Unlike a typical road trip, you cannot simply run to the store once the ship sails away. Forgotten prescriptions, toiletries, chargers, or other cruise must-haves can quickly turn into expensive inconveniences onboard. Add in cruise line dress codes, prohibited items, excursion gear, and changing weather conditions depending on your destination, and it is easy to see why cruise packing can become stressful.
Cruise vacations also require more variety than many travelers expect. You may need casual clothes for a relaxed breakfast, comfortable clothes for a port day excursion, a bathing suit for the afternoon pool deck, and formal attire for dinner all in the same day. Packing for a warm Caribbean cruise looks very different from preparing for Alaska or Northern Europe, and most travelers simply do not have the space to bring everything they want.
The good news is that cruise packing becomes much easier with the right plan. This cruise packing list will help you focus on the essentials, avoid common mistakes, and make sure you have everything you need for a smooth and stress-free vacation at sea.
This cruise packing checklist is based on my real cruising experience and focuses less on clothing and more on the small items many travelers forget or don’t know about — the things that can make your trip easier, more comfortable, and less stressful once onboard.
From cabin organization tools and carry-on essentials to excursion gear and cruise “must-haves,” this list is designed to help you pack smarter, avoid common mistakes, and feel prepared before you sail.
Download Your Cruise Packing Checklist here.
Small Cruise Items That Make a Big Difference
Simple, inexpensive items that can improve your entire cruise experience.
- Magnetic Hooks
- Magnetic hooks are a cruise cabin essential because they instantly create extra storage space in small staterooms. Since most cruise cabin walls and doors are magnetic metal, you can easily hang hats, bags, lanyards, wet swimsuits, belts, purses, and other everyday items to keep your room tidy and clutter-free. They’re also perfect for hanging fun cabin door decorations, making it easier to personalize your door and spot your room in long hallways.
- These are a solid choice, can hold 30 lbs. per hook and inexpensive: Magnetic Hooks
- Cruise Approved Power Strip
- A cruise-approved power strip can make charging multiple devices easier in a cruise cabin, especially since cabins often have limited outlets. Because many cruise lines prohibit surge protectors for safety reasons, cruise-approved models are designed to meet onboard requirements while allowing you to charge phones, watches, cameras, and other electronics more conveniently. These are especially useful in older ships with few outlets in the cabin.
- This highly rated power strip provides a 4-foot cord, 4 outlets, and 3 USB ports: ORICO Power Strip
- This cordless alternative offers 3 outlets and 3 USB ports: Cruise Travel Adapter
- Portable Charger (Power Bank)
- Will all the time spent away from your cabin — especially during long excursion days — a portable charger is a necessity to help keep your phone and devices charged throughout your vacation. This includes air and train travel as well. Most likely you have a portable charger, but it’s worth considering whether it’s the right one for your trip. I recommend choosing one with fast charging and enough capacity to recharge your phone multiple times.
- Note: If flying to your cruise port, portable chargers must be packed in your carry-on bag and generally must have a capacity of 100 Wh or less (about 27,000 mAh) to meet airline regulations.
- This is one I personally use — a 10,000mAh 30W battery with a built-in USB-C cable. It has lots of power for its small size and light weight: Anker Portable Charger
- A larger version with a 20,000mAh 45W battery with 2 built-in USB-C cable: Anker Zolo Power Bank
- Extra Long USB Charging Cables
- Extra-long USB charging cables are surprisingly useful on cruise ships, where outlets and USB ports are often limited and placed in awkward locations. On the Majestic Princess, our cabin only had USB ports on one side of the bed, so we used a 6-foot charging cable tucked between the wall and mattress to extend charging access to the other nightstand.
- Anker USB C to USB C Cable, Type-C 60W Fast Charging Cable (6 FT, 2Pack)
- Anker USB A to USB C Cable (6 FT, 2Pack)
- Over-the-Door Organizer
- An over-the-door organizer helps keep small items like toiletries, chargers, sunscreen, medications, and cruise essentials organized in cabins with limited storage space. I prefer the lightweight mesh style because it packs flat, weighs almost nothing, and makes it easy to quickly see and grab what you need without digging through drawers or bags. You can even hang it from magnetic hooks on the cabin walls for additional storage options.
- Here is one option for a mesh style organizer with large pockets: Large Mesh Over-the-Door Organizer
- Portable USB Fan
- This is a must-have for me, though it may not be for everyone. I prefer sleeping with a fan, and a small portable USB fan works perfectly in a cruise cabin. If you are used to having a fan on at night for airflow or white noise, I highly recommend packing one. There are plenty of options available, from inexpensive mini USB fans like the one I use to higher-end models with built-in magnets, ceiling mounts, nightlights, and remote controls — it just comes down to personal preference.
- This is the USB powered portable fan I use: USB Desk Fan
- An example of a magnetic fan with remote and lights: Magnetic Fan with Remote / Mulit-colored LED lights
- Motion Sickness Remedies
- A must-have for some and a smart just-in-case item for everyone else. Even if you normally do not get motion sickness, rough seas, overnight sailing, or bad weather can affect anyone, and onboard shops often charge premium prices for basic remedies. Most options are inexpensive and easy to pack, making them worth having on hand if needed. I personally bring Bonine on every cruise, though thankfully my wife and I have never had to use it. Some options:
- Bonine is a popular non-drowsy over-the-counter motion sickness medication that is typically taken once daily for seasickness prevention and relief.
- Original Dramamine is another effective over-the-counter option that works quickly for sudden nausea and motion sickness symptoms, though it typically needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours and may cause drowsiness. An alternative is Less Drowsy Dramamine.
- If you know you are prone to seasickness, many cruisers swear by Scopolamine, a prescription patch worn behind the ear that helps prevent motion sickness for multiple days at a time. You will need to speak with your doctor to get a prescription before your cruise.
- For mild seasickness, many cruisers use ginger chews, candies, or capsules as a natural alternative to traditional motion sickness medications.
- First Aid Kit
- A small travel-size first aid kit can save you from overpriced onboard shops and help you quickly handle minor issues like headaches, blisters, cuts, sunburn, upset stomachs, or motion sickness without interrupting your vacation. Cruise ships sell basic medications and supplies, but prices are often much higher and selection can be limited. If you are flying to your cruise port, pack the kit in your checked luggage or remove any small scissors or restricted items before going through TSA.
- First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit
- Mini First Aid Kit – 150 Piece Small Travel Kit
- Towel Clips
- Towel clips help keep your towel secured to your lounge chair on windy pool decks and beach days, preventing it from constantly sliding off or blowing away. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and surprisingly useful during sea days, especially on the lido deck where wind can pick up quickly.
- Lots of options here, but these clips have the most customer reviews.
- Poo-Pourri or Travel Air Freshener
Cruise cabin bathrooms are very small with limited ventilation, so a small bottle of Poo-Pourri or air freshener can make the cabin much more comfortable, especially when sharing a room. It is a simple item that takes up almost no space but can make a surprisingly big difference during the trip.
- Collapsible Laundry Hamper
- A collapsible laundry hamper helps keep dirty clothes organized instead of piled on chairs, floors, or in suitcases throughout the cruise. Keeping the cabin floor clean and clutter-free also makes it easier for your cabin steward to clean the room each day, which is often appreciated and can lead to even better service during your cruise.
- Vertical hamper and horizontal hamper.
- Magnetic Dry Erase Whitebaords
- Magnetic dry erase whiteboards can be a fun and surprisingly useful item to bring on a cruise since most cabin walls and doors are magnetic. Many cruisers place one outside their cabin door for fun questions, countdowns, messages, or decorations, while keeping another inside the cabin to track daily plans, excursion times, reminders, or notes for family members throughout the trip.
- 2 pack magnetic dry erase blank white board sheets (14×11 inches) with markers and eraser
- Reef-safe Sunscreen
- If you are cruising in the Caribbean, reef-safe sunscreen is worth packing for beach days and excursions, as some ports, eco parks, and snorkeling destinations restrict certain sunscreen ingredients that may be harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
- BLUE LIZARD Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ or Sport Mineral SPF 50 Lotion
Cruise Packing Checklist
IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
- Passport or birth certificate – Understand which documents are required based on your travel plans and cruise itinerary.
- Driver’s License or other government-issued photo ID
- Cruise boarding documents – I recommend always having a printed copy even if the documents are App based.
- Travel insurance information – Have a copy of the insurance policy and contact info
- Visa documents (if needed) – Understand your travel plans visa requirements, not just for your cruise.
- Emergency contact list – Important phone numbers and emails. Include doctors, bank, hotels, credit card, airlines, etc.
- Reservation confirmations – Dinner, excursions, rentals, etc. Recommend having printed copies.
- Cruise Luggage Tags – Recommend having a backup copy of your luggage tags just in case.
- Medical insurance information
CARRY-ON BAG ESSENTIALS
- Medications – Ensure your important medications are with you in case something delays your luggage.
- All you important travel documents – As listed above.
- Phone Charger and cables
- Portable charger
- Swimwear – If you plan on going to the pool on embarkation day.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Hair clips, scrunchies, and/or elastics
- Change of clothes
- Personal electronics – Laptop, tablet, camera, headphones, etc.
- Refillable water bottle
- Wallet / Purse
- Cash – Especially small bills for tips on embarkation day.
- Hand sanitizer
- Snacks – in case of any delays
- Jacket
- Valuables / Jewelry
CRUISE CABIN ESSENTIALS
- Magnetic Hooks
- Cruise approved power strip
- Over-the-door organizer
- Collapsible laundry hamper
- Night light (if desired)
- Portable USB fan
- Towel Clips
- Poo-Pourri / Travel air freshener
- Extra-long USB charging cables
- Magnetic dry erase whiteboard
- Travel adapter – may be helpful depending on the ship
- Binoculars
- Disinfecting wipes
- Cabin decor – I often hang a “Happy Anniversary” banner with the magnetic hooks to help celebrate.
MEDICATIONS & HEALTH ITEMS
- Prescription medications
- Vitamins
- Motion sickness medication / patches
- Travel-size first aid kit
- Pain reliever
- Allergy medication
- Anti-itch / Bug bite cream
- Electrolyte packets
- Prescription eyewear
SHORE EXCURSION ITEMS (Heavily dependent on your itinerary / plans)
- Backpack, tote bag, or crossbody
- Beach bag
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Water shoes
- Dry bag
- Snorkel gear
- Bug spray
- Rain jacket
- Umbrella
- Ponchos
TOILETRIES
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo / Conditioner – If you prefer your brand instead of what is provided.
- Deodorant
- Razor / Shaving cream
- Hairbrush / Comb
- Makeup
- Skincare products
- Moisturizer
- Nail file / Clippers
- Nail polish
- Hair products
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Aloe vera gel – In case you get too much sun.
- Anti-chafting cream
- Cotton ballls / swabs
- Mouthwash
- Rubbing alcohol
- Contacts, solution, & case
- Dental floss
- Feminine hygiene products
- Perfume / Cologne
- Shower cap
- Tweezers
OTHER HELPFUL ITEMS
- AirTags / Luggage trackers – Highly recommend using trackers in each piece of luggage.
- Keycard lanyard
- Laundry items – Some cruise lines have self-service laundry, but even if they don’t, having some supplies can be handy to wash items in the cabin if needed.
- Wrinkle release spray
- Travel stain remover
- Swin goggles
- Zip-top bags, snadwich and gallon sizes
Sharpies / Pens / Highlighters
Items and clothes for any themed nights
CLOTHING CHECKLIST
What clothing you pack will vary greatly depending on your cruise style, destination, itinerary, and even the length of your cruise. An Alaska cruise requires very different clothing than a Caribbean cruise, and packing for a quick weekend sailing is much different than preparing for a 7–14 day trip. Your wardrobe may also change depending on whether you prefer dressing up for dinner or heading to the buffet in shorts and a T-shirt. Personal style, planned excursions, weather, and cruise line dress expectations all play a role, so use this checklist as a starting point and customize it to fit your trip.
Casual Daytime Clothes
- Shirts – T-shirts, tank tops, casual tops, golfing polos
- Hawaiian shirts
- Shorts
- Casual dresses
- Jeans / light pants
- Activewear
- Hoodie
- Light jacket
Evening & Dinner Outfits
- Formal wear
- Dress shirts
- Polo shirts
- Cocktail Dress
- Dress pants
- Sweater / Shawl
- Jewelry / Accessories
Swimwear
- Swimsuits
- Cover-ups
- Rash guards
Sleepwear & Basics
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Bras / Undershirts
- Socks
- Belts
Shoes
- Walking shoes
- Sandals
- Flip flops
- Dress shoes
- Flats
- Water shoes
- Hiking shoes
Cold Weather Itineraries
- Waterproof jackets
- Coats
- Warm layers
- Gloves
- Beanie