Packing for a cruise differs from other vacations - you're accessing a floating resort with limited storage space, visiting multiple destinations, and dealing with varying temperatures (tropical ports vs. heavily air-conditioned ships). This guide ensures you bring everything you need without overpacking.
Essential Documents
Passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel for international cruises). Cruise documents/booking confirmation. Travel insurance policy. Credit card for onboard account. Copies of prescriptions for medications. Printed copies of excursion confirmations. Emergency contact information. Pro tip: Keep documents in your carry-on, not checked luggage. Take photos of all important documents on your phone.
Clothing: The Core Wardrobe
Casual daytime: Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, swimsuit coverups. Evening wear: Resort casual (nice pants, collared shirts, dresses). One dressy outfit per formal night (if your ship has them). Swimsuits (2 minimum - one never dries in humid conditions). Light jacket or sweater (ship interiors are cold). Comfortable walking shoes for ports. Sandals for pool areas. One pair of dressier shoes.
Destination-Specific Additions
Caribbean/Mexico: Extra sunscreen, reef-safe for snorkeling, aloe vera for burns. Alaska: Waterproof jacket, warm layers, binoculars, warm hat. Mediterranean: Cover-ups for churches, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones. Northern Europe: Warmer layers, rain gear, walking shoes. Pack for ports AND ship - you need both active port wear and nicer ship attire.
Toiletries and Medications
Ships provide basic shampoo/soap but quality varies. Bring: sunscreen (expensive onboard), preferred toiletries, motion sickness medication (Bonine or Dramamine), any prescription medications in original bottles, basic first aid (bandages, pain reliever, antidiarrheal). Don't bring: large containers (ship security may flag them), anything prohibited (check cruise line's website).
Electronics and Gadgets
Phone and charger. Camera with extra batteries/memory cards. Power strip without surge protector (surge protectors are banned). Portable battery pack for port days. Kindle or tablet loaded with books. Nightlight for dark inside cabins. Small flashlight for evening shore returns. Check your ship's outlets - many have USB ports now.
Cabin Organization Essentials
Over-door shoe organizer (clear pockets work brilliantly for toiletries, sunscreen, small items). Magnetic hooks for metal cabin walls (hang towels, bags, hats). Small travel clock if you need one. Highlighters for marking daily schedules. Small bag for pool/port excursions. Packing cubes keep clothes organized in tight spaces.
What NOT to Pack
Irons and steamers (fire hazard, confiscated). Surge protectors (fire hazard). Candles and incense (fire hazard). Drones (not permitted). Large alcohol quantities (limited amounts allowed, varies by line). Prohibited weapons (obviously). Extension cords (some lines ban them). Too many shoes (biggest overpacking culprit).
Carry-On vs Checked Bag Strategy
Pack in your carry-on: Documents, medications, valuables, swimsuit, change of clothes, toiletries for the first day. Checked luggage may not arrive until evening - you need to function all day. Wear or carry anything irreplaceable. Use luggage tags provided by cruise line. Tip the porter at the terminal.
Formal Night Packing
Check your cruise line's dress code - formality varies widely. Traditional formal: Men - suit or tuxedo (rentals available). Women - cocktail dress or formal gown. Contemporary formal: Men - dress pants and collared shirt. Women - nice dress or dressy separates. Many lines now have 'dress-up nights' rather than true formal. Virgin Voyages and Norwegian have eliminated formal requirements entirely.
Packing Checklist Summary
Must have: Passport, medications, sunscreen, layers, walking shoes, swimsuits, phone charger, camera, formal wear if needed. Nice to have: Packing cubes, magnetic hooks, shoe organizer, binoculars, power strip, reusable water bottle. Skip: Excessive shoes, formal wear on casual ships, bulky toiletries, anything that won't fit in tight cabin storage. When in doubt, leave it home - ships have shops for forgotten items.