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The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

All the clothing, shoes, and accessories you’ll need before you set sail.

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Packing Checklist for a Cruise

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Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

For many, a relaxing or adventure-filled cruise is the ultimate vacation. One of the most notable benefits about a cruise — aside from all the great food, entertainment, service and excursions, of course — is that you only have to unpack once, but you’ll often wake up in a new country, island or city every single day. It’s an ideal way to travel, whether you’re looking to get a little taste of a lot of different destinations or want an all-inclusive option where most of the planning and logistics are handled for you.

However, packing can be the trickiest part, especially if it’s your first cruise. There’s a lot to consider, from water-based activities in tropical locations to properly gearing up for expedition cruises in cooler climates — and let’s not forget the dress code requirements for dinner that differ from “smart casual” to “formal” based on cruise line. 

Once you’ve figured out the best times to book a cruise for deals and optimal rooms, zero in on your destination’s weather and use this guide — curated based on advice from cruise enthusiasts and experts — to pack accordingly. Plus, don’t forget other necessities, like your passport and travel documents, prescription medications, toiletries, undergarments, a portable charger, and a great bag to carry it all.

Here’s everything you need to pack for a cruise with our top pick for each item. Use this checklist and read more about each of our specific recommendations below.

• Best Swimsuit for Women: RXRXCOCO One Piece V-Neck Swimsuit
• Best Swimsuit for Men: Maamgic Quick Dry Swim Trunks
• Best Dress: Columbia Women’s Freezer Maxi
• Best Jumpsuit: ZESICA Strapless Jumpsuit  
• Best Pants for Men: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant
• Best Shirt for Men: Hanes Cool DRI Performance Polo Shirt
• Best Outerwear for Men and Women: Men’s and Women
• Best Base Layer for Men and Women: Men’s and Women’s  
• Best Active Shoes for Men and Women: Men’s and Women’s  
• Best Evening Shoes for Women: Vionic Rosabel Heeled Sandal
• Best Evening Shoes for Men: Ace Marks Travel Derby  
• Best Versatile Shoes for Women: Naot Kayla Sandal
• Best Versatile Shoes for Men: OluKai Laeahi Slip-On  

Gear and Accessories

• Best Beach Bag: Hello Beaches Straw Beach Bag
• Best Motion Sickness Solution: PSI Bands
• Best Beach Hat for Women: Simplicity Roll-Up Straw Hat
• Best Unisex Hat: Fancet Packable Straw Fedora
• Best Warm Beanie: Minus33 Ridge Cuff Beanie
• Best Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Unisex Polarized Sunglasses

Bags and Luggage

• Best Duffle Bag: Deux Mains Mission Essential Duffle Bag
• Best Suitcase: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Spinner
• Best Packing Cubes: BAGAIL Packing Cube Set
• Best Evening Handbag: Simitri Island Half Moon Bag
• Best Daytime Crossbody: Sea Bags Convertible Bucket Bag
• Best Daypack: Terra Thread Gaia Sling Bag

T+L’s Top Picks and Tips

When narrowing down your clothing pile while packing, suggests focusing on clothes that are light, cool, and made of natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. “In the evening, pack and dress as if you were going to a country club or an upscale restaurant — that means slacks, polo shirts/button down shirts, shoes other than athletic shoes, chic sandals, skirts/tops, and sundresses,” she says. “Nice jeans without rips or holes are also a smart choice for everyone.” 

Headed to Northern Europe, Alaska, or a fall Mediterranean cruise? “I can't underscore the importance of layers when it comes to your clothing,” says Cynthia Drake, a freelance travel writer who has taken more than 20 cruises, including a recent one to Antarctica. “You don't need to pack all the bulky sweaters that you think you do. Instead think of lighter wool base layers, a lightweight fleece middle layer, and then a waterproof outer layer. You can always shed layers.”

Best Swimsuit for Women

Rxrxcoco one piece v-neck swimsuit.

Cruises are known for their abundance of food, from never-ending buffets to multi-course dinners. Feel free to indulge to your heart’s content, because this RXRXCOCO one-piece swimsuit has tummy control in the form of flattering ruching that creates a ripple effect instead of a flat silhouette. It comes in more than 40 colors, which is great because at this low price, you’ll probably want to buy a couple. The material is lined and thick enough to provide plenty of coverage, so you don’t have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions.

Best Swimsuit for Men

Maamgic swim shorts.

Get into the cruise spirit with these navy anchor swim trunks (there are plenty of other tropical colors and patterns to choose from, too — from fish and lobsters to palm trees and flamingos). They feature a mesh lining for maximum breathability and a quick-dry polyester that only needs about 10 minutes to dry out. The waistband has an adjustable drawstring and the length runs about 7 inches (above the knee). There’s a Velcro pocket so you don’t lose your valuables in the ocean or pool, and these trunks won’t turn see-through when wet. 

Columbia Women’s Freezer Maxi Dress

If there’s one dress that can take you from day to night effortlessly, it’s this Freezer Maxi Dress from Columbia. By day, pair it with some sandals for ship and port activities. It’s designed to keep you cool despite heat and humidity thanks to its moisture-wicking fabric, plus it contains a UV-blocking layer to protect your skin from sun exposure. In the evening, swap out your sandals for something dressier, add some jewelry and a pashmina or cardigan and you’re ready to head to dinner. It comes in more than a dozen colors and is machine-washable, too. 

Best Jumpsuit

Zesica strapless jumpsuit.

Another easy way to switch from daytime casual to nighttime chic is with a jumpsuit, like this soft and adorable strapless number from ZESICA. It runs true to size, comes in Caribbean-inspired colors or more subdued shades, and the matching waist tie is a cute touch. Did we mention it has pockets handy for holding your ship card and lip gloss? This garment is especially great if you’re on the shorter side, but will also hit above the ankles for a cute cropped look if you’re a bit taller.

Best Pants for Men

Columbia silver ridge convertible pants.

Men have their own version of day-to-night clothing, in the form of convertible pants — like this breathable pair from Columbia. Zip them off to wear as 10-inch inseam shorts for all your adventures on and off the ship, and then zip them back into full pants for dinner in the dining room (the partial elastic waist should be a welcome feature after a scrumptious four-course dinner). This pair is made of nylon, offers UPF 50 sun protection, and there are nearly two dozen colors to choose from. 

Best Shirt for Men

Hanes cool dri performance polo shirt.

The best thing about this shirt is its versatility: it can be worn all day and into the night. This Hanes Cool DRI Performance Polo is the ideal solution to keeping packing to a minimum — it has classic polo detail, is made from a comfortable polyester jersey fabric, holds up to machine washing, and even helps fight the embarrassment of stinky pits with FreshIQ odor-protection technology. Pair these with your convertible pants and you’ll be set morning, noon, and night on your cruise.

Best Outerwear for Men and Women

Rei co-op xerodry gtx jacket.

Whether you’re at sea or on land, there’s nothing more important than staying dry, no matter the forecast. Don’t miss out on all the cruise fun just because of a little inclement weather. The REI XeroDry rain jacket has men’s and women’s versions, each sporting two-layer GORE-TEX Paclite waterproof and breathable laminate, core ventilation, hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs, a hem drawcord, and a two-point adjustable hood. The jacket comes in several fun colors that’ll look great in photos even if it’s a dreary day. 

Best Base Layer for Men and Women

Craft core wool mix base layer set.

When taking a cold-weather cruise , skip the bulk in your suitcase without skipping out on the warmth with REI’s Craft ORE wool mix base layer set. It’s made from a recycled polyester and merino wool blend that’s super soft while helping maintain thermoregulation. Your neck to your ankles will be kept nice and warm when you layer these under your outfit, and the natural material will wick away any wetness or sweat. A couple sets like these will go a long way toward keeping you from complaining about the cold as you explore parts of the world you’ve always dreamed of.

Resist the temptation to pack all your favorite footwear for a cruise, and instead focus on a few pairs that can be worn with multiple outfits — like comfortable sandals, sneakers, and one dressier pair for a five- to seven-day itinerary. 

“Not only is room in your luggage precious, but it's also a hot commodity in your cabin,” says Megan duBois, a travel journalist who has taken more than two dozen cruises. “Skip the flip flops in lieu of a sandal with a backstrap for a bit of extra insurance while taking the stairs around the pool decks and between floors to your cabin. Cute sandals can easily transition from day to night if you're planning on going to the main dining room for dinner as well.” 

Another type of footwear that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves, especially on tropical cruises, is a trusty pair of water shoes. “You never know what the terrain of the beach will be, and you never know how hot the sand is,” says Jill Whelan, Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises. “When I forget them, I always regret it.”

Best Active Shoes for Men and Women

Xero aqua x sport water shoes.

You’ll be amazed at how many land- and water-based excursions you can enjoy in your Xero Aqua X Sport shoes, and even more amazed at their 5,000-mile sole warranty (just think about how many cruises you can take in the same pair!). Xero is all about delivering natural comfort, with wide toe boxes to let your toes spread out, flexible soles that let your foot bend naturally, and a patented FeelTrue sole that feels like you’re barefoot but offers plenty of protection, no matter if you’re running, walking, climbing, hiking, or swimming. The ultra-light, minimalist Aqua X Sport has mesh to shed water and an all-terrain traction sole, which will keep you dry and on even footing. 

Best Evening Shoes for Women

Vionic heeled sandal.

A not-too-dressy but not-too-casual chunky heeled sandal with an ankle strap is all you need to pair with your evening outfits, and this Vionic Rosabel is the perfect choice. It comes in several tempting colors (including a bright verde green and more subdued terra cotta), though the wheat will go with everything in your suitcase. Worried about comfort while navigating a large ship? These offer three-zone comfort with arch support and the built-in orthotic can help treat plantar fasciitis. The bow detail really seals the deal on style.

Best Evening Shoes for Men

Ace marks travel derby shoes.

Men’s dress shoes take up so much room in a suitcase, which often makes it tempting to just leave them at home — but what if there was a pair of snazzy leather Derby-style shoes that also folded down to fit in your carry-on without creasing? Meet the Ace Marks Travel Derby, which does exactly that. Each pair is handcrafted in Italy by fourth-generation artisans, it comes in three classic colors, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find this level of flexibility and comfort in another brand’s construction.

Best Versatile Shoes for Women

Naot kayla sandal.

When luggage space is at a premium, you can feel confident about packing the Naot Kayla. These three-strap sandals breeze through pool days and port days thanks to the hook and loop strap for extra stability, and the anatomic cork and latex footbed to cradle your feet — they even come with the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval for promoting good foot health. Throw in the fact that they can easily transition from day to night, come in 25 colors, and are available in wide sizing, and you’ll be all set in the shoe department. 

Best Versatile Shoes for Men

Olukai slip-on sneakers.

What does every man want in a cruise shoe? The ability to go from roaming around the ship to meandering around a port to heading straight to dinner all in the same pair — and you can do that with the OluKai Laeahi Slip-On. The wet-grip rubber sole will handle any conditions you encounter, but the coolest part is the two-in-one drop heel design that gives it both shoe and slide functionality. The mesh is water-resistant and breathable for even the most hot and humid weather, yet nobody in the ship’s restaurant will question if you’ve met the dress code. 

For warm-weather cruises, don’t forget to pack a cute beach bag that’ll help haul all your gear to the pool or on excursions. “Try to find a bag that has multiple pockets where you can keep sunscreen, sunglasses, and phones all separate,” says duBois. “There's nothing worse than a bottle of sunscreen accidentally opening on the bottom of a beach bag and getting all over everything else.” 

And never underestimate the importance of great accessories, such as hats and jewelry, to really jazz up a casual outfit and make it evening-ready. “Accessories can change the look of an outfit, which I try to build around just a few mix-and-match components,” says travel writer Theresa Russell, who has cruised six continents so far.

Best Beach Bag

Hello beaches straw beach bag.

Nothing says beachy vacation like a straw beach bag, and this fashionable option that’s hand-embroidered with a cute message takes the cake. It folds down like a dream for easy packing (or feel free to use it as your carry-on, because you’ll no doubt get plenty of compliments en route to your ship), has a magnetic closure, and has several interior pockets to keep your beach-going belongings well organized. There’s a supportive base so it doesn’t tip over and several colors and messages to choose from, too.

Best Motion Sickness Solution

Psi bands acupressure wrist bands.

While your cruise ship is more than happy to hand out Bonine or Dramamine sea sickness medication, a chemical-free option — like Psi Bands — comes free of any unwanted side effects (read: sleeping through your entire vacation, because even the non-drowsy versions can leave a lot to be desired). They are adjustable acupressure bands that snap securely onto your wrist and come in several fun colors and patterns so you won’t feel silly wearing them. Plus, they are waterproof, so you don’t have to remove them when taking a shower or swimming, either.

Best Beach Hat for Women

Simplicity women's roll-up straw sun hat.

Sun hats seem like a great idea for protecting you from intense rays, until you realize your hair is stuck to your sweaty neck and back. Choose a visor style, like the Simplicity, that allows you to plop your hair in a pony or messy bun to instantly feel cooler. It’s made from 100 percent straw, offers a UPF of 50+, and the adjustable hook and loop closure allows the perfect fit on any size noggin. It folds up into a small cone shape for easy packing and the bow detail is absolutely precious. Choose from a number of colors to match your vibe. 

Best Unisex Hat

Fancet packable straw fedora.

Packable, foldable, crushable — these are all words that help define the perfect Fedora for any vacation. Protect your scalp from the scorching sun and your face from a burn with the Fancet Packable Straw Fedora, which comes in four adjustable sizes and 10 colors. Whether you stuff it into your suitcase, jam it into your backpack, or accidentally step on it, this hat welcomes the abuse and keeps coming back for more. There’s also a built-in sweatband inside to keep you looking cool even on the hottest days.

Best Warm Beanie

Minus33 ridge cuff beanie.

Don’t be fooled by how thin this Ridge Cuff Beanie from Minus33 is — it’ll keep your head warmer than you’d ever imagine. That warmth comes from the 100 percent merino wool, which helps wick moisture away so you stay dry, even when sweating through winter-weather activities like glacier hiking or ice fishing. It’s machine-washable, comes in an array of neutral and fashionable hues, and will hardly take up any room in your suitcase.

Best Unisex Sunglasses

Ray-ban unisex polarized sunglasses.

Polarized sunglasses help eliminate the amount of reflecting light that hits your eyes, which is crucial for enjoying glare-free ocean views from your cruise ship balcony or while on deck (and during excursions, too!). These unisex Ray-Bans are durable, come in a classic black or tortoiseshell, and are sure to help you spot any whales or other passing ships at sea while protecting your eyes from wind. 

There’s plenty to think through in terms of choosing the right suitcase and bags for day and evening use, but try to keep things as simple as possible. “A crossbody or fanny pack for shore excursions or exploring cities are must-pack items,” says Jill Robbins, a freelance writer and self-proclaimed “less is more” packer who’s been on 14 cruises. “I recommend a bag that keeps your valuables close to your body — a backpack makes it too easy for someone to reach into a zipper pocket and grab your wallet or passport.”

For luggage, duBois says to look for bags that will easily roll under the bed in your stateroom — styles that have expander zippers usually have enough clearance. And those packing cubes everyone raves about? Definitely bring them! “Add compressible packing cubes for easy organization and unpacking in under 10 minutes in your stateroom,” say Mickey and Vickey Popat, who have spent over 150 nights at sea. “These cubes fit perfectly in the stateroom drawers and make finding your clothing really easy.”

Best Duffle Bag

Deux mains mission essential duffel bag.

Set sail in style with the Mission Essential Duffle Bag from Deux Mains, a handcrafted luxury goods brand sustainably made in Haiti that helps artisans earn a livable wage and health insurance. Yes, it’s made of leather, but it's sourced in small batches locally to reduce waste and carbon emissions, and the high quality is made to last. This bag features a separate shoe compartment, cotton twill liner, an interior and exterior pocket, and adjustable shoulder strap, and will fit airline carry-on requirements for your journey to and from the ship.

Best Suitcase

Samsonite omni pc.

Many frequent cruisers swear by their 24-inch suitcases, like this Omni PC Hardside Spinner from Samsonite. The micro-diamond polycarbonate texture is scratch-resistant, it only weighs 8.34 pounds when empty (giving you plenty of room to work with before you reach your airline-mandated limit), the TSA locks help deter theft when you leave them outside your cabin the evening before disembarkation, and the expansion feature helps compress your clothes and give you a bit more room when you need to pack some extra souvenirs on the way home. Plus you can’t beat the 10-year warranty. 

Best Packing Cubes

Bagail 8 set packing cubes.

The ultimate space-saving solution in your suitcase becomes the ultimate organizational tool in a cramped cruise cabin. The BAGAIL packing cube set comes with eight sizes and shapes — including a shoe bag, cosmetic bag, and a drawstring bag for dirty clothes — and features a mesh design so it’s easy to see what’s inside without having to rifle through everything. Make sure everyone in your cabin chooses a different color set of cubes, and you will always know which ones are yours in the dresser drawers at a glance. 

Best Evening Handbag

Simitri island half moon bag.

When you’re keeping your wardrobe simple so you can mix-and-match outfits, let your accessories show off your personality. This darling Island Half Moon Bag from Simitri practically screams “tropical cruise,” with its vivid hues and floral stitching. The detachable pearl strap and pop of sequins elevate the look for specialty restaurant dining, and the playful aesthetic is also perfect for hitting the nightclub afterwards. There’s a metal flap closure to keep your belongings in place and a faux leather cross-body strap for dancing the night away.

Best Daytime Crossbody

Sea bags convertible bucket bag.

Want a hint of nautical style without going overboard? The sustainable Sea Bags Mariner Stripe Convertible Bucket Bag is made from recycled sail cloth, handcrafted in the USA — no two bags are alike, as sails that have been reclaimed have earned unique marks and colorations which enhance the charm of this handcrafted bag. It morphs from a cross-body, to an over-the-shoulder, to a handbag, to a backpack, as you go from one cruise activity to the next, all day long. Want a design that’s a little bolder? Check out the barnacle print, navy anchor, and sea glass designs that are sure to be the talk of the ship. 

Best Daypack

Terra thread gaia sling bag.

Terra Thread

Behold! Your perfect daypack for on-ship activities and off-ship excursions. The Terra Thread Gaia Sling Bag is made of eco-friendly cotton canvas, comes in a wide range of colors, has an adjustable strap, only weighs 10 ounces, and is machine-washable in case it needs a little refreshing after too much fun. There are several pockets, each secured with a zipper, so you can separate your belongings into various compartments — one is even big enough for a bottle of water.

To ensure you have a hassle-free and safe trip, avoid packing the following items: illegal substances, such as drugs, firearms, or explosives; irons and other heating elements that can pose a fire hazard; excessive amounts of cash and valuables (your room will have a safe, but is it really necessary to bring your grandmother’s irreplaceable pearls?), and large suitcases that can’t store underneath the bed. Finally, double check your specific cruise line’s policy on bringing alcohol onboard, as the rules vary. 

When leaving on a five-to-seven-day cruise, it’s important to pack efficiently while also bringing enough clothing for all your planned activities. Generally speaking, you’ll want a handful of mix-and-match daytime outfits for exploring ports of call, lounging by the pool (two bathing suits), or participating in onboard activities. Plus, you’ll need appropriate evening wear for dinner — some cruise lines have formal nights where you may want a cocktail dress or suit, while others are more casual and only require slacks and polo shirts, blouses, or dresses. Plan on four outfits for evening, as there will likely be a couple of nights you choose to enjoy room service or visit the buffet instead. For longer cruises, know that most cruise lines have self-service laundry options or full-service laundry for an extra fee, so you can pack for five nights and wash and repeat your outfits.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jill Schildhouse is a Phoenix-based travel writer who has taken more than 15 cruises over the last two decades, from 300-passenger yachts to mega-ships — some of her favorites include Alaska, the Mediterranean, and Southern Caribbean. She not only relied on her own experience (she owns and swears by many of these products herself) but also spoke with other travel writers and cruise experts to determine the best things to pack for a cruise.

Those she consulted with included:

• Cynthia Drake , a freelance travel writer who has taken more than 20 cruises
• Megan duBois , a travel journalist who has taken more than two dozen cruises
• Mickey and Vickey Popat , who have spent over 150 nights at sea
• Jill Robbins , a freelance writer and self-proclaimed “less is more” packer who’s been on 14 cruises
• Theresa Russell , a travel writer who has cruised six continents so far
• Jill Whelan , Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises

Related: The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List

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39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 You’d Never Think Of)

Wondering what to pack for your cruise? We’ll assume you know to bring your swimsuit, socks, and underwear for your next cruise.

But what else should you bring? There are a lot of things many people wouldn’t think to pack that can be extremely useful. That’s because cruising is different from any other vacation. Most other places you aren’t on a moving vessel for a week at a time — miles away from the nearest store.

Cruising requires you to plan ahead and bring everything you might need. While we typically tell people to pack light, there’s no shame in being prepared for anything on your trip.

Having been on literally dozens of cruises across every major line, we know what’s important to bring… and what you can leave at home . To help you out, we’ve rounded up a list of nearly 40 useful items that you need to take on your cruise. 

(Need more packing ideas? See our complete 85-item printable cruise packing checklist . Going on an Alaskan cruise? See what to pack for an Alaskan cruise here .)

In This Article...

Note: The links to Amazon used below are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

A Small, Portable Cabin Fan

One important tip — no matter which sort of fan you bring, you want something compact. Remember that you’re going to have to lug it to the ship and back home.

Outlet Adapter

Have an iPhone? What about a tablet or a laptop? A small fan? A nightlight, curling iron or straightener? You can see that outlet space can be at a premium in a small cruise cabin.

That’s why we recommend packing an adapter or two that will expand the number of plugs. You can pick one up for just around $5 . Just be sure it doesn’t have a surge protector, which isn’t allowed on the ship. 

4-Wheel Spinner Suitcase

You likely already have a suitcase or a duffel bag to pack your clothes in, but it’s a good idea to switch over to a 4-wheel spinner suitcase if you don’t have one. The walkway from the cruise terminal to your cabin can be pretty long. There are often stairs, inclined walkways, and thresholds to pass.

Having a traditional rolling bag gets caught up in your feet and takes up a lot of space when dragging it behind you. A 4-wheeled suitcase like this one can be right at your side and is also much easier to navigate down narrow cruise ship hallways.

Hand Sanitizer

There’s no glossing over the health issues that have hit the world and the cruise industry. While cruise lines go to major lengths to keep people healthy on their trip, it’s a good idea to take matters into your own hands… literally.

There are hand sanitizer dispensers all over ships, but it’s smart to bring your own so that you don’t have to hunt. Use it regularly throughout the cruise. The good news is that it’s not expensive. Just be sure to get smaller containers that can fit easily in a pocket or a purse. You can find hand sanitizer for relatively little .

Over-the-Counter Medicines

No one goes on a cruise thinking about getting sick, but it does happen. And whether it’s just a headache from a little too much sun (or too much to drink!), or you have an upset stomach, the last thing you want to do is have to tough it out without any sort of remedy.

On the ship you will have a small shop selling medicines, alongside other sundries like toothbrushes and deodorant. However, the prices are expensive and they aren’t open 24 hours. It’s much cheaper and more convenient just to pack a little of everything with you so you’ll have it at the moment you need it.

Nothing beats sitting out on the balcony of the ship, watching the sunset and sipping a glass of your favorite vino. The good news is that most cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine or champagne along with you (sorry, beer and booze aren’t allowed).

Considering the prices on the ship, passengers should take advantage and bring as much as their cruise line allows. It can save you considerable money and trips to the bar.

(Read: 30+ Easy Ways to Save Money on a Cruise )

We’ve all done the dance when you want to open a bottle of wine and search frantically for a corkscrew. If you can’t find one, it usually ends up with you cutting out the cork… and spitting out bits of cork every time you take a sip of your drink. So be sure to pack a corkscrew with your wine. A $5 purchase can save you a lot of headache.

Leakproof Wine Bottle Protector

Still, it’s a good idea to protect those fragile bottles, even in your carry-on. A leakproof bottle protector offers some protection so you don’t have to worry about accidental breaking.

Cabin Nightlight

The cabins on a ship can get dark — especially if you’ve booked an interior room that doesn’t have windows. So what happens if you get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night while trying to navigate a small, unfamiliar cabin with furniture? Your shins pay the price.

We like to pack a glowing nightlight like the ones above to give us a little something to see by. The lights shown here cost about $10 for two on Amazon .

Don’t want a nightlight? You can also keep the bathroom light on and close the door. That provides some light as well.

This stuff doesn’t go in the air. You spray the toilet water before you go and it creates a seal on the surface that keeps odors away. People who use it swear by it.

Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer (NOT for Shoes)

Hang it over the bathroom door and you have a perfect place to put small items like deodorant, shampoo bottles, sunscreen bottles, and anything else. This way you don’t have to take up valuable counter space in the small ship bathrooms. You can find them for less than $10 . They also fold up flat so they don’t take up much room in your luggage.

Magnetic Hooks

In a cruise cabin, efficiency of space is extremely important. After all, a cabin can be only about 160 square feet, meaning you can’t waste a lot of space. That’s why bringing magnetic hooks can be helpful.

The walls and ceiling of the cabin are actually made of metal. So you can place these hooks just about anywhere and have a place to hang hats, lanyards, clothes, and anything else. Best of all, they only cost a few bucks meaning you don’t have to spend a lot to keep the cabin organized.

Wet Wipes (Do NOT Flush)

Ok, let’s be real for a moment. Your cabin bathroom will have plenty of toilet paper, but it is the one-ply stuff that is practically see-through. In other words, it doesn’t feel that great to use and doesn’t leave you feeling clean.

That’s why we’d suggest packing some wipes that offer a better clean and feeling than only using the toilet paper.

One important thing — even if you pack wipes that say they are flushable, do NOT flush them . Place them in the trash can in the bathroom. Flushing anything but toilet paper can cause issues in the ship’s waste systems.

Ziploc Bags

Bringing resealable Ziploc bags is one of the smartest things you can do. From keeping your phone/wallet dry while you swim to keeping wet clothes separate from your dry luggage, Ziplocs are worth their weight in gold. Bring a handful and know that you’re covered for anything you might encounter.

Slip-Resistant Flip Flops

Ok, most people know to pack a pair of flip-flops on their trip. They are a beach and pool essential. But are you packing sandals that actually have tread? Those cheap flip-flops can have a sole that’s rubbed smooth. With wet decks on the ship, it can be like walking on ice when you have no tread.

Instead, look for a pair with actual tread on the sole. We like Reef sandals in general, which we find to be real comfortable. the reviews for them are outstanding .

Mask and Snorkel

First, paying to rent a mask and snorkel can be expensive — $10 to $15 on the cheap end. But as well, you are using something that others have used before, which is a little weird given that the mask and snorkel go right on your face and mouth. This set is around $30 on Amazon and comes in several colors .

Phone Charger

Just a friendly reminder. You should go ahead and put the charger in your suitcase now. It’s too easy to forget. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of the ocean and realize that your phone battery is flashing red.

Think you won’t use your phone on a cruise? Many lines have apps for your phone with things like maps and schedules that are extremely helpful. As well, many people hop on the wi-fi to stay in touch back home.

Phone/Passport Dry Pouch

If you are planning to go to the beach, you’ll want somewhere to keep your passport, credit cards, room key, and cash dry. This bag is a best-seller and is less than $10 on Amazon . You can also use it for your phone if you want to bring it with you to the beach. ( You can read our full review and test of this case here .)

Wide-Brimmed Hat

The sun in the tropics is no joke. The more direct rays mean you burn more quickly. There is no better way to avoid sunburn than to keep the sun off you to begin with. Big hats are always in fashion on a cruise because they protect your face, shoulders and neck from getting sunburned.

A lightweight version won’t break the bank (just around $20 online ) and will help keep you cool. We highly recommend something not made of heavy cloth and nothing that’s dark, which can leave your head sweltering.

Walking Shoes for Port

Everyone knows to bring some sandals if you’re headed to the beach, but if you’re going on a cruise then you should also bring some comfy walking shoes. Excursions (or just exploring the port) involves a lot of walking. You don’t want your feet to be uncomfortable while you are on vacation.

Already have a pair of shoes? You might want to invest in some insoles to make them like new again.

Land ho! Or is it? Believe it or not, there’s a lot to see when you’re out at sea. Many passengers love having a pair of binoculars to people watch from afar or simply look at other ships out on the open ocean. An affordable pair won’t set you back that much and you won’t be heartbroken if you accidently drop them on the deck. You can find a pair for about $30 on Amazon .

Jacket or a Hoodie for the Ship

Pack a jacket or a hoodie just in case. You can find them for about $30 online just in case you don’t have one already.

Netflix (Or Other Services) for Binging

How do you pack Netflix? To be sure, not all wi-fi connections on a cruise allow streaming, and even if they do, internet is expensive on the ship . Netflix (and other streaming apps) allows you to download many episodes to your computer or tablet beforehand so you can watch without an internet connection.

Having a few episodes to binge on a cruise is one of our guilty pleasures. It’s also a great way to keep kids entertained if you feel like taking it easy in the cabin.

A Passport (Though a Birth Certificate Is Usually OK)

Sure, you may know its ideal to bring a passport to cruise ( though you can sail with a birth certificate in many cases ). But do you know why?

First, passports are smart in case something comes up and you have to leave the cruise early to return home. It simply makes things easier. To be honest, however, the vast majority of cruises go off without a hitch. 

Where a passport is truly handy is getting off the ship at the end of the cruise. These days most ports have facial recognition to process passengers. If you have a passport, you simply walk off, take a quick photo, and then walk out of the terminal. Those with birth certificates usually have to wait in line to meet an agent. 

Lanyard for Your Room Key

Sunscreen (Lots of it)

We like to call the day after the first day at sea “Lobster Day.” That’s because many people spent the first day getting too much sun and look like a bunch of lobsters walking around the ship.

You may not realize how powerful the Caribbean sun is until it’s too late. That’s why you should pack plenty of sunscreen. Amazon offers up inexpensive sunscreen , but you can also find deals at your local supermarket.

Aloe Gel (In Case Sunscreen Isn’t Enough)

Everyone knows it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, but many people never think to bring aloe in case you get burned anyway. The lower latitudes of the Caribbean mean the sun is much stronger than your skin is likely used to.

Being able to prevent and treat sunburn is important to enjoying your cruise. Grab a bottle of aloe gel to bring on your vacation .

These days, almost all of us check our phones for the time. But when you are in port, it’s often easier just to carry a cheap wristwatch. That way you can be sure you get back before the ship leaves port, as well as keep track of when any scheduled activities onboard are about to happen. This one is only around $15  and is water resistant (a must on a cruise).

Swimsuit Cover Up

Best of all, you don’t have to worry about big wet spots on your clothes if you use a cover instead of putting shorts and a tank top over your outfit. You can find them for about $10-$15 .

Waterproof Drybag

There’s always a conundrum when you head out in the water. What do you do with your valuables? That’s why we suggest having a drybag. Put your items in the bag, seal, and roll it up and you have a splash-proof container that you can take into the water with you.

No more having to worry and keep an eye on your valuables on shore. They also come in practically any color you’d want and with a waterproof phone case.

We reviewed three different bags, and this one by Freegrace was the clear winner while costing only about $20 on Amazon .

Most cruises will have some seasickness medication out for passengers to take when the waves get rough. You will still likely want to bring your own. It’s only a few bucks and can keep you from feeling bad if the ocean picks up.

Don’t like taking pills? There are also patches you can wear .

(Read:  Will I Get Seasick on a Cruise? Everything to Know About Sailing Comfortably )

Like a cellphone charger, you know to bring your shades on a cruise. The only problem is that it’s so easy to forget them at home or in the car. With the reflection of the sun off the ship and the water, having sunglasses is a must.

Get you an extra pair for your trip and put them in your luggage immediately so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting them later. Worst case, you’ll have a backup pair on your cruise.

Lightweight Backpack

If you want something to carry a change of clothes and some towels — without the bulk of a regular backpack — check out this lightweight bag. Because of the polyester material, it’s no big deal if it gets wet because it will dry quickly. If you don’t need it, the bag also folds down into a small pouch that takes up hardly any space in your luggage.

This is perfect for port days when you only need a small bag that you don’t mind getting wet. The one shown here costs about $20 on Amazon .

Waterproof Valuables Case

Whether you are hanging by the pool or don’t want to leave your valuables on the beach while taking a dip, a waterproof case is a must-have. Use it to keep your phone, wallet, keys, and anything else dry as a bone so you don’t have to worry just because you want to go swimming. You can get two bags for about $12 .

Towel Clips

One of our pastimes on the ship is to watch people struggle with laying their towel on their beach chair. With the ship constantly in motion, there is almost always a breeze on deck. So while you’re trying to relax, the corners of the towel are whipping up and down.

Bringing a few clips like these can help keep your towel secure to your lounge chair and save you some stress. These cost less than $10 for a pack of 8 .

Cabin Alarm Clock

Cabins don’t have clocks. And while most people want to leave the alarm clock at home, we suggest bringing one. It’s nice to be able to see the time at a glance. Not only will it make sure you don’t miss any onboard activities, it’s also nice to know what time it is if you wake up in the middle of the night.

And if you’re the sort of person who likes getting up early to be the first off the ship, then this $20 alarm clock is worth its weight in gold.

Wrinkle-Release Spray (TSA Compliant)

If you’re worried about wrinkles when you unpack your clothes, then this spray is just the thing. Irons aren’t allowed in cabins for fire safety reasons. If you want something pressed, you have to send it down to laundry services. Or, you could pack this, spray the wrinkled item, hang it in the closet, and let the spray do the work.

Just make sure the one you get comes in a small bottle so you can pack it with you even if you have to fly to your cruise port. We like that the one shown here only costs around $7 for a bottle.

Want the convenience of a fanny pack without the bulk? This belt comes in a ton of colors and sits flat against your body with your shirt over it. Put in your passport, cash, cell phone and more, so they are always at an arm’s reach, but safe from pick pocketers. In other words, an investment of less than $10 can give you peace of mind.

We don’t usually carry cash with us on a day-to-day basis. Credit cards are accepted everywhere here at home. However, on a cruise we make sure to pack enough cash to get us through the trip.

Using cash is more secure than using your credit card in foreign ports, plus credit cards aren’t accepted everywhere like they are back home. And if you need more cash on the ship, the ATMs onboard are pricey (expect fees of $6-7 per transaction). You can read our article here to figure out how much cash to bring with you .

Refillable Bottle

TSA-Compliant Luggage Locks

For just a few bucks you can keep your bag locked closed with these locks and keep any fast hands from getting your valuables. One lock is about $8 on Amazon , but you can get a better deal buying multiples.

Cruise Packing Checklist (What Else You Should Bring)

Packing for a cruise is a little different than any other vacation due to the simple reason that in the middle of the ocean it’s not that easy to run out and grab something you forgot. That’s why in addition to what we have above, here are a few more basic items you’ll want to bring:

• Walking shoes
• Nice clothes for formal night
• Books/magazines for poolside reading
• Travel documents

To help passengers out, we’ve put together a complete 85-item printable PDF checklist that makes it easy to make sure you have everything you need. You can see (and print) our full cruise packing checklist here .

What You Don’t Need to Pack

We’ve focused on what you need to pack for a cruise… but there are many things you don’t need to bring. They simply take up space and are already provided.

Hair dryer: No, you don’t need to pack a hair dryer for the cruise. All cabins come with one built in. It’s a small, hotel-style hair dryer, but it will get the job done. If you want, you can bring your own from home.

Soap & shampoo: If you have soap or shampoo that you just have to have, then go ahead and bring in on the trip. That said, every cabin bathroom comes with a soap and shampoo dispenser in the shower. So if you forget your soap, then you are covered. And if you don’t care about what type of product you use, then it’s something you don’t have to pack.

Beach Towels: Just like a hotel, cruise ships provide you with towels in the cabin to use. That’s to be expected. But a nice perk is that ships also provide beach towels. These towels are often in your cabin when you arrive or you can grab them from the pool deck.

You can take these beach towels down to the pool and even bring them with you off the ship. Just be sure to bring them back because you are charged for missing towels at the end of the cruise.

Prohibited Items on a Cruise (Do Not Bring)

The great thing about cruising is that the cruise lines are pretty lenient on what and how much you can bring. If you’re used to flying, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There are no real baggage limits (within reason) and things like liquids don’t have to be contained to three ounces.

That said, there are some things you can’t bring on the ship:

Alcohol and beer:  Yes, cruise ships will let you bring on a bottle of champagne or wine with your carry-on. Things like liquor, beer, and other spirits are strictly against the rules. If caught trying to sneak these on through security, they will be removed and likely discarded.

Weapons that might harm other passengers:   Guns, pepper spray, tasers, and other things of this nature aren’t allowed for obvious reasons. Plus, you also don’t want to be caught with these in a foreign port. It pays to use common sense here; if you aren’t able to bring it onto a plane because it’s considered a weapon, then you shouldn’t try to bring it on a cruise ship (though things like nail clippers are just fine).

Anything that can start a fire:  Hair products like curlers, hair dryers, and straighteners are allowed. As well, cigarette lighters are ok to pack too. But things like candles, hot plates, electric blankets, heaters, and other items that heat up are prohibited.

For more on luggage and baggage rules for your cruise, see our article here .

What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

The items we’ve covered above are about packing with a Caribbean cruise in mind, as this is the most popular cruise destination in the world.

If you are headed to Alaska, your packing list has many similarities, but will be a little different. Specifically, it includes more cool weather gear, including warm socks, hat, and gloves.

We’ve covered what to pack for an Alaskan cruise here .

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Nice in formation.

I’m travelling solo, so I’m worried about sunscreen and being able to apply it properly to cover my body. I’ve never been a beach-goer, so I’m also concerned that a cruise is not for me. Any ideas?

You do not want to be left behind with your actual passport locked away in your cruise cabin. Take it with you when you leave the ship.

So far I haven’t seen anyone mention bandage type protection for falls or blisters. I highly suggest bringing the blister bandage to help with blister pain.

Just a reminder, most cell phones have a flashlight built in! They sure do come in handy. When I am out and about on board ship, I take my phone with me.

Hey Marie, great suggestion!

I’ve learned about cornstarch. Baby powder is questionable. But cornstarch is food safe therefore beach safe. In a old spice jar or shaker will allow you to get the sand out of all those un comfortable places sand can get

Cornstarch is also great for chaffing after long hot walks into or out of ports. Just apply generously to affected area.

I use baby powder daily, and it’s now made with cornstarch not talc.

While preparing for my cruise I just read your question from last year. You probably learned that she would be denied boarding because she would have been denied re-entry into the US. As it is now a full year later I’m sure all is well and re-entry is no longer a concern. I’m not knowledgeable with immigration laws and it’s possible I missed something with my Google search so if I may ask did you and your wife have success or encounter any difficulties with your cruise plans.

Heartburn meds…you will likely be trying many new foods and the worst thing is to get heartburn and have nothing to take care if it….

I usually bring a couple of dryer sheets and 1-2 laundry pods with me so I can do a load of laundry before we leave. That way I’m not packing dirty clothes in my luggage.

Reef makes excellent flip-flops (they are very comfortable & give you great traction [even when wet, depending on the model you purchase]), but I suggest you link to one of the models (available in both men’s & women’s styles) that has one more great feature that few other flip-flops have: bottle openers built right into the bottom of the sole!

I’ve had several pairs of them over the years and they are now the ONLY flip-flop brand that I will buy. They can be a little bit pricey (depending on a person’s point of view) , but if you look for sales and clearances you can find deals, and they are well worth even full price.

We’ve seen these, but putting the bottom of our shoe on the lip of a bottle we plan to drink from sounds… not clean.

Don’t be uncouth and drink from a bottle, terrible modern habit and, NO, not cool

Hello Cruzely Staff, My new wife and I would like to take a cruise… BUT, My fiancé does not yet have her green card for re-entry to the USof A. Nor does she have her PASS PORT. She does have a photo ID though. Are the PASS PORTS required to have as long as you will stay on the ship and not disembark on the different ports of call?

Bottle of wine??? Isn’t it more interesting to try a local wine instead?

Carnival has a retractable clothes line in the bathroom. I take clothes pins to hang swim suits etc on They also work great in hotels if the curtains don’t close all the way. I keep some in my luggage at all times.

Don’t forget extra medication just in case the boat breaks down and you are stuck at sea for a week.

When using the outlet adapters if your bring a multiple extension cord and use the adapter you can charge several items a once without having to wait for your turn.

Does the rooms have hair dryers? Also, shampoo, conditioners, and lotion?

Yes, everything you need is provided. If you have a favorite brand, you might want to pack it, however.

Is a small scissor for cutting small hairs allowed?

Yes they are.

Make sure they are not pointed at the end. Mine were confiscated from my make up bag by Carnival/Charleston.

I am so glad to be so informed as we are going on a cruise on the Costa Pacifica along argentina>Canary Islands>casablanca. I thank all who have offered their suggestions and advice. I have always camped so this is so new to me. Thank you.

You listed TSA approved luggage locks, but the cruises I have been on indicate that the luggage given to the porters must remain unlocked. Of course if you fly to the port, you should use the TSA locks, but remove them at the port. Personally I wish they would allow the TSA locks, as I don’t like having my bags sit around the hallways unlocked. (I have been trying to pack in a small enough suitcase that I can carry on board, but still go overboard-not so much with clothes and toiletries, but with all of the other stuff we bring. We bring most everything you have listed in the article.)

I have always packed a small flashlight and a set of walkie-talkies. One time, the power went out on our ship. Everyone was screaming and some were crying. It was at night. I left our dining room table and made my way back to our cabin. Luckily, it was only one deck up and right off the elevator. I got the flashlight and came back out in the hall where people were sitting along the walls. Everyone cheered and asked…how did you know to bring a flashlight? I told them, it’s just something I always bring! The walkie-talkies are great too if you can’t find your loved one. You just get on an agreed-upon channel and call them! Great for the larger ships! I’ve been on 10 cruises, so you just learn as you go what you need that you didn’t think of beforehand.

I’m hoping someone can help me. We are a group of 12 adults traveling on the Reflection. I’m in charge of organizing a scavenger hunt for one of the sea days. I’m thinking about 20 questions that would entail getting an item/or answering a question. If someone has done this or could offer suggestions of questions, I’d appreciate it very much. I’ve gone on Pinterest and searched on line……

I’ve had them take a photo with themselves and the captain, Their name and date written in the sand with a bonus if they put the Port in it also. Photos with their whole group, photos with Any of the Characters such as Dr. Seuss Characters, or Ship Mascots. A pic in hot tub or pool, or on the water slide, Exotic animal from one of the ports, bonus if animal is being held, Pic of jumping from something, {Feet off the Ground} pic with someone in the Hairy Chest Contest {Not from your group} Pic participating in Any excursion in ports. I have a whole list of things in one of my cruise folders. I would just have to find it. But this is what I can remember off the top of my head.. Hope this helps..

GREAT ideas, Tammy!!

Another thing I keep plenty of is unscented Preparation H cream. I know it sounds crazy, but it is a must have for sunburns or any kind of burn as far as that goes. Use it generously on your burn and it will decrease the swelling and begin the healing process faster. Most pain associated with burns are due to the swelling and inflammatory prcess. The ingredients in PH cream are made to treat swelling and redness. I promise it works wonderfully!

Yes it does! I’ve used it for years! Most recently NewYears!

I actually carry a power strip with me. There are usually only 2-3 outlets tops in the cabins and if you have lots of electronics and need to plug in a hairdryer it sure comes in handy.

extension cords are not allowed on cruise lines I’ve been on, nor are outlet adapters with surge protectors.

The extension cord depends on the cruise line, and the choice of cord. The skinny ones that just have a fairly thin cord with a small block of two or three outlets on the end seem to be OK, on Carnival at least. Totally agree on the surge protected adapters. We have a couple of different ones that are not surge protected, and they’re deemed safe for cruise ships.

We use little hard cases with caribiner on them for our cash, ship card and credit card. (search for Money ID Card Badge Holder Dry Box on Amazon) We got ours at Ron Jons years ago, but just bought some for family members recently. Hubby attaches his in his swimsuit pocket and I attach mine to my swimsuit strap. This way, we can just relax and enjoy the water. If they steal our towel or hat – oh well, but we can still pay for things and get back on the ship. No fuss, no muss.

I was in Mexico City with my kids. I stayed behind with my daughter who felt ill. Once she felt better, her energy kicked in. Next thing you know, we are riding bicycles we rented. It starts pouring rain. We have our cell phones in cute little baskets in front of us on the bikes. I always carry ziplock bags when I travel. Came in handy to keep our cellphones dry!!!

I bring an old hotel key card or old casino players card to use where your room key goes to keep air/lights on while you are out of the room. Just leave it in for the duration of the cruise.

I make my own wrinkle releaser. Take a small spray bottle and once arriving on the ship, insert a dryer sheet and fill with water. Shake it up and spray clothes lightly and give them a little shake. Wrinkles are gone. No worries about what size bottle or fluids. I even use this at home.

I rarely read a “useful thing to bring on a cruise” that I didn’t already know, but your tip about making your own wrinkle release spray was GREAT! Thank you!!!

Thank you I came on here for that and you hit it out the park

just the reason why brought walkie talkies recently now im gonna start bringing a flash light

now this is a great idea was gonna buy some now gonna make it way cheaper and i always have drier sheets

I used a shoe rack holder on my first cruise. Was definitely a good idea. I hung it on the back of a closet door and put some shoes. Sunscreen. Sprays, makeup, chargers anything that can fit

I love the idea of the dry bag.When we went on a cruise to Jamaica ,we left our valubles on shore and we couldn’t really enjoy since there were people selling things on shore and we had to constantly keep an eye on our things.

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work

I like your suggestion to bring a copy of our passport along with our actual passport so we can keep the actual one safe. My husband and I want to go on a cruise together soon. I think the tips you shared will help everything on the cruise go smoothly!

on the 10 drink package can you buy more then one?, and if you don’t can you fine out. cause the drink package is a little high for the reason that you will only be on the ship six day’s so why would they charge you for seven days

You can. Here are more details: https://cruzely.com/everything-to-know-about-royal-caribbeans-10-drink-cards/

Most cruise ships allow you to bring on board one 12 pack of cans per person per cabin. It is cheaper to do that then to buy the drink package unless you are a big drinker. You can alway buy drinks by the drink and not part of the package. If you aren’t a huge soft drink or alcohol drinker I have found it way cheaper to do it this way and just buy a coke(soda) or alcoholic drink here or there.

So do, but not all. You can learn more about bringing non-alcoholic drinks here: https://cruzely.com/bringing-water-or-soda-on-the-ship-carnival-royal-caribbean-princess-and-norwegian/

A fitted sheet works even better. Place water bottles or something similar in the corners to anchor it down with elastic edge up at the top of the bottle (when it is standing. Helps keep sheet in position and sand from blowing onto sheet because it makes a kind of ‘play pen’ shape.

when we go to the beach or think we may need to rest on the ground or seating is dirty I pack a top sheet. they pack well and sand shakes off easily, plus everyone already has at least one so no add’l expense.

How to keep it “down” in breezy conditions?

We also have put something on the outside of our door so we could find it quicker. Also if you put up a light weight chalk board or dry erase board people can leave you notes.

Those are both great ideas. The hallways and doors can all look the same on the ship.

Are there any rules on how you “attach” things to the doors?

Not that we’ve seen. However, it should be something that doesn’t damage the doors. Magnets are ideal or a piece of masking tape.

I’ve heard they only want the command hooks so you can remove the hook without damaging the door.

Use magnets, nothing adhesive.

Command straps. Carnival door decorations

Don’t be surprised if someone adds a comment to your dry board posts. On a recent cruise, the “Grandmas” used a dry board and other passengers added fun comments as replies. All to the enjoyment of grandmas and others.

We always get a balcony room and love the door open. We take a couple bungee cords to hold it open.

That practice is discouraged. It creates a wind tunnel effect. Also, a waste of energy.

Heavy duty magnets will work on the textured walls

These were all life savers on the cruise I just went on. Fan is not necessary though as cabins are air conditioned the walls on the oasis of the seas were textured wallpaper so suction cups or magnets did not work but the bathroom had plenty of hooks

Thank you for the info! We’re going on Oasis of the Seas in 5 weeks!!!

I always buy a few rain ponchos from the dollar store prior to traveling so that if we need them, we are not at the mercy of the local gift shops. Another handy thing is to put a few dryer sheets in your suitcase so that it stays fresh smelling.

Those are great ideas! Love the dryer sheets idea. With the humidity of being at sea, freshness is always nice.

Check out Frog Toggs rain gear. I got a very lightweight rain coat for about $15. It packs down small into a little bag that’s included. The clouds just opened up in Roatan but my wife and I had our rain coats on in seconds. My in-laws were not as prepared.

I would have given mine to in ln Laws.

Since the ship has a lot of metal use heavy duty magnets with hooks on them. I place them around the cabin to hang things on.

Great idea. Definitely a good suggestion.

May I emphasis “heavy duty” magnets in Cynthia’s post? The 1st time I just took some cheapies and they slid down the wall one something was attached to them – they weren’t strong enough.

With heavy duty magnets I have placed my wrung-out swimsuit on a hanger and hung it from them to finish drying with no problems.

There is a retractable clothes line in the bathroom of your cabin, usually in the shower. Happy cruising everyone.

Thank you Pam, I couldn’t remember I thought so but wasnt’ 100%

I like Marie’s idea. I usually travel with an empty pillow case to put laundry in.

Our must-have is a pop-up mesh laundry hamper. It packs flat in your bag and is a life saver in keeping the tiny room tidy and keeping your clean clothes fresh and separate from what’s already been worn.

I use packing cubes. It saves so much room in my luggage. Once in the room, I unpack on the shelves and hangers and then designate one of my largest packing cubes for dirty laundry that lives on lowest shelf. Once home, it too can go into the washer.

Once you unpack your suitcases and slide them under the bed, leave them open and you can use them to store your dirty clothes or a place to keep your souveniers.

We take a few Gain-scented kitchen-sized trash bags to use for dirty laundry. You can store the dirty clothes in a closet, in luggage beneath the bed, or wherever, all while keeping the dirty clothes smell to a minimum and also keeping dirty clothes from touching the inside of your luggage. Trash bags take up no room, hold their structure pretty well while filling, and I can reuse them for their intended purpose once we’re home.

Things I advise to bring that are not on this list:

Highlighters: To note which activities you wish to do on the cruise agenda.

Playing cards / games: To use when you just want to chill but stay active.

Ponchos: Depending on your destination.

Lanyards: Get your sea pass card punched and attach it to a lanyard around your neck.

Lanyards are on the list.

How do you get the lanyard punched? Will they do that for you on the ship?

Yes, there is usually a table with hole punchers.

You can get it punched in the casino. They like you to have it handy for gambling.

Some room cards cannot be punched. The card does so much. Better to get a lanyard with a plastic holder on the end.

Great idea you can take it out to scan, I have one use it eery cruise.

The Alarm Clock only has 4 time zones, “4 US Time Zones Selectable (P/ M/ C/ E)”, not Hawaii or Alaska and nothing if you want to travel internationally and it’s set by radio, so not suggested.

Set it for ship time and don’t set the time zone.

Another thing that is a must for people wearing glasses is a small eyeglass repair kit which can be bought at the dollar store. A screw came out of my glasses while I was going through security. I need them to see. I did not have one and no one else did. Guest services took them and told me they would see what they could do. Who else but the Captain had a kit and fixed them for me. What a life saver. Will not travel without one now!

That’s a great thing to pack! It’s tough when you’re in the middle of the ocean. No easy way to get things like repair kits out there.

It is a good idea to bring an extra pair of glasses if you are truly dependent on them.I have been an optician for 40 years and have heard way to many stories about glasses getting lost or destroyed at the most inopportune times.

I also went to Walmart and purchased the little dental repair kit to keep in my bag when I travel. It’s terrible to be away from home and you lose a crown. The repair kit has dental cement to put it back on until you can get back to your dentist.

This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

I Always take a little colapsable clotheshanger for the wet undies and socks hang it in the shower, I DONT USE THE LAUNDRY ALL THE TIME hand wash the little items.

Thank you for suggesting that you should pack a small portable fan for your cabin on the cruise. My husband and I are thinking of going on a cruise and I want to find the best one. I’ll have to do some research and find something we will both love.

After 6 cruises WITHOUT a small fan and having taken 9 more WITH a fan, my wife and I can’t imagine not taking it. A fan makes all the difference in the world! Highly recommend it.

I like one with a mister to cool me down after time in the sun. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQB6MZDB/?coliid=I2F0DS5KY4LBLX&colid=NL5G49PUCCFJ&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

as far as motion sickness… I use Bonine. it’s less harsh on the stomach.. I take one right before I get embark, and then one every night. https://www.amazon.com/Bonine-Motion-Sickness-Tablets-Raspberry/dp/B000YA8NYQ?th=1

Same here, I think it also causes less drowsiness. We also use Sea Bands.

I always take ginger root pills. I was surprised at how well they work, but they do! No drowsiness, no side affects. Inexpensive and natural.

We always take a beach lock bag to attach to beach chair, to protect our keys etc while we go into beach.

There is a safe in the cabin where we put all our valuables. It’s big enough to put our tablets. So unless you bring a laptop or something big, there’s really no need to get a lock for your suite case. We keep all our valuables in our carry on so they are never out of our possession.

We don’t agree with that. We don’t like the idea of luggage being out of our sight and not secured in someway — even if we carry all valuables with us.

Not on the list is a camera! I want to get a new camera that’s good quality and water proof. What is a good quality brand and model?

Check out the Panasonic Lumix line of cameras; tough and waterproof.

I LOVE the panasonic Lumix Camera. I don’t even take my big Nikon anymore. If you buy one that is not waterproof though, you MUST bring a waterproof hard case for it… and make sure travel guides know you have a camera and not to get you wet. Brought mine to the waterfall at Falmouth and just as I was putting it away the guide decided it was funny to splash us all. My camera stopped working and that was it for my day. I was sooo upset… Thankfully it dried out and it worked for the rest of the cruise.

What about a battery charger for those rechargeable batteries.

A torch for when you are walking in darkened areas.

Also, tablets for sea-sickness even if you think you don’t need them!! You just never know.

Get a Watson battery charger, for ALL your Electronics – check B&H Photo and Video works with Camera, Camcorder, GoPro – almost anything

You shouldn’t take a torch, they don’t allow anything flammable. A flashlight would be better

Torch = Flashlight in UK English. Please bring nothing with actual flames 🙂

agree on the sea-sickness medicine. I just got off a really rough cruise-just general bad weather, not hurricane related-and was glad I had my medicine. There was 2 out of the 4 of us in the room who needed to take it over the course of several days and I was afraid we would run out.

Do not forget constipation and diarrhea pills. God forbid you would need them, but if you do, you need to have them.

Also pocket sanitizer bottles–those little bottles of purell. use it each and every time you get done with a menu, or after touching handrails in a stairway. Washing is better–but not always convenient.

A small extra battery for your e-reader is a good idea too.

Another reason you need a watch: ships operate on “ship’s time,” which may or may not be the time your longitude-sensitive (local time) phone may give you. If you rely on your cell for time, you may be back to the ship an hour early (bummer) or an hour late (real big bummer).

This is 100% correct… especially the real big bummer part!

You can also set your phone NOT to change based on the local time.

If you don’t do that you may not be on ship time while at sea!

I thought I would see Chap Stick on the list with the wind and the sun, but no one has mentioned this tiny little life saver!!

That’s a great idea! The wind on the ship quickly dries out your lips. Chapstick is a must-have.

lol, I cannot live without chapstick. I just bought one with spf 30 (wish it was 50). We’ll be cruising in July. It didn’t even occur to me that I needed it, I just instinctively bought it since it had a good spf. I use chap stick every day.

Lip balm is in the Cruise kit that was mentioned.

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The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

By Elissa Garay

Last updated: November 7th, 2023

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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

Evenings on Celebrity’s ships reflect the ambiance of Relaxed Luxury.

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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The 41 Best Cruise Packing Hacks That Most People Miss

June 7, 2022

Whether it’s your first cruise or your 150th, you can always benefit from more tips and tricks. Enjoy this collection of the best cruise packing hacks to make the most of your next voyage upon the ocean.

Book your own wonderful all-inclusive cruise trip with the brand new Discovery Princess here. Enjoy its MedallionClass® technology and beautiful rooms as standard and consider including drinks, Wi-Fi, and crew appreciation by upgrading to the Princess Plus package. Find our full Princess Discovery review here.

Table of Contents

The Best Cruise Packing Hacks

Cruise travel is its own world, with rules, tips, hacks and a sense of loving the sea which is infectious. While cruise lines differ significantly, some things always stay the same. 

So, while this article focuses on the best cruise packing hacks based on my recent cruise on the Discovery Princess , it should help you even if you are planning to board a different ship.

Whether you take a long voyage across the ocean or just a one-day trip from one port to another, you could probably use some guidelines to make the most out of your time on the deck.

Besides using discount codes from sites like Tripplo to cut travel costs, you might want to pack your luggage wisely, check the weather forecast for the time of your trip, and book activities in advance.

Cruise tips, here we come!

Disclosure: I travelled on the Discovery Princess as a guest as part of a promotional campaign. If you buy or book through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cheers! Also, as ever, as always, I kept the right to write what I like. Otherwise, what on earth is the point?!

Pack Your Hand Luggage Wisely

One of my favourite cruise preparation tips involves putting anything you’ll need in the first few hours in your hand luggage.

You’ll leave your main baggage with the porters as you board the ship and they’ll deliver it to your stateroom later. But you don’t want to spend the first hours or your trip waiting for it. If you need anything like medication, sunscreen or a bikini or bathing suit, then pack that in your hand luggage and don’t waste a moment of your free time!

Protect Your Valuables

Also, it’s a good idea to pack any fragile or valuable items in your hand luggage, too, much as when you fly. 

Pack a Wet Bag or Dry Bag

Wet bags have made my travel life much easier. They’re confusingly called both wet bags and dry bags by different people but the principal is the same. 

They’re made of robust waterproof material and the top rolls over and down to create a seal. 

Thus, if you have wet clothes at the end of your holiday, like swimwear, you can keep the rest of your things dry in your suitcase. 

Even more cleverly, during the trip, the same bag can also keep things dry. This is a great idea for shore excursions like kayaking, white water rafting or even a rather enthusiastic shore transfer or fishing trip. 

Most bags also come with a clip, so if you have your phone and keys and so on inside, you can clip the bag to something fixed to avoid it falling overboard on your excursion.

Pack a Day Pack

If you plan on being off the ship all day in a gloriously sunny destination, then you’ll probably need a bottle of water, a sunhat, your phone, keys, sunscreen and maybe some bug spray. 

Pack Some Miniatures For Your Shore Excursions

Sun screen and insect repellent are handy in miniature form so that you don’t need to carry heavy stuff around all day. 

Check the Dress Code

This is a top cruise hack for beginners: check the dress code. Many cruise ships have formal nights where you may be expected to wear cocktail dresses or even Black Tie. People tend to make a big effort with this. It’s fun to join in with but, obviously, you need to pack the right clothes.

Consider a Beach Bag

Obviously, this won’t work if you’re going on a cold weather cruise, all wrapped up in snowy Alaska or the Norwegian fjords. But in sunny destinations and on Caribbean cruises, it’s handy to have a beach bag good to go from your room to the pool and deckchairs.

So what should go in to this mysterious bag? Your cruise appointed towel, some sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, cover up, book or phone and a bottle of water. Check out these expert-led tips on how to have a sustainable beach trip and you’ll be good to go.

Pack a Beach Cover Up

A little more about this in case it’s not that clear. It’s handy to have some loose, flowing piece of fabric to throw over your swimwear so you feel a little less like you’re wandering around the ship in your underwear. 

Check the Weather Conditions

Ach. This sounds so obvious, I almost left it out. But weather can be surprising! Always check the forecast before you pack for a trip. And bear in mind that the deck can feel cooler if a breeze picks up and you’re zooming along. Use the forecast to guide your packing but include plenty of layers. Pack a cardigan or scarf for warm weather destinations. Then stuff in The Full Monty of hats, scarf, gloves, fleeces and waterproofs for colder locations.

Tackle Seasickness Head On

Hopefully, you won’t be seasick on your first (or any) cruise. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to try a few local boat trips first to test things out. In general, the motion of a cruise ship is far smoother than a small boat on a choppy sea. But just in case, learn from these ninja cruise hacks and: 

• Try some wristbands. Try some motion sickness wristbands like this Some people swear by them and they can’t cause any harm so they’re worth a try.
• Position yourself strategically. Choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on one of the lower levels. On water shuttle transfers, sit towards the back of the boat and keep your eyes on the horizon.
• Try some medication. With all the caveats of not taking medical advice from the internet, you have several options when it comes to anti-emetics (anti-sickness medication.) Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before your trip and travel with your own stash of rescue meds.

Try Packing Cubes

Yes, travel bloggers and writers get some stick for talking about packing cubes all the time. But honestly. Once you’ve tried them once, you’ll never look back! Or repack ;-)

What are these mysterious beings? They’re zippable compartments for your stuff. They typically come in different sizes, with semi-transparent windows or meshes to make it easy to see what’s inside. 

Not only do they keep your things organised, but the fabric prevents creasing and makes it easier for you to get things in and out of your suitcase without crumpling everything else up. 

Take a look at these packing cubes on Amazon and give them a try. You won’t regret it!

And a Toiletry Bag with a Hook

This is a great travel hack for all trips, not just a cruise hack. 

Many bathrooms have small surfaces, leaving you with next to nowhere to put your toiletries. If you have a toiletry bag with a hook, like this , you can hang it up and be done with it. Everything you need will be right there, not on the floor, on the toilet, or in the next room. 

And Perhaps a Lanyard

Different cruise ships have different mechanisms of opening the door. Many use key cards, so a lanyard is really handy to stop you fumbling around every time you reach an area which needs a card. 

On the Princess cruise line, they have this very nifty MedallionClass®  experience. Each passenger has a medallion, a coin size device which opens doors, tracks your movements and helps you order food and drink. 

If that sounds a little creepy, it’s not. It’s a great way to find friends, for drinks to find you, and for you to open your stateroom door and access premium areas with ease. They come with their own lanyard but you can also buy a range of cool accessories like necklaces and wristbands made from recycled plastic as well. 

For more about MedallionClass® and how it works, head here.

For other passengers to be able to track you, you must accept their invitation first. Oh, and you can disable the tracking again any time you like. Kids and teens cannot do this to their parents, though ;-) 

Pack a Travel Adapter

Many cruise lines have USB ports for charging your phone (for example, the Discovery Princess has them in both bedside lamps) but I always think it’s a good idea to travel with an international adapter like this so you never get stuck.

 You can buy worldwide adapters so that almost everywhere you go in the world, you can plug into the grid and access that all important news update (or cute cat video.) No judgement…

Consider Some Towel Hooks

As I mentioned above, the top deck of a cruise ship can get a little breezy! As well as a wrap around of some sort, you can display ninja organisation skills by bringing along some towel hooks for your sunbed. 

While most cruise lines frown on bagging a sun lounger, we all live in the real world. It happens and you may as well make the most of it!

Also, a towel hook can prevent the edge of your towel from flapping in your face. 

Toiletries to Pack For a Cruise

• Toothpaste (& toothbrush)
• Hair conditioner or special hair products
• Moisturiser
• Optional: shampoo and shower gel

Throw in Some Highlighter Pens

Most ships provide you with a printed itinerary every day, complete with a list of optional activities. On a smaller cruise through, say, the Galapagos Island, this may only consist of a handful of events. 

On the Discovery Princess ship , however, there were literally hundreds, every single day. Sudoku challenges, singles get togethers, morning stretch routines, golf tournaments, acupuncture consultations, quizzes, teeth whitening consultations, cocktail lessons, DJ sessions, live music, afternoon tea, basketball shoot outs, movies beneath the stars, Lotto draws, shop sales, production line ups and more, more, more. 

On a trip like this, a nifty cruise packing hack involves brining along a set of highlighter pens so that you can zone in on which activities you want to prioritise while you’re away. 

What Not to Pack For a Cruise

As well as all those cruise packing tips, this is just as important. Packing light for a cruise means you can move more easily to the port, while still having everything you need.

You don’t need to pack the following:

• Beach towels or room towels. 
• Plastic wrap
• Shower gels and soap
• Toilet paper

Cruising Tips for Beginners

Want more cruise hacks to help first time cruisers have the time of their life? On top of packing tips for a cruise, there are some strategies that I wish I’d known about.

Embarkation Day

Boarding is an efficient but strict process, much like making your way through an airport. You’ll get there in the end but you can make it easier if you prepare in advance. 

Cruise companies usually provide luggage tags in advance – complete them and you can often go in the faster queue. 

You’ll drop your luggage off first and then enter the queue to have your paperwork checked and go through security, just like at the airport.

Make sure you have your paperwork in order in advance. Of course, this includes your cruise booking confirmation but also, in these pandemic times, things like covid tests, vaccination records and certificates of recovery. 

Boarding will take place over a long period of time so that the ship can stagger the arrival of passengers and minimise queues. From what I saw on the Discovery Princess, the crowds and queues thin out the closer you get to departure time.

So, take a short personality quiz and work out which suits you best. Are you anxious until you get through everything? Board early. Are you happy to leave things to the last minute? Wait until close to the end to beat the crowds. 

Disembarkation

Again, disembarkation takes place over several hours in order to keep it organised. Princess offered to help with your luggage but to take advantage of this, you need to pack your main suitcase and leave it outside your cabin the night before with the appropriate colour-coded tag. 

If you’re happy to bring your own luggage with you, that’s fine. It’s quicker but, of course, more awkward. 

Food and drinks are served up until the point you need to leave so have a think about when you want to go and arrange accordingly. 

Booking in Advance

While you’ll never go hungry and get bored on a cruise, for certain restaurants and activities, you may need to book in advance. Take a look at these areas…

• Dinner service:  you may need to book in advance

Ships provide plenty of food and drink. It’s one of the highlights of booking a cruise! However, some restaurants need to be booked in advance. On the Discovery Princess, for example, those dining options included the Crown Grill and the Bistro Sur La Mer. The earlier you can book these, the better, if you want to make sure you get a table with your friends at the right time. To make life easier, you can book through the MedallionClass app.

• Spa service

Some ships have an entire spa on board, like the Discovery Princess , which offers The Sanctuary space and full Lotus Spa. Again, it’s wise to book treatments in advance – as early as you can. 

• Theatre Tickets.  Again, drawing on my experience with the Discovery Princess, they had a full theatre with professional cast and shows like their brand new Spotlight Bar. However, tickets could not be booked in advance, so you need to be on time or early to make sure you get a seat.
• Swimming on your own

People ebb and flow around the ship with a predictable pattern, as they do elsewhere in life. If you  want to have somewhere to yourself, like the swimming pool for laps, for example, then the following times always work well:

• First thing in the morning, while everyone else is luxuriating in bed and getting themselves together. 
• Over lunchtime or dinner time when, well, people are eating.
• While people are off on shore excursions.

Download the App

Increasingly, cruise lines are moving online with their check-in procedure and guide to their on board services. While Princess still made sure you could do everything you needed do the old-fashioned way, they also had an app.

On this app, you could upload your covid paperwork, order room service, make restaurant reservations and more. Again, it just makes sense to download this in advance and save yourself some time at check-in.

Find out more about the MedallionClass app here.

Also, don’t miss our full Princess Discovery review here.

Cruise Packing List

Here is a list of the basics plus some cool things to bring on a cruise…Don’t miss our  complete guide to packing for every kind of trip here.

• Toiletries & Medication
• Pool clothes and cover ups
• Day clothes and layers
• Comfy shoes for shore excursions
• Dressy clothes for formal night
• Books, crossword puzzles, kindles etc
• Handy hacks: highlighters, towel clips, adapters
• Chargers for electronics
• Day bag for shore excursions

Top 10 Cruise Tips

• Realise you can’t do it all on a cruise trip! So, don’t stress and don’t try. 
• Be friendly. Cruises are a great way to meet new people. 
• Be organised – book key activities in advance. 
• Brush up on strategies for seasickness
• Pack at least one piece of snazzy evening wear
• Bring a day pack for excursions
• Try something new
• Pack what you need in the first few hours in your hand luggage
• Don’t call it a boat!
• Never be late back to the ship!

Book your own wonderful all-inclusive cruise trip with the brand new Discovery Princess here. Enjoy its MedallionClass® technology and beautiful rooms as standard and consider including drinks, Wi-Fi, and crew appreciation by upgrading to the Princess Plus package.

More Travel Tips

• The ultimate holiday packing list plus printable
• The complete pre-trip checklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing
• 13 surprising things to love about river cruising
• What is the Discovery Princess really like? Check out the Discovery Princess High Tech Review here.

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

Cruising is easy. Or so cruisers will tell you.

For starters, you only have to unpack once, even as you travel from place to place. You also don't have to go hunting for a restaurant every night. There usually are a bunch just steps away from your cabin with tables waiting for you. You'll also have no trouble finding entertainment.

But even in its simplicity, cruising still can be daunting for a first-timer. What should you bring? What should you plan on doing in ports? What is the best way to book?

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

As the head of The Points Guy's cruise content team , I get these sorts of questions all the time.

This brings me to the tips below. If you've read this far, you are likely a first-time cruiser looking for advice for an upcoming trip, and that's exactly what this story is meant to offer. It contains my list of 21 ways to make your first sailing go more smoothly.

It's a list drawn not just from my own experience over 20-plus years of cruising but also the observations of more than 100 cruising fans who shared their tips with TPG in a lively conversation on the topic at the TPG Lounge on Facebook. (If you're not a member yet, we highly encourage you to join.)

Arrive at your departure port a day ahead of schedule

If you only follow one piece of advice in this story, it should be this one. It is the only way to ensure you won't miss your ship — something that happens to cruisers more often than you would think.

Many cruises depart in the afternoon, so it might seem just fine to fly or drive to a port on the morning of departure. But all it takes is a moderate flight delay or a pile-up on the highway to upset those plans. If you're delayed in your arrival at the port, the ship will not wait for you.

If you're traveling overseas for a cruise, we recommend traveling to the port two or even three days in advance. This isn't just so you don't miss the ship. It's also so you have some time to recover from jet lag. European cruises, in particular, can be port-intensive, with lots of touring, so you want to be refreshed and ready to hit the ground running right after the cruise begins.

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise ship

Pack your bathing suit in your carry-on

When you first arrive at a ship, before you even get on board, you'll likely be greeted by porters who will whisk away your luggage. It will be delivered to your room later in the day. This is a great convenience, as there's no need to haul your bags through the entire check-in progress. But it also means you might not have access to your luggage for many hours on your first day on board.

Be sure to pack anything you think you might need for these first hours of your cruise in your carry-on bag. This means things like medication, for sure, and a phone charger, but also a bathing suit, hat, sunscreen and other items that will let you head straight to the pool deck to start the fun.

Related: Use this packing list for your next cruise

Don't overpack

Use this strategy when packing for a cruise: Throw all the clothes you think you'll need on a cruise in a pile, and then take away half of them. You won't need them. Trust us.

Most cruising these days is casual, and you really only need a few outfits to rotate through a voyage. If things get dirty, it's no problem. Many ships have launderettes on cabin decks where you can run a load or two of laundry every few days. If not, you can send laundry out to be cleaned on board. It'll usually come back in a day or two.

The extra cost of doing a few loads of laundry on a ship is a small price to pay for the freedom of not having to lug a giant suitcase around as you travel to and from your ship. Plus, you'll want to save room in your suitcase for all the little treasures you're going to find along the way.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry service

Bring your own drinks on board

Many first-time cruisers assume they can't bring their own drinks on board a ship. But many lines will allow this, usually with some limits. It's one way to save money when cruising, as drink prices on ships can be high.

Among the lines that will allow you to be your own bartender is Disney Cruise Line . Adults can bring up to two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne or six beers onto Disney ships at the start of a cruise and at every port of call. Note that these beverages must be packed in carry-on bags. At Royal Caribbean , the bring-your-own allowance is two bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks.

One caveat: Many lines levy a "corkage fee" if you want to bring your wine into an onboard restaurant. Be sure to read the rules for your line before you bring any drinks on board.

Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? A line-by-line guide

Bring extra toiletries

Yes, you'll be able to find sunscreen, aspirin and Band-Aids on a cruise ship. But it'll cost you. Cruise lines know you're a captive audience and price their shipboard stores accordingly.

I have a small "go bag" of over-the-counter medicines that I throw into my suitcase for every cruise that contains everything from cold medicine to seasickness pills. I rarely use any of it. But I also never get hit with a crazy toiletries charge.

While we're on the topic of sundries, don't forget extra batteries for your camera if you are bringing one.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

Bring these six other things, too

In addition to extra toiletries, cruising regulars often bring Clorox wipes or something similar to wipe down surfaces in their cabin upon arrival (and to bring along on shore excursions). I admit, I've never done this, though I know I should — if only to wipe off the remote control for the cabin TV.

Many cruisers also won't head to a ship without room freshener, a foldable shoe rack (which they hang in the cabin bathroom to store toiletries), a highlighter (to highlight activities on the daily planner) and a lanyard (to hold their cabin key card). I am, of course, too cool to ever put a key card lanyard around my neck, which means I lose my card once or twice on every trip. They always give me a new one at the front desk. My cruise team colleague Ashley Kosciolek also escews landyard-wearing on ships, but that didn't stop her from writing this wonderful guide to the coolest cruise lanyards around .

Some cruisers also swear by bringing magnets to ships to affix dinner invitations, excursion tickets and other important papers to their cabin walls. Walls on ships often are made with metal (even if they look like wood, thanks to faux wood veneers) and will hold a magnet. Some cruisers even bring magnets with hooks so they can hang up clothes and other items on their walls.

Related: 20 things you should bring on every cruise — including a roll of duct tape

Skip the buffet on your first day on board

There's nothing more jammed than a cruise ship buffet on embarkation day. Everybody boarding heads straight up to it. To avoid the first-day buffet crowds, head to whatever secondary dining option is available. Sometimes, a ship will open one of its table-served eateries for lunch on embarkation day. It'll likely be much less crowded than the buffet.

Research ports in advance

There are some types of vacations — a beach trip, for instance — where you don't have to do much advance research. You just sort of show up. Most cruises aren't this way — at least if you want to get the most out of them. At the heart of most cruises are port calls that, in many cases, are very short — often just a few hours. You want to have a plan for what to do in these ports or you'll miss out on a big part of the cruising experience.

Once you know what ports you'll be visiting, research them as much as you can at travel sites such as The Points Guy. Here at TPG, we're starting to build out a series of home port and destination port guides for everywhere from PortMiami to Bora Bora .

Related: The ultimate guide to Caribbean cruising

Join a Facebook group for your line

Another great place to get ideas for what to do in ports and on ships — and what to bring on a cruise, for that matter — are the many private Facebook groups dedicated to particular lines. I belong to a number of them, including the Royal Caribbean Cruises group, the COPs (Cruisers Opinion Page) group and the Holland America Line Fans group. You'll find thousands of cruise fans at these pages who often are more than willing to answer questions about their favorite line, its ships, its itineraries and the destinations on the itineraries. I've met some wonderful people in these groups, some of whom have become my longtime friends on Facebook.

Sign up for private tours

Booking a shore excursion directly through your cruise line is easy. You just check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it's all arranged. But booking tours through your line isn't the only option, and it's not always the best option. In many cases, you can save a lot of money — and get a better touring experience — by booking shore excursions through independent tour operators in ports or a tour booking service such as Viator or ToursbyLocals .

Often, independent tours will be much more intimate than the tours offered directly through cruise lines. They might go to the same sites but in a small van instead of a big motorcoach. You might have just six or eight other people on a tour with you instead of nearly 40. If your group is big enough, you might even be able to book a private tour with an independent tour operator.

Related: The ultimate TPG guide to shore excursions

Independent tours also can take you to places that the cruise line-organized tours don't. Plus, they often come with excellent service. ToursByLocals has staff on hand around-the-clock to respond to questions, and — for those worried about missing your ship — they offer a return-to-ship guarantee with every tour.

Sign up for activities in advance or soon after boarding

Some lines will let you sign up for shows, tours and other activities (including meals at specialty restaurants) in advance of sailing using online portals. If you want to be sure that you get a seat for a specific show on a specific night, or a specific tour or restaurant reservation time, it's a good idea to do this. It's not uncommon with some ships to find that some shows, tours and restaurant reservation times book up in advance.

If you don't sign up for activities in advance, a backup strategy is to do so just after you board a vessel. That said, whether you need to race to sign up for activities at the start of a voyage depends a lot on which ship you are on. I am more careful about signing up for a lot of things in advance when I am sailing on a giant ship such as Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Wonder of the Seas where there are thousands of other passengers competing for the choicest reservations.

Related: 12 giant ships that are the best for fun

Don't feel like you have to do it all

While we're on the topic of signing up for activities, note that it's OK if you miss a few things. You don't have to do it all. In fact, you should force yourself to try to not do it all. Remember, you're on vacation. Relax. Take some downtime. Sit on your balcony, if you have one, and just stare out at the ocean for a couple of hours. You won't regret it.

Always carry the ship's contact information with you

When going ashore, always bring the ship's contact information with you. Those details are usually printed in the newsletter that's delivered to your cabin each night. If something goes wrong when you're away from the ship, you'll want to get in contact with the cruise line right away.

Keep your phone in airplane mode

Some of the biggest cruise ship horror stories you'll find on the internet are tales of cruising newbies who racked up thousands of dollars in cellphone charges while on ships. This can happen when you leave your phone turned on and, say, watch videos on the internet. Many phone plans — even international plans — do not include talking, texting and data on cruise ships, and you'll pay exorbitant roaming rates for such services that will show up weeks later on your phone bill.

There are ways to make calls and access the internet from ships without spending a boatload of money. You can buy a Wi-Fi package, for instance, that will let you make FaceTime calls and stream videos (on some ships) over Wi-Fi without using phone data.

Some phone companies have cruise-specific plans you can buy in advance of a voyage. But I personally never go that route. I keep it simple. I just put my phone in airplane mode the moment I step on board a ship and never switch it back on. I then turn on the phone's Wi-Fi, buy a Wi-Fi package and do all my calling, texting and internet surfing over Wi-Fi. That way, there's no way that I can be surprised by an unexpected charge.

Download the cruise app

A growing number of lines now have apps that you can download to your smartphone in advance of sailing. The apps vary in what they offer, but many will show you a daily list of activities and all of the things that you have reserved. Many also will let you make restaurant reservations and book shore excursions and other activities, and a few will let you order drinks and other items to wherever you happen to be standing. That's pretty cool, right? The best part: The apps will work on board even if you don't pay for a Wi-Fi package.

Related: This cruise app lets you order pizza anywhere on board

Use a travel agent to book

Given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you arrange things. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. The agent also can help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

In addition, travel agents often can you extra onboard credit and other perks that you might not be able to get by booking directly with a line.

Related: Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise

Consider travel insurance

It's not always smooth seas when it comes to cruising — or any sort of travel. We hate to even bring it up, but you might need to cancel your cruise in advance due to the sudden onset of an illness. Or, maybe you'll fall ill during the cruise and need emergency medical attention. Maybe your flight to your ship gets canceled and you miss the vessel's departure. These sorts of things can happen to cruisers, and they're all the sort of situations where you might benefit from having travel insurance. Here's a comparison of the top travel insurance providers and information about Cancel for Any Reason add-ons .

Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises

Don't book a cabin near an elevator

Not every cabin on a ship is created equal. When choosing a room on your first cruise, you might want to stay away from those near elevators and just above nightclubs and other late-night venues. They can sometimes be noisy. Cabins just below the pool deck and near the anchor also can be problematic as well as cabins near casinos.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

Use a points card for onboard spending

You saw this one coming, no? Given TPG's origins as a points and miles website , we'd be remiss if we didn't remind you to maximize your credit card points while making purchases on ships. The way to do this is to tie a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases to your onboard account. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Don't tip twice for drinks and spa treatments

Most cruise ships now automatically add a gratuity to bar bills, often in the amount of 18% to 20% of the total. Such automatic gratuities also are becoming more common in ship spas. But many first-time cruisers don't know this and write in a hefty tip at the "additional tip" line on bills at cruise ship bars and spas. Be sure to ask if a gratuity already has been included before adding another 15% or 20% to the total. Otherwise, you may end up tipping twice.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Use points to get to your cruise

Using points and miles to pay for a cruise doesn't always make sense , as it often requires a huge number of them to secure a cabin. But that doesn't mean you can't save big time by booking your flights to and from a ship using points and miles .

You'll find plenty of stories here at The Points Guy about how to, say, pay the equivalent of $1,330 in points for a flight that cost $16,000 , or book a $27,000 around-the-world trip for just $168 in out-of-pocket costs . Scroll around a little, and you may never pay cash for a flight to a cruise ship again.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

• Food & Drink
• How to Plan
• Shore Excursions
• Onboard Activities
• What to Expect

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.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx

75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips: Get Organized, Save Money, Cruise Better

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Going on a cruise and looking for the best cruise hacks, tips and tricks? Whether you’re a first time cruiser or seasoned veteran, we can always use more cruise hacks to get organized, save money and have a better cruise vacation!

In fact, after more than 25 cruises, I’m always learning new things from other cruisers and I’m so happy to pass these tips along to you. Consider this post the Ultimate Cruise Hacks Guide!

In this post I share 75 awesome cruise hacks that cover everything from packing for your cruise , saving money, cruise food, managing seasickness and more!

75 Cruise Hacks, Tips and Tricks – The Ultimate Guide

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cruise Packing Hacks

Here are some handy things to bring on your cruise to keep organized as well as some cruise packing tips.

1. Packing cubes

There are many ways to use packing cubes to be organized as you pack for your cruise.

• Use different colored packing cubes for each member of the family
• Use packing cubes to place outfits together, or organize by types of clothing (ie. t-shirts, shorts, bathing suits)
• Don’t unpack every packing cube. Some packing cubes can be unzipped and placed directly on a shelf or in a drawer in your cruise cabin

Recommended: Packing cubes (this set has over 9000 5* reviews on Amazon)

2. Travel luggage scale

If you’re flying to and from your cruise ship, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t go over your luggage weight allowance. Typically, we buy a few souvenirs or extra t-shirts and your suitcase may weigh more than you think. An electronic travel luggage scale is a useful travel gadget to pack.

Recommended: Travel luggage scale (check price & 25000+ Amazon reviews)

3. Luggage tag holders

Save time and add convenience by printing your cruise luggage tags and placing them in these plastic luggage tag holders. They’re reusable and inexpensive as well.

Recommended: Luggage tag holders (find your cruise line tags here)

4. Make your luggage stand out

So many of us have black or navy luggage, and this can make it hard for your luggage to stand out and for you to find it at the cruise terminal or airport. There are a few simple things you can do, to recognize your luggage quickly

• Add bright ribbon or yarn to the handles of your luggage
• Cover your luggage with a decorative sleeve

5. Mix your suitcase items

Worried about lost luggage? Unfortunately losing a piece of luggage can happen when flying. Even though it likely will be found and sent to you in a day or two, you won’t want to be stuck without clothing and your necessities.

To avoid this problem, make sure to pack a few items of clothing in your travel companion’s bag, and vice versa. This way, at least you and your spouse still have at least a couple of things to wear and you won’t be stuck.

6. Pack an embarkation day carry on bag

A very important tip for first time cruisers , make sure to pack a cruise carry on bag to bring on the ship on embarkation day . It will take a few hours for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin after boarding your cruise ship , and this way you’ll have your first day essentials.

Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit or even put it on under your clothes if you plan on hitting the pool as soon as possible!

Recommended: Carry on bag tote (see reviews & style options on Amazon here) 

7. Bring extra reading glasses and sunglasses

Many cruisers report losing their reading glasses or even their sunglasses . It’s a good idea to bring an inexpensive pair of each of these just in case.

Cruise Cabin Storage Hacks

8. bring magnets.

An awesome cruise hack you should know is that most cruise cabin walls are actually metal (covered of course). So, if you bring magnet hooks then you can actually add extra storage space to your cruise cabin. You can hang backpacks, bathing suits to dry, and more.

Make sure that the magnets are “heady duty” , as other ones won’t be strong enough. Small magnet clips can also be very convenient to organize your papers, tickets and invitations.

Recommended: Magnet hooks (see details & Amazon reviews here) 

9. Over the door organizer

Many cruisers like to use an over the door hanging organizer to place items such as sunscreen, bud spray, hair accessories, and more. This can be especially helpful if you’re on a family cruise and looking for ways to keep as organized as possible.

Recommended:   Hanging Over the door cabin organizer

10. Hanging toiletry bag

Keep your toiletries organized and out of the way by packing them in a hanging toiletry bag . Cruise bathroom space tends to be limited, so a hanging bag makes use of the vertical space on the bathroom door or cabin wall.

Recommended: Hanging toiletry bag (see 5 color options & Amazon 5* reviews here)

11. Request extra hangers

While you can put your clothes away on the shelves or in a drawer, you’ll minimize wrinkles on your clothing if you can hang as much as possible. When meeting your cabin steward on after boarding on the first day , make it a point to request several extra hangers.

12. Poo-Pourri

Cruise stateroom bathrooms are small and so are the cabins, so bathroom smells might be more obvious than you’d like. Many cruisers bring Poo-Pourri bathroom spray as part of their cruise essentials packing list .

Recommended: Poo-pourri bathroom spray

13. Portable fan

The temperature can be hard to regulate in your cabin, so if you tend to get warm, especially at night, you can bring along a small portable fan . This one is battery operated as well as by USB for convenience.

Recommended: Portable travel fan (rechargeable battery & USB)

14. Motion sensor nightlight

If you’re in an interior cabin or if you tend to sleep with the black out curtains at night, consider bringing a motion sensor nightlight or battery operated tea lights. This way, if you need to get up to go to the washroom during the night you won’t disturb your partner, nor will you stub your toe.

Recommended: Motion activated nightlight

15. Laundry tip

Bring a pop up laundry hamper or mesh bag to keep your dirty clothes stored away in your stateroom.

An extra hack I recently learned from other cruisers, is to bring along a scented kitchen bag. You can use this when you pack your laundry in your luggage, to keep things smelling fresher.

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

Money Saving Cruise Hacks

16. book a guarantee cabin.

Did you know that cruise lines will often charge you a $100 plus per person for the privilege of choosing a cabin. If you aren’t too picky about your stateroom location, a great way to save hundreds per cruise is to opt for a guarantee cabin .

17. Cruise when it’s less crowded

Now who wouldn’t want to cruise when there are less people? Well, this is another way to say to cruise during the shoulder season for popular cruise itineraries like Alaska , the Mediterranean and Bermuda . You could save 50% or more!

18. Choose an interior cabin

The least expensive cabin for all cruise ships will be interior staterooms . If you don’t think you’ll be in your room much, skip an oceanview or balcony stateroom and stay in a cozy inside room.

Related:   15 Best Tips for Cruising in an Inside Cabin: cabin organization and more

Related:   7 Reasons Why You Should Book an Inside Cabin

19. Book your own shore excursions

Save money in cruise ports of call by booking your own shore excursions or even by touring on your own. This can work well when you can take a taxi to a local beach or in a city where it’s easy to do a Hop On Hop Off bus tour.

Cruise tip: Always be careful to make it back to the cruise ship on time. If you have any concerns then avoid potential mistakes by booking with the cruise line .

Related:   11 Cruise Shore Excursion Day Tips

20. Bring wine

Most cruise lines will allow you to bring a bottle of wine , per person, on a cruise. Unless you have a beverage package , bringing your own wine is an awesome money saving cruise hack .

21. Bring your own drinks

Many cruise lines allow you to bring on a case of water bottles or even a small case of soda on embarkation day.

Related:  What Food and Drinks Can You Bring on a Cruise ?

22. Level up your cruise knowledge

One of the best ways to save money on all aspects of cruising is through knowledge. Some people seem to find the best cruise deals and are cruising several times a year. However, they’ve learned a few things to make this possible.

Emma Cruises has an awesome course where she teaches this, and more. This is a great course for new and seasoned cruisers.

*Exclusive discount for our readers – use code LIFEWELLCRUISED for 10% off*

See details here: Emma Cruise Academy “How to Cruise for Less”

23. Monitor for price drops

While booking as early as possible is usually the best way to save money when booking a cruise , prices can actually come down after you book. To make sure you can take advantage of price drops, monitor the price of your cruise and cabin category. If the price has decreased before final payment, ask the cruise line or your travel agent for a price adjustment – in most cases they will do so.

Something to keep in mind, is that although a price may be lower, it may not include some of the extras or perks you had with your original price. Make sure you get the best deal by looking at the overall value. 

Related:  Best Way to Book a Cruise? Travel Agent, Direct or Online

24. Book a specialty restaurant the first night of your cruise

Cruisers have reported discounts and even a free bottle of wine given as a bonus if you book specialty dining the first night of your cruise. Readers have noted this on Carnival Cruises and Celebrity, but this may be possible on other cruise lines as well.

25. Book onboard

Plan on booking your next cruise while onboard. If you do need to sit down to go over options, make sure to make an appointment with the Future Cruise Desk early in the cruise.

The benefit is that you can get a nice on board credit to use on your next cruise, or sometimes on the cruise you’re on. If you aren’t sure of what cruise you want to take next, as if you can put a deposit on an open date instead so you can cruise shop when you get home.

Related:  Cruise On Board Credits (OBC): How Can You Use Them?

Cruise Food Tips and Hacks

26. avoid the buffet on embarkation day.

Cruise ship buffets are usually really good, but they get especially crowded on embarkation day. Head to the Main Dining Room instead for a quick sit down meal, or look for any of the amazing casual restaurants that might be open on boarding day .

If you’re heading on a Princess cruise, try the International Cafe or Alfredos (you won’t regret it).

Related:  Princess Cruises Alfredo’s Pizzeria Review (with photos) 

27. Order 2 main dishes

Did you know that on most cruises, you can order as many dishes as you like? So, if you love steak and also love shrimp, ask your waiter for both and make it “surf & turf”.  On some cruise lines they’ll combine the dishes on one plate, with only one serving of the sidedish.

28. Have appetizers on your balcony

If you’re going for a late dinner, consider heading up to the buffet and making a plate of cheese and crackers or charcuterie and bringing it back to your cabin. Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy pre-dinner appetizers on your private balcony.

29. Ask for off menu items

While you can’t do this each night, if you did really enjoy a dish, as your waiter if the chef may be able to prepare it another evening. There may be other items not on the menu that are easy to get. Ask for fresh fruit for dessert, gelato or even a cheese plate. You may even want to ask for an ice cream sundae, often available on the kid’s menu.

30. Get free room service

Have an early shore excursion? Consider ordering a free room service continental breakfast. While not every cruise line includes free room service at all hours (we love the ones that do!), many will have free room service for a simple breakfast.

31. Get free gourmet ice cream or sorbet

Many cruise ships have a specialty ice cream shop onboard, which is not included. However, it might surprise you to know that most cruise lines actually make their own delicious ice cream, gelato and sorbet to use in the main dining room for desserts.

If you don’t want to pay extra for name brand ice cream, go to the main dining room, even for lunch, and ask for the ice cream of the day. There may even be an included ice cream counter in the buffet area.

32. Get “free” candy

While you’d have to buy licorice and other candies in the convenience store or candy shop, you can actually get free candy, used as ice cream toppings, at the ice cream counter in the buffet.

Weight Management Tips

As much as we all love cruise food and tend to indulge, we all want to avoid too much weight gain on a cruise . Here are a few cruise hacks that can help.

33. Take the stairs

Cruise ships are big and have so many decks. By taking the stairs as much as possible, even part way, you’ll get those steps in balance out some of the extra indulgences.

34. Use the jogging track

There is usually no better view than from the jogging and walking tracks. They’re usually located at the top of the cruise ship and you can see the sea in every direction. Perhaps start the morning off with a 30 minute walk or head to the track later in the day.

35. Use the fitness centre

I love the gym on a cruise ship! It’s usually located in the front of the ship and I like going there much more than I enjoy the gym at home 😉

You may want to use some of the equipment or even try out some of the classes. Please note that some classes will be included on your cruise, while others will have an extra charge .

36. Get a low calorie dessert

If you feel that you are eating a bit too much rich and high calorie foods, order a low calorie dessert. Cruise lines have delicious lower fat and healthier food options available for all cruise passengers.

37. Skip the frozen cocktails

One of the best things you can do to avoid gaining weight on a cruise is to skip high calorie frozen drinks like Pina Coladas and BBC’s (Banana Baileys Colada). Instead, opt for refreshing drinks like a Mojito or even a diet soda and rum.

Related: How NOT to Gain Weight on a Cruise (and still eat)

Cruise Outfit Planning Hacks

Some of these cruise hacks and genius tips that come from readers and viewers. Many of these are simple things hat you can do that will make cruise packing and outfit planning easier.

38. Pin jewelry to clothing

This recent tip is brilliant. If you have a necklace or earrings that you plan on wearing with an outfit, simply pin it to the fabric or put it in a plastic baggie. A simple trick for necklaces that tend to get tangled is to use a straw. Pass it through and this really works!

39. Plan your cruise outfits for each night

Many ladies avoid overpacking by planning out their outfits for each night of the cruise. If you plan on mixing and matching and re-wearing some items, you can even take a photo with your phone as a reminder.

40. Use a cruise travel planner

Born out of necessity, as I have forgotten items more than once, I created a printable cruise planner that you may find useful. It covers everything from cruise planning, checklists for embarkation to disembarkation tips , packing checklists, a cruise outfit planner and more.

See what’s included and details here ($10 off for a limited time): Ultimate Cruise Planner

Cruise Wifi Hacks

Cruise ship internet just isn’t like on land, so you can expect it to be slower and more expensive on a cruise. However cruise lines have made great strides, and it’s significantly better now than only a few years ago.

41. Book a Wifi package online

If you need to work on the cruise or even keep in touch with people, consider an internet package. The best price you’ll get is by purchasing an internet package in your cruise planner online before your cruise.

We saved 35% on Voom , Royal Caribbean’s wifi package, by making a pre-cruise purchase. Princess Cruises MedallionNet is also often priced at a 50% discount if you purchase it early.

42. Receive messages and notifications

If you don’t plan to use the internet while on a cruise, but still want people to reach you just in case, let them know they can still send a message. Many people report receiving text messages, even when in airplane mode. However, make sure you don’t respond until you have free wifi.

43. Download the cruise line app

Nowadays it’s super important to download the cruise line app for online check in, emuster and more. However, there is often a messaging part of the app which is very useful to communicate with other people on the cruise.

44. Use Free Wifi in cruise ports of call

In most ports of call , there will be some free wifi in the cafes or even in an entire section of the cruise port. This is a good time to take a break and check your emails and social media if you haven’t been doing so on the cruise.

Tip: Ask the crew or simply watch where the crew go for free wifi. They know all the tips and tricks since they return to the port regularly.

Related:   27 Cruise Packing Mistakes You Might be Making

How to Get Free Stuff on a Cruise

45. join contests.

One of the best ways to get freebies on a cruise is to participate in different contests and raffles. Prizes for participating range from a keychain to a bottle of champagne. Every so often, you’ll see some cruise contests or games where jewelry is the prize as well.

46. Free massage

After you board your cruise , go ahead and check out the spa. In order to promote their services, it’s common for the spa staff to be doing mini massages. You’ll often find embarkation day promotions if you book an appointment for later in the week.

47. Free On Board Credit (OBC)

Get additional on board credit by booking the cruise during a promotion. This may be with the cruise line, however a few times a year, travel agencies specializing in cruise travel will run additional sales and the value of the OBC can be double or more.

Related:  50 Must-Have Cruise Essentials to Bring on a Cruise

Get Free or Cheap Drinks

48. go to the champagne art auction.

Most cruise ships will have 1 or 2 Champagne Art Auctions during a sailing. There’s no purchase necessary and it can be a fun way to learn about some interesting established and up and coming artists.

49. Past passengers cocktail party

If you’re a return passenger, you’ll likely receive an invitation to a past passenger cocktail party or event. Most of the time, wine, cocktails and canapes are served.

Make sure to arrive early as the drinks do tend to stop being served after about 30 minutes.

50. Join a drink making contest

On some fun loving cruise lines, one of the activities will be a drink making competition of sorts. When you participate, you’ll likely get a free drink.

51. Drink of the Day

Most cruise lines have a special drink of the day offered at a reduced price. While not free, it will likely be a few dollars less than other similar drinks on the menu. Look for happy hours and 2 for 1 specials as well.

52. Liquor tasting

Make sure to check the cruise activities daily schedule and watch out for the free liquor tasting. This is often done to promote some of the duty-free liquor sold on the cruise , where they’ll be giving out samples you may enjoy.

Related:   20 Ways to Save on Your Family Cruise

Cabin Upgrade Tips

Book early for the best cabin choice. However, if you want to snag a cabin upgrade, there are a few tips to try.

53. Guarantee cabin

Although you won’t choose a specific cabin, a  guarantee cabin is usually the best priced cabin in the cabin type. Often the price will be discounted by $100 or more per person, and you’re guaranteed that category or higher.

Most of the time, you’ll get at least 1 category upgrade, and if you’re lucky, you may get a much better cabin than you paid for.

54. Bid for an upgrade

Once you book your cruise and choose a cabin, if there’s availability, the cruise line will send you an email offering you a chance to bid for an upgrade. While there’s a minimum bid set, you can choose with category to bid on, including suites. You may just get a major upgrade for a minimum price.

55. Call and ask

If you’ve made your final payment on your cruise, but you see that cabins are still available on your sailing, call your cruise line or travel agent and ask if it’s possible to get an upgrade. You just never know, however I’ve seen it happen from time to time.

Related:  10 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Seasickness Tips

56. green apples.

Want a cruise hack that really works to ease motion sickness ? Green apples actually help to ease queasiness and mild seasickness. In fact, we first learned about green apples from crew members who use green apples as a natural remedy for motion sickness.

Since green apples will usually be available in the buffet, take one or two back to your cabin ready to slice up and eat if you need them at any time.

57. Ginger candies

Another natural remedy for seasickness is ginger. While you can eat small pieces of ginger, and this may be given out on some cruise lines, it’s easier to pack ginger candies and bring them onto your cruise. I love ginger candies and bring them on every cruise, just in case.

Recommended:   Ginger Candies (check price & see Amazon reviews here)

58. Seabands and medication

Many veteran cruisers use seabands and swear by them. If you’re sensitive to motion and may get seasick, make sure to pack seabands and even some Bonine motion sickness medication just in case.

Recommended: Seabands (see Amazon reviews) & Bonine (my favorite)

59. Plan for boats and tenders

One thing many people don’t think about, is that even if they don’t get seasick on a cruise, small boats and tenders to get off the ship may be a different story. I have a friend who did a whale watching excursion and instead of enjoying it, she was so sick. A good tip is to take Bonine or another non-drowsy seasickness medication, use seabands or even a motion sickness patch behind your ear.

Related:   10 effective Ways to Prevent & Deal with Seasickness on a Cruise

Cruise Booking Tips

60. use a travel agent for extra perks.

Travel agents often have extra perks that they can give you when you book with them. When using a travel agent, whether local or online, make sure that they have experience and specialize in selling cruises.

Related:  Best Way to Book a Cruise: Travel Agent or Direct with the Cruise Line?

61. Book onboard

Booking a cruise while you’re on a cruise is often a great way to save money and get extra on board credits . Sometimes, you can make an open booking, which is great of you aren’t 100% sure which cruise you’d like to so next.

62. Arrive a day before your cruise

This tip is often repeated, but for good reason. Anything can happen, especially if you’re flying into your cruise port. Always plan to arrive at least one day before your cruise for peace of mind, plus you can visit your embarkation port city and extend your vacation .

63. Book excursions online (pre-cruise)

Along with online check in, it’s a good idea to pre-plan cruise excursions by booking them in advance. Often, the price will be less expensive than booking on the cruise ship and you’ll avoid disappointment of an excursion selling out.

64. Research your cruise ports

While you can book cruise line shore excursions, in some cases it can be easy and give you more freedom to head to a beach or do a walking tour on your own. Of course, you always want to be safe and never miss the cruise ship so research is key.

Find out info on specific cruise ports by reading reviews on Cruise Critic and other review sites and consider joining facebook groups and roll calls for your sailing. You may even find some fellow cruise passengers who want to organize a private tour together, which is common on some cruise itineraries.

We did this on our Mediterranean cruise and it worked very well.

65. Get travel insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance for your cruise . Often, the cruise line’s insurance has limitations on medical coverage, so it’s a good idea to research and buy cruise travel insurance that will fit your needs.

Related:  What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Cruise Shore Excursion Tips

66. when to book excursions with the cruise line.

While you might save money by doing excursions on your own or booking privately, there are times when booking with the cruise line is your best bet.

If the activity or excursion is a full day or very far away, booking with the cruise line is a safer option.

Why? When you book with the cruise line it comes with an assurance that the ship won’t leave without you if your excursion is late. Unfortunately, anything can happen – there may be traffic or a taxi or bus may break down. It’s not as rare as you’d think (just google the YouTube videos).

67. DIY your shore excursion

Research your cruise port and see if you can visit easily on your own. Many cruise ports have beaches or attractions that are close by and easily accessible by taxi or walking.

For example, when we visit the island of St. Thomas on a cruise , we love to go to Magens Bay Beach on our own . When in Bermuda we head over to Horseshoe Bay Beach by shuttle.

It’s less expensive and we get more time at the beach.

68. Ask the crew for suggestions

This tip is not used nearly enough to get some great advice for visiting the cruise ports. The crew return to the ports almost every week, so they often know some of the best places to visit, as well as how to do it economically and safely. After all, they need to return to the ship even more than passengers!

I usually ask the people who work in the shops, because we’ve learned that they have more time off during the day than the waiters and cabin stewards. We’ve gotten great beach, restaurant and bar suggestions in the past. Of course the shore excursion desk staff are super helpful, and will often give you a map and some tips and recommendations.

69. Port lectures

Most cruise lines will have port lectures or port shopping talks . While in some destinations, the focus is on steering you to buy watches and jewelry or locally made items, which may or may not be your interest, we’ve found some talks to be very informative.

When in Europe, our experience was that the lectures were full of information about the sights and culture, as well as what to expect.

Important Cruise Tips & Reminders

70. put your phone on airplane mode.

When you sail in international waters, your mobile phone plan won’t usually cover. It can be common for people who forget to put their phone in airplane mode to have huge, unexpected cell phone charges. Put your phone in airplane mode before Sailaway to avoid this rookie cruiser mistake .

71. Bring refillable water bottles

Water is safe to drink on the ship, however many people like to have refillable water bottles to keep hydrated throughout the day. This is especially important when leaving the ship on cruise port days and excursions.

Make sure to pack a refillable water bottle as part of your cruise essentials packing list .

72. Bring plastic bags

Perhaps bringing plastic ziploc style baggies aren’t the most important thing in the world, but they sure are handy. You can use large ziplocks to place wet bathing suits after an excursion and smaller ziplocks to take snacks or a muffin from the buffet.

If you’re cruising with kids , you’ll see some pretty good tips in this post:  10 Cruise Experts Share Their Best Tips for Cruising with Kids

73. Check your passport

Friendly reminder – it’s been a while that many of us have traveled out of our country. Check your passport for the expiry date and make sure to renew way in advance. This is taking much longer than usual, and passports need to be valid for at least 6 months before you travel in many countries.

74. Get organized

I’ve heard so many people say that they’re finding it “harder” to travel these days, and this is true, but in most cases not as hard as it seems. Being organized and having everything in one place is more important than ever, and will be so helpful.

A) Proof of Vaccine

Keep your vaccine card and information in the same place as your passport. We’re using a passport wallet for this and will bring it on our cruise.

Here’s what we’re using: passport wallet (RFID)

B) Group booking emails

Group your cruise booking or reservation, flights, hotels, excursions and other emails pertaining to your cruise in an email file folder. It will be much easier to look things up and reference when everything is in one place.

C) Use a printable cruise travel planner

I like to have everything in one place and really like to write things down. If you’re the same, you’ll love the Ultimate Cruise Planner .

This is a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with several packing checklists, cruise port planning forms, payment trackers and more. The nice thing is that you can print out as many pages as you need, helpful as plans sometimes change.

Here are the details & what’s included: Ultimate Cruise Planner ($10 off for a limited time)

Things Not to Forget on Your Cruise

75. make your cruise easier with these cruise travel accessories.

“Cruise-approved” non -surge power bar with USB outlets

Cruise luggage tag holders

Passport wallet case

Hanging toiletry bag

Packing cubes

Magnet hooks

Portable electronic travel scale

Water-proof phone case lanyard

Vaccine card protector cruise lanyard

Carry on bag (nautical style)

Over the door hanging organizer

For a full list of cruise accessories please read this post next:   50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

Ultimate Cruise Hacks Video

Need more cruise hacks? In this video  I go over 50 amazing cruise hacks, tips and information. It’s a long one, but totally worth it if you’re preparing for a cruise! It has over 170,000 views so far and I’m so grateful for your shares!

Popular posts to read next:

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know

50 Most Recommended Amazon Items to Bring on a cruise

27 Cruise Packing Mistakes You Might Be Making

20 Cruise Packing Tips all Cruisers Need

21 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On

25 Cruise Embarkation Tips and Secrets

Final Thoughts: 75 Genius Cruise Tips and Hacks

Planning for a cruise is different than other types of vacations. In this post we shared 75 smart cruise hacks from saving money, to cruise food and drinks, to getting organized and more!

I’m always learning new cruise tips and tricks from other cruisers, so please share your cruise hacks in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Let’s connect:

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I look for your videos every day. I do want to let you know that I have an airline stewardess that I watch her YouTube vids too. She said something I thought I’d mention to you. A J-hook. She said the J-hook takes a lot off the top of the suitcase to keep from hurting your back. I’ve looked at them on Amazon.

Thanks for mentioning this. I’m going to have to take a look and give it a try. I really appreciate you watching my videos and taking time to comment on my posts 🙂

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Alaska cruise packing list: 36 must-have items.

Your cruise packing list for Alaska will look a little bit different than the one you'd use for the Caribbean.

Alaska Cruise Packing List

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Stay warm and dry in Alaska by ensuring you've packed the right gear.

Alaska is one of the most stunning places to visit on Earth. The vast pristine wilderness, ever-changing landscapes and opportunity to view wildlife – including bear, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, wolves, and marine mammals such as orcas and humpback whales – are just a few of the reasons it's one of the most popular cruise destinations.

An Alaska cruise , however, can be difficult to pack for with big swings in temperatures, rainy days in the forecast and even experiencing four seasons in one day ashore. You'll need a strategic plan to pack for your trip especially if you're cruising during the colder months of April and October at the tail ends of the Alaska cruising season . U.S. News has compiled a list of essential items and ones you'll be glad you brought to round out your cruise packing list.

• For the cabin
• For the ship and onshore excursions
• For the journey

(Note: Any mentioned prices were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate.)

For the cabin  

Portable humidifier.

It gets cold in Alaska, especially at nighttime, so you may need to turn on the heat in your stateroom. If you've traveled in the winter on a cruise ship, you'll know that the dry warm air combined with the airtight seal in the cabin can cause several issues, including difficulty sleeping and dry skin. The MOVTIP Portable Mini Humidifier ( less than $30 on Amazon ) is compact and lightweight at 9.5 ounces, so you can easily pack it into your carry-on or checked luggage . It has two mist modes, acts as a nightlight in your cabin and has an automatic shut-off when the water level is too low.

Magnetic hooks

A fun fact: The walls of a cruise ship are made of metal, so you can use them for extra hanging space when you bring along magnetic hooks for the trip. There are plenty of plain silver magnets on Amazon to choose from, but DIYMAG heavy-duty magnetic hooks are available in bold colors like green, red and purple. That way, each person can have their own color-coded hook. The extra hanging space will come in handy with all the layers you'll need for your cruise. You'll also appreciate having the hooks for wet gear after shore excursions .

Motion sickness remedies

Courtesy of Sea-Bands

Sea-Bands, which you can find on Amazon for less than $15 , are a must-have item if you're prone to motion sickness. A drug-free alternative to medicines like Dramamine, they use an acupressure point to minimize nausea and vomiting. You never know when you'll encounter rough seas, especially if you're on a small vessel . You can even get motion sickness riding in one of the whale watching boats, so it's best to come prepared. Be sure to start wearing the bands before you get on the ship.

If you need something stronger than the Sea-Bands to quell the nausea, Dramamine has a less drowsy version that's recommended by pharmacists. Another motion sickness alternative is to wear the prescription scopolamine transdermal patch, which lasts up to three days, behind your ear. Ginger chews are an option for mild cases of upset stomach; you can purchase a pack of them on Amazon for $5 .

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

It's a good idea to keep moisturizing eye drops in your toiletry bag , backpack or handbag, especially if you're prone to dry eye. The cabins on the ship can get warm and arid, as mentioned above, particularly when you need to turn on the heat. Systane on-the-go vials are an excellent choice for hydration. Lumify is another option if your eyes have a problem with redness.

Courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.

Alaskan cruises are a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many travelers, so you'll want to record every moment of your adventure. Rifle Paper Co. sells sets of three stitched notebooks with beautiful floral and nature designs. Each book has 64 ruled pages and gold foil accents. There's even a Bon Voyage-themed set that's perfect for journaling your cruise travels.

Read: The Top Travel Accessories, Chosen by Our Editors

Wrinkle release spray

Travel irons are not permitted on cruise ships, so a travel-size bottle of Downy's Wrinkle Release Plus spray comes in handy for getting rid of wrinkles. It also acts as an odor eliminator and static remover. To remove wrinkles, it works best if you spritz the garment first and then hang it in the shower so the steam can work its magic, too. For tougher wrinkles in fabrics like linen, you might need to send the garment out for pressing. If you do, be sure to give it at least a 24-hour turnaround time if you're planning to wear the item on a specific evening.

Travel-size bathroom sprays

There are several companies that make travel-size bathroom sprays, including Poo-Pourri, Fresh Wave and Flushie. They are all available on Amazon. If you prefer aromas beyond the traditional lavender vanilla and citrus scents, Poo-Pourri sells its 2-ounce packable sprays in pumpkin spice, apple, coconut and more.

Over-the-door organizer

It's best to stay organized when you're on a cruise, especially if you're not traveling solo . Storage space is limited in the closet and in the bathroom, so you'll want to keep your items separate. An over-the-door organizer, such as Bagsmart's hanging toiletry bag ( less than $30 on Amazon ), is an excellent choice for securing smaller items, such as jewelry, lip balm and travel-size sunscreen. The clear, zippered pockets are also large enough to accommodate full-size moisturizers and other makeup items.

Electronics organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

Keep your cords, battery chargers and any items for your camera – like SD cards – in one place with this electronics organizer from Bagsmart . It's easy to pack in your carry-on and even carry in your backpack or daypack if you'll need access to some of the items during the day. Everything is visible, zipped up and secure so you won't lose anything either in the room or in transit.

Flip-flops are great to have to walk around the stateroom, especially if your accommodations don't come with a plush robe and slippers. It's nice to shed heavier boots and shoes after exploring outside and have something easy to slip on your feet. Reef makes all types of flip-flops, and you can purchase the basic styles on Amazon for less than $35 a pair .

For the ship and onshore excursions  

Disinfecting wipes.

If you don't like the tacky feeling that hand sanitizers can leave on your hands, consider packing antibacterial wipes such as Wet Ones . They kill 99.99% of the germs, so they're also useful for wiping down surfaces (think tables in the buffet restaurant). These wipes are perfect to pack for an excursion or to use while enjoying the ship if you want a quick refresh.

It doesn't have to be sunny outside for you to need protection from the sun. You'll be outdoors a lot in Alaska and will want to use sunscreen with at least an SPF 15, as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Reef-safe sunscreen is better for you, the environment and the wildlife as it eliminates the use of certain chemicals and ingredients. Save the Reef's website has a list of reef-safe and ocean-friendly brands that include: All Good ( available in travel-size tubes on Amazon ), Mama Kuleana and Badger ( also sold on Amazon ).

Read: Sustainable Travel: Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler

Insect repellent

Courtesy of Badger

The height of mosquito season runs from the second week of June to the end of July. Pesky bugs are not typically as bad in the places where most tourists visit, but that will depend on the type of cruise you take. DEET-based sprays, like Cutter Backwoods Repellent are the most effective against mosquitoes, but there are alternatives. Badger makes an organic DEET-free repellent with lemongrass and citronella, and it comes in a travel-size.

Hiking poles

Lightweight collapsible hiking poles are important to pack, especially if you're going on adventurous treks looking for wildlife in the woods. Covacure's set of two trekking poles costs about $35 on Amazon . They're made of aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, so they're strong, and they fold down to less than 14 inches each. They also have foam handles, three types of rubber tips for the poles and adjustable wrists straps. The set comes with a carry bag.

Read: The Top Alaska Tours

A dry bag is essential – particularly for water-based shore excursions – if you're carrying a camera, a cellphone or other items that can't get wet. HEETA's 5-liter waterproof dry bag ( on Amazon for about $15 ) comes in a wide selection of colors. There are also larger sizes, depending on your needs. The clear plastic allows you to see what's inside, and you can carry the bag over the shoulder or as a backpack.

Rain jacket and pants

Courtesy of Columbia

The weather can be unpredictable in Alaska, with rain occurring at any time. In the Inside Passage, August and September are typically the rainiest months. In the Southwest part of the state, which includes Katmai National Park, it rains nearly half the month from May to September. If you want to go, travelers during those months especially will want to pack some rain protection for the outdoors; to stay dry, invest in fabric that is water-repellent and not just water-resistant. Columbia has a selection of rain jackets and rain pants with everything from lightweight packable shells to pieces with fleece lining for colder weather.

Silk thermal long underwear

Silk thermals are a great base layer for the weather in Alaska when you need extra warmth. The 100% silk interlock fabric is lightweight, breathable and thin enough to fit under other layers. It also naturally wicks moisture. L.L.Bean's collection of silk thermals includes tops and bottoms for both men and women.

Mid-layers are also known as insulating layers, which include fleece and windproof or insulated jackets. These garments should be breathable, quick-drying and able to keep you warm by trapping body heat without making you feel cold or clammy. Helly Hansen makes a lightweight, zippered Polartec Daybreaker Fleece Jacket for women and men that comes in a variety of colors. If you would rather wear a jacket for a mid-layer, the Gore-Tex website has a large selection of windproof and insulated jackets in collaboration with brands like Marmot, Patagonia and Quicksilver.

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Waterproof shoes and boots

Courtesy of Merrell

Merrell's comfortable shoes and boots are ideal to pack for your Alaskan adventure. If you want a shoe for walking, the Moab Speed Gore-Tex shoe is lightweight, durable, waterproof and made with FloatPro Foam to cushion your feet. It's also available in wider sizes. The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof offers more stability as a hiking boot. It also has extra features for better traction on rugged terrain and an air cushion for maximum shock absorption. Waterproof boots from XTRATUF are another option to consider if you're going to be fishing on small boats on a pre- or post-cruisetour in Alaska.

Read: The Top Walking Shoes for Travel

You'll want several T-shirts for relaxing in your stateroom and layering under your clothes. An old favorite are the Pima cotton, short-sleeved crewnecks from L.L. Bean . They're super soft and wash well. They also make a long-sleeve version that is mostly made of Supima cotton but features modal and spandex for additional comfort.

Bathing suit

While you may not go swimming ashore in Alaska, there's a good chance that you'll want to check out the pools or spa while you're on the ship. In that case, you'll be glad you brought a swimsuit to fully experience the thermal suites available on lines like Celebrity Cruises , Princess Cruises , Viking and Holland America Line .

Warm hat and gloves

Be sure to bring a hat and gloves for the chilly mornings ashore. For a lightweight and packable option, consider Lands End microfleece gloves for men and women , as well as a beanie . Or, if you prefer a natural fiber, a wool beanie and gloves from Smartwool will keep you toasty warm.

Fleece-lined pants

Courtesy of REI

Packing a pair of warm-lined pants for cooler days is essential. The REI Co-Op Sahara Pants are U.S. News' top travel pants pick . There's also a wide selection of fleece-lined leggings and pants on Amazon, including Baleaf fleece-lined leggings . These pants essentially include a base layer, so you won't need silk thermals on days when you wear them.

Packable jacket

A packable lightweight travel jacket is another essential item when traveling to Alaska. You can layer clothes underneath in the morning as you head outdoors, then remove the jacket as it gets warmer throughout the day. The Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is a top pick based on thousands of reviews – and it's windproof and water-resistant. It also comes in a wide selection of colors.

Read: The Top Packable Jackets

Casual clothes

You'll want to bring lightweight layers for daytime excursions off the ship. Columbia has a great selection of nearly wrinkle-free travel pants and bottoms , along with a variety of tops and hoodies . You can mix and match these pieces throughout the week to keep packing at a minimum. In the evenings, you'll want to dress up a bit more in smart casual attire. It's best to check with your cruise line to see what's permitted in the evenings (for example, if men need a jacket to dine in a specialty restaurant), especially if you're on a luxury cruise ship .

Read: What to Wear on a Cruise

Formal clothes and themed evening attire

Some cruise lines, such as Holland America Line, still have formal evenings. It's not required to dress up, but many women wear cocktail attire and men don their suits for the evening. You'll also want to check with your cruise line to see if there are any theme parties on your voyage. If you're on a family-friendly voyage with Disney Cruise Line , you may have a "Freezing the Night Away" theme party with Anna and Elsa and the other characters from "Frozen." Look online or check with your cruise company to see what clothes you need to bring to join in the fun on your cruise.

Read: The Top Themed Cruises

Reusable water bottle

Courtesy of Ello Products

Ditch the plastic and pack a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at onboard water stations before heading off the ship. Amazon has plenty of options to choose from, including colorful soft silicone stainless steel bottles from Ello Cooper in three sizes that come with a straw, a handle and a leakproof locking lid.

Lightweight folding daypack

The Zomake folding daypack will become a regular item in your suitcase, no matter where you go. The 30-liter size weighs about 12 ounces and folds up into a compact pouch. The nylon construction is durable and there are plenty of exterior pockets – there's even an interior pocket with deep storage for items like a wallet or phone. Two mesh side pockets accommodate reusable water bottles. The bag is available in a variety of bold colors for less than $25 on Amazon.

Read: The Top Carry-on Backpacks

Lightweight mirrorless camera and lens

Today's smartphones have impressive cameras, but most phone cameras won't have the same clarity and quality as a regular camera. If you don't want to carry a heavy DSLR camera and lens around on your Alaskan adventure, there are other options. The Canon EOS R10 is an excellent choice for a lightweight mirrorless camera along with the EF-M 18-150 mm lens. You can also purchase a mount adaptor for the camera that will allow you to use your other EF and EF-S Canon lenses.

Read: The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises

While you may have some up-close encounters with wildlife – such as whales coming alongside your boat on a whale watching excursion – most of the wildlife viewing will be at a distance. A good pair of lightweight binoculars is key if you don't want to miss views like bears fishing for salmon along a river or a moose wading through a faraway lake. Bushnell's H20 8X42 binoculars are waterproof and fog-free.

For the journey  

Carry-on bag.

Courtesy of Travelpro

The type of carry-on you use will depend on how you pack. If you're a minimalist and able to stow everything you need for a week in Alaska in a carry-on, then a larger carry-on, such as the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Expandable Spinner , is a great choice. If you're checking a bag and don't need as much space in a carry-on, consider bringing a smaller option like the 21.5-inch Cargo Hauler XT from Eagle Creek . This water-repellent wheeled duffel bag comes in four colors including charcoal and red.

Read: The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces

Garment bag

Delsey makes a checked-size rolling garment bag that will keep your hanging clothes organized and wrinkle-free. It has seven pockets (one exterior and six interior) for storing folded clothes and other items. There are also two compartments that will fit smaller pairs of shoes. You can hang the bag in the stateroom with the door hook if you prefer to leave the items in the bag. Another trick to ensuring wrinkle-free items is to cover your clothes on the hanger with plastic bags like those you'd get at the dry cleaner.

Read: The Top Garment Bags for Travel

Packing cubes

Packing cubes keep clothes neat and organized and mostly wrinkle-free. Luggage brands like Ricardo Beverly Hills and Eagle Creek make well-rated packing cubes and organizers. You can also purchase sets of packing cubes on Amazon, such as the Veken Set 8-piece set , a U.S. News top packing cube pick .

Travel pillow and quilted wrap

Courtesy of Trtl

You'll want a travel pillow to take a nap on your flight en route to your Alaskan cruise. The unique design of the Trtl Travel Pillow supports your head so you don't wake up with neck pain, and the fabric is super soft. It comes in a travel pouch with a hook so you can attach it to your carry-on bag. If you get chilly on flights, Trtl also makes a new packable quilted mini wrap that weighs less than 13 ounces. It comes in a pouch and even has pockets to keep your hands warm or to stash your valuables (such as a passport, wallet or phone) while you nod off.

Read: The Top Neck Pillows for Travel

Medications

Keep your medications with you in a carry-on bag or personal item (such as a handbag) just in case your checked bag is lost or delayed. Request smaller bottles for prescriptions from your pharmacist, so they're easier to pack, and make sure they're clearly labeled should you be questioned by TSA. You'll also want to bring any over-the-counter items you may need, such as antacids or antibiotic ointments. It's possible to buy these items on the ship, but they are expensive.

Read: What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

Collapsible duffel

If you're a shopper and plan to bring home souvenirs to friends and family, you might want an extra bag to pack up the items for the return trip home. Look for a collapsible duffel bag that will fit into your suitcase. There are many options on Amazon, including the Gonex Foldable Duffel . At the end of the cruise, you can offload your dirty clothes to the duffel bag so you'll have space in your suitcase for T-shirts, moose stuffed animals, Alaskan specialties like Captain Jim's Alaska smoked salmon and other memorabilia from your adventure.

Book an Alaska cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What not to pack for your cruise

Small appliances.

Travel irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships due to the fire hazard. As mentioned above, there are several other ways to prevent wrinkles in your clothes. You're also not allowed to bring coffee makers and other small electrical items. In addition, don't bring a hair dryer as they are usually provided in your stateroom.

Alcohol and spirits

Some cruise lines permit guests to bring one or two bottles of wine or Champagne on board the ship, but hard alcohol is almost always not allowed. If you have a beverage package or are sailing on an all-inclusive line , alcoholic beverages will be covered. Check with your cruise line before you sail to see what you can bring on board the ship.

CBD and marijuana

Cannabis is illegal in the U.S., and many cruise ships do not allow any form of CBD, including gummies, oils and lotions. It's best to play it safe and leave these items at home. You don't want to risk having the items thrown away or, in the worst case, not being allowed to board the ship.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has cruised to Alaska and traveled through the state in every season on several land tours. She used her personal experience and extensive research to compile this list of what to pack to cruise to The Great Land.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

• How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

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

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A 7-day cruise to Mexico combines relaxation and adventure, featuring sunny weather and rich culture. At Cruisebound, we're experts in cruising and have perfected the packing process to elevate your vacation experience. The key to a smooth trip depends on carefully choosing your items.

Packing smart means you'll be cozy on the ship and ready for exciting trips ahead, making your whole cruise truly memorable. Trust us, we've navigated these waters many times before, and we're here to guide you to pack like a seasoned cruiser.

To ensure you're fully prepared on departure day, make sure to download our free What to Pack for a Cruise Checklist PDF .

Understanding Your Itinerary

Knowing Mexico's varied landscapes is key to planning a great cruise. Mexico has many climates and landscapes, like dry deserts and dense rainforests, each offering unique experiences. Understanding the different weather patterns, which vary by season and excursion spots, is key to planning your trip well.

Your itinerary not only influences what you’ll do but also what you’ll need to pack. Wear casual clothes for days at sea to enjoy the ship's features, and choose comfy, adaptable outfits for exploring the ports. Acknowledging this will help you prepare a packing list that ensures you’re well-equipped for every part of your journey.

What Essential Documents and Finances Should I Bring?

When it comes to finances, bring a mix of credit cards and cash. You can use your ship account for most things onboard, but it's good to have local money for small buys, tips, and urgencies when you're off the ship. It’s a good idea to check currency exchange rates and get some local currency before you leave. This can save you time and might get you a better deal than exchanging money at each stop. Keep your cruise papers, boarding passes, and insurance details handy but safe in your bag.

🛟 Pro Tip : If your cruise is departing from and returning to the US (and you’re a US citizen), a state ID and birth certificate can often replace a passport for many cruise spots. However, this option may not be available for every cruise line and itinerary, so it's wise to verify with your cruise line ahead of time.

What to Wear on a Cruise to Mexico

The golden rule for your cruise wardrobe is versatility and comfort, with a touch of flair for those special nights at sea. Your cruise outfits should be a mix of casual and sporty clothes, and layers for different weather.

Daytime Attire

During the day, choose light and breathable materials for comfort and coolness under Mexico 's sun. Loose and airy clothes help protect you from the sun and keep you comfortable on your adventures. Packing 6-8 casual outfits for daytime gives you plenty of choices for what to do.

Evening Wear

Follow your cruise line’s dress code in the evenings, which may be smart casual or formal on some nights. Take this chance to dress up for the ship's fancy dinners and shows by choosing elegant cruise wear. To fully enjoy these special nights at sea, packing 1-3 formal wear outfits for nighttime events is highly recommended.

Essential Swim and Activewear

You must bring swimwear for swimming, snorkeling, or just chilling by the pool. Consider packing 2-3 swimsuits, as well as cover-ups, sun hats, and sunglasses for protection and style. Also, adding 2-3 activewear items is smart for any sporty shore trips or workouts on the ship.

Footwear Recommendations

Your shoes can make a big difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your experience is. Make sure to pack comfy shoes for exploring and sandals for relaxing at the beach or pool. Don’t forget to include a pair of formal shoes for the sophisticated evenings aboard the ship.

Cultural Sensitivity and Etiquette

Dressing respectfully, like wearing cover-ups at churches or sacred sites, is crucial when visiting cultural landmarks. Make sure to research the appropriate attire for your excursion locations beforehand, and pack accordingly. Getting to know the local culture can enhance your trip and help you connect more with the places you see.

Toiletries and Health Essentials

Your cruise cabin has a lot, but still bring your favorite toiletries for extra comfort. This includes packing sunscreen with high SPF, lip balm, and after-sun lotion to protect your skin from the intense Mexican sun. Additionally, bring aloe vera and a good moisturizer to care for your skin after the sun and in the sea air.

Don't forget to also pack all the toiletries you need for your personal care on the cruise. Include your favorite hair and skin care products to keep looking and feeling great.

🛟 Pro Tip : Carry your medicines in their original bottles, and pack a small first aid kit for minor health issues.

Pack travel essentials like deodorant, contact lenses and solution, feminine products, and shaving supplies to stay fresh. A big toiletry bag keeps your items organized, your cabin neat, and makes things easy to find.

Gadgets and Gear

In today’s digital age, staying connected and capturing memories is easier than ever. Don't forget essential cruise accessories like your phone, camera, chargers, and an international adapter for different plugs. Remember to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and enough sunscreen to reapply during the day.

For day excursions, take a light, strong backpack to hold essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen. A portable charger can be a lifesaver on long excursion days. Also, pack binoculars for great views, a waterproof case for your phone, and snorkeling gear if you love diving.

Add magnetic hooks for extra hanging space, use a door organizer for quick access to essentials, and bring more hangers for your clothes. Towel clips can secure beach towels, while ear plugs and an eye mask may facilitate restful sleep. Use a dry bag to protect your items from water and a night light for easier navigation in your cabin at night, making your cruise more comfortable and tidy.

Tips for Packing Light and Efficient

Learning how to pack light is important, especially when space is tight or you need to move around easily. Utilizing a few packing tips into your preparation can make this process smoother and more efficient.

The Art of Packing a Carry-On : Focus on multi-functional clothing and essentials. Packing cubes and organizers keep your suitcase neat and simplify finding items without having to dig through everything.

Maximize Space with Packing Cubes and Organizers : These packing hacks not only save space but also help organize your things for quick access. Consider dedicating cubes for different categories like daytime wear, evening attire, and beach gear.

Mastering the Checked Bag : While the goal is to pack light, sometimes a checked bag is necessary for longer trips or to accommodate items not allowed in carry-ons. To make the most of this space, start with a list of essentials to prevent overpacking.

🛟 Pro Tip : Roll clothes instead of folding them to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your bag to roll it easily at the airport, and leave space for any souvenirs or new items you might pick up.

Special Considerations

Family Cruise Packing List: Going on a cruise with kids means you need to plan more. Make sure to pack snacks they like, fun games, and some cozy items from home to help them get used to new places. Don’t forget swimming life jackets and sunscreen that’s safe for kids.

Accessibility Needs : If you have mobility challenges, it’s important to pack things that make getting around easier and more comfortable. Consider bringing mobility aids, specific health items, and talk to the cruise line ahead of time for any special needs.

Cruise Line Restrictions : When preparing for a cruise, getting familiar with your cruise line’s luggage policies is essential for a hassle-free experience. For your carry-on, you can bring one item that fits the cruise line’s size limits, which can be stored under your bed or in the overhead bin. Typically, passengers are permitted one or two checked bags, subject to a 50-pound weight limit each.

Final Preparations Before You Sail

In the excitement of packing, don’t overlook the final preparations that ensure a smooth start to your cruise.

Cruise Vacation Checklist : Confirm that your travel documents are up to date and easily accessible. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage abroad. Check your bags for any banned items and make sure you have all chargers, adapters, and travel gear.

🛟 Pro Tip : Many cruise lines offer mobile apps that provide valuable information and updates during your cruise. Getting the app before you go can keep you updated on daily activities, booking excursions, and any schedule changes.

To ensure you're fully prepared on departure day, make sure to download our free Printable Cruise Packing Checklist .

Embracing the Ultimate Cruise Adventure

Packing for a 7-day cruise to Mexico doesn’t have to be daunting. Proper planning ensures you’re ready for all the different activities you’ll find on the ship and when you go ashore. With sunny beaches, lively local scenes, and the luxury of your cruise, this trip will give you memories to cherish forever.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to pack perfectly for your journey, it’s time to turn those dreams into reality. Visit Cruisebound ’s website to discover a wide array of breathtaking cruises tailored to every traveler’s desire. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of new horizons or the tranquility of the ocean’s embrace, your perfect cruise awaits. Don't wait another day—book your memorable cruise with Cruisebound now and embark on your next big adventure.

10 Tips For Minimalist Packing Before Taking A Cruise

A s the cruise industry rebounds post-pandemic, cruises are proving to be one of the more affordable ways to travel (especially when opting for affordable cruises that don't break the bank ). Packing for a cruise can be challenging, though, because there are so many different experiences to be had as part of the trip.

From daytime excursions to ports (which could be historic European cities with old city walls or Caribbean islands with stunning beaches ) to nighttime events on the ship and afternoons spent lounging by the pool, there seem to be countless scenarios to prepare for. But really, taking a minimalist approach to pack for a vacation on a cruise can help travelers be more prepared and enjoy the experience best by getting rid of the excess.

Here are some helpful tips for minimalist packing before taking a cruise.

Related: Cargo Ships, Catamarans, & More: 10 Unique Alternatives To Regular Cruising

Create A List Of What To Pack For A Cruise

Travelers can start the minimalist packing process by making a cruise ship packing list of everything they think they will need on their adventure.

Following along with this list during the packing process acts as a guide for modern essentials to pack for a cruise and what should be left at home.

• Why It Helps: Identifies the essentials in advance
• Tip For Packing Light: Review the list before closing the suitcase and remove anything from the luggage that wasn’t included in the initial roundup of what to pack.

Only Bring One Pair Of Shoes (Or Two At Most)

Packing too many pairs of shoes is a common problem for travel, especially on cruises where the dress code can vary drastically between daytime port excursions and fancy onboard dinner reservations. The key to minimalist packing for a cruise is to wear one versatile shoe and pack another.

For example, wear comfortable white sneakers that can be worn on excursions or to a casual restaurant. Then, pack a sandal that can be worn to the pool or dressed up for a nice dinner.

• Why It Helps: Lessens the load and reduces unnecessary options during the trip
• Tip For Packing Light: Bring at least one versatile sandal that can be worn to the pool and to dinner.

Related: 16 Biggest Cruise Ships In The World As Of 2023

Avoid Packing Items That Are Provided In Rooms On Cruise Ships

Saving space while packing is difficult, but a great minimalist travel hack is to leave the toiletries at home. The reality is that most cruise ships will offer these amenities on board, specifically soap, shampoo, body lotion, face wash, and even toothpaste.

Don’t pack it if it’s likely to be provided anyway. Cruises tend to be very wasteful , so making decisions that minimize the waste created is a step in the right direction.

• Why It Helps: Saves space in the luggage
• Tip For Packing Light: Bring a bar of soap rather than liquid in plastic bottles (or just use what’s available on board)

Go Digital Wherever Possible

The idea of lounging by the pool with a book might seem nice for a cruise, but minimalist packing techniques might not leave room for these types of luxuries. Rather than choosing the thinnest paperback book on the shelf and squeezing it into a suitcase, travelers can download a digital version of the book to their Kindle, smartphone, or tablet.

Then, just bring the digital item to act as an e-reader but also a place to store digital copies of travel documents. A great two-in-one space saver!

• Why It Helps: Efficient and environmentally friendly
• Tip For Packing Light: Keep important documents in a Dropbox or email them to yourself for reference during the trip

Related: Single & Ready To Mingle? Check Out These Singles Cruises

Be Intentional About Packing Clothes For A Cruise Ship Trip

Minimalism requires putting careful thought into each item travelers own and bring with them on a trip. As Marie Kondo shared in her famous Netflix series, the key to being intentional with minimalism is only holding onto things that “spark joy”.

Travelers should focus on only packing clothing for a cruise ship that they really love and can genuinely see themselves wearing for a specific activity or excursion. If it’s only in the suitcase because one “might need it”, take it out and leave it at home.

• Why It Helps: Less overall luggage and more exciting wardrobe options
• Tip For Packing Light: Only pack items that will definitely be worn at least once

Consider The Cruise Ship Dress Code

Narrowing down what clothes to pack for a cruise is tough, but knowing the dress code on board can help with making these decisions. For example, if many of the restaurants on board have a collared shirt or dress/skirt dinner policy, be sure to select at least one outfit that meets this criterion.

If the cruise is going to Alaska and the group is disembarking for a wildlife expedition, pack a suitably warm and durable outfit for that occasion.

• Why It Helps: Provides a clear outline for what one outfit should look like
• Tip For Packing Light: Bring one nice outfit that is modifiable (like a black dress to pair with a different scarf, shoes, and jewelry)

Related: Island Adventures For Less: Discover 10 Affordable Cruises To The Bahamas

Leave The Snacks At Home

It can be tempting to pack some granola bars and other snacks for the road, especially for travelers who get “hangry” when they don’t eat frequently. But to practice minimalism when packing for a cruise, consider how accessible food will be on board the boat at all times (most of the best and top-rated cruise lines in the US will always have food available at the numerous onboard restaurants, cafés, snack bars, and stores, for instance).

Leave food items at home and save them for a later date instead, especially if the ship offers plenty of food available at all hours.

• Why It Helps: Saves space in the suitcase
• Tip For Packing Light: Research the restaurants on the ship ahead of time to know where snacks will be available on board

Pack Like You’re Only Taking A Carry On (Even If You’re Not)

Travelers who are going to bring a checked bag are likely to fill it to capacity because they think they have enough space to bring more than they need.

To combat this mentality, they can try packing their attire for the cruise in a carry-on-sized bag first. Then, once complete, transfer the items to the checked bag for a comfortable fit that really is just the necessities. Plus, adopting this approach enables travelers to have space for plenty of souvenirs.

• Why It Helps: Encourages travelers to think smaller
• Tip For Packing Light: Optimize space in a carry-on, then transfer the contents to the checked bag after for a comfortable fit (that leaves room for souvenirs!)

Bring A Day Pack

Instead of bringing multiple purses, bags, or fanny packs to prepare for all occasions, keep it simple. Have a suitcase and a day pack for excursions only.

The day pack can double as a personal item on the plane or be flattened and packed in the suitcase only to be taken out when it’s needed.

• Why It Helps: Makes port excursions more comfortable
• Tip For Packing Light: Choose a day pack that also acts as a personal item for the flight to the departure port

Leave The Non-Essentials At Home

The bottom line when trying to pack minimally for a cruise is only to bring items that are necessary for daily living and specific activities that will be done as part of the trip.

If the item isn’t on the original packing list and pertains to none of the activities on the itinerary, the best option is usually to leave it at home. Only bring cruise ship essentials, not "maybes".

• Why It Helps: Reduces the likelihood of losing something or overpacking
• Tip For Packing Light: Don’t pack something one hasn't used within 48 hours of the trip (this likely means it's not really needed)

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6 cruise safety tips to keep you protected and at ease during your vacation at sea

Do you have a cruise vacation on the horizon keep these 6 safety tips in mind during your travels.

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‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ gets a firsthand look at Royal Caribbean’s new record-breaking ship ‘The Icon of the Seas.’

A trip aboard a cruise ship provides a unique vacation truly unlike anything else. 

When enjoying activities like shopping, dining at fancy restaurants, testing your luck at the blackjack table or attending an evening show, you can quickly forget that you are aboard a ship. 

Getting to your destination is half the fun — and while traveling from port to port on a cruise ship, you won't be bored with all the events happening and things to do while you're sailing. 

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When you take any kind of vacation, it's important to keep safety measures in mind, and cruising is no exception. 

Here are six key safety tips to remember during your vacation at sea.

Remember these six safety tips while you're cruising. (iStock)

• Keep rooms locked up when you are away
• Pay attention during the muster drill
• Lock up valuables
• Keep your keycard close
• Research stops ahead of time
• Keep alcohol intake in mind

1. Keep rooms locked up when you are away

When you leave your room, even just for a short period of time, make sure the door shuts and locks behind you. 

Before you go to bed for the night, ensure that your door is secure. This includes your balcony door. 

If you have a balcony room, don't climb over railings or leave any trash out that could get blown over. 

Also, remember when you are staying in a balcony room that there are people all around you that could also be out on their balcony, out of your sight. While you're out there, don't say anything that you wouldn't want others to hear. 

2. Pay attention during the muster drill

Before you embark on your cruise, every passenger must attend a muster drill.

This is a mandatory safety briefing that takes place in the same place you'll go in the case of an emergency. 

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Pay attention during this, so you have all the information that you need. 

3. Lock up valuables

On any vacation, including a cruise, keep your valuables safely locked up in the safe located in your room. 

Your passport is one important document you should lock away during your cruise vacation. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

You don't want to lose money or important travel documents, like a passport that you'll need to return home. 

Don't carry unnecessary valuables around the ship with you. 

They'll be much better off safely locked away. Just don't forget to check your safe before your last departure. 

4. Keep your keycard close

One of the most important items you'll be given when you arrive at your cruise ship is a keycard. This keycard doesn't only open your room, but it can also be connected to your credit card, so you can easily make purchases on board. 

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You should keep your keycard on you at all times while you are cruising. You'll also need your keycard to get on and off the ship, as it will be scanned when you exit and then re-enter after your day of exploring. 

5. Research stops ahead of time

If you plan on exiting the cruise ship and exploring the destinations you visit, do research on those stops ahead of time. 

Look up local laws and check and see if there are any travel advisories for the destination. 

Before you go, look at any excursions that are offered by the cruise line, and get those booked in advance. 

Research the stops your cruise is headed to before you go, so that you can plan each day and learn the laws of each place you are going. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Use the buddy system when exploring around the destination and on the cruise ship too. 

Keep in mind the time at which you must return to the ship, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to return. 

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If there is a stop that you aren't interested in leaving the ship for, head to the spots, like the pool, that are always busy. 

On port days, many guests will be off the ship, so that could give you an opportunity to grab a good seat by the pool, or finally ride the waterside without the big line. 

6. Keep alcohol intake in mind

Cruise drink packages can be enticing to guests, but also can make it easy to overindulge if you're not careful. 

Alcoholic beverages are often an attraction on cruise ships. Make sure that during your trip, you keep track of how much you are consuming each day to keep yourself safe. (iStock)

Whether you buy a drink package or pay as you go, keep track of how much you consume throughout the day. 

Don't forget to have plenty of water and have enough to eat, especially when you're spending a lot of time outside in the sun. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital. 

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I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before sailing in the Mediterranean.

• I've been on 50 cruises around the world and took my first Mediterranean route last year.
• Picking the right time of the season to go can make a big difference in your trip.
• Before packing, I always check to see if any of the experiences I've booked have a dress code.

As someone who's taken over 50 cruises all over the world, I know firsthand how popular cruising is this year. But one seabound itinerary people often forget to add to their bucket lists is a Mediterranean cruise .

The dreamy ships take passengers around European destinations like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.

After taking my first Mediterranean cruise last year, here's what I think everyone should know before booking the route.

Going early or late in the sailing season means fewer crowds and better weather.

Many cruise lines, like Virgin, Celebrity, and Disney, start the Mediterranean season in early spring and sail through early fall.

Going early or late in the season usually means you'll have more tolerable weather and smaller crowds in some of the big destinations like Athens .

I made the mistake of going on my Mediterranean cruise at the end of May (over Memorial Day weekend).

Some ports of call, like Nice, France, were easy to get around, but others like Rome were packed to the gills. I wanted the day to end before we even made it to the Vatican on our tour.

Arriving at your embarkation port early is key to having a smooth sailing.

My biggest tip for any cruise — but especially for Americans traveling to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise — is to arrive at your embarkation city at least a day before your sailing starts.

This gives you plenty of time to ensure you make it to the port, especially with the airline delays that typically spike in the summer. The boat isn't going to wait for you i f you don't land on time

Even though it means paying for lodging and likely a few meals before boarding the boat, getting a good night's sleep before a jam-packed vacation is worth it to me.

As a bonus, arriving early also gives you a chance to explore the city.

Be sure to pack at least one shirt with sleeves and bottoms that cover your knees.

Some of the major European tourist destinations have strict dress codes — typically everyone must at least cover their shoulders and knees out of respect.

If you're planning on checking out Vatican Ci t y in Italy or the Meteora monasteries in Greece, b e sure to pack at least one outfit that fits the bill.

Most cruise ships have laundry services (self-serve or valet), so you can wear the same dress-code-approved outfit for a few excursion days if needed.

Food tours are a great way to see a city, taste local dishes, and learn some history.

If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour . I've done tours in places like Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris, and I've never been disappointed.

Food tours can be booked through third-party travel operators, like TripAdvisor or Viator, and offer the chance to see some of the major landmarks of a city, try local dishes, and learn some history all in one outing.

The tours are usually led by locals, which means the guides can also give you some good recommendations if you have time before you need to return to the ship.

Consider booking tours through third-party sites.

Mediterranean cruises can last anywhere from seven days to two weeks, depending on the company and itinerary. Booking every excursion through the cruise line can add up, but luckily, there are typically more affordable options through third-party companies.

But I only book with third-party operators if the ship docks right at the city I want to explore because I never want to miss the all-aboard time.

For example, on my Mediterranean cruise last summer, the ship anchored at Cannes, and I was able to keep my eye on it throughout my excursion.

If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations , I always book excursions through the cruise line. For instance, the day my family and I explored Rome, the ship docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, and we had to take a two-hour bus ride into the city.

Booking with the cruise company guarantees your return to the ship, even if your excursion runs late.

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