Cruise Packing List: What You Need (and What You Can Skip)

After cruising everywhere from the sunny Caribbean and Greek Islands to chilly Alaska, I’ve learned that what you pack can make a surprisingly big difference in how smoothly your cruise goes. I’ve also learned that plenty of things labeled “cruise must-haves” aren’t nearly as essential as they sound.

There are a handful of things I now make sure to bring on every cruise, along with a few essentials that depend entirely on the destination. What I pack for a Caribbean beach day looks very different from what I want with me while exploring an Alaskan port.

I put together this cruise packing list based on what I’ve learned from my own cruises, including the items I genuinely find useful, what belongs in your embarkation-day carry-on, and the easy-to-forget essentials you don’t want to realize you left at home once you’re already at sea.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost, the author may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’d Buy Before Your Cruise

You don’t need every “cruise must-have” you see online. If you’re buying a few things specifically for your trip, these are the five cruise essentials I’ve found useful enough to earn a spot in my suitcase trip after trip.

1. Portable charger

Whether I’m spending the day at sea or exploring a port, I use my phone constantly for photos, and that drains the battery faster than you might expect. I especially want a charged phone during shore excursions so I can keep track of the time and make sure I’m back at the ship when I need to be.

2. Cruise-friendly power strip

Cruise cabins never seem to have enough outlets for all the electronics we travel with. Just make sure you choose a cruise-friendly option, not a surge protector, which isn’t allowed on board. I particularly like this power strip because it offers multiple plug options, including an EU plug that can come in handy on cruise ships.

3. Reusable water bottle

This is one of those simple things I use both on and off the ship. I can bring water with me while exploring a port and use the bottle onboard when I want to take water or soda back to my cabin.

4. Magnetic hooks

Cruise cabins have limited storage, but the walls are magnetic. The magnetic hooks give you extra places to put things if you bring them. I use these magnetic hooks for bags and hats, and to keep important things like my cruise card somewhere easy to find instead of constantly wondering where I put it.

5. Lanyard

Your cruise card is essentially your lifeline onboard. You use it for everything from drinks and dining to getting on and off the ship, so you don’t want to spend half your vacation searching for it. A simple lanyard like this one keeps it accessible throughout the day.

You can adjust everything else on your cruise packing list according to your itinerary. Alaska calls for layers and rain protection, while I prioritize sun and water essentials much more heavily for Caribbean and Greek Island cruises.

But after taking many cruises, these five are the things I’d buy first. They’re practical, they solve problems I’ve actually encountered while cruising, and—most importantly—they earn the space they take up in my luggage.

Essential Items for Your Cruise Packing Checklist

6. Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 

When you’re packing for a cruise, don’t forget sunscreen. SPF 50 protects your skin from harmful UV rays during long days outside. Whether lounging by the pool, exploring new ports of call, or walking on the deck, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn. It’s important even if it’s cloudy, as UV rays can still reach your skin.

7. Waterproof Phone Case 

If I’m taking a vacation where I know I’ll be spending time around water, I bring a waterproof phone case.

That’s even more important on a cruise. Between pools, beaches, and water-based shore excursions, there are plenty of opportunities for your phone to get wet—and replacing a damaged phone while you’re in the middle of a cruise is going to be difficult.

I would much rather protect my phone from the start and still have it with me for pictures.

8. Beach Bag, Tote, or Lightweight Backpack

I always bring a bag that can double-duty during a cruise. On warm-weather cruises, that’s usually a beach bag that I can use around the ship and take with me on shore excursions.

If you’re heading somewhere like Alaska where beach days aren’t on the itinerary, bring a lightweight tote or day bag instead. Either way, choose something roomy enough for your water bottle, sunscreen, phone, cruise card, and whatever else you’ll want during the day.

A lightweight backpack is super helpful on a cruise. It’s great for shore excursions or carrying essentials around the ship. You want something practical yet easy to carry.

9. Book/e-Reader/Reading Material 

One of my favorite things about cruising is sea days, no matter where we’re sailing. There’s something incredibly relaxing about finding a spot on deck or in a lounge, settling in, and reading as the ocean goes by.

My friends and I usually get a spa pass when we cruise, and one of my favorite ways to start a sea day is sitting on the heated loungers with a book and an ocean view. It doesn’t get much more relaxing than that.

I prefer an e-reader for cruises because I can bring several books without using valuable luggage space. Just download your books before you sail so they’re ready when you find that perfect reading spot.

10. Sweater/Large Scarf 

A sweater or large wrap is always in my travel bag, even when I’m cruising somewhere warm.

Cruise ship dining rooms and theaters can get chilly, so I’m often glad to have an extra layer in the evening. It also comes in handy when I want to take a walk outside on deck, and the temperature has dropped, or the wind has picked up.

A lightweight wrap is particularly easy to travel with because it doesn’t take up much room in my bag, but it’s there whenever the air conditioning—or ocean breeze—is a little too much.

11. Apple AirTags

There’s a period on embarkation day when you and your checked luggage go your separate ways. You’ll check your bags before boarding, and they’ll be delivered to your cabin later once rooms become available.

I like putting an Apple AirTag in my luggage so I can track where it is while I’m waiting for it to arrive. It’s also useful if you have the cruise line collect your bags on the final night so they’re waiting for you when you disembark.

It doesn’t make your luggage arrive any faster, but I like being able to see where it is rather than wondering.

12. Laundry Detergent 

Doing laundry isn’t always particularly convenient on a cruise ship—unless laundry service happens to be one of the perks you’ve earned from cruising frequently.

I like to pack a few individual laundry detergent packets instead. If I spill something on a shirt or need to wash a small item, I can quickly clean it in the cabin sink rather than dealing with the ship’s laundry service.

They’re small, easy to pack, and I don’t bring enough to do a week’s worth of laundry. They’re really my solution for those “I need to wash this one thing” moments that inevitably arise while traveling.

13. Downy Wrinkle Releaser

Since you can’t bring an iron on board a cruise ship, Downy Wrinkle Releaser is one of my favorite shortcuts for removing wrinkles from clothes after they’ve been stuffed in a suitcase. I also like using it for a quick refresh before dinner.

You don’t need much, so I pack a travel-size bottle rather than taking up valuable cabin space with a full-size one.

14. Pop-Up Hamper

This is an essential for me—and not just on cruises. A pop-up hamper is always in my suitcase when I travel.

Cruise cabins are small enough without everyone’s dirty clothes ending up on the floor. A lightweight hamper gives everything a designated spot and helps keep the cabin organized throughout the trip. Then when it’s time to pack, all the dirty laundry is already together.

15. Seasickness Wristbands And Dramamine

Even if you’ve never experienced motion sickness before, I recommend having Dramamine on hand just in case. Everyone reacts differently to being on a ship, and I’d rather pack it ahead of time than discover I need it onboard and have to pay gift shop prices.

That said, Dramamine isn’t what my family prefers. Motion sickness wristbands have worked well for us, so we typically use them when someone starts feeling the ship’s motion.

Since seasickness can be unpredictable—especially if this is your first cruise—I like having an option packed and ready rather than waiting until someone isn’t feeling well to figure out what to do.

Pack Dramamine before your cruise and/or check out the motion sickness wristbands my family uses.

16. Towel Bands

I prefer towel bands over the bulky towel clips you’ll often see recommended for cruises. They do the same basic job of keeping your towel secured to your lounge chair, but take up much less room in my luggage.

I already have mine sitting in my cruise travel pile, ready for my next trip.

17. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

Cruise lines provide special luggage tags for your checked bags, but I don’t love relying on a paper tag stapled around my suitcase handle.

Instead, I put mine inside a reusable cruise luggage tag holder. It protects the printed tag and makes me feel much better about it staying attached while my suitcase makes its way from the terminal to my cabin.

Just make sure you buy the correct size/style for your cruise line’s tags.

18. Foldable Travel Hangers

Cruise cabins usually don’t offer an abundance of hangers, and drawer space can be limited, too. I always pack a few foldable travel hangers so I can hang more of my clothes without taking up much space in my suitcase.

They’re particularly helpful when I’m trying to keep nicer dinner outfits from getting even more wrinkled, which is also when that wrinkle releaser comes in handy.

19. Hanging Toiletry Bag

Bathroom counter space is precious in a cruise cabin. That’s why I prefer a toiletry bag with a metal hanging hook instead of one that needs to sit on the counter.

Hang it up, unzip it, and everything stays organized and accessible without taking over the tiny bathroom. This is one of those little packing choices that makes living in a cruise cabin much easier.

20. Camera/Go Pro /Lenses/Batteries 

My phone takes great pictures, but sometimes a phone camera just doesn’t do the scenery justice—especially when I’m trying to capture one of those once-in-a-lifetime travel moments.

Pictures are a big part of the travel experience for me, so I always bring my camera. I usually pack my GoPro, too, because I tend to be active on my trips and want a camera to capture those experiences.

You certainly don’t need multiple cameras for a cruise. But if photography is an important part of travel for you, like it is for me, bring the camera you’ll actually be excited to use rather than relying entirely on your phone.

21. Motion-Sensor Night Light

Cruise cabins get dark, and you don’t necessarily want to turn on the cabin lights when someone needs to get up during the night.

I love bringing a small motion-sensor night light that’s magnetic, so I can attach it where we need it without sacrificing one of the cabin’s limited outlets. It gives us just enough light to move around without waking everyone up.

22. Reusable Straw

I understand why cruise lines have moved toward paper straws, but I don’t enjoy drinking a frozen cocktail through one as it slowly turns to mush. I keep a reusable straw handy instead, especially on warm-weather cruises when frozen drinks are involved.

Just remember to pull it out before your empty glass gets cleared away. I’ve accidentally sent more than one reusable straw straight into the garbage with my drink!

23. Poo-Pourri Spray

Let’s acknowledge one of the less glamorous realities of cruising: you’re sharing very close quarters with whoever is staying in your cabin.

A travel-size bottle of Poo-Pourri takes up almost no room and can make sharing that tiny cabin bathroom significantly more pleasant for everyone involved.

Your cabin mate will thank you—grab a travel-size bottle here.

24. Hand Sanitizer

Yes, you’ll typically find hand-sanitizing stations around cruise ships, but I still keep a travel-size hand sanitizer in my day bag.

That way I have it when I’m exploring a port, heading out on an excursion, or simply nowhere near one of the ship’s sanitizer stations. It takes up almost no space, so it’s an easy addition to my bag.

Carry-On Bag Packing List Items 

Most likely, the cabin will not be ready when you board the ship. Keep a carry-on bag with items that you may need during the day before your cabin is ready. Carry a change of clothes, including a swimsuit, if traveling to a warm climate. I use one of my Bagsmart Compression Cubes for this purpose.

Wallet 

•    Cash (small bills for tips)
•    Credit/debit cards
•    Medical insurance card(s)

Valuables and Jewelry 

Keep these in your carry-on luggage for safety. Don’t pack valuables in checked luggage. I always keep my jewelry and valuables with me on embarkation day.

 What Documents Do I Need to Pack for a Cruise?

• Cruise and Flight Boarding Passes
• Photocopies of Credit Cards, ID, and Passport
• Passport
• Cruise Itinerary/Cruise Information
• Travel Insurance Information
• Emergency Contacts

 Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Your Cruise

• Keycard Lanyard
• Magnetic Hooks
• Umbrella or Rain Jacket
• Popup Laundry Basket
• Night Light
• Chair Bands
• Binoculars if Traveling to Alaska
• Wet Bags/Zip-Lock Bags

Formal and Casual Attire 

Cruise attire can range from swimsuits and shorts during the day to dressier outfits in the evening, so I like to pack pieces that can work for more than one occasion.

For evenings, bring a few outfits for dinners and any dressier nights you plan to attend. This might be a dress, jumpsuit, slacks, or a nice shirt. You don’t have to dress up every night, but I enjoy having an excuse to wear something a little nicer than I normally would at home.

Check your cruise line’s schedule before you pack. Many cruises have theme nights, such as tropical, white, or 80s nights. If you want to participate, knowing the themes ahead of time saves you from wishing you had packed something specific once you’re onboard.

During the day, I stick with comfortable clothes that work for relaxing around the ship and exploring ports. I also pack swimsuits, cover-ups, and comfortable walking shoes based on our excursions.

One thing I always include, even for warm-weather cruises, is a lightweight sweater or wrap. Dining rooms and theaters can get chilly, and it comes in handy for cool or windy evenings out on deck.

Essential Documents for a Cruise

Before embarking on a cruise, gather all necessary travel documents. These include your passport, any visas required for your destinations, and up-to-date vaccination records.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. This is a common requirement for international travel. Keep a copy of your passport stored separately from the original in case it gets lost.

Visa: Check the visa requirements of each country on your cruise itinerary. Some countries may require visas for entry, while others may not. Visit each destination’s consulate website for the most current information.

Vaccination Records

Health Precautions: Review the health requirements for each country you visit. Some destinations require proof of specific vaccinations before arrival. Visit your doctor to discuss any necessary shots or boosters.

What Not to Pack for a Cruise

Knowing what items to leave at home is important as you prepare for your upcoming adventure. Here’s a handy list of things that are NOT allowed on a cruise ship:

1. Irons and Steamers

These are fire hazards, so using the ship’s laundry services or packing wrinkle-free clothing is best.

2. Candles and Incense

Open flames are a big no-no for safety reasons.

3. Alcohol

Most cruise lines have strict policies about bringing your alcohol onboard. Check with your cruise line for their specific rules.

4. Drugs and Illegal Substances

This goes without saying, but illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.

5. Weapons

Firearms, knives, and any other weapons are not allowed for obvious safety reasons.

6. Explosives and Fireworks

These are a definite safety hazard and are strictly banned.

7. Coffee Makers and Kettles

Leave these at home, as they’re considered fire hazards. Don’t worry; there’s plenty of coffee and tea available onboard!

8. Drones

Many cruise lines prohibit drones for privacy and safety reasons.

9. Hoverboards and Segways

These are not allowed due to safety concerns.

10. Perishable Food

Bringing your perishable food items is generally not allowed. Enjoy the delicious meals provided on the ship instead!

11. Power Strips with Surge Protectors

Regular power strips are usually okay, but surge-protected ones are often banned. Check with your cruise line for their specific rules.

12. Large Sporting Equipment

Items like surfboards, bicycles, and ample fishing gear are typically not allowed. You can usually rent equipment at your destination.

Remember, these rules are in place to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable cruise. Checking with your cruise line beforehand is always a good idea if you have any questions about specific items.

Health and Safety Tips

Prepare to stay safe and healthy on your cruise. Pack smartly by including key items like a first aid kit and know some ways to tackle seasickness to enjoy smooth sailing.

Packing a First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for your trip. Band-Aids and gauze help with cuts, while antiseptic wipes keep the area clean.

Don’t forget pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches or minor pain. Bug bites can be pesky, so include anti-itch cream.

Prescription medications are critical. Keep them in their original containers, and bring enough for the whole trip, plus a bit more just in case of delays.

A digital thermometer can be handy, especially if you feel unwell. Finally, pack any personal necessities like sunscreen and lip balm to protect against the sun.

Seasickness Prevention

To prevent seasickness, consider bringing seasickness remedies like motion sickness bands. These are easy to wear and can help reduce nausea without medication.

Ginger candies or capsules are another natural remedy that many find effective. For those who prefer traditional medicines, Dramamine and Bonine are two over-the-counter options. They usually work well if taken before the cruise begins.

Staying hydrated is also essential, so always have a water bottle. Fresh air and being on deck where you can see the horizon can also help keep seasickness at bay.

When choosing a cabin and you are prone to seasickness, consider a room that is mid-ship or aft on a lower floor. It feels worse on high floors and at the front of the ship when the sea is rough.

What to Pack for Caribbean, Alaska, and Greek Island Cruises

After cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Greek Islands, I’ve learned that there isn’t one cruise packing list that works perfectly for every destination. My core cruise essentials come with me wherever I’m sailing, but what I pack for clothing, shore excursions, and days off the ship varies quite a bit.

Here’s how I adjust my packing list for each destination.

What I Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

For a Caribbean cruise, I prioritize sun, water, and beach-day essentials. This is where items like my beach bag, reusable water bottle, waterproof phone case, and reusable straw get plenty of use.

I like having a beach bag that can do double duty. I can carry it around the ship and then load it with what I need for a beach day or shore excursion without packing a separate day bag.

A portable charger is especially important when I’m off the ship. Between taking pictures and using my phone throughout the day, the battery can disappear faster than expected. I want plenty of battery left to keep track of the time and make sure I’m back at the ship when I need to be.

And if you’re planning to spend time lounging by the pool or on the beach, bring towel bands. I prefer them to bulky chair towel clips because they take up very little room in my luggage. Mine are already in my cruise travel pile waiting for the next trip.

My Caribbean priorities: beach bag, waterproof phone case, portable charger, reusable water bottle, towel bands, reusable straw, and your usual sun essentials.

What I Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Packing for Alaska is very different from packing for a warm-weather cruise. This is where I put much more emphasis on layers, rain protection, binoculars, and comfortable waterproof shoes rather than filling my suitcase with beach and pool gear.

The MVP of our Alaska cruise was easily my Columbia hiking boots. They were comfortable enough to wear all day while exploring, waterproof in wet weather, and versatile enough that I didn’t need to pack multiple pairs of shoes for different excursions.

If you’re trying to decide where to spend your money before an Alaska cruise, a comfortable pair of waterproof shoes is one purchase I wouldn’t skip. Wet or uncomfortable feet can make a long day in port miserable, and this was one thing I was genuinely glad I’d packed.

I still bring the cruise essentials I use onboard, including my portable charger, reusable water bottle, magnetic hooks, hanging toiletry bag, pop-up hamper, and extra foldable hangers. But for Alaska, my Columbia hiking boots earned a permanent spot on my packing list.

My Alaska priorities: my Columbia hiking boots, layers, rain protection, portable charger, reusable water bottle, binoculars, and my usual cabin organization essentials.

Check out the Columbia hiking boots I wore on our Alaska cruise.

Binoculars

Binoculars are one of the extras I recommend specifically for an Alaska cruise. There is so much to see from the ship, and you won’t always be close enough to get a good look with the naked eye.

I loved having binoculars handy when we were outside on deck so we could get a closer look at the scenery and anything interesting we spotted in the distance. They’re especially worth packing for Alaska, where simply watching the landscape from the ship is part of the experience.

I recommend choosing a compact pair of binoculars rather than anything large or heavy. You’ll be much more likely to carry them around the ship and take them with you on excursions if they don’t take up much room.

These are the binoculars I’d pack for an Alaska cruise.

What I Pack for a Greek Islands Cruise

For my Greek Islands cruise, three things were especially important: sunscreen, my GoPro, and a sturdy pair of sandals.

Sunscreen was non-negotiable. Between exploring the islands and spending time outside on the ship, we were exposed to plenty of sun. I kept sunscreen in my day bag so I could reapply it while we were away from the ship, rather than only applying it before leaving for the day.

My GoPro was another item I was really glad I packed. Greece is one of those destinations where you’re constantly reaching for a camera, and I loved having something compact that I could easily take along while exploring and use around the water.

And don’t underestimate your shoes. Sturdy, comfortable sandals were much more useful to me than cute sandals that were only good for wearing around the ship. When you’re spending the day exploring, you want something comfortable for plenty of walking yet versatile enough to wear throughout your trip.

I still brought my usual cruise essentials, including my portable charger, reusable water bottle, and day bag. But if I were packing for another Greek Islands cruise tomorrow, sunscreen, my GoPro, and sturdy sandals would absolutely make the cut.

My Greek Islands priorities: sunscreen, GoPro, sturdy sandals, portable charger, reusable water bottle, and a lightweight day bag.

Shop the sturdy sandals I recommend for exploring the Greek Islands.

The Cruise Essentials I Pack No Matter Where I’m Going

The destination changes, but some things have earned a permanent place on my cruise packing list.

My portable charger, cruise-friendly power strip, reusable water bottle, magnetic hooks, pop-up hamper, hanging toiletry bag, extra foldable hangers, luggage tag holders, and motion-sensor night light solve the same problems whether I’m cruising through Alaska or sailing around the Greek Islands.

That’s ultimately how I decide whether something deserves space in my suitcase: Will I actually use it, and does it solve a problem I’ve experienced while cruising?

You don’t need every cruise gadget you see recommended online. Start with the essentials you’ll actually use on board, then adjust the rest of your packing list based on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing once you get there.

Before you sail, grab my must-have items here so you’re ready to pack for your cruise.

Get a FREE Copy of the Cruise Packing List

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Packing

Planning your cruise trip includes packing the right items to ensure a smooth vacation. Think about outfits for different events and must-have essentials for the destination. Stay mindful of items you shouldn’t pack to avoid problems.

Go Grab Life. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
Happy Exploring!