The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Cruise outfits & cruise aesthetic

The cruise aesthetic blends relaxed vacation style with polished touches—think elevated resort wear meets versatility. When it comes to cruise outfits, prioritize breathable fabrics that pack well, like flowy sundresses, lightweight linen sets, and breezy button-downs. While these all fit the vibe for a warm-weather cruise, if you’re headed to Alaska, Antarctica, or a cooler location, moisture-wicking layers and water-resistant shoes/boots will be your best friend.

Always think about how you can mix and match easily. Bring a sarong that can double as a daytime beach cover-up and a dinnertime shawl. A stylish flat sandal and a pair of block heels can take the same outfit from poolside to cocktail hour.

Every cruise line also has its own version of "casual" and "formal," so know the dress code before you pack (better yet, before you book). A Royal Caribbean cruise might embrace casual denim at dinner, while lines like Silversea may expect jackets or cocktail dresses, with tuxedos on formal nights.

Most cruises host at least one themed evening, so check your itinerary in advance. Expect '90s nights, disco parties, and more. Virgin Voyages, for example, is famous for their all-red Scarlet Night and the quirky PJ Party, and Disney Cruise Line has the unique and oh-so-fun Pirate Night.

These theme nights and formal nights are also prime opportunities for photo ops. Cruise ships are designed with photo ops in mind, so planning your cruise outfits around key locations on board is a pro move. Look up your ship ahead of time to scout standout backdrops. Many ships have Instagrammable spots near the atrium, rooftop bars, or infinity pools. Some specific cruise lines and ships also have unique opportunities, including:

• Virgin Voyages ships are filled with LED-lit phrases, unique restaurant and venue entrance halls, red mirrors, and a mermaid painted on the bow (unique to each ship).

• Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class ships have sculptural designs on deck.

• Disney Cruise Line ships feature character statues, gold filigree bows, and cinematic murals ideal for coordinated family photos.

Cruise packing tips

Before zipping up your suitcase, double-check your stateroom layout. Cabin storage can be notoriously tight, so many cruisers swear by soft-sided bags or collapsible suitcases. Be sure to check there’s space under the bed to store luggage, as well as the bed height to ensure suitcases will fit, plus any closet dimensions should you need to put bags there.

Packing cubes can help you stay organized (and pack more), plus a digital tracker like an Apple AirTag can help if you’re separated.

If you take prescription medications, bring them in their original bottles and keep them in your carry-on. It's also smart to have a digital note on your phone listing important health info, allergies, and medical needs in case of an emergency. Cruise medical centers are equipped for minor issues, but having your own records handy can make a big difference.

Also check your cruise line’s alcohol policy before packing any wine. Most allow one or two bottles per stateroom, but never liquor. Bottles with twist-off caps are recommended since corkscrews may be banned or only offered in restaurants with a corkage fee.

Before packing, be sure to double check your cruise line’s prohibited items list, which can vary. Some no-gos usually include irons and steamers, power strips, extension cords, and Bluetooth speakers.

Don’t forget to plan ahead for disembarkation day. If you’re using the cruise line’s luggage service (as most guests do), you’ll need to leave your large bag outside your room the night before. That means your final morning outfit, toiletries, and essentials should be packed in a smaller carry-on or tote you keep with you.

Creating your list

Creating a cruise packing list before you start loading your suitcase can save space, stress, and forgotten essentials. Organize your list by categories, and remember to bring multi-purpose, mix-and-match items wherever you can.

Make sure to bring a good book! Many cruisers use this time as a reset, and some cruise lines will have onboard lending libraries. I’ve brought Yung Pueblo’s books onboard my last several cruises and they’ve never ceased to be the perfect travel companion.

Beyond clothes, a few small additions can make a big difference in comfort and convenience. For your cruise packing list, think about:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun aloe vera

• Insect repellent, especially for Caribbean ports

• Layers for cooler weather, especially for Alaska, Arctic, and Antarctic cruises

• Separate bags for beach outings and onboard use (like a pool tote or crossbody)

• Magnetic hooks or shelves for extra cabin storage (cruise walls are metal!)

• A hanging shoe organizer (fits over a hanger or attaches to magnetic hooks)

• A small night light for late-night bathroom trips

• Towel clips for breezy sea days on deck

• An HDMI cable if you want to stream your own content on the cabin TV

• Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated without waste

• A discreet air freshener like Poo-Pourri or One Drop for bathroom freshness

• Copies of your passport: digital, printed, and one left with someone you trust at home (some destinations like Italy require you to carry ID at all times, so check local laws)

• Dry bags for wet swimsuits and a waterproof phone pouch if you’ll be in the water

• A laundry bag for keeping dirty clothes separate

• Antacids, stomach-soothing meds, and motion sickness medication (though ships often have free dramamine onboard)

• A pen or highlighter to mark up paper schedules if your ship doesn’t have a mobile app

• Clorox wipes or travel-size disinfectant spray for wiping down surfaces

• A portable charger to keep your phone and camera powered up

• Wrinkle-release spray in a travel-size bottle

• A small bottle of laundry detergent for hand-washing clothes in the sink, especially if self-service laundry isn’t available.

Cruise packing checklist

Travel essentials:

• Identification: Passport/visa, driver's license/international driver's license

• Financials: Wallet, money belt, cash, ATM/credit cards

• Travel documents: Cruise boarding passes, airline tickets, hotel info, itinerary

• Emergency info: Medical insurance card, travel insurance info, list of medications, medical history

• Copies: Photocopies of important documents, credit cards

• Contacts: Addresses/email addresses, important phone numbers

Clothing:

• Undergarments and sleepwear: Underwear, bras, socks, pajamas

• Casual attire: T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, jeans, sundresses, skirts, "theme night" outfits

• Activewear: Workout clothes, sneakers

• Beachwear: Swimsuits, cover-ups

• Evening wear: Cocktail dresses, dress shirts, slacks, blazers

• Outerwear: Sweaters, light jackets, raincoat, pashmina/shawl

Toiletries & personal care:

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, deodorant, facial cleanser, lip balm, razor, shaving cream, nail clippers, tweezers, cotton balls/Q-tips

• Hair & makeup: Brush/comb, hairstyling tools/products, hair accessories, makeup, makeup remover, perfume/cologne

• Eyecare: Contact lenses, case, solution, eye drops, glasses, glasses case, microfiber cloth

Shoes & accessories:

• Footwear: Sandals/flip-flops, walking shoes, specialty shoes (e.g., hiking boots), dress shoes

• Accessories: Belts, ties, jewelry, wristwatch, sunglasses, packable sun hat (UPF 50+)

• Bags: Purse, daypack/beach bag, collapsible tote, ziplock bags, wet bag

• Other: Umbrella or poncho, luggage locks

Health & safety:

• Medications: Prescription medications, vitamins, pain relievers, seasickness remedies, antacids

• First-aid kit: Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, tissues

• Hygiene products: Hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes

• Sun and bug protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, aloe vera, insect repellent

Entertainment & tech:

• Electronics: Cell phone, chargers, laptop/tablet, alarm clock, headphones

• Photography: Camera, lenses, memory cards, batteries, charger

• Miscellaneous: Waterproof phone case, binoculars, power adapters/converters, travel power bank

• Entertainment: Books, magazines, e-book reader with charger

Miscellaneous:

• Laundry: Laundry bag, detergent, wrinkle-release spray, stain remover, dry bag for wet swimwear

• Cabin hacks: Magnetic hooks, magnetic shelves, hanging shoe organizer, nightlight, Poo-Pourri

• Kids/baby gear: Diapers/swim diapers, beach toys, games

• Stationery: Pens, highlighters, small notebook/journal

• Travel aids: Earplugs, sleep mask, travel pillow, chair/towel clips, reusable water bottle

A few last things to think about before you set sail…

Don’t skip the travel insurance. Medical visits onboard can cost hundreds. In the rare case of a serious emergency, you could be evacuated at a port or even airlifted by helicopter. Cruise insurance that covers medical needs and trip interruptions is well worth it.

If you’re cruising with kids, pack smart extras like beach toys, swim diapers, and anything that makes downtime more manageable. Familiar snacks, favorite bedtime items, or a tablet with pre-downloaded entertainment can go a long way.

Accessibility matters but you’ll need to plan ahead. Always call your cruise line well in advance to confirm accessible staterooms and amenities, then follow up again closer to your sail date to reconfirm. Pack a collapsible mobility device if possible, and choose items that serve multiple functions to save space.

• For CPAP users, a travel-sized machine is ideal. Cruise lines often supply distilled water and extension cords, but call ahead to request them.

• Guests with hearing or vision impairments can typically request visual or tactile alert systems for door knocks, alarms, phones, and smoke detectors.

• Many cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, also offer programs designed for travelers with autism or developmental disabilities. These can include sensory-friendly toys, special menus, parent pagers in youth clubs, and more.

• If you need a wheelchair, mobility scooter, oxygen, or other medical equipment, there are companies that can deliver these directly to your stateroom. It may be one more thing to arrange before you sail to make the journey seamless, but less you have to worry about packing.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.