Cruise Packing List

If you are going on a cruise soon, this Cruise Packing List will be helpful to look over.  We have the ultimate list of things to pack that will guarantee a great vacation.

We have the best Cruise Packing List. You will be ready for a great vacation and prepared with all of the things. This list has all the gear you need to have the best cruise.

You might also want to look at Carnival Cruise Tips for First Timers.

Why We Love This List

Don’t find yourself in a pinch, paying high prices on the ship or doing without. 
This is the best cruise packing list and sure to have you ready for your trip!

We all know the obvious things to pack on trips, but what about things that are pertinent to cruises? Look this list over to make sure you have all the cruise attire and helpful items for your cabin packed and ready to go!

You will love having everything you need with this easy list of essentials.

1. Nightlight

The cabins are pretty dark at night. Some people find it helpful to pack a small night light to use to make late night trips to the bathroom easier.

2. Over the Door Shoe Organizer

It might be helpful to use one of the shoe racks you can hang on the door for storage. There is very little room around the bathroom sink to put makeup, accessories and personal items. These are great for storing toothpaste and your toothbrush in the bathroom.

3. Nausea Medication

Pack Dramamine, sea bands or whatever you prefer because everything is more expensive on the ship. It’s better to have it just in case.

4. Personal Medication

You do not want to board the ship without all the medication you normally take at home.  Some people find it helpful to use these pill organizers.

5. First Aid Kit

Sure, you can find these on board but you will pay a hefty price tag. Plus, it’s just more convenient to just have them in your room. Amazon has several travel kits. 

6. Small Fan

Sometimes the cruise cabins can get warm and it’s nice to have a small fan. They are also nice to drown out noise in the hall and such.

7. Canned Drinks

Check with the cruise line you are sailing on for their policy but most allow drinks to be brought on board. Carnival for example, allows 12 cans per person but no bottles. Royal Caribbean and other lines have varying policies.

8. Coffee Creamer

Pack your own so that you won’t be disappointed. Not all cruise lines offer flavored creamer. The little individual creamers are perfect to pack for a cruise.

9. Laundry Bag

Keep your room clean and tidy with a designated spot to put laundry on the cruise ship. It makes the room steward job’s easier because he can walk around the room.

Plus, easier on you because you can take all the dirty clothes home in one bag. You can get laundry bags or pop-up hampers at the dollar store or find some here. 

10. Travel Mugs

Pack a yeti style tumbler or refillable water bottle and use it to fill up on lemonade or tea at the beverage stand. You won’t have to come back so often for refills, and it will stay cool out in the hot sun by the pool!

This is also good for soda if you packed that too.

11. Snack Food

While food is everywhere on the trip, there isn’t a of snacky type food. If you are one to snack or have kids, you might want to pack some goldfish or other items.

12. Toiletries

Many cruise lines have body wash, shampoo and conditioner in the shower but not all of them. If you are one that likes a certain brand, be sure to pack your own.

13. Insect Repellent

This might be handy if you have any excursions planned at your port of call. Pack a bottle just in case.

14. Extra Bag for Souvenirs

Sometimes you come back with more than you brought. Pack an extra tote bag in your suitcase to make bringing it home easy.

15. Sunscreen

This is another expensive item on the ship. You want to be prepared and bring a couple of bottles. I also like to pack lip balm with sunscreen.

16. Ziplock Bags for Wet Items

It’s amazing all the uses for Ziplock bags! Bring some of the large gallon sizes to put wet clothes in.

This is nice for the ride home, so your clean clothes don’t get soaked.

17. Outlet Adapter (Without Surge Protector)

There never seems to be enough outlets in the rooms. This is especially true if you are traveling with several people.

Bring an adapter to make more space. Just keep in mind that most cruise lines don’t allow ones with surge protectors.

18. Phone Charger

You definitely want to bring your phone charger. Some cruise lines also have USB hubs in the rooms to use.

19. After Sun Care

Hopefully, no one will get sunburned. However, better safe than sorry. Pack a good bottle of after sun care just in case!

20. Extra Swimsuits

It’s hard to line dry a wet bathing suit quickly in the cabin. Pack an extra suit so that you can have a dry one to put on when you need it.

21. Sunglasses

You definitely need a pair of sunglasses and 2 pairs probably wouldn’t hurt. If you lose a pair or they get broken, you will have another one on hand.

Take an inexpensive pair of sunglasses if you are concerned about losing it on vacation.

22. Hat

A wide brimmed hat is a cute accessory plus will offer a lot of shade and sun protection. Amazon has a huge selection that would be great to bring on a cruise.

23. Beach Bag or Backpack

Take a beach bag or backpack to make going to the pool or beach at port easier. You can pack sunscreen, books or whatever you need.

24. Bathing Suit Cover-Up

Bring a cover up to wear on a cruise so you can easily grab lunch or shop during excursions. I purchased a cover up for a great deal on Amazon.

25. Light Sweater

Even in summer, the ships get cool late at night. The winds can pick up on the deck so it’s nice to have a light sweater or cardigan for late night strolls. You can also pack a sweatshirt.

26. Umbrella or Rain Poncho

It never hurts to bring a rain poncho or umbrella just in case.  Why let a little rain ruin an excursion planned to explore an island?

Throw on a poncho and enjoy the day! Get a cheap one from the dollar store and just toss it when you are finished.

27. Shorts and Tank Tops/T-Shirts

Mix and match to make the most of space in your luggage. Bring tops and bottoms that can easily be interchanged between outfits.

28. Jeans or Capri Pants

It goes get cooler at night on the ship. It’s nice to have a pair of slacks with you.

29. Semi-Formal Attire

Check your cruise line to see what their guidelines are for formal night. You certainly don’t have to participate and can always dine at the buffet.

However, it is fun to dress up sometimes and you might really enjoy it. Also, you can get really good pictures before these dining events. You don’t see as many in a cocktail dress and tuxedos as prior years, but everyone does still dress up. You will also need to pack dress shoes.

These are often family portraits to treasure a lifetime.  You will want to have the appropriate dress on your packing list for your packing cubes before you leave home.

30. Flip-Flops or Sandals

The pool deck can be slippery so bring a good pair of flip flops with rubber bottoms. It’s also a good idea to pack a nicer pair of sandals or flip flops too. I like to also pack water shoes for ports because the beaches can be rocky.

31. Walking Shoes

This one depends on what you signed up for. If you are exploring ports, you may want to bring sneakers and socks. Many shore excursions at ports of call require close toe shoes especially if you are hiking or using ATV’s.

32. Passport or Birth Certificate/Photo ID

Don’t be the one standing at the ship unable to board! Make sure to check what documents you need based on where you are sailing.

33. Cash and Small Bills

It’s not a good idea to travel with a lot of cash. However, you will need to bring some cash for shopping, tipping porters or room service.

34. Dry Pouch for Phone and Passport

Dry Pouches can be a lifesaver when leaving the ship and headed for a day at port. You won’t have to worry about keeping your phone, wallet and other things dry.

Even better, reuse these for the pool and other vacations.

35. Lanyard

While not a necessity, it sure makes cruise life easier. You need your cruise card for nearly everything. Keep it handy with a lanyard. 

36. Carry-On

Pack a carry on with your swimsuit in it. You can go ahead and start the fun without waiting for your room to be ready.

37. Devices

If you want to use a laptop or tablet to watch shows, pack those for the cruise. Make sure to download the shows and movies you want to watch before you leave. Also, pack earplugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Grab this cruise packing checklist and you won’t forget a thing! Let us know if there are other items that you suggest bringing in the comment section.