• Updated May, 2017 •
Cruise packing takes a special skill. Cruise ship cabins average 175 square feet, while hotel rooms average 300 square feet. (Source: NBCNews.com). With limited space, smart packing matters.
Add in other issues, like transporting all that luggage and increasing airline baggage fees, and smart packing matters even more.
Even more important, you just don’t need much to cruise well! Really, I’ve never heard of anyone under packing for a cruise vacation. However, I have heard many people comment on how much they overpacked.
With the right cruise packing tips and strategies, you’ll be cruising like the pros.
What to pack for a cruise
Since Caribbean cruise destinations are most popular, that’s what I’m focusing on in this article: Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico. For cruise packing tips for Alaska, this article should help.
On recent cruises, I used different cruise checklists and cruise packing lists, and one that really works to travel really light is Packing Tactics: Wear and Recycle. On our last 7-day cruise, my husband and sons used this approach with some skepticism… but it worked. Perfectly! I didn’t use their list myself, though I agree that women can recycle outfits by dressing them up or down with scarves, jewelry or sweaters.
These cruise packing hacks can also help prevent overpacking:
- • Pack in a uniform color scheme.
- • Remind yourself that the more you take, the more might lose. (It happens!)
- • Remind yourself how heavy that luggage gets! 🙂
After trying out several different Caribbean cruise packing lists, I came up with my own. It’s included here so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel! (AKA, I did the cruise packing list research so you don’t have to!)
Cruise Packing List. Save and print a copy for your own use. It’s FREE! I included bonus cruise packing tips and a cruise planning sheet as well.
What NOT to pack for a cruise
On all cruise lines, weapons, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, irons, candles, and most small electrical appliances are banned.
Let me say this again: You CANNOT take an iron on a cruise ship! It’s a fire hazard.
Cruise lines generally ban large coolers, though they generally allow a small, personal cooler (not the Disney fleet — coolers and food are not allowed on board, unless needed for medical reasons). Most cruise lines also prohibit sports equipment like hockey sticks, baseball bats, frisbees, pool floats, pool noodles, and surf boards. 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:
- Carnival Cruise Lines Prohibited Items List
- Disney Cruise Lines Prohibited Items List
- Norwegian Cruise Lines Prohibited Items List
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Prohibited Items List
Cruise packing tips for your carryon
When packing, some items should go in your carry-on bag. Cabins are generally not available until after 2:00 p.m. (sometimes even later), so these cruise packing hacks will help.
Be sure to include these essentials (this information is also included in our printable Cruise Packing List)
- ALL cruise boarding documents (boarding passes, photo ID, passport, and anything else the cruise line requires).
- 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.
Things you don’t need to carry:
- 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.
- 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.
Cruise packing tips: Big hint!
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 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.
The bottom line on cruise packing tips
Cruises should be relaxing and carefree. You may think you’ll change outfits throughout the day and spend hours primping for fancy dinners, but that’s not what usually happens. Experienced cruisers know that and pack light. Now you can, too!
Read these articles for more on cruising.
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!
I sure hope the packing list works for you, Susan! Where are you going?
Thank you for the packing list! I will be going on my first cruise this upcoming January! Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico!
I’m going on that cruise too. I’m leaving January 5th 🙂
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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!
I saw this tip posted somewhere before our first cruise and it was a truly genius idea! Worked fantastically!!
Glad you like this tip! Just not for Disney. 🙂
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!
Great tip, Jillian! A little advanced planning lets mom relax more on vacation too! You have everything you need, neatly organized! Thanks!
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!!
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!
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. 🙂
I was wondering about taking our Tervis tumblers. I will definitely take mine!
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.
This is such a great list filled with so many ideas. Thanks so much for sharing!
Happy to help, Missi. Let me know if you have any other cruise questions — or travel questions for that matter!
I also pack a can of air freshener because there is no exhaust fan in the bathroom of our room.
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.
we take our travel coffee mugs so we can walk around with a hot cup of coffee. I also take my little vanilla creamers
I make flavored coffee drinks using the soft serve ice cream on the pool deck. 🙂 YUM!
I am DEFINITELY going to remember that tip when we go on our very first cruise in January 2017.
Oh…. it is so good!
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!
Ha ha! I hope it helps the next time around!
Taking my first cruise in May……Carnival Valor to the Bahamas…..do they provide bottled water on this cruise?
Renee, you can purchase a bottled water package. It’s not free.
@ Renee: Carnival allows you to take bottled water on board with you as well as one bottle of champagne or wine per person.
Carnival no longer allows plastic bottles of any kind to be brought on board, due to the “hiding of alcohol” 🙁 You can have a 12 bottle package delivered to your stateroom for $2.99 (order before sailing).
Hi Sherri,
Thanks for that update. I appreciate it — the travel industry is always changing, so updating policies is important!
Here is a link to the article reporting this change: http://money.cnn.com/2015/06/10/news/companies/carnival-cruises-bottled-water/
Karen Dawkins
Tervis Rocks..pour wine in them from the room head to the Lido and add fruit and ice..voila Sangria all day
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.
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.
Take a large scarf or Parshima..you WILL freeze at dinner..trust me
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.
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!!!!
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.
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!!!!
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!
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.
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?
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!!!!
We took our own snorkel gear too! Cheaper!!
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.
I can’t imagine rolling clothes will leave less wrinkles, am going to try that! 🙂
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!
These are all great tips! And a solo cruise sounds like a lot of fun!!! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas.
I read some helpful items here https://www.smsmondial.com.mt/helpful-things-to-bring-on-a-cruise/ but love that the carry-on bag was very detailed in your post.
And I’m going to try rolling the clothes, you’d think they’d come more wrinkled but I’m going to have to see for myself!
Also am going to take pictures of my luggage from now on 🙂
It works if you roll them right! Make sure the rolls aren’t too tight. Make a core with socks or underwear or your swimsuit!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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?
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
I’m so glad you find these tips useful. I just got home from a cruise yesterday, and I used these tips to pack and prepare! 🙂
hope this is helpful info because i am going on a cruise
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 ?
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?
I must say you have very interesting content here. Your blog
can go viral. You need initial boost only. How to get it? Search for; Etorofer’s strategies