What Should I Pack for a Cruise? The Ultimate Packing List from 80+ Sailings

Documents and Travel Essentials

**Must-have documents:** - Passport (always, even for closed-loop cruises) - Cruise booking confirmation and boarding documents - Travel insurance policy and emergency contact numbers - Credit cards and cash - Driver's license (ID for ports) - Emergency contacts (written, not just stored on your phone)

**Tech essentials:** - Phone and chargers - Power strip (no surge protector — cruise ships prohibit them) - Universal travel adapter (for European ports) - Camera or use your phone

Clothing: What to Actually Pack

**Daytime casual (most of your wardrobe):** - Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses for pool and port days - Lightweight pants or capris for shore excursions - Swimwear (2–3 suits recommended) - Cover-ups for moving between pool and other areas of the ship

**Evening attire:** - Smart casual for most dinners (collared shirts, sundresses, dress pants) - 1–2 formal or dressy outfits for formal nights (most ships have 1–2 per 7-night sailing) - Cruise lines are relaxing dress codes — check your ship's policy

**Footwear:** - Comfortable walking shoes for port days (not flip flops for cobblestone streets) - Dress shoes or sandals for evenings - Flip flops for pool areas - Water shoes if snorkeling or beach excursions are planned

**Weather considerations:** - Alaska: Pack layers, a waterproof rain jacket, and warm accessories - Caribbean: Lightweight and breathable fabrics only - Mediterranean: Bring light layers for cooler evenings and conservative attire for cultural sites

Health, Medications, and Wellness

**Always bring:** - All prescription medications (in original labeled containers; bring more than you need) - Motion sickness medication (Bonine, Dramamine, or Scopolamine patch — ask your doctor) - Pain relievers, antacids, cold medicine - Sunscreen (SPF 30+) — reef-safe is required in some Caribbean ports - Aloe vera gel (for sunburns) - Hand sanitizer - A basic first aid kit (bandaids, antibiotic ointment) - Insect repellent (for jungle excursions)

Note: Ship medical centers are expensive. Basic medications are cheaper purchased before sailing.

What Not to Pack

**Prohibited items (will be confiscated):** - Outside alcohol (except the allowed wine/beer at embarkation — check your cruise line's policy) - Irons and steamers (use the ship's laundry service) - Extension cords with surge protectors - Drones (on most ships) - Candles and incense - Weapons of any kind

**Items to leave home:** - Heavy formal wear for informal sailings - Full shampoo/conditioner bottles (use travel sizes or onboard amenities) - Valuables you'd be devastated to lose

How many bags can I bring on a cruise?

Most cruise lines don't have strict luggage limits, but airlines do. For fly-to-cruise sailings, follow airline limits. Practical consideration: larger luggage is harder to navigate embarkation and cabin storage.

Can I do laundry on a cruise ship?

Yes. Most ships have self-service laundromats ($2–$4 per load) and full-service laundry (charged per item). For sailings longer than 7 nights, pack lighter and plan to do laundry midway.

Should I pack formal clothes for a cruise?

Most modern cruise lines have relaxed formal requirements. Many now have "cruise casual" or "smart casual" as the highest dress requirement. Check your specific ship and line before packing heavy formal wear.