Cruise packing list: 103 must-have items

what to pack on cruise

Yes, you'll want to affix the cruise line tags to your carry-ons in case you accidentally walk away from them during the boarding process or once on board. If you check a bag, be sure to bring a carry-on that has anything in it you might need for the first day. So you’ll want a change of clothes, swimsuit, toiletries, boarding documents, and any valuables. If you bring on wine or champagne, also pack it in your carry-on so that it doesn’t accidentally get broken. Keep Anything for the First Day in Your Carry-OnYou don’t have to check any bags at the port if you don’t want.

what to pack on cruise

Cruise packing checklist printable

Most cruise lines that offer long cruises have laundry facilities onboard. Many charge for the service, though luxury lines often have free self-serve launderettes. The cruise line will provide soap (sometimes for a fee); you can also pack your own travel-sized detergent. It can be annoying to queue for machines and then wait for your cycles to finish, but think of the experience as a great way to meet other passengers. A good first packing step is to lay out the suitcase, empty, and do a visualization exercise.

Towel clips

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Contact lens wearers should bring all the related gear (including a case and solution), and a pair of tweezers and a nail file and/or clippers will surely come in handy, too. While your stateroom will come stocked with premium bath amenities, you might want to bring travel-sized bottles of your preferred products, too. Apart from clothing, shoes, and accessories, you’ll want your stateroom bathroom and vanity well-stocked with all of your favorite personal hygiene products from home. On Celebrity’s polished Evening Chic nights, you’ll have the chance to dress to impress with your own interpretation of glamor and sophistication. This might be a cocktail dress, a skirt, slacks, designer jeans with a blazer, or an elegant top.

cruise packing hacks you need to know before you sail

If there's extra space, wrap the bra bag with a pair of tights or yoga pants. Luggage Rules Are Fairly SimpleWant to bring a large suitcase? The luggage rules surrounding cruises are nothing like you’ll find with airlines. Cruises don’t charge for luggage and there are no weight limits (within reason). If you're still waiting for your bag to arrive just before sailaway or at the dinner hour, it won't be a problem if you've planned ahead and packed a change of clothing in your carry-on. Also in the versatility department, bring outfits you can dress up for dinner onboard with accessories then wear more casually with walking shoes in port the next day.

Travel pill organizer

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Keep in mind that US dollars are welcome in most Caribbean cruise ports. However, when you cruise in Europe or outside of North America, make sure to use the local currency. Hard sided luggage with spinner wheels will also make it so much easier to travel before and after your cruise. Since cruise passengers drop luggage off with the porters outside the cruise terminal, it is possible for rain and other weather to have an impact. As well, print out any shore excursion reservations, hotel reservations etc. to pack for your cruise. Your cruise cabin will not be as spacious as the average hotel room, but a little creativity can help overcome cruise cabin shortfalls.

Be sure to have your cruise documents ready for embarkation day as you board your cruise. Tiny containers like pill organizers and contact lens cases are handy for packing small things like earrings, necklaces, small dabs of cosmetics or medications. Before you buy special travel organizers for jewelry or cosmetics, consider repurposing items you have at home. Note which items you need to buy before your trip, whether it's additional travel-sized toiletries, a new swimsuit or an outfit for pirate night, white night or an '80s-themed party. While many items on the list are self-explanatory, we go into more detail below about what’s included on the checklist for your cruise. While it's not advisable to travel with expensive jewelry, you likely want to glam it up while on your cruise.

items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag

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. When it’s time for shore excursions, pack this handy tote with everything you’ll need for the day and save space for a few souvenirs you’ll pick up along the way.

Lanyards for Cruise Ship Cards

They'll need their cruise card handy to check in and out of the kids club and to get into your cabin when they run ahead. One challenge for long cruises is that climate zones can vary wildly. Layering, and limiting your stash to cottons (from T-shirts to sweaters), is a good way to manage weather challenges. Cottons are less bulky than woolens and just as warm if you layer your outfit properly (though you should throw in one cold weather sweater just in case). Instead of a raincoat, tuck a small umbrella into your suitcase.

what to pack on cruise

Shoes belong in shoe bags

Second, in the middle of the ocean it’s tough to run out for anything that you forgot. Yes, you can wait until you get to port to pick up things you meant to bring, but that’s not always convenient. Lanyards are a great idea for cruising kids, who aren't used to carrying around a wallet or ID.

Everyone knows it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, but many people never think to bring aloe in case you get burned anyway. The lower latitudes of the Caribbean mean the sun is much stronger than your skin is likely used to. In a cruise cabin, efficiency of space is extremely important. After all, a cabin can be only about 160 square feet, meaning you can’t waste a lot of space. There are hand sanitizer dispensers all over ships, but it’s smart to bring your own so that you don’t have to hunt. Just be sure to get smaller containers that can fit easily in a pocket or a purse.

Elegant or formal nights bring out cocktail dresses, suits, ties and jackets. If formalwear is not your thing, choose room service, or go to the buffet or a casual restaurant for dinner to skip dressing up. Some luxury cruise lines will not allow underdressed passengers into certain restaurants or entertainment venues on formal nights.

Finally, if you’re headed somewhere with great wildlife—like Alaska, for instance—a good pair of binoculars is sure to up those wow-factor moments. Tuck away your driver’s license, too (as well as an international driver’s license if you plan on renting a car abroad). Foreign travel also means having a passport on hand that’s stamped with any visas, if necessary.

If you’ve brought a good camera on your cruise, this is definitely an item to keep in your carry on bag or backpack, rather than in your luggage. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to bring along some seasickness medication just in case. While you’re cruising to a Caribbean island, you might not think you will get chilly, but it can get downright cold on the open water at night. Restaurants and the casino can also be a bit chilly, and you’ll want a lightweight sweater or pashmina to keep you warm. I like this one from LugLife because it’s loaded with pockets inside and outside. It has plenty of room for everything you need for a day of exploring, plus it’s water-repellant and has a convenient handle on top.

There are a few more odds and ends to help ensure that your cruise packing list is seamless. Toting along some favorite snacks, chewing gum, and a reusable water bottle is a smart move to keep you satiated and hydrated on the go, whether at the airport or in port. Who knew something as simple as a resealable plastic bag could be a cruiser’s best friend? These handy items take up little space in your suitcase, and they keep your smartphone, wallet and other items safe and dry on water-related shore excursions. When you’re ready to pack for your trip home, use them to store wet toothbrushes or bathing suits. Keep in mind that you will not want to drink the water in most ports of call so this item is a must on your cruise packing list.

Radio frequency identification, commonly known as RFID, is a high-tech way to steal credit card information. To protect yourself on excursions, carry cards in an RFID-blocking wallet. This one is slim, easily fits into a fanny pack or purse, and has room for a handful of cards. Packing a digital luggage scale can help keep your luggage under weight regulations for flights. The Etekcity scale is easy to read, and in my experience, accurate to within a few ounces of the scales at the airport.

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