The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: What to Pack and What to Leave Behind

Let’s be honest: packing for a regular vacation is stressful enough. But packing for a cruise? That’s a whole different beast. You have to think about shore excursions, dinner dress codes, pool decks, and the fact that, unlike a hotel, you can’t just run across the street to a Walgreens if you forget something in the middle of the ocean.

This guide is meant to be your best friend when it comes to packing your bags, whether you’re heading to the Caribbean beaches or the Alaskan glaciers. I’ve taken a cruise on almost every major cruise line, so I know exactly what you need for any ship, whether it’s Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or MSC.

Here is how to pack like a pro so you can spend less time stressing over your suitcase and more time planning your first cocktail.

1. Clothing: The Rule of Layers

Cruise wardrobes must be versatile. You need clothes that can be worn to a nice dinner, a casual lunch, and an excursion in the morning.

Daytime Essentials (“Resort Casual”)

For sea days and exploring port, comfort is king.

• T-shirts & Tank Tops: Pack more than you think you need; it can get hot on the lido deck and nobody likes walking around in a sweaty t-shirt.
• Shorts & Khakis: Quick-dry fabrics are your best friend during the hot summer months.
• Sundresses & Skirts: Easy to throw over a swimsuit or wear to lunch at the lido where bathing suits are a no-no.
• Swimwear: Bring at least two swimsuits. Nothing is worse than putting on a cold, damp suit from the day before.  Guys, you may want to skip packing shorts completely and just bring a pile of swimsuits that can do double-duty.
• Cover-ups: Most ships require shoes and shirts in indoor dining areas.

Scott’s Pro Tip: The “No Camo” Rule.
If you are heading to the Caribbean, leave all camouflage clothing at home. It is illegal for civilians to wear camouflage (even pink or “fashion” camo) in many destinations, including Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Antigua. It is reserved strictly for the military, and local authorities can confiscate the items or even fine you. Stick to solids and floral prints instead!

Evening Wear: Decoding the Dress Code

Forget the stress about tuxedos. While some lines have “Formal Nights” (or “Elegant Nights”), most have relaxed significantly.

• Smart Casual (Most Nights): Think “date night.” Nice jeans (no holes), collared shirts, polos, blouses, or casual dresses.
• Formal/Elegant Night (1-2 times per cruise):
  • For Him: A suit is great, but a nice pair of slacks and a button-down usually passes on mass-market lines. Ties are quickly becoming extinct onboard.
  • For Her: A cocktail dress, pantsuit, or even a nice sundress with some bling.
• Outerwear: It gets windy (and chilly!) on the open ocean at night, even in the Caribbean. Always pack a light sweatshirt or hoodie.

Footwear: The “Three Shoe” Rule

Shoes take up the most space. Try to limit yourself to three pairs:

1. Sneakers
2. Sandals/Flip-flops
3. Dress Shoes

2. Toiletries: What the Ship Doesn’t Give You

Cruise lines provide basic soap and shampoo (conditioner not so much anymore) in a dispenser. If you are picky about products, bring your own.

• Sea Sickness Remedies: Even if you have an iron stomach, pack Dramamine, Bonine, or Sea-Bands. Buying them onboard is expensive.
• Sunscreen & Aloe: The sun hits harder at sea and I’ve seen far too many “pink people” walking around the ship on day three.
• Conditioner: More and more cruise lines are discontinuing providing conditioner.  If it’s a must, pack your own just in case.
• Pharmacy Basics: Pain relievers (Tylenol/Advil), antacids (for all that food), and Band-Aids (for blisters).
• Hand Sanitizer: Ships have dispensers everywhere, but a small travel bottle is great for when you’re wandering around ashore.

3. Tech & Gadgets: The Power Struggle

Staterooms are notorious for having very few electrical and USB outlets.  Yes, even today’s newest ships are still light on the outlets and many get caught off guard by the scarcity of outlets.

• Non-Surge Power Strip: CRITICAL. You cannot bring a standard surge protector (it’s a fire hazard and will be confiscated). You must look for a “USB Hub” or “Non-Surge Power Strip” specifically approved for cruise ships.  Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, don’t even allow non-surge strips with a cord, so check beforehand.
• Portable Battery Pack: For keeping your phone charged during long shore excursions.
• Nightlight: Inside cabins are pitch black. A small battery-operated tea light or motion-sensor nightlight is a toe-saver during those late night trips to the bathroom.
• Binoculars: A must-have for Alaska or wildlife-heavy itineraries.

4. The All-Important Carry-On Bag

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, porters will take your large suitcases. You might not see them again until 8:00 PM. Do not pack these items in your checked luggage:

• Passport/ID: You physically need these to board.
• Medications: Keep your daily pills with you.
• Swimsuit & Sunscreen: The pools are open the second you board! Don’t be the person stuck in jeans watching everyone else swim.
• Wine: Most lines allow 1-2 bottles of wine per cabin on embarkation day, but it must be in your carry-on.

5. Documents & Money

• Cash: Bring small bills ($1s and $5s) for tipping porters, tour guides, and crew who go above and beyond.  The ship is cashless, but port stops are not.
• Paper Copies of the Important Stuff: Apps crash. Print your boarding pass, luggage tags, and travel insurance policy just in case.
• The App: Download your cruise line’s app before you leave home WiFi. You’ll need it to book dining and see the daily schedule.

What NOT to Pack (Save the Space!)

• Camouflage Patterns: As mentioned, illegal in many ports.
• Irons or Steamers: Strict fire hazard. They will be taken from you. Use the ship’s laundry room or hang clothes in the steamy bathroom.
• Towels: The ship provides pool and beach towels.
• Bluetooth Speakers: They’re annoying, will make you the most hated person onboard, and if you’re cruising on Carnival, they will be confiscated during embarkation.  Remember, you’re on vacation, not the resident DJ.
• Homemade Snacks: You generally cannot bring unsealed food on or off the ship due to agricultural laws.
• Weapons/CBD/Candles: All strictly prohibited.
• Weed, Marijuana, Mary Jane: Whatever you call it, it’s illegal.  Cruise lines follow Federal law and marijuana is still illegal, even though you may have a medical card or it’s legal where you live, it’s not legal onboard.  Plus, your fellow cruisers will thank you… that stuff stinks!

Ready to Set Sail?

Packing doesn’t have to be a chore. If you stick to this list, you’ll have everything you need for a smooth vacation. Did we miss one of your “must-have” items? Let us know in the comments below!