A Complete Cruise Packing List (with Printable PDF)

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Find out what essential items to pack before you embark

Co-authored by Erin Lofton and Jennifer Vasquez, BA, MA

Last Updated: July 21, 2026 Fact Checked

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Carry-on

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Clothing

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Cabin Essentials

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Outdoor Gear

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What Not To Pack

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Packing Tips

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Video

Cruises differ a bit from other types of travel, especially because you’re out at sea. From travel documents to swimsuits, there are certain things you don’t want to forget. We spoke with travel experts to put together a list of items to pack to make it easier to prepare for your trip. We include what to pack for carry-ons, your cabin, outdoor excursions, and more. Plus, we have a handy PDF checklist with all of this info that you can download!

What should I pack for a cruise?

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An illustration of essential items to pack for a cruise.

Pack essential carry-on items you need quick access to, like travel documents, medications, and toiletries. For clothing, consider casual outfits, evening wear, activewear, and comfy and dressy shoes. Also, bring space-saving items for your cabin, like magnetic hooks and over-the-door shoe hangers.

Section 1 of 6:

Carry-on Items

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Important documents include your boarding pass, passport, id, birth certificate, and driver’s license. Check with your cruise line to see what specific documents they require. Having these handy in a folder or special case can streamline the boarding process. Plus, these are documents you want to keep close.^{[1]
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Meet the wikiHow Experts

Erin Lofton is a travel agency owner who creates custom travel plans, cruises, and more.

Shannon McEvoy, CTA, is a certified travel advisor with over 17 years of experience in the tourism industry.

Mark Krebs is a travel agent with several specialty travel certifications.

Joanne Gruber is a professional stylist who helps people organize their wardrobes.

Sarah McDonald is a certified stylist & image consultant who helps people feel confident through clothing.
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Medications Don’t forget to take any medications and health supplements with you. If you take vitamins or prescription medicines daily, make sure they’re accessible. You can put together a wellness kit that includes aspirin, allergy medicine, and first-aid supplies.^{[2]
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- To prevent seasickness on a cruise, travel agency owner Erin Lofton recommends Dramamine, if you don’t experience side effects to the medication. Other things she recommends include the behind-the-ear patch, seasick wristbands, or consulting with your doctor about getting a prescription patch or shot.^{[3]
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  Erin Lofton
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Toiletries Having basic personal items in your carry-on ensures you have what you need for grooming and freshening up. You can do travel-size for easy packing. Lofton says for longer excursions, like two-week trips, travel-sized toiletries may not last you until the end, but they can hold you over until you’re at your destination.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Erin Lofton
Travel Agency Owner

Expert Interview} Most cruise ships have stores on board where you can stock up on more basics. Here are some essential toiletries:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair brush
- Hair styling tools and products (curling iron, flat iron, hair spray)
- Deodorant
- Perfume/cologne
- Makeup bag
Valuables include items like your wallet, credit cards, money, and jewelry. It’s best to pack these things in a carry-on and keep them close to you. That way you know they’re safe and that there’s less risk of you losing them.^{[5]
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You definitely want to have your cell phone so you can stay in touch with your travel group, whether that’s your family or friends. Tablets, e-readers, and video games can keep everyone entertained while waiting in long check-in lines or while waiting for the rest of your luggage to arrive.^{[6]
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Don’t start your trip off on the wrong foot by getting hangry. Pack plenty of snacks that you can reach for when you get the munchies. If you have kids, make sure to have some of their favorite foods on hand. Also, take a water bottle for an easy way to stay hydrated.

Section 2 of 6:

Clothing & Footwear

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Sleepwear & Undergarments It’s important to have the basics. Make sure you pack the undergarments you need throughout your voyage, as well as comfy clothes to sleep in. Here are some things to add to your checklist:
- Bras
- Underwear
- Undershirts
- Pajamas
- Socks (athletic and dressy)
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Casual Outfits Think about daytime outfit choices. Certified travel advisor Shannon McEvoy, CTA, suggests bringing clothes you can easily mix and match and wear more than once, like jeans and shorts. She also recommends checking the weather about 3 to 5 days before your trip to ensure you're bringing the right clothing.^{[7]
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Shannon McEvoy, CTA
Certified Travel Advisor

Expert Interview} Also consider what activities you may be doing. Here are some basics you can pack:
- Long and short-sleeved t-shirts
- Tank tops
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Khakis
- Sundresses
- Jackets (light, heavy, and/or waterproof, depending on the weather)
- Sweaters
- Gloves
- Hats/beanies
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Evening Wear Some cruises may host fancy dinners or have chic lounges that you want to check out. Or, perhaps you want to dress for a smart, casual evening. Check the dress code for a clearer idea on what to pack for the occasion.^{[8]
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Research source} In general, here are some wardrobe pieces to consider:
- Cocktail dresses
- Skirts
- Slacks
- Dressy jeans
- Blazers
- Fancy tops
- Stylish button-down shirts
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Swimwear Swimwear is a must, especially if you’re doing a Caribbean cruise! Whether you plan to take a dip in the pool, tan on the deck, or spend some time on a beach when your cruise docks, make sure you’re prepared with everything you need. Take a look at these suggestions:
- Swimsuits
- Cover-ups
- Sun hats
- Professional stylist Joanne Gruber says bathing suits should be packed together in a zip lock baggie so tops and bottoms don’t get mismatched and to make packing easier.^{[9]
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  Joanne Gruber
  Professional Stylist
  
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Shoes Bring a few different styles of shoes for different activities. For example, one or two pairs of casual shoes and one or two pairs of dressy ones should be enough. However, decide based on the length of your trip and itinerary. Are you doing excursions in port? Are you attending a lot of fancy dinners?^{[10]
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Research source} Here are some footwear suggestions:
- Sneakers or walking shoes
- Sandals
- Flip-flops
- Flats
- Heels
- Dress shoes
- Water shoes
Accessories are great if you plan to dress up on certain days. When deciding on jewelry to bring, leave more expensive pieces at home. Stick to simple, less flashy jewelry. Remember eyewear, like sunglasses and eyeglasses, and bring a protective case for them. Also a crossbody bag or fanny pack can be convenient for daytime outings.^{[11]
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Section 3 of 6:

Cabin Essentials

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Make your cabin a home away from home. You’re going to spend at least a few days on the ship, so make your room as comfy as possible. Most cabins are small, unless you have a suite, so it’s important to make the most of your space.^{[12]
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Research source} Don’t leave without these items:
- Magnetic hooks: Cruise ship cabins are very magnetic, so place a few hooks on the walls for extra storage space.
- Hangers: Your cabin may only have a few hangers, so bring extra just in case, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
- Over-the-door shoe hanger: This doesn’t have to be just for shoes. Use the cubby holes to store other items, from accessories to toiletries.
- Charger/Powerstrip: Keep your electronics charged with either a multi-port USB hub or a powerstrip for extra plugs. This is helpful since there’s usually just one outlet to a cabin.
- Lanyard: A lanyard is great for holding your room key. Your room key is your main access to the ship, so a lanyard can ensure you don’t lose it. Extra lanyards for your kids to wear is also a good idea.
- Wrinkle release spray: Certified stylist & image consultant Sarah McDonald says a wrinkle release spray can help get rid of wrinkles in packed clothing.^{[13]
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  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview}
- Laundry essentials: Bring a hamper or laundry bag for dirty clothes and detergent if you want to do laundry. Stain pens can come in handy if you get unwanted spots out of your clothing.
- Bathroom spray: A bathroom spray can keep your whole cabin smelling fresh, especially since it’s a small space.
- Dry erase board: This is great if you want to jot down messages or notes for yourself or your family or write down your itinerary for the day.
- Disinfecting wipes: Keep the surfaces of your cabin clean, and clean up any crumbs or spills.

Section 4 of 6:

Items for Outdoor Activities

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Be prepared to spend time outdoors. There are certain things you want to have whether you’re walking the ship deck, spending time by the pool, or exploring when the ship docks in port. Take a look at the following list:
- Binoculars: These are fun to have when you want to do some sightseeing from the ship.
- Sunscreen: Make sure you protect yourself from harmful UV rays with a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Umbrella: An umbrella or parasol can provide added protection from the sun if you’re by the pool or walking the ship. It can also be great if it happens to rain during your voyage.
- Bug repellant: Don’t let itchy bug bites ruin your trip. Use a bug repellent that contains DEET or picaridin.^{[14]
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- Hand sanitizer: There are a lot of people on cruise ships, so protect yourself from germs by having hand sanitizer on hand when you need it.
- Refillable water bottle: With all the activity going on, make sure to stay hydrated. A refillable water bottle you can carry around makes it easy.

Section 5 of 6:

What Not to Pack on a Cruise

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Some items aren’t ideal for a cruise. If it’s your first time going on a cruise, it can help to know what you should avoid packing to prevent any problems when you check in or board. Certain cruise lines have specific guidelines regarding prohibited items, so make sure to check with the one you’re traveling with, as well.^{[15]
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Research source} Here are some items generally not allowed on cruises:
- Clothing iron
- Steamer
- Hot plates
- Coffee makers
- Candles/incense
- Toasters
- Drones
- Weapons, including realistic toy guns
- Flammable items
- CBD products
- Hard alcohol and beer

Section 6 of 6:

More Cruise Packing Tips

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Pack efficiently. There are a variety of packing hacks that streamline the process. McDonald says folding your clothes like a burrito can be a space-saver and cause less wrinkles.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant

Expert Interview} You can also pack with packing cubes, or try the 333 packing method for a cruise. With the 333 method, you stick to packing three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes.^{[17]
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- See our guide for more tips on how to pack for a trip!
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Keep in mind luggage restrictions. Check with the cruise line you’re traveling with for their regulations. “Cruises don’t have weight limits,” says travel agent Mark Krebs, but consider if you’re flying to ports, he adds.^{[18]
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Mark Krebs
Travel Agent

Expert Interview} While most cruise lines are more flexible when it comes to baggage weight and limits, here are some general guidelines:^{[19]
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- There’s no limit to the number of bags a passenger can bring on a cruise.
- The sweet spot seems to be two large suitcases and one carry-on for each traveler.
- Each person is usually allowed two checked bags that don’t weigh more than 50 pounds (23 kg), one carry-on, and one personal item.
Krebs explains that you should think about your destination, trip length, and weather when planning for your voyage. For instance, he says on an Alaskan cruise, you want to pack for warm and cold weather.^{[20]
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Expert Source

Mark Krebs
Travel Agent

Expert Interview} If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise, pack for warm days and cool nights. Other cruise lines have themed nights and night clubs, which may require different attire.