      Reply

  27. Hi,
    I am going on my cruise in Jan, 2020. I have read about 20 blogs like this one. I have written all the tips in my cruise journal. This is a good article.
    Question- my daughter is renewing her vows on board and i am wondering can i take a gift to give them on board the ship? We are traveling on Carnival.

    Reply

    • Great question! You can take gifts with you. When we travel, I often take little gifts for my kids — they get souvenirs but I don’t spend as much.

      Make sure you follow airline guidelines when packing it. If it’s something fragile or valuable, pack it in carry on.

      That sounds like a great place to renew vows. Our 30th anniversary is that same year!

      Reply

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