Ultimate Packing List for a Cruise Vacation

Are you heading out on a cruise for the first time? We’re here to help, with what to bring, at least. Packing for any trip can cause stress and frustration. Knowing what to pack will avoid unnecessary stress and take the challenge out of packing for this unique travel experience.

With a cruise, there are many things you’ll need to consider, more so than other types of vacations. Not to mention space is limited, and once on the ship, there aren’t many options to buy necessary items.

So, where do you start? Well, worry not, y’all, I’m here to help! I’ve compiled this little guide to let you know everything you may need when heading out on the open seas for your next adventure.

If you’re ready to plan that dream vacation, be sure to book with Casey Davis at Park & Palm Travel at no additional cost to you.

Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be hard. You just need the right travel agent to give you all the best tips!

The Clothing Basics

Obviously, clothing is a required item. Most people know to pack the traditional:

Shirts
Shorts/Skirts/Pants
Flip Flops and closed-toe shoes – This is a must if you’re planning on hiking or adventuring the islands. You can wear them on the plane to take up less room!
Beach/Pool shoes (if applicable)
Socks
Dressier shoes
Sundresses or elevated outfits for dinner or a night out
Undies and bras…and pack extra (definitely don’t forget this!)
Swimsuits
Cover-ups
Hat
Pajamas
Lightweight sweater or jacket
Sunglasses
Swim Diapers (if applicable)

But what else do you need?

Consider Your Location

While most people take cruises in tropical places, there are some cruise lines that travel into colder areas like Alaska or Canada. So extra layers will be your best friend if you’re headed to the north. Even on a Caribbean cruise, you might find it’s extra chilly during a show or in a restaurant, so it’s always wise to bring a light jacket.

Consider Your Location

Excursions and Activities

Most cruise lines offer additional activities on and off the ship. For example, are you planning on hiking islands or taking a day to shop in a small town? Does the ship have casual or formal dining? Before starting to pack, consider all the activities you are interested in joining. If you booked an excursion, be sure to see what they suggest you bring along. Don’t wear your new white sneaks on that 4-wheeling adventure you scheduled!

Be sure to know what to pack on your excursions so that you’re ready to dive into the fun as soon as you get there!

Some restaurants have dress codes. So do some research upfront and know what is required.

Formal Dining

Cruise ships are known for their buffet-style eating, but also for the formal dining experiences they offer at night. Cruise Lines like Carnival don’t require ties, while some lean towards black-tie type formal. So, check dress code requirements before deciding what to pack. The last thing you want is to get on a ship and realize you didn’t bring the type of shoes required to enter the restaurant you made a reservation for. Don’t be my husband 12 years ago on our honeymoon.

Comfortable Shoes Are a Must

While you’re likely to be bumming around the pool or just walking around the deck, you will be on your feet when exploring at port. If you’re planning on getting off the boat for excursions, shopping, or dining, you might have the opportunity to get some steps in. Of course, a comfortable pair of shoes will make your trip that much better, when your feet aren’t aching at the end of the night.

Comfortable Shoes Are a Must

Toiletries

Depending on the cruise line, the ship may not offer all the bathroom toiletries you require, so be sure to find out what they stock in the staterooms. Here’s a list of things you’ll definitely want to have on board. If you’re flying to the cruise ship port, you’ll need to purchase travel-size (3.4oz max) bottles or check your bag.

Shampoo and Conditioner (or use the complimentary bottles in the room)
Lotion (or use the complimentary bottles in the room)
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
Eye Drops/Contacts/Solution
Tweezers (if desired)
Facial Cleanser and Products
Baby Products (if applicable)
Hair Products/Brush (+hair ties!)
Bath Soap (or use the complimentary bottles in the room)
Tampons/Pads
Deodorant
Razor/Shaving Cream
Sunblock (preferably reef-friendly)
SPF Lip Balm/Chapstick
Bug Spray (for land adventures)
Anti-itch Cream (for land adventures)
Aloe Vera/After-Sun Care
Tums/Heartburn and Stomach Ache Relief
Simple First Aid Kit (various band-aids, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment)

Medication

If you or someone in your family takes special medications, be sure to include those in your suitcase.

On top of that, it is always a good idea to bring some over-the-counter medications in case of a mild illness or minor injury, including:

Tylenol/Advil
Cold/Flu
Sinus
Allergy
Motion Sickness
Daily Vitamins
Prescription

Accessories You’ll Regret Not Bringing

While you won’t have the room for a ton of stuff in your luggage, or the cabin, there are a few items we recommend bringing for a better cruise experience.

Extra Bags

There are at least two additional bags you should bring besides your suitcase. A beach or tote bag is a great option for leaving the ship. It will give you a place to put towels, sunscreen, your wallet, and any treasures you pick up from local shops.

Another great bag to bring is one you can place dirty clothes in. After a few days of vacationing and outfit changes, you’re bound to have laundry piling up.

One last bag you may want to consider is a garment bag for your formal clothing. The last thing you want is a stain or a wrinkle on your Sunday best.

Tech Accessories

While you typically go on vacation to unplug, there’s no way to escape it entirely.

Make sure you’re prepared with the following:

Outlet adaptors (do your research, especially if cruising on an international line)
Portable battery pack
Phone charger
Headphones or Bluetooth speaker
Camera or GoPro
Waterproof phone case

Tablet or e-reader (for reading on the beach, a good old-fashioned book is great too)
Smart Watch and charger

You’ll want to consider how much time you want to spend scrolling on social media and catching up on emails while on the cruise to pack for your exact needs.

You don’t want to miss out on snapping great photos, so be sure to bring your chargers for all your tech devices

Make sure your travel agent provides you with all the documentation required to get on the ship. It’s wise to be prepared with it all in a neat folder so that when you arrive at the ship, you’re ready for a smooth check-in.

Travel Basics

When it comes to travel, especially to international waters, identification is something you don’t want to forget. Here are some essentials before you head out.

Airplane tickets
Itineraries
Reservation confirmations (hard copy)

Passport & Vaccine Card

Your personal identification shouldn’t be forgotten. You’ll want to bring your driver’s license, passport, and your most updated vaccine card. While I highly suggest having your passports on hand, if your cruise does not require it, be sure to know what they do require. It could possibly be a birth certificate or other form of identification. Also, leave copies of these documents at home – with your emergency contact.

Travel Wallet

You’ll want a safe place to keep your IDs, credit and debit cards, and personal valuables while coming and going. A travel wallet offers a secure space to keep all those items on your person without stressing about losing anything or having it taken.

Other Things to Consider

While you don’t want to pack too much, there are some additional items you may want to consider bringing with you on your trip.

Credit Card/Debit Card/ Cash for tipping (bills may need to be exchanged at an airport or before travel)
Wrinkle Spray (for getting out pesky wrinkles)
A reusable water bottle
Portable fan (for your cabin at night)
Wine or champagne (check that your cruise ship allows this)
Hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes
Ear plugs
Eye mask
Diaper bag and gear (if applicable)

Travel. Experience. Live – just be prepared with the right packing guide!

You’re Ready to Go!

So, there you have it, everything you should need for your next cruise. Plus, some extras that will make your experience even better. With your packing list already finished, you’re ready for a stress-free and relaxing trip.

If you’re looking to simplify your travel experience even more, consider booking with an agent like Casey Davis at Park & Palm Travel. She can handle every step of crafting the vacation of your dreams, so you can focus on kicking back and enjoying it!

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If you’re ready to start your next vacation, I’m ready to start planning it for you!