Not to be dramatic, but I’m litrally overjoyed to write this pack list for a cruise ship! I can’t contain my excitement when it comes to packing for a cruise (or, like, any beach vacation).
There’s something life-changing about a journey on the open seas, exploring the world, and returning to the comforts of your cabin every evening.
However, a cruise has all the normal vacation difficulties, like limited suitcase space, with the added challenges of living on a boat for a week.
As a pro traveler, I know a well-packed suitcase is the secret to a smooth trip.
Here’s my curated pack list for a cruise, plus tips, tricks, and printable checklists:
Clothing Pack List for a Cruise
Casual Cruise Clothing
Cruise lines have casual dress codes during the day where you can wear comfortable clothes – perfect for relaxing poolside, grabbing a bite, or exploring the ship.
Remember, “casual” doesn’t mean sloppy. You can look classy in flip-flops.
I usually pack:
- Shorts, t-shirts, crop tops. These crop tops make any outfit look chic.
- Flowy skirts or sundresses; long maxi dresses. Bonus points if they’re easy to throw over a swimsuit.
- Bathing suit cover ups. Perfect for going from the pool to the food hall.
- Lightweight pants. I love these linen pants because they can easily be dressed up or down and are super comfy.
- Comfy sneakers or sandals. Make sure they don’t rub and won’t cause blisters; you’ll be doing lots of walking.
- Cozy sweatshirt. This is one of the most overlooked items on any pack list for a cruise, but trust me, you’ll need a sweater for breezy evenings on deck.
Read: My Bahamas Carnival Cruise Review
Evening Wear
Now, let’s talk about dressing up! Most cruises have formal dining or events that require formal outfits. Always double-check with your cruise line.
If you’re wondering what to wear on a cruise in the evening, keep reading:
Tip: While packing, I roll my clothes to avoid creases and use travel shoe bags to keep my shoes from touching my clothes, one of my biggest pet peeves.
- Evening gown. Go glam or go formal, just go with a gown.
- Cocktail dress. Glorious, floor-length gowns are appropriate to wear on a cruise in the evening. Formal pants or skirt suits will also work.
- Nice pair of jeans and a top. Consider accessorizing with a belt or a nice clutch.
- Sophisticated sandals, heels, or wedges. Pack 1-2 pairs of nice, neutral-colored shoes.
Port and Excursion Outfits
Packaging practical, versatile clothes that can layer different weather conditions and activities is essential for excursion outfits.
But also, you wanna look cute.
When I’m packing for my cruise excursions, I include:
- Swimsuits. Never get caught without one.
- Light, breathable shirts. If you wear crop tops or swimsuit tops, bring a breezy long sleeve to protect your skin from the sun. You can take it off for photos if needed.
- Comfy shorts and pants. Just don’t keep things in your back pockets. Cruise ship ports are notorious for pickpocketing.
- Hiking boots. Only if needed for adventures.
The Small Stuff: Accessories, Toiletries, and Electronics
Accessories and toiletries might seem like minor details, but they can make a huge difference- imagine forgetting sunscreen or not having the right outfit options (gasp!).
While you can buy these things on the ship or at port for an inflated price, there is no guarantee that you’ll get what you want.
Peep some essentials from my pack list for a cruise:
Accessories
Never forget to accessorize.
While not as fun as figuring out which ball gown to pile into your suitcase, you will be equally grateful you remembered-
- Sunglasses. Pack more than one pair, and thank me later.
- SPF Sun Hat. My fav straw hat with a bow is super cute AND has SPF 50 (plus it fits my tiny head).
- Small backpack. A beach bag or tiny backpack is a must for carrying essentials while exploring the ports or the ship.
- Portable, microfiber beach towel. I love microfiber towels because they absorb water fast instead of staying wet forever like most towels.
- Hairdryer or straightener. Since hairdryers on cruise ships are often low-powered, it’s a good idea to pack a small hairdryer if you need one.
Toiletries
Cruise ships aren’t exactly known for having the finest free toiletries. Pack these basics:
- Sunscreen. Never leave your stateroom without sunscreen. Even sitting out on the deck for sunset will expose your face to a ton of UVs. Look for one that is reef-safe, so you don’t destroy the natural reefs, and oil-free, so it won’t clog your pores and ruin your skin since you’ll be sweating. SuperGoop is my favorite, the only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out.
- Lip Balm with SPF. Don’t let your lips get cracked and burned under the harsh ocean sun!
- Makeup, brushes, and remover. This drawstring cosmetic organizer is the coolest and most suitcase space saving-est one I’ve EVER used.
- Travel-sized basics. Think of things like your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower scrubby, shaving cream, and razor.
- Deodorant and Underarm Deodorant Wipes. Great for your excursion bag, instead of bringing a deodorant bar that will melt in the sun.
- Hair anti-frizz. I live by this leave-in conditioner by Olaplex.
- Aloe Vera. For instant and organic sunburn relief.
- Motion sickness meds. Please don’t skip this. Even if you don’t get motion sickness regularly, it could happen at any moment on your cruise. I prefer simple Dramamine over the slow-release patches.
Tech
Here’s the lowdown on tech and things with cords that you’ll want to pack for your cruise:
Tip: Keep cords and things organized and detangled with a shockproof case.
- Your usual. Make sure you have all the chargers, international adapters, and accessories needed for your devices.
- Bring a power strip made for cruise ships to charge multiple devices, most cabins have limited outlets that charge slowly.
- Portable charger. My favorite, powerful, never-let-you-down portable charger for keeping your phone, camera, and other cruise gear charged.
- Waterproof phone case. If you’ve ever lost your phone to the ocean *raises hand* you know how important it is to have a waterproof phone case that floats.
- Underwater Camera. Always use an underwater camera so you don’t risk losing your phone to the ocean. I like this inexpensive one because it has wireless control to take photos/videos with the camera strapped to my wrist.
- Tripod. Use a small tripod for photos of the ocean, groups, and other pro-looking travel pics with your phone.
- Headphones. Perfect for solo time contemplating life on the deck.
- Binoculars. You’re at sea, and who knows what you might see – dolphins, whales, birds, tiny islands, etc.,
Practical Packing Tips
Immediately put these practical packing tips for your next cruise adventure:
- Bring a laundry bag. There’s nothing worse than having your used socks rolling around on your evening attire.
- AirTags. Add them to your luggage. A digital tracking device will save the day and the trip if the airline loses your luggage.
- Shower shelves are scarce. Bring a small shower organizer that uses vertical space to avoid piling your toiletries on the floor.
- Save space on socks. Pack socks inside your shoes, which you will then pack in your above-mentioned shoe bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What essentials should I pack for a 7-day cruise?
I’d recommend packing enough clothing for at least 4 formal or semi-formal nights and casual evenings, 5 to 6 pool and loungewear potentials, and a few sets of practical clothing for excursions on land.
Remember to bring your travel documents, such as your passport, ID, and a copy of your boarding pass, and any essential medications and toiletries.
What items should I avoid bringing on a cruise?
Avoid bringing anything you wouldn’t take on an airplane on a cruise ship.
You know, weapons, drugs, candles, irons, or anything that produces an open flame. Each cruise line will have specific guidelines, so review them before packing.
Are toiletries provided on a cruise?
Yes, most cruise lines will provide you with the American basics like shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and basic hand soap.
The quality varies from cruise line to line, but you’ll be able to buy your own toiletries at a shop onboard.
Do cruise ships provide hairdryers?
Yes, most cruise ships will provide hairdryers in your cabin’s bathroom. However, they usually suck.
Think hotel-level of quality. I highly suggest you add a hairdryer to your pack list for a cruise if this is something that you need to work well.
Can you bring full-size toiletries on a cruise?
Good news, you can bring full-size toiletries on a cruise!
Cruise lines do not restrict what size of toiletries you can bring. However, your airline definitely does, so make sure to settle that. Also, consider how much space full-size toiletries will take in your suitcase.
Do cruises check your carry-on bags?
Yes, cruise lines usually screen carry-on bags during the embarkation process.
It’s important to follow ship guidelines regarding banned items and luggage size- it’s just not worth the BS. Always pack essentials like travel documents, medications, and valuables in your carry-on to keep them safe and accessible.
Is there a printable packing checklist for a cruise available?
Absolutely! A printable cruise packing checklist makes things so much easier. Download and print my pack list for a cruise:
Pack List for a Cruise (Pre-filled)
Pack List for a Cruise (Blank)
