Cruise Packing List for Dummies: 150+ Items & Free Printable PDF!

Table Of Content

• Lily & Drew Carry On Weekender/Shoulder Bag
• Cruise Packing Hacks for Your Cabin & Cruise Essentials
• Other Things to Bring on a Cruise
• Where to Buy Formal Wear for a Cruise
• Use an Air Tag (or other luggage tracking device)
• Foldable Travel Hangers

Below are the electronics that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist. Below are the toiletries that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist. Below are the cruise accessories that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist. Each section of the list is broken up to provide a bit more detail. When advising our community to pack a "dress shirt," we often have follow up questions. Or when suggesting a "cruise power strip" we're given blank stares.

Lily & Drew Carry On Weekender/Shoulder Bag

Shoe bags are great to keep your shoes protected, scuff free and are more sanitary. These apps are free and a great addition to the paper daily planners that cruise lines put in your cabin each night. You can see what you want to do any any given hour of the day, and plan ahead for activities and reservations.

Cruise Packing Hacks for Your Cabin & Cruise Essentials

Expert-approved Caribbean Cruise Packing List - Travel + Leisure

Expert-approved Caribbean Cruise Packing List.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT [source]

Many modern cruise ships offer self-service laundromats or paid laundry services. Check with your specific cruise line to know what’s available. Amidst the anticipation, even the most seasoned travelers sometimes forget items that would have made their trip just a bit smoother. Finally, don’t forget to tuck away your house and car keys somewhere safe—you won’t need them until the end of your trip, but you’ll want to be able to find them in a snap when the time comes. You may want to trade in your wallet for a money belt while on your trip. Whichever route you choose, be sure to bring cash (including small bills for tips ashore), an ATM or debit card, and credit cards.

Other Things to Bring on a Cruise

It ensures that in every moment—whether action-packed or leisurely—you’re immersed in enjoyment, making the most of your voyage. Health and wellness are foundations for any memorable trip. A cruise, with its blend of relaxation and adventure, is no exception. Whether it’s the thrill of adventures in foreign lands or simply indulging in on-board activities, being prepared on the health front ensures you can make the most of every moment.

Of course clothes are not the only things you need for a cruise! What to bring on cruise depends a little on personal preference, especially in terms of electronics. Dining in the buffet for breakfast, lunch or dinner is also casual.

Packing for a cruise can be complicated, especially for first-timers who aren't 100% sure what to expect. The task is made even more stressful because you can't run to the nearest shopping mall to pick up something you forgot when you're sailing in the middle of the ocean. For more things to pack, don’t miss our 39 Useful Things to Pack for a Cruise (Including 17 You Might Not Think Of). We also recommend getting a policy that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage. This will reimburse you if you must cancel or cut your cruise short due to an emergency. When shopping for travel insurance, read the fine print to know what's covered and what's not.

Use an Air Tag (or other luggage tracking device)

Every airline has carry-on allowances that restrict the size and amount of luggage that each passenger can bring onboard. If your carry-on luggage is too large, it will be placed in the hold and also cost you extra. Stuffing your shoes with socks or underwear helps them to keep their shape, as well as helping to save space in your suitcase.

Foldable Travel Hangers

Make sure your cruise packing list accounts for your pre- and post-cruise travel needs, as well as items useful for your time on board. Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, have a relaxed attitude toward dinner attire, and you can come as you are. Other lines, especially the more upscale ones, have strict dress codes for dinner. For cruises on those ships, you'll need to add some nicer outfits to your cruise packing list. In this post, I share the very best cruise packing tips and hacks you need to know. Whether you’re a first time cruiser or cruise veteran, this cruise packing list will help you to keep organized and have everything you need for a cruise vacation.

Things to avoid packing for cruise

This handy cruise packing checklist for first-timers offers all the tips you need for an enjoyable voyage. A smart cruise packing hack that many travelers use these days is a placing a GPS luggage tracking device in all checked luggage. Before I share the top cruise packing hacks and tips, these are some things to think about as you create your own cruise packing list.

While having a mobile phone isn’t a necessity, it’s a good idea with you as you travel. Many cruise lines are now using apps for check in and even for new muster drills. Make sure to bring a shore excursion bag, that you can bring on beach shore excursions or other tours. Beyond the basic daily wear, pack whatever special recreational wear and accessories you’ll need. Even if you never leave the ship, you will probably want swimwear, and possibly some other specialized clothing and equipment as well. Moving between the air conditioned interior of the ship and the potentially much balmier surroundings can feel like packing for two totally different climates.

Now that you know what to put on your cruise packing list, you'll also want to know what to leave out. Some items you might be tempted to pack are outright banned by the cruise lines. Some folks prefer to bring a lanyard to keep their cruise room key card close at hand. It's easy to fill a carry-on with footwear alone when packing for a cruise. The must-have basic is a comfortable pair of travel shoes for the flight, ship and walking in port.

A money belt is also a good idea for cruise excursions when you don’t want to bring your wallet along. In the dining room on regular nights, dress as you would going out to dinner or drinks with friends. Jeans are acceptable in the dining room so long as they are nice jeans with no tears.Children can wear shorts & t-shirts in the dining room.

You’ll pay about $200 for a week long cruise if you want internet in your cabin. You won’t need a travel hair dryer as they are a provided on board. It's always smart to pack a first aid kit for your cruise; make sure it contains seasickness remedies if you're sensitive to the motion of the ocean. Over-the-counter medications are pricey on board, so bring the brands you most commonly use. If you take prescription medicine, bring enough for the trip and a few extra days' worth, just in case. Don't forget to pack outfits for cruise ship theme nights.

The Ultimate Cruise Packing List of 2024

Table Of Content

• Cruise Packing List for Kids
• Samsonite Freeform Carry On
• Bring a Pop up Mesh Laundry Bag
• Bags

This list is your safeguard against those “Oh, I wish I’d remembered to pack that! While they might not be essentials for every cruiser, they certainly add an extra layer of convenience, ensuring your voyage is as smooth as the calmest seas. This section is for those travelers who love to be ultra-prepared, reveling in the comfort of knowing they’ve thought of everything. Cruising is often a delightful blend of excitement and relaxation.

Cruise Packing List for Kids

A daypack and/or beach bag is essential for toting items while in port, as well as whatever purse you want to use on board in the evenings. Keep in mind that ships are equipped with gyms and outdoor tracks, fitness classes abound, and many ports welcome runners, kayakers, bikers, and other active types. There’s no need to skip out on your fitness regime if you don’t want to, so bring along your activewear, too. Don’t forget sun hats and baseball caps for sunny days out on deck or in port, while a dressy scarf or shawl to drape over your shoulders is a good accessory for sophisticated evenings aboard the ship.

Samsonite Freeform Carry On

What to Pack for the Galápagos: A Complete Checklist - Travel + Leisure

What to Pack for the Galápagos: A Complete Checklist.

Posted: Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

You may, however, need to pay for specific activities and excursions while onboard and on dry land, and you will also need to tip the staff while onboard (if not pre-paid). You will not usually be able to bring your travel iron onboard, but most ships have laundry services of some kind where you can pay to have your clothes laundered for you. Your cases should be large enough to carry everything you need, but not so big or heavy as to be difficult to lug through the cruise terminal. You will also have a limited amount of space in your cabin, so don’t go mad with oversized cases as you will have nowhere to put them.

Bring a Pop up Mesh Laundry Bag

Of course, the destination and weather will dictate what exactly makes it onto your cruise packing list. For a Caribbean cruise, you'll want plenty of beachwear; for an Alaska cruise, you'll want rugged clothes for hiking and warm layers for the frequently changing weather. In the Middle East and Asia, you might need an outfit that covers the shoulders and knees for visiting religious sites. We've listed 103 essentials you should always pack for any cruise vacation. Follow our cruise packing list to avoid packing mistakes and be prepared for anything on your next sailing. After lots of dreaming and planning, you’re going on your first cruise.

Shoes & Accessories

You can even view the deck cams in the run-up to your cruise vacation, and share a cruise countdown on social media. In case of an accident or illness, you should keep a copy of your personal details somewhere easy to find. Print basic details like your name, address, next of kin, and any relevant health issues on a credit card-size laminate, and tuck it in your purse or travel wallet. Usually, cruise vacations are all-inclusive, and you shouldn’t have to pay for food, drink, and entertainment.

Where to Buy Formal Wear for a Cruise

As you lay out items for your vacation, check them off the cruise packing checklist pdf so you can organise yourself ahead of time. This is probably the trickiest set of items on our cruise packing list. Depending on where you're cruising to and from, your clothing items will vary. Your specific itinerary will also have an impact on your packing list.

If you are leaving from and returning to separate ports, you will need your passport. While the idea of sailing into the horizon is thrilling, packing for such a journey can be a daunting task. Every cruise is unique, shaped not just by the ship but also by the destinations on the itinerary. A Caribbean voyage is vastly different from an Alaskan expedition or a European river cruise.

Yes, you can wait until you get to port to pick up things you meant to bring, but that’s not always convenient. However, we recommend bringing a beach towel if you plan to spend time at the beach or do any water activities. This depends on your daily activities and the dress code for each evening.

Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America

In especially scenic destinations, such as Alaska or Scandinavia, you might want to bring binoculars and/or a DSLR camera (rather than relying on your phone for photos). Don't forget accessories like extra batteries, chargers and memory cards. You can sweeten your cabin bathroom by bringing a bathroom spray to mask unpleasant odors. A small inflatable kiddie pool or tub packs down small and can be used to give your little one a bath.

Having dry bags handy puts my mind particularly at ease on expedition cruises that require “wet landings” from the ship to the shore via inflatable water crafts. Other types of footwear to add to your cruise packing list are sneakers for athletic activities, flip-flops for the pool and beach, and dress shoes for dinner. (Ladies, try to match your outfits, so you only need to bring one pair of heels.) You might also want casual or athletic sandals, hiking boots or water shoes for rocky beaches. On the first day of your cruise, it may take a few hours for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom, but you don’t have to wait to have fun. Stuff a carry-on backpack with essentials like your cell phone, wallet, bathing suit and sunglasses, and start swimming, sunning or exploring your ship immediately.

Another thing that I will admit is that chair clips have gotten increasingly cuter in recent years — like this adorable tropical-themed set from Yalikop. They’re also small enough to toss in a tote and bring with you for a beach day in port. And, if you’re sailing on a large ship, especially on a day when everyone is onboard, there might be more rows of deck chairs than your frozen cocktail will allow you to keep track of. So, a cheeky cactus, or watermelon, or flamingo sticking up from your seat in a sea of identical towel-clad loungers might help you better locate your place in the sun. This one might have you scratching your head, but trust me on this. Cruise cabins can get very dark at night with all the curtains drawn — not to mention that there are some with no windows at all.

Once the luggage is dropped off at the terminal, this should contain everything needed until the cabin is ready. Planning ahead can be a great time-saver, as no one wants to use valuable vacation time doing detours while in port in a search for a forgotten item. Or missing out on a great activity, such as a galley tour, because you don't have closed toe shoes. Pop all your documents in a travel document wallet to keep them organised.

With our ultimate cruise packing checklist, you can simply tick off the items and relax knowing you are prepared for the trip of a lifetime. Having a change of clothes and a few day-to-day necessities in your carry-on can also be a lifesaver in the case of lost or delayed luggage. If you find yourself with no idea where your bags are or waiting to have them shipped to your next port of call, you’ll be glad to have a few extra items on hand to hold you over. It’s also great for that stretch of time between boarding the ship and your luggage showing up in your cabin.