What to pack for a cruise

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These days, there seems to be a cruise for every type of traveler, from luxury liners with all the comforts of a hotel to expedition-style sailings equipped for adventure. No matter what type of cruise you’re planning, it makes sense to make a packing list so you can make the most of your time onboard.

After sailing on more than 50 cruises, I’ve learned a thing or two about what to pack for a cruise. Besides the necessary cruise clothes, my packing list includes key items, such as towel clips and a hand scale. Of course, there’s lots more to consider. Read on for the 20 products I always pack for a cruise.

What to pack for a cruise — a checklist

Before getting into what to pack, it’s important to know that this list is organized into categories. That makes it easier to consider other essentials before you drag out your suitcase. 

For traveling to the cruise

Getting to the terminal is the most difficult part of going on a cruise. Being prepared with a few essentials will make the check-in process and the first few hours on the ship more pleasant.

Passport with cover

The Eccolo passport cover comes with a matching luggage tag and an interior pocket to store documents.

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No matter where you’re sailing, you must bring identification. Many cruisers bring their passports. A colorful or unique passport cover will help you quickly find it in your bag. 

Bluetooth luggage trackers

These Apple AirTags come in a set of four and weigh less than half an ounce.

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Packing trackers, such as Apple AirTags, in luggage and any other bags can help make embarkation day feel a little less stressful, especially if anything gets lost. 

Digital luggage scale

The Etekcity scale is small enough to fit in one hand, yet has a weight capacity of 110 pounds.

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Everyone picks up a souvenir or two on vacation. 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. 

Travel pill organizer

The Holii Travel Pill Organizer is small enough to fit in a purse or backpack and comes in five colors.

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This simple pill organizer keeps all your medications, vitamins, and supplements in one light, packable container. I love that there are eight compartments and that each open and snap closed.

For the cruise ship 

Whether you’re sailing for three nights or three weeks, these four items will help you enjoy your time onboard. 

Corkcicle reusable water bottle

You can use this insulated Corkcicle water bottle for hot and cold beverages.

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Whether you’ve paid for a drink package or plan to sip on included beverages, a reusable water bottle is always handy. The Corkcicle bottle is insulated, has a fun floral design from Rifle Paper Co., and can keep drinks cold for up to 25 hours, according to the company. I love that the lid is designed with a built-in straw, which is a little more environmentally friendly. 

Wet-dry bag 

This two-set wet-dry bag comes in seven patterns.

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A wet-dry bag is one of the most important things to bring on a cruise, especially if you’re looking forward to a dip on the last day aboard. Toss wet bathing suits into one of these bags and pack it in your suitcase without worrying about getting the rest of your clothes wet. These wet-dry bags are large enough for at least two adult-sized swimsuits. 

Towel clips

Towel clips like this set of eight are ideal for windy poolside decks.

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The upper decks can get quite breezy. To prevent towels from flying off chairs, consider bringing some towel clips. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, but strong enough to hold standard pool towels in place. Towel clips are handy for private island destinations too. They can help you find your beach chairs among the mass of lookalikes. 

Sun Bum sunscreen

Sunscreen is an everyday essential. Be sure to pack one that’s reef-safe, like this one from Sun Bum.

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Sunscreen is a must no matter where you travel. I love Sun Bum because it goes on smoothly and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on my skin. It’s vegan and gluten free, but most importantly, it’s safe for reefs.

For your cruise cabin

These four items will help keep your cabin tidy and organized. 

Magnetic hooks 

Magnetic hooks are ideal for cruise ship cabins, where space is limited. These can hold up to 27 pounds and come in a pack of 10.

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Because most of the walls in cabins are magnetic, many cruise lines allow travelers to use magnetic hooks. These hooks can support 27, 40 or 130 pounds. But the 27-pound option should be enough for a cruise. Use them to hang hats and lanyards, or decorations if you’re celebrating a special occasion. 

Collapsible laundry hamper

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Cabins tend to be small, so it can be difficult to figure out where to put dirty clothes. A collapsible laundry hamper is a great way to keep clothes in one spot. Once the hamper is full, I refold the clothes and put them in my suitcase. The hamper folds flat, so it’s easy to pack too.

Magnetic door decorations

This Cruissica door decoration is large enough to spot from down the hall. You can also write on it with an erasable marker.

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Cruise ship hallways can seem endless. An easy way to find your cabin is to put magnetic decorations on your door. They’re also a snap to remove and pack when it’s time to disembark. 

Over the door hanging shoe organizer 

This Simple Houseware shoe organizer fits easily over a cabin door for easy organization.

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Shoe organizers are great for holding almost anything in tight quarters, from toiletries to hairbrushes, first-aid kits, and medicine boxes. You can purchase separate magnetic hoods to hold them up. 

For travel and excursions

These items can be a big help during excursions or on travel days before or after your cruise.

RFID wallet 

This FurArt RFID-blocking card holder comes in tons of colors.

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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. 

Swimsuit coverup

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On many cruises, you can go from ship to beach to shopping in one day. A swimsuit coverup is a great versatile piece to pack. It’s lightweight yet provides enough coverage for the beach, and you can wear it as a casual dress for lunch in port. 

Crocs Classic Clogs

Crocs are practical, easy to slip on, and fun to wear to the pool or an onshore resort.

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These shoes for kids and adults are great if you’re headed to the beach or a day resort. They’re comfortable and non-slip—ideal for wet pool decks. They come in an abundance of colors and can be customized with charms. 

LugLife Puddle Jumper SE Backpack 

The Puddle Jumper from LugLife has tons of pockets and comes in bright colors.

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A backpack is a travel and cruise essential. 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.

What not to pack on a cruise

As you prepare your packing list, keep in mind that many cruise lines ban certain things. Some are obvious—firearms, fireworks, drones, hard liquor—for passenger and crew safety. Others are less so. Your cruise line’s website should have a list of prohibited items. In general, here are a few other items you can’t bring on a cruise:

Scissors: While some scissors for grooming and medical kits are allowed, any pair with blades four inches or longer are not permitted. 

CBD products: Most cruise lines ban anything containing cannabidiol. Don’t risk not being able to board the ship by packing these items in your day bag or larger pieces of luggage.

Anything that produces heat: Cruise lines are very cautious when it comes to items that produce heat. Things like coffee machines, candles, heating pads, and travel steamers are not allowed. The only permissible heat-producing items are hair straighteners or curling irons.

Some sporting equipment: Rollerblades, hockey sticks, and pool noodles are not allowed on cruise ships. Additionally, scuba diving equipment is prohibited. If you’ve booked a scuba excursion, the outfitter will provide the equipment you need.

Cruise packing tips from someone who’s been on more than 50 cruises

From ocean liners sailing the Mediterranean to river boats traversing European waterways, I’ve been on dozens of cruises. Yet, I still find packing for a cruise one of the most difficult things to do before setting sail. Fortunately, I have honed a few top tips for packing for a cruise. 

Think about where you’re going and how long the cruise is.

If you live within driving distance of your cruise terminal, you won’t have to worry about weight restrictions. In general, pack at least two outfits for each day—one for an excursion and one for dinner and late-night events on the ship. If possible, you can pack less by doing laundry on the ship on sea days. 

Make two packing lists for every sailing. 

Because suitcases are delivered to your cabin, I always make two packing lists for every cruise I take. The first includes everything I need to pack in my suitcase. The second—more important—list has everything I need in my embarkation day bag, such as passports, medications, a swimsuit, and sunscreen. 

Use colored packing cubes to keep everyone organized. 

Packing cubes are helpful for keeping small stuff, such as socks and underwear, organized on a cruise ship. Use different colored packing cubes for everyone in your travel party. That way, you can share drawers in cabins without mixing everyone’s things together and still keep the room tidy.  

Megan duBois is a Florida-based freelance travel writer who covers cruising, theme parks, and family travel. Her work has appeared in publications including Conde Nast Traveler,Travel + Leisure, and The Points Guy.

*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

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