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The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

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

In This Article

Packing Checklist for a Cruise

• T+L’s Top Picks and Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T + L

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

Best clothing.

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. 

Best Accessories

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. 

Best Bags and Luggage

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.

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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Related Articles

ULTIMATE 5 day cruise packing list

Looking for the ULTIMATE 5 day cruise packing list? In this guide we tell you exactly what to pack for a 5 day cruise no matter the destination. It includes what to wear on a 5 day cruise for dress codes, shore excursions and more.

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Note : Although this is a universal 5 day cruise packing list, it is worth noting that there are always some regional difference due to weather, climate and cultural sensitivities. So why not also check out our destination specific cruise packing lists.

Our specific location packing lists for cruises include:

• What to wear on a cruise to Alaska
• What to wear on a South Pacific Cruise
• What to wear on a European River Cruise
• What to wear on a Med Cruise
• How to make a river cruise capsule wardrobe 
• World Cruise Packing List. 
• What to wear on a Caribbean Cruise

Table of Contents

How many outfits should I pack for a 5 day cruise?

Before we get into our 5 day cruise packing list we will first think about how many outfits you should pack for a 5 day cruise. This includes what to wear in the main dining, on formal nights and more.

Although you should have plenty of space in your case if your cruise only lasts 5 days, we still recommend your try and avoid overpacking. That is because cruise cabins are notoriously small so you want to maximise your space.

To do this we recommend packing a  cruise capsule wardrobe  where you can use items multiple times in different outfits. So methods we use to create out capsule wardrobes, no matter the season,  is the sudoku packing method,  which uses 9 key wardrobe pieces to make multiple outfits. This is a great way to reduce the amount of items you are packing but ensuring you have multiple outfits for a 5 day cruise. 

5 day cruises are easier, in my opinion, to pack a capsule wardrobe for than say a world cruise because they are often closed loop and don’t travel great distances therefore you won’t need to worry about packing for lots of different weather conditions. 

Another great packing method for cruises is the   54321 packing method .

The next thing that affects how many outfits you need for a cruise is how often you intend to use the main dining room and how many formal nights there are on your cruise. 

Cruise dining rooms usually have a smart casual dress code and you will find most people usually change for dinner. 

For most days on a cruise there isn’t a formal dress code. On these days I use day to night transition pieces such as a smart casual blouse or nice Maxi dress, that I can wear to dinner one night and then use during the day the next day. This helps reduce the amount of clothes you take with you. 

Now depending on the length of your cruise will determine how many formal nights there are. Formal nights are evenings when people dress to impress in the formal dining room. On more traditional cruise lines such as Cunard you may see tuxedos however on most lines these translates to cocktail dress and chinos with a jacket and tie for men. 

On a 5 night cruise you can expect there to be only 1 formal night so you don’t have to worry too much about packing lots of formal outfits. 

Note : if you are traveling on Norwegian cruise line which has freestyle dining there are no formal nights at all. 

Overall I would have an outfit for each day of your cruise, which could be mixed and match to make part of a smart casual evening outfit as well as one formal outfit using the sudoku method using just 9 items of clothes.

Going on a different length cruise – then check out our other packing lists:

• 4 day cruise packing list.
• 7 day cruise packing list
• 14 day cruise packing list

Note : remember to pack your cruise carry on carefully. This needs to include everything you need until your luggage is returned to your stateroom including a change of clothes for dinner, swimwear and any medications and essential toiletries .

What to wear on a 5 Day Cruise

Now we have looked at the things that will affect how many outfits you should take on a 5 day cruise, we will now give you an overview of the types of outfits we pack. This includes the number of formal outfits as well as what to wear on a four day cruise for excursions, pool time and more. 

Note : the outline below does not take into account the weather for your cruise but gives you an idea of what should make up each of the dress code scenarios you find on a cruise. If you want more specific guidance check out our regional specific cruise guides and our cruise line specific guides:

• Norwegian Cruise Dress Code
• Carnival Cruise Line Dress Code
• Celebrity Cruises Dress Code
• Disney Cruise Line Dress Code
• MSC Cruises Dress Code
• Princess Cruises Dress Code
• Royal Caribbean Dress Code

Formal Outfits (1 outfits)

If you are traveling on a line, other than Norwegian Cruise line which has no formal dress codes , you can usually expect just 1 formal night on a 5 day cruise.

For women on formal nights cocktail dresses, maxi dress and jumpsuits are all appropriate. And you may even see ball gowns or evening dresses on some of the more formal cruise lines. However if this is not your style then a pant suit is also a great idea. 

For men we recommend chinos and jacket with a shirt and tie. A Tux is also suitable on most line for men, but is definitely not expected anymore. For more men’s cruise outfit inspiration check out this post.

Also remember, if you don’t want to use the main dining room on formal night, then you can leave a formal outfit off your packing list.

Also remember that public areas on cruise ships are notoriously chilly due to the air conditioning. Therefore it is worth having a pashmina, dressy cardigan or jacket with you for wearing at night on a cruise.

Smart Casual Outfits (4 outfits)

I usually pack 3smart casual outfits, one for each evening other than the formal night.

All items in this category will be interchangeable as part of my cruise capsule wardrobe and I may partner a top from a dinner with different bottoms for a casual shore excursion look.

Casual Outfits 4 outfits + my embarkation day outfit)

Again, I pack a cruise capsule wardrobe where everything is interchangeable. For a 4 day cruise this will normally 4 outfits along with my embarkation day outfit.

For me this usually consists of 3-4 t shirts and 2 bottoms i.e. shorts, jeans or chinos depending on the weather and destination of the cruise.

Swimwear (2 pieces)

If you are going to a hot weather destination however you will want to pack at least 2 swimsuits with you so you can wear one and dry one. 

Whenever I get on a cruise ship I first like to head to the main dining room for lunch, and then I like to have either a dip in the pool or a soak in the hot tub. I do this whether I am a hot weather or cold weather cruise. 

Therefore one of the pieces of swimwear I will pack in my carry on and the other will be in my checked luggage.

Beach Cover

Useful for on the pool deck and if you are heading to beaches as part of your cruise itinerary.

Sunglasses 

Useful for in ports but also on sea days when the sun can be dazzling.

An essential whenever you are cruising as the air conditioning on ships can be fierce. For more  travel essentials for women  check out this post. 

One set is enough.

Underwear (5 sets plus spares)

I will also have underwear enough for the cruise and a few spares

Now I don’t like to bring too much jewelry with me on cruises as I don’t wear it on shore excursions.

However I do love to wear something on formal night.

If you are nervous about traveling with expensive jewelry we recommend leaving your expensive items in the safe when you aren’t wearing them on the ship. And alternatively there is lots of great costume jewelry on the market which is less stressful to travel with.

Whatever type of jewelry you decide to travel with be sure to check out our guide on how to pack jewelry for travel check out this post here. 

Shoes (3 Pairs) 

Shoes for me are the thing that can make or break packing light for a cruise .

I always try to limit shoes I pack to 2-3 pairs. For me there are a couple of essential pairs of shoes to pack for a 5 day cruise no matter the destination. These are: 

• Sneakers  – these work on cities, countryside and more tropical locations. If you are traveling to a hot weather location we recommend getting a light weight pair. Otherwise a white pair of sneakers are very versatile. 
• Sandals –  I like a pair that can be good for walking and that can also be used in the main dining room 

Note: sandals can be replaced with ankle boots for cold weather destinations and Christmas market river cruises.

But on top of these there are some optional shoes you may want pack depending on where you cruise is heading. These are:

• Heels / Smart Shoes-  if you want them for formal night. 
• Flip Flops –  useful if you plan to spend a lot of time on the pool deck but not good for European cities when walking. 
• Water Shoes –  useful if you are going on a Caribbean or cruise to the South Pacific where you will be snorkelling and where there can be hazards such as lion fish and coral. 
• Coat (optional)

Only useful if you are not cruising to a tropical destination i.e. an Alaska Cruise or Europe in Winter.

What do I need to pack for a 5 day cruise (non clothing)?

So now you know roughly how many outfits you need and what to wear on a 5 day cruise we will now turn our attention to everything you need to pack for a cruise no matter the destination:

Passport/identification and essential documentation

A Passport and identification is always required regardless of the length of cruise and destination (ID can be used in some cases of closed loop cruises). 

It is important to remember that you need this to be in your embarkation day carry on as is required for boarding. As there are so many documents that you need to carry with you for cruise embarkation we think a passport holder is a travel essential .

This can also hold your other essential documentation such as visas and any vaccination documentation that you may need for your cruise and destination.

And don’t forget that you will also need:

• Luggage Tags

Cruises will provide you with luggage tags to label your luggage with so it arrives at your stateroom. Be sure to print these off in advance as it will save you time in the terminal.

You will see many people using a lanyard to carry their cabin card including me. The reason is this is your cruise identification and payment method on board so it is super important to keep with you are all times. A lanyard is a good way to do this.

When looking for a cruise lanyard we think that the best ones are waterproof so can be used on shore excursions where you will be spending a lot of time in the water and can also be used to keep small amounts of cash and a government issued id. 

Click here to shop the best lanyards for cruise travel.

Top of my travel toiletries packing list is medication. Just remember to pack any meds you need in your carry on and be sure to have prescriptions with you. 

As well as prescription medication some other medications you may like to travel with include:

• pain medications such as Advil, paracetamol, Tylenol and Ibuprofen 
• Reflux Meds such as Gaviscon, Tums etc. 
• Birth Control

Sea sickness medication or bands

I personally have never gotten sea sick on a cruise ship and I have cruised on some very rough seas. But that is not to say that no one will ever experience seasickness on a cruise.

If you are concerned about sea sickness be sure to pack some meds with you just in case. 

There are lots of different methods to combat sickness from tablets, wristbands, ginger and more so pick the method that you think will work best for you. 

Click here to shop sea sickness medication

Universal Travel Adaptor

Depending on where you are from and who you are sailing with, a universal travel adaptor may be an essential to make sure that all your electronics will work. 

Click here to shop universal travel adaptors. 

Most new ships will have USB charging ports next to the bed however this is by no means on all ships. Don’t get caught out and take a charger with you and a spare cable. 

Although most ships provide toiletries I will always pack some on my own as I think they are better quality than those you get on board most cruise ships. 

For more information on the  best toiletries to bring on a cruise  check out this post. But generally speaking I tend to always pack the following for cruises no matter the destination:

Shampoo and Conditioner 

Shampoo and conditioner that can help your hair cope with heat and seawater. 

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Although toiletries are usually provided you will need to bring your own tooth brush and toothpaste.

It is important to be sun safe whereever in the world you are cruising. This is usually available onboard but will cost you a premium if you wait and buy on board. 

If you plan on spending time in water we recommend buying sunscreen that is reef safe. Our current favorite brand is Sunbum.  Click here to shop reef safe sunscreen.

The contrast between the nice weather on a warm weather cruise with the cruise ship air conditioning is the perfect recipe for getting dry lips. 

We always recommend packing lip balm that has an SPF so your lips are protected when on beach excursions etc. Again my favorite brand is Sun Bum.  Click here to shop lip balm for cruise ships.

Make-Up (optional)

I personally always have make-up with me when I go on a cruise for dinners in the evening. However it is easy to overpack.  

For this reason I try to limit travel make-up. After perfecting my makeup bag packing over many trips my travel make up essentials tend to be:

• Waterproof Mascara  – especially useful for destinations where you will be doing lots of swimming and snorkelling or just rainy destinations. 
• Tinted Moisturiser with SPF
• Eye Shadow Palette such as  Nars  and  Charlotte Tilbury.
• Make Up Remover Wipes.

But my favorite travel beauty product is the   Nars Multiple .

This is  one makeup stick that can be used beautifully on eyes, cheeks and lips which greatly reduces the amount you need to pack.

Period Products

For those expecting their period on their travels. A  menstrual cup  is a great option for reducing the amount of products you have to take as well as being good for the environment.

Travel Razor 

I always have a compact travel razor with me no matter the destination but it is especially important for me when I know I will be swimming or sunbathing.  Click here to buy travel razors.

Brush and Hair Ties

A mix collection of hair ties are an essential especially if you have long hair. 

If you have more space you could add any of your other hair accessories too.

The best thing about cruises are the ports you get to visit. You definitely will want to capture your memories with a camera. 

If you are traveling on a cruise with lots of water excursions and plan on snorkelling it might be worth getting a GoPro to capture your underwater memories.  Click here to shop underwater cameras .

What to pack for a 5 day cruise (Optional)

This is only needed if you plan to use the gym on board your cruise ship. If you don’t plan to then leave this behind. 

Depending on the line you are on, you will be permitted to Bring on board a small amount of alcohol – usually just champagne or wine. 

If you are allowed to bring alcohol on board we recommend using your allowance as this will be cheaper than drinks on the ship. But be sure to check your cruise ship rules before travel so it meets current requirements. 

Note  – wondering if you  can bring a corkscrew on a cruise ship  – check out this post for more information.

5 Day Cruise Packing List Checklist 

• 1 Formal Outfit per person.
• Pashmina 
• 3 Smart Casual Outfits (can be made up of repeat pieces that make 3 looks). 
• 3 Casual Outfits (can be made up of repeat pieces that make 3 looks). 
• 2 items of Swimwear
• Beachcover (optional)
• Sandals – (or ankle boots in cold weather places)
• Hiking boots (optional depending on the destination and itinerary).
• Heels / Smarter Shoes – optional depending if you want to dress up for formal out
• Passport and Identification
• Documentation (including Covid 19 paperwork, test results and insurance to name but a few)
• Medication 
• Sea Sickness Remedies 
• Toiletries 
• Lip Balm with SPF
• Razor / Shaving Kit
• Hair Brush and Hair Ties
• Jewelry 
• Universal Travel Adaptor 

Have you been on a 5 day cruise? What did you pack for a 5 day cruise let us know in the comments. 

Protect Your Trip »

Cruise packing list: 56 essentials chosen by experts.

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

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

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

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

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

Find your perfect cruise

Carry-on bag

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

Checked bag

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

Read: The Best Checked Luggage Options

Garment bag

Courtesy of Halfday

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

Packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags

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

Carry-on caddy

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

Digital luggage scale

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

Bungee cord

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

Luggage tracker

Courtesy of Apple

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

Cruise insurance

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

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

Credit cards and local currency

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

RFID wallet

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

Medications

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

Sheet masks

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

Magnetic hooks

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

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

Wrinkle release spray

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

Laundry detergent

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

Over-the-door organizers

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

Courtesy of Poo-Pourri

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

Shampoo and conditioner

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

Wine or Champagne

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

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

Portable humidifier

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

International travel adapter or converter

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

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

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Sound machine

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

Tech organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

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

First-aid kit

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

Hand sanitizer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of Sea-Band

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

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

Mix-and-match clothing

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

Sports jacket or blazer

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

Themed party attire

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

Travel wrap

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

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

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

Packable hat

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

Comfortable walking shoes

Courtesy of Allbirds

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

Water shoes

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

Versatile heels

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

Reusable water bottle

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

Bathing suit

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

Swim cover-up

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

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

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

Waterproof phone case

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

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

Beach towel

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

Towel clips

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

Reef-safe sunscreen

Courtesy of Badger

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

After-sun lotion

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

A good book

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

What not to pack for a cruise

Power strip.

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

Weapons and restraints

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

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

Household appliances

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

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

CBD and marijuana

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

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

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7 Day Cruise Packing List: 27 Essentials for Trip

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

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

Understanding Cruise Basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-Packing Tips

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

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

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

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

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

7-Day Cruise Packing List

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

Clothing: Pack With Purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

Formal Attire

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

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

Fitness Wear

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

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

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

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

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

Footwear: Balance Between Comfort and Style

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bags & Accessories: Carry Style Wherever You Go

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toiletries and Personal Items: Essentials for Comfort

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

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

Travel-size Shampoo & Conditioner

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

Body Wash/Soap

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

Toothpaste & Toothbrush

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

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

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

Razor & Shaving Cream

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

Medications

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

Moisturizer/Lotion

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

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

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

Hairbrush/Comb & Hair Products

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

First Aid Kit

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

Other Toiletries to Bring

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

Tech Gear: Staying Connected and Entertained on Cruise Ships

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other items you might want to bring:

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

Cruise Packing Tips: Entertainment Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Documents: Don’t Leave Without Them

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cruise Tickets

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

Insurance Papers

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

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

Credit Card

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

Snacks and Drinks: For Those Midnight Cravings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many bathing suits for a 7-day cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

What do people wear during the day on a cruise?

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

Digital Marketer

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

About FunkyCruise

Packing List for a Cruise to Somewhere Warm + Free Checklists for 3 Destinations (Europe, Beach, Cruise)

Hello, hello! We’re back with our third and final packing list for the summer, and this one is a packing list for a cruise to somewhere warm.

Backstory: Earlier this summer, some members of the  PMT Style Club  asked for packing lists to accompany the  Summer Wardrobe & Outfit Guides . Since some of the PMT team members were already busy researching and preparing for our own upcoming trips, we were on it!

We created packing lists for THREE destinations, including  a packing list for  a trip to Europe ,  to the beach , and  for a cruise ! If you want to get your hands on them all at once, we created a  free downloadable PDF for all three lists, including checklists and shopping links ! You can get the packing lists and shopping links for all three destinations by  filling out this form to download your copy , or by filling out the form at the bottom of this post!

About The Trip

Last November, my family and I went on a short cruise to Mexico. I actually went on this exact cruise when I was a kid, so it was fun to take our kids. They had a blast and totally want to do another cruise!

We’re not going on another cruise anytime soon, but that didn’t stop me from whipping up a packing list for one. 😊 And, even if you’re not going on a cruise anytime soon, this totally works for a lot of different trips!

Duration & Setting: 5-day cruise with kids and friends to somewhere warm. (If you’re going to Alaska or somewhere not warm, this isn’t the right list for you. Sorry!)

Activities & Clothes Needed

• walking around the ship (casual to elevated casual)
• pool (swimwear)
• exercise / active activities (activewear)
• excursion to sightsee once docked (casual to elevated casual)
• nice regular dinners (elevated casual to dressy casual)
• fancy dinners (dressy casual to special occasion)
• watching shows on the ship (elevated casual to dressy casual depending on what the show is)

Temps Inside the Ship When I went on the cruise in November, I didn’t know how cool it would be indoors or outside in the evenings. I also tend to run cold, so I wanted to be prepared. I ended up being over-prepared with too many layers!

Inside the ship, it felt like it was a perfect 72 degrees. I was comfortable in jeans and a short-sleeve shirt. I hardly needed a layer, and if I did, a light layer like a denim jacket or a cardigan sufficed.

Packing List for a Cruise to Somewhere Warm

• neutral pants
• denim shorts
• activewear shorts (as many as you need for however active you’ll be)

Remember, I always advise you to start with bottoms when creating a wardrobe, and the same practice applies when creating packing lists!

Pack two neutral options, whether pants or shorts or a mix of both. Neutrals go with a lot of different tops and give you options without having to pack more things.

• colored printed top
• solid colored top
• solid top w/ details
• activewear tanks (as many as you need for however active you’ll be)

I included a mixture of prints and solids to add variety. Make sure each one goes with both of your bottoms.

Dresses & Jumpsuits

• casual option
• dressy casual ( another option here ), or another casual option
• special occasion for a nice dinner
• (additional fancy option if you have more than one nice dinner)

Pack a casual option and a dressy casual option if you want to step it up…because why not? You’re on a cruise! If you want to skip the dresses, pack an additional pair of bottoms and one more top instead.

Our cruise to Mexico had one semi-formal dinner. I know some cruises have more formal dinners, but ours was more like semi-formal to formal. A jumpsuit like the one in the capsule would have been totally appropriate. (See it on me HERE .)

I included the blue jumpsuit in this packing list as an option I would wear on another cruise. (Unfortunately, this jumpsuit is sold out now, since I made this packing list quite a while ago to include in the free packing checklists ! Find an alternative jumpsuit HERE .)

• denim jacket
• light cardigan
• (light layer for special occasion attire)

Like I mentioned earlier, I think all I’d need is a denim jacket and a light cardigan. Add a light layer for your special occasion outfits if you think you’d need one!

• 1-2 swimsuits (or more if you’ll be in the water everyday!)
• metallic sandals
• tan or white sandals
• dressy shoe – metallic or nude open-toe heels that go with the dressy casual dress and the special occasion dress
• waterproof/pool sandals ( another option here )
• athletic sneakers for activewear
• ( slip-on sneakers if you want a sneaker option for everyday casual wear)

Ughhh shoes were the hardest part to nail down, and they take quite a bit of space in your suitcase. This is what I landed on.

I like metallic sandals because they go with nearly anything. I included tan/white slides as one more option.

For dressy shoes, the style I chose goes with a LOT. It’s extremely versatile, and the low heel is easier to walk in. Choose a style like this that’s metallic or nude, and it will work with so many things.

Pack a pair of waterproof sandals for the pool. You can choose a simple pair of flip flops, or you can go for a pair that works in casual outfits, too.

For activewear, pack sneakers, of course!

Last, if you’d like a non-activewear sneaker option, a slip-on style like THESE go with both shorts and lightweight pants.

Other Notable Items

• backpack – huge and waterproof, helpful to carry all of my kids’ stuff
• beach tote – this mesh one is HUGE but lightweight and easy to fold and pack
• wet bag – to transport wet swimsuits
• earrings – linked to my favorite brand
• travel steamer – to get the wrinkles out of your clothes (wayyyy better than ironing!)
• Dramamine – In case you get seasick! My daughter gets motion sickness really easily, but she was totally fine on the cruise. We brought this anyway, just in case.
• SeaBands – A non-medicine option for seasickness. I don’t know if they actually help, but they don’t hurt, so why not?

I previously made a collage of the tops & bottoms that are in this packing capsule, and I’m sharing it again here for easy access. (Special occasion outfits not included!)

Shop the Packing List for a Cruise to Somewhere Warm

If you want to shop the capsule, the shopping links are below! One note is that I created this packing list at the beginning of the summer to include in our free downloadable checklists, so some of the items are no longer available. My apologies, but hopefully you can find similar things! (And next time, make sure you download the freebie so that you get earlier access. 😉)

SIZING INFO: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes. I list sizing info for items in the widget below, underneath the picture.

Clothes & Shoes

Accessories & bags, grab your free packing checklists: the beach, a cruise, and europe.

I’m Audrey. I live in California with my husband and three kids. I can’t say no to boba, burritos, or chocolate chip cookies, and I love empowering you to put yourself together confidently. 

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10 Must-Pack Items for Your Warm-Weather Cruise

 Whether you’re new to cruising or embarking on your tenth or hundredth sail, there are always new and interesting gadgets, beauty products, and clothes that will make your trip easier, more organized, and more fun. After years of cruising on dozens of ships, here are some of our favorite – and most attractive – products to snap up before you board.

1.  Hurley Neoprene Beach Bag

Pack your essentials — bathing suit, medications, a change of clothes— into this roomy tote made out ultra-durable neoprene. After all, it could be some time before your suitcase is delivered to your cabin. Buy it now . 

2. Baggallini Hanging Travel Kit

Those cruise ship bathrooms can be tight on storage space — especially if you’re sharing with a companion. This compact hanging travel kit is both simple and practical and a choice of three patterns and dual handles make it fashionable enough to carry it as a purse.  Inside, the zippered pockets neatly compartmentalize your lotions and shampoo. Buy it now .

3. Aquabot Water Bottle

This 32-ounce water bottle is handy to bring along on shore excursions or top up at the onboard water stations. It has a spray top, so besides re-hydrating in between meals, you can spritz yourself at the pool or wash away any messes. Buy it now .

4. Lewis and Clark Wrinkle Wiz

Keep your clothes crisp and fresh with this wrinkle-release spray. (Remember, you won’t find self-service irons onboard and pressing services can be expensive.) This linen-scented product comes in a 2-ounce travel size so you can tuck it into your carry-on; it’s also static- and dye-free and is safe to use on any type of fabric. Buy it now .

5. Adilette Slides

These slip-ons come in an array of colors and are good for sessions at the spa, stepping out the hot tub, and beach and poolside lounging. Buy it now .  

6. Hampton Sun Travel Trio 

We don’t recommend fun in the sun without protection. This collection of oil-free products from Hampton Sun – with SPF30 sunscreen and a post-sun aloe spray – guard against harmful rays and sooth and hydrate sunburns. Added bonus: the fragrance transports you to the breezy beaches of the Hamptons. Buy it now . 

7. Mpow Universal Waterproof Case

This transparent case is submersible and waterproof and is simple to snap and lock. The cover is designed to be touch- sensitive so you can still take photos and operate your phone underwater. Buy it now . 

8. EmeTerm Wristband

9. 16-Pack IPOW Towel Clips

10. UV Protection Sun Hat

ShermansTravel uses affiliate links in this article to generate revenue. When you purchase an item after following one of these links, ShermansTravel may receive a commission. The items in this article were chosen independently by ShermansTravel’s editorial team.

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The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Published November 12, 2023 · Updated November 13, 2023

Are you ready to set sail on the ultimate adventure? Whether you’re planning a leisurely cruise, an exciting hiking expedition, or a fun-filled picnic, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate packing list. No more stressing over what to bring, because we’ve compiled all the essentials you’ll need to make your journey enjoyable and stress-free. From clothing to accessories, toiletries to electronics, we’ve thought of everything. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the must-have items for your upcoming travel escapades.

Table of Contents

Planning for a cruise can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many things to think about, it’s important to ensure you have everything you need to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. From clothing to toiletries, electronics to travel documents, and safety items to entertainment, we’ve got you covered. Read on for a comprehensive list of items to pack for your next cruise adventure.

Formal Attire

While most cruise ships have relaxed dress codes, there are typically a few formal nights where you may want to dress up. Be sure to pack at least one outfit suitable for such occasions, such as a formal dress or a suit and tie.

Casual Clothing

For the majority of your cruise, casual clothing will be your go-to attire. Pack comfortable and lightweight clothing for warm weather destinations, including shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. For cooler climates, bring long-sleeved shirts and lightweight pants or jeans.

Don’t forget to pack your swimsuits! Whether you plan to relax by the pool or take a dip in the ocean at one of the ports of call, swimwear is a must. Consider bringing multiple options to suit different activities and preferences.

Undergarments

Pack enough underwear and bras for the duration of your cruise, plus a few extras. Consider bringing a variety of styles to ensure comfort and support for different activities.

Don’t forget to pack socks if you plan on wearing closed-toe shoes or sneakers during your cruise. Bring enough pairs to last the duration of your trip, plus a few extras in case of emergencies.

Choose footwear suitable for various activities, such as sandals, sneakers, and dress shoes. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions and exploring ports of call.

Even in warm weather destinations, it’s always a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned areas on the ship. For colder destinations, consider packing a heavier coat or jacket.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss

Maintain good oral hygiene on your cruise by packing your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. This helps ensure fresh breath and a clean mouth throughout your trip.

Shampoo and Conditioner

While most cruise ships provide basic toiletries, it’s always a good idea to bring your own shampoo and conditioner to suit your hair type and preferences.

Pack a bar of soap or travel-sized bottles of body wash to keep yourself feeling fresh and clean during your cruise. Opt for unscented options for those with sensitive skin.

Whether you prefer roll-on, stick, or spray deodorant, be sure to pack it to stay fresh and odor-free throughout your cruise.

If you prefer a clean-shaven look or want to maintain your regular grooming routine, don’t forget to pack a razor and any additional shaving items you may need.

Medications and First Aid

Prescription medications.

If you take any prescription medications regularly, be sure to pack enough for the duration of your cruise. It’s also a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription in case you need a refill or encounter any issues.

Over-the-counter Medications

Pack a small supply of common over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, antacids, and motion sickness medication. These can come in handy if you experience any discomfort during your cruise.

Accidents happen, so it’s always a good idea to have a few band-aids on hand for minor cuts and scrapes. Pack a small travel-sized pack for convenience.

Antiseptic Cream

To treat minor cuts or scrapes, consider packing a small tube of antiseptic cream. This helps prevent infections and promotes faster healing.

Electronics

Your phone is likely an essential item you won’t want to forget. Not only does it serve as your communication device, but it can also house important travel apps, maps, and entertainment options.

Make sure to pack the charger for your phone to keep it powered up throughout your cruise. Some cruise ships may have USB ports for charging, but it’s always a good idea to come prepared.

Capture lasting memories of your cruise by bringing along a camera. Whether it’s a DSLR or a smartphone with a high-quality camera, having the ability to snap photos and videos is a must.

If you’re bringing any devices that require batteries, such as a camera or flashlight, pack extra batteries to ensure you don’t run out of power during your trip.

A power bank is a convenient item to have, especially if you plan on using your phone or other electronic devices extensively. It allows you to recharge your devices on the go, even if you don’t have access to a power outlet.

Whether you want to listen to music, watch movies, or enjoy your favorite podcast, a pair of headphones will come in handy. Opt for noise-canceling headphones for a more immersive experience.

Travel Documents

For international cruises, a valid passport is a must. Ensure it’s up to date and will not expire within six months of your cruise departure date.

If traveling to a country that requires a visa, be sure to obtain one before your cruise. Check the entry requirements of each port of call to ensure you have the necessary visas.

Driver’s License

Even if you’re not planning on renting a car, it’s always a good idea to have your driver’s license with you as a form of identification.

Cruise Itinerary

Print out a copy of your cruise itinerary, including any pre- or post-cruise bookings and transfers. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss any important details.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Keep a copy of your policy and emergency contact information handy.

Emergency Contact Information

Make a note of important phone numbers, including the cruise line’s emergency contact number, your travel agent’s contact information, and the contact details of a trusted friend or family member.

Money and Essentials

It’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you. While most places on the ship accept credit cards, having cash on hand allows for convenience when purchasing small items or tipping.

Credit/Debit Cards

Bring a credit or debit card for larger purchases and as an alternative to cash. Make sure to notify your bank or credit card provider of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being blocked.

Travel Wallet

A travel wallet or a small wallet with multiple compartments is ideal for keeping your cash, cards, and travel documents organized and easily accessible.

Travel Pillow

For long flights, bus rides, or even during relaxation on the ship, a travel pillow can make a significant difference in comfort and support. Choose a compact, inflatable pillow for convenience.

Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare by packing a good pair of sunglasses. Consider bringing a sturdy case to keep them safe when not in use.

A small, compact umbrella can come in handy to shield you from unexpected rain showers or provide shade on sunny days. It’s a versatile item that takes up minimal space in your luggage.

Entertainment and Leisure

If you enjoy reading, pack a few books to keep you entertained during your downtime. Whether it’s a captivating novel or your favorite genre, having a book or two is a great way to relax and unwind.

Magazines are perfect for a lighter read and can be easily packed in your carry-on. Choose magazines that cover topics you’re interested in, such as travel, fashion, or hobbies.

Playing Cards

A deck of playing cards is a versatile entertainment option that can be enjoyed with friends and family. Play a game of poker, solitaire, or any other card game that suits your fancy.

Travel Games

Bring along compact travel games such as travel-sized versions of popular board games or card games. These can provide hours of fun during sea days or evenings in your cabin.

Snorkeling Gear

If your cruise itinerary includes snorkeling opportunities, consider packing your own snorkeling gear. This way, you can avoid rental fees and ensure a perfect fit for maximum enjoyment.

Safety and Security

Travel lock.

Protect your belongings by packing a travel lock to secure your luggage when on the ship or exploring ports of call. This helps give you peace of mind knowing your items are safe.

Travel Alarm

For added security, bring a travel alarm to use in your cabin. This is especially useful if you have an early morning excursion and need a reliable wake-up call.

Door Stopper

A door stopper can provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind when staying in cabins with doors that don’t have additional locks. It ensures that your door cannot be easily opened from the outside.

A small flashlight can be useful when navigating dimly lit areas of the ship or if there’s a power outage. It’s a handy tool to have for emergencies and can be easily carried in your pocket or bag.

Portable Safe

Consider bringing a portable safe to store valuable items such as passports, cash, and electronics securely in your cabin. This adds an extra level of protection for your peace of mind.

Miscellaneous

Reusable water bottle.

Staying hydrated is important, especially in warm weather destinations. Pack a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day to stay hydrated and reduce single-use plastics.

Laundry Bag

A laundry bag is essential for separating dirty clothes from clean ones during your cruise. It helps keep your luggage organized and prevents odors from spreading.

Ziplock Bags

Pack a few ziplock bags in various sizes for storing snacks, keeping liquids from leaking, or organizing small items such as chargers or cosmetics. They come in handy in multiple situations.

Travel Adapter

Ensure you can charge your electronic devices by bringing a travel adapter. This helps you charge your phone, cameras, and other gadgets regardless of the type of outlets available on the ship.

Swiss Army Knife

A Swiss Army Knife can be a useful tool for various situations. From opening packages to fixing loose screws, having a multi-tool can save the day in unexpected circumstances.

Health and Wellness

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by packing sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF value and apply it regularly, especially when spending time outdoors.

Insect Repellent

If your cruise includes destinations with mosquitoes or other biting insects, consider packing insect repellent to prevent bites and potential discomfort.

Motion Sickness Medication

If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to bring some motion sickness medication. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to find the right medication for you.

Hand Sanitizer

Maintain good hygiene by bringing hand sanitizer. It’s especially useful when handwashing facilities are not readily available, reducing the risk of germs and infections.

Exercise Clothes

If you plan on hitting the ship’s gym or participating in active shore excursions, pack comfortable exercise clothes. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics that will keep you cool during workouts.

With this comprehensive packing list, you’ll be prepared for every aspect of your cruise adventure. From clothing and toiletries to entertainment and safety items, having everything you need will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Bon voyage!

Tags: cruise packing list cruise tips cruise trip cruising packing list what you should pack to a cruise

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Packing List for Cruises: Hot & Cold Weather Lists

Packing lists are useful for all types of holiday, but they are really useful for cruises. After all, you won’t be able to nip to the shops for items you forget - as you might on a beach break or city getaway.

Of course, cruise ships have shops too - but they can be expensive and only have a limited inventory.

So, making sure you have all the essentials in your suitcase will save you time, money and hassle.

What to wear on a cruise?

When deciding what to wear on a cruise, you need to think about the weather and temperature. Remember that even in the tropics it can get chilly at night. And on some cruises you may be required to wear formal wear - such as a tuxedo/formal dress - for some events (e.g. the captain’s gala party).

For some, getting dressed up is one of the best things about cruises.

What are the best items to bring on a cruise?

Aside from the basics, the best items to bring on a cruise will relate to your needs and interests. For example, seasickness tablets will be critical if you get a queasy stomach, while someone with sensitive skin will need sufficient sun block.

For those who tire of too much socialising or excursions, books or video games may be considered essential.

Cruise packing lists

From cruise clothes for women, to kids’ essentials, the following cruise packing lists cover general items, as well as specific things for either cold or warm weather cruises.

What documents do you need to pack for your cruise?

Essential additions to your packing lists for cruises are your important travel documents. These could include:

• Passport/other photographic ID
• Photocopies of passport/ID
• Boarding pass for cruise
• Boarding pass for flights
• Print out of hotel details (e.g. staying overnight at port before departure)
• Luggage tags
• Travel insurance details
• GHIC or EHIC health insurance card (if applicable)
• Other health insurance details (if applicable)

Money/payment items to pack for your cruise

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Cash backup (currencies to suit trip destinations)
• Smartphones with necessary SIM cards installed for 2-factor authentication
• Card reader (for authenticating payments)
• Photocopies of credit/debit cards (ensure only you have access)

Covid-19 essentials packing list for your cruise

• Health app installed (e.g. NHS App)
• Access to Covid-19 vaccination details on app/printed (as applicable)
• Hand sanitiser
• Evidence of Covid-19 tests (if applicable)

Cruise wear & footwear - general

Note: Some formal dinners may require men to wear a blazer or tuxedo; cruise wear for women may include a long evening dress.

• Underwear and socks
• Workout gear
• Formal wear (e.g. tuxedos/long dresses for formal occasions)
• Formal shoes

Cruise wear & footwear - warm weather

Note: choose cotton over more insulating garments as this material will keep you cooler.

• Pyjamas - lightweight
• Flip flops/sandals
• Walking shoes
• Cover-ups (important cruise clothes for women and men; most cruise ship dining rooms do not permit swimwear)
• Sweaters (it can get chilly at night, even in the tropics)

Cruise wear & footwear - cold/wet weather

Note: choose wool or synthetics over cotton, since it can absorb moisture and leech warmth from your body.

• Waterproof jacket
• Long skirts
• Heavy sweaters
• Waterproof shoes
• Waterproof boots
• Pyjamas - thick

Accessories to pack for a cruise

The following are suggestions for ideas you might want to add to your accessories packing list for cruises:

• Glasses/contact lens (and solution)
• Day pack/beach bag
• Wallet/purse
• Tie (formal)
• Hairbands and accessories

Toiletries to pack for a cruise

When considering what toiletries to pack for a cruise, remember that most cabins will have basic toiletries - so you may save luggage space by leaving some items at home.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Soap/shower gel
• Conditioner
• Hair brush/comb
• Razors and shaving cream
• Feminine hygiene products
• Makeup/makeup remover
• Perfume/aftershave
• Lotion/moisturiser
• Shower puff
• Nail clippers
• First aid kit
• Mosquito repellent
• Sun block (advisable in cold but sunny weather too)

Electronics for a cruise

• Smartphone (with all required apps pre-loaded)
• Camera and memory cards
• E-reader/Kindle
• Hair appliances
• Handheld video games
• Plug adapters
• All required chargers

Miscellaneous items

• Medications (including inhalers/insulin etc)
• First-aid kit
• Painkillers
• Nappies/baby wipes
• Contraceptives
• Seasickness tablets
• Phrase book
• Snorkel equipment
• Reusable water bottle
• Books/puzzles/games/toys
• Pens (for completing forms)
• Laundry items

Caution - some items are banned in certain countries

If your ship docks at any of the following countries, be aware that the following may not be the best items to bring on a cruise (or at least, into port!).

• Codeine and Tramadol are banned in Greece, Japan, UAE, and Indonesia
• Sex toys - banned in Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Cambodia
• Vicks inhalers - banned in Japan
• Chewing gum - banned in Singapore
• Flip flops - banned on Capri island, Italy (they make too much noise!)
• High heels - Greece (but only at historic sites due to land erosion)

What NOT to pack for a cruise

The following items may not be required since they add weight to your luggage and may not be necessary for your trip.

Here are a few ideas about what not to pack for a cruise.

• A different outfit for each day - whether choosing cruise clothes for women or men, plan to re-use garments as much as possible (laundry facilities will be available)
• Books and magazines (opt for Kindle/eReader instead)
• Too much denim (heavy and takes up space)
• Some toiletries (many cruise lines provide basic toiletries like shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste)
• Makeup bag (just bring the items you need for the trip)
• Hair appliances - blow-dryer, straightener, curling iron etc - heavy items
• Multiple devices (fewer devices mean less to carry, while encouraging you to explore and socialise more)
• Jewellery and valuables (they are heavy and may be lost or stolen)
• Food (leave that hefty king-size jar of Marmite at home!)
• ‘Just in case’ items - don’t pack rainwear if the destination is dry, or tuxedos if the cruise ship is only smart-casual.
• Large toys (there will be plenty for kids to do on board)

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Ultimate Winter Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

Are you going on a winter Mediterranean cruise vacation soon? Well, here is your perfect solution on how to pack step by step with the ultimate winter Mediterranean cruise packing list.

This guided packing list will help you whether it is your first cruise or your first time to the Mediterranean in the winter.

I will answer your questions so you will know the best things to pack and what to leave at home for a winter Mediterranean cruise.

(We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).

How To Pack For A Winter Mediterranean Cruise

I’m sure you are thinking of warm sunny weather as most people do when the Mediterranean comes to mind. But, in the winter months, it can be a lot cooler than in the summer .

It can be mild and sunny or cold and rainy, on a European cruise, so you need to be prepared. Also, on board the cruise ship it can be cooler inside with the air conditioning throughout the ship and in the cabin.

Things to Consider When Going to Europe on a Cruise

Before you spend a lot of time and money buying new clothes or shoes consider a few things first, before you select your items for your cruise packing list. 

What is the Weather like in the Mediterranean in the Winter?

• Going to Europe in the winter months means the weather forecast can be different on each port day from sunny days and warm weather to cold and wet.
• A great way to find out the weather is to check online the average weather forecast for the cruise ports and cities you will be visiting.
• Here are approximate daytime temperatures (but of course, these do vary depending on the port):
• October: 15 – 24*C (59*F – 75*F)
• November: 10 – 21*C (50*F – 70*F)
• December: 8 – 18*C (46*F – 65*F)
• January: 6 – 16*C (43*F – 61*F)
• February: 8*C – 18*C (46*F – 65*F)
• March: 13 – 19*C (55*F – 66*F)

Add Appropriate Clothing and Comfortable Shoes to Your Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

Here are a few things to consider for the Mediterranean cruise port days:

• Bring comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot of walking in European cities . Especially if you are going on shore excursions to religious sites or ancient ruins . 
• The streets/walkways are uneven and there are many stairs to take especially in older buildings.
• Pack appropriate clothing to visit cathedrals and churches as you will need to cover your shoulders, arms, and knees. 
• It is always handy to bring a light sweater/cardigan, shirt or scarf as some places will not let you in if you do not cover-up. This is everyone male or female. 
• Have a look at the official website of the building before you visit to check the dress code of a cathedral/religious site.
• Wear comfortable clothing and breathable clothing as the weather can change throughout the day in the ports of call.
• There are cooler evenings in the Mediterranean region in the winter months – remember this if you have a late sail. Also, on board in the evening, it will be colder outside.
• Bring an umbrella and a rain jacket for rainy days.

What are the Sea Days like on a Mediterranean Cruise ?

• The sea days in the winter will probably not be spent sunbathing by the pool unless it is a lovely warm day as this time of year it is cooler. 
• It can be windy out on the deck.
• The sea can be a little rough sometimes – weather-dependent.
• What to wear? It depends on the activities you plan to do on a sea day, but casual comfortable clothes or resort wear are fine.  
• If you would like to use the hot tub or if there is an inside pool pack your bathing suit.

What Type of Clothes Do You Need for A Mediterranean Cruise?

The first step is figuring out what type of clothes you will need for the Mediterranean cruise. Here are a few things to think about: 

How many formal nights will there be? 

• On average there are one to two formal nights on a seven-day cruise, two to three formal nights on a ten-day cruise, and two to four formal nights on a 14-day cruise. 
• This will depend on the cruise line you are sailing with as they do differ, as do their dress codes.
• On some cruise lines, the dress code for gala night/formal night/elegant night does not require formal wear of long dresses and tuxedos. 
• Check the cruise line website for the official dress code.  
• For example, on MSC you can wear formal attire or your smartest clothes. This makes a difference when you are packing your luggage.    
• Here are the links for current formal night dress codes:
• M SC Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Royal Caribbean 

Will there be a White Night?

Some cruise lines have a white party which is held on the pool deck or in one of the lounges on the ship (weather dependent) – where you guessed it everyone wears the colour white. This is an easy one for most people if you like wearing white!

Dining – where are you planning on eating while onboard?  

• Where are you going to eat; in the dining room, buffet, or speciality restaurants?  
• If you are planning on eating in the main dining room, pack dressier clothing – smart casual.
• On formal nights you will need to wear the dress code of the cruise line if you would like to eat in the dining room for formal dinners.
• In most speciality restaurants you can wear casual/smart casual (even on formal nights). 
• In the buffet, clothing can be casual (even on the formal nights).

Will you be going to the gym or fitness classes? 

Pack your workout wear if you plan to use the gym or take a fitness class on board. But only pack it if you are going to use it!

What wear on port days? 

• My tip is to pack layers as if it gets warm you can take layers off or put them on.
• If you are planning on going on shore excursions or walking around the ports on your own, wear comfortable footwear, as most paths are uneven. 
• There is nothing worse than your feet hurting halfway through the day or getting a blister.
• In Europe , the stairs need to be used in most buildings and your walking route may be longer than you are used to. 
• Trainers (sneakers), walking shoes, slip-on comfortable shoes that go with your outfits I recommend.
• Depending on the duration of your cruise you may need to use the laundry facilities. Some cruise lines have passenger laundry rooms that you can use or there will be laundry services on board. 

What to wear on sea days?

You can wear whatever you like as it depends on the activities you plan to do. Follow the dress code for the evening.

How To Pack the Ultimate Winter Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

Now let’s start talking about how to pack for a winter Mediterranean cruise without bringing too much luggage!

When packing for a winter Mediterranean cruise check the weather (see above for weather help) for all the ports as it can vary from the north to the south of the Mediterranean. 

The easiest way is by packing layers and by sticking to a colour theme, so all your clothes mix and match.

Colour Theme for your Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

First, decide on the colours you would like to wear, this way you can mix and match your clothes.

• 2/3 base colours for pants/skirts/shorts – For example black, navy, beige, brown, white, cream, etc.
• 2/3 colours for tops/tees/sweaters/cardigans – For example white, red, pink, green, blue, black, etc.

This means not adding any random colours that do not match anything.

Ultimate Winter Mediterranean Cruise Packing List for Women

Here is your ultimate cruise packing list for a winter Mediterranean cruise broken down from daywear to evening wear for women.

This cruise packing list is for a seven-day cruise, but you can double it if you are going on a 14-day cruise. Or add a few more items for a 10-day cruise or just wash/send to the laundry some of your clothes while on board.

Cruise Daywear for Women

Daytime cruise wear for shore excursions or doing your own thing in the Mediterranean cruise ports or on the sea days, these are all clothing items you will need:

• 2 – 3 Pairs of jeans/trousers
• 1 Pair of shorts or a skirt (optional)
• 5 – 7 Casual tops/shirts (long/short sleeve) 
• 3 – 4 T-shirts/tank tops/thermal layer (for layering) 
• 3 – 4 Light Weight Light Sweaters/Cardigans 
• Lightweight Jacket/Rain jacket
• Warm Hat, scarf & gloves
• 1 – 2 Pairs of Waterproof Trainers/Walking Shoes/Flat Shoes
• Money belt for cash/credit card/ local currency
• Umbrella 
• Pair of sunglasses
• Bathing suit/Cover-up/Flip Flops / Beach bag (pool towels are available to use on board)
• Water bottle
• Day bag/Day pack/Backpack/Small Bag

Cruise Evening Wear for Women

For the evening on board this is all evening wear and formal wear you will need:

• 2 – 3 Pairs of smart pants/skirts 
• 3 – 5 Smart tops/blouses
• 1 Smart dress/little black dress (optional)
• 1 White Dress (optional for white party)  
• 1 – 2 Formal Dresses – cocktail dresses/evening gown 
• 1 Pair of high heels
• 1 Pair of Ballet Pumps/Flats
• Formal clutch bag/purse
• Light Weight Scarves 

Cruise General Daily Items for Women:

• Workout wear (if you use the gym/fitness classes)
• Swimwear/Overup/Flip Flops (if you use the swimming pool onboard)
• Socks/tights (pantyhose)
• Jewellery/Watch

Cruise Toiletries for Women:

There are usually hair dryers, shampoo, and shower gel in the cabin, so you can leave those out at home if you like. Here are the toiletries you may need:

• Cleanser 
• Makeup remover
• Moisturiser
• Conditioner
• Body Lotion
• Razor/Shaving gel
• Medications 
• Hair dryer / Curler / Straightening irons 

Ultimate Winter Mediterranean Cruise Packing List for Men

Here is your ultimate cruise packing list for a winter Mediterranean cruise broken down from daywear to evening wear for men.

This cruise packing list is for a seven-day cruise, but you can double it if you are going on a 14-day cruise. Or add a few more items for a 10-day cruise or just wash or send to the laundry some of your clothes while on board.

Cruise Daywear for Men

• 2 – 3 Pairs of jeans/pants
• 1 – 2 Pairs of shorts (optional)
• 5 – 7 Casual tees /shirts (long/short sleeve) 
• 2 – 3 T-shirts (for layering) 
• 3 – 4 Light Weight Light Sweaters 
• 1 – 2 Pairs of Waterproof Trainers/Walking Shoes
• Swimming trunks / Flip Flops (pool towels are available to use on board)

Evening Wear for Men

• 2 – 3 Smart pants/chinos/jeans
• 3 – 5 Smart shirts/Polo shirts
• Tuxedo/formal shirt/bow tie/cumberbund or Suit/shirt/tie
• White outfit (for white night – optional)
• Smart Shoes/Dress shoes

General Clothing Items for Men

• Swimwear / Flip Flops (if you use the swimming pool onboard)

Cruise Toiletries for Men

• Face Wash  
• Shaving Gel

Cruise Carry-on Luggage

This is one of the most important parts of your luggage as a carry-on (hand luggage) is the only piece you will be able to take to the stateroom (cabin) straight away. Your main luggage will be delivered to your stateroom before the cruise ship sails. 

So pack all the essential items you will need for the first day of your cruise:

• Carry-on bag
• Travel documents
• Change of clothes (pack in packing cubes )
• Essential items – medications/money/credit cards/passport, etc
• Toiletry bag

You may also enjoy reading the best cruise accessories to add to your packing list, which has lots of cruise essentials that will make your cruise go more smoothly. 

Between helping you with your packing, making your stateroom more functional, and handy gadgets for time in port days and on board. Read now:

BEST CRUISE ACCESSORIES TO ADD TO YOUR PACKING LIST

I hope this Mediterranean cruise packing list has helped you and answered your questions. Did I miss anything? If so, please comment below I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Cruise Lines that Cruise the Mediterranean in the Winter

Most cruise lines go to the Mediterranean in the summer months for Europe cruises. Only a few sail around the Mediterranean in the winter months, for example, MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises. 

Most cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean sail until November and start again in the spring. Winter is a great time to visit the Mediterranean as it is cooler and a good time to go sightseeing.

Pros and Cons of Cruising the Mediterranean in the Winter

There are pros and cons of cruising the Mediterranean in the winter, and it is completely different to going on a Caribbean cruise. 

It can be one of the best times to go and is a great way to see a lot, as it is not so hot. The winter months can be the perfect choice if you prefer it to be quieter on board and in the cruise ports.

I have written an article weighing up the pros and cons, read more here:

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISING IN WINTER PROS & CONS

Cruise Essentials

Here are some cruising accessories from Amazon you may find useful on your next cruise. To see more, have a look at my Amazon shop page and click here .

More Cruise Packing Guides for Your Next Cruise

6 HANDY THINGS IN A CRUISE SHIP CABIN

HOW TO PACK A CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR A 7-DAY CRUISE TO ALASKA

THE ULTIMATE CRUISE FORMAL NIGHT GUIDE

WHAT TO WEAR ON SMART CASUAL NIGHTS ON A CRUISE

5 TIPS HOW TO BUY & PACK A CAPSULE WARDROBE

I hope you have found this information helpful and now know how to pack for a winter Mediterranean cruise, using the ultimate Winter Mediterranean cruise packing list.

Please share on Facebook so your friends and family can read it too or pin it for later on Pinterest.

Happy Cruising!

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The Ultimate Packing List

Christine Sarkis

Ashley Rossi

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for an editable PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here .

Clothes to Pack

• Dress Shirts
• Casual Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Laundry Kit
• Leisure Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Dress Shoes
• Collapsible Tote

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries to Pack

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Styling Tools
• Facial Cleanser
• Face Lotion
• Moisturizer
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover
• Menstrual Products
• Birth Control/Medication
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Pain Relievers

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

• Laptop/Tablet
• Film/Memory Card
• List of Medications
• Banking Contacts/Information
• Electronic Chargers
• Emergency Contacts
• Copy of Passport
• Plug Adapter

Shop Our Miscellaneous Items List

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

• Books or E-Books
• Travel Blanket
• Travel Pillow
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Change of Clothes
• Empty Water Bottle
• In-Flight Medications
• Passport/Visa/ID
• Credit/ATM cards
• Insurance Cards
• Maps/Directions

Shop Our Carry-On Essentials List

Packing Tips for Clothes and Other Items

When packing for a vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need.

Your first step when packing is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only taking a carry-on and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need based on that decision. Typically, you should avoid checking a bag in situations where you have a layover since the likelihood of your bag going missing goes up with every connection . You might also want to avoid checking a bag if you absolutely need items in your bag on arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise.

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. That’s not because we don’t like fun colors and patterns; it just means that neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Also invest in clothing that does double duty, like multi-use wraps , crushable hats , self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers , bug-repellent clothing , wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing , and compressible jackets … just to name a few. Look toward popular athleisure brands like Lululemon , prAna , and Athleta for comfortable yet stylish travel clothing.

When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit .

Scrubba Untouched Review

Also make sure to bring along accessories like a money belt, scarf or sarong (can be used for things like an airplane blanket , coverup at the beach, or to throw over your dress on a cool evening), and a collapsible tote or day bag for any extra items you might acquire on your travels. If traveling to a city or destination that is prone to pickpocketing, make sure to pack some pickpocket-proof clothing and gear .

Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, you may need to invest in some special travel gear. We’ve tested out everything from waterproof baby carriers to interchangeable heels , so you can trust our recommendations. If you’re headed out on an organized group tour , you’ll most likely get a packing list from the tour provider, which should make your trip planning easier. If not, do your research online (one tip is to look at locations on Instagram and see what people are wearing) and consult this story for other handy lists of tips.

For more active trips, make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a day pack, snacks, and any necessary equipment. Check out our specific packing lists for hiking trips and camping trips .

Another type of trip that you may need to pack slightly specific items for is a cruise . Make sure you pack non-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes, and your bathing suit. Beach vacations also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and maybe even snorkel gear. Luckily for you, we also have a specific cruise packing list and a beach vacation packing list .

Lastly, you need to consider the weather. For warm-weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you can obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you’re headed out on a ski vacation then you’ll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a specific Caribbean vacation packing list , a Mexico vacation packing list , and even a ski trip packing list .

10 Secrets I Learned Working in a Hotel

To help keep things organized, we love using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They’re especially useful for when you’re traveling to multiple destinations in one trip.

Wondering how to pack all of your items? Enter the great debate of the rolling vs. folding method! While this is definitely a personal preference, we put two editors to the test to find out which method is in fact, more space-saving. Watch the video below to see the answer.

How to Pack Toiletries and Medications

Whether it’s important medication or your favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack your essentials, like medication, contacts, and any other items that you might not be able to purchase or replace during your travels. (Put them in your carry-on bag, not your checked suitcase.) However, if you forget items like a toothbrush or razor, you can typically call the front desk at the hotel for a spare.

We also recommend traveling with some type of a travel first-aid kit , which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Make sure to check TSA guidelines if you’re traveling with medication , as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.

Packing Tips for Everything Else …

Traveling without tech items like your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera can be a major bummer. For those traveling abroad, you’ll also want to remember to pack electronic adapters and converters . Other tech-related items for photographers to pack are a sturdy camera bag , backup batteries, and memory cards, as well as lens cleaner. And don’t forget smartphone essentials like a backup charger, waterproof case if you’re headed out on the water, and a phone stand or tripod for photos.

A travel packing tip we’ve learned the hard way? Travel with a copy of your passport, credit card, and bank contacts, as well as a list of medications and your emergency contacts.

If you are traveling abroad, we have an entire checklist for you, but the most important thing to note here is your passport and visas . Make sure that your passport is up to date, has as least six months of validity, and has enough blank pages for any stamps. Another tip for international travel? Give yourself plenty of time to apply for any visas that you might need and to arrange for a visit to a travel clinic if any special medications or vaccines are needed. You should also familiarize yourself with any remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions at your destination.

There are also some items that you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker , duct tape , toilet paper, a decoy wallet, or a whistle.

The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

What to Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

In case you’re separated from your checked bag or other items, you should always make sure that you have your ID, wallet, house keys, medications, valuables, camera, phone, laptop, tablet, pen, cash and cards, glasses, and copy of your itinerary with you on the plane.

Other items that you might want to have handy with you include entertainment for your flight, comfort-promoting items like a blanket or pillow, as well as an empty water bottle to fill up post-security (here is a list of our favorites ), a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is lost or delayed), snacks, and gum.

If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, you guessed it: We also have a separate packing list and tips for that, as well as the best bags to use for carry-on only .

What to Pack to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The pandemic has significantly changed the way we travel and, by extension, the items we prioritize in our luggage. While many destinations have loosened or entirely lifted COVID-19 restrictions, some venues and events may still require a mask or proof of vaccination/negative COVID test to enter. Plan ahead to see if any activities on your itinerary have restrictions in place.

Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer , while always a good idea to have on hand at the airport , have become absolute carry-on musts. Wiping down areas like your tray table, airplane seat armrest, and hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Cruise Packing List: 24 Must Have Items To Pack For Cruise

Packing seems daunting, especially if you are a beginner cruiser knowing you can not run into the market if you remember or need something. 

So, what else to do?

Don’t worry; all you need is an ultimate cruise packing checklist so you will not overpack your bag and know what you need to pack and what’s not.

So, without further ado, let’s dig into the cruise packing tips .

Table of Contents

What to Pack For a Cruise? (Essentials)

The maritime expedition experience can only be enhanced if you have all the essentials onboard. 

For example, if you forget to pack your sunscreen, water bottle, bathing suit, or anything else in the luggage, It undoubtedly affects your whole cruise vacation experience.

So, this handy cruise packing checklist will help you decide what to pack for any cruise; even a beginner could pack like a pro.

#1 Necessary Documents

Fireproof safe waterproof bag.

Before packing any other essentials, first, collect all the necessary documents. I use a separate bag or hand-carry bag for all the cruise-required documents. 

Passport/Visa:  Cruise ships stop at different countries’ ports, and few countries only allow cruisers if they have a valid passport and visa. So don’t forget both of these. 

Credit Cards:  Before starting a sea voyage, load all the credit cards with enough funds. Visa and Mastercards are globally accepted payment gateways. Also, add some funds to your PayPal and Google Pay accounts. Use this small magnetic wallet to manage cards.

Boarding Pass:  You should have a print of your boarding pass that you must show on embarkation day. 

Cash:  Sometimes, the credit card won’t work, so having some cash in your bag is obligatory. Check the cash bag. 

Travel Insurance Docs:  If you have travel insurance, carry all the important papers.

#2 Daytime Wear

Kirundo women’s summer dress.

While deciding what to pack for your cruise, you must initiate the process with the basics; your daytime wear is the most important thing. 

You must know every cruise ship has its dress code . 

However, daytime clothing is casual; you can wear anything from T-shirts, slacks, jeans, casual tops, and sundresses on many cruise ships.  

Here you can check the 30 best women cruise outfits .

If you’re curvy lady, must check these amazing plus size cruise dresses.

Recommended: Ninedaily Women’s Tunic Summer Short Sleeve Top

Recommended Maxi Dress: YESNO Women Casual Loose Bohemian Floral Dress

#3 Night Wear

The second most important thing to pack is your nightwear.

Yes, each cruise’s day and night wear dress codes are different. However, the cruise dress codes generally fall into 2 categories; casual and formal. 

For example;

• Women can wear skirts , blouses , or tops.
• Men can wear a Polo Shirts or button-down shirt with a slack.
• However, for elegant and formal nights , you must remember to bring suits, ties, jackets, or cocktail dresses.

Pro Tip: Create a nice mix and match between day and night dresses so that it gets easier to pack and you don’t overpack the luggage as well.

Remember to pack a jacket, as the weather can get windy at night, or cruise ships can turn up the conditioner even if you’re about to get a warm-weather cruise. 

Hanes Women’s Wear Around Nightshirt

#4 footwear.

Shoes will play a critical part in enjoying your cruise journey. You can have a better and more comfortable experience with the right pair of shoes. 

We are saying this because we were unaware of this fact and packed the wrong footwear.

For example, most cruise lines are grainy and rocky. 

So, it’s good to pack a pair of ANLUKE water shoes for everyone in the family. We recommend that they are multipurpose shoes you can wear even while swimming or on the beach. Moreover, they also have an anti-slip sole and quick drying for convenience. 

ANLUKE Water Shoes 

#5 toiletries .

Even the cruises offer different toiletries, but you still have to pack your own hygienic toiletries to avoid skin issues. 

Toothbrush/Toothpaste:  Teeth cleaning is a regular habit of everyone, so you should pack 2 – 3 toothpaste and brushes. 

Deodorant:  Roll on or stick deodorant to stay fresh.

Shaving Supplies:  For a fresh look on the cruise, you should pack Razor, shaving cream, and aftershave or moisturizer. A personal barber kit is a more convenient option too. 

GLAKERS Grooming Kit

Skincare Essentials:  Moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and any special skincare products you prefer.

Cotton Swabs and Cotton Balls:  These can be handy for various cleaning purposes.

Lip Bam:  The lips often dry on a cruise due to less moisture, harsh sun rays, and salty water. That’s why to protect your lips, and it’s essential to use Lip Bam. 

eos 100% Natural & Organic Lip Balm Sticks

Travel-Sized Tissues:  These can be useful for various situations.

Perfumes:  This is a must-have item that boosts your personality. Creed Aventus  and Blue de Chanel  are the best perfumes for sea adventure. Both have pleasant and refreshing smells. 

CREED Aventus

Chanel Bleu De Chanel 

Lotions:  To protect your skin and eliminate dryness of your skin, you should pack a  lotion bottle. 

Hair Care Products:  Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, and any styling products you use.  Check Recommendations

Feminine Hygiene Products:  Tampons, pads, or any other necessary products.

#6 Packing Cubes

Veken 8 set packing cubes.

Your journey on the cruise packing list must start with the packing cubes. 

These are the lifesavers for any cruiser or an active traveller. With it, you can keep your clothing organized. 

The VEKEN Packing Cubes are best because they have enough folders to make your clothes wrinkle-free. 

Pro Tip: getting at least two sets with different sizes and colour options is always suggested to keep the essentials better organised and memorable.

#7 Refillable Water Bottle

Sports water bottle.

A refillable water bottle is a must have item for your cruise packing list.

These bottles come in handy sizes and are great for refilling water during beverage stations. On the contrary also helpful for shore excursions.

The one we got was MILTON 32 oz Large Water Bottle . Indeed, it was the best decision, where a carry strap and comfortable grip made it more handy and easier to carry. 

#8 Over-the-door Organizer

If you love to keep your things organized and in place “over the door” organizer is something you must need to pack for your trip.

Fixwal 2 Pack Over The Door Organizer is best in this regard. It has 5 large pockets that are more than enough to carry our baby’s essentials. 

Among all, it is a high-quality and large-capacity storage organizer. 

#9 First Aid Kit

First aid kit.

One of the best packing tips we can give you is a first aid kit. 

You should pack all the prescribed medicines and the over-the-counter medications. Although medication facilities will be available onboard, keeping your personalized first aid kit in your luggage will still be a good idea, especially if you are an adventure seeker. 

It doesn’t matter whether you made your own DIY first aid kit or buy from Amazon for less than $20.

#10 Magnets With Hooks

Magnetic hooks, 27 lb+ heavy duty.

You will no longer need to worry about the space in your stateroom if you have magnetic hooks. 

Neosmuk Magnetic Hooks are super robust, sturdy and strong enough to carry heavy items. These hooks are helpful even to hang bulky items like coats or jackets. 

Having magnetic hooks in your luggage means optimizing your storage space. 

#11 Beach Bag Or Backpack

Beach bag and pool bag.

A lightweight and quality beach bag is essential to hold the little essentials on the go. 

For example, sunscreen, water bottle, lotion, lipstick, towels or other accessories. 

You can use SHYLERO Beach Bag for this purpose. It is a sturdy pool bag that can hold up to 30 pounds. With that, it has a waterproof interior and is roomy enough to place plenty of your essentials securely. 

There is a blazing sun on a cruise, so you should wear hats to protect your head and hair. 

Hats take up a lot of space, so you can wear them on embarkation day instead of packing. Or you can also use adjustable hats that you easy to pack. 

Recommendations:  FURTALK Women Sun Straw Hat 

#13 Noise-cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones.

Do you face difficulty in sleeping or prefer sleeping in a peaceful environment?

If so, you must pack noise-cancelling headphones. However, some passengers would love to listen to a blissful slummer around. Conversely, some still prefer a peaceful sleep after a long hectic day. 

Wear the noise-canceling headphones and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea. You can also use the headphones on the moonlit deck; this gives a next-level experience.

So, in this regard, we have been actively using Sony wireless headphones . They have 100% strong bass to reduce noise up to 90%.

#14 Beach Towels

American soft linen towel.

Casually, beach or pool towels are provided by the many cruise lines, then why pack?

Well, if you lose a beach towel during cruising, you must pay a fee instead. Furthermore, you can’t take it with you and can not quickly dry. So, they are not an excellent option if you have 2 beach days in a row.

For these reasons, we prefer owning soft linen towels that are skin-friendly.

#15 Jackets Women’s

Lightweight puffer jacket.

If your cruise destination has cold weather like Alaska, you must pack a jacket. 

Wait? Is it lighter enough to make your luggage easier to carry?

That’s why your go-to choice will be lightweight jackets for both men and women . These are water-repellent and windproof jackets to get a nice warm feel. 

Recommendation For Females: Rokka&Rolla Women’s Lightweight Jacket Coat

Recommendation For Males: Rokka&Rolla Men’s Lightweight Jacket

#16 Nightlight

A night light must be in your luggage so that once you wake up during the night, the lights automatically turn on. 

It is also a safety feature; the motion sensor cruise cabin lights are plentiful. Moreover, it can be pointed in any direction due to its 360-degree rotating capability. 

The size of this light is also compact, making it easy to pack. 

#17 Sunglasses

The use of sunglasses turns out to be an awesome choice especially if your eyes are really sensitive to the sun.

Some may prefer having a hat for these reasons or can buy polarized sunglasses – it’s totally up to you. Later you can also use these glasses to add a touch of glamour to your outfit. 

#18 Lanyard

Cruise lanyard for ship cards .

A cruise ship lanyard is good to have if you are worried to lose your cruise ID.

This detachable lanyard has the solution. It is made from high-quality and sturdy plastic and the seal will ensure your essentials remain dust and waterproof. 

With that, it also had 3 attachments for more flexibility in carrying; a quick-release loop, a metal hook for easy clip and a flexible loop for extra protection. 

So, place it around the next and be worry free and keep your keys and cards close to hand.

Recommended: Cruise Lanyard

#19 Cruise Luggage Tag Holder

We all know that each cruise ship has a rule to put a luggage tag on your bag. These tags will be folded and then stapled to it.

However, you never know how many times you have to staple or tape them.

In case cruise luggage tag holders are a valuable addition to the cruise packing list. These are the kind of reusable plastic covers in which you can place your luggage tag. 

So, save yourself from the hassle of dealing with that flimsy paper and facilitate your cruising experience with them. 

#20 Baby Powder

Nobody forgets to pack baby powder if they are about to cruise with the baby.

However, here the purpose isn’t for the babies. 

You must add baby powder while packing, even if you don’t have a baby. It’s because baby powder is one of the best ways to get all the sand out of your body. 

So, more specifically, on a cruise, you may not get rid of sand even after the shower. That’s why it’s always good to use baby powder hack instead.

#21 Aloe Vera Gel

Another hack for a healthy cruise experience is to pack aloe vera gel. 

It’s hard to prevent yourself from sunburn during cruising, and Aloe vera gel acts as a quick remedy to get rid of it.

However, you can also get the Aloe vera gel on board, but it will be expensive as well.

Pro Tip: The aloe vera must be non-sticky for quick healing. 

#22 Wrinkle Release Spray

Most cruise lines don’t allow iron, and onboard laundry can be expensive. 

In that wrinkle release, the spray is all you need. 

Despite how well you pack, your clothes can still get wrinkled, and you can not wear them, especially on formal nights . It will help your clothes to get crease free and enjoy the evening attire.

So, you must pack the Downy wrinkle release spray to keep yourself manageable.

Related Post: Does Royal Caribbean Have Irons?

#23 Waterproof Phone Case

Going to the pool deck, beach or sea is pretty obvious while cruising. 

What if your phone is out of pocket and you tumble into water? That will be scary.

That’s why a waterproof phone case is an essential item to pack in luggage. And Hiearchool will greatly serve the purpose in this regard. This bag also has high transparency so that you can even get a crystal clear photo even under water. 

So, by spending little, you can save yourself from subsequent experiences. 

#24 Portable Charger

You can not end up having your phone battery at null during vacation. And instead of a power strip, a portable charger is always a good idea. 

However, we recommend the Anker Portable Power Bank . It has a 10000 mah battery and can charge your iPhone up to twice.

So, nobody would have enough time to go back towards the stateroom and wait longer to charge the devices. That’s why you must consider packing a portable charger.

What You Don’t Need to Pack?

Since we had talked about what you need to pack while cruising. And to make your cruising experience easier, here we also have an ultimate list of what you don’t pack. 

• Jewellery and valuables – They are not only unnecessary, but you also carry the risk of losing if do so.
• Limit your beauty routine to the essentials only and don’t overpack with extra toiletries. 
• You don’t need to carry multiple jeans as they are heavy and get more space in luggage.
• Avoid bulky towels to save space.
• Pack one book only if you are a reading enthusiast; otherwise, prefer Kindle or any other digital source.
• A pillow is definitely unnecessary to pack until you need a medicated one.

Quick Takeaways from Cruise Packing Checklist

In conclusion, cruising is an exquisite experience, and you can’t even destroy it with unnecessary packaging. As in result, a huge part of your day will be spent taking care of it.

So, all you need is to keep your luggage minimal, but it doesn’t mean avoiding the necessities. That’s why we have stated the ultimate cruise packing checklist with our top recommendations. 

Have you got any other recommendations to add to the list?

Comment below; we would love to hear about your experiences. 

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I am Zoe Grace, a passionate enthusiast of cruise ships. With a decade of firsthand experience in the cruising industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and wonders that these majestic vessels hold.

Now, I am excited to embark on a new journey as an author, sharing my knowledge and insights with readers who share my fascination for the world of cruising.

Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together.

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Caribbean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

"All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray ..." When the weather turns cold, you could be California dreamin', but doesn't a Caribbean cruise sound so much more relaxing?

Many people would agree with me that a Caribbean cruise is the perfect antidote to the winter doldrums and work stress. Plus, it's a wonderful way to reconnect with friends and loved ones. The ship takes care of everything — transportation, accommodation, meals and entertainment — so you can skip much of the daily planning drama and simply enjoy your vacation and travel companions. Every day you wake up to warm weather, sunny skies (well, most of the time) and a new destination promising white sand beaches, fun activities and memories to be made.

The biggest decision you have to make is between a pina colada and a strawberry daiquiri.

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

Before you go, however, you have lots of choices to make: Which is the best cruise line? Which are the best Caribbean cruise ports for the activities you most enjoy? What time of year should you travel?

Don't let planning a rejuvenating vacation add more stress to your life. This Caribbean cruise guide gives you the lowdown on everything you need to know to plan the perfect island getaway.

Why cruise to the Caribbean?

Sun, sand and sea are what most travelers want when they book a cruise to the Caribbean. If you want to trade chilly weather at home for warm, sunny days spent relaxing on a beach or swimming in clear blue waters, a Caribbean cruise is an ideal vacation. Unlike a resort stay, your cruise will offer the chance to sample multiple beaches in various destinations, as well as the pool life on board the ship.

Many people choose Caribbean cruises because they're affordable getaways to tropical destinations. The sailings depart from several U.S. home ports — from Galveston, Texas, to Boston — so many Americans can drive to their departure ports and avoid paying for airfare.

Plus, cruise ships can change course to avoid bad weather, such as hurricanes, so you can salvage your beach vacation when a storm is headed toward a particular island by cruising to a different one. If you booked a land-based stay, you'd be forced to cancel — or hunker down and wait for the rain and winds to pass.

When do cruises go to the Caribbean?

Caribbean cruises sail year-round, so you can plan your trip for the winter holidays, spring break or summer vacation. However, more ships sail this region of the world in winter when other destinations (such as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, and Bermuda) are too chilly for vacations at sea.

The luxury and upscale cruise lines especially tend to only base ships in the Caribbean during winter because their fleets are too small to base a ship there year-round — and their passengers want to explore bucket-list destinations around the world.

Related: The best time to cruise to the Caribbean

Best Caribbean itineraries

Cruise lines divide the Caribbean into three regions: Eastern, Western and Southern. Itineraries tend to concentrate on one area, but longer itineraries might include islands in two or all of the regions, as well as ports in the Bahamas and Florida.

Which itinerary is best for you will depend primarily on which port you want to depart from and how long of a vacation you can take. Once you see the options that fit your parameters, you'll want to consider how many port stops versus sea days an itinerary has and which specific islands you'll visit.

The best Caribbean itineraries for first-time cruisers are often the seven-night Eastern or seven-night Western Caribbean cruises out of Florida home ports, such as Miami , Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral (near Orlando).

Western Caribbean

You'll find two main types of Western Caribbean cruises, and both are fabulous introductions to Caribbean culture and attractions. The classic Western Caribbean itinerary visits Mexico (typically Cozumel or Costa Maya), Jamaica, Grand Cayman and a cruise line's private island, which is typically in the Bahamas.

However, some ships sail a Western Caribbean itinerary that's more focused on Central America, with stops in Mexico, Belize and Honduras. These itineraries are great for travelers who are interested in Mayan or Mexican culture in addition to beaches and water sports.

Western Caribbean itineraries are typically a week but can be as short as four nights (with just one stop in Mexico) or as long as 11 nights (though these might include stops in the Bahamas, too). You can find departures from ports all along the East Coast, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

Related: Planning a Western Caribbean cruise with kids? Budget for shore excursions

Eastern Caribbean

Another popular itinerary for first-timers is the Eastern Caribbean, with visits to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, the Dominican Republic and/or San Juan, Puerto Rico . Private island and Bahamas stops are common. Longer cruises or smaller-ship itineraries might stop elsewhere in the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands, St. Barts, Antigua or St. Kitts.

These itineraries are slightly more targeted toward beach time and water sports, with fewer options for historical or cultural attractions than their Western Caribbean counterparts.

As with the Western Caribbean, seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises are the most common itinerary length. The shortest options are four nights, typically visiting only Grand Turk or Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The longest, around 10 to 12 nights, will often include Southern Caribbean ports or start from more northerly home ports.

You can find departures from ports as far west as Galveston and as far north as Boston, but most true Eastern Caribbean cruises set sail from Florida or Puerto Rico.

Related: Eastern Caribbean vs. Western Caribbean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

Southern Caribbean

Southern Caribbean cruises tend to attract luxury travelers and repeat cruisers. That's because these islands are farther from U.S. shores, meaning you'll need to fly to an island to catch your cruise ship or need more than a week's vacation to get from Florida all the way south to ports in Aruba or St. Lucia and back. The islands themselves tend to be more exclusive, with fewer ships visiting on any given day.

Common destinations on Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries include Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique and Grenada. You'll find everything from gorgeous beaches and diving destinations to lush rainforests and flowing waterfalls.

The shortest Southern Caribbean cruises are five or six days and leave from places such as Barbados, San Juan and St. Thomas. You can find weeklong sailings from Florida, but more commonly, they're eight nights or longer.

The Bahamas and Florida

Yes, I know that the Bahamas is technically located in the Atlantic, but it's an easy mistake to think the balmy islands are found in the Caribbean. Besides, many cruises add stops in the Bahamas to a Caribbean cruise. The majority of the cruise line private islands are located in the Bahamas, and these appear regularly on all Caribbean itineraries. The Bahamian ports of Nassau and Freeport, and even Florida's Key West, often appear on Caribbean-centric cruises.

Why? They're close to the U.S., and cruise lines use these ports to break up the multiple days at sea needed to sail farther south into the Caribbean proper.

Related: Caribbean vs. Bahamas cruises: Which itinerary will I like better?

Best Caribbean cruise lines

You'll be hard-pressed to find a cruise line that does not sail to the Caribbean for at least a few months a year. The big ship lines will station multiple ships in this region year-round, with additional ships swinging by during the colder months.

If you consider the best Caribbean cruise lines to be the ones with the most ship and itinerary choices, look to the big-ship lines such as Carnival , Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line .

These lines offer a range of itinerary lengths, port combinations and departure cities from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast. Their biggest and newest ships are often deployed to the Caribbean, so you can find all the latest celebrity-backed restaurants, exhilarating top-deck attractions (like waterslides, climbing walls and roller coaster rides) and expanded cabin choices. These lines cater to all ages, including older couples and families with children.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

If you're looking for an adults-only option, Virgin Voyages caters to the young at heart with its edgy new ships. It offers five- to 11-night Caribbean cruises from Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Viking takes an entirely different approach to no-kids cruises, catering to mature travelers craving culture and educational vacations. It offers wintertime (October to March) Caribbean cruises, though many are paired with a Panama Canal crossing.

Luxury lovers should look at the smaller ships of the Crystal , Explora Journeys, Seabourn , Silversea , Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleets for opulent accommodations and fine dining while sailing the tropics. Oceania , Azamara and Windstar Cruises are less inclusive but still high-end.

For something a little different, try SeaDream Yacht Club for a super-small ship that feels like a private yacht, complete with an emphasis on alfresco recreation and dining. Star Clippers appeals to sailing enthusiasts with its masted ships, simple entertainment and emphasis on water sports.

Related: 5 best luxury Caribbean cruises for next winter's getaway

Things to do in the Caribbean

White sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters are the biggest attractions for most Caribbean cruisers. You'll be hard-pressed to find a Caribbean cruise port that does not offer beach access. Whether you enjoy a cruise line's private beach or a public beach lined with bars, or you opt to get a day pass to a resort or beach club, you can rarely go wrong with a beach day in the Caribbean.

Water sports are also quintessential Caribbean attractions. Cruisers can not only swim, snorkel and scuba dive, but they can also kayak, scuba, Jet Ski, sail and parasail. Sometimes, you can do these things right from whatever beach is your destination for the day. Otherwise, book a tour to the best spots or for a guided activity. Or, book a leisurely sunset sail or high-octane party cruise to get on the water, not necessarily in it.

Shopping is a popular diversion, from high-end French stores in Martinique and St. Barts to crafts markets and souvenir shops. Historical attractions range from forts erected to protect against pirates to Mayan temples. Cultural tours focus on local cuisine, wine and spirits, and dancing. (Yes, even you can learn to salsa.) Active travelers will find plenty of hiking, biking, zip lining and all-terrain-vehicle tours.

Related: Best Caribbean shore excursions

Best Caribbean cruise ports

A single cruise line might call at 20 to 30 different ports in the Caribbean. Although you might think they all look like stock photos of white sand beaches with palm trees and blue skies, each island has its own look, culture and vibe. I've sailed to a large number of those ports and would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite. They all have their charms for different reasons.

The following Caribbean cruise ports are generally standouts, no matter your travel style.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean just offshore from Playa del Carmen and south of Cancun. It truly offers something for everyone. You can beeline to the beach, go scuba diving or snorkeling, or head to the mainland to see Mayan cultural sites like Tulum and Chichen Itza. Stick around town to find cheap drinks at Senor Frog's or shop for souvenirs.

Cruise ships call at a number of ports in Jamaica: Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Kingston and Falmouth. Many folks spend the day on the beach, often at one of the resorts, but climbing up Dunn's River Falls is a unique experience not to be missed. Cruisers seeking a thrill can find bobsled, zip line, river tubing and ATV tours. And, yes, reggae fans — there is a Bob Marley tour you can take.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is both a popular departure port and a port of call on Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries. Its Old Town and historic fort overlooking the water are top attractions, but cruisers have the opportunity to visit El Yunque National Forest (the only tropical rainforest on U.S. soil) or head to the beach.

Belize City, Belize

Travelers don't tend to spend much time in Belize City itself, but it's a great jumping-off point for all Belize has to offer. Visit the Altun Ha Mayan ruins, go river tubing and spelunking in caves, zip line through the jungle or go snorkeling or diving along Belize's famous barrier reef (the Northern Hemisphere's largest).

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

This island is known for its gorgeous Magens Bay beach. However, if you'd rather not share the beach with several ships' worth of cruisers, take the ferry to nearby St. John for the day and find a U.S. national park and a more chill beach experience. Take the kids to the Coral World Ocean Park, your sweetie on a catamaran sail or snorkel trip, and your adventurous friends on a helmet dive or BOSS underwater scooter adventure.

You'll recognize St. Lucia for its lush green twin peaks known as the Pitons. The island entices travelers with postcard-worthy beaches set against jungle scenery. It even has its own volcano with sulfur springs to visit. You can explore its rainforest via zip line or aerial tram, book a relaxing day at a beach or resort, or take to the sea for a catamaran, snorkel trip or fishing trip.

Beach, beach and more beach — Aruba is definitely a port to be in, on or near the water. It's one of the southernmost Caribbean islands, found just off the coast of Venezuela, and its location protects it from the summer and fall hurricanes that can hammer the islands to its north and east. Animal lovers might want to check out its ostrich farm — not something you usually find in a Caribbean cruise port.

Related: Best Caribbean cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

When to book a Caribbean cruise

The best time to book a Caribbean cruise is clearly right now! Seriously, you can almost always find a deal on a Caribbean cruise if you're flexible enough with your travel dates and cabin types.

If you want to book a popular sail date (such as a Christmas and New Year's Eve sailing) or are looking for a cabin type that's in limited supply (connecting cabins or studio rooms for solo travelers), book as far in advance as you can, at least nine months out, if not longer. If you're retired and can drive to a port, you can likely find an inside cabin to book just a few weeks prior to sailing — at least during nonpeak travel times.

The first few months of the year, known as wave season in the cruise industry, is a time when cruise lines all offer some kind of booking promotion, and you can often find discounted fares or free booking perks on Caribbean cruises. Many cruise lines also run sales at the end of summer or during Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday, and Caribbean sailings are almost always included.

What to bring on a Caribbean cruise

Swimsuits and warm-weather clothing should top your Caribbean cruise packing list , but don't forget the sunscreen. The sun is stronger than you might expect in this part of the world, and you can easily burn during a long day at the beach if you don't apply and reapply plenty of sunscreen. Hats, sunglasses, moisture-wicking athletic clothing, and your favorite cover-ups and sundresses are all must-pack items.

I also recommend that all passengers bring a passport on their Caribbean sailing. If you're cruising round-trip from a U.S. port, a passport is not required by law — but it's a good idea to pack one in case of an unexpected medical emergency or mechanical problem that forces you to debark the ship in a foreign country.

Bottom line

Whether you're new to cruising or a hardy sailor, the Caribbean is the perfect place for a cruise vacation. If you've never been, any of the islands will delight. If you've sailed before, there's always some destination you've never visited or an activity you haven't tried.

When winter in your hometown drags on, or the stress of the workweek gets you down, a Caribbean cruise is often just what the doctor ordered to lift the weight of the world from your shoulders and let you escape to a tropical paradise for a few days.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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

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20 Essential Things To Bring On A Cruise Ship

Plus, five things you should definitely leave at home.

A cruise is an incredibly convenient and often surprisingly affordable way to wake up in a new city or country every morning—and you’ll only need to unpack one time because you can see the whole world without having to switch hotels. It's no wonder that the Cruise Line Industry Association reported nearly 31.7 million passengers in 2023, a 7% increase from 2019.

Whether you choose a massive floating city in the middle of an ocean or a yacht-sized luxury ship set to meander down a famous river, it’s the perfect escape from reality. But that escape from reality can also make packing for a cruise a bit tougher than land-based travels, where you know you’ll always be able to pop into a shop to buy anything important you’ve forgotten. Here are the things to bring on a cruise ship and some items you should leave at home.

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Beyond The Basics

To be fair, most ships do offer a sundries shop and a few boutiques, but there isn’t a wide selection, and the hours are quite limited. That’s why it’s crucial for first-time cruisers and enthusiasts alike to consult a cruise packing list while preparing for their trip so you'll have items you may need in a pinch immediately accessible.

We’ll assume you have undergarments, a basic wardrobe (including daywear, swimwear, and evening wear), toiletries, and your luggage squared away, and we will zero in on some of the items that’ll help make your travels more relaxing, comfortable, and organized. Plus, we’ll provide some guidance on a handful of items that are better left at home, either for safety and policy reasons, or because they simply waste precious space in your suitcase . Make sure to save room for these items before you head out to sea.

Backpack or Beach Bag for Excursions

When you disembark the ship for daily excursions, whether you’re headed to a chill beach day or a strenuous hike, you’ll need a place to stash all your bulky goodies—towels, water bottles, sun hats, camera equipment, bug spray, suntan lotion, etc. The backpack you brought on the plane as your carry-on item can serve double duty as the bag you take off the ship each day, or you can bring a separate, foldable beach bag or tote for this purpose.

If you plan to do separate activities from others in your party, make sure everyone has their own bag so they aren’t left juggling too many things in their pockets.

Universal Travel Adapter With USB Ports 

Between your phones, tablets, camera equipment, smart watches, headphones, and any other gadgets you and your travel companions might bring, outlets are at a serious premium in cruise cabins. And some cruise lines —such as Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises, for instance—split the available outlets in each cabin between U.S. 110-volt outlets and European 220-volt outlets (which means you won't be able to use all of them if you didn’t plan ahead). To make matters worse, very few cruise lines have upgraded to include in-room USB ports (though you will find them on a handful of Royal Caribbean ships, for example).

Instead, come prepared with a universal travel adapter that’ll work in any of the outlets. (Bonus: You’ll also need this if you plan to spend any pre- or post-cruise travel nights in a hotel in another country.) Choose a model with a few USB ports as well, so you can charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Your Passport 

You’ll be hard-pressed to get very far without your passport, even if your cruise is mostly in the United States, like the California Coast cruises Princess Cruises offers. That’s because most of these cruises stop in Canada or Mexico.

And even if you do have a passport, it’s crucial to double-check the expiration date ahead of time; many countries require you to have more than six months left before expiration (there are some exceptions).

Of course, there are some cruises that depart from and return to a U.S. port of entry (known as a closed-loop sailing), in which case you wouldn’t need a passport. But be sure you read the itinerary carefully so you don’t wind up turned away at the cruise terminal on embarkation day.

Magnetic Hooks

It’s hard keeping a small cruise ship cabin organized. While many cruise lines thoughtfully make the most of storage with various nooks, closets, and drawers, it’s amazing how quickly you can run out of room for everything. Fun fact: Most cabin walls are magnetic, which means you can bring a few magnetic hooks along to maximize unused wall space.

What can you use these hooks for? Hanging jackets, umbrellas, hats, robes, bags, swimwear, and more. It’s a genius move you’ll come to rely on, cruise after cruise.

Seasickness Solutions

Most cruise ships are so stable these days that seasickness may seem unlikely, but you never know when rough seas might take you by surprise. There are many over-the-counter solutions available, including medications (such as Dramamine or Bonine), acupressure wristbands, ginger candy, and even high-tech wearable gadgets. If you know that you’re prone to motion sickness, talk to your doctor about prescription options, including a Scopolamine patch worn behind the ear, prior to your cruise.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Turn any phone into a waterproof camera with an inexpensive waterproof pouch. With one of these, you can confidently take your phone on a snorkeling expedition or to the beach or pool without worrying about splashes or an accidental drop into the deep end.

As a bonus, this type of pouch doubles as a safe and dry place to stash your cash, ID, and credit card so you don’t have to risk leaving them on the beach when you’re ready to take a refreshing dip. One more handy use: This will also allow you to take photos up on deck or from your balcony during inclement weather.

Embarkation Day Bag

Embarkation day, the day you first board the cruise ship and your vacation officially begins, is super exciting, but it can also be a bit hectic. Your suitcase will be delivered to your room just as soon as the crew can get to it, but that could take several hours (and in rare cases, even longer) given the sheer volume of luggage being managed. That’s why it’s always a good idea to carry on a special embarkation day bag (which can be your aforementioned tote, beach bag, or backpack) filled with anything you might need access to on day one: medications, a change of clothes (perhaps a swimsuit so you can go enjoy the pool or evening attire if you plan to have an early dinner in the dining room), electronics and their corresponding chargers, sunglasses, and more. It’s also a handy spot to store your passport, cruise documents, boarding pass, and cash before placing them in your in-room safe.

Sun and Insect Protection 

It doesn’t matter if you’re cruising around the Caribbean, down the Rhine, or through Alaska’s Inside Passage, there will be insects and sunshine to contend with, and you’ll want to be prepared. This means ensuring your cruise packing list has things like hats , sunglasses, sunscreen , insect repellent , and after-sun calming lotion on it. Yes, you can find many of these items in the ship’s retail shop if needed, but you'll often pay a premium and won't have your choice of brands.

Cash for Tipping and Shopping

While most cruise lines are essentially cash-free these days and will even place crew gratuities on your credit card, there are some instances when you’ll need cash.

First, it’s recommended to tip $5 (half-day) to $10 (full-day) per person to your tour guides and drivers during excursions.

Second, some shopping areas (such as markets and street vendors) don’t accept credit cards—and you may even be able to negotiate a better price with cash, as shopkeepers are keen on avoiding credit card transaction fees that eat into their profits.

Finally, if you feel your cabin steward, server, or maître d’ did a truly exceptional job going above and beyond, you may want to tip them a little extra cash at the end of the cruise to show your gratitude.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication

Even though there’s a doctor onboard, they aren't a pharmacy. You’ll need to pack your prescription medications because they certainly don’t carry every type or dosage, nor do they have enough supply. In fact, go ahead and pack a little extra if you have it because you never know when travel delays could keep you on the road a bit longer than expected.

It’s also a good idea to pack some OTC meds you may need as well, such as allergy pills for the foreign flora you’ll come into contact with, antacid tablets if you hit those buffets a bit too hard, and ibuprofen for the aches and pains associated with getting more exercise than you’re used to or attempting too many flights of stairs.

Portable Charger

Even if you remember to bring the appropriate charger for each of your electronic devices, that won’t help you top off your battery while on an eight-hour excursion. Since there’s nothing worse than running out of juice at the precise moment you want to snap the photo memory of a lifetime, go ahead and add a portable charger to your cruise packing list. It’ll be a huge relief to have a backup battery available (especially if you decided to skip a formal excursion and you’re using your phone’s map to navigate your way around a city), and many of the models available fit easily into a purse or pocket. 

Refillable Bottle

Buying bottles of water on board the ship can cost upwards of $6 each, which can turn into a small fortune for a couple or family over the course of a week, You’ll always want a bottle or two handy when you leave the ship. Instead, bring a refillable bottle with you and refill it in the buffet or at filling stations. You’ll save a ton of money and help reduce the toll single-use plastic takes on our planet (especially in our oceans).

First-Aid Kit

While there is medical assistance onboard a cruise ship, it’s not always open and it could be expensive for something you normally handle at home. For a minor injury, you can save yourself time by bringing a small first-aid kit with you. It will also help when you are off the ship for excursions and activities. Buy a premade kit or make your own with things you already have at home. Pack a small bag with bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, and hand sanitizer.

Important Documents and Contacts

Make sure to bring trip itineraries, flight and hotel information, and copies of documentation with you. Keep copies separate from the originals in case important information gets lost. You should also bring phone numbers of important contacts from home, such as your credit card company, family and friends, and emergency contacts in case your phone is lost or damaged.

After a day of activities, you may think sleep will come easily, but if your neighbors are still up having fun, a pair of earplugs will come in handy. They’ll also help muffle the noise of all the early activity going on on the ship if you want to sleep in.

Plastic Bags

Bring ziptop bags, grocery bags , or waterproof drybags along. You’ll find so many uses for them. Use them to keep wet items separate from everything else in your bag when you head out on excursions. If your backpack or beach bag isn’t waterproof, protect your wallet, phone, book, and other important items from rain, accidental spills, or wet activities like kayaking. Pack dirty shoes, dirty laundry, and liquids in them for the return trip home.

Hand Sanitizer or Wipes

Many cruise ships have hand sanitizer stations throughout, but bring your own bottle along so you won’t have to hunt one down when you need it. Some passengers aren’t as mindful about handwashing, so using hand sanitizer is a good idea around high-touch areas like the buffet line and hand railings. Pack some disinfecting wipes too in case you need to wipe down surfaces in your room, on deck, or on an excursion.

Since space is limited in cruise ship cabins, an over-the-door shoe organizer can help keep small things right where you need them. It can be inexpensive and fold up so it won’t take up much room in your suitcase either. Use one to hold toiletries, sunscreen, cords and chargers, hand sanitizer, earplugs, sunglasses, and more. To ensure it won’t damage the door, hang it from the rod or hangers in the closet.

Passengers use cruise key cards for more than getting into their rooms. The cards get you on and off the ship and pay for any expenses. A lanyard keeps it handy so you don’t have to dig through your bag for it and keeps you from accidentally leaving it in the pockets of your other pants when you go to dinner. If you don’t have one at home, buy one on the ship.

You may change time zones while out at sea. Bring a wristwatch or other way to tell time to keep up with the ship’s itinerary and make sure you return to the ship from an excursion on time before it leaves port. With so many activities aboard the ship and off, you’ll want to make sure you’re on time. An alarm will also help you get up on time to see the sunrise or get up early enough to make the most of the day’s excursions.

Things To Leave Behind

It may be tempting to bring fine jewelry for a formal dinner or those dazzling red heels that go with only one of your dresses, but some things should be left at home to help maximize your space and avoid losing a beloved item. Some things simply aren't allowed on a cruise. Here are some things you probably won't miss on your cruise and should leave at home.

High-End Jewelry 

Cruise ship attire just isn’t as fancy as it used to be, and while some cruise lines still host formal nights, there’s just no need to be draped in your grandmother’s special occasion pearls or don the family heirloom cufflinks . Yes, there’s a safe in your cabin closet (which should definitely be used for jewelry, cash, passports, and other valuables), but why take an unnecessary risk on irreplaceable jewels? Use this opportunity to play around with fun accessories and costume jewelry that won’t leave you brokenhearted if they get lost or damaged. 

Too Many Shoes

Footwear can be the hardest part of paring down your cruise packing list, but do your best to think practically. You can probably make do with four pairs on most cruises: one pair of sneakers/hiking boots (depending on the itinerary and your excursions), one pair of beach shoes (flip flops or closed-toe water shoes), one pair of dressy shoes that match all your evening outfits (for women, perhaps it’s a nude heel or wedge; for men a pair of neutral loafers), and one pair of daytime sandals. You’ll eliminate so much weight and bulk from your luggage in the process.

Cruise ships are known for feeding their passengers well (and often). There’s little chance that you’ll go hungry when you have access to multiple dining venues and room service 24/7. Sure, you may want to bring a couple of protein bars to pop in your bag in case you need a little nosh during a long day at the beach, but that’s about it. You can always grab fruit (bananas, apples, etc.) from the buffet to take on your excursions as well. Make sure any food you bring is dry, prepackaged, and sealed. Homemade food won't be allowed onboard.

Clothes Iron and Steamer

Many cruise lines have policies forbidding the use of clothes irons and steamers and won’t allow these fire hazards onboard. Try spraying wrinkly garments with wrinkle spray, then hang them in the bathroom during a hot shower . The bathrooms are so small that it may create a little steam bath that releases those wrinkles.

Another option is to make use of the self-service laundry rooms on some ships. If you find one, it’ll likely have an ironing station you can use free of charge. If all else fails, most cruise lines offer wash and press services for a nominal fee.

Most every cruise line has specific rules in place when it comes to their alcohol policy. For instance, some cruise lines don't allow guests to bring liquor onboard, but some allow you to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per adult. You’ll then be charged a $20 corkage fee to drink it in one of the dining venues (so you may want to use that for pre-dinner purposes or a nightcap in your cabin). Similarly, some cruise lines will store any alcohol purchased in port until the end of your cruise. However some higher-end cruise lines have no limitations or corkage fees, so it’s always best to check the restrictions for your specific cruise line ahead of time.

Cruise Lines International Association. 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report .

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Guide To Setting Sail From The Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal

Port Canaveral, located on the eastern coast of Central Florida, serves as the launch pad for many ocean adventures with Princess Cruises. This bustling port is not just a departure point—it’s a gateway to pristine beaches and exciting attractions. With so many things to do before your cruise begins, it’s no wonder the Port Canaveral cruise terminal is a preferred choice for travelers. 

Learn more about the best ways to access the terminal, accommodation options nearby, and local attractions. Embarking from Port Canaveral means modern amenities and a beautiful destination that sets the stage for your cruise experience. 

• What Makes The Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Special
• Tips For Getting To Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals
• Where To Stay Near Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal
• Things To Do In Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Growth

Princess cruises from port canaveral, what makes the port canaveral cruise terminal special.

Port Canaveral is a top choice for cruises since it offers a range of exceptional features from a strategic location. Here are some of the key benefits of this Orlando cruise port: 

• Weather: From Port Canaveral, you can enjoy the warm, sunny climate typical of Florida. This makes it an ideal year-round destination for cruising.
• Local Attractions: The Port Canaveral cruise port is just a stone’s throw away from famous attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and the beautiful beaches of the Space Coast.
• Accessibility: Located less than an hour’s drive from Orlando International Airport, the port offers easy access for both international and domestic travelers.
• Cruise Destinations: Whether it’s a trip to the tropical Caribbean or a picturesque voyage to the Bahamas, Port Canaveral provides an array of cruise options.
• Modern Facilities: Modern, well-equipped terminals ensure a smooth and comfortable start to your voyage.
• Convenient Parking: There are plenty of parking spaces available close to the ships, making it easy for those who prefer to drive.
• Exceptional Staff: Helpful and friendly staff at the port enhance the overall experience with their excellent customer service.
• Top Vacation Destination: Ranked as a leading vacation spot, the region offers a wealth of activities and sights to explore before or after a cruise.

How to Get to the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal

Where is the terminal.

Port Canaveral is strategically located to facilitate easy access and efficient boarding. Directions to the terminal are found here:

• Cruise Terminal 6: 9241 Charles Rowland Dr

Transportation Options

Navigating to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal is pretty straightforward as it is accessible to several convenient transportation modes. 

• Shuttles: Many local hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to the cruise terminals. These shuttles are scheduled to ensure you arrive in time for your cruise, with prior reservations recommended.
• Brightline Train: Set to open in 2024, the new Port Canaveral station will be part of Florida’s high-speed rail network, linking the cruise port to cities like Miami and Orlando. The ' rail and sail' program offers bundled packages for a hassle-free travel experience.
• Uber/Lyft: Rideshare services provide a direct and flexible way to reach your terminal. They are often more economical than traditional taxis and can be scheduled in advance through their respective apps.
• Rental Cars: For those preferring to drive themselves, several car rental facilities are located near the port. These agencies offer competitive rates and provide the convenience of car drop-off right at the port.

For those embarking on a cruise from Port Canaveral, the most convenient airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Located just under an hour's drive from the cruise terminals, MCO provides a range of transportation services, including rental cars, shuttles, and taxi services, which can take you directly to Port Canaveral with ease.

Navigating the Port

Once you arrive at Port Canaveral, follow these tips to ensure a stress-free start to your cruise.

• Arrive Early: Boarding typically begins several hours before departure. Arriving early can help you avoid long lines and give you extra time to enjoy the terminal's amenities.
• Parking: Port Canaveral offers multiple parking lots with varying rates for short-term and long-term stays. Pre-booking your parking spot can often save time and money. If you aren’t sure exactly where to go, talk with the parking agents for assistance and they can provide you with more details. 
• Finding Your Terminal: Your cruise documents will detail the exact terminal for your departure. Once at the port, well-marked signs and helpful staff can guide you to your destination.

Where to Stay Near Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal

Finding the perfect place to stay before or after your cruise can enhance the overall experience. Check out these recommended areas and hotels near Port Canaveral. 

Cape Canaveral

Just minutes from the cruise terminals, Cape Canaveral offers a range of accommodations suitable for every budget and preference. Consider staying at:

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach: This hotel offers spacious suites and is ideal for families or groups needing extra space. 
• Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach: Known for its friendly service and excellent amenities like free breakfast and a pool. 

Cocoa Beach

A short drive from the port, Cocoa Beach is famous for its beautiful coastline and vibrant local scene. Here are a couple of hotel choices in the area:

• Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront: Perfect for those looking to unwind by the beach before setting sail. 
• Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites: Offers great value and direct beach access, plus it’s close to local dining and shopping areas. 

Near Orlando Airport

For those flying into Orlando before their cruise, staying near the airport can provide ultimate convenience. Recommended hotels include:

• Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport: Located directly inside the airport for ease of access and comfort. 
• Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport: Offers spacious suites and a complimentary airport shuttle service.

While the Port Canaveral area is compact, and some hotels and local attractions are relatively close to the cruise terminals, walking is not generally recommended due to the layout and the distances involved. Most terminals do not have pedestrian paths directly connecting them to nearby hotels or amenities. For safety and convenience, it's best to use a shuttle, taxi, or other forms of transportation to get to your terminal.

View all Princess cruise ports and recommended hotels .

Things to Do in Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is a hub of exciting activities and attractions. Some of the must-visit spots that can make your stay even more memorable include: 

• Beaches: The Space Coast is famous for its extensive and beautiful beaches. Cocoa Beach, a short drive from the port, offers soft sand and excellent surfing opportunities.
• Theme Parks: While Orlando's world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are about an hour away, they are well worth the visit, especially if you're extending your stay in Florida.
• Kennedy Space Center: Explore the history and future of space exploration at this iconic NASA facility . It's a fascinating experience for all ages, located just a short drive from the port.
• Manatee Sanctuary Park: This peaceful park is a great spot to observe Florida’s gentle manatees in their natural habitat, especially during the colder months.
• Exploration Tower: Visit this architectural marvel for panoramic views of the port, interactive exhibits, and insights into the local maritime and space history.

Explore more things to do in Port Canaveral .

Port Canaveral is not only one of the busiest cruise ports in the world but also among the most forward-thinking. With continuous upgrades and expansions, the port is designed to accommodate the future of cruising. Some of the key aspects of growth at Port Canaveral include: 

• Deep Water Channels: Port Canaveral boasts deep water channels that allow even the largest cruise ships in the world to dock easily. This feature is crucial for accommodating new generations of mega-cruise ships.
• Drive-in and Fly-in Access: The port’s location near major highways and the Orlando International Airport makes it an optimal choice for both drive-in and fly-in passengers.
• Room for Expansion: There is ample land reserved for future development, which ensures that Port Canaveral can continue to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of the cruise industry.

As Port Canaveral continues to grow, it sets new standards for what a modern cruise port can be, promising an efficient and enjoyable start to your cruising adventure.

Setting sail with Princess Cruises from Port Canaveral is an unmatched blend of elegance and convenience. The cruise line offers a wide array of itineraries that range from short, relaxing getaways to the Bahamas to expansive voyages across the Caribbean and even transatlantic adventures. View all Princess cruises and ports crafted to highlight the best experiences each destination has to offer.

Guests can expect an exceptional onboard experience full of gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and comfortable accommodations. The attentive and personalized service from the crew means that every guest feels uniquely cared for. 

Learn more about cruises from Port Canaveral and book your cruise today!

Caribbean Cruises From Orlando (Port Canaveral)

Among the many exciting Princess cruise destinations , Port Canaveral offers a magical experience. Sail to the Eastern or Western Caribbean on a cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando) and island hop to top rated islands such as St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos, and Cozumel . Can't decide between the Eastern or the Western Caribbean? No problem – we have an itinerary that brings you to both regions from Port Canaveral, as well.

Port Canaveral Shore Excursions

Debark Tour: Kennedy Space Center & Airport Transfer (MCO)

7 hours | Port Canaveral (Orlando) | PCV-105P C V - 1 0 5

Moderate Activity

Embark on a captivating journey into the realm of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. This is a perfect opportunity to make the most of your time before your evening flight departing after 6PM. Explore independently for approximately 5.5 hours the world of space travel at this world-famous destination.

Debark Tour: Wildlife Lagoon Pontoon & Airport Transfer (MCO)

4 hours | Port Canaveral (Orlando) | PCV-615P C V - 6 1 5

Easy Activity

This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders in Port Canaveral before heading to Orlando International Airport (MCO) to catch your flight. Embark on a two-hour eco-tourism pontoon cruise that immerses you in the breathtaking beauty of the saltwater marsh and intricate mangrove tunnels within the Indian River Lagoon. 

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The Ultimate Packing List for Women over 40: Hot Weather Travel (Part 3)

Over 50 Travel Fashion , Travel Clothing

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Those of us who are “women of a certain age” have special considerations when planning travel wardrobes. In today’s post, I’ll show you a sampling of my hot weather travel packing list. Always start by following Travel Fashion Girl’s concept of a Capsule Wardrobe .

This is a four-part article, make sure to read all the posts!

• PART 1 : 9 Tips to Get You Started with A Capsule Wardrobe
• PART 2 : Capsule Wardrobe for Mixed Weather
• PART 3 : Capsule Wardrobe for Hot Weather
• PART 4 : Capsule Wardrobe for Cold Weather

Capsule Wardrobe for Hot Weather

Written by: Phebe Schwartz

Table Of Contents

How I pack my travel wardrobe : I use packing cubes and have one cube for cold, one for hot, and one for in between weather. Since we’re just traveling (have been on the road for two years thus far), I’ve color-coded my packing cubes, and just pull out one or two cubes whenever we stop long enough to unpack for a while.

Plus I can get away with a few less items in each temperature group because I can overlap – some of the  transitional weather items  work just fine as a layer for cold weather, or hot weather items can work under a shirt or jacket for transitional weather climates. Again, this expands the options.

Here is my sample capsule wardrobe for hot weather:

Hot Weather Capsule Wardrobe

6 tops + 3 bottoms + 1 dress + 1 outer garment

The base color here is black. (I love black, and yes, that’s always my base color.)

Plain Shirt | Blouse | Shirt | T-Shirt | Flecked Shirt | Sleeveless  |  Dress | Long Sleeve | Skirt | Trousers | Denim Shorts | Shorts | Sandals | Thong  | Handbag

Eddie Bauer Departure Easy Tank Dress Sizes: XS-XXL Regular | S-L Petite | 2X-3X Plus

We have a black sundress (not spaghetti straps) in knit cotton that can go under or over most of the tops.

We’ve compiled the ultimate list of what our readers rank as the best dress for hot weather travels!

Quince Cotton Crew Neck Tee | Sizes XS-XL

For the tops

Most of the tops have either a cap or flutter sleeve shirt to accommodate less-than-muscular upper arms; all the tops look great with the straight black skirt, cropped grey slacks, and either the black or denim shorts (you don’t need both, I just show two examples).

The grey, red, and plain black tops are knits, as well as the black skirt; the white, embellished black, and ivory tops are woven fabrics. All are cotton, linen, or rayon.

Leave the logo tees at home and discover our readers’ classic picks for the best t-shirts for travel !

Levi’s Mid Length Shorts | Sizes 24-40

For the bottoms

Skirt , and dress are knee-length or just above.

Tops can be worn untucked or tucked, and the tops can also go over the dress so the skirt looks fuller, or under the dress like a jumper. You can also pair it with denim shorts .

Find out what to wear with a maxi skirt with these six styling ideas!

Grace Karin Open Front Knit Cropped Sweater | Sizes S-4X

Add a cropped black sweater for evenings, sandals in red and black, and a black purse. (Note that with all the loose, floating tops the skirt, shorts, and slacks are more fitted.) Voila, you are set.

In the above capsule wardrobe, I’ve added one piece of outwear , as well as two pair of shoes. I included a handbag, just so you can see how it all comes together.

Take a look at these cardigan outfit ideas for your next trip!

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag

Advice on a handbag – I prefer small nylon fabric handbags to leather, having had leather get moldy in hot humid climates. Also, I like straps that clip on and off, and carry a spare wrist strap, so I can change a shoulder or cross-body bag to a wristlet or clutch, depending on the occasion.

A scarf or two, some inexpensive jewelry, and you have a complete wardrobe for travel.

Scarves and jewelry are great souvenirs to remember your travels, so you can always pick up a few to tuck into your bag to change up your look.

We’ve rounded up the best anti theft travel bags for women, and our readers have voted for their favorite styles.

Vionic Rest Kirra Sandal

Obviously, you’ll adjust for your personal style.  You’ll look at what you have in your closet and try compiling your capsule wardrobe. Maybe you only need to buy one or two pieces to tie it all together.

The point is that with just a few well-selected items you can put together a wardrobe that will take you through country after country, location after location, and events ranging from a walk on the beach to an afternoon at a museum to a night at the ballet or opera. You’ll be ready for just about anything, (Okay, if you’re meeting royalty, you obviously need to go shopping .)

But you really don’t need to travel with more than five or six pieces of any one kind of clothing (other than undies and maybe socks).

These are our tried and tested reader recommendations for the world’s best travel shoes !

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How to Organize Your Clothing

Many of our readers use packing cubes to organize their things.  Compass Rose packing cubes  allow you to do so by number and color so you know where you packed everything, even when you use the cubes to separate parts of your outfit. Learn more in the  video  below.

Learn about our hacks with packing cubes in this video !

We also put together a  five-part YouTube series  showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use  this  specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

For more tips, take a look at TFG’s Universal packing lists  and learn how to customize them to meet your needs.

Stay tuned for the last post in this series!

What other items would you add to this packing list for women over 40?

Please read the following for more tips and ideas on travel clothing:

• Beach Vacation Packing List
• How to Choose Travel Shoes
• Cute and Comfortable Women’s Flip Flops
• 10 Step Guide: How to Pack for a Trip with Different Weather
• How to Choose the Best Swim Suit for Your Body Type

LIKE THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

Hope you liked this travel packing list for women over 40. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Phebe Schwartz started traveling and living overseas at age 19, and haven’t stopped. Her career has included two years in Africa with the Peace Corps, and a three month trip home from there. As a result of living in Liberia, West Africa, she found a job teaching art in the US Virgin Islands, where she spent 25 wonderful years. Now retired, she and her husband are just traveling the world and having the time of their lives; the plan is to have no plan, the philosophy is that where they end up is where they are meant to be. Follow their adventure at their travel blog: Rolling Luggagers

15 Comments

Thanks for adding an over-40 list! I’ve aged since I started following you.

LOVE that you added an over 40 option. I’ve been modifying suggestions for what works better for me, but appreciate tips on what to look for to get started.

My suggestion: I enjoy trying different active adventures when traveling (biking, etc.) and I suggest adding some very cute tennis style skorts. I found a few that are knee length and modest with attached ‘biker like shorts.’ Some have pockets on the shorts big enough to hold a phone & zippered side pockets for security.

Thanks for all the great tips. I live in Europe for three months in the winter (Spain) and in the fall (Germany) and I really appreciate your comments. I use the packing cubes because of the organizational factor. When I’m in a transition hotel or if I get stuck, I have an outfit in a cube. My cubes are the ones that can be rolled up to squish. It adds a lot of room although the weight stays the same. Have you found that no one wears shorts in Europe? Is it just me? I never bring shorts, I rely on skirts and leggings.

Hi Sydney, thank you for your lovely comment, so happy you enjoy all the tips!! Thanks for sharing your travel packing experiences with me, packing cubes are the best! Safe travels! 🙂

Since the list is for hot weather, I think a swimsuit and pair of flip flops should be added. I just returned from a 25 day cruise and this is what I packed. I did take two swimsuits, though.

Thanks for the added items Joy!

So happy to find the over 40 option! I didn’t not realize it was here. Thank you!

Very smart looking capsule. I’m also a woman of a “certain age” and appreciate your advice. My greatest challenge packing for hot weather is that, although I love black, I can’t stand wearing it in the heat.

We’re going to Italy in 2 wks and I’ve been trying to decide what to bring for weeks. I’ve decided upon 3 white tops (1 tank, 1 knit Tee, 1 3/4 sleeve blouse). I’d cut out one of these but I’m a stain magnet and will probably have to launder after each use. A solid pink tank, a print cami and a print silk blouse round out my tops. Beige linen shorts and olive green cropped pants in a light viscose fabric as my neutral bottoms, along with a pair of vintage floral pattern capris for fun. These have a very current flared silhouette and I can’t resist bringing them to Rome. The print tops make for some bold pattern mixing with the capris but I’m totally into it. Also 1 maybe 2 lightweight dresses. Distressed boyfriend jeans, a striped Tee and a hoodie to wear on the plane.

Kind of unconventional but I’m happiest and most comfortable in boho styles, so that’s what I’m packing.

Great post – I totally agree with all of the suggestions. BTW, I’m over 50 (just for reference:) Last summer, I packed a small carry-on for a 3 week vacation in Europe – even with what I thought was minimal, I had more clothes than I needed. I wasn’t sure if we would be shopping, etc., so I wanted to be “prepared” – this summer I will pack even lighter. adding more color and style. I am not a seasoned traveler, so I really enjoy reading the tips – keep those posts coming:)

Happy you enjoyed the post Loxie 🙂 Thanks for your feedback!

Very nice set of clothes. Thank you

That’s one helluva lot of clothing to cart around!

I am a female 63 travelling to vietnam and Cambodia in feb for 12 days wondering what I should pack can you give me examples

Hi Marlene, thank you for reaching out! You may find our 10 step guide to Southeast Asia a good place to start planning your packing: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-for-southeast-asia/ I would highly suggest that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps you with your packing. Have an incredible time on your adventure! ?

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Packing Checklist - 'Cause Life's a Trip

• Cruise, Cool or Cold Climate Packing Checklist

By the very nature of these self-contained floating cities, your packing checklist is going to include some destination and event-specific items.  For cool or cold climate cruises, you may find yourself making room for winter coats, sweaters, and ear muffs as well as the swim suits you’ll still use in the heated pools.

Your Cool or Cold Climate Cruise Packing Checklist is broken into categories for you below.  You can also download the printable PDF version by clicking  here , or by visiting the  PackingChecklist.net Downloads  page.

Documentation and Currency

• Driver’s License
• Auto insurance card
• Medical insurance card
• Immunization records/vaccination certificate
• Hotel and/or transportation tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
• Parking documentation
• Cruise tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts
• Shore excursion tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
• Dining reservation confirmation information
• Spa reservation confirmation numbers or receipts
• Roll of quarters
• Credit Card
• Wallet, purse, fanny pack , beach bag , tote, or  backpack
• Water resistant or waterproof wrist watch

Electronics

• Electrical plug adapter and converter
• Power strip/extension cord
• Travel alarm clock
• MP3/Media player and headphones
• Mobile phone and charging cable
• Laptop and charging cable
• Camera, batteries, charging cable, extra memory cards or film
• Underwater camera
• Specific/specialty shampoo
• Specific/specialty conditioner
• Specific/specialty soap
• Hair products
• Curling iron
• Shaving cream
• Cologne/Perfume
• Travel sized nail care kit
• Insect repellant
• Sun tanning lotion
• Moisturizing lotion
• Prescription medications
• Glasses, contacts, sunglasses, case, and cleaning supplies
• Over the counter medications (light first aid kit plus motion sickness medicine )
• Swimsuits and cover-ups/beach and pool wear
• Hat(s) – caps, visors, warm hat
• Flip-flops/sandals/water shoes/cold weather shoes
• Walking shoes
• Dress shoes
• Tops – shirts, blouses, sweaters, sweatshirts, pullovers
• Shorts/Capri’s
• Dress clothing (suit, tuxedo, dress, pant suit, and accessories appropriate for formal dining)
• Sleep clothes
• Workout clothes
• Light jacket
• Sports gear ( golf clubs , hiking shoes, etc.)
• Extra bag to bring home purchases (compact/foldable)
• Travel guide books , maps, and reading material for lounging
• List of addresses for postcards
• Notebook or journal
• Business cards
• Luggage name tags
• Wet wipes/antibacterial gel
• Zip-lock bags
• Garbage bags
• Post-it notes
• Hot hands  (hand/foot warmers)

For quick access to all the downloadable and printable pdf packing checklists, check out the  PackingChecklist.net Downloads  page.

Related posts:

• Cruise Packing Checklist
• Cruise, Warm Climate Packing Checklist
• Disney Cruise Packing Checklist
• Disney Cruise Free Autographed Souvenir of your Dreams
• Motion Sickness Treatment Alternatives for Your Packing Checklist

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• Cruise Fashions & Beauty

Packing List for Warm Weather/Tropical Cruise

By ducklite , June 8, 2014 in Cruise Fashions & Beauty

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To each his own.

I just got tired of DH griping about luggage. I've pared down DS non-medical and mine. So when DH gripes, I remind him that I'm not the one with all the big luggage. :)

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To each his own.       I just got tired of DH griping about luggage. I've pared down DS non-medical and mine. So when DH gripes, I remind him that I'm not the one with all the big luggage. :)

I handle my own luckily. Nobody can complain :)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

RedHeadTexan

Now that I am focused on carry on only packing, I am rethinking my entire wardrobe. For formal nights I know I can do separates, but at my height it is challenging to find formal wear that is long enough. I went to Dillards this week and hit the Eileen Fisher section. I have never bought her clothes before, but have heard good things about the quality. I tried on a pair of Eileen Fisher black, wide leg, faux wrap silk pants and fell in LOVE! The length was perfect, they looked fantastic on me, and OMG, they were so soft. And best of all they were on sale from $278 to $96! Of course I bought them and now they are part of my date night and cruise wardrobe.

Focusing on packing light has made me really think about the clothing I am buying. I now focus on quality pieces and make sure I have lots of neutrals with pops of colors. Thank you to all the "carry-on only" ladies for all of your guidance. You have helped me rethink everything. :D

Now that I am focused on carry on only packing, I am rethinking my entire wardrobe. For formal nights I know I can do separates, but at my height it is challenging to find formal wear that is long enough. I went to Dillards this week and hit the Eileen Fisher section. I have never bought her clothes before, but have heard good things about the quality. I tried on a pair of Eileen Fisher black, wide leg, faux wrap silk pants and fell in LOVE! The length was perfect, they looked fantastic on me, and OMG, they were so soft. And best of all they were on sale from $278 to $96! Of course I bought them and now they are part of my date night and cruise wardrobe.   Focusing on packing light has made me really think about the clothing I am buying. I now focus on quality pieces and make sure I have lots of neutrals with pops of colors. Thank you to all the "carry-on only" ladies for all of your guidance. You have helped me rethink everything. :D   Lisa

I'm so glad you found some nice pants that you like. It's always fun to find just the right thing you're looking for. Sounds like you scored big time. :D

I really wish I had a Dillard's nearby. When I lived in Orlando, I found awesome bargains on sale all of the time in there. Especially nice designer shoes and bags.

Congrats on the Eileen Fisher find! She has classy, functional and well-made clothing.

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Bellacruiser2712

I can travel light or heavy! But if do try to plan all my outfits and that makes it easier. It's frustrating to come home with a bunch of stuff I haven't worn. Wait! I'm going with two teen boys! I can take the world and make them carry it and they will they are sweet boys!!

• 8 months later...

...   My crossbody held travel documents, jewelry, camera gear, iPad, chargers, my GPS (needed in LA), a couple paperbacks, and my makeup bag--which I pared down before I packed it.

What kind of crossbody do you use for travel? I've been looking at the Travelons as well as regular crossbodies, but haven't found the right combination of size, security and stylishness that I want. I can live with 2 of those 3 requirements but can't decide which I should give up. :)

Any tips on crossbodys for travel will be greatly appreciated.

What kind of crossbody do you use for travel? I've been looking at the Travelons as well as regular crossbodies, but haven't found the right combination of size, security and stylishness that I want. I can live with 2 of those 3 requirements but can't decide which I should give up. :) Any tips on crossbodys for travel will be greatly appreciated. Jacquie

I have two, and which I use depends on how much space I need. The first is a Kipling medium crossbody. It's not all that large, but big enough to hold a small umbrella, map, water bottle, camera, etc. It has a flap that velcros down, a top zip pocket under that, and then an inner zip pocket large enough for an iPhone and some cash.

I also have a TimBuk2 large messenger bag. This thing is deceivingly huge--I could go away for a week in it. It's big enough for a couple beach towels and a DSLR in a dry bag and a dry shirt or sweater and a couple water bottles and sun screen and more--but you wouldn't know it by looking at it. I used it last week as a camera bag and had a DSLR with a grip and three lenses plus a sweater in it with a ton of room to spare. It's super well made. It has a front flap that velcros and clips down, plus a ton of inside pockets. It would be very hard to pick pocket as they'd have to figure out which inner pocket valuable were in.

Thanks, Ducklite, much appreciated.

""Any tips on crossbodys for travel will be greatly appreciated.""

I am very happy with my EBags Piazza Day bag - which I bought after mentions on this board. It has thousands of favourable reviews; I find it not too big, but will fit my 8.4 tablet, 3-1-1 bag in centre, plus sufficient other/ hidden pockets , including under flap. End pockets for water bottle/mini umbrella. Excellent price.

I will shortly be doing 5 weeks solo through Europe ( including 13 day T/A cruise, 9 flights) carry on only, so every piece has to work hard.

I will be ticketed on Qantas, so that means 15lb limit main carry-on. but smaller tote allowed plus handbag. (They random weigh:eek:)

I know you're the kind of gal that wouldn't let something like losing the clothes ruin your good time

I discovered that I owned absolutely no neutral shorts. Zip, zero, nada...they are all bright colors like hot pink or patterned.

I love the LL Bean cargo shorts! How long are they? I can't show too much thigh

LL Bean shorts are great though. Good quality, reasonable price if you get them on sale. I bought a super-cute pair at the end of the season last year -- orange with a fruit print. Yeah, I know, weird sounding, but they're going to get a ton of wear this summer!

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The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List: Free Printable Checklist

A re you planning to go on an Alaska cruise with kids? If so, you might be wondering what to pack for your cruise. Alaska is a cruise destination that poses some challenges when it comes to packing. Unpredictable weather, outdoor shore excursions and limited luggage space makes packing for an Alaska cruise difficult.

Below, I will share with you some helpful tips on what to pack for an Alaska cruise with kids, based on my own experience. I have also created a free printable Alaska Cruise packing list that you can download and use for your own trip. I wish I had this packing list when I went on my first Alaska cruise, but now I’m happy to share it with you.

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What to Pack for Alaska Cruise

Packing for an Alaska cruise can be a daunting task, especially if you are traveling with kids. The weather conditions in Alaska are unpredictable and varied, so you need to be prepared for different scenarios. Even in the summer, the temperature can range from hot to chilly, so you need to pack in layers that you can easily add or remove.

You also need to bring waterproof clothes and shoes, as it can rain or snow at any time. Or you might be taking a shore excursion that is outdoors on a glacier so you will need snow gear!

To make matters worse, you have limited luggage space, as you probably have to fly to your cruise port and follow the airline luggage restrictions. And since Alaska cruises are usually long, you need to have enough clothes to last for the whole trip, or find a way to wash them on board.

Pro-Tip: Check if your cruise ship has laundry machines, so that you can do your laundry there and save some space in your suitcase.

Clothes to Pack on Alaska Cruise

When packing for an Alaska cruise, you need to dress in layers to cope with the changing weather conditions. Most Alaska cruises are in the summer, but the temperature can still drop to freezing levels, especially if you are visiting a glacier.

You need to have a jacket that is lightweight and waterproof, as well as sweaters and fleece that you can zip up or down. A hooded jacket is a great option, as it can protect you from the wind and rain.

You also need to bring hats, gloves, and boots that are waterproof, since you might encounter snow or rain on your shore excursions.

Don’t forget to pack your bathing suits and swim goggles, your kids will want to swim on the ship. And depending on your cruise, you might also need some eveningwear, such as dresses, blouses, jackets, and khakis, for the formal nights or special events.

You may like: Pros and Cons of Cruising from New York

Accessories to Pack on Alaska Cruise

When packing for your Alaska cruise, you will need to bring a lot of accessories. Bring a tote bag or a backpack to carry your accessories when you go on shore excursions, which can last for the whole day.

You will want to bring binoculars to admire the stunning views of Alaska (glaciers!). You will also want to bring a good camera phone or a camera to take pictures and videos of the beautiful scenery. I took my GoPro with me.

Don’t forget to bring chargers for your devices. Your kids might also want to bring their iPads and Nintendo Switches to play games or watch movies during the downtime.

Since you will be outdoors a lot in Alaska, you will need to bring sunblock and bug spray. And of course, you will need sunglasses and baseball cap.

Another item that I always bring on cruises are refillable, insulated water bottles, since you will need water during your shore excursions. You can fill it up with water from the ship, and it will keep it cold for a long time. Bringing your own water bottles will also save you money because you don’t have to buy expensive water and drinks from the ship!

Check out: Best Alaska Cruises for Families

What to Pack in Your Overnight Bag

Another tip that I have for packing for an Alaska cruise is to have an overnight bag that you can carry with you on board. I usually use a small roller luggage that fits in the overhead compartment.

This is because you will not get your checked luggage right away when you board the ship. It might take a few hours for them to deliver your luggage to your room.

So I always pack an overnight bag with the essentials that I might need for the first day or night. I pack bathing suits and swim goggles for me and my kids, in case we want to jump in the pool right away.

I also pack a change of clothes for each of us, as well as any medication that we might need. My son has a nut allergy, so I always keep his epipen in my overnight bag. I also don’t forget to pack sunblock, as the sun can be strong in Alaska.

I also pack some entertainment for the kids in the overnight bag, such as books, toys, games, iPads, and devices. This way, they can stay busy while we wait for our luggage or when we are done exploring the ship that first day.

The roller luggage will also come in handy on your last night, because you will need a bag big enough to pack your overnight stuff for the next day. The cruise will ask you to give them your big luggage the night before, so that they can prepare them for disembarkation.

Download your Free Alaska Cruise Packing Checklist Printable

Download your Alaska cruise packing checklist , it will come in handy as you pack for your upcoming cruise. Bon Voyage!

Check out our other cruise packing lists with free printables:

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

Mexico Cruise Packing List

25 Things People forget to Pack for a Cruise

Help us spread the word and pin this free packing list printable on Pinterest. Thank you!

The post The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List: Free Printable Checklist appeared first on Suburbs 101 .

Solo Travel Packing List

Solo travel packing list.

This comprehensive packing list ensures I have all the essential items for a stress-free, enjoyable solo adventure, letting me focus on excitement and exploration ahead.

Clothing and Toiletries

Toiletries: Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Travel-sized for convenience. Shampoo/Conditioner: Consider travel-sized bottles to save space. Body wash/Soap: Fragrance-free options are versatile. Deodorant: Long-lasting for all-day freshness. Skincare products: Sunscreen SPF 30+ and moisturizer for daily use. Hair care: Comb/brush and travel-sized styling products. Makeup: Minimal essentials for a polished look.

Medications

Entertainment and electronics, miscellaneous.

Destination Suggestions: Beach Vacation: Pack swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, and beachwear. City Exploration: Pack comfy shoes, a guidebook, and light clothes. Mountain Hike: Bring sturdy boots, layers, and a compact camera. Cultural Tour: Pack respectful clothing, a phrasebook, and cultural gifts.

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