Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide From The Essentials to The Whoa Glad I Brought That Item

Never been on a cruise before and wondering what to pack? Here’s what you need that will help make your cruise less stressful and what you should bring to maximize and organize your cruise stateroom!

_{Please note: this post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, I may get a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is absolutely free for you/does not cost you anything extra! There’s no sponsored content nor do I run ads here so this helps so much in reducing the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active.Thanks! Rosemary}

What To Pack In Your Carry-on (for the cruise and flight)

These should always go in your carry-on. Heads up that depending on when you board the ship, you may not be able to access your stateroom right away. And it normally takes a few hours for your checked bag to make it to your cabin but it might be delayed until evening.

• Passport (valid at least 6 months past return) if required or Government-issued ID
• Medications – do not put these in your checked luggage and also anything you consider essential!
• Cruise boarding documents
• Travel insurance details
• Credit cards (bring your no foreign transactions cards) + how much cash and in what currency/denominations is heavily destination-dependent (or get a bank that doesn’t charge you foreign transaction fees or fees to use ATMs overseas)
• Printed luggage tags (if required by cruise line)
• Smart move: at least one change of clothes + swimsuit/cover-up
• REMINDER: airlines require power banks to go in your carry-on

Travel + Cruise Essentials

• Passport Holder: RFID blocking Travel Document Organizer / Portable Case for Cards, Boarding Pass, ID, Money, Tickets with Zipper
• Travel Money Belt: This one is beloved for being spacious and having advanced RFID blocking fabric
• Anti-Theft Crossbody Strap Phone Lanyard with slash-resistant strap
• Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag: slash-resistant mesh inner lining in all 4 sides and bottom body panels; slash-resistant strap; locking compartments; and RFID blocking organizer
• Travel Locks: TSA Approved lock adds a layer of protection / piece of mind
• Lightweight, compact and digital Travel Inspira Luggage Scale: to ensure you don’t have to pay those frustrating and now avoidable, overweight baggage fees
• Apple AirTags: Having luggage delayed or lost is the worst! My friend’s flight was delayed before our cruise and was able to track her luggage with her AirTag before the airline could!
  • Even though I carry-on, I have one AirTag in my duffel and another AirTag in my backpack, in case I ever need to gate check
• A Travel Keepsake Journal to Record Your Vacations or this Travel Journal – Itinerary Travel Planner Organizer with lots of space for planning the trip or a Moleskin Classic Notebook
• Lanyard for for cruise key card: Consider the 2-Pack Retractable Lanyard or this 5 Pack Cruise Detachable Lanyard
  • Beautiful tip: Princess uses medallions and Virgin Voyages uses bracelets so no need for lanyards with those lines
• Large Beach Towel Clips or Cruise On Towel Bands for Cruise Chairs (4 Pack): Because it gets very windy on cruise ship decks
• Ziploc bags: these come in so handy for storage and organization, I bring a few different sizes

Cruise Cabin & Organization Items

You will want items to help you organize and maximize as staterooms aboard a cruise ship can make for cramped quarters. My Oceanview cabins have ranged from 127 ft² (11.8 m²) to 190 ft² (18 m²) as shown in the photos below! For more details, check out my stateroom tour/rating series – all linked here (this is an ongoing series so a new cabin review is being posted every week or so!)

There are many restrictions on what you can bring aboard so I have also included things that will make your cruise less stress and/or more comfortable.

• Packing Cubes: I’m #teamcarryon and packing cubes keep me organized. I have multiples of this set since I keep gifting parts of it away but I keep things organized on shelves with these
  • But I have been eyeing these Aerotrunk Compression Packing Cubes that compress up to 50%
• Simple Houseware 24 Pockets – Crystal Clear Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer: Help maximize the (little space) that you have and keeps things organized (use to store glasses, sunglasses, medicine, jewelry, shoes and more). I would buy this one and pair with these magnetic hooks rather than hanging it over a door
• Magnetic hooks: Did you know that cruise cabin walls are metal? I find these to be really useful even if traveling solo – to keep wet jackets out of the closet and there are never enough towel hooks! They are even handier once you start sharing tiny cruise staterooms with others
• No iron, no steamer=no problem + Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray / Wrinkle-release travel size spray / travel bundle includes travel sized Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray + Shout Wipes
• Some cruise ships have laundry aboard so if you think you’ll do laundry, 3-Count Travel Sized Tide Load Liquid Detergent or I always pack this Travel Laundry Detergent Sheets 50 Pack 
• Flashlight or nightlight: For those that don’t like to turn on bright bathroom lights at night (Pro tip, many lights are motion sensors so I just put a bandaid over the sensor to prevent it from turning on at night!)

Like the cabin, the sizes of closets can vary pretty dramatically as well with the first photo being all of the closet space in one stateroom and the second and third pic are for a cabin on a different line!

Toiletries & Health Essentials – Some Very Cruise Specific

• Motion sickness aids: Some of my family members and friend are prone to motion sickness even on large cruise ships, others need help with small boat rides (excursions), these are what they use. Beautiful Tips: the key is to use these before feeling sick/symptoms start. Things that can help you feel better: focus on the horizon + get some fresh air + rest
  • Tablets: Dramamine (I love this compact size and keep one in my first aid kit and another in my dive bag) / my diving buddy swears by Bonine
  • MQ 28ct Motion Sickness Patches: My brother and his family used and loved this patches when we were on our northern Europe cruise including stops in Norway and Iceland
  • Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband: Natural aid that is also reuseable
  • Other natural remedies include Dramamine Advanced Herbals Kids Ginger Gummies or Nausea Relief Inhaler
• First Aid Kit + Medicine Kit. Unfortunate reality is that the close quarters are akin to petri dishes, I always pack cold/flu meds (not included in that medicine kit) along with meds if I encounter stomach bugs
• Electrolytes: Especially welcome in hot locales but useful in many other situations
• Lysol To Go Bundle: 1.5 Ounce Disinfectant Spray and Disinfecting Wipes Flat Pack: To combat what seems like the ever present norovirus on ships –
• Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray or Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer: For your day packs, on the plane and around the ship
  • Not so fun fact: Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus, you need to wash your hands before eating
• Eye mask: The curtains do not keep the cabins dark enough for me, I love and use this sleep mask that comes with ear plugs and a carrying pouch
• Ear plugs: For those like me that prefer total quiet at night, I always pack a pair for travel. I always check and book staterooms that should be quiet based on the ship layout but have found some cabin locations to be surprisingly noisy – normal culprit is close to crew access points that I wasn’t aware of =( I like these as I use ear plugs often
• Heavy moisturizer & body lotion as sun, sea and wind = dry skin. I hadn’t realized that cruise lines rarely stock lotion (yes on Holland America+Princess vs no on NCL +Virgin Voyages!)
• Instead of buying travel sized containers, I pack my faves in these TSA Approved Silicone Travel Containers for Toiletries. I have been using them for 18 months and they are very easy to fill and clean and most importantly have not leaked. I love that these are such an affordable option since I often leave my condition filled containers in hotels/airport lounges!

Tech and Photography Gear

• Due to fire concerns, surge protected power strips will be confiscated by all cruise lines and some cruise lines strict with cords so verify directly as things are constantly changing!
  • Power strip (non-surge, cruise-approved): One of the wildest things to me is the lack of outlets in a cruise stateroom. Combat that with this version that has a 6 foot extension cord as well as 3 AC outlets and 3 USB A Charging Ports & 1 USB C Charging Ports.
  • Cruise Approved 3 US Plug + 2 USB A Charging Hub or 2-Pack Wall Plug Fast Charging Block with Dual USB C and Dual USB A Ports
• Phone with offline maps downloaded – if you are renting a car, don’t forget a phone holder that will make navigation easier
• Camera or GoPro with extra batteries & memory cards
• Universal travel adapter: This one is especially useful as it has 1 universal outlets plus 3x USB-A & 2x USB-C ports! Or this Baseus Universal Travel Adapter that has a retractable USB-C cable which is still going strong for me
• Power bank: I have but am not crazy about this one and so am mulling over the Anker Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable REMINDER: airlines require these to go in your carry-on!
• Waterproof phone pouch: Comes highly recommended + friends have used this successfully. Funny enough I have these but have never used them (I use my GoPro in water)
• Lens cleaning cloth (mist from waterfalls!)
• Apple AirTags: Having luggage delayed or lost is the worst! My friend’s flight was delayed before our cruise and was able to track her luggage with her AirTag before the airline could!
  • Even though I carry-on, I have one AirTag in my duffel and another AirTag in my backpack, in case I ever need to gate check

Shore Excursion & Port Day Packing List

Not all items are applicable to all cruises but a general idea of some of the items to consider:

• Anti-Theft Crossbody Strap Phone Lanyard with slash-resistant strap
• Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag: slash-resistant mesh inner lining in all 4 sides and bottom body panels; slash-resistant strap; locking compartments; and RFID blocking organizer
• Consider an expandable bag such as Osprey Daylite 26+6 Travel Pack if you need to carry a lot of items
  • Drybag : Great for boat tours and keeps everything inside dry or AiRunTech Waterproof Belt Bag to keep the essentials dry
• Owala Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle: doesn’t leak, has lid to keep the spout clean plus wide opening makes it easy to clean and add ice and keeps drinks cold!
  • With heat and sweat, don’t neglect to replace your electrolytes
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water shoes (for rocky beaches or cenotes) or lightweight, waterproof Crocs Women’s Kadee II Sandals / Crocs Unisex Flip Flop: Opt for
• Snorkel gear (optional but saves money): Panoramic Wide View, Anti-Fog Snorkel Set
• Bug spray (especially in rainforest or mangrove areas)
• Lightweight rain jacket: Men’s Packable Rain Jacket: / Women Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jackets / Kids Stream Rain Jacket or poncho
• Reef-safe sunscreen / SPF lip balm

The Essentials (Including Some That Were Hard Learned Lessons!) That I Now Pack in My Daypack

• Hand Washing Soap Sheets: Way too many times I have been in a public bathroom that did not have soap so now I carry some of my own
• GoGirl To Go Toilet Paper: And even more times, I have been in a stall/bathroom without any TP but luckily I learned this lesson quickly
• Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray I prefer to wash my hands but for those times when I can’t, I have a travel sized hand sanitizer
• First Aid Kit: Funny enough that this is something I use often to give out bandaids, wound care, moleskins to strangers
• Power bank: Between taking photos and using maps and other apps, I need to always have one consider the convenient the Anker Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable
• Reusable shopping bag: Especially convenient for shoppers to help minimize plastic waste
• Portable Fan: What I wish I had when I was on my Greek Isles Cruise and for the Paris2024 Olympics but happily have now as a just in case item (I don’t run hot but go to temperature extremes quickly!)

Cruise Clothing Essentials

Evening & Dinner Attire

Dress codes vary by cruise line, but most include casual and dressier nights.

• Casual dinner outfits (resort casual)
• 1–2 dressy outfits (cocktail dress, slacks + blouse/shirt)
• Light sweater or wrap (ships can get chilly at night)
• Dress shoes or wedges

Themed Nights!

Get into the spirit and dress to impress accordingly – these are some of the themed events for cruises I have been on and if applicable, how to find the info for your specific sailing from cruise line. Otherwise, Facebook and roll call/ship specific groups are where I have learned about things like this!

• Holland America: Orange night (to celebrate Dutch Heritage), formal night (and people were dressed up! on my Nordics cruise)
  • Once onboard: In the app, themed nights are noted under each applicable day
• MSC: White Party, a 70s / Flower Power themed
  • Typically a few weeks before sailing: In the app, Under “Useful Info” tab with “What To Wear” Section -> “Theme Parties” subsection
• NCL: Glow/White Party, 90s night
• Princess: White Night (this was the New Years Eve on
  • Once onboard: In the app, themed nights are noted under each applicable day
• Virgin Voyages: PJ Party, 80s themed workout classes, “We Fancy”, Scarlet Night

Some Items to Consider for Sea Days

• 1–3 swimsuits (multiples if you are going to a warm locale so that one is always dry) + Swimsuit cover-ups
• Athletic wear (onboard fitness)
• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers and also consider boat shoes if you will be out on the decks (especially early morning as that is when the crew is typically cleaning them!)
• Rash guard or swim shirt (sun protection)
• Wide-brim hat or baseball cap
• Sunglasses (polarized recommended)
• Reef-safe sunscreen: Required in many Caribbean destinations to preserve coral health ie Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
• SPF lip balm: wind protection for an oft neglected body part! Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Lip Balm Twin Pack or Sun Bum SPF 30 (coconut flavored) consider the Sun Bum Road Tripper Kit with travel sized lotion, a full sized face stick and lip balm
• After-sun lotion or Aloe Gel: This could be a great souvenir if your itinerary includes Aruba! But if you like to bring your own
• Waterproof phone pouch