Packing for your cruise? I’ll be honest… I made some proper mistakes on my first voyage to the Bahamas and then to Alaska. I packed way too much of some things, forgot essentials, and learned the expensive way what actually matters on a ship.
Here’s my straight-up, keep-it-simple cruise packing list based on my real experience.
The Only 8 Things You Absolutely Must Pack
Let me be clear: most packing lists are mental. I’ve written a few. I’ve boiled it down to the essentials, and here’s what you genuinely can’t cruise without:
1. Travel Documents (Obviously, But Worth Saying)
Passport (not just a photocopy – the real thing)
Cruise tickets and boarding passes
Travel insurance documents
Copies of everything stored separately (one in hand luggage, one in your checked bag).
2. Power Strip or Multi-USB Charger
Pro tip: Cruise cabins have maybe two outlets total. You need a NON-SURGE power strip (the only kind that most ships allow) and this is the best one for US/CA cruisers (and THIS is a non-surge version for UK/IE plugs ).
3. Comfortable Walking Shoes
You’ll walk miles on port days. Skip the new shoes – bring the ones you know won’t give you blisters. Nobody’s looking at you, Sharon.
4. Swimwear (More Than One)
Because the first one will get soaked and take forever to dry in your tiny cabin. Pack at least two.
5. Sunscreen That Actually Works
Ships sell it for £15+ per bottle. I use Neutrogena broad spectrum sunscreen because I put it on and then forget it.
6. One Smart Outfit
Most cruises have at least one “smart casual” dinner. You don’t need a tuxedo, but you do need something nicer than flip-flops and shorts.
7. Day Pack for Port Days
A small backpack for carrying water, sunscreen, and souvenirs whilst exploring. My Osprey Daylight weighs next to nothing.
8. Seasickness Relief
Even if you think you don’t get seasick. Those little motion sickness patches are brilliant insurance.
Clothing: The 5-Piece Strategy
Here’s what I learned: you need far fewer clothes than you think. Many ships have laundry services, and you’ll spend a lot of time in easily washed clothes (if you have to sink-wash them).
The Essentials (Pack These First)
Base Layer Options:
3-4 t-shirts or light tops
2 pairs comfortable shorts/trousers
Enough underwear for half your trip (do laundry midway)
One Layer for Everything:
Light jacket or hoodie (ships get chilly at night)
Footwear Maximum:
Walking shoes (on your feet during travel)
Flip-flops or sandals
One pair “smart casual” shoes if you’ve got formal dining
Swimwear Strategy:
2 swimsuits/trunks minimum
Quick-dry beach cover-up or oversized tee
Skip These (Seriously)
Formal wear unless it’s explicitly required (looking at you, Cunard )
More than one jacket
Jeans (heavy, slow to dry, uncomfortable in heat)
White anything (shows every spill)
What NOT to Pack (Learn from My Mistakes)
Things I Packed But Never Used:
Three different types of shoes
“Just in case” formal shirt
Heavy beach towels (ships provide them)
Iron (ships don’t allow them anyway)
Things That Are Pointless on Ships:
Expensive toiletries (bring travel sizes, buy more if needed)
Multiple jackets
Workout gear (unless you actually use ship gyms. To be fair, I do use the ship gym.)
Books (bring a Kindle Paperwhite – saves weight)
Cold Weather Cruises (Alaska, Northern Europe)
Add these essentials:
Waterproof jacket that actually works
Warm hat and gloves
Layers you can add/remove easily
Caribbean/Mediterranean (Most First Cruises)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirt)
Reef-safe sunscreen for swimming
Light evening layer for air conditioning
Solo Cruising Additions
Portable phone charger
Travel-size laundry detergent
Should I pack formal wear for my cruise?
Check your specific cruise line. The answer is that you’ll almost never need formal wear unless you’re sailing with Cunard. One smart outfit is enough for the one or two “smart” dinners on most cruise ships (shirt/chinos for men, day dress or slacks/top for women). Most modern cruises are moving away from formal nights.
How much luggage can I bring on my cruise?
It does vary slightly, but most cruise lines don’t have strict luggage limits (unlike flights), but your cabin storage is usually tiny unless you’re in the Owner’s Suite. Pack light for your sanity.
Can I bring alcohol onboard my cruise?
Many cruise lines ban you from taking your own alcohol aboard, so check early (eg, Royal Caribbean and Carnival ban it, while Cunard and Virgin may allow a small allowance of one or two bottles of wine). Generally, you can’t take any liquor.
Can I do laundry on my cruise?
Yes, if you don’t mind paying for expensive laundry services! Of course, it depends on the ship and class of service (some suites include laundry). Some ships have self-service launderettes.
If you’re packing light or want to freshen up a few essentials, sink washing works well for certain clothes and can save you time and money. I often rinse out a few things in the cabin sink and hang them to dry overnight. Choose items made from synthetic blends (or bamboo or merino). To dry them faster, roll the item in a towel to squeeze out extra water, then hang it in your bathroom or near the AC vent.
Do I need a waterproof bag?
Yes! Get a small dry bag for your phone and valuables during water excursions. I had to use my friend’s one on an unexpected boat trip in San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Final Things to Consider When Packing for Your Cruise
Cruise Length & Destination
A 7-night Alaskan cruise ( like this one ) needs different gear than a transpacific voyage – think climate, sea days, and dress codes.
Cruise Line Policies
Check your cruise line’s rules on alcohol, power strips, and banned items before you pack – it varies more than you’d think.
Cabin Type
Interior and oceanview cabins have limited space – pack light and use compression cubes or folding storage.
Activities & Excursions
Match your clothes to your plans, and don’t forget meds, chargers, and anything you’ll need for port days.
The Bottom Line
After cruising the Caribbean and experiencing that chaotic embarkation process in Palm Beach, here’s my honest advice: pack half of what you think you need. You’ll buy stuff onboard and in ports anyway.