You've booked the cruise. You've counted down the days. Now you're staring at an empty suitcase wondering if you need three swimsuits or seven, and whether that iron will make it through security.
Here's the truth about what to pack for a cruise: half the stuff you think you need is already waiting for you onboard. The other half? You'll forget it in your bathroom at home.
This cruise packing list breaks down exactly what goes in your bag, what stays home, and the sneaky items that'll make you look like a seasoned cruiser.
What's Already on the Ship (Save Your Suitcase Space)
Before you pack your entire bathroom cabinet, know this: your stateroom comes stocked with towels, shampoo, body wash, conditioner, and a hair dryer. Most cruise lines also provide hand sanitizer stations throughout the ship.Skip these items entirely:
- Beach towels (the ship provides them for pool and port days)
- Basic toiletries (unless you're picky about brands)
- Hair dryers
- Hangers (your cabin has plenty)
- Luggage carts at embarkation (porters handle your bags)
The Non-Negotiables: Documents and Tech
Pack these items in your carry-on bag. Not your checked luggage. Your carry-on. You'll need them within hours of boarding.Documents:
- Passport or birth certificate plus government-issued photo ID
- Printed cruise documents and boarding passes
- Travel insurance information
- Credit cards and some cash for tips
- Copies of everything above (store digital copies in your email too)
- Phone charger and backup power bank
- Camera with extra memory cards
- Universal power adapter if you're flying internationally before or after your cruise
- Headphones for the plane or quiet time on deck
Clothing: Pack Smarter, Not More
The biggest packing mistake? Bringing seven outfits for a seven-day cruise when you'll live in swimwear half the time.Daily essentials:
- Two swimsuits (one dries while you wear the other)
- Cover-ups for walking to and from the pool
- Shorts, casual pants, and t-shirts
- One light jacket or sweater (ship air conditioning runs cold)
- Comfortable walking shoes for port days
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Check your cruise line's dress code first. Some ships have formal nights, others keep it casual.
- One or two dressier outfits for dinner (think sundress or button-down shirt, not black-tie)
- Closed-toe shoes for evening dining rooms
The Pro-Level Packing Hacks Nobody Tells You
These items separate first-time cruisers from people who know the game.Magnetic hooks: Cruise ship cabin walls are metal. Stick magnetic hooks on the walls and bathroom door to hang bags, lanyards, hats, and wet swimsuits. Game changer.
Over-the-door shoe organizer: Hang it on your bathroom door to store toiletries, sunscreen, accessories, and all the small items that would otherwise clutter your limited counter space.
Power strip (non-surge protector): Most cabins have limited outlets. Bring a basic power strip to charge multiple devices at once. Skip surge protectors: they're not allowed.
Reusable water bottle: Fill it at drink stations throughout the ship and during port stops to stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled water.
Zip-top bags: Pack several in various sizes. Use them for wet swimsuits, phone protection during water activities, keeping jewelry organized, and storing snacks.
Small first-aid kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, antacids, and motion sickness medication. The ship's medical center charges premium prices for basics.
Lanyard or badge holder: Keep your cruise card accessible around your neck. You'll use it constantly for cabin access, purchases, and getting on and off the ship.
Head over to the Packing Lists & Essentials section on CruiseVoices to see what real cruisers are bringing on their trips. You'll find crowd-sourced packing lists organized by destination, ship, and travel style.
Health and Sun Protection (Because Sunburns Ruin Everything)
The Caribbean sun hits different. So does norovirus if you skip basic hygiene.Must-haves:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if you're snorkeling)
- Aloe vera gel for when you ignore the sunscreen advice
- Prescription medications in original bottles with copies of prescriptions
- Motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness
- Basic pain relievers and stomach remedies
- Hand wipes for port days when you're eating street food
What NOT to Pack (Save Yourself the Hassle)
Security will confiscate these items or you'll just waste suitcase space:Banned items:
- Irons and steamers (fire hazard)
- Coffee makers, hot plates, or any heating elements
- Candles or incense
- Surge protectors
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives
- CBD products (even if legal where you live)
- Formal wear unless you know your ship has formal nights
- More than two pairs of shoes beyond your daily sneakers and sandals
- Bulky books (bring an e-reader)
- Full-size toiletries when travel sizes work fine
- Excessive "just in case" clothing
The Carry-On Strategy for Embarkation Day
Your checked bags disappear into the ship's bowels for hours after you board. Your first afternoon onboard happens without them.Pack your carry-on with everything you need for embarkation day:
- Swimsuit and cover-up (pools open immediately)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Medications
- Phone charger
- Change of clothes
- Cruise documents
- Any valuables you don't want out of sight
Bags for Every Occasion
You need different bags for different cruise activities.Day bag or backpack: Essential for port excursions. Look for something water-resistant with secure zippers.
Beach tote: Separate from your day bag. Use it for pool days to carry sunscreen, books, and towels the ship provides.
Waterproof pouch: Protect your phone and documents during water activities or rainy port stops.
Collapsible shopping bag: Toss it in your suitcase for souvenirs. You'll thank yourself when you're hauling back rum and hand-carved turtles.
The Stuff Everyone Forgets
These items don't make typical cruise packing lists, but experienced cruisers swear by them:- Earplugs and eye mask (ship hallways get noisy)
- Small flashlight for navigating your dark cabin at night
- Clothespins or clips for closing curtains completely
- Playing cards or travel games for sea days
- Binoculars for whale watching or scenic cruising
- Highlighter for marking daily activity schedules
- Insect repellent for tropical ports
Final Packing Reality Check
You'll overpack anyway. Everyone does on their first cruise. But if you focus your cruise packing list on versatile clothing, essential documents, sun protection, and a few clever organizers, you'll have everything you actually need.The rest? Your fellow cruisers on CruiseVoices have been there. Browse real packing lists from travelers who've done your exact itinerary. Ask questions about what worked and what stayed in the suitcase.
Pack smart. Pack light. And save room in your bag for the souvenirs you'll definitely buy despite telling yourself you won't.