Packing for any trip can be a stress-inducing exercise, but cruises have their own specific list of items you should bring and leave at home. Don’t do more work than you need to when devising a packing list for your next cruise vacation. We’ve taken the guesswork out of what to bring on a cruise with this list of cruise essentials.
From the paperwork you’ll need to be allowed onboard to the fun little extras that could enhance your trip, this list will get you and your travel party on your way to being 100 percent Cruise Ready.
25 CRUISE ESSENTIALS WE ALWAYS PACK!
Cruise Packing 101: Cruise Essentials for Your Next Trip
The Absolute Cruise Essentials
Passport/Photo ID
It’s true that some cruises only require a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate. However, if you have a passport, it’s the best default ID to bring when you cruise. Even if you’re sailing round trip from Miami, if you somehow miss the ship in Cozumel, it will make life so much easier if you have your passport on your person. This will save you from having to visit a consulate to help you get home.
More than any other item you bring with you, make sure you carefully read the fine print of what documentation you will need for everyone in your party to travel. The alternative is to be denied boarding. There are no favors when it comes to having the proper ID.
Credit card and cash for tips
Your cruise card becomes your default payment method onboard the ship and even on some private islands. However, it’s recommended to link it to a credit card. You can usually close out your onboard account with cash, but a credit card also comes in handy in port. Further, it may be required for pre- or post-cruise hotel stays. Look for a card without foreign transaction fees and points on common travel expenses.
Even if the U.S. dollar isn’t the currency used in your ports of call, don’t forget about tips to porters during embarkation, shuttle drivers, or valets. Crew will also happily accept cash tips for room service or at the end of the voyage. So, carry some small bills with you whenever you travel.
Extra prescription medication
Keeping all prescription medication in carry-on baggage is an age-old tip of travel. During a lifeboat drill, they will also reiterate that in the event of an emergency, you should have these medicines in a handy location to bring with you if you need to abandon ship (though this rarely if ever happens).
One piece of advice that isn’t as repeated is to bring a few additional days’ worth of your prescriptions with you on any cruise. This can cover you in the event of a delayed or canceled flight, or if you lose a pill somewhere along the way. It’s not possible to obtain prescription medicine onboard a cruise ship and it’s unlikely in port. Thus, bring more than you need with you.
Sun protection
No, it does not matter if your cruise is heading to the Arctic, or the forecast calls for rain. No matter the season or the destination, the sun is out there even if you don’t feel its rays. Sun protection is an essential part of packing for every cruise.
Sunscreen is getting more advanced and environmentally friendly. Pack a cream that’s no less than SPF 30 and look for brands like Stream2Sea that are reef safe. Not only are you protecting fragile marine ecosystems, but you are putting less chemicals into your body.
Sun protection also extends to polarized sunglasses or those with UV blockers. You’ll also want to bring a hat or head covering and a rash guard or something to cover your shoulders for long days in the strong sun.
Hand sanitizer
A chance to “washy washy” has long been present around cruise ships, with dispensers primarily at the entrance to dining venues. But these days, clean hands matter more than ever. So, pack your own carry-on size of hand sanitizer for everyone in your group. This allows you to sanitize on the go, after handling money, touching an escalator, using the bathroom — and always before eating.
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Comfortable shoes
Even if you plan to lie around on the beach, a sturdy and comfortable pair of shoes can never be underestimated on a cruise. Beyond the time you’ll spend exploring each port, some cruise ships are truly massive. You’ll be surprised how many steps you get in simply walking from your cabin to the pool to the buffet and then over to the theater.
This one may seem obvious, but it’s not the time to break in a new pair of shoes or subject your feet to only very flat flip-flops for a week straight.
A supportive pair of footwear will not only save your feet but also lessen other aches and pains. If you’re wandering the uneven surfaces of European cobblestone streets or hiking in Alaska, these are even bigger reasons to pack the right shoes.
Your own toiletries
It’s true that cruise ships have at the very least dispensers of shampoo and body wash in the showers. It’s also true that even if you forgot your own toothbrush, you could probably buy one in an onboard shop. But relying on the ship for your toiletries isn’t always the best idea. Essential items like deodorant or toothpaste are often overpriced once you’re on the ship with few other options.
Generic all-in-one hair and body wash aren’t the kindest to hair either. It’s nice to have the option, especially if you’re staying in a suite with a premium toiletries brand, but default to bringing enough of your own products for your cruise. This is even more important if you know you’re particular about scent. You don’t want soap or a lotion that will drive you crazy your entire vacation.
Power cords and adapters
We’re living in a tech-addled age, and our smartphones, tablets, cameras, and handheld video games (you name it) all require a charge now and then. Don’t make the mistake of grabbing a clump of wires and tossing them in a bag.
Make sure you have the right charger for each device (keeping in mind that different generations of iPhones have different chargers) and sort them accordingly. There is no one universal charger, and you don’t want to worry about your phone (which is also your camera and your gaming system) losing juice at the beginning of your trip.
Most cruise ships offer U.S.-style outlets and many newer ships come equipped with USB and other direct connections for chargers. But double-check if you need an adapter onboard your ship. If you’re staying in a hotel before or after in a foreign country, you might need to bring one either way.
Keep in mind that most cruise ships do not allow power strips, but there are non-surge protected power cubes that are allowed.
Always Bring These Items on a Cruise
Refillable water bottle
Not only is it handy to have your own water bottle, but it’s better for the environment than throwaway versions. Many cruise lines are eliminating single-use plastics and encouraging the use of water bottle refill stations.
Whether you’re staying hydrated by the pool or in port, don’t be without water. Consider a bottle with a built-in filtration system — like LifeStraw — that can be used in almost any situation (including sketchy airport refill stations with a blinking “change filter” light).
Seasickness medication
You might have never been motion sick in your life, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. There are a variety of seasickness remedies on the market, from pills and patches to bands and ginger candy. Even if you don’t need to prevent motion sickness on your cruise ship, you might be taking a whale-watching excursion or a snorkel trip in a smaller boat and this is when the meds might come in handy.
The guest services desk might have some seasick medication if you forgot any, but it’s typically not the non-drowsy variety. Look into buying a small container of Bonine or less-drowsy Dramamine before boarding and always take something before you start to feel sick. Remember to be wary of drinking alcohol with a Scopolamine patch.
Bathing suit
This is another item that might seem obvious, but not if your cruise is a cold-weather itinerary. Of course, fun in the sun in the Caribbean or Bermuda necessitates some swimwear. But pack a bathing suit even for Antarctica or Canada/New England in the fall.
Don’t forget about heated pools and hot tubs onboard your ship — some have a magrodome or retractable roof in cold or inclement weather. Suits also come in handy for the spa, which might feature a thermal suite of thalassotherapy pools and steam rooms. And don’t forget about excursions; residents of Finland and other Scandinavian countries use saunas year-round.
Day pack
This bag isn’t part of your luggage, but a separate backpack or tote just for excursions. Ideally, it’s lightweight and easy to pack, but holds enough for an entire day off the ship. You’ll want a comfortable day pack to hold your refillable water bottle, wallet, extra sunscreen, or a light jacket. Also, it will come in handy for carrying souvenirs.
Ziploc bags
Plastic bags are going the way of the dinosaur but having a few empty sandwich bags or shopping bags can be useful. Store hand sanitizer and lip balm in a Ziploc to consolidate them before tossing them in your day pack.
A garbage bag or laundry bag will be great for any last-minute wet or dirty items while packing to go home (think: your kid who jumped in the pool on the last night or sneakers caked in mud). An extra bag can also serve as a makeshift divider in your suitcase for any items that might still be clean, so they aren’t mixed in with the already worn or soiled clothes.
Light jacket
Like a bathing suit on a cold itinerary, bring a light jacket or sweater even if you’re heading somewhere tropical. You might run hot and not want to wear it out during the day on a shore excursion, but ships are notoriously well air-conditioned.
You might be surprised to find a slight chill in a restaurant or theater at night, especially after a long day in the sun.
At least one formal outfit
Sure, you chose your cruise line because you like to keep things casual. There’s nothing wrong with being comfortable, especially on vacation. But inevitably you might run into a formal night onboard your ship, or something called a captain’s welcome on a river ship. During these evenings, it’s suggested to spruce up a bit.
Of course, you can ignore formal evenings all together and head to the buffet or an alternate dining venue on a large ship. But cruising is all about options, and you might want to keep your options open. Sometimes it’s nice to clean up for a significant other and enjoy a special night out at a specialty dining venue. Pack something respectable so you don’t rule out any opportunities.
Itch relief/First Aid kit
Bug bites, sun burn, sea lice — they’re all out to make you itch. There’s not much worse than a constant, nagging discomfort on vacation. Find your itch remedy of choice at home before boarding your ship where there are way fewer options.
Everyone is different, and some might react better to a pill like Benadryl, while others prefer a topical anti-cortisone cream. A menthol-based gel can work wonders on bug bites, certain rashes, and as a cooling element for mild sunburn.
Pack your itch relief within a small First Aid kit that also includes antiseptic wipes, Neosporin, a few Band-Aids, and some pain relief pills like Tylenol.
Waterproof phone case or dry bag
Ships are surrounded by water and we’re all surrounded by electronics. If you plan to be spending a lot of time out on the water or near the sea on excursions or at the beach, consider purchasing dry bags.
Proper dry bags used by professional boaters come in a variety of sizes and can fit an entire backpack, depending on what you want them for. A medium-sized bag should be plenty for a kayaking excursion, and are found at sporting goods stores or online.
Also look at picking up a waterproof case or a plastic dry bag for your phone. These plastic bags form a seal at the top, come on a lanyard you can hang around your neck, and are clear so you can take a photo if you want to from within the clear bag. You can find them online for a reasonable price.
Cruise Essentials Based on Itinerary
No list of cruise packing essentials is comprehensive unless you’re looking at your specific itinerary. Length of trip, time of the year, and planned activities will all provide input on what items you should bring based on your destination. Most cruise lines provide a generic list for you when booking, but don’t underestimate the nuances between each cruise.
Are you cruising to Alaska? The key word there is “layers,” including wool socks that won’t absorb water and can keep feet dry, gloves, and a hat — even in summer. Being out on the water can get cool, weather changes quickly, and altitudes will impact temperature in our 49th State.
Are you going to the Galapagos or somewhere with a lot of spectacular nature? Your phone camera won’t do justice to distant sightings no matter how good it is. Think about bringing an actual camera with a zoom lens for wildlife-viewing.
Are you traveling over a holiday or on a theme cruise? You probably want to pack different theme outfits or a costume. The list goes on and on…
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Gear for Kids
Kids of any age seem to require their own separate packing lists. Some cruise ships offer services that allow you to order diapers and other essentials to the ship for infants (one less thing to pack). But parents of toddlers and small children know the value of keeping them busy, which might include sand toys, a snorkel mask, a kid-friendly tablet, books, their favorite plush toys for bedtime — you name it.
Make a packing list that is just for your children, including snacks and essentials that you won’t want to be without on vacation. Talk to your kids about what they want to bring with them and then make informed decisions about what’s possible to pack.
These packing lists can be super helpful when rushing to prep for a cruise, and should be evergreen (that is, until they get older and everything changes).
Bonus Items to Pack for Your Next Cruise
Magnets
Most cruise ship cabins are constructed from metal, making magnets a very handy tool for organizing your room. Use fun magnets to decorate or leave notes on your cabin door.
Purchase a pack of magnetic hooks to give yourself extra space to hang towels or store bags. Avoid industrial-strength magnets that will be hard to remove. Otherwise, if you can attach it to your cabin wall with a magnet, it’s probably fair game.
Night light
A handful of cruise ships have something that can be considered a night light in the bathroom, but we’ve primarily seen this on river ships. Attempting to go to the bathroom — or do anything — in the middle of the night in an unfamiliar stateroom in the pitch dark is a challenge that could end badly.
Having a simple night light plugged in to the desk or vanity in your room gives a little friendly light in the main cabin, while one in the bathroom can help avoid having to turn the bright light on. Everyone knows how awful blinding fluorescent lighting can be when you’re barely awake. Avoid waking yourself and everyone in your room with an easily packable night light on your next cruise.
Towel clips
An item very specific to cruise life are towel clips. These plastic clips look almost like oversized clips for bags of your favorite potato chips. They come in funky colors and designs (sharks, flamingoes…the possibilities are endless).
These useful clips help to eliminate the dreaded towel slide when you’re sitting in a sun lounger. Just clip your towel to the top of the chair and voila! Not only will your towel stay in place, but everyone around you can tell that seat is claimed.
Comments
Did you find our list of cruise essentials helpful? Do you have anything else to add to this cruise packing list? Drop us an anchor below to share your essential items to pack for a cruise.
Hey, great list. Here are a few of my cruise essentials. I keep a battery operated tealight in my toiletry bag, and use that for a bathroom nightlight. It doesn’t need a plug, provides plenty of light for that middle of the night bathroom visit, and won’t wake anyone up. I keep a couple extra 2032 batteries in the toiletry bag along with the candle. I also bring a bottle of liquid hand soap for washing hands in the bathroom – I’ve never found that provided on any cruise ship, and I hate the messiness that using bar soap leaves. We always bring our own snorkel equipment. Gloves, booties, mask, dry top snorkel, water shoes, spit. If we are driving to the port, we bring the snorkel bag with the fins. If not, then no fins or bag. The primary reason we cruise is to go snorkeling or caving. Or both. If I am cruising on a ship with laundry facilities (which is most of the time), I bring laundry detergent in sheet form. I just stick a few sheets in a resealable plastic bag; saves money and ensures that I won’t have any allergy issues, as I am allergic to certain laundry products. I bring a handful of clothespins to use on the bathroom drying line – I can hang more and create a better drying area. I keep a credit card sized plastic card in my toiletry bag for use in light switches that require a card to operate. Another cruise essential for me is a mini-wallet that hangs from my lanyard and holds my id, cruise card, credit card and money. Leaves me hands free, but with all the essentials for port calls. I always pack at least two bathing suits. Packing cubes are a newly discovered essential. I organize them in such a way that all I have to do is stick them on the shelves or drawers and unzip. Then reverse the process to pack again. Fast and efficient – my packing and unpacking time has been cut in half, at least. Finally, I have a permanent cruise packing list that I created to ensure I don’t forget anything. That has been really helpful in creating a smooth packing process and no oopsies on the cruise. I enjoy reading your posts, so thanks for all the hard work.