7 day cruise packing checklist

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Eco-Travel in Retirement – Nature and Sustainable Luxury Travel

Packing List For a 7 Day Cruise in the Caribbean (free packing list)

A mid-winter getaway is a treat for New Englanders like me. Spending a week on a cruise ship sailing among Caribbean islands and you’ve made a snowbird’s dream come true. If you’re looking forward to a week in the Caribbean read on for my packing list for a 7-day cruise in the Caribbean.

So what will you need to bring for your Caribbean getaway? Nice outfits for evenings on board, beach/resort wear for days on the beach or by the pool, and perhaps some hiking gear if you anticipate adventures. And don’t forget the extras you’ll want to have in your cruise cabin and your beach bag. Can you travel light with all of this? Yes, check out these cruise packing tips and you’re on your way.

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Table of Contents

What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise

Free printable Caribbean cruise packing list below .

Research your cruise line before beginning to pack

(Actually, research the cruise line before you book your trip. Check out websites like Cruise Critic to ask questions of people who have sailed with the cruise line you’re considering.)

Cruise line’s dress code: Evening dress code requirements are usually listed on each company’s website. Check to see if there are formal nights on a 7-day Caribbean cruise. And if there are, how formal is ‘formal attire’? Cocktail dresses and tuxes? Alternately, is every night ‘country club casual’ or ‘elegant casual’, but not formal. These style names are great for the cruise line’s marketing but can be confusing for cruisers. Call the cruise line to check if you have questions.

Some examples of evening dress codes:

Royal Caribbean – There will be 1 or 2 formal nights on a 7-day cruise. Royal Caribbean asks that passengers dress in their “best black-tie look” – suits, tuxedos, evening gowns, or cocktail dresses. If you don’t want to pack formal wear, you can skip the main dining room on these nights and eat at an alternative restaurant. Note that tank tops are not ever allowed in the main dining room.

Princess Cruise Line – In cruises of 7 nights expect 1-2 formal nights. Women can wear nice pants, a dress, or skirt. Minimum requirements for men is dress slacks, dress shirt, and tie. Many will dress up more than that, but that’s the minimum standard. On most Princess cruises there are alternative restaurants for those who don’t want to pack formal wear.

Windstar Cruises – evening wear is defined as “casual elegance” or country club casual. In the specialty restaurants the dress code specifies no t-shirts, shorts, jeans, hats or flip-flops. In our experience, most dress for dinner in Amphora, the general dining room.

Anticipate what activities you’ll be doing in port

Before beginning your packing, think about your anticipated shore excursions.

Hiking ? Good footwear is a must! And wear a hat for sun protection.

Snorkeling or lounging at the beach ? Sun protection. The Caribbean sun is intense! You’ll be able to purchase sunscreen on the ship, but if you have sensitive skin and require a particular brand, bring it with you. Pack a rash guard or swim shirt if you’ll be spending a lot of time on the water. This can double as a top if you choose a simple one.

Shopping and enjoying the ports ? Make sure to bring a packable duffel bag for the trip home. You can put your dirty clothing in the duffel, check it, and carry your new items in you carry-on.

Suggestions for packing for a cruise in the Caribbean

Packing tips: carry-on if possible.

For many of us, a Caribbean cruise involves a flight, with all the usual luggage challenges. Pack carry-on only or at least pack one carry-on bag with 2-3 days of clothes (including one of your nicer outfits), and other first day of cruise essentials .

If you’re traveling with a friend or partner and checking bags, cross pack a few items in each bag. That way if one bag is lost, you’ll still have a few items available.

Wear your heaviest items on the plane. Carry, or wear, your lightweight rain jacket, a sweater, and your walking shoes.

Laundry services: Check the cruise website. Some ships have laundry rooms with self-serve washing machines and dryers, and some provide overnight delivery for a price. On our first cruise we hesitated to use the laundry service, but now we send out a bag if we’re traveling more than a week.

• Pack laundry packets to do any necessary sink washes.
• Choose clothing made from natural fibers, especially merino wool whenever possible. Merino wool is naturally odor resistant so you can wear it several times before washing.

Clothing guide for your Caribbean cruise

Caribbean cruises call for whites, pastels, and tropical prints. But you can certainly mix and match your at-home favorites to create your cruise capsule wardrobe. I’ll add a white shirt and capris to my usual navy and pink wardrobe and have lots of nautical looks for the week.

Do NOT pack something you’ve never worn before.. Feel free to add a few more colorful items and a bit of costume jewelry bling. An inexpensive reversible wrap skirt will extend your options too!

How to create a Capsule Wardrobe :

• Choose a base color (for a Caribbean cruise go with a light color, white or a soft neutral)
• Pick a top, bottom, and perhaps a dress in this color.
• Add print tops, or toppers, that are based on your chosen color
• Add another bottom – shorts, leggings, or skirt in a coordinating neutral.
• Add color and pattern with a few colorful scarves, accessories, and (for a cruise) a sundress.

Every item in your capsule should coordinate with everything else! And every item on your packing list should be lightweight and easy-care . Don’t forget a light sweater or jacket for over air-conditioned dining rooms.

Exercise gear is always a good idea. Sneakers, tee shirts, and shorts. There is usually a fitness room with an extraordinary view on every ship.

Packing for a Caribbean Cruise: Shoes

Shoes are always a challenge. Try to limit yourself to three pairs of shoes and make sure they all have rubber soles for safety on the ship’s deck. You’ll definitely need sandals (I prefer sports sandals like Tevas over flip flops), a nicer sandal for the main dining room, and perhaps comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Water shoes may be useful if you’ll be snorkeling or tubing but I get by with my Tevas.

Note: many ships do not allow men to wear sandals in the dining rooms. Bring a casual shoe just in case.

Gear & Gadgets to Pack for Your Caribbean Cruise

• Camera or high-quality cell phone, and a waterproof phone case if you’ll be doing water activities.
• Chargers for all electronics and extra battery if you’re bring a camera.
• Power strip for the cruise cabin
• Portable external charger – great for the flight and on board the ship. (Any item with lithium batteries must be packed in carry-on)
• eReader – for the flight and sea days by the pool. eReaders are easier to read in sunlight than a cell phone or tablet.
• [optional] Binoculars – a lightweight pair of binoculars will be great for enjoying nature and birdwatching.
• [optional] Cruise lanyard for your cruise ID (on board the ship you charge items with your cruise ID card rather than to your credit cards) or Bandolier style phone case to carry your cruise card.
• [optional] Portable lock box for securing items on the pool deck or at the beach. This small pouch from Loctote will hold your cash, key card, and phone, and attaches to a lounge chair.

More essential items for your cruise vacation

• Passport and/or photo ID
• Travel documents and luggage tags
• Prescription medicines and basic over-the-counter medications
• Miscellaneous personal items- lip balm, cosmetics, toiletries
• Day pack – this might be a tote bag or your airline personal item . Just be sure it’s lightweight but large enough for beach towels.
• Nausea medicine – most modern ships are very stable, and all ships will have seasickness remedies on board. But if you’re concerned, pack an over-the-counter medication like Bonine . If you are particularly susceptible to seasickness, ask your doctor to prescribe a scopolamine patch.
• Sunscreen and/or other lotions for your skin type. Most ships will have a store offering toiletries and sun protection products, but if there’s something that works well for you, then include it in your packing.
• Sun hat – And at least one pair of sunglasses.
• Magnetic hooks are great for cruise cabins. Stick it to the door or wall to hang your cover-up or secure the daily bulletin.
• Reusable water bottle – Some cruise ships will supply water bottles for your shore excursion but prevent some plastic waste by bringing your own bottle to fill at a refill station. For more ideas on being an earthy-friendly traveler read: Sustainable Travel
• Lightweight rain jacket (which hopefully isn’t used!)
• Cleansing wipes, face masks, etc.

What I’m packing for my next 7-day cruise in the Caribbean (booked for January!)

This trip I am going to travel carry-on only for two weeks . Over the last few years I’ve invested in merino wool and multifunctional clothing which will help me save a lot of space (and aggravation!)

I am sailing on a Windstar ship so no formal wear required.

I plan on taking two bags, a small rolling carry-on that’ll go in the overhead bin on the flight, and a backpack as a personal item . I’ll pack my at-seat essentials in a small zipped case which I can take out once I’m settled on the plane.

In addition to the items shown in this graphic, I’ll pack an extra sleeveless top, a light sweater, workout wear (including 2 merino tees and bike shorts), pajamas, swim wear, and all the cruise essentials.

On the flight from wintry Massachusetts I’ll wear my Encircled dressy sweatpants , a long sleeve Wool& tunic, and a sweater or wrap.

The scarf and the tie-dye cape (both by Diane Kroe) can be used as swim cover-ups. As you can see from the graphic, the cape can also be worn as a skirt.

The two dresses, both merino wool by Wool& , can be styled in multiple ways but take up little room in my bag.

For more examples of capsule wardrobes I’ve packed read: 10 Piece Travel Capsules: what’s really in my bag

Download our printable complete cruise packing list for a 7 day cruise in the Caribbean

Do you have a favorite item you pack for luxury cruising? Share in comments below!

Amy, a writer on responsible bucket list travel, is your reliable source for insightful travel advice. With a career background in libraries, and a degree in biology and mathematics, Amy's approach to travel is rooted in meticulous research and planning, and her commitment to eco-conscious adventures.

Amy’s dedication to sustainable travel practices, including efficient packing techniques, ensures that every adventure leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the traveler's well-being. Trust Amy to guide you towards meaningful and eco-friendly travel, making the most of your retirement years.

A lifelong New England resident, Amy is also the source for insider tips on travel in the Northeastern U.S.

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3 thoughts on “ Packing List For a 7 Day Cruise in the Caribbean (free packing list) ”

What is the blue and white dress that you also used as a top?

Hi Colleen, it’s called the origami from Diane Kroe. It’s a very versatile piece as you can see!

I loved your list for a more mature woman! Great advice!

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Cruise packing list: 56 essentials chosen by experts.

This cruise packing list includes all of the essentials – plus items you didn't know you needed.

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Packing for any trip takes some planning, but cruise vacations present a unique challenge – particularly due to limited stateroom storage space and sparse (or overpriced) options for purchasing accidentally forgotten items.

To help you decide what to pack for a cruise, we've curated a list of essentials recommended by cruise experts who regularly sail the high seas. Download the U.S. News Cruise Packing List pictured above to reference while you pack, and read on to learn more about the recommended items and where you can purchase them if needed.

• For packing and planning
• For travel and embarkation day
• For the cabin
• For the ship and shore excursions

Find your perfect cruise

Carry-on bag

Regardless of whether you bring checked luggage, you'll need some type of carry-on bag . Since checked bags need to go through security as they do at airports – and because you may need to wait for your stateroom to be ready, just like at a hotel – you'll want to be able to access any necessities pre-cruise. These might include a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the pools; medications; a bottle of water; and your smartphone, of course. You'll also want to keep your credit card , passport, and any other important documentation or valuables close by. A carry-on backpack works especially well since it can double as a day bag for shore excursions.

Checked bag

While you'll likely want to bring a checked bag, consider sharing one with your ship mate(s) to maximize stateroom storage space. Or, consider bringing medium-sized luggage, such as the The Medium by Away , for checking in.

Read: The Best Checked Luggage Options

Garment bag

Courtesy of Halfday

While many cruises are less formal these days, a garment bag can still be handy for keeping select garments wrinkle-free (since clothing irons are prohibited on cruise ships). Top-rated options include the The Garment Duffel by Halfday and the Briggs and Riley Baseline 22" Carry-On 2-Wheel Garment Bag , both of which double as traditional luggage. If you pack your luggage right, you can make this your only suitcase, in addition to a carry-on bag.

Packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags

Packing cubes are one of the best ways to organize your belongings for travel – especially in a tight cruise ship cabin. Top-rated options include the Veken packing cubes on Amazon (usually priced around $20) and all of the Pack-It Sets by Eagle Creek. The Pack-It Starter Set is especially ideal for cruising since it includes a garment folder designed to minimize wrinkles in clothing. Some cruisers also swear by vacuum-sealed bags , even though they can be a bit more tedious to pack.

Carry-on caddy

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer at The Points Guy, recommends a carry-on caddy , particularly if you're flying to your embarkation point. "I have a fabric sleeve that slides down over the telescoping handle on my carry-on to provide pockets for my passport, phone, coffee – all the things I used to have to juggle during check-in."

Digital luggage scale

The compact Etekcity scale – approximately $10 on Amazon – can weigh bags up to 110 pounds and help you avoid overweight baggage fees.

Bungee cord

"Especially for travelling with the family, I use a bright-green bungee cord to strap multiple pieces of luggage together," says Aaron Saunders, senior editor at Cruise Critic. "It's a lifesaver when boarding trains or disembarking ships, particularly when you ' re maneuvering a stroller and a little one around, too."

Luggage tracker

Courtesy of Apple

A luggage tracker isn't just useful for air travel. Attach one to your checked cruise luggage to see when it has arrived in your stateroom (or if it's stalled at security). Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic, doesn't go anywhere without her Apple AirTag after her luggage got stuck in Vancouver for over a week last June. "My AirTag use has expanded beyond my checked luggage, too. I also have AirTags in my handbag, my carry-on, my keychain and my wallet."

Cruise insurance

Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, cruise insurance can be a wise purchase ahead of your voyage. Travel policies can cover unforeseen expenses such as trip interruptions and medical emergencies.

While a passport is often required for cruising, rules can vary depending where you're traveling. Determine whether you need a passport for your upcoming cruise ; if you do, triple-check that you have it packed the day of departure.

Credit cards and local currency

When cruising internationally, consider getting small amounts of each country's currency to have on hand in port. Depending where you go, some local markets may only accept their own country's currency, not U.S. dollars or credit cards. It's also nice to leave cash gratuities for cab drivers, tour guides or servers; in the European Union, 1- and 2-euro coins are convenient and appropriate tips. In ports with vendors that do accept credit cards, be sure to carry a Visa or Mastercard , as some shops and restaurants do not take American Express .

RFID wallet

It's important to protect your travel documents with an RFID wallet like the TIGARI Passport Holder or the ZOPPEN RFID Travel Passport Wallet , the latter of which can hold multiple passports for a family. "Thieves and hackers can steal your credit card information just by using skimming devices," explains Jill Schildhouse, a cruise expert and U.S. News contributor who always travels with her RFID wallet. "And because your wallet wasn't even touched, you won't know it happened until you see your credit card statement."

Medications

Pack more than enough of your prescription medications as well as any over-the-counter medicines you'll need, just in case you encounter an itinerary change or travel delay. While some travelers find it easiest to bring personal medicines in their prescription bottles, others find travel pill boxes to be especially helpful for organization. The Sukuos Weekly Pill Organizer is a well-rated option, with detachable boxes for each day as well as compartments for morning and evening medications.

Sheet masks

Since flying can be so drying for the skin, Faust likes to use sheet masks. "My first step the night before I board (because you should always fly in a day early) is to hydrate with a sheet mask (usually from a Korean brand like Ballon Blanc or FaceTory )," she says. "If I'm meeting up with a friend, I bring an extra sheet mask so our trip starts out feeling a bit like a spa day!"

Magnetic hooks

A surprising fact: Cruise ship cabin walls are made of metal, which means you can optimize your storage space by hanging some of your belongings on magnetic wall hooks. The hooks are perfect for holding bulky coats or boots if you're traveling to a colder climate. You can also use them for wet gear on expedition ships and adventure cruises, or for drying out bathing suits after days at the beach or pool. Purchase a set of magnetic hooks for less than $10 on Amazon .

Like hotels, cruise ships can only provide so many hangers. Bring a few extras from home or pick up a pack from your local dollar store. You might also try packable hangers .

Wrinkle release spray

Whether or not you bring a garment bag, a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release spray, such as Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray , is useful to have on board. If you combine a spritz or two with the steam from your shower, you should be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles in your clothing.

Laundry detergent

"If you don't want to pay for laundry service or spend precious time in the self-service laundry room, bring a small bottle of laundry detergent like Woolite to wash key items in the sink: underwear, bras, quick-dry hiking shorts, bathing suits, etc.," recommends Schildhouse. "Every cruise ship shower has a retractable clothesline you can extend to drape the clothes over while they dry. This can also help cut down on the number of items you need to pack."

Over-the-door organizers

Over-the-door organizers with clear or mesh pockets allow you to find your feminine hygiene products, makeup, jewelry and other small items quickly – without having to hunt through multiple drawers or a tight stateroom closet. It's a good idea to purchase a two-pack like this option by Simple Houseware Store (available on Amazon), since you can also use one to store shoes and maximize floor space.

Courtesy of Poo-Pourri

It goes without saying, but to say it anyway: A toilet spray like Poo-Pourri is a must for your cruise packing list. Any smell – pleasant or not – will travel quickly in small staterooms with small bathrooms. Buy a travel-size bottle to keep in your cabin.

Shampoo and conditioner

Cruise experts agree it's best to bring your own shampoo and conditioner in travel-size bottles, as most cruise ships don't provide separate shampoo and conditioner anymore; instead, they offer all-in-one dispensers. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, likes to pack her shampoo and conditioner in the popular Cadence Capsules , noting she also uses them for another essential: sunscreen. "These capsules are easy to fill, never leak and have clear labels, which you can customize," she says.

Wine or Champagne

Most major cruise lines allow each guest to bring one to two bottles of wine or Champagne on board, while some luxury cruise lines allow even more than that. Disney Cruise Line also gives guests the option to bring a six-pack of beer instead of wine or Champagne. Be sure to consult your cruise line's policies when packing for your trip.

If you plan to bring wine or Champagne, you'll likely need a corkscrew . While some cruise lines may prohibit corkscrews, others allow them onboard; check your cruise line's policy before sailing. Bringing wine with a twistable cap may be a good alternative.

Portable humidifier

Cruise ship cabins can feel dry – especially in the colder months. A portable humidifier like the GENIANI Erie (around $25 on Amazon) can provide some relief. At about half a pound, this USB-powered device will fit neatly into your checked bag or carry-on luggage. The travel humidifier features two mist settings and has an automatic shut-off option, plus a night light to help you see around your cabin in the dark.

International travel adapter or converter

You'll likely need a travel adapter, since cruise lines homeported in international locales may have different electrical sockets and voltage strengths than you're used to in the U.S.

McDaniel recommends the OneWorld65 Travel Adapter . "I've used a lot of different travel adapters over the years, but this is my favorite. It charges up to six devices at once, has USB and mini-USB options, and works in over 200 countries," she says. "While many cruise ships have U.S. outlets, most usually also have European outlets. This adapter lets me take advantage of that outlet I'd otherwise ignore." She also notes that while cruise lines are getting better about having more outlets on their ships, it never feels like enough to keep your phone, camera battery, tablet, watch, headphones/earbuds and laptop charged (times two or more if you're traveling with others).

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Sound machine

Cruise experts agree a sound machine can be helpful for blocking out the sound of late-night partiers returning to their staterooms (or your snoring spouse). Schildhouse likes the LectroFan Micro 2 for cruising. "It plays non-looping white noise and doubles as a speaker to play tunes while you get ready for dinner."

Tech organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

A tech organizer like the BAGSMART electronics organizer case – available on Amazon for about $20 – can store all your cables, plugs, SD cards and earphones in one zippered, compact bag that will fit easily in your carry-on luggage. Despite its small size, it can also hold bulkier items like a small laptop charging cord.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is a good thing to have on hand no matter where you go. You can make your own using supplies you already have at home, or buy a premade first-aid kit on Amazon for about $20. While all cruise ships have medical facilities, it's useful to have these items with you on shore excursions, especially those involving active adventures.

Hand sanitizer

Regularly washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer is essential to staying healthy while traveling, especially on a cruise ship. Stock up on a few travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer (less than $2 each at Walmart) ahead of your trip. If you're looking for something with less alcohol that's also less drying, check out Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer .

If you're a parent, you know that your infant or toddler needs a very specific size – and in some cases brand – of diapers, which may very well be unavailable to you on your cruise ship or in the ports of call. Bring more than enough diapers to play it safe at sea.

Most cruise lines also require that non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers wear swim diapers in the children's water play areas. For the sake of sanitation, kids must be toilet-trained to use the pools on cruise ships.

Many cruisers like to personalize their cabin with stateroom door decor. Not only is it a fun tradition, but decorating the door can make it easier to locate your room, too. You can find lots of fun decor ideas on Pinterest as well as Amazon.

" Duct tape is a life-saver in many situations," says Kosciolek. "I primarily use it to attach my printed luggage tags, but it's also great for mending clothing issues on the fly and fixing broken luggage until you can get it back home."

"As a parent, I like to bring lanyards with sleeves so my kids can wear their keycards and not lose them," says Erica Silverstein, senior cruise editor at The Points Guy. "We hang them on the magnetic hooks I put on the wall, so they don't get lost in the cabin either."

Courtesy of Sea-Band

If you're prone to (or think you may be prone to) motion sickness on cruise ships, put a pair of Sea-Bands on your cruise packing list. These soft wristbands use acupressure to prevent and minimize nausea and vomiting on board, and they are a reusable, drug-free alternative to traditional anti-nausea medications. You can purchase Sea-Bands on Amazon or at most drugstores.

If you need something a bit stronger than Sea-Bands (or to use in conjunction with them), Dramamine remains a tried-and-true solution for both preventing and treating sea sickness. Choose the Less Drowsy formula to avoid getting sleepy, and consider the chewable tablets (dye-free) if traveling with kids who are prone to queasiness. Many travelers like Bonine as a remedy for sea sickness as well.

Mix-and-match clothing

Pack a variety of mix-and-match items, also known as a capsule wardrobe, for your cruise. To do this, choose a base color – black or navy blue – for your wardrobe. Next, pack plain, neutral-colored items, then add a few patterned items to the mix. Remember to include a variety of styles (T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits) and also consider reversible clothing and outfits that can easily transition from day to night.

Sports jacket or blazer

Adam Coulter, executive editor of Cruise Critic UK & Australia, recommends packing a sports jacket or blazer. "While cruise lines are getting more casual, what happens if you get that last-minute invite to meet the captain, or there's a meet and mingle where you want to look put together? A jacket will always elevate your elegance (even if you're wearing a T-shirt underneath)," he says. If you're in need of a travel blazer, Bluffworks has some well-rated options; the Gramercy , in particular, gets great reviews.

Themed party attire

Some cruise lines host themed voyages or parties on select nights where passengers can dress up to participate in the fun. You'll want to review your cruise itinerary before you go so you're prepared for the festivities. Bring your buccaneer gear if you're sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line; ships host fun events like Pirate Nights, pirate-themed dinners and a "Pirates in the Caribbean" show. On "The Love Boat"-themed cruises offered by Princess Cruises , pack your platform boots, glittery dresses, bell-bottom pants and halter tops for the line's 1970s-inspired disco party on the deck. No matter the theme, you can't go wrong with a couple of captain hats .

Travel wrap

A travel wrap is a versatile accessory that's useful for any trip – even more so on a cruise ship where it can get chilly when the sea breeze picks up. Available in nearly 10 different colors, J.Crew's Oversized Cashmere Wrap is a timeless staple, albeit a bit of an investment; for something less expensive but well rated, try this off-brand pashmina shawl on Amazon .

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

If you're cruising to a cold weather destination such as Alaska, you'll need something heavier than a travel wrap, but not so bulky that it requires additional luggage. Consider a packable jacket that folds easily and compactly; travel experts highly recommend the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket .

Packable hat

If you're headed to the Caribbean or another warm weather destination, you'll want a beach hat to protect your scalp and face from the sun. This packable straw hat by FURTALK (available on Amazon for about $25) is a stylish women's option that features a broader brim and offers UPF 50 sun protection.

Comfortable walking shoes

Courtesy of Allbirds

Even if you never step foot off the ship, there is still plenty of walking to do between bow and stern. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps are safer than flimsy flip-flops when boarding a slippery tender into port (if your ship can't dock directly). Check out our recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoes , which include the popular Allbirds Wool Runners and the ECCO Yucatan Sandals .

Water shoes

Depending on your scheduled shore excursions, you might also need a pair of water shoes. For something that's both functional and fashionable, Crocs' Classic Clogs are a good option. While not totally waterproof, the Native Jefferson is a water-friendly, versatile option.

Versatile heels

"Over the years, I've learned that the key to avoiding overpacking is to bring one neutral pair of low heels that match every single eveningwear outfit I've packed – from flowy pants to dresses," says Schildhouse, who loves her Rockport Tabitha 2-Strap Heeled Sandals . "They have a cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing heel so you can dance the night away in the club, and a 3-inch block heel with traction to keep you steady on your feet even if the ship's rocking a bit."

Reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle is useful for filling up at water and beverage stations on your cruise ship; it's also a necessity for shore excursions.

Bathing suit

Pack a couple of swimsuits for the pools, hot tubs and any shore excursions.

Swim cover-up

Another must-have for your cruise packing list is a swimsuit cover-up or two. These are great for wearing over your bathing suit during days at sea, as well as on excursions – especially if you're going on a Caribbean cruise . Amazon sells a variety of stylish, affordable cover-ups, and you can never go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt .

Dry bags are useful for shore excursions where you're likely to get wet but don't want the same to be true for your phone, camera and other precious items. "I use the Outdoor Research Unisex Dry Isolation Pack   and have never had so much as a drop of moisture enter it, which is important for me – it keeps my cameras, documents and important items from getting wet," says Saunders, adding that it functions as a great everyday backpack when it's not raining.

If you need more than one dry bag, cruise expert Brittany Chrusciel recommends the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag Set . "Having these dry bags, in a variety of sizes, means I can bring all my gear along during a Zodiac cruise or snorkeling excursion without having to worry about it getting wet."

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case is also essential, especially if you plan to take photos. The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches (available in a two-pack) come with a lanyard so you can both protect your phone and wear it around your neck. They are compatible with most smartphones.

"I like to bring collapsible pails, small shovels , inflatable beach toys, a floppy Frisbee or other things to entertain the kids on the beach if we're going to a private island or beach destination," says Silverstein. "If you can inflate your own inner tube, you don't need to rent a floating mat."

Beach towel

"Although cruise lines provide guests with towels to take off the ship on excursions, they are often bulky and sometimes small," explains Chrusciel. "The Surfer Towel folds up to nearly nothing, so it takes up almost no room in your suitcase and is super convenient to pack in a day bag. What's more, its quick-drying technology means that the lightweight fabric won't be soaking wet when you need to pack up for the day and head back to the ship."

Towel clips

"Even though giant plastic towel clips shaped like a flamingo are a bit cringey, they make it easy to find your spot in a sea of sun loungers," says Chrusciel. "They also solve a common cruise problem: keeping your towel securely fixed to your chair while reading or sunbathing."

Reef-safe sunscreen

Courtesy of Badger

When choosing a sunscreen, look for something that's reef-safe; not only are these sunscreens safer for the environment, but they're also better for you . The active ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of both. Top-rated mineral sunscreen brands include Think , Badger and Raw Elements , all of which also sell lip balm with sunscreen (another essential at sea).

After-sun lotion

You'll want an extra dose of moisturizer if you've been basking in the sun. COOLA makes an after-sun body lotion that cools and hydrates the skin with aloe vera, agave and lavender oil. Previous buyers rave about this lotion, noting they appreciate that the scent isn't overpowering.

A good book

Sea days are the perfect time to kick back and relax with a book you've been meaning to read. Find an oceanfront lounge chair in a shaded area on the pool deck, or grab a cup of tea and settle into a quiet nook indoors. There's no need to pack more than one book, however, as many cruise ships have libraries.

What not to pack for a cruise

Power strip.

Many cruise lines do not permit power strips as they present a fire hazard, while others allow them as long as they are non-surge-protected. Instead of a power strip, purchase a portable charger such as this highly rated one by Anker , which can power up multiple devices at once. This can be especially useful for shore excursions. When packing for your cruise, also think about your luggage: If it has an included charging port, you may not even need to purchase an additional charging block.

Weapons and restraints

Firearms, handcuffs and the like are not permitted on cruise ships. This rule also includes toy guns on most cruise lines.

While most major cruise lines allow guests to pack a limited amount of wine or Champagne per person, they do not permit hard liquor. Of course, those of age can purchase cocktails at any of the bars on board.

Household appliances

Irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships, which is why the aforementioned garment bags, wrinkle release spray and packing cubes are recommended for keeping clothing tidy and neat. Coffee makers and mug warmers are also prohibited.

While you can technically bring you own, it's not necessary as hairdryers are available in every bathroom on most ships.

CBD and marijuana

CBD that's derived from hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less is legal at a federal level. However, each state interprets and enforces this law differently; for example, many states require a prescription for it. Due to the ambiguity of the laws, most cruise lines continue to ban CBD in any form.

Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, which means you cannot bring it on a cruise ship – even if you're legally able to purchase it in your home state for recreational or medical use.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

For the U.S. News Cruise Packing List, travel writers Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross tapped leading industry experts for their cruise essentials. They regularly update this checklist with new and useful items to pack.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best All-Inclusive Cruises

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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7 Day Cruise Packing List: 27 Essentials for Trip

The excitement of a 7-day Caribbean cruise is hard to beat. Between the sea air, ocean views, and the prospect of visiting new places, it’s a trip that many look forward to.

But let me tell you, as captivating as cruising is, it’s like navigating stormy waters without a compass when you pack for a cruise first time. That’s why a well-planned packing list is your golden treasure map. With it, you’ll have the right outfit for every occasion, the right gear for every activity, and everything you need to turn your cruise line holiday into a voyage of ease and delight. Sail on!

Understanding Cruise Basics

Embarking on a 7-day cruise line is like signing up for a week-long floating fiesta. With cruise lines like Royal Caribbean , you can expect everything from multiple dining options to thrilling shore excursions, hot tubs, theaters, fitness centers, and formal dinners and evening wear. So, you will feel like royalty.

But remember, cruising is different from your typical land vacation. It is a magnificent flip-flop-stomping adventure that loves its dress codes. Yes, you read it right – dress codes. It’s all in the package, from ‘smart casual’ for dining room dinners to ‘formal attire’ for elegant evenings and ‘beach wear’ for those beach days in the Caribbean islands.

So, before you start stuffing that carry-on luggage or checked baggage with random shirts and shorts, let’s come to grips with some cruise essentials , know the theme nights and the ship’s amenities, research the weather forecast for your cruise, and study the dress code guidelines. And for heaven’s sake, leave some room for those cocktail dresses and slacks. They’ll come in handy, I promise!

How Much Should I Pack for a 7-Night Cruise?

Ah, the million-dollar question. Or should I say, the one-that-will-determine-if-you-need-an-extra-suitcase question? The answer isn’t as simple as ” seven T-shirts, seven shorts, and you’re good to go.” Cruise ship life is a bit more nuanced than that.

For a 7-night cruise, you’ll want to think in categories. We’ve got your daytime wear, feel-good walking shoes, and a sun hat for a shore excursion. There’s your pool gear, which means plenty of swimsuits and a chic cover-up (or swim cover-ups if you’d like some variety).

Don’t forget those evening gowns, formal shoes for formal evenings, and smart casual wear for dinners in the main dining room. You’ll want to pack for a beach day, theme nights, and even bring workout shoes if you plan on hitting the ship’s gym.

As for quantities, many cruise lines offer laundry services, so you can pack light and wash as you go. But in general, aim for one outfit per day, one or two formal outfits, and one or two swimwear options. And always pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your checked luggage takes a little detour.

Pre-Packing Tips

Now that we have a vague idea of some cruise packing tips let’s dive into the all-important pre-packing phase. This isn’t just a random game of Tetris with your suitcase. It’s a strategic operation that, if done right, can make your cruise holiday smoother than the ship’s freshly buffed deck.

Firstly, don’t underestimate the power of the weather forecast . Just because you’re heading to the Caribbean doesn’t mean it’s endless sunshine and margaritas by the pool. Do a quick check of the expected weather for your cruise dates in all your ports of call. This little step can mean the difference between comfortably exploring shore excursions in your flip-flops or wishing for water shoes and a raincoat.

Next, let’s talk about luggage space. If you’ve ever felt like you needed a degree in spatial awareness to pack a suitcase, you’re not alone. That’s where packing cubes come in. These little saviors can compartmentalize your carry-on or checked luggage, making it easier to find items and maximizing space. Remember to roll your clothes instead of folding them. Not only does it save space, but it can also reduce wrinkles.

Finally, choose versatile items . Consider items that can work in multiple outfits, like a dress shirt paired with dress slacks for a semi-formal night, then reused with jeans for a smart casual look. Or how about comfy closed-toe shoes that can double up as shoes for a workout? The more ways you can wear an item, the less you’ll need to pack.

By considering the weather, packing smart, and choosing versatile items, you’re setting yourself up for a stress-free cruise experience. Now, let’s dig into that pack!

7-Day Cruise Packing List

It’s time to open that empty suitcase and get down to business. Grab your packing cubes and reusable water bottles. We’re about to embark on a journey through the ultimate 7-day cruise packing list.

Clothing: Pack With Purpose

When it comes to packing clothes for a cruise, you’ll want to think less like a fashion runway and more towards comfort, versatility, and appropriateness for various activities.

You’ll need light and airy clothes and a hat or visor for sun protection for shore excursions. Pack a bathing suit and a beach bag for beach-oriented excursions. Depending on the weather, you might also want to include a light rain jacket or poncho.

Consider versatility when choosing items for a packing list, like a sundress that can function as a beach cover-up or an evening outfit. To pack efficiently, use a packing cube to separate types of clothes and roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and minimize wrinkles.

A well-thought-out clothing packing list ensures you’re ready for all the fun your 7-day cruise has in store without having to lug around an unnecessarily heavy suitcase. You’re on vacation, after all – your suitcase shouldn’t be doing any heavy lifting!

For onboard casual days, we recommend packing seven sets of day outfits. This could be shorts, t-shirts, or light dresses – whatever makes you feel comfortable. Remember, most ships have indoor and outdoor activities, so consider layering options like a light jacket or a cardigan.

Adorn yourself in the stylish comfort of the Women’s Kimono Cardigan , perfect for a casual day out or a cozy evening at home. And for the gentlemen, this Cotton Linen Henley Shirt provides a blend of comfort and casual sophistication, making it an ideal choice for various occasions.

Formal Attire

For formal nights (usually one or two on a 7-day cruise), bring a cocktail dress or an evening gown for the ladies and a suit or tuxedo for the gents. You’d be surprised how seriously some cruise lines take their ‘formal nights.’ If you’re unsure about the dress code, it’s better to over-dress than under-dress.

This High Neck Split Bodycon is a fashionable statement piece, exuding elegance with its high neck design and enhancing curves with its bodycon fit. Then there’s this Dress Shirt for Men elevating your professional wardrobe and balancing the perfect mix of style, comfort, and class.

Fitness Wear

Step up your fitness game with Jogger Pants , providing comfort and flexibility to make your workout sessions more effective. Whether for workouts or casual hangouts, Men’s Zip Joggers offers style and convenience with a comfortable fit and easy-to-use zip features.

Enjoy your beach days or pool parties with Men’s Swim Trunks , designed for quick-drying convenience and added functionality with zipper pockets. For the ladies, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to Swimsuits . Make sure to opt for stylish yet comfortable ones to keep your beach outings and poolside lounging enjoyable.

Experience everyday comfort with Women’s Cotton Underwear , designed with soft cotton material for a snug, breathable fit.

Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and coolness with Men’s Boxer Briefs , featuring innovative cool zone technology for a fresh and breathable feel throughout the day.

Indulge in the comfort of a Pajama Set , providing a cozy and stylish sleepwear option for relaxing nights or lazy weekend mornings.

Footwear: Balance Between Comfort and Style

You might think packing shoes for a cruise is a simple task. But let me tell you, it’s more complex than the ship’s onboard navigation system. However, with some balance between comfort and style, you’ll be set to strut your stuff across the ship’s pool or explore a Caribbean island.

Firstly, a pair of Flip-Flops or Sandals and Casual Loafers for Men are essential. Ideal for lounging by the pool, strolling on the beach during shore excursions, or making a quick coffee run to the buffet in the morning.

For those adventurous types who love exploring during port calls, a pair of Comfortable Walking Shoes is a must. Opt for something lightweight, breathable, and sturdy. If your itinerary includes a lot of beach or water-based activities, Water Shoes might be a worthwhile addition.

Formal nights are an integral part of the cruise experience. Ladies, those cocktail dresses will pair wonderfully with a set of Dress Shoes or Heels . For the gentlemen, a pair of formal shoes to go with your suit or tux is the way to go.

In terms of balancing comfort and style, aim for versatility. Neutral-colored footwear that matches multiple outfits, comfortable yet stylish sandals, and walking shoes that aren’t an eyesore in your vacation photos are all solid choices. Remember, you’re on vacation, and nothing ruins an outing faster than painful blisters from ill-fitting shoes. Comfort should be your priority.

With the right footwear, every step of your cruise journey will be one of comfort and style. No “I wish I packed those shoes” moments in sight!

Bags & Accessories: Carry Style Wherever You Go

Now let’s move on to something that can make or break your cruise style statement: bags and accessories. They’re not just for fashion – these essentials can help you keep your belongings organized and close at hand while also adding that extra pop to your vacation wardrobe.

Let’s start with the carry-on bag. This is where you’ll want to pack your first-day essentials, travel documents, boarding passes, and any valuable items. As your checked luggage might not be delivered to your stateroom immediately, having a change of clothes and essential toiletries in your carry-on is smart.

A tote bag or a small backpack can be a game-changer for outdoor exploring. They’re perfect for carrying your reusable water bottle, sunscreen, cell phone, room key, and other items.

Ladies, a beach bag is another must-have. Ideal for carrying your cover-ups, beach towels, and a hat for those sunny beach daytimes.

When it comes to accessories, less is more. Bring items that complement your outfits, but remember to keep your most precious pieces at home. Stick with costume jewelry that won’t break your heart if lost or damaged.

And don’t forget your Sunglasses and a Cap ! These accessories are stylish and protect you from the Caribbean sun.

The right bags and accessories can enhance your cruise experience, marrying convenience with a dash of style. And who doesn’t love a little extra pizzazz while cruising? Going on a day trip or a city walk? A Crossbody Sling Backpack offers a blend of style and convenience that’s hard to beat.

Whether you’re hitting the gym or heading out for a weekend getaway, the Gym Bag for Women, Sports Travel Duffel Bag with USB Charging Port keeps your essentials organized, plus the added bonus of a USB port.

If you’re looking to spruce up your jewelry collection, the Trendy Acrylic Earrings Rattan Earrings set offers a myriad of chic options to elevate any outfit.

Toiletries and Personal Items: Essentials for Comfort

Ah, toiletries. Small but mighty, and the cause of many an overpacking mishap. Most cruise lines provide basic toiletries, but bringing your own is always safe, especially if you have preferred brands or sensitive skin.

Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Let’s unpack the art of packing toiletries and personal items that keep you comfortable and fresh during your cruise vacation.

Travel-size Shampoo & Conditioner

For the guys out there who like simplicity, the DOVE MEN + CARE Fortifying 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner for Normal to Oily Hair is a game changer. When it comes to salon-like hair treatment while on a cruise, Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle is what everyone needs.

Body Wash/Soap

Ever tried Mrs. Meyer’s Moisturizing Body Wash ? It’s a biodegradable shower gel that leaves you feeling fresh. Now, if you’re struggling with dry skin, NIVEA Shea Butter Nourishing Body Wash offers a moisturizing touch that’s hard to beat.

Toothpaste & Toothbrush

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of travel-size products. Not only do they save space, but they also comply with cruise regulations if you’re flying to your cruise terminal. This Oral Care 3-Piece Travel Size Set makes oral hygiene on-the-go effortless.

You want to keep your picture-perfect smile throughout your trip. For the perfect finish after brushing, Oral-B Essential Floss Cavity Defense Dental Floss gets into those hard-to-reach spaces.

Going on a cruise means indulging in a lot of activities—some may be sporty enough that make you perspire. Whether it’s summer or winter, it’s important to keep your body fresh and odor-free with a Deodorant .

Razor & Shaving Cream

When it comes to smooth shaves, this Diamond Grip Club Razor offers precision, while the Gillette Venus Sensitive Disposable Razors for Women cater to women’s needs perfectly.

Medications

Handling Medications is a crucial part of your packing process. Always pack enough prescription medication to last your entire trip, plus a few extra days, just in case. Store them in your carry-on bag to avoid any lost luggage nightmares.

Moisturizer/Lotion

Dry skin days are over with the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin , and NIVEA MEN Maximum Hydration is a must for the gents.

Bringing Makeup on a cruise isn’t just about vanity; it’s about being prepared for a variety of social situations. Whether you’re attending a formal dinner, taking portraits against sunset backdrops, or even exploring ports of call, a well-curated makeup kit can enhance your experience.

Before hitting the beach, don’t forget to apply Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Face & Body SPF 70 for optimal sun protection.

Hairbrush/Comb & Hair Products

Don’t let bad hair days ruin your vacation. Keep your locks manageable with a Wide-Tooth Comb and Travel Hairbrush Set . The wide-tooth comb effortlessly detangles wet or curly hair, while the travel-sized hairbrush keeps your mane looking sleek and polished. Add a travel-size hairspray or hair gel to the mix, and you’re all set for any on-board events or shore excursions.

First Aid Kit

Don’t forget a small First Aid Kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any over-the-counter meds you might need, like pain relievers or stomach soothers.

Other Toiletries to Bring

• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Organizer for Meds or Pills
• Insect Repellent
• Ear Plugs & Eye Mask
• Nail Clippers & Tweezers
• Makeup Remover

Tech Gear: Staying Connected and Entertained on Cruise Ships

We’ve talked about clothing, footwear, bags, and toiletries. Now let’s step into the modern age. Tech gear, my friends, can be a game-changer on a cruise, keeping you connected, entertained, and ensuring those magical cruise moments are captured for posterity.

When it comes to tech, your cell phone is your best friend. Useful for a shore excursion, emergency contacts, and not to mention your camera, music player, e-reader, and gaming console all in one.

But of course, with great tech comes the need for power. Don’t forget your Portable Charger/Power Bank , preferably with a long cord for those awkwardly placed outlets in ship staterooms. A power strip can also be handy for charging multiple devices at once, as most cruise lines have limited outlets in the cabins. Just ensure it doesn’t have a surge protector, as those are often against ship policies.

While most major cruise lines offer Wi-Fi, it can be pricey. So, consider downloading any movies, books, or music you want to enjoy while on board before you leave home. A pair of Headphones is a good idea, too, for those times you want to relax with a good movie or podcast while your cabin mate prefers the sound of the waves. Bringing a Portable Bluetooth Speaker is also a smart idea.

Don’t forget to pack a Universal Adapter if your ship is European or British, as the outlets may differ from the ones at home.

Protecting your tech gear is just as important as bringing it. A Waterproof Case for your Smartphone is essential if you plan on lounging by the pool deck or enjoying your Caribbean cruise. Consider also a safe place to store your tech gear in your cabin, like in the cabin closet.

Being tech-ready on your cruise means staying entertained during those sea days. Capture the amazing sights and experiences during port calls with a Digital Camera or GoPro . If you need to stay connected with family and friends back home, you may also bring a Laptop . Just remember to put the gadget down and enjoy the view occasionally!

Other items you might want to bring:

• Charging Cables for All Devices
• Fitness Tracker/Smartwatch
• External Hard Drive (if bringing a laptop)
• HDMI Cable (to connect devices to the TV in your cabin)

Cruise Packing Tips: Entertainment Essentials

While there’s plenty to keep you busy onboard a cruise ship, from specialty restaurants to poolside lounging and fancy-themed nights, sometimes you just need some good old-fashioned personal entertainment. Let’s delve into the magical world of onboard amusement and what to pack to make those sea days extra special.

Starting off with books or Audiobooks – these can be a cruiser’s best friend. Whether it’s a riveting novel or a breezy beach read, there’s something incredibly relaxing about losing yourself in a good book while the ocean waves lull you into tranquility. E-readers like a Kindle can be a godsend, allowing you to bring an entire library without taking up precious packing space.

Board Games or Card Games can be fun to spend an evening or a day at sea. They’re also a great way to bond with your cruise buddies or even make new friends. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget their favorite games to keep them entertained.

For those of you with hobbies that travel well, bring them along. Love to knit? Bring your Crochet Kit . Are you a sketch artist? Your Art Supplies are calling. An origami enthusiast? Those folding papers are practically weightless!

If you have room, fitness enthusiasts pack some lightweight sports equipment, like Resistance Bands . Most ships have fitness centers, but your bands can be a lifesaver when the gym is crowded.

And let’s not forget about the power of music. Your favorite playlists can accompany you while you’re getting ready for semi-formal nights, relaxing on your balcony, or working out in the gym. Just remember your headphones to avoid disturbing your fellow passengers.

If you’re the one who loves nature, then Binoculars or Scuba/Snorkeling Gear shouldn’t go missing on your list. Remember that packing for onboard entertainment is all about bringing the comforts and joys of home onto the cruise. So, make room for those Checkers Set , Journal and Pens , Music Instruments , or that Portable Video Game Console . After all, it’s your vacation – enjoy it your way!

Important Documents: Don’t Leave Without Them

Now that we have our fun and entertainment sorted, it’s time to focus on the serious stuff. We’re talking about your important documents. Without them, you might find yourself waving at your cruise ship from the shore. Let’s discuss what you need and some tips for storing and organizing these essentials.

Now, how to organize all these? First, make at least two photocopies of each document. Leave one set at home with a trusted contact and carry the other with you. Keep these copies separate from the originals while traveling.

Carry all original travel documents in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. Consider a travel document organizer or holder for easy access and added security.

Electronic copies can also be handy. Scan your documents and email them to yourself or store them in a secure cloud-based service. This way, they can be accessed from anywhere if needed.

Navigating the world of travel documents might seem daunting, but with some preparation and organization, you’ll be set to sail smoothly through your cruise vacation. Remember, in cruising, your documents are as important as your sunscreen – don’t leave home without them!

If your cruise includes international ports, you will need a passport. Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Don’t forget passports for all family members, including children.

In addition to your passport, carry a secondary form of identification, such as a driver’s license.

Cruise Tickets

You will need the cruise line’s confirmation number and your boarding passes. These are typically available electronically, but having a hard copy can be a lifesaver if you encounter technical difficulties.

Insurance Papers

This includes both your health insurance information and any travel insurance documentation. Be sure you understand the coverage details before you leave, especially for medical care onboard and in different ports.

Some countries require visas in addition to a passport. Double-check the requirements for your cruise’s destinations and ensure you meet all entry criteria.

Credit Card

Notify your credit card companies of your travel plans. This way, they won’t flag your card for potential fraud when charges appear from different locations.

Snacks and Drinks: For Those Midnight Cravings

Okay, let’s discuss one of my favorite topics – food and drinks! While you might imagine yourself constantly surrounded by an array of dining options on a cruise ship (which you will be), packing a few snacks and drinks can be a real lifesaver, especially when midnight hunger pangs strike or when you have specific dietary needs.

Before packing your favorite granola bars, trail mix, and mini coffee maker, let’s talk about cruise line policies for food and drink . Most cruise lines allow you to bring a small quantity of non-perishable, pre-packaged snacks. However, due to strict international agricultural laws, it’s a big no-no to pack perishable food, fruits, and veggies is a big no-no.

If you follow a particular diet or have specific dietary preferences, packing your snacks can be a game-changer. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or prefer organic snacks, having a few of your favorites in your carry-on can be handy.

When it comes to drinks, policies vary. Some cruise lines allow you to bring a limited quantity of soda or wine in your carry-on luggage (not checked baggage). For example, you might be able to get one or two bottles of wine onboard, but make sure to check your cruise line’s specific policy to avoid any disappointment at the cruise terminal.

One item you should definitely pack is a reusable water bottle . Cruise lines provide drinking water, but having your own bottle means you can stay hydrated without making a million trips to the water station. Plus, it’s a much greener option!

The key here is moderation. Remember, your stateroom isn’t a pantry and probably smaller than you think. Pack enough to satisfy those between-meal munchies or meet dietary needs, but don’t go overboard (pun intended). After all, you’ll want to leave room to enjoy the endless food options onboard and the delicious local fare at your various ports of call!

Craving a crispy treat? Grab a can of Pringles Potato Crisps Chips, Lunch Snacks – the perfect snack to elevate your lunchtime experience.

Packing for a 7-day cruise might seem like a Herculean task, but with a well-planned cruise packing list, it can be smooth sailing! Remember, your cruise is not just about the destinations, it’s also about the journey. Having the right mix of clothing, footwear, and essentials can transform your experience from just good to absolutely fantastic.

So follow our cruise packing list, tick off those items one by one, and rest assured you’re well-prepared for your cruise vacation. Now that you’re all set take a deep breath, imagine the soothing waves, the vibrant sunsets, and the adventures that await. Bon voyage, fellow cruisers! Enjoy every moment of your unforgettable Caribbean cruise!

How many bathing suits for a 7-day cruise?

For a 7-day cruise, pack at least two bathing suits. This allows one to dry while you’re using the other. Multiple options are also handy for impromptu poolside lounging, beach daytimes at Caribbean islands, or using the hot tub at night. Plus, they’re lightweight and don’t take up much space, making them easy to fit in your luggage.

How many bags do I need for a 7-day cruise?

For a 7-day cruise, bring one large suitcase for your leading clothing and accessories, one carry-on bag for essential documents, tech gear, and valuable items, and one personal thing like a tote bag or backpack for daily essentials. Remember to leave some room for souvenirs. Always check your cruise line’s luggage policy, as some lines limit the number of bags per passenger.

What are the formal nights on a 7-day cruise?

On a 7-day cruise, there are typically two formal evenings where passengers can dress up. These are often on the first and last sea days, but schedules can vary by cruise line. On these nights, you can expect to wear cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or dress slacks and shirts for gentlemen. Check with your cruise line for specific dress code details.

What do people wear during the day on a cruise?

During the day on a cruise, people generally wear casual, comfortable attire suitable for warm weather and various activities. This includes t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and swimwear for lounging by the pool deck or beach excursions. Pack a sun hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, or flip-flops. Always carry a cover-up for entering indoor areas from the pool, as the air conditioning can be chilly.

Digital Marketer

I’m Bobby Pham, but you can call me “Bobby on Cruise.” I’ve been cruising the high seas and exploring the world for years, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with you. When not cruising, I spend my time on growing my marketing agency.

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The Ultimate Cruise Vacation Packing Checklist & Best Tips [Printable]

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Table of Contents

Cruise packing tips and advice, final thoughts.

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Whether you are new to the cruising life or a regular seafarer, taking a vacation onboard a luxury liner is an affordable and fun way to see the world and make new friends along the way. Seasoned cruisers and rookies alike get to enjoy action-packed days and fun-filled nights on a vacation that is as high energy or laid back as you want it to be.

With so much to see and do, packing for your cruise vacation can be a bit of a nightmare. Make sure you have everything you need to dress for dinner or dive in the pool by downloading our cruise vacation packing list before you go.

📋 Click Here to View Our Printable Cruise Packing List 📋

Cruise vacations offer lots of different activities and destinations. Follow these top tips to ensure that you are always dressed for the occasion.

Getting Started

Check the weather.

Out on the ocean waves, it can get pretty chilly at night, no matter how tropical it may feel during the day. Cruise ships offer lots of indoor entertainment to suit long days at sea, inclement weather, and occasional rain, but you will need to check the weather before you to leave to see how many layers you need to pack.

Weather is an important factor if you’re going on a cruise to Alaska . You’ll need to include things like a jacket, boots, and a hat in your suitcase to be prepared.

How Many Nights Are You Away?

A 7-, 10- or 14-day cruise should require several outfit changes. Unlike similar vacations on land, you will not always have access to laundry facilities so you will need to make sure you have enough clothing to see you through.

Because you can’t take your entire wardrobe with you on your cruise vacation, it is vital that you understand how to mix and match key items to make them work for you.

Bottom Line: As a rough guide, for a 7-night cruise you will need to bring enough clothing for at least 4 formal or semi-formal nights, a couple of casual evenings, pool and loungewear, and practical clothing for excursions on dry land.

Are There Any Special Occasions or Themed Nights?

Cruise ships may assign daily dress codes that take effect in public rooms and restaurants from 6 p.m. onward. You may be expected to dress up for dinner , so be sure to pack lightweight, interchangeable items of formal attire and shoes to go with them.

If you want to bring your own costumes for themed nights or fancy dress — go ahead! Cruises are all about having fun, so bring as many as you can pack if that’s your thing.

Make a Packing List Early

Buying, sorting, and packing for your cruise vacation is not just a necessity — it is also an exciting part of the cruise vacation experience. Start shopping and planning as early as possible to ensure that you have everything packed and ready by the time you leave.

Choose the Right Luggage

Most cruise line companies will allow you to bring up to 2 full-size suitcases onboard, although there may be restrictions on weight. When thinking about the right luggage for your cruise vacation, think of it more like staying at an upscale hotel, rather than cramming your belongings in a carry-on .

Your cases should be large enough to carry everything you need, but not so big or heavy as to be difficult to lug through the cruise terminal. You will also have a limited amount of space in your cabin, so don’t go mad with oversized cases as you will have nowhere to put them. Stick with hard-sided luggage, too, as it will protect your belongings better.

Purchase Travel-Sized Items

The “3-1-1” rule does not apply to cruise ships. You can bring full-sized bottles if you want to, but most cruise liners will supply shampoo and shower gel in the cabins on your arrival. Save space for other items by bringing travel-sized versions of your toiletries.

Hot Tip: Check out these ways to book a cruise using points and miles .

What Electronics Should I Take?

Cruise ship vacations are designed to keep you entertained every minute of the day. From sunbathing on deck to fitness classes, live music, and midnight buffets, there is never a dull moment out on the ocean.

Wi-Fi can also be limited, and you may have to pay extra for access to it. But, if you do want to take electronics onboard with you, limit them to:

A digital camera — You will want to capture epic images of life at sea, as well as the many destinations you will visit along the way. Read our guide to buying a digital camera for travel if you don’t have one already.

An e-reader — If you like to read when sunbathing or winding down at night, download a few e-books before you go for your e-reader .

Your laptop — Catching up on your emails while sipping a coffee in the lounge is a wonderful way to work if you really have to. Laptops are welcome onboard, but they are your responsibility to keep safe for the duration. Don’t forget travel insurance to keep you covered.

Your cell phone — Always worth taking. Call home and tell them what a wonderful time you are having!

Hairdryers and styling appliances — Cruise ships will usually provide a hairdryer in your cabin, and there is no rule against bringing your straightening irons or electric curlers.

You will not usually be able to bring your travel iron onboard, but most ships have laundry services of some kind where you can pay to have your clothes laundered for you.

Hot Tip: Most cruise liners will have U.K., U.S., and European plug sockets in the cabins, so you may not need to bring a travel adapter . However, you should confirm what your particular ship offers before you go.

Travel Admin

Flying to your cruise terminal, boarding the ship, and disembarking at various ports of call will all require tickets, passports, and other paperwork. You will need to have everything with you, either electronically or in paper format, otherwise, your cruise vacation will be a total non-starter.

You will, at the very least, need to have:

Your Passport

Passports are not technically required if you are a U.S. citizen embarking on a “closed-loop” cruise route. This means that you depart from and return to the same U.S. port, after visiting at least 1 foreign port of call. If you are leaving from and returning to separate ports, you will need your passport. 

While an Enhanced Driving License may suffice for I.D. on a closed-loop route, it is probably best to take your passport with you just in case, and all passengers should be sure that it is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

Your Tickets and Travel Documents

Your tickets will usually be in the form of electronic documents that are either downloaded or sent to you by email. These will also include useful information such as the departure date, itinerary, and airline details if you are flying into shore. You may also want to print a hard copy of all of the above and keep them in your bag, just in case.

Usually, cruise vacations are all-inclusive, and you shouldn’t have to pay for food, drink, and entertainment. You may, however, need to pay for specific activities and excursions while onboard and on dry land, and you will also need to tip the staff while onboard (if not pre-paid).

Keep the majority of your money (and even your cards) in the safe in your cabin closet. Most cruise staff and fellow passengers would never dream of helping themselves to your money, but better to be safe than sorry.

Your Personal Details

In case of an accident or illness, you should keep a copy of your personal details somewhere easy to find . Print basic details like your name, address, next of kin, and any relevant health issues on a credit card-size laminate, and tuck it in your purse or travel wallet .

Hot Tip: Make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck! Check out our list of the best websites to book cruises at the cheapest prices .

Packing Your Luggage

Prepare for the perfect cruise vacation by packing everything you need, and not a single item more.

Get Everything Together and Lay It Out

The key to always looking awesome on a cruise vacation is making sure you bring the right items for every occasion. Before you start to pack, lay out everything that you want to pack out in front of you . This way, you can see how much room you are going to need in your suitcase (or even how many cases you will need), and what, if anything, you are missing.

Pick Capsule Items

With a variety of dress codes and themed events taking place throughout your cruise vacation, it is essential that you can find the right mix of outfits for every occasion. A capsule wardrobe will help you to mix and match your formal wear to look gorgeous every evening, as well as dressing down to lounge and look great around the pool.

A sample capsule wardrobe for a cruise vacation could include:

• 3-5 bathing suits
• Flip flops for the pool or beach
• Sneakers for the gym
• 3 pairs of shorts
• 3 casual shirts
• 3 beach cover-ups
• Enough socks and underwear for a clean pair every day
• 1 sweatshirt/sweater as nights can be chilly on deck
• Dress or smart trousers
• A formal skirt
• 2 formal tops
• A formal jacket
• A pair of smart shoes
• Make-up, jewelry, and accessories to dress up evening wear

Remove Anything Unnecessary

If you are unsure of what not to take, have a look at the website for the cruise ship you are about to travel out on or read passenger reviews. For example, if it turns out that there isn’t a gym or track onboard, you can take out your sportswear as you will have no use for it.

Your luggage allowance may be more than you would usually enjoy on an airplane, but that doesn’t mean you need to take your entire wardrobe with you.

Consider Washing Clothes on the Road

Some cruise liners have laundry facilities that you can use yourself for a small fee. Be aware though, that these are in the minority and most will have serviced laundries that will charge to wash and iron your clothing.

You may get away with washing your small items in the sink, but drying facilities will be scant if you have an inside cabin.

Fold, Interfold, Bundle, or Roll?

Once you have your definitive list of what to take with you, and you have purchased the perfect set of luggage, it’s time to get packing. Want to arrive crease-free and ready to roll? Try these different packing techniques for your next cruise vacation:

Folding — Folding your clothes is the most traditional way to pack your luggage. Freshly laundered and nicely folded items should be packed in the order that you want to unpack them when you reach your cabin. If you do it well, your items should be pretty crease-free on arrival.

Interfolding — By cleverly layering clothes on top of each other in a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top format, you will be able to unpack well-organized outfits, that arrive wrinkle-free and ready to roll.

Bundling — By tightly folding or wrapping your clothing around your bulkiest pieces, like a pair of sneakers or your toiletry bag , you can save much-needed space and decrease the risk of wrinkles.

Rolling — Rolling your clothes is a great way to get casual items neatly packed without wrinkles. This is a space-saving technique used by many experienced travelers, but be wary of rolling your formal items — stick with a hanging garment bag instead.

Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes provide useful zippered compartments that can be removed from your suitcase to help keep your items well organized on the move. Keep your swimwear, shoes, underwear, and all manner of other items all in 1 place with these smart little portable compartments.

The cubes stack neatly meaning you never waste any space in your suitcase, and they can even help compress your belongings so you can squeeze even more in.

Secure Your Liquids

If you are planning on decanting your full-sized products into smaller, travel-sized containers, be sure that they are leakproof. While the “3-1-1” rule does not apply to cruise ships, you may still need travel-sized bottles for your onward journey, or you may prefer to use them.

Stuff Your Shoes

Stuffing your shoes with socks or underwear helps them to keep their shape, as well as helping to save space in your suitcase.

Take Sticky Notes

This is not a joke and is a great secret weapon for making your cruise life a bit easier. Made a new friend in cabin 1005 and want to meet them for drinks later? Leave a sticky note on their door. Sometimes the simplest methods of communication are best.

Other niche items you may not have thought of are:

• A lanyard to keep your room key easily accessible
• A corkscrew because there’s never one around when you need one
• A small portable fan for your cabin
• An alarm clock with night light for your cabin

Hot Tip: Get started on the right foot — use a great travel rewards credit card to book your cruise so you’ll earn points or miles with each sailing!

Airline Considerations

Check the airline baggage policy.

Different airlines have differing types of restrictions, but there are some general rules that you need to keep in mind when traveling to the port to take your cruise:

Cabin Luggage

Every airline has carry-on allowances that restrict the size and amount of luggage that each passenger can bring onboard. If your carry-on luggage is too large, it will be placed in the hold and also cost you extra.

Cases and carry bags must be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches to fit in the overhead locker and are limited to 1 carry bag or case per passenger. Passengers may also carry 1 small purse or shoulder bag but this depends on the airline. There is not usually a restriction on weight.

Bottom Line: Always check with your airline about carry-on luggage restrictions so that you don’t get caught out at the airport.

Checked Luggage

Most airlines will allow for 1 checked item per passenger for international flights for free but may charge for checked items on domestic flights. Your suitcase should not have a total dimension of more than 62 inches. That’s the total measurement of the length, height, and width.

Your checked luggage should not exceed 50 pounds in weight , and you may be charged fees if it weighs more. Each airline will have different restrictions so please check with yours first before you travel.

Other items such as strollers , sports equipment, wheelchairs, musical instruments, and other medical items can also be checked, but you should speak to the airline first.

Follow the 3-1-1 Rule for Carry-On

The TSA has strict rules for anyone carrying liquids onboard any domestic or international flights. Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces, and they must be carried in a clear plastic bag.

The 3-1-1 rule essentially means:

• 3.4-ounce bottles or less
• 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
• 1 bag per passenger

Never Check Essentials

You may be hoping that you can stash your currency, medication, and money in the shiny hardshell suitcase that you have purchased especially for your cruise vacation, but honestly — don’t!

Always keep your essential personal belongings in your carry-on bag; this way they will always be close at hand when you need them.

Pack Spare Clothes in a Carry-On in Case of Delays

Airline travel can lead to lost or delayed luggage from time to time. To prevent your arrival at the cruise terminal with nothing but your purse and passport, pack an emergency change of clothes in your carry-on.

Apps for Packing

Sometimes it’s useful to ask for a little extra help with getting organized. These packing apps can help to ensure you never leave a single item behind:

PackingPro offers sample lists that can be used to get you packing, or you can build and customize your own based on your clothing preferences and expected weather conditions. You can create lists for multiple travelers and share them via iTunes, Airdrop, or iCloud . You can even attach photos and add scheduled alerts to remind you exactly what to do and when to do it.

This useful little app is only available on iOS and costs $2.99.

While the free version is pretty basic, an upgrade to the paid version will give you a variety of useful additions to the list building element of the app. With gender-specific packing recommendations and expected weather conditions , this intuitive and easy to use app also lets you share your lists and will convert your list to a PDF for printing.

This app is available on iOS and Android, and the Premium edition costs $4.99.

Travel List App

With an easy to use interface, the Travel List App allows you to view your information in list or calendar format, and you can set reminders and alarms to pack specific items and tick them off when they are packed. Fully customizable lists can be synced via your iCloud account or shared on social media.

The app is only available on iOS and costs $1.99 to buy.

Create your own individual packing list for you and your family based on your destination, the duration of your cruise vacation, and the weather forecast. You can share your lists with fellow Packtor subscribers, and you can make duplicate lists and sync them on all of your other devices to ensure you never leave anything behind.

This app is available on both iOS and Android and is free to download, although in-app purchases are available.

Packing List Checklist

This easy to use app will help you to pick suggested items for your next cruise vacation, as well as creating your own customized categories. Use both the “To Do” and ‘To Pack” lists to help get organized , and set reminders and alarms to make sure you don’t forget anything. You can also sync your list with all of the other iOS devices you use before and during your cruise vacation.

The app is available on iOS only and is free to download.

Apps for Cruise Vacation Travel

Make the most of your next cruise vacation with these top traveling apps:

Cruise Ship Mate

As one of the most popular cruise apps available, Cruise Ship Mate has lots of fun features that will help you interact with your fellow passengers both on and off the ship . See the full roster of passengers embarking with you, check out deck plans and entertainment programs, or find things to do in your various ports of call. You can even view the deck cams in the run-up to your cruise vacation, and share a cruise countdown on social media.

The app is available on iOS and Android and is free to download.

As the most popular trip planner and flight tracker in the U.S. today, TripIt is much more than just another packing list app. You can save all of your electronic travel documents in 1 place, build your own itinerary, and send a comprehensive list of your travel plans to yourself and fellow travelers.

TripIt Pro also offers more advanced features, including interactive maps and real-time flight checkers.

The app is available on both iOS and Android. The basic edition is free, or you can upgrade to Pro for $49 per year.

Cruise Card Control

It can be easy to overspend while onboard and trying to live the luxury lifestyle regardless of your budget. This app is designed to help you budget and track your onboard spending and offers a straightforward way to monitor your outgoings with an easy to use expense tracker. You can create custom categories, enter costs along with pictures of receipts, and have a customized budget with helpful graphs to keep track of how you’re doing.

Available on iOS only, this app is $2.99 to download.

Deck Director

Taking deck maps to a new dimension, this app offers simple, step-by-step directions to any place or amenity on board the supported cruise ships . Not only is it a handy tool for anyone who gets lost easily, but it is also a useful app for passengers with limited mobility who need to be able to traverse the ship using elevators. You can also link up with fellow passengers using the real-time chat facility.

See the skies like never before with this stargazing app designed for cruisers. The night sky is brighter and more beautiful out at sea, and by simply tilting the device towards the sky, the intelligent GPS technology will track the position of the stars, planets, and moons in real-time , so that you can see what’s going on up above.

The app is free for both iOS and Android devices.

How to Prepare Your House Before You Leave

Before you head out off on your dream cruise vacation, be sure to take care of a few basic housekeeping chores at home:

Clean out the refrigerator — You don’t want to return home from your vacation to a stinky house and a kitchen full of rotting food, so clear out date-sensitive produce and give everything a quick wipe over before you leave.

Take out the trash — All of those items that you have just thrown out of the fridge need to be disposed of. Take them, and any other garbage bags out to the trash before you go.

Check the laundry — Nobody wants to return to the laundry that has sat wet in the washer for weeks on end. Prevent sour smells and even mold by checking your washer and dryer before you leave.

Program your thermostat — Save money and energy by re-programming your thermostat to only come on for an hour or so a day. That way, you can come home to a house that is the perfect temperature and also avoid any burst pipes if the weather is freezing.

Put your lights on timers — Deter burglars by setting your lights to come on using timers or smart devices. A little light every evening will make your home look occupied and therefore less attractive to would-be criminals. If you have a smart hub, you could even put your TV on for an hour or so at a time, too.

Ask a friend to check in — Have a friend or neighbor check in regularly to collect your mail. Doormats piled high is a sure sign of a vacant property, making it an attractive proposition to burglars. Have them collect it, and you can pick it up when you get back from your cruise vacation.

A cruise vacation is an experience unlike any other. With plenty to see and do, and tons of new people to meet along the way, many cruise vacationers find themselves returning year after year.

Make your next cruise vacation the best ever by getting your packing groove on nice and early. Create a carefully crafted packing list, and you really can’t go wrong. With apps to help you create and share your packing lists and to remind you what to buy and when to pack it, you can be better organized this time than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i pack for my cruise.

You can download a printable cruise packing list here, but as a rough guide you will need to pack:

• Travel documents such as your passport, tickets, and boarding passes.
• Items for personal comfort such as a neck pillow, eye mask, and ear plugs.
• Electronics
• Medication and health products
• Clothing, shoes, and accessories

What can you not bring on a cruise?

Prohibited items will vary depend on the cruise company you are traveling with but here are some general guidelines of items you should not take on a cruise:

• Firearms and sharp objects
• Flammable objects and explosives
• Illegal drugs
• Coffee makers and hot plates
• Skateboards and scooters
• Self-defense items such as pepper spray

How much cash should I bring on a cruise?

The amount of cash you need on a cruise is less than you think. Cruise lines will have your room key tied to an account that you can pay off by card. The same usually applies for gratuity.

Cash will therefore only really be needed for days in port and the amount will depend on your spending habits and how many shore days you have.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Packing for a cruise can be complicated, especially for first-timers who aren't 100% sure what to expect. The task is made even more stressful because you can't run to the nearest shopping mall to pick up something you forgot when you're sailing in the middle of the ocean.

What you need is a cruise packing list that accounts for cruise line dress codes for daywear and evening wear, the various activities you'll do on board and in port, the gear you need for travel and to enhance your cruise cabin, and the necessities you need for daily life and unexpected emergencies.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

We've listed 103 essentials you should always pack for any cruise vacation. Follow our cruise packing list to avoid packing mistakes and be prepared for anything on your next sailing.

Daytime clothing

When packing for a cruise, start with the basics: what you plan to wear each day.

On every cruise line, daytime clothing is casual, and on a big-ship cruise, nearly anything goes. On a more upscale or luxury cruise ship, casual daywear tends to be more fashion-forward and stylish, so you might feel out of place in your cheap tee from Target.

Of course, the destination and weather will dictate what exactly makes it onto your cruise packing list. For a Caribbean cruise , you'll want plenty of beachwear; for an Alaska cruise , you'll want rugged clothes for hiking and warm layers for the frequently changing weather. In the Middle East and Asia, you might need an outfit that covers the shoulders and knees for visiting religious sites.

Remember that any destination can be unseasonably warm, cold or wet, so pack a jacket for that Bahamas cruise or a short-sleeved top for an Arctic sailing — just in case.

If you want to stay fit on your cruise and plan to hit the onboard gym or go biking in port, pack activewear. I once forgot to pack socks on a short warm-weather cruise and was disappointed when I wasn't allowed on the ship's bungee trampoline.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Cruisers traveling in a group should consider planning matching outfits, especially if they wish to take group photos on board. Group T-shirts are common, as are color-coordinated outfits for everyone from the kids to the grandparents.

Most important of all: Double-check that you've packed underwear. You're welcome.

Pack one outfit for every day, or plan to do laundry on your cruise ship . I like to look for ways to reuse pieces to save space. For example, I'll dress up a top with a skirt or dress pants for dinner, then wear the same shirt with jeans in port the following day. Or, I'll bring one solid color dress and wear it twice, but with different accessories.

Here's your daywear packing list (adjust numbers for the length of your sailing):

• Casual tops
• Workout wear
• Bathing suits and swimwear
• Cover-up or swim shirt
• Sweatshirt or sweater

Evening clothing

Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , have a relaxed attitude toward dinner attire, and you can come as you are. Other lines, especially the more upscale ones, have strict dress codes for dinner. For cruises on those ships, you'll need to add some nicer outfits to your cruise packing list.

Evening wear on cruise ships tends to fall into two categories: resort casual and elegant. For casual nights, think of a date-night style. Some cruise lines do allow jeans in the evening; pair them with cute tops and nice shoes.

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.

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The best meals you can have at sea

Pro tip: Many cruise ships turn up the air conditioning at night. Pack a light sweater or dressy shawl to keep you comfortable in cool onboard restaurants and theaters.

Don't forget to pack outfits for cruise ship theme nights. Popular themes include white night, pirate night and Halloween — and, yes, cruisers do go all-out with costumes. Check with your cruise line to see which parties or theme nights will take place, and then pack accordingly.

Consider an eye patch or swashbuckling hat for Disney Cruise Line 's Pirate Night, a white sundress for Norwegian Cruise Line's White Hot Night and some neon leggings for Carnival Cruise Line 's '80s night.

Definitely don't forget the ultimate evening wear — comfy pajamas — especially if you're sharing a cabin with family or friends.

Here's your eveningwear packing list:

• Skirt and blouse
• Wrap or sweater
• Button-down shirt or polo
• Dress slacks or nice jeans
• Suit or tuxedo for formal night
• Cocktail dress or gown for formal night
• Theme cruise attire and costumes

It's easy to fill a carry-on with footwear alone when packing for a cruise. The must-have basic is a comfortable pair of travel shoes for the flight, ship and walking in port.

Other types of footwear to add to your cruise packing list are sneakers for athletic activities, flip-flops for the pool and beach, and dress shoes for dinner. (Ladies, try to match your outfits, so you only need to bring one pair of heels.) You might also want casual or athletic sandals, hiking boots or water shoes for rocky beaches.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise

Pro tip: Lay out all the pairs of shoes you think you need for the cruise, and then decide which shoes can do double duty and which you can leave at home. For example, on a Caribbean cruise, a sturdy pair of waterproof athletic sandals (like Keens) can multi-task as travel shoes, beach shoes and rugged activity footwear. A comfy pair of flats can pair with your casual daywear and your fancy evening attire.

Here's your footwear packing list:

• Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
• Water shoes
• Hiking boots
• Dress shoes for the evening
• Slippers for in-cabin use

Accessories and gear

Once you've packed all the clothing, it's time to accessorize.

For sunny days, men and women will want to bring hats and sunglasses. On cold-weather cruises, you'll need a warm beanie, scarf, gloves and waterproof gear. (Antarctica and Arctic cruises have unique packing lists, so check with your cruise line.)

Related: 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape

Don't forget belts, jewelry and ties for evening dress. Have a little fun with it — you're on a cruise.

Don't forget to add these accessories to your cruise packing list:

• Wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball hat
• Rain jacket and/or pants
• Pashmina or shawl

Toiletries and medicine

Like hotels, cruise ships typically provide soap and shampoo in your cabin. Some also offer conditioner and body lotion. However, it's hard to know whether your hair will respond well to the onboard products or if you'll hate the scent.

It's always safer to pack your own toiletries. Bring more than you think you'll need because it may be hard to find your favorite brands in foreign ports, and cruise ships sell necessities at inflated prices. (Here are a few more things you should never buy on a cruise ship or in port .)

Although you'll find hand sanitizer stations throughout your cruise ship, you'll still want to pack your own.

Sunscreen is essential; look for reef-safe versions if you plan on swimming in the ocean. Bug spray is also useful, especially in Alaska, where people joke that the mosquito is the state bird.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

It's always smart to pack a first aid kit for your cruise; make sure it contains seasickness remedies if you're sensitive to the motion of the ocean. Over-the-counter medications are pricey on board, so bring the brands you most commonly use. If you take prescription medicine, bring enough for the trip and a few extra days' worth, just in case.

Pack these toiletries and medications for your cruise, preferably in your carry-on bag:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hair-styling products
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Glasses, contacts and contact lens solutions
• Razor and shaving cream
• Moisturizer
• Body lotion
• Lip balm (consider one with SPF protection)
• Soap (if you're picky about scents or ingredients)
• Feminine products
• Hand sanitizer (gel or wipes)
• Seasickness remedies (patches, pills, ginger candies and acupressure wristbands)
• Pain-relief medication, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Allergy medication
• Upset stomach medication

Travel gear

Not all of us are lucky enough to live an hour or two from a cruise port. Many cruisers have to fly or road trip to their departure port and need to pack for this travel as well. Make sure your cruise packing list accounts for your pre- and post-cruise travel needs, as well as items useful for your time on board.

For long and overnight flights to your cruise, pack accessories for the plane. If you've scheduled a pre-cruise hotel stay, consider packing the necessities for that overnight in a separate bag so you don't need to unpack and repack your main suitcase.

Related: 10 must-have travel accessories for less than $15

You'll want to pack your tablet, portable video game system and e-reader for both your pre-cruise travel and the sailing itself. Don't forget all the related charging cables. Or, skip the tech and bring a few books, as many cruise ships no longer offer onboard libraries.

It should go without saying, but you are responsible for packing necessary travel documents, including your cruise/flight/tour tickets, passport book or passport card (or birth certificate) and visa paperwork. Do not put these items in your checked bags. Pack them in your carry-on so they're always on hand and less likely to go missing.

I'm a fan of bringing a day bag for carrying things around the ship (like toting my book, water bottle and cover-up to the Lido Deck pool) and a small purse for carrying my key card, lipstick and tissues at night. Some folks prefer to bring a lanyard to keep their cruise room key card close at hand.

If you like to walk about with your morning coffee or tea, you can't get a to-go cup at the buffet unless you're paying extra for a latte or espresso. Pack a travel coffee mug so you can fill up on the free stuff. I also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it up at the buffet or even a bar. It helps reduce plastic waste, and you don't bust your budget buying bottled water.

• Neck pillow
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Regular headphones or earbuds
• Tablet or laptop
• Portable video game system
• Playing cards or other small diversions
• E-reader or physical books
• Visa documents
• Cruise ticket or documents
• Travel insurance information
• Tour booking information
• Small purse
• Water bottle

Cabin enhancements

First-time cruisers don't realize all the cruise ship cabin hacks they can employ to enhance their onboard accommodations. Usually, all you need to pack are a few key items from home.

Many cruise cabin walls and doors are magnetic (Did I just blow your mind?), so I like to pack magnets both as fun decor and for organizational purposes. Magnetic clips and hooks can help keep paperwork and hats off the in-room desk and couch, while a magnetic whiteboard can be useful for leaving notes for your travel companions.

Newer cruise ships are designed so every cabin has enough electrical outlets and USB ports conveniently located throughout the room. However, older cruise ships have a sad lack of outlets. Unless you want to constantly battle your travel companions for charging priority, pack a power strip, multi-prong outlet or power adapter/current converter so you can charge multiple devices at once (and use any 220V European outlets in the cabin).

Just be sure that your power strip doesn't include a surge protector; those are banned from most cruise ships, as are extension cords.

Related: Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board

For evenings on board, pack a night light or battery-operated candles so you can find your way to the bathroom in the dark. A small, portable sound machine is helpful for blocking out hallway noise if your cabin is in a noisy area of the ship, such as close to the elevator banks.

You can sweeten your cabin bathroom by bringing a bathroom spray to mask unpleasant odors. Traveling with babies and toddlers who hate showers? A small inflatable kiddie pool or tub packs down small and can be used to give your little one a bath.

You don't need to pack a clothesline to dry wet items because one is usually hidden in your cabin's shower. However, I do recommend bringing a laundry bag or pop-up hamper to keep dirty clothes separate and off the cabin floor. Chair clips are useful if you plan to dry your clothes on the balcony and don't want them to blow away.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Pack these items to enhance our cruise cabin:

• Power strip or multi-pronged outlet without surge protection
• Power converter
• Night light
• Battery-operated candles
• White noise machine
• Bathroom spray
• Inflatable kiddie pool
• Pop-up hamper or laundry bag
• Chair clips

Port day gear

You'll want to pack items specific to the activities you aim to do in port. Leave room on your cruise packing list for items that will change based on your destination and planned tours.

No matter where you cruise, you'll want a strong but lightweight backpack to stow everything you want to take off the ship with you. I love the kind with mesh pockets on the side to tuck away a water bottle.

In especially scenic destinations, such as Alaska or Scandinavia, you might want to bring binoculars and/or a DSLR camera (rather than relying on your phone for photos). Don't forget accessories like extra batteries, chargers and memory cards.

On beachy cruises, you'll want a beach bag, sand toys for the kids and perhaps your own snorkeling gear. Wet bags (or even plastic zip-top bags) will keep your wet stuff from leaking onto everything on your way back to the ship.

Related: 8 must-pack accessories for your next beach vacation

For water sports like kayaking, consider a dry bag to stow your camera gear, smartphone and wallet and prevent them from getting wet. Waterproof cases for your cellphone and camera are also useful, as well as "beach wallets" that let you go into the water with your credit cards and cash on your person.

• Camera, memory cards, portable tripod and other accessories
• Waterproof dry bag
• Waterproof phone and/or camera case
• Waterproof beach wallet
• Snorkel, mask and fins
• Beach toys for kids (such as packable pails and inflatable floats)
• Retractable hiking poles
• Packaged snacks (such as protein or granola bars) for long excursions
• Lightweight packable travel towels if you want something that folds up smaller than the bulky cruise ship beach towels

Miscellaneous items to pack for your cruise

Some must-pack items for cruises defy categorization but are important nonetheless. Don't leave them off your cruise packing list.

Cruise lines have strict rules about what types of beverages and alcohol you can bring on a cruise ship . If you're picky about wine, many lines will let you bring on a 750 ml bottle or two. Pack your favorite, but be prepared to pay a corkage fee if you drink it at an onboard bar or restaurant.

If you plan to purchase wine in port to bring home, you'll also want to pack bubble wrap or wine protector bags to get your bottles home safely.

Some lines, such as Holland America and Carnival, also allow you to bring on a limited number of cans of nonalcoholic drinks such as soda, juice or seltzer water. This can cut down on your bar bill or fuel your Diet Coke obsession should your ship carry only Pepsi.

I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone to bring their cell phone on vacation (but remember to pack the charging cables). However, you might not know to download your cruise line's app before you leave home. The app will show you the daily schedule, deck plans, dining reservations, shore excursion options and more. Many apps, like the one from Celebrity Cruises , even allow you to chat with other passengers while you're connected to the cruise ship's internet . (Remember to keep your devices in airplane mode to avoid accruing large at-sea roaming charges.)

You'll want cash, especially small bills, for tipping porters and purchasing small souvenirs in port. Depending on your itinerary, you might want to acquire some foreign currency in advance. Otherwise, you can use an ATM once you arrive in port. (ATMs almost always offer a better exchange rate than airport kiosks.)

Bring a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, so you don't spend more than you need to abroad. (If you don't have one, consider applying for one of the best credit cards for travel .)

What not to pack for a cruise

Now that you know what to put on your cruise packing list, you'll also want to know what to leave out. Some items you might be tempted to pack are outright banned by the cruise lines . Others simply aren't necessary.

Here's what you can leave out of your suitcase.

• Linens and towels
• Hand soap (unless you're picky)
• High chair and portable crib (your ship will provide these)
• Coffeemakers and other appliances with heating elements
• Illegal drugs (including marijuana and CBD products, even if they're legal in your home state or departure port)
• Extension cords
• Beverages beyond the modest allotment of wine or nonalcoholic drinks in cans
• Meat, cheese, fruit or other non-prepackaged food (check with your cruise line if you have dietary restrictions and require special food items)

Bottom line

Many cruisers tend to overpack when it comes to clothes and shoes but sometimes forget about other necessities. When you take your suitcase out of the closet and begin packing for your next itinerary, refer to this list and be sure you're covered when it comes to both clothing and those all-important accessories.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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• Destinations

The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

By Elissa Garay

Last updated: June 4th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

The task of packing for a cruise can feel daunting, given all of the special considerations—there could be temperature variations between ports of call, there are onboard dress codes to adhere to, and different types of shipboard activities and shore excursions that you can sign up for.

And, of course, destination consideration comes into play. A cruise packing list for an active, outdoorsy cruise to Alaska is going to look a lot different than one for a laid-back beach trip to the Caribbean , or for a sophisticated city-hopper sailing in the Mediterranean.

Have no fear: our expert-compiled cruise packing list will make sure you’re the savviest passenger at sea—and the best dressed one, to boot. After all, you want to spend your precious time in port shopping for spectacular souvenirs—not some forgotten sundries.

And remember that the beauty of a cruise vacation is that once you get everything into your bag, you only have to unpack one time after boarding the ship. So simply zip through this comprehensive list of things to pack for a cruise, and you’ll be packed like a pro and ready to go in no time.

What clothing, shoes, and accessories do I need to pack for a cruise?

A cruise vacation covers a lot of ground, which means you’ll need a lot of flexibility with your wardrobe, too. You can generally count on transitioning from daywear to smart casual on one or two nights per cruise and Evening Chic aboard the ship.

You should also be able to segue from a fun-in-the-sun beach outing to a rainy-day city walking tour with ease.

Consult the weather forecasts closely in the days leading up to your trip, and think in terms of layers and mix-and-match ensembles to make sure your suitcase doesn’t burst at the seams.

Don’t be afraid to recycle your more gently worn outfits—rest assured that your fellow cruisers will be none the wiser if you don the same pieces twice. Remember that there’s an onboard launderette and a laundry service, too.

Read: Expert Cruise Packing Tips

Undergarments & Sleepwear

Start off with the basics. As for any trip, don’t leave home without your underwear, socks (both athletic and dress socks), and bras/undershirts as the base for any day’s dress. You’ll want comfy pajamas to cozy up in after a long day spent exploring in port, too.

Casual Daywear

For laid-back days spent walking around the ship or port, you’ll want to have a good selection of comfortable and casual clothing.

Check the weather, and stick to a cruise packing list with a good selection of shorts, jeans/khakis, sundresses/skirts, T-shirts (both long- and short-sleeved) and tank tops.

Remember that if you’re visiting churches, mosques, or other religious sites on your adventures ashore, it’s expected that shoulders and bare legs are covered.

Smart Casual Evenings

Most nights, the dress code is smart casual, which means you look comfortable yet tasteful in anything from a skirt or dress to long pants, chic jeans, and a stylish top or button-down.

Evening Chic

Some evenings take on a dressier air aboard the ship, so be sure to consult with the dress code to make sure you’re dressed appropriately.

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.

There’s no requirement to pack a tuxedo or formal gown, although some guests love doing this for the sense of occasion. A suit and tie is welcome for Evening Chic nights, but is by no means essential.

Celebrity’s sailings of seven nights or longer have two nights designated as Evening Chic, while shorter cruises have one. All other days permit Smart Casual attire in the evenings.

Study the weather forecast and be sure to bring along climate-appropriate outerwear. When you’re packing for an Alaska cruise , for instance, you’ll almost certainly need lots of layers, with waterproof outerwear, winter hats, and gloves on hand.

You might have to throw in a sweater or sweatshirt on your packing list for a Caribbean cruise , and the same goes for a spring or fall stroll in a Mediterranean port.

Don’t forget sun hats and baseball caps for sunny days out on deck or in port, while a dressy scarf or shawl to drape over your shoulders is a good accessory for sophisticated evenings aboard the ship.

Beachwear & Activewear

Whether you’re splashing around on the pool deck or beachside, you’ll want to bring along at least a couple of swimsuits so they can dry between uses.

Cover-ups offer added protection on sun-kissed days, as well as an easy transition in attire from swimming to grabbing a bite to eat poolside or in the Oceanview Café at lunchtime.

Keep in mind that ships are equipped with gyms and outdoor tracks, fitness classes abound, and many ports welcome runners, kayakers, bikers, and other active types. There’s no need to skip out on your fitness regime if you don’t want to, so bring along your activewear, too.

You’ll want comfortable walking shoes for long excursions in port, whether it’s a pair of sneakers or comfy flats.

Sandals and flip-flops are must-haves for pool and beach days, while more elegant shoes are de rigueur for fancier evening dinners on board. Flip flops aren’t allowed in the main dining rooms and speciality restaurants in the evenings.

If the weather is going to be very rainy, the beaches rocky, or if there are mountains you’re looking to climb, be sure to bring along appropriate footwear, too, like rain boots, water shoes, or hiking boots.

Accessories

Don’t forget the trimmings! Bring some jewelry if you like, though, as with any trip, you’ll want to leave your best pieces at home. Though staterooms have safes, you’d be wise not to flash expensive baubles in some ports around the world.

A wristwatch is key, especially when cruising between time zones (so you won’t stress about missing the ship while out on an excursion), while an umbrella or poncho can help save a rainy day.

Topping your cruise packing list should be your eyeglasses and sunglasses. Do be sure to bring along some protective cases to help keep them intact during all of your travels.

Once you get the luggage unloaded, you’ll want some smaller bags on hand for the many adventures that await during the course of your cruise.

A daypack and/or beach bag is essential for toting items while in port, as well as whatever purse you want to use on board in the evenings.

Adding a collapsible tote to your list of things to pack for a cruise is a good strategy to help carry any extra souvenirs you might acquire along the way.

Other handy add-ons include ziplock bags (for waterproof storage and organization), and a wet bag (for snorkel gear and trips to the beach).

A top tip for embarkation day is to pack a day bag with essentials. With swimwear, flip flops, cover-up, and sunblock in hand, rather than in your checked baggage, you can head straight for the pool once you’re onboard and let the vacation begin.

Bring a bag for dirty laundry along. If you are on a longer sailing, consider taking advantage of the onboard laundry service rather than overpacking.

What hygiene products do I need to pack for a cruise?

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.

While your stateroom will come stocked with premium bath amenities, you might want to bring travel-sized bottles of your preferred products, too.

Other cruise packing list must-haves include a facial cleanser, moisturizer, deodorant, shaving supplies, lip balm, Q-tips, and cotton balls/pads.

Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash, too. 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.

In the case of emergency, you can always restock most of these items from the onboard shops or from a drugstore in port.

Hair & Makeup Products

Hair can sometimes require extra taming when coming in from a day at the beach or a windy sea day up on deck. Be prepared with all the hairstyling products, accessories, and tools you need, as well as a brush/comb, too.

Hairdryers are provided in each stateroom, and all Celebrity ships have an onboard salon should you wish to try a new look.

Bring along your makeup (and don’t forget the makeup remover). You might also want a small bottle of perfume or cologne, too.

Health & Safety Products

Cover your health and safety bases by packing any necessities like medications (including seasickness remedies , as needed), pain relievers, vitamins, feminine hygiene products, birth control, and a basic, personalized first-aid kit.

Other things to pack for a cruise include sunscreen (and aloe vera for relief, just in case you miss a spot), as well as insect repellent if you’re sailing somewhere tropical.

Keep hand wipes and sanitizer close on hand to help keep the germs at bay while you’re on the go. Sanitizer is provided all over the ship, too.

What documents do I need to pack for a cruise?

Sure, it’s vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can get by on sunshine and frothy drinks alone. You’ll need some essential documentation and a properly stocked wallet to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.

Wallet & Money Belt Items

You may want to trade in your wallet for a money belt while on your trip. Whichever route you choose, be sure to bring cash (including small bills for tips ashore), an ATM or debit card, and credit cards.

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.

You’ll also want to have your medical insurance card, as well as any travel insurance information, on you at all times.

Read: Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

Documentation & Contact Info

Be sure to bring along key travel documents, like copies of flight and hotel bookings. The cruise line will send you designated luggage tags, too; add those onto your luggage before embarking the ship.

Make sure you have copies of key documentation and information as backup, should anything get lost or stolen on your trip. Keep photocopies separate from the originals, and consider having scanned copies saved somewhere digitally, too.

Also have important phone numbers available (like for credit card companies or emergency contacts back home), as well as the mailing and email addresses for any friends or relatives you might want to write to while away.

It’s also prudent to keep copies of any prescriptions you take, as well as a list of medications and your medical history, should any medical incidents arise.

Travel guides can come in handy to read up on the ports that await you, while a pen and journal will allow you to jot down anything that might come up on the trip—or to document your vacation memories for posterity.

What technology items do I need to pack for a cruise?

These days, all of those electronic gadgets that we love could take up a suitcase all their own! To be digitally entertained and easily catch up with emails and news back home, keep your cell phone and laptop (or tablet) high on your cruise packing list.

Your cell phone might be all you need to take pictures, listen to music, and have an alarm clock for the morning. If that’s not the case, you might want to bring along a proper camera (with lenses, memory cards, etc.), music (and a player), and a travel alarm clock.

All those gadgets will need charging, too, so don’t forget those chargers. A power strip (preferably with built-in USB ports) can help ensure that the stateroom has more than enough juice to go around. On Celebrity’s Edge-series ships , you’ll find USB charging ports in your stateroom.

If you’ll be spending a lot of time by the pool and beach, do consider a waterproof phone case to help protect your cell phone. And if you’re staying abroad at a hotel pre- or post-cruise, don’t overlook voltage adapters, as needed.

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.

What else do I need to pack for a cruise?

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.

Travel aids like earplugs, a travel pillow, and a sleeping mask can help make long flights or car rides more comfy. A pack of travel-sized antibacterial wipes is always a good idea to help wipe down germ-prone surfaces as needed.

Consider bringing along some reading materials for lazy afternoons on your veranda or by the pool, whether you prefer paperback or e-books or magazines.

If you’re headed somewhere with loads of time for sand and surf, you might want to bring along your own snorkel and goggles so that you can set off on snorkeling excursions at whim.

If you’re cruising with kids , there’s a whole world of age-appropriate gear to consider, like diapers, strollers, toys, and games.

Finally, don’t forget to tuck away your house and car keys somewhere safe—you won’t need them until the end of your trip, but you’ll want to be able to find them in a snap when the time comes.

The Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist

Tick off this handy cruise packing checklist to ensure that all of your vacation essentials make it into your bags. Just note that some of these items will be optional, depending on factors like your cruise destination, duration, weather, and the types of activities you choose on your cruise.

Read: What to Wear on a Cruise

• Socks/stockings
• Undershirts

Casual Attire

• Jeans/khakis
• T-shirts/tank tops
• Sundresses/skirts

Formal Attire

• Dress shirts
• Blazers/suits/tuxedo
• Cocktail dresses/gowns
• Skirts/blouses
• Dressy pantsuits
• Sweaters/sweatshirts
• Coats/jackets/raincoats
• Hats/sun hats
• Scarves/shawls
• Workout clothes/activewear
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Leisure shoes
• Dress shoes
• Specialty footwear (hiking boots/rainboots/water shoes)
• Wristwatches
• Glasses cases
• Umbrella/poncho
• Daypack/beach bag
• Collapsible tote
• Ziplock bags
• Luggage locks
• Laundry bag
• Laundry kit (detergent/wrinkle-release spray/stain remover)
• Dental floss
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Facial cleanser/skincare products
• Moisturizer
• Shaving cream
• Contact lenses/case/solution/eye drops
• Nail file/clippers
• Cotton balls/pads
• Hairstyling tools
• Hairstyling products
• Hair accessories
• Makeup remover
• Perfume/cologne
• Sunscreen/aloe vera
• Insect repellent
• Feminine hygiene products
• Birth control
• Pain relievers
• Medications/vitamins
• First-aid kit
• Seasickness remedies
• Hand sanitizer
• Wallet/money belt with cash/ATM card/credit cards
• Driver’s license/international driver’s license
• Passports/visas
• Medical insurance card
• Travel insurance information
• Travel documents (cruise boarding passes/airline tickets/hotel info/itinerary/etc.)
• Printed/personal luggage tags
• Maps and directions if you don’t have them on your cellphone
• Travel guides/phrase book
• Prescriptions/list of medications/medical history
• Copies of passport/important documents/credit cards/etc.
• Important phone numbers (credit cards/emergency contacts/etc.)
• Addresses/e-mail addresses for friends/relatives
• Small notebook/journal
• Pens/highlighters
• Cell phone and charger
• Laptop/tablet and charger
• Camera/lenses/memory cards/batteries/charger
• Voltage adapters (for international pre-/post-cruise hotels)
• Alarm clock
• Power strip
• Portable speaker
• Waterproof phone case

Miscellaneous

• House/car keys
• Snacks/chewing gum
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel aids (earplugs/sleeping mask/travel pillow)
• Pleasure reading (magazines/books/e-book with charger)
• Antibacterial wipes
• Snorkel/goggles
• Kids/baby gear (diapers/toys/games/etc.)

Now that you can pack like a pro, the only thing missing is your cruise ticket and you’ll be all set to go! Browse our cruise itineraries that visit more than 300 destinations across the seven seas. Simply visit our website to book your dream cruise today.

Elissa Garay

Modern-day explorer, perpetual seeker, and diligent travel scribe Elissa Garay has traveled to and reported on 60-plus countries and 30 cruises, contributing to major national publications like Condé Nast Traveler , CNN Travel , AFAR , and Fodors  along the way. When not out globe-trotting, Elissa resides in Kingston, NY, with her husband and young daughter.

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Free, Printable and Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist

Cruise booked? Excited to sail but not sure what to bring? I got you! I just got back from a January 2023 sailing with Celebrity Cruises on the Beyond Cruise Ship. (Which I loved!) I am going to share with you everything I packed to bring on my Celebrity cruise (which includes my favorite cruise and travel items) and a FREE PRINTABLE cruise packing checklist. This cruise packing list will make easy work of packing for your cruise. Keep scrolling for the free and printable cruise checklist, what to pack in your carry on, my favorite cruise items and what not bring on a cruise.

At Pragmatic Travelers , we only recommend what we have actually experienced and the travel products we love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links of products that I trust and use when I travel. This means I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Again, I only recommend products that I have used and trust.

Thinking of sailing with Celebrity Cruises? Check out our review of the Celebrity Beyond Review .

Table of Contents

Best Items I Brought on my Cruise

Samsonite freeform carry on.

I hate checking my bags. So I always bring a carry on/personal item. This Samsonite Freeform Carry On suitcase did just the trick. I was able to fit multiple outfits and shoes into this suitcase. It fit easily under the stateroom bed and was a breeze around airports. Practical and reliable! 

Lily & Drew Carry On Weekender/Shoulder Bag

Travel Space Saver Bags

Mangopop Long Sleeve Bodysuit

Soft White Sweater

Silky V-Neck Midi Slip Dress

What I packed: Cruise Packing List

Important items.

• Passport/photo ID
• Cruise materials and shore excursion materials (if necessary)
• Wallet with CASH. I can’t tell you how important that was. I brought cash with me and the cruise staff helped break down large bills.
• Printed luggage tags
• Cell phone with charger
• Portable charger
• Insurance Cards and COVID Vaccine Card

Clothing & Accessories

• Workout gear for exercise and walking to the beach
• Underwear/socks/bras
• Bathing Suits/coverup
• 3 bodysuits (easy to mix and match for the evening)
• 2 dresses and 2 skirts
• 2 pairs of linen shorts
• 2 tank tops
• Sneakers, sandals, nice pair of flats
• Small clutch that fit my phone and credit cards
• Collapsible tote bag with a zipper to bring to the beach
• Spare pair of glasses

Bathroom Gear

• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Daily moisturizer with SPF, concealer and eye liner
• Night cream and eye cream
• Shower gel (didn’t use it much. I just used what they provided.)
• Shampoo, conditioner, gel and a volume product
• Body lotion
• Portable diffuser for my curly hair
• Sunscreen and bus spray
• Powdered laundry detergent (Just in case)

Medical Gear

• Personal medications
• Pain Relief, Imodium, Stool Softners
• Masks and hand sanitizer

Miscellaneous

• Headphones and charger
• Kindle with charger
• Lip Balm with SPF
• Wrinkle Release Spray

What should be in your carry on bag?

• Passport, photo ID, wallet, cash
• Important cruise documents
• Personal medications and motion sickness medication (if needed)
• Change of clothes, bathing suit and sandals
• Jewelry and valuables
• Entertainment gear like your Kindle or games
• Sunscreen and sunglasses

Don’t bring these items on a cruise

• Irons and steamers
• Candles and incense
• Homemade snacks
• Liquor, beer, cider
• Weapons of any kind
• CBD products
• Large floats for the pool
• Beach towels
• Coffee makers, tea kettles, mug warmers

Free/Printable Cruise Packing Checklist

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Ultimate Cruise Packing List – Printable Checklist Included!

Lucky you! You’re off on a cruise. You’ve got your trip booked and now you need to put together the ultimate cruise packing list before you set sail. If you’re wondering what to pack for a cruise, look no further. Our cruise checklist with help you decide what to wear on a cruise as well as other cruise essentials you’ll need to bring onboard. In addition to knowing what to take on a cruise, you’ll also need to know how to dress, how to pack and what little extras are important to bring.

Making a list of what to bring on a cruise is essential. Download my printable cruise packing list! You’ll find it further down in the post. This post focuses primarily on what to pack for a Caribbean cruise but the cruise check list is customisable for any type of cruise you’re headed on. For other location-specific cruise ship packing lists see these posts:

• If you’re looking for advice on what to pack for an Alaskan cruise, read my Alaska cruise packing list  post.
• If you’re looking for advice on what to pack for a Mediterranean cruise, read my European cruise packing list post .

What to Wear on Cruise Vacations

Wondering how to dress on a cruise? Knowing what to wear on a cruise ship isn’t easy if you haven’t been. When I think about Caribbean cruise clothes, I think of bright, light and airy resort wear. Picking your clothes for a cruise is actually pretty easy. Break it down and think about the tips of activities you’ll be doing on board though and it’s actually pretty easy to work out how to dress for a cruise.

Excursion outfits

This can be anything from workout gear for active excursions, resort wear for city excursions & shopping or beachwear. It depends on what you plan to do when you’re in port.

Around the ship

Think of your cruise wear clothing as resort wear. Around the pool desk is pretty casual. Dining in the buffet for breakfast, lunch or dinner is also casual. Shorts are acceptable but not swimwear.

Non-formal dining nights

In the dining room on regular nights, dress as you would going out to dinner or drinks with friends. I’ve heard it referred to as “country club casual” . People tend to dress nicely.  Men wear collared shirts and sometimes a sports coat. Women wear sundresses or pants and a nice shirt or tunic. Jeans are acceptable in the dining room so long as they are nice jeans with no tears.Children can wear shorts & t-shirts in the dining room.

Formal night on cruise

On a 7 day cruise there are usually two formal dining nights. Cruise formal wear isn’t as strict as it used to be. You will see a few tables dressed to the nines in evening gowns and a tux but most passengers will go for nice evening wear. Cocktail dresses or a jumpsuit is perfect formal cruise wear for ladies. Men usually wear a dark suit & tie but if you don’t have it then a dark shirt is fine. Boys should wear pants & a shirt. Girls should wear a party dress. If you don’t want to bring fancy clothing, you really don’t have to as there is also buffet dining, speciality restaurants and room service.

Need more inspiration on what clothes to wear on a cruise?

• For some specific ideas on cruise attire, read my post on 12 cruise outfits you’ll love to wear  where I show how to turn seven key items of clothing into 12 outfits for a cruise.
• For some specific ideas on styles of dresses that work for a cruise, read my post on cruise dresses.
• For some specific ideas on cruise formal wear, read my post on what to wear on cruise formal night

Packing List for Cruise

Planning what to pack for cruise needs quite a bit of thought. I would encourage you to get organised now and print out my checklist for cruise packing below. Go through your own wardrobe and look at the clothing you already have and decide what would make good cruise apparel. Then fill in the gaps by buying a few extra items. It’s always nice to have something new to wear for a vacation!

My biggest tip for deciding what to pack for a 7 day cruise is to think of outfits you can create and selecting pieces of clothing that work with one another . My Caribbean cruise packing list consists of a mixture of excursion outfits, clothes for cruise ship wear, resort casual pieces for non-formal evenings and cocktail dresses for formal wear for cruise dinners.

This is a 7 day cruise packing list. For longer cruises, you will be able to do laundry on board. For shorter cruises, just omit a few outfits to suit the length of your trip.

Clothes for Cruise Travel

• 3 Vest tops – For wearing under tunics and kimonos
• 3 T-Shirts – Striped t-shirts make great cruise wear!
• 2-3 Tops – Something like this red chiffon vest top is ideal.
• White or black Bermuda shorts (or capri pants if you don’t feel comfortable in shorts)
• Denim shorts
• Short romper (or extra pair of shorts or capris if you don’t feel comfortable in a romper)
• White jeans – Stretchy pull on ones like this are ideal! You could also go for light linen pants or palazzo pants. I have a full list of the different types of pants for travel in this post .
• 2 Sundresses – One black and one coloured or print
• Colourful maxi dress
• Black jumpsuit – This one is very affordable and comes in a tonne of colours if black isn’t your thing. If you don’t want to do a jumpsuit, add in a second maxi dress/
• 1-2 Cocktail dresses – This one is absolutely gorgeous for plus size women! . A nice black or navy dress is also a good option.
• 2 Set of workout clothes – Either for the gym or active excursions if planned
• Cardigan – For cool evenings or to wear on the plane
• 8 Pair of underwear – Enough for a 7 day cruise
• 3 bras – One nude everyday bra, one black evening bra and one white sports bra

Your swimwear is one of the most important things to take on a cruise! After all, you will be spending a lot of time in the pool or at the beach. You don’t need to bring a beach towel as they are provided onboard on the pool deck or when you’re leaving for excursions in port.

• 2 Bathing suits – I love the Miraclesuit which is an amazing slimming bathing suit!
• 2 Beach cover ups – You can use the tunic and kimono as part of the clothing listed above or have dedicated beach/pool coverups
• Aqua booties (if you’re planning any water sport excursions that require them)

Accessories

• 2 Pairs of sunglasses – 1 nice pair and 1 cheap pair  for wearing in the pool & sea
• Colorful print scarf
• Pashmina scarf for cooler evenings and wearing on the plane
• 2 statement necklaces
• Tote for every day use
• 2 Clutch purses for evening use
• Sneakers – Sketchers Go Walk sneakers are fantastic for travel!
• Sandals – Aerosoles are my preferred style of sandals for travel. Check out these ones or these ones.
• Wedge sandals – Aerosoles also make incredibly comfortable wedge sandals that look fantastic. Check out these ones .
• Heels – Pick one pair of black or nude strappy heels that work for cocktail dresses or jumpsuits.

Other Things to Bring on a Cruise

Of course clothes are not the only things you need for a cruise! What to bring on cruise depends a little on personal preference, especially in terms of electronics.

Electronics

Electronics may come under the list of things to pack on a cruise vacation…. or they may not! A cruise is an excellent “digital detox” vacation as internet is very slow and expensive on board. You’ll pay about $200 for a week long cruise if you want internet in your cabin. You won’t need a travel hair dryer as they are a provided on board.

• JOTO waterproof iPhone case – I love mine so much! For using my phone at the beach or pool and keeping it safe from sand & water and for taking pictures and videos in the water.
• Hair straightener or curling tongs – You can get travel-sized ones like this and this . I have a whole post dedicated to finding the best flat iron for travel if you’re interested!
• Smartphone (just be wary of additional roaming charges when you are abroad)
• All chargers for your devices
• Portable battery pack for charging your items on excursions
• Walkie talkies – A read just suggested these to me as a great tool when traveling with older kids so you can keep in touch without them needing to make expensive cellphone calls. Great idea!

While you will get some basic toiletries provided in your cabin, it’s often not adequate quality or quantity for me personally so I like to bring my own. I recommend decanting your own shampoo and conditioner into travel bottles. These squeezey silicone ones are the best. Use a hanging toiletries bag for your bathroom essentials. You can organise your toiletries further by using small Ziploc bags for things like makeup, hair accessories and first aid items. Put your sunscreen and bug spray in a large Ziploc bag so you can pop it into your tote when you head off on excursions.

• Moisturiser
• Toothpaste (travel size)
• Toothbrush (travel size)
• Conditioner
• Hairbrush (travel size)
• Hair ties and bobby pins
• Make up remover – Make up remover wipes are great for travel.
• Razor and shaving foam (travel size)
• Sunscreen – This is my absolute favorite sunscreen. It smells amazing!
• Aftersun lotion in case of sunburn
• Bug spray (travel size)
• Antacids – In case you overindulge at the buffet!
• Any medication you require
• Hand sanitizer (travel size)

Seasickness Prevention

A couple of things to pack for a cruise that I would definitely recommend for everyone is seasickness prevention supplies. You never know how your body is going to react to the motion of the ship so it pays to prepare in advance. Throw all these little items into a Ziploc bag together so you can put your hands on them if you need them. Once you return home, keep them bagged up for your next cruise!

A little seasickness prevention pack makes a nice gift for someone you’re cruising with also!

• Essential oil blend to calm motion sickness
• Ginger candy
• Lysol disinfecting wipes – Give your cabin surfaces a good wipe down when you first arrive. Although they are cleaned thoroughly it always pays to disinfect your room to prevent against cruise bugs like norovirus.

Pop all your documents in a travel document wallet to keep them organised. A money belt is also a good idea for cruise excursions when you don’t want to bring your wallet along.

• Driver’s licence
• Wallet – Bring some cash in US dollars as this can be used at most cruise ports
• Credit card & debit card – Only take one out at any time so that if you lose your wallet you still have access to funds
• Cruise booking print outs
• Excursion booking print outs
• Highlighter pen – For highlighting activities you want to do on your daily schedule

Cruise Packing List for Men

My cruise packing list for men is fairly similar to the women’s list above. All the extras can be shared between travel partners so I’ll just cover the list of what to wear on a cruise for men. Men’s cruise wear is relatively straight forward. Cruise attire for men means short sleeved shirts or t-shirts with shorts during the day. Evening cruise clothes for men on non-formal nights is slacks, long sleeved shirts and maybe a sports coat. Formal cruise attire men is a dark suit, shirt and tie with dress shoes or a tux if you’re going full formal. Tuxes can be rented on board.

What to Wear on a Cruise Men

• 2 Pair of shorts
• 3 Short-sleeved shirts – Something like this shirt is fun for cruising!
• 5 T-shirts or polo shirts
• 2 Set of workout wear
• 3 Long-sleeved shirts
• 2 Pair of chinos or khakis
• Sport coat or blazer
• Dark suit (if you are dressing up for formal night)
• Sweater – For cool evenings or to wear on the plane
• 8 Pairs of underwear

Shoes & Accessories

• Leather sandals or  Boat shoes
• Sport sandals
• Dress shoes
• 5-7 pairs of socks – A mix of dress or sport depending on your outfits
• Belt (1-2 to match your outfits or a reversible one )
• Baseball cap
• 2 Pair of sunglasses – One nice pair and one cheap pair  for swimming
• 2 Sets of swimming trunks
• UV rash vest
• Aqua booties (if you’re planning excursions that require them)

Cruise Packing List for Kids

As a mom it’s up to me to decide what to pack for kids on a cruise. Thankfully the rules for dress codes and cruise wear for kids is a little more relaxed. You know your kids best so feel free to adjust my family cruise packing list.

What to Pack for a Cruise for Kids

• 5-7 T-shirts
• 3 Sundresses for girls
• Party dress for formal nights
• Shirt for boys on formal nights
• Sweatshirt or caridgan – For cool evenings or to wear on the plane
• 10 Underwear
• Diapers & wipes (if necessary)
• 4-5 Pairs of socks
• 2 Sets of sleepwear
• 2 Swimsuits – UV swimwear is best for kids as it means less area to apply sunscreen
• Swim diapers (if necessary) – Children must be potty-trained to swim in pools onboard the ship but you may need a few swim diapers for excursions.
• Dress shoes – Only if you’re getting really dressed up for formal dining as a family or having family portraits taken

What to Bring on a Cruise with Kids

You won’t need to bring your own portacrib for babies & toddlers. They are provided by the ship.

• Coloring book & crayons
• Small selection of toys – Cars, dolls etc for playing in cabin
• iPad with games
• Kids’d headphones
• Any special comfort items they need like blankets or lovies
• Lightweight stroller (if necessary)

How to Pack for a Cruise

Here’s what luggage I recommend for a cruise:

Suitcase – Don’t bring a huge suitcase. When you’re packing for cruise trips, remember that your stateroom will be quite small. If you follow my packing list for a cruise below you won’t overpack. A 25″ suitcase should be adequate. This one from Delsey is great! . If you’re sharing a suitcase with your travel partner, then a 29″ suitcase like this will also work. There is limited storage in stateroom closets for multiple large suitcases so it’s a good idea to share one per family.

For further tips on packing for a cruise, check out my post 10 Cruise Packing Tips.

Cruise Packing Checklist to Download

All of the items from my cruise list above have been collated into an easy cruise packing list pdf that you can download and print. As you lay out items for your vacation, check them off the cruise packing checklist pdf so you can organise yourself ahead of time.

>>> Download here: What to Pack for a Cruise Checklist PDF

Questions & Comments on What to Pack on Cruise Ships

I hope you’ve found my cruise checklist, packing advice and ideas of things to wear on a cruise helpful. Good luck with your packing for a Caribbean cruise!

What do you wear on a cruise? I’ve love to know. I’d love to know what you think are the must-have items to take on a cruise.

Join Our Facebook Group to Chat More About Cruise Packing Tips

If you want to ask a specific question, chat to other cruisers about what to pack for your cruise or share your own cruise packing advice then join our Facebook group on Cruise Packing Tips!  We would love to help you work out exactly what to pack or hear your own ideas about what gear you use on your cruise. Join us for some fun and friendly discussions.

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Wow, such thorough info! Nice job.

I love how detailed you were and also how you have the images of the outfits. Will definitely be coming back to this post when we take a cruise!

This is a FANTASTIC list. Cruises seem to be the HARDEST thing for me to pack for this printable will be totally helpful. Pinned for later.

Awesome post!! Getting ready for our multi-gen cruise and needed to send our first time cruising family a good post. Yours was perfect friend 🙂

Oh awesome! Glad I could help. Where are you cruising next??

Hello there! I wanted to add something we have found absolutely necessary for families with kids…..walkie talkies!

We use these to keep in touch with our kids since we do not want to get a huge phone bill at the end. The kids love them because they can also switch the channel and talk with each other! And best of all, no searching the ship for our kids and we can all get together when we need to!

Hope this helps! Marisela

That is an EXCELLENT idea Marisela! Our kids are little still but I can totally see that being useful for older kids or if traveling with an extended family group or friends. I love it! Will add it to the post. 🙂

Ooo forgot to say AWESOME JOB on the post! I’ve been on a ton of cruises but my parents who have never been wanted a checklist and thought before I started to reinvent the wheel I’d search for one and found several but yours was by far the best list out there! Thanks!

Thank you so much for the compliment! I love solving problems for people and what to pack seems like such a common one. Glad I could help your parents! Where are they cruising?

WOW! You are amazing! I am a 76 year old grandmother. I have been on a few cruises and always over packed. My daughter is taking me on a first time 10 day western mediterranean cruise, I LOVE your beautiful outfit ideas/packing list etc. and I am having fun using them all. You are a God Send. Thank you very much.

Oh thank you so much Judy! That is super kind of you to say. I love hearing that what I put out there online has helped someone get read for their trip.

You can join our cruise packing group on Facebook too if you want to ask some questions! Here is the link – https://www.facebook.com/groups/cruisepackingtips/

This information is great but when I click to print, the page is “not found”. Any suggestions?

I’ve fixed the link. You can find it here – https://flashpackerfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/The-Ultimate-Cruise-Packing-Checklist-PDF.pdf

This is fabulous! The best site I have been to for Cruise tips! My husband and I are planning our first cruise ever in March of 2018. We are very excited and this post has helped A LOT!! Thank you 🙂

That’s awesome to hear Allie! Where are you cruising to?

Let me know if you have any questions. You can join our cruise packing group on Facebook here if you’d like to chat more about your cruise with me and other travelers – https://www.facebook.com/groups/cruisepackingtips/

LOVE your post! Going on my first cruise, southern carrebean for 10 days. So excited, but I think I have over packed big time. I have a carryon for toiletries, jewelry and change of cloths. I am on oxygen so I needed to pack in my 21 in. Suit Case my concentrator with accessories for overnight use. Plus I have my crossover purse as well as my crossover portable oxygen concentrator. I have 5 shorts with 5 tops, 2 capri with 4 tops, 2 short sundresses, 3 bathing suits with 3 coverups, 1 black jumpsuit, 1 long blue and white dress. 1 sequin black shawl and a white ballerio, beige wideleg dress slacks with 1 topa lightweight sweater shawl. I also have white skinny jeans with 2 tops and a pair of skinny blue jeans with 1 top. Have white blue, black soft sandals as well as flip flops, sneakers and black dress shoes and beige dress sandles. I need help!!

Thank you for taking the time to give such a detailed list! I am having trouble downloading the pdf – it says it can’t find the server?

pdf is no longer available. Can you help?

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Essential Packing Checklists

Every Travel & Packing List You'll Need

7-Day Cruise Checklist

What to pack for a cruise.

Cruises are great for seeing lots of new places without the hassle of organizing all the travel in between.  However, the combination of warm day activities and heavily air-conditioned dinners challenge even the most efficient packer.  Here are some extras to pack for a 7-day cruise, or you can check out our full PDF checklist here . Skip to the end if you’re just interested in the list!

Nearly every cruise goes into international waters, meaning you’ll need your passport for most stops. Also, depending on your citizenship and destination, you may need to plan ahead for visas or other documentation. With several regional viruses causing problems, you may need vaccines before departure and the paperwork to prove them. Don’t get stuck on the ship and make sure you have everything required for entry to every stop.

Onboard Extras

Formal evenings.

Most 7-day cruises have two formal evenings, so you’ll want to pack accordingly. For men, this means a suit; you can generally get away without the tie unless you’re feeling fancy. Women, I would recommend a wrinkle-free dress or two. Sundresses and sport coats will pass, but likely get you some looks. I’ve seen full on ball gowns on cruises so while not necessary to go full on black tie, it might be a fun excuse if you’re looking for it.

While nearly all food is included in the price of a cruise, the same cannot be said for drinks. Some cruises may have a drink package, but even that is extra, and of course, the price of individual drinks might be higher than elsewhere considering you’re trapped in their floating restaurant with no alternatives. However, many cruise lines allow passengers to bring a few bottles of wine per (adult) person. Check your policy and plan ahead if you’d like more reasonable prices for your dinner wine.

Things you won’t need

Just like a hotel, cruise ships will provide the basic toiletries you need for day to day use. This means shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Anything else you might need, definitely pack ahead. You’ll be able to buy anything you forgot onboard, but don’t be surprised when it’s more expensive.

The absolute last thing you’ll need to bring for a cruise is towels. You’ll have pools towels, bath towels, and even towels in the shape of a swan provided for you. Resist the urge to pack your own beach towels and just borrow pool towels for the occasion, you won’t be the only ones.

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Indigo Sahara

Travel Reviews, Guides, Tips & Travel Hacking

7 Day Cruise Packing List (What To Pack & More)

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: February 15, 2023 | Updated: February 4, 2024

Need to know how to pack for a 7 day cruise — even if you’re only bringing a carry-on? This ultimate 7 day cruise packing list shows you exactly what to pack as well as how to pack everything as efficiently as possible.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you .

Table of Contents

How do you pack a suitcase for a 7 day cruise?

To pack a suitcase for a 7 day cruise, use packing cubes, roll your clothes instead of folding and bring minimal toiletries.

Even though it seems impossible to pack for a 7 day cruise in one suitcase , trust me, it is doable. I was able to pack for a 7 day cruise in just a carry-on .

You can learn how to pack for a cruise in a carry-on here .

How many outfits should I pack for a 7 day cruise?

For a 7 day cruise, you should bring 10-14 outfits in case you get wet or need a nicer outfit for evening dinners.

Below, you’ll learn about what types of outfits you need (casual, formal, etc.) and how many of each type you need.

How many pairs of shoes should you take on a 7 day cruise?

For a 7 day cruise, you’ll need a pair of shoes for the pool, formal dinners, walking, close-toed shoe activities and the fitness center. Although you could easily bring 4+ pairs of shoes, I recommend finding one pair of shoes that serves multiple purposes, like these .

That way, your shoes won’t take up your precious suitcase space.

7 Day Cruise Packing List

1. 7-8 daytime outfits.

On your 7 day cruise , you’ll need a casual daytime outfit for each day , plus at least one backup outfit in case you get wet.

Depending on your 7 day cruise itinerary , you’ll want to pack shorts and lightweight tops for your daytime outfits.

Also, to maximize suitcase and stateroom space, don’t be afraid to rewear your daytime outfits , especially shorts. If packing shorts to rewear, you can easily get away with packing only 3-4 pairs shorts and 7-8 different tops.

2. 4-5 Evening Outfits

In addition, between the on-ship entertainment and classy bars, you’ll find that your T-shirts and shorts will feel too casual for cruise evenings. In fact, many cruise restaurants don’t allow shorts .

So, you’ll need to pack 4-5 evening outfits for your 7 day cruise as well. These outfits don’t have to be formalwear (we’ll discuss formalwear next), so packing sundresses, blouses, dress pants, khakis, polos, etc. will suffice.

Moreover, if you’re short on suitcase space, perhaps packing for your cruise in a carry-on , wear your evening outfits throughout the day as your daytime outfits as well. There’s absolutely no problem walking to the pool in a sundress or polo if needed.

3. 2 Formal Night Outfits

Speaking of formalwear, many 7 day cruise itineraries have at least one formal night where everyone dresses in formal attire . Women often where full-length evening gowns, and men wear suits or tuxedos.

Because some cruise sailings do not have official formal nights, check your itinerary for formal nights before packing . Your itinerary tells you if you have any formal nights and how many formal nights you need to pack for.

4. 4 Swimsuits

Obviously, you’ll also need to pack multiple swimsuits for your 7 day cruise .

I naively packed three swimsuits for our 7 day Caribbean cruise , and I often found myself putting on a damp swimsuit. In hindsight, I should have brought at least four swimsuits to always have a dry swimsuit on hand.

If you’re going on a 7 day Mediterranean cruise , I also recommend packing at least 4 swimsuits . If you’re going on a 7 day Alaskan cruise or another colder climate cruise, 2 swimsuits should suffice.

5. Pool, Formal, Walking And Tennis Shoes

As for shoes, you will need shoes for the pool deck, shoes for formal dinners, walking shoes and tennis shoes in order to take part in all of the activities you’re 7 day cruise has to offer.

However, you do not need to pack 4+ pairs of shoes . This will take up way too much suitcase space and weight. Instead, find one pair of shoes that can serve as your pool, formal dinner and walking shoes . Then wear your tennis shoes onto the ship . That way, you only have to bring 2 pairs of shoes total.

Find the best waterproof, cute and comfortable cruise shoes in my guide to the best cruise shoes for ladies .

6. Sunglasses

Next, you do not want to forget sunglasses on your 7 day cruise .

Cruise pool decks are completely exposed to the sunshine from above, and the ocean water reflects the sunshine from below. Basically, if you’re outside, you will be blinded from all directions without sunglasses.

If you need prescription sunglasses like me, I highly recommend buying sunglasses from Zenni Optical for your cruise. Zenni offers cheap (and trendy) prescription sunglasses for as low as $10 . This means, you won’t be upset if they get lost, bumped overboard or broken on your trip.

7. 2-3 Bottles Of Reef-Safe Sunscreen (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Similarly, you need to pack a lot of sunscreen for your 7 day cruise .

Just like you need to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, you need to protect your skin. No one enjoys being sunburnt on vacation.

But, you need to bring reef-safe sunscreen — not just to save ocean life, but also because many cruise destinations have banned dangerous sunscreens. My favorite reef-safe sunscreen, which is also completely non-toxic to humans is this Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen spray from Amazon .

8. Pool Bag

Next, you’ll want a small pool bag or purse to bring your belongings, such as your towel, sunglasses, book, phone, camera, etc., around the ship during the day.

I personally brought this beach-y round woven purse , which was perfect for both daytime pool hours and formal evening dinners.

9. 1-2 Fitness Center Outfits (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Cruise ship fitness centers offer a variety of free fitness classes and workout machines so you can stay in shape on your 7 day cruise .

If you plan to use your ship’s fitness center, pack just 1-2 workout outfits and rewear them throughout the week. I know this might sound gross, but everyone does it. It will save you loads of suitcase space. You’re secret is safe with me.

10. 4 Pairs Of Warm Pajamas

Although I am very thankful for stateroom air conditioning, staterooms can become surprisingly cold.

Yes, you should have a temperature control dial in your individual stateroom. But, I suggest bringing warm pajamas to sleep in anyway.

The combination of thin, limited bedding and frigid air conditioning makes for a cold night without long pajama pants and/or sweatshirts. I learned this the hard way.

11. Motion Sickness Remedies (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned cruiser, unfortunately seasicknesses doesn’t discriminate. Luckily, most people do not experience severe seasickness, but it’s always best to sail prepared.

There are tons of classic seasickness remedies on Amazon, all of which you can find in my Amazon cruise essentials list here.

Additionally, there are numerous natural motion sickness remedies , such as the Migrastil Migraine Stick and inhaler , that I personally bring on every trip. You can find all the best natural motion sickness remedies here .

12. Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer

While we’re on the topic of health, don’t forget to bring a few travel-size hand sanitizer bottles on your 7 day cruise . You’ll need them.

Between the all-inclusive self-serve buffets , poolside snacks and on-the-go port meals , you’ll feel the need to sanitize several times throughout each day.

I always travel with these portable hand sanitizer bottles because I can hang them on the outside of my purse for easy access. That way, I don’t have to dig through my clean belongings with unsanitary hands.

13. Minimal Toiletries (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Similarly, this 7 day cruise packing list wouldn’t be complete without toiletries.

I advise only bringing minimal toiletries , though. Toiletry cases and bottles are a sneaky way to quickly run out of suitcase space and stateroom storage.

In order to save as much toiletry space as possible, I love bringing my foldable hanging toiletry bag . I can hang my toiletries wherever is most convenient (shower curtain rod, mirror, closet, towel hook, etc.), and I can bend the bag in whatever shape necessary to fit inside my suitcase.

14. Portable Chargers And A Power Strip

Next, don’t forget your electronics . Notably, besides your phone and travel camera gear , don’t forget a portable charger and a retractable power strip.

Your ship’s daily activities are available on the ship app , which means you’ll need your phone to be charged at all times. My husband and I bought this two pack of affordable portable chargers on Amazon . We use them on every trip.

Furthermore, ship staterooms are notoriously small. Because of their small size, they inevitably have limited outlets. For example, our Royal Caribbean stateroom only had one outlet. To ensure all your devices, camera batteries and portable chargers stay charged , bring a retractable power strip like this one .

15. A Good Book (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Finally, don’t forget to bring a good book for relaxing pool and beach days .

My favorite book that I have ever read on a trip is Atomic Habits by James Clear . Not only was the book super insightful in terms of habit building and breaking, but it also made me feel recharged and excited to get back to work after my trip.

Or, if you prefer not to carry physical books in your luggage, invest in an ebook reader for your trip. Although I prefer hardcover copies, my husband has this Kindle and loved using it on our cruise.

Have any more questions about how to pack for a 7 day cruise ? Ask me in the reply section below or by sending me a direct message on Instagram . I’m happy to help!

More Cruise Packing Lists

How To Pack For A Cruise In A Carry-On (7+ Days!) Cruise Shoes For Ladies To Fit Your Every Need Amazon Cruise Essentials You Need In 2023 Cruise Puns You Need To Steal

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About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

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How To Pack For A Cruise In A Carry-On (7+ Days!)

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Printable Cruise Packing List + What to Pack for a Cruise

15 cruise packing tips and a free cruise packing list to help ensure you’re ready to set sail! Print your free checklist and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime!

This cruise packing list post is in partnership with Princess Cruises. All opinions are 100% my own. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re sailing to Cancun , Roatan, Honduras , or Freeport, Bahamas ; this checklist will cover everything you’ll need so you can sit by the pool and enjoy a refreshing Dirty Monkey knowing you didn’t leave anything at home!

What to Pack For A Cruise

My husband and I recently returned from the best Caribbean cruise! We spent a week onboard the beautiful Caribbean Princess, celebrating my husband’s 40th birthday. A Princess cruise is a great way to celebrate a special occasion, and I already want to go back!

You’d be surprised at how little you need to pack for a cruise. Most people spend the week in the same pair of shorts, swapping out a few favorite t-shirts. You definitely don’t need an outfit for every day, nor do you usually wear more than just flip-flops around the ship. But there are some things you need to plan for and some helpful items that seasoned cruisers all consider a must!

Today I’ll show you my personal list of what to pack for a cruise. Even though we went on a  Caribbean cruise, these items are perfect no matter where you’re sailing. Take a look –

Things to Pack for a Cruise

10 items you might not have thought of that can save you some headache and offer a ton of convenience! 

1. Ziploc Bags

I learned how handy Ziploc bags can be on a cruise ship years ago, and this is always the first piece of advice I offer to first-time cruisers. Not only can use them on board to save food, snacks, and leftover room service in your cabin refrigerator, but you can take them on excursions to keep your phone, camera, and ID away from sand and water. Bigger plastic bags can also be used to store wet bathing suits and water shoes so your other clothes don’t get wet and dirty on your way home.

2. Backpack

Leave the designer handbag on board and bring a backpack to all your excursions. Not only are they safe and less likely to be set down and forgotten, but they also come in handy if you plan to purchase souvenirs. Things to pack in your backpack include – your driver’s license (leave your passport in your cabin), your wallet, a bottle of water, sunscreen, and perhaps a towel.

3. Portable Charger

Even though your phone will most likely stay in airplane mode for the duration of your cruise, you’ll still drain your battery using your phone for an alarm clock, a camera, and to check the ship’s app throughout the day. It is also a good measure for safety in your various ports of call. Having a portable charger allows you to charge your phone or tablet back to full battery life – no outlet needed.

• Here is a portable charger on Amazon with great reviews for less than $10.

4. Waterproof Cell Case

Another cell phone accessory I found to be extremely helpful on our last cruise was a waterproof cell phone case on a lanyard. They are cheap (less than $10 at Walmart) and they not only protect your phone, they are a great way to carry cash or a credit card too! We did a few water excursions on our Princess cruise, and I used my cell phone as my camera at each port, so I was constantly using it.

The plastic case allows you to still access your touch screen, and it was so handy to have it around my neck and know that it wasn’t being lost or stolen. Also, when we were in the Cayman Islands it rained on us – hard! Thanks to my waterproof case, I never had to worry about my phone getting wet, or sandy. I even took it on our Zip Lining Excursion and felt secure enough to use my camera while soaring over the jungle!

• Here are a few waterproof cell phone cases , similar to the one I bought at Walmart. They also start at around $6.

5. Power Strip for more outlets.

Most staterooms on a cruise ship don’t have very many outlets. If you are traveling with your family or have multiple people in one room, it could be a fight over who gets to charge their cell phones or tablets each night. A power strip takes up very little space in your luggage and they are affordable too!

• This power strip has USB outlets and is nice and compact
• This universal adapter will allow you to use any European outlet(s) in your cabin.

6. Over the Door Shoe Rack

There isn’t a lot of extra space or storage in your cruise cabin, so hanging a shoe rack with pockets is a great way to organize smaller items. Toiletries, chargers, kid’s toys, cameras… they fit perfectly in a pocket where they are off the floor, spotted at a glance, and are easily accessible.

7. Nightlight

If you have an inside cabin, a small nightlight can help a child who might be afraid of the dark. It also comes in handy to light the way to the bathroom for an adult who likes to see where they are going! (It gets DARK in those rooms!)

8. Sunscreen + Extra Sunscreen

Make sure you bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need. Years ago my husband got a pretty nasty sunburn on day 3 or 4 of our cruise and it nearly ruined the rest of his cruise experience – he was miserable!!! If you do run out of sunscreen, the ship will sell some to you, but you’ll pay a pretty penny for it!

9. Bug spray

A lot of excursions suggest bringing bug spray, and it’s for a good reason! On one cruise we did years ago, we decided at the last minute to do an excursion to some ruins. The experience was completely unforgettable, but we were definitely not equipped for the bugs and mosquitos all along the trail. Now, bug spray is one of the very first things I put in my toiletries bag… just in case!

10. First Aid Kit + Medicine Bag

Just as it is unlikely that you’ll ever get bored on a cruise, it is also unlikely to become seasick too! All cruise ships have a medical office where you can get treated for small injuries and illnesses, so if you forget to pack bandaids or Tylenol, no worries. For peace of mind, I try to remember a travel first aid kit and some simple medicines – especially if I am traveling with kids. Here is what I like to include –

• Tylenol / Motrin / Ibuprofen for headaches or fevers
• cough medicine (nothing worse than being in tight quarters with a kid coughing all night long!
• Benadryl – this helped with my husband’s sunburn. (Knocked him out so he was able to sleep!)
• aloe vera lotion – to soothe any sunburns
• Dramamine (for adults and kids) I’ve never had to use this, but on the off chance that someone in your party starts to feel queasy, it’s better to be prepared.

Cruise Packing Tips

5 helpful cruise packing tips to remember.

• passport / ID
• wallet with money and credit cards
• cruise documents
• medications
• bathing suit
• items for kids/babies (bottles, favorite toys, blankets, etc.)
• Leave the hair dryer at home. Most cruise cabins provide a hard dryer, so you can save some serious space in your luggage.
• When we go to the beach, I bring a disposable diaper to wrap my cell phone, keys, and wallet in. (A clean one, obviously!) Not only is a big white blob harder to lose in the sand, but it also keeps potential thieves from stealing my things. (Just make sure your entire party knows what you’re doing so no one tries to be helpful and tosses it in the trash. 🙂 
• On our last Princess cruise, I saw several passengers use colorful spring clamps on the top of their deck lounge chairs to keep their towels in place – genius!! This idea also helps you identify your spot after a dip in the pool. Those bright-colored clamps stand out in a sea of striped towels! 
• Bring half of what you initially packed. Lay out everything you think you need, then set aside half of it. This guarantees you only bring the essentials. (If you do run out of things to wear, Princess Cruises has a laundry facility available too!)

Cruise Packing Checklist

Now that I’ve shared some helpful tips, let’s look at a list of evvvvvvverything you need while packing for a cruise!

Essentials –

• Passport + Drivers License / Personal ID
• Wallet with credit card + cash

Clothing –

• Formal Night clothes + shoes – You will see attire all across the fancy spectrum, from tuxedos and ballgowns to nice slacks and cute sundresses.
• daily clothes – shorts, shirts, tank tops, 1 pair of pants/ jeans
• sandals/ flip flops
• closed-toe shoes (some shore excursions require it)
• water shoes (some excursions recommend it)
• nicer clothes + shoes for dinner in the dining room
• swimsuit cover-up
• exercise clothes + shoes (if hitting the gym is your thing)
• sweatshirt/jacket (evenings on the deck can be windy and cold)
• rain jacket or poncho (our last cruise rained EVERY DAY!)
• jewelry, belts, accessories

Electronics –

• power strip to charge all your devices
• cell phone + charger
• portable cell phone charger
• camera + charger / batteries
• iPad/Kindle/ Laptop + all chargers
• selfie stick
• watch (for time changes)
• straightener / curling iron

Toiletries –

• hairspray + hair products
• toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash + floss
• conditioner (save room by using the cruise-provided soap and shampoo)
• meds – dramamine, Benadryl, Tylenol, motrin etc.
• bug repellant
• nail clippers + emery board + nail polish
• razor + shaving cream
• first aid kit

Misc. / Optional

• backpack/day pack
• waterproof cell phone case
• over-the-door shoe rack
• ziplock bags
• books + magazines
• water bottle
• snorkel gear (excursions will usually provide you with some)
• playing cards

More Great Cruise Tips

• Making The Most Of Your Days At Sea
• 10 Best Cruise Tips
• The Best Things To See & Do In Nassau
• How To Give Someone A Surprise Vacation

You’ve read all our tips on how to pack for a cruise. It’s time to download a copy of our Cruise Packing List and fill it in with everything you think you’ll need! Enter your name and email address below for immediate access –

Now that you know how to pack for a cruise, tell me – is there anything I forgot to add to our list?

Leave me a comment in the section below!

This post is in partnership with Princess Cruises. Thanks for supporting our sponsors so we can continue to provide family-friendly travel content to our readers. We appreciate it!

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Cruises allow checked baggage as well as carry-ons. To be on the safe side, you should split up what you pack and bring the most essential items in your carry-on. They will be – State ID Birth Certificate or Passport Vaccination records (This is a new day, ports will want you vaxxed) Spending cash, wallet, credit cards Swimsuit Prescription meds Sunblock Bug spray for port days 1 Change of clothes Cell phone Charger Toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant

These go in the carry-on because in case your checked baggage is lost, you will be able to get by and enjoy your cruise anyway until you get to port, where you can purchase some more clothing.

I do not recommend any kind of heat element, like a hair straightener, as those are often confiscated by the cruise lines as fire hazards. Just let your hair go, you’re on vacation anyway!

Such great recommendations!

We just went on a cruise last year, and I would add Pepto Bismol or some type of upset tummy medicine. One of my kids ate something that didn’t agree with him and the onboard shop didn’t have anything to help.

Such a great idea, thanks!

glow sticks works really well in bathroom. If you get up in middle of night you don’t have bright light.

That’s such a great idea!

I have found it’s a time saver to take a simple bow, etc with sticky back to place on cabin door. Easy to find your cabin.

Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

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Alaskan Cruise Packing Checklist: 80+ Things To Bring (Printable)

Need a checklist in order to pack for your cruise to Alaska? We have you covered.

Sailing to Alaska is like no other vacation. In fact, even if you’ve cruised before to somewhere like the Caribbean, what you pack to visit this region of the world can be very different.

That’s because Alaska presents more different situations that you’ll encounter than just about any other trip.

Consider that in the course of a day, you might wake up in the morning, and head to a hot tub in your swimsuit to take in the stunning views of Alaska. Then you might head back to the cabin to dress for a day that’s rainy and cool while you explore a port like Juneau.

That afternoon the weather could clear out, giving you a day that’s 75 degrees and sunny, meaning short sleeves and shorts are ideal. Back on the ship, it might be formal night, where you want to get dressed up for a nice evening around the ship.

And then there are all the other items to consider bringing, from binoculars to see wildlife to magnetic hooks that help you organize the cabin.

Remember, you can’t easily run out for something you forgot to pack, so having a full checklist to serve as a reminder of what to bring on an Alaska cruise is ideal. That’s why we’ve put together a printable list to help you plan. It has everything you need to consider bringing, all put into easy sections .

Note: This article contains links to Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate we earn a portion of each sale at no extra cost to you.

Download the Printable Alaskan Cruise Packing Checklist

Our checklist of things to pack for a cruise is completely free. While we cover all the items in detail below, you can click the image (or click this link ) to download the printable PDF.

Cruise Packing Checklist: Clothes

Clothing will make up the bulk of what you’ll bring on a cruise, and rightly so. With so many different scenarios to dress for when sailing to Alaska, just know that you’re going to want a little of everything.

We’ve constructed this list with the idea in mind of a typical 7-day round trip cruise. Remember that it’s ok if you wear the same thing twice on a cruise. For a 7-day cruise, having 3-4 outfits is a good idea.

Casual Clothes

• T-Shirts (at least one for every two days of your cruise)
• Shorts (at least one pair for your cruise)
• Long pants (at least 2-3 pairs)
• Long-sleeve shirts (great for adding layers)
• Swimsuit (At least one should you decide to hit the hot tub or heated pool)
• Light jacket or hoodie (this will be worn often)
• Rain jacket/poncho (rain jackets are ideal as they can keep you dry)
• Sleep clothes
• Athletic shorts (for hitting the gym)
• Flip-flops (won’t be worn much, but ideal for heading to the pool/hot tub)

Formal Clothes for Men

• Dress shirt
• Dress pants
• Dress shoes
• Blazer (optional, if you want to be more formal)
• Tie (optional)

Formal Clothes for Women

• Evening gown or cocktail dress
• Dress blouse
• Shoes/sandals

Cruise Packing Checklist: Items For the Cabin

Think you only need to pack things to wear? The following items are ideal for a cabin to make it more comfortable during your cruise. Don’t think you have to pack all of these items, but those that catch your interest should be brought along.

• Small fan (cabins don’t have fans to circulate air)
• Nightlight (interior cabins are especially dark)
• Magnetic hooks (to hang from the ceiling to dry swimsuits)
• Outlet adapter (to provide more outlet spaces in the cabin; those with surge protectors aren’t allowed)
• Shoe organizer (hangs over the door for storage of small items)
• Alarm clock (there’s no clock in the cabin)
• “ Poopouri ” or air freshener (bathroom smells can linger)

Cruise Packing Checklist: Personal Items

In addition to clothes, you need to pack a few other items with you to make your cruise to Alaska a success.

• Boarding documents
• Luggage tags
• Passport/birth certificate
• Emergency contact numbers
• Cash ( we’ve written about how much you need here )
• Backpack ( a light backpack is perfect for taking into port)
• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter medicines (headache, stomachache)
• Motion sickness pills/patches
• Ziploc bags (these bags have numerous uses)

Toiletries/Personal Care

• Cotton swabs
• Feminine products
• Hair straightener/curling iron
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Hair products
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Wet wipes (cabin toilet paper is thin, 1-ply product)

Cruise Packing Checklist: Kids Items

Cruises to Alaska don’t draw as many families as trips to the Caribbean but it’s certainly an awe-inspiring place for a family vacation. If you are packing for a family, then there are some things that good to bring. See our full list of ideas here .

Infants/Toddlers

• Silicone place mat
• Umbrella stroller
• A new toy (great for when kids are fussy and need a distraction)
• Bottles/water bottle
• Diapers and wipes

One thing to know is that cruise lines will provide a crib for sleeping in your cabin at no charge. Just let the staff know you need one.

• Handheld video games
• Playing cards
• Books/magazines

Cruise Packing Checklist: Other Items to Bring

While we’ve covered a number of things to pack for your cruise, there are some other miscellaneous items that are a good idea to bring when you sail to Alaska.

• Wine/champagne ( a bottle or two is allowed )
• Non-alcoholic drinks ( if allowed by your cruise line )
• Phone charger
• Lanyard (for holding your room keycard)
• Wrinkle-release spray
• Refillable bottle

Cruise Packing Checklist: Not Needed/Not Allowed

The following items may be tempting to bring, but cruise lines either take care of these for you or they aren’t allowed on the ship.

• Hair dryer (already provided in each cabin)
• Liquor/beer
• Homemade snacks (not allowed; pre-packaged snacks are ok)
• Towels (beach towels are supplied on the cruise)
• Clothes iron
• Weapons (including small knives and pepper spray)
• Marijuana (even if legal in Alaska)

Alaskan Cruise Packing Tips

Want some more tips on how to pack for a cruise to Alaska? Here are a few ideas that can better help you prepare when it comes to getting ready.

Luggage Rules Are Fairly Lenient (So Don’t Stress) We’ve talked about how you have to pack for a lot of different scenarios when sailing to Alaska on a cruise. The good news is that unlike traveling on a flight, cruise lines are very lenient on luggage. There are no fees for bringing luggage. There aren’t real limits on how much you can bring (within reason). Liquids are allowed in your bags, and there are even porters that will take your bags at the terminal and then they are delivered to your cabin.

In other words, yes, there is a lot to pack for, but it shouldn’t be a point of stress.

Remember the Flight When Packing While cruise lines are more relaxed in what you can bring, many people fly into port cities like Vancouver or Seattle to head to Alaska. Due to their location in the northwest, driving simply isn’t an option for many travelers.

In that case, you want to keep the flight in mind when packing. That means bringing less stuff to avoid baggage fees, being careful of liquid rules, and resisting the temptation to pack heavy suitcases as you’ll be carrying them around an airport.

Versatile Clothing Is Great Have a jacket that really only goes with one set of clothing? Leave it at home. Versatile clothing that can be worn in several different situations is ideal as it allows you to pack less. For example, instead of bringing one heavier coat in case it gets cold and windy, it’s a better idea to bring something lighter that can be worn with layers. This way you aren’t packing bulky items you’ll only wear once or twice. 

For more things to pack, don’t miss our 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of) .

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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Ultimate Cruise Packing Tips for First-Timers

By Carnival Cruise Line

• Remember Essential Documents
• Bring a Carry-On Backpack
• Keep a First-Aid Kit
• Use Sun, Bug, and Rain Protection
• Wear Comfortable Closed-Toed Shoes or Water Shoes
• Have Proper Attire For Dinner
• Take a Light Jacket, Sweater, Sweatshirt or Wrap
• Carry a Non-Surge Power Strip
• Use Resealable Plastic Bags
• Bring Hanging Essentials
• Remember Additional Cruising Essentials

After lots of dreaming and planning, you’re going on your first cruise . Now, all you have to do is pack. Don’t worry. This handy cruise packing checklist for first-timers offers all the tips you need for an enjoyable voyage.

Essential Documents

When packing for a cruise, start with a few essential documents. Make sure to bring:

• Your paper or digital airline tickets, if you are flying to your cruise departure port
• Your cruise documents
• Your passport, an enhanced driver’s license or a government-issued birth certificate to show proof of citizenship (take photos of these documents in case of loss)
• A certificate of vaccination (if required)
• A medical insurance card and your medical history
• Copies of your prescriptions and a list of all medications you’re taking

Carry-On Backpack

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.

First-Aid Kit

Chances are, you’ll enjoy every day of your cruise in perfect health, but it’s good to be prepared for small ailments that might pop up like a scratchy throat, a headache or a blister. Bring along a small toiletry bag packed with pain relievers, cough drops, allergy medicine, adhesive bandages, antacids, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial hand gel and seasickness remedies like pills, wrist bands, skin patches or ginger chews.

Sun, Rain and Bug Protection

A few protective items keep cruisers comfortable on board the ship and on land. To guard against harmful UVA and UVB rays, pack sunglasses with UV lenses, sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or more and a brimmed hat.

In the event that you are going on a snorkeling tour, you need to remember to only bring eco-friendly sunscreen, as most tours now only allow that type of sunscreen on their excursions. In case of rain, stay dry with a small umbrella or light raincoat, and prevent bug bites with some travel-sized mosquito repellent.

Comfortable Closed-Toed Sandals or Water Shoes

Your footwear can make or break your cruise vacation. Comfortable, closed-toed sandals or water shoes with anti-slip soles make the perfect choice for staying upright on slippery pool decks, wading in rocky reefs, exploring ancient ruins or shopping till you drop in outdoor markets. For easy transitions from water to land, purchase products made from durable, quick-drying materials.

Proper Attire for Dinner

If you’re cruise packing for the first time, make sure to bring the proper attire for dinner. While you can come as you are at lunchtime, dinner on a cruise calls for more elegant attire. Think smart-casual dress for women and slacks and a collared shirt for men. If you enjoy extra glitz and glamour, you can dress up in cocktail dresses, gowns, suits and ties or tuxedos on “formal night.”

Light Jacket, Sweater, Sweatshirt or Wrap

When you’re at sea, it can get chilly after the sun goes down. Don’t miss out on stargazing from the deck or cozying up in a lounge chair with a box of popcorn for a dive-in movie . Stay warm and comfortable with a light jacket, sweater, sweatshirt or wrap.

Non-Surge Power Strip

These days, travelers depend on lots of electrical gadgets and electronics for a comfortable vacation including phones, tablets, cameras, portable gaming devices, electric shavers, hair dryers and curling irons. Make sure you have enough plug-ins and outlets in your stateroom by packing a non-surge power strip. When shopping, look for one with a few regular outlets and USB ports.

Resealable Plastic Bags

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.

Hanging Organizers

Few items help keep your stateroom neat and orderly like hanging organizers. A variety of companies sell attractive toiletry bags that can hang on bathroom towel bars and hooks. For all of your toiletry needs, consider packing the following items:

• A comb or brush
• Conditioner
• Non-aerosol hairspray
• A toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Nail polish
• Nail clippers
• A razor and shaving cream

To keep other items like wallets, cell phones, sunglasses and water bottles organized and always at the ready, bring along an over-door shoe organizer with clear pockets.

Additional Cruising Essentials

A few additional essentials help ensure a more enjoyable cruise. To stay extra comfortable throughout your vacation, consider packing these items:

• Magnetic hooks to hold light jackets and bags, hats and wet swimming suits
• Athletic shoes for hitting the jogging track or SportSquare ™
• Wrinkle-release spray and spot stain remover to always look neat and put together
• A waterproof camera for exploring scenic reefs or cenotes
• Reading material like paperback books or magazines
• Magnetic message board for communicating with fellow travelers
• A lanyard for your cruise ship keycard

Because you may not be able to pick up whatever you need when you’re out at sea, it’s important to pack carefully for your first cruise. To ensure you don’t forget any of your must-haves, make use of this handy cruise checklist.

When packing for a cruise, always consider your destination , the duration of your trip, your ship’s onboard activities and the shore excursions you’ll be taking. But most of all, don’t forget to save room pack some new memories during your trip and have fun!

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

Related articles

Plan for fun.

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Ultimate Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Voyage

Written by Eagle Creek on June 5, 2024

Eagle Creek was established in 1975 by Steve and Nona Barker, a couple who revered the planet and explored it accordingly. In the process, they invented an entirely new product category: adventure travel gear. Half a century later, no one offers more expertly conceived and crafted gear for experiencing the earth in every hemisphere. Thoughtful, sustainable, function-forward solutions inspired by the belief that travel can be a force for good.

Imagine you’ve booked the cruise of your dreams, you’re finally ready to set sail, and as you settle into your stateroom, you realize you had forgotten to pack some crucial vacation staples.

Packing correctly for a cruise is key to a smooth voyage. Thankfully, our ultimate cruise packing list ensures you don't miss a thing for your trip overseas. This guide covers everything from essentials like clothing and toiletries to specific items like sunscreen and seasickness remedies. Packing strategically ensures optimal comfort and enhances the overall experience, especially since forgetting crucial essentials could lead to inconvenience or added expenses onboard.

Whether it's your first cruise or you're a seasoned sailor, our comprehensive cruise packing list will ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure on the high seas.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A CRUISE

Deciding what to pack for a cruise seems simple; however, packing for your cruise is like the ultimate balancing act. You want to bring everything you need without dragging along a ton of stuff. Packing with a plan means more room in your cabin and less hassle when getting on and off the ship. Plus, it saves you from that dreaded feeling of forgetting something important.

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS

Packing your cruise essentials, such as important documents, is crucial for a smooth travel experience. They serve as your lifeline throughout your journey, providing proof of identity, confirming reservations, and offering protection in emergencies.

Your passport is essential for international travel and is often required for boarding a cruise ship. Cruise tickets are equally vital, granting access to your floating home away from home. Travel insurance provides financial security by covering unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellations or medical emergencies.

Other essential documents may include visas, vaccination records, and driver's licenses. Without these documents, you risk facing delays, being denied entry, or even being stranded in unfamiliar places.

DAYTIME ATTIRE

To ensure you’re prepared for daytime activities, pack the following items:

• Lightweight and breathable clothing like shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses for warm weather destinations.
• Casual outfits for onboard activities like swimsuits, cover-ups, and comfortable sandals.
• Activewear for sports and fitness activities, like yoga pants, tank tops, and athletic shoes.

EVENING ATTIRE

• For elegant dinners and events, whip out your formal attire, including cocktail dresses, dress shirts, and trousers.
• Pack smart casual outfits for semi-formal evenings, including skirts, blouses, and dressy sandals or loafers.

ACCESSORIES

• Hats are great for sun protection, specifically wide-brimmed hats or baseball caps.
• Bring along sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays and glare.
• Pack scarves or shawls for layering or warmth in cooler evenings.
• Don’t forget belts and jewelry to add style and accessorize your outfits.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions and exploring ports.
• Sandals or flip-flops are perfect for lounging by the pool or beach.
• Be sure to pack dress shoes for formal evenings and dining.
• For any fitness facilities onboard, bring athletic shoes like sneakers.

TOILETRIES AND PERSONAL CARE

Aside from clothing, be sure to pack personal care items, which are essential for maintaining hygiene and well-being while traveling. Toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, and soap ensure you stay fresh and clean throughout your journey. Medications are crucial for managing any health conditions or unexpected illnesses that may arise.

Additionally, sunscreen and insect repellent protect you from sunburn or bug bites, especially on a Caribbean cruise or one to other tropical destinations.

Packing these essentials ensures you have the comforts of home while on the go and helps you feel confident and prepared for whatever adventures come your way. Without them, you might be scrambling to find replacements or facing discomfort from neglected personal care.

ELECTRONICS

When it comes to electronics, there are a few essentials you don't want to leave behind. First, your trusty smartphone will be your lifeline, keeping you connected and capturing those precious vacation moments.

Don't forget your camera if you're into photography. And if you're a bookworm, an e-reader can save you from carrying heavy books. Oh, and those chargers! They're absolute must-haves to keep your devices juiced up throughout your trip.

Remember, different countries often have different plug types, so grab some adapters to ensure your chargers can be used in any outlet you encounter.

E NTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES

Books are perfect companions for lazy days by the pool or unwinding in your cabin. If you're traveling with family or friends, bringing along some games can create fun evenings, fostering laughter and bonding. And for those planning to hit the gym or engage in onboard exercise classes, remember to pack your workout clothes and shoes to stay active and energized.

Staying entertained is crucial for maximizing your cruise experience, especially during downtime between excursions and meals. Whether you are lounging around with a captivating book, engaging in friendly competition over board games, or participating in onboard activities like dance classes or trivia nights, having options for entertainment ensures there's never a dull moment aboard your cruise ship.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Don't underestimate the importance of those miscellaneous items for your cruise! Packing a journal ensures you can capture all the memorable moments and reflections throughout your journey, creating a cherished keepsake to look back on.

Water bottles are essential for staying hydrated during excursions and onboard activities, keeping you refreshed and energized throughout the day. Another helpful tip is to pack any medicine you may need to stay healthy while traveling so you don’t miss out on any of the cruise ship fun.

A small backpack or tote bag is also handy for carrying essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and souvenirs during shore excursions, especially if you need to pack for a beach trip . It offers convenience and practicality while exploring new and exciting places during your shore excursions. Speaking of snacks, remember to pack some granola bars or trail mix to satisfy hunger between meals, ensuring you stay fueled for all your adventures.

Last but not least, sunscreen and a hat are must-haves to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun.

CRUISE PACKING PRO-TIPS

As you prepare for your cruise adventure, putting together a cruise checklist will help ensure that you leave nothing behind. From maximizing space to ensuring you have all the essentials, here's how to pack for your trip like a pro for your upcoming cruise adventure:

• Choose versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched.
• Use packing cubes to organize and maximize space in your luggage.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them to reduce wrinkles and save space.
• Pack a lightweight, foldable tote bag for shore excursions and beach days.
• Bring a power strip or multi-port USB charger to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
• Pack travel-sized toiletries to save space and comply with airline regulations.
• Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated onboard and during excursions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What items are prohibited from onboard.

Knowing what items are prohibited from being brought onboard is crucial for the safety and security of all passengers and crew.

Common prohibited items include weapons, such as firearms and knives, which pose a serious risk to everyone onboard. Illegal drugs and substances are strictly forbidden to ensure compliance with international laws and maintain a safe environment. Hazardous materials like flammable liquids or explosives are also banned to prevent accidents or emergencies.

WHAT LUGGAGE SHOULD I BRING ON A CRUISE?

Understanding your cruise's luggage allowance is crucial to avoid additional fees and ensure a smooth embarkation process. Check with your cruise line for specific guidelines, as they may vary. Generally, it’s recommended that you bring one suitcase per person, plus a personal item for essentials.

When choosing the right luggage for your trip, opt for durable, lightweight luggage from Eagle Creek, which is known for its quality and reliability. Eagle Creek offers a range of luggage options designed for travel, including wheeled suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags, providing versatility for different travel styles.

Additionally, Eagle Creek's organization equipment, such as packing and compression cubes , helps maximize space and keep your belongings secure during transit. By investing in reliable luggage and understanding your cruise's baggage policy, you can pack efficiently and enjoy a stress-free journey from start to finish.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR A CRUISE?

Packing essential items for a cruise is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable voyage. Start with basics like appropriate clothing for various activities and destinations, ensuring you have swimwear, formal attire, and comfortable shoes for excursions.

Remember to pack important documents such as passports and cruise tickets. Toiletries, medications, and sunscreen are also must-haves. Remember, the ultimate travel packing list should be tailored to your individual needs and preferences, considering factors like the length of the cruise, planned activities, and personal preferences.

Whether you're a beach lover, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, packing the right items ensures you're prepared for whatever the cruise has in store.

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Disney Cruise Packing List

Posted on Published: 06/03/2024

If you are headed out on a Disney Cruise, you’ll want to make sure that you have a good Disney Cruise packing list for your trip. Imagine opening your bag after arriving at your vacation destination, and you realize that you have forgotten to pack something essential. If you are on vacation in a city or suburban location, it should be fairly easy to replace most items by stopping at a local store.

But, if you are on a cruise ship , it can be pretty challenging. Shops on cruises only stock the most basic supplies, and the stores aren’t always open. Even if you do find what you need, it’s likely to be more expensive than you’ll want to spend.

Be sure to go through everything you are packing more than once so that you have everything that you need for your trip. Here are some things you’ll want to include on your Disney Cruise packing list.

This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these posts may result in a commission paid to us. All opinions are my own. I went on one media cruise and two cruises at a discount as part of Disney Social Media Moms but have been on over a dozen at my own expense. 

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 onboard credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

Be Prepared With Our Disney Cruise Packing List

When I get ready to start packing for a Disney Cruise, I make a list for each member of my family. Looking at the weather forecast for our destinations, I decide what type of clothes we should bring (shorts, pants, etc). Now that my kids are a bit older, they pack their own clothes and I review everything before it goes into a suitcase.

Tip – spread everyone’s clothes among each suitcase. That way, if a suitcase goes missing, there will be other items in the other bags. Make sure you label each bag with your identification, as well as the tags that Disney provides.

I also recommend putting an AirTag in/on your bag if you are flying. In 2022, when flying into MCO for a Disney Cruise, our luggage was left at Boston Logan Airport . The AirTags showed us that the bags were still in Boston, not on the next Orlando-bound flight the employee assumed.

What you need for your Disney cruise will vary depending on what your itinerary is. If you are traveling on a warm-weather vacation, you’ll need more swimsuits and sunscreen, while you’ll need warmer clothes for a cooler-weather cruise.

This list just includes suggestions – be sure to go over your list completely to ensure you have exactly what you need, even if it’s not listed in this post. Make sure you review the weather at each of your ports of call before you start packing. Even if you know weather averages, you’ll want to see the exact forecast before you go.

A note on the pirate night – pirate night on the Disney Cruise Line can be a BIG deal. Lots of families go all out in dressing up. But don’t feel obligated at all. We never dress up and it’s not unusual. If you do want to dress up, consider bringing anything along like bandanas, eye patches, full costumes, glow sticks, hats, etc.

For a Warm Weather Cruise

For a warm-weather cruise, you’ll want to include the following for each member of your family:

• Day outfits (several – if you plan to wear your swimsuit most days, you can re-wear many of these outfits)
• Evening outfits (for dinner, evening activities)
• One formal night outfit (more if you plan to eat at Palo , Enchante, or Remy – review their dress code before packing)
• At least one sweater for cooler nights and air conditioning in the dining rooms
• Passport and other cruise documents
• 1-2 bathing suits with cover-ups. I like to have more than one in case it doesn’t dry right away. Also, pack flip-flops or other beach shoes.
• Pajamas (something I always seem to forget)
• Medications, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you may need on your trip as well as motion sickness medication if needed
• Pirate night gear, if your itinerary includes a pirate night
• Lanyard to hold your Key to the World Card, unless you are in the Castaway Club (you’ll receive a complimentary lanyard if you are)

Also, pack the following:

• Stateroom door magnets (if you want to decorate your Disney Cruise Line door )
• Fish extender gifts
• Beach bag/ day bag/ backpack ( this is my favorite )
• Beach toys for Castaway Cay if your itinerary includes it

For a Cooler Weather Cruise

• Day outfits (at least one per day)
• One formal night outfit (more if you plan to eat at Palo or Remy – review their dress code before packing)
• Warmer clothing (sweaters, coats, etc)
• Gloves and hats
• Passport and other cruise documents if you are traveling out of the country
• Sunscreen (if you’ll encounter any sun)
• Bug spray (depending on destination)
• 1-2 bathing suits with cover-ups. I like to have more than one in case it doesn’t dry right away. Even if the weather isn’t warm, you may want to use the hot tub and/or spa. Also, pack flip-flops or other beach shoes.
• Medications, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you may need on your trip as well as motion sickness medication
• Door magnets and other stateroom door decor (if you want to decorate your Disney Cruise Line door )
• Day bag/ backpack

You won’t need to pack a hair dryer, iron, or power strip. The room includes a hair dryer, and irons and power strips aren’t allowed. If you do need to iron an outfit, there are laundry/ironing rooms located on the ship. You can do laundry on the ship yourself if you need to.

When traveling on the Disney Cruise Line, you’ll want to pack a day bag for your first day on the ship . Your luggage won’t be delivered to your room until later in the day on embarkation day. In the day bag, you’ll want to include:

• Bathing suits (if you plan to go to the pool deck before you set sail)
• Valuables (don’t leave these in your checked bag)
• Medications (just in case you need them or your bag gets lost)
• Sunscreen (if you are going to be in the sun on that first day)
• Basic toiletries
• Magnets to decorate your room
• Evening clothes for dinner (in case your bags don’t arrive in time)
• Baby products (if you are traveling with a baby)
• Cruise documents and passports
• Chargers for your phone in case you need it before your luggage arrives

Depending on when you embark, you won’t be able to access your room right away on embarkation day, so make sure you can actually carry your day bag around. You won’t want it to be too heavy.

If your kids are older, you may want to have them carry small backpacks with their own essentials. Some families choose to put their kids in their swimsuits under clothes so that they can head right to the pool. If you do this, be sure to pack some dry clothes in the bag so they can change, especially if your bags don’t arrive before dinnertime.

Before you leave, it’s also a good idea to load the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to your smartphone. With the app, you can see activities, load a deck plan, and communicate with your friends and family on the ship.

If you won’t have WiFi on the ship, you’ll want to do this before you set sail so it’s all set when you leave. The app works on the ship’s WiFi, and you won’t need to pay to use it.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise? If so, would you add anything else to this Disney Cruise packing list?

Want to use our starter packing lists? Start out with these packing lists to get a general overview of what you may want to pack. I like to print one of the child lists for each kid, and the master list for myself. They are available exclusively to subscribers.

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

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All of Our Best Packing Lists in One Place

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Here at Traveler , we’re always thinking about packing lists. And while there are some items we find, fall in love with, and want to bring on every trip , no matter the vacation destination, certain trips call for very specific outfits, luggage , and travel accessories. With that in mind, we’ve created a bevy of guides for nearly every unique experience you might find yourself on: a camping trip, cruise ship, European city vacation, theme park visit, and more. Scroll through for shopping inspiration and links to our best packing lists for every type of trip—we hope they’ll help you prepare for your next vacation, be it a foodie-focused city trip or a family vacation to Disney.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Work Trip | Digital Nomad | Honeymoon | Cruise | Road Trip | Europe | Beach | Safari | Ski Trip | Disney World | Camping Trip | Antarctica

Essentials for every trip 

Packing for a trip can be strenuous. Between prepping for the inevitable and the unknown, you can find yourself weighed down with a mountain of things that don't actually cover either. Having a set list of essentials to bring on every trip is an easy way to reduce packing stress. Check out the essentials that we never leave the house without—and you shouldn't either—below.

Documents and currency

• Water bottle and filter
• Hand sanitizer
• Ear plugs  
• Portable phone charger
• Bluetooth transmitter

Travel accessories

• Packing cubes
• Jewelry case
• Travel Pillow
• Toiletries bottles
• Moisturizer
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Acne spot treatment

What to pack for a work trip

We asked well-traveled professionals for their tried-and-true packing lists to find out the products that help work trips feel a little easier, and compiled their picks of travel bags , in-flight snacks, skincare favorites, tech essentials, and more that make busy travel days a whole lot smoother. From handheld steamers to nostalgic yummy treats, here's a list of favorites you'll never want to travel without again. 

What to pack as a digital nomad

Our travels have taught us how to pack for both summer and winter in one suitcase, which was a lesson learned the hard way. When traveling for months on end, many things you wouldn’t necessarily consider bringing when going somewhere for a week became essential. Today, packing is a very streamlined process for me. Through a series of trial-and-error, here are some must-have items for any trip.

What to pack for your honeymoon

Whether you’re jetting off “grand exit”-style immediately after the nuptials or planning a getaway for a later date, preparing for your honeymoon includes packing the right items for the destination, activities, and climate. We've rounded up some honeymoon packing list essentials to bring along no matter where you're headed, followed by outfit ideas, comfortable walking shoes, and luggage tailored to your locale of choice.

What to pack for a cruise

Unless you're on an expedition trip to, say, Antarctica , packing for a cruise vacation is a fairly straightforward endeavor: Bathing suits, sandals, a Kindle full of books to read by the pool, and you're basically good to go. But there are a few trip essentials that shouldn't be left off your cruise packing list—we’ve broken it down by items to unwind in your stateroom, picks for sightseeing and shore excursions, gear to wear by the pool, and outfit ideas for formal night.

What to pack for a road trip  

There is certainly something to be said about the magic of the open road, whether you’re headed out on a last-minute weekend jaunt or a weeks-long trek across North America . While technically you just need keys, a driver's license, and a set of wheels, add these essentials to your road trip packing list to make your journey that much more enjoyable.

What to pack for a trip to Europe

When deciding what to pack for Europe , there are a few things to keep in mind: You want to make sure your travel essentials are versatile, comfortable, and destination appropriate, keeping in mind the cityscape and climate you're headed to. Bonus points if you can make your stylish gear sustainable by wearing clothing and accessories made using recycled or even remnant fabrics. With those goals in mind, we’ve put together some wardrobe essentials and outfit inspiration for a few of our favorite European holiday destinations, from Paris to Lisbon to Copenhagen .

What to pack for a beach vacation

Headed to a white sand beach? Finalizing a beach vacation packing list requires a slightly different strategy, one that can be heavy on the travel accessories: For one, preventative measures like face and body sunscreen , sunglasses, and hats are non-negotiable. Plus, there's the basics, like beach bags and swimwear . For a refresher on items you won't want to forget, consult our ultimate beach vacation packing list before your next seaside trip.

What outfits to pack for a safari

Packing for a safari is a science: You need to be prepared for changing temperatures, high sun, and plenty of dust, as well as cocktail hour and a dip in the pool—and all of your safari outfits, plus toiletries and gear, have to fit in a soft-sided duffel with a strict weight limit. We polled our resident experts and trusted specialists for help narrowing down the best safari outfit ideas.

What to pack for a ski trip

When it comes to ski trip packing lists, we’re big fans of lightening your luggage load. That might mean packing everything into an extra-large carry-on, or  renting heavy gear . That said, from the slopes to  après-ski fun , there are a few essential pieces of clothing and gear items that are best not rented. And when you know the trusted cold weather brands to invest in, you can count on that wool sweater, those Gore-Tex lined boots, leather mitts, and down jacket to last for many, many years to come.

What to pack for Disney World

Preparing for a trip to Walt Disney World can be daunting—there are often months of anticipation filled with choosing a hotel , booking meal reservations, and planning your park hopping itinerary leading up to the occasion. But packing doesn’t have to be complicated or involve multiple checked bags.

What to pack for a camping trip

Deciding to plan a camping trip and knowing where to start—and, specifically, what supplies to bring—are two different things. Understanding which tent you need and what cookware essentials to bring to the campgrounds often requires far too many hours spent researching online. Here's the good news: We did the research for you. Click below for a full run-down of the best camping gear must-haves. (Going on your first backpacking trip ? We've got that covered, too.)

What to pack for a trip to Antarctica

Packing was a daunting process. After doing research, asking a few friends who had made similar journeys for advice, and ordering as many items as I could to make the 18-day trip as smooth as possible, I was ready to set sail. If you’ve ever had even an inkling to see Antarctica, I highly suggest making plans to visit once in your lifetime. And when you do begin to prepare, here are tips and recommendations on what to pack, based on what proved to be useful. 

Cruise Packing List: 56 Essentials Chosen by Experts

P acking for any trip takes some planning, but cruise vacations present a unique challenge – particularly due to limited stateroom storage space and sparse (or overpriced) options for purchasing accidentally forgotten items.

To help you decide what to pack for a cruise, we've curated a list of essentials recommended by cruise experts who regularly sail the high seas. Download the U.S. News Cruise Packing List pictured above to reference while you pack, and read on to learn more about the recommended items and where you can purchase them if needed.

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Carry-on bag

Regardless of whether you bring checked luggage, you'll need some type of carry-on bag . Since checked bags need to go through security as they do at airports – and because you may need to wait for your stateroom to be ready, just like at a hotel – you'll want to be able to access any necessities pre-cruise. These might include a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the pools; medications; a bottle of water; and your smartphone, of course. You'll also want to keep your credit card , passport, and any other important documentation or valuables close by. A carry-on backpack works especially well since it can double as a day bag for shore excursions.

Checked bag

While you'll likely want to bring a checked bag, consider sharing one with your ship mate(s) to maximize stateroom storage space. Or, consider bringing medium-sized luggage, such as the The Medium by Away , for checking in.

Read: The Best Checked Luggage Options

Garment bag

While many cruises are less formal these days, a garment bag can still be handy for keeping select garments wrinkle-free (since clothing irons are prohibited on cruise ships). Top-rated options include the The Garment Duffel by Halfday and the Briggs and Riley Baseline 22" Carry-On 2-Wheel Garment Bag , both of which double as traditional luggage. If you pack your luggage right, you can make this your only suitcase, in addition to a carry-on bag.

Packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags

Packing cubes are one of the best ways to organize your belongings for travel – especially in a tight cruise ship cabin. Top-rated options include the Veken packing cubes on Amazon (usually priced around $20) and all of the Pack-It Sets by Eagle Creek. The Pack-It Starter Set is especially ideal for cruising since it includes a garment folder designed to minimize wrinkles in clothing. Some cruisers also swear by vacuum-sealed bags , even though they can be a bit more tedious to pack.

Carry-on caddy

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer at The Points Guy, recommends a carry-on caddy , particularly if you're flying to your embarkation point. "I have a fabric sleeve that slides down over the telescoping handle on my carry-on to provide pockets for my passport, phone, coffee – all the things I used to have to juggle during check-in."

Digital luggage scale

The compact Etekcity scale – approximately $10 on Amazon – can weigh bags up to 110 pounds and help you avoid overweight baggage fees.

Bungee cord

"Especially for travelling with the family, I use a bright-green bungee cord to strap multiple pieces of luggage together," says Aaron Saunders, senior editor at Cruise Critic. "It's a lifesaver when boarding trains or disembarking ships, particularly when you ' re maneuvering a stroller and a little one around, too."

Luggage tracker

A luggage tracker isn't just useful for air travel. Attach one to your checked cruise luggage to see when it has arrived in your stateroom (or if it's stalled at security). Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic, doesn't go anywhere without her Apple AirTag after her luggage got stuck in Vancouver for over a week last June. "My AirTag use has expanded beyond my checked luggage, too. I also have AirTags in my handbag, my carry-on, my keychain and my wallet."

Cruise insurance

Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, cruise insurance can be a wise purchase ahead of your voyage. Travel policies can cover unforeseen expenses such as trip interruptions and medical emergencies.

While a passport is often required for cruising, rules can vary depending where you're traveling. Determine whether you need a passport for your upcoming cruise ; if you do, triple-check that you have it packed the day of departure.

Credit cards and local currency

When cruising internationally, consider getting small amounts of each country's currency to have on hand in port. Depending where you go, some local markets may only accept their own country's currency, not U.S. dollars or credit cards. It's also nice to leave cash gratuities for cab drivers, tour guides or servers; in the European Union, 1- and 2-euro coins are convenient and appropriate tips. In ports with vendors that do accept credit cards, be sure to carry a Visa or Mastercard , as some shops and restaurants do not take American Express .

RFID wallet

It's important to protect your travel documents with an RFID wallet like the TIGARI Passport Holder or the ZOPPEN RFID Travel Passport Wallet , the latter of which can hold multiple passports for a family. "Thieves and hackers can steal your credit card information just by using skimming devices," explains Jill Schildhouse, a cruise expert and U.S. News contributor who always travels with her RFID wallet. "And because your wallet wasn't even touched, you won't know it happened until you see your credit card statement."

Medications

Pack more than enough of your prescription medications as well as any over-the-counter medicines you'll need, just in case you encounter an itinerary change or travel delay. While some travelers find it easiest to bring personal medicines in their prescription bottles, others find travel pill boxes to be especially helpful for organization. The Sukuos Weekly Pill Organizer is a well-rated option, with detachable boxes for each day as well as compartments for morning and evening medications.

Sheet masks

Since flying can be so drying for the skin, Faust likes to use sheet masks. "My first step the night before I board (because you should always fly in a day early) is to hydrate with a sheet mask (usually from a Korean brand like Ballon Blanc or FaceTory )," she says. "If I'm meeting up with a friend, I bring an extra sheet mask so our trip starts out feeling a bit like a spa day!"

Magnetic hooks

A surprising fact: Cruise ship cabin walls are made of metal, which means you can optimize your storage space by hanging some of your belongings on magnetic wall hooks. The hooks are perfect for holding bulky coats or boots if you're traveling to a colder climate. You can also use them for wet gear on expedition ships and adventure cruises, or for drying out bathing suits after days at the beach or pool. Purchase a set of magnetic hooks for less than $10 on Amazon .

Like hotels, cruise ships can only provide so many hangers. Bring a few extras from home or pick up a pack from your local dollar store. You might also try packable hangers .

Wrinkle release spray

Whether or not you bring a garment bag, a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release spray, such as Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray , is useful to have on board. If you combine a spritz or two with the steam from your shower, you should be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles in your clothing.

Laundry detergent

"If you don't want to pay for laundry service or spend precious time in the self-service laundry room, bring a small bottle of laundry detergent like Woolite to wash key items in the sink: underwear, bras, quick-dry hiking shorts, bathing suits, etc.," recommends Schildhouse. "Every cruise ship shower has a retractable clothesline you can extend to drape the clothes over while they dry. This can also help cut down on the number of items you need to pack."

Over-the-door organizers

Over-the-door organizers with clear or mesh pockets allow you to find your feminine hygiene products, makeup, jewelry and other small items quickly – without having to hunt through multiple drawers or a tight stateroom closet. It's a good idea to purchase a two-pack like this option by Simple Houseware Store (available on Amazon), since you can also use one to store shoes and maximize floor space.

It goes without saying, but to say it anyway: A toilet spray like Poo-Pourri is a must for your cruise packing list. Any smell – pleasant or not – will travel quickly in small staterooms with small bathrooms. Buy a travel-size bottle to keep in your cabin.

Shampoo and conditioner

Cruise experts agree it's best to bring your own shampoo and conditioner in travel-size bottles, as most cruise ships don't provide separate shampoo and conditioner anymore; instead, they offer all-in-one dispensers. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, likes to pack her shampoo and conditioner in the popular Cadence Capsules , noting she also uses them for another essential: sunscreen. "These capsules are easy to fill, never leak and have clear labels, which you can customize," she says.

Wine or Champagne

Most major cruise lines allow each guest to bring one to two bottles of wine or Champagne on board, while some luxury cruise lines allow even more than that. Disney Cruise Line also gives guests the option to bring a six-pack of beer instead of wine or Champagne. Be sure to consult your cruise line's policies when packing for your trip.

If you plan to bring wine or Champagne, you'll likely need a corkscrew . While some cruise lines may prohibit corkscrews, others allow them onboard; check your cruise line's policy before sailing. Bringing wine with a twistable cap may be a good alternative.

Portable humidifier

Cruise ship cabins can feel dry – especially in the colder months. A portable humidifier like the GENIANI Erie (around $25 on Amazon) can provide some relief. At about half a pound, this USB-powered device will fit neatly into your checked bag or carry-on luggage. The travel humidifier features two mist settings and has an automatic shut-off option, plus a night light to help you see around your cabin in the dark.

International travel adapter or converter

You'll likely need a travel adapter, since cruise lines homeported in international locales may have different electrical sockets and voltage strengths than you're used to in the U.S.

McDaniel recommends the OneWorld65 Travel Adapter . "I've used a lot of different travel adapters over the years, but this is my favorite. It charges up to six devices at once, has USB and mini-USB options, and works in over 200 countries," she says. "While many cruise ships have U.S. outlets, most usually also have European outlets. This adapter lets me take advantage of that outlet I'd otherwise ignore." She also notes that while cruise lines are getting better about having more outlets on their ships, it never feels like enough to keep your phone, camera battery, tablet, watch, headphones/earbuds and laptop charged (times two or more if you're traveling with others).

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Sound machine

Cruise experts agree a sound machine can be helpful for blocking out the sound of late-night partiers returning to their staterooms (or your snoring spouse). Schildhouse likes the LectroFan Micro 2 for cruising. "It plays non-looping white noise and doubles as a speaker to play tunes while you get ready for dinner."

Tech organizer

A tech organizer like the BAGSMART electronics organizer case – available on Amazon for about $20 – can store all your cables, plugs, SD cards and earphones in one zippered, compact bag that will fit easily in your carry-on luggage. Despite its small size, it can also hold bulkier items like a small laptop charging cord.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is a good thing to have on hand no matter where you go. You can make your own using supplies you already have at home, or buy a premade first-aid kit on Amazon for about $20. While all cruise ships have medical facilities, it's useful to have these items with you on shore excursions, especially those involving active adventures.

Hand sanitizer

Regularly washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer is essential to staying healthy while traveling, especially on a cruise ship. Stock up on a few travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer (less than $2 each at Walmart) ahead of your trip. If you're looking for something with less alcohol that's also less drying, check out Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer .

If you're a parent, you know that your infant or toddler needs a very specific size – and in some cases brand – of diapers, which may very well be unavailable to you on your cruise ship or in the ports of call. Bring more than enough diapers to play it safe at sea.

Most cruise lines also require that non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers wear swim diapers in the children's water play areas. For the sake of sanitation, kids must be toilet-trained to use the pools on cruise ships.

Many cruisers like to personalize their cabin with stateroom door decor. Not only is it a fun tradition, but decorating the door can make it easier to locate your room, too. You can find lots of fun decor ideas on Pinterest as well as Amazon.

" Duct tape is a life-saver in many situations," says Kosciolek. "I primarily use it to attach my printed luggage tags, but it's also great for mending clothing issues on the fly and fixing broken luggage until you can get it back home."

"As a parent, I like to bring lanyards with sleeves so my kids can wear their keycards and not lose them," says Erica Silverstein, senior cruise editor at The Points Guy. "We hang them on the magnetic hooks I put on the wall, so they don't get lost in the cabin either."

If you're prone to (or think you may be prone to) motion sickness on cruise ships, put a pair of Sea-Bands on your cruise packing list. These soft wristbands use acupressure to prevent and minimize nausea and vomiting on board, and they are a reusable, drug-free alternative to traditional anti-nausea medications. You can purchase Sea-Bands on Amazon or at most drugstores.

If you need something a bit stronger than Sea-Bands (or to use in conjunction with them), Dramamine remains a tried-and-true solution for both preventing and treating sea sickness. Choose the Less Drowsy formula to avoid getting sleepy, and consider the chewable tablets (dye-free) if traveling with kids who are prone to queasiness. Many travelers like Bonine as a remedy for sea sickness as well.

Mix-and-match clothing

Pack a variety of mix-and-match items, also known as a capsule wardrobe, for your cruise. To do this, choose a base color – black or navy blue – for your wardrobe. Next, pack plain, neutral-colored items, then add a few patterned items to the mix. Remember to include a variety of styles (T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits) and also consider reversible clothing and outfits that can easily transition from day to night.

Sports jacket or blazer

Adam Coulter, executive editor of Cruise Critic UK & Australia, recommends packing a sports jacket or blazer. "While cruise lines are getting more casual, what happens if you get that last-minute invite to meet the captain, or there's a meet and mingle where you want to look put together? A jacket will always elevate your elegance (even if you're wearing a T-shirt underneath)," he says. If you're in need of a travel blazer, Bluffworks has some well-rated options; the Gramercy , in particular, gets great reviews.

Themed party attire

Some cruise lines host themed voyages or parties on select nights where passengers can dress up to participate in the fun. You'll want to review your cruise itinerary before you go so you're prepared for the festivities. Bring your buccaneer gear if you're sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line; ships host fun events like Pirate Nights, pirate-themed dinners and a "Pirates in the Caribbean" show. On "The Love Boat"-themed cruises offered by Princess Cruises , pack your platform boots, glittery dresses, bell-bottom pants and halter tops for the line's 1970s-inspired disco party on the deck. No matter the theme, you can't go wrong with a couple of captain hats .

Travel wrap

A travel wrap is a versatile accessory that's useful for any trip – even more so on a cruise ship where it can get chilly when the sea breeze picks up. Available in nearly 10 different colors, J.Crew's Oversized Cashmere Wrap is a timeless staple, albeit a bit of an investment; for something less expensive but well rated, try this off-brand pashmina shawl on Amazon .

Packable jacket

If you're cruising to a cold weather destination such as Alaska, you'll need something heavier than a travel wrap, but not so bulky that it requires additional luggage. Consider a packable jacket that folds easily and compactly; travel experts highly recommend the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket .

Packable hat

If you're headed to the Caribbean or another warm weather destination, you'll want a beach hat to protect your scalp and face from the sun. This packable straw hat by FURTALK (available on Amazon for about $25) is a stylish women's option that features a broader brim and offers UPF 50 sun protection.

Comfortable walking shoes

Even if you never step foot off the ship, there is still plenty of walking to do between bow and stern. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps are safer than flimsy flip-flops when boarding a slippery tender into port (if your ship can't dock directly). Check out our recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoes , which include the popular Allbirds Wool Runners and the ECCO Yucatan Sandals .

Water shoes

Depending on your scheduled shore excursions, you might also need a pair of water shoes. For something that's both functional and fashionable, Crocs' Classic Clogs are a good option. While not totally waterproof, the Native Jefferson is a water-friendly, versatile option.

Versatile heels

"Over the years, I've learned that the key to avoiding overpacking is to bring one neutral pair of low heels that match every single eveningwear outfit I've packed – from flowy pants to dresses," says Schildhouse, who loves her Rockport Tabitha 2-Strap Heeled Sandals . "They have a cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing heel so you can dance the night away in the club, and a 3-inch block heel with traction to keep you steady on your feet even if the ship's rocking a bit."

Reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle is useful for filling up at water and beverage stations on your cruise ship; it's also a necessity for shore excursions.

Bathing suit

Pack a couple of swimsuits for the pools, hot tubs and any shore excursions.

Swim cover-up

Another must-have for your cruise packing list is a swimsuit cover-up or two. These are great for wearing over your bathing suit during days at sea, as well as on excursions – especially if you're going on a Caribbean cruise . Amazon sells a variety of stylish, affordable cover-ups, and you can never go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt .

Dry bags are useful for shore excursions where you're likely to get wet but don't want the same to be true for your phone, camera and other precious items. "I use the Outdoor Research Unisex Dry Isolation Pack  and have never had so much as a drop of moisture enter it, which is important for me – it keeps my cameras, documents and important items from getting wet," says Saunders, adding that it functions as a great everyday backpack when it's not raining.

If you need more than one dry bag, cruise expert Brittany Chrusciel recommends the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag Set . "Having these dry bags, in a variety of sizes, means I can bring all my gear along during a Zodiac cruise or snorkeling excursion without having to worry about it getting wet."

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case is also essential, especially if you plan to take photos. The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches (available in a two-pack) come with a lanyard so you can both protect your phone and wear it around your neck. They are compatible with most smartphones.

"I like to bring collapsible pails, small shovels , inflatable beach toys, a floppy Frisbee or other things to entertain the kids on the beach if we're going to a private island or beach destination," says Silverstein. "If you can inflate your own inner tube, you don't need to rent a floating mat."

Beach towel

"Although cruise lines provide guests with towels to take off the ship on excursions, they are often bulky and sometimes small," explains Chrusciel. "The Surfer Towel folds up to nearly nothing, so it takes up almost no room in your suitcase and is super convenient to pack in a day bag. What's more, its quick-drying technology means that the lightweight fabric won't be soaking wet when you need to pack up for the day and head back to the ship."

Towel clips

"Even though giant plastic towel clips shaped like a flamingo are a bit cringey, they make it easy to find your spot in a sea of sun loungers," says Chrusciel. "They also solve a common cruise problem: keeping your towel securely fixed to your chair while reading or sunbathing."

Reef-safe sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen, look for something that's reef-safe; not only are these sunscreens safer for the environment, but they're also better for you . The active ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of both. Top-rated mineral sunscreen brands include Think , Badger and Raw Elements , all of which also sell lip balm with sunscreen (another essential at sea).

After-sun lotion

You'll want an extra dose of moisturizer if you've been basking in the sun. COOLA makes an after-sun body lotion that cools and hydrates the skin with aloe vera, agave and lavender oil. Previous buyers rave about this lotion, noting they appreciate that the scent isn't overpowering.

A good book

Sea days are the perfect time to kick back and relax with a book you've been meaning to read. Find an oceanfront lounge chair in a shaded area on the pool deck, or grab a cup of tea and settle into a quiet nook indoors. There's no need to pack more than one book, however, as many cruise ships have libraries.

What not to pack for a cruise

Power strip.

Many cruise lines do not permit power strips as they present a fire hazard, while others allow them as long as they are non-surge-protected. Instead of a power strip, purchase a portable charger such as this highly rated one by Anker , which can power up multiple devices at once. This can be especially useful for shore excursions. When packing for your cruise, also think about your luggage: If it has an included charging port, you may not even need to purchase an additional charging block.

Weapons and restraints

Firearms, handcuffs and the like are not permitted on cruise ships. This rule also includes toy guns on most cruise lines.

While most major cruise lines allow guests to pack a limited amount of wine or Champagne per person, they do not permit hard liquor. Of course, those of age can purchase cocktails at any of the bars on board.

Household appliances

Irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships, which is why the aforementioned garment bags, wrinkle release spray and packing cubes are recommended for keeping clothing tidy and neat. Coffee makers and mug warmers are also prohibited.

While you can technically bring you own, it's not necessary as hairdryers are available in every bathroom on most ships.

CBD and marijuana

CBD that's derived from hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less is legal at a federal level. However, each state interprets and enforces this law differently; for example, many states require a prescription for it. Due to the ambiguity of the laws, most cruise lines continue to ban CBD in any form.

Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, which means you cannot bring it on a cruise ship – even if you're legally able to purchase it in your home state for recreational or medical use.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

For the U.S. News Cruise Packing List, travel writers Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross tapped leading industry experts for their cruise essentials. They regularly update this checklist with new and useful items to pack.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best All-Inclusive Cruises

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The 18 All-Time Greatest Things to Do in Las Vegas

See the sphere, cheer on the knights, and discover a world of diverse cuisine with the ultimate sin city bucket list..

Las Vegas is so much more than gambling these days. Winter’s cool temperatures provide a great opportunity to check out everything Sin City has to offer, from the hiking trails and foliage of the great outdoors to farms in unexpected corners of town and hot new attractions that are changing the landscape . So, we've compiled a list of all-time great activities to cross off your Las Vegas bucket list, with special consideration for seasonal preferences. Just make sure to fuel up for all-time great fun with all-time great restaurants and some of the best bars in town . A few are hidden (and at least one is really hidden ), while others stake their reputations on great tequila or local beer . Long story short—there's way too much happening in Las Vegas to narrow it down, so consider this list a starting point for experiencing the diversity and ingenuity that make this community great.

Best Winter Things to Do in Vegas 

Check out new casinos and resorts.

Multiple locations It's always a big deal when a big casino resort opens in Las Vegas—and we had two show up within weeks of each other at the tail end of 2023. Durango, now the most identifiable landmark in the Southwest Valley, made a grand impression when it officially welcomed guests on December 5 with 200 rooms, an 83,000-square-foot casino, and outdoor tree-lined patios. Fill up on food at new restaurants like Summer House and Nicco's Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish or head to Eat Your Heart Out, which joins a growing list of food halls throughout Las Vegas . The long-delayed Fontainebleau finally opened on the Strip on December 13. The 67-story skyscraper has more than 3,600 rooms (including ultra-premium Fleur de Lis suites), a 150,000-square-foot casino floor, and an ambitious culinary program that includes two steakhouses (Don's Prime and Papi Steak), six Asian concepts (including Ito for 12-seat Japanese omakase tastings), and late night gem Azul with a menu soaked with tequila and mezcal.

The Absolute Best Spots to Eat and Drink 

Broadacres marketplace.

North Las Vegas There's a reason Broadacres Marketplace draws long lines by the front gate every weekend. The 22-acre park is an outdoor market, street fair, and carnival in one , featuring some of the most authentic Mexican food in Las Vegas. Sip away on a Michelada or Tejuino (masa, lime, ice, and sherbert in an intriguingly addictive drink) while ordering food from various food stands and food courts. Carnitas El Cuñado slow-cooks pork all morning to serve incredible carnitas with the meat, stomach, and skin all available. Mr. Papas fries potatoes in various forms while Machetes serves quesadillas straight off a large flat-top grill. Coco Loco has stands throughout the park, serving fruit platters, scratch-made horchata, and aguas frescas with no sugar added.

Chinatown The Las Vegas version of Chinatown is a beautifully congested collection of Asian dining , whether it's dim sum or dumplings by restaurants like ShangHai Taste , China Mama , and Hong Kong Garden , the robata-grilled meats of Aburiya Raku , Thai and wine at Lamaii , or incredible Japanese omakase menus at Kabuto , Yui Edomae , and Kame . But the diversity of flavors covers all corners of the globe, so try the modern French of Partage , Spanish tapas of EDO , street tacos of Mas Por Favor , progressive Neapolitan pizza at 00 Pie & Pub , and the eclectic wood-fired combinations at Sparrow + Wolf . Chinatown has something for everyone—except easy parking—and the food is prepared by some of the best chefs in the city.

Classic Steakhouses

Multiple locations Las Vegas has lots of great steakhouses, with Bazaar Meat , Jean Georges , Stripsteak , Scotch 80 Prime , Carverstreak , and Barry's Downtown Prime among the more contemporary favorites. Yet sometimes, it's more fun (and more "Vegas") to dine at a steakhouse with history and old-school charm . Golden Steer has been around 65 years and is only growing in stature with an expansion to a next-door space at the end of 2023. Book a seat at Frank Sinatra's favorite booth and order a feast of wet-aged steaks and stiff cocktails. The Steak House at Circus Circus is like an old hunting lodge with a dry-aging room and open-flame mesquite grill in the center of the dining room. The restaurant just introduced a new hanging Tomahawk with torched butter running down the cut and dripping into a side of potatoes for extra flavor. Beyond the Strip, there's Hugo's Cellar (where every lady receives a rose, making it one of the most romantic spots in town ) and Bob Taylor's Ranch House , once a private home in the 1950s that threw wild parties in the Northwest Valley during a time when there was just desert and little else around it.

Downtown Arts District

Downtown A small pocket of Downtown known for second-hand shops and art galleries is now one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods for dining and drinks in Las Vegas—without a major corporate chain in sight. James Trees' Esther's Kitchen helped raise the profile of the Downtown Arts District with seasonally driven, farm-fresh Italian and is getting ready to expand to a larger space next door on February 29. You'll also want to try the steaks at Main St. Provisions , barbecue at SoulBelly , sushi at Yu-or-Mi , pizza at Good Pie , pastries and bread at 1228 Main , wine at Garagiste and cocktails at Velveteen Rabbit . There's even Bjork , a caviar bar for sit-down tastings. The Arts District overlaps with Brewery Row , with local beer makers and taprooms on almost every corner.

High Roller Bar

The LINQ The High Roller observation wheel is one of the best ways to soak in the scenery of Las Vegas, with large standing-room cabins that reach 550 feet in the air while taking a good 30 to 40 minutes for a full rotation. Don't spend all that time without a drink in your hand. Guests are welcome to book a private bartender and open bar in advance with special Happy Half Hour tickets, which begin at $60.

Multiple locations Lip Smacking Foodie Tours knows how to do culinary crawls the right way. The company teams up with top restaurants to offer the dishes and drinks you really want to try—all at one price without a wait for tables. Guided tours include the Venetian/Wynn (Afternoon Culinary Adventures), Aria/Park MGM (Savors of the Strip), Downtown (Fremont East or the Arts District), and an indulgent Ultimate Steakhouse Tour at properties on the Strip. Along the way, you'll see a few sights and receive some info and fun facts about each destination. You can even include a helicopter tour to cap off a meal. The company also operates Finger Licking Foodie Tours with more casual, self-guided excursions at Tivoli Village, Green Valley Ranch, Chinatown, and other locations. Keep your eyes peeled for sporadic, special-event tours that focus on one style of food, such as barbecue restaurants or pizza joints.

The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Vegas 

The fremont street experience.

The Fremont Street Experience remains an always fun and sometimes weird Downtown tourist destination, combining bright neon lights and iconic imagery (like the Vegas Vic smoking cowboy marquee) with popular attractions like the Slotzilla zipline and overhead high-def Viva Vision video canopy. At some point, grab a beer at Hennessey's Tavern , play the only Sigma Derby horse racing game at The D casino, and sit down for dinner at Vic & Anthony's . Step inside Circa , the largest resort in Downtown Vegas (if you're 21 or older—no kids allowed), and check out the world's largest sportsbook, Barry's Downtown Prime steakhouse, or The Legacy Club , a rooftop lounge with views of both the Strip and Downtown. Drink your way down Fremont Street (and check out live music on multiple stages) with the Royal Crawl , an app that guides participants to six different bars at three different casinos with beer, wine, or a cocktail included at each stop.

The Fountains at Bellagio

Bellagio The Bellagio fountains are one of the most iconic sights in Las Vegas. More than a thousand nozzles shoot water up to 460 feet in the air in a fascinating display of light and sound. Shows occur every half hour (or every 15 minutes at night). Walk over to the resort lobby and check out another free attraction , the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens , with a installations for each season and Lunar New Year.

Lee Canyon Ski & Snowboard Resort

Mt. Charleston Last year was rough for Mt. Charleston, with rain from Hurricane Hilary causing extensive damage throughout Clark County's tallest peak. Fortunately, Lee Canyon Road is back open, and the Lee Canyon Ski & Snowboard Resort opened on schedule for the winter season. New this year: a Ponderosa quad chairlift on the mountain's southeast side with easier access to three intermediate runs, expanded parking and a conveyor lift for the Rabbit Peak bunny hill, and the Power Pass, which also offers access to Utah's Brian Head and the Arizona Snowbowl, two ski resorts within driving distance from Las Vegas .

The Nevada National Security Site

Nye County The place formerly known as the Nevada Test Site isn't your ordinary tourist spot. It's a fully operational military base north of Las Vegas that unleashed nearly a thousand atomic bomb tests in the desert between 1951 and 1992 and still conducts plenty of secretive stuff with the latest drones and weapons. Tours are only available once a month (and get snatched up quickly) but are a fascinating look at Nevada's role in Cold War history. The all-day bus tour includes stops at abandoned equipment; houses, bridges, and bunkers built to see how they'd hold up to a nuclear blast; and a surprising number of craters from underground tests, including the largest manufactured crater in the United States. If you have trouble booking online , become a member of the Atomic Museum and get a shot at signing up for a less competitive VIP tour.

Neon Museum

Downtown There are lots of weird museums in Las Vegas , but the Neon Museum is the only one that's almost entirely outdoors. Roam the grounds of the Neon Boneyard and North Gallery for a look into Vegas history with preserved and restored signs and marquees from Vegas casinos, resorts, and other businesses. Come at night for Brilliant! , a sound and projection mapping show that appears to bring featured items in the collection back to life.

Valley of Fire State Park

Moapa Valley When it comes to hiking and rock climbing in Las Vegas, there's usually one problem: It's too damn hot . So take advantage of the mild winter temperatures to thoroughly explore Valley of Fire, a state park famous for its dramatic red, white, and pink sandstone rock formations. You'll see the Mars-like terrain of Rainbow Vista, ancient petroglyphs at Mouse's Tank, and a leftover Western movie set near White Domes.

Shows, Sports and More Can't-Miss Entertainment in Vegas 

Off the Strip What a long, strange trip it's been. AREA15 debuted in 2020 as a beautifully bizarre warehouse of art installations and attractions, anchored by Meow Wolf's Omega Mart , best described as a grocery store on acid with a company tour of the fictional corporation behind it. Over three years, AREA15 has grown beyond its initial space to include Illuminarium (where outer space and African safaris come to life with video-projection walls and 4D effects), the Lost Spirits Distillery and its bucket-list dinner experience , and the Liftoff cocktail lounge, which elevates guests 130 feet in the air for 365-degree Vegas views. AREA15 is only getting bigger with a 20-acre expansion in the works that will include a year-round horror-themed attraction by Universal Studios .

Beverly Theater

Downtown The Beverly Theater is a mixed-use space for independent film, music, and other art-focused events. The main attraction is a high-tech 146-seat theater that's fully sound-insulated and adaptable for multiple purposes with retractable seats and a 360-square-foot screen that can adjust for fun stuff like specialty aspect ratios. Movies are usually just $10, ranging from the latest independent films to cult-classic favorites. Picks are often seasonal. (October, for example, saw classic horror films all month long leading up to Halloween.) Hang out in the courtyard or enjoy live open-air jazz on the upstairs terrace. The Beverly Theater operates as a nonprofit under the Rogers Foundation and is a companion piece to the neighboring Writer's Block bookstore.

FlyOver Las Vegas

The Strip FlyOver Las Vegas takes customers on simulated hang-glide rides over the Wild West, Iceland, and the Canadian Rockies. High-def images come to life on towering big screens, capitalizing on motion, sound, wind, and scent for an indulgent multi-sensory experience. The attraction was created by the same engineering team behind Soarin' at Walt Disney parks and is a dramatic improvement on the concept with enhanced effects and a smoother, expanded axis of mobility in the seats. Fans attending Vegas Golden Knights home games at T-Mobile Arena can park for free at FlyOver with a purchase of at least one flight ride.

The Strip Yes, the Sphere. Of course, the Sphere. It's always great when new attractions over-promise and then over-deliver in Las Vegas. The Sphere completely changed the game for entertainment in Las Vegas after making its debut last year, whether viewing Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth (with discounts for late-night screenings) or rocking out to U2, which added dates to extend its residency to the beginning of March. The Irish rock band is still in top form, basing much of the setlist around its 1991 album Achtung Baby with a rousing greatest-hits encore and series of immersive 16K worlds on a massive wraparound backdrop. Even if you can't afford to go inside, the venue's 580,000-square-foot digital exosphere is a show all by itself .

Vegas Golden Knights

The Strip Yeah, Wayne Newton has a special place in our hearts, but the Golden Knights are the most endearing hometown "residency" for locals in Las Vegas. Unlike the Raiders, the A's knocking on our door , or even the Aces, the Knights were born and bred here, giving the community a special sense of pride that couldn't come at a better time . There's nothing like the atmosphere of a home game at the T-Mobile Arena, with the new season already off to a great start for the defending Stanley Cup champions.

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