Katie and Pierce
Going on a cruise is exciting, but packing for one can feel overwhelming.
What do you really need to bring? What can you skip?
This comprehensive cruise packing list covers the most important items to pack for your cruise vacation, ranked from most essential to nice-to-have extras. Knowing what you should bring ahead of time helps ensure you don’t forget crucial items that could make or break your vacation.
1. Good Sunglasses
The sun reflects off the ocean water and can be incredibly bright. Without proper eye protection, you’ll be squinting all day and might end up with a headache. Pack a sturdy pair of sunglasses that you don’t mind getting a little wet or sandy. Consider bringing a backup pair since sunglasses can easily fall overboard or get damaged during shore excursions.
2. Water Bottle
Cruise ships charge high prices for bottled water, so bringing your own reusable bottle can save serious money. Look for water filling stations around the ship, usually near the pool areas. A large insulated bottle works best because you can fill it with ice and cold water first thing in the morning. This keeps you hydrated during long days in the sun without breaking the budget.
3. Portable Phone Charger
Your phone battery drains quickly when you’re taking tons of photos and using cruise ship apps. Most cabins only have one or two outlets, so you don’t want to be stuck in your room waiting for your phone to charge. A good portable charger lets you stay connected and capture memories all day long without worrying about a dead battery.
4. Extra Bathing Suit
One wet, sandy bathing suit is miserable to put back on the next day. Pack at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry, clean option ready. This is especially important if you have back-to-back beach days or plan to spend lots of time by the pool. Your second suit gives the first one time to properly dry and get the salt water rinsed out.
5. Light Jacket
Even in tropical destinations, cruise ships can get chilly. The air conditioning in dining rooms and theaters runs pretty cold, and ocean breezes at night can be surprisingly cool. A light sweater or jacket makes evening activities much more comfortable. You’ll also appreciate having it during early morning or late evening deck time.
6. Essential Medications
Don’t count on finding your regular medications on the ship or at port destinations. The ship’s medical center charges extremely high prices for basic medicines, and foreign pharmacies might not carry what you need. Any good cruise packing list should include medications as a top priority. Pack more than you think you’ll use, including basics like pain relievers, stomach medicine, and any prescription drugs. Keep them in your carry-on bag too, just in case your luggage gets delayed.
7. Power Outlet Splitter
Most cruise cabins have very few electrical outlets, which becomes a real problem when you need to charge phones, tablets, cameras, and other devices. A simple outlet splitter or USB charging hub solves this issue instantly. Just make sure it doesn’t have surge protection, as cruise lines often confiscate those for safety reasons.
8. Waterproof Phone Pouch
Phones and water activities don’t mix well, but a waterproof pouch changes everything. You can take underwater photos while snorkeling, capture beach moments without worry, and even use your phone’s camera during water excursions. These pouches cost much less than buying one at a tourist shop, and they actually work when you need them most.
9. Keycard Lanyard
Your cruise keycard does everything on the ship. It opens your room, pays for purchases, and gets you on and off at ports. Losing it means waiting in long lines to get a replacement and potentially missing activities. A simple lanyard keeps your card safe and easily accessible. Many cruise lines provide basic lanyards, but bringing your own ensures you have one that’s comfortable and secure.
10. Extra Beach Towels
Cruise lines typically provide one beach towel per person, but there’s usually a fee if you lose it. Having your own towels removes this worry and gives you backups when the ship towels are wet or sandy. Quick-dry microfiber towels take up less luggage space and work great for cruise travel.
11. Snorkel Gear
Renting snorkel equipment at beach destinations costs way more than buying your own beforehand. Plus, you know your gear is clean and fits properly. This is one item that experienced cruisers always include in their cruise packing list because it opens up amazing underwater experiences that you might skip otherwise due to high rental costs. Pack it in your carry-on to make sure it arrives with you.
12. Seasickness Bracelets
Motion sickness can ruin an entire cruise vacation. These simple acupressure bracelets might help prevent seasickness without needing medication. They’re inexpensive, easy to pack, and many people swear by them. Even if you don’t usually get motion sick, ocean conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s better to be prepared.
13. European Outlet Adapter
Many cruise ship cabins have European-style outlets in addition to regular ones. Bringing a small adapter doubles your charging options, which is super helpful when outlets are limited. This simple item can make a big difference in keeping all your devices powered up throughout the trip.
14. Proper Beach Footwear
Regular flip-flops often aren’t enough for rocky beaches, coral areas, or beach excursions involving walking. Water shoes or sturdy sandals protect your feet from cuts, coral, and hot sand. They also provide better grip on wet boat decks and pool areas. Spending a little extra on good beach shoes prevents painful injuries that could limit your activities.
15. Downloaded Shows/Movies
Cruise ship cabin TVs usually have limited channel options, and the internet is expensive and slow. Download entertainment to your tablet or phone before you leave home. This gives you something to watch during sea days, early mornings, or when you just want to relax in your cabin. Kids especially appreciate having their favorite shows available.
16. Beach Toys For Kids
If you’re traveling with children, beach toys are essential for keeping them happy during shore excursions. Tourist shops at beach destinations charge ridiculous prices for basic sand toys. When considering what you should bring for family cruises, packing simple items like a small shovel and bucket can make beach days much more fun for kids and less stressful for parents.
17. Aloe Gel
Sunburn happens even with careful sun protection, and aloe gel provides instant relief. Cruise ship shops charge premium prices for sunburn remedies, so bringing your own saves money and ensures you have relief when you need it most. Look for aloe gel with lidocaine for extra cooling relief.
18. Bug Repellent Bracelet
Many cruise destinations have mosquitoes and other bugs, especially during shore excursions to tropical locations. Repellent bracelets are more convenient than sprays and last longer than lotions. They’re also TSA-friendly and won’t leak in your luggage like liquid repellents might.
19. Baby Powder
This might sound weird, but baby powder is amazing for removing sand from skin. Just sprinkle it on sandy feet and legs, then brush it off. The sand comes right off, leaving you clean and comfortable. This works so much better than trying to rinse sand off with water, which often just moves it around.
20. Swimming Goggles
Pool and ocean water can be hard on eyes, and goggles make swimming much more enjoyable. Kids especially love being able to see underwater clearly. Goggles also help during snorkeling if the mask doesn’t fit perfectly. Pack them in a hard case to prevent the lenses from getting scratched.
21. Magnetic Hooks
Cruise cabin storage space is very limited, but the walls are usually metal. Strong magnetic hooks create instant storage for hats, bags, towels, and other items you use frequently. They don’t take up any luggage space and make a small cabin feel much more organized and functional.
22. Your Own Shampoo/Soap
Cruise ship toiletries are usually pretty basic and might not work well with your hair or skin type. Bringing small bottles of your favorite products makes showering much more pleasant. The tiny cruise cabin bathrooms are challenging enough without having to deal with products that leave your hair feeling terrible.
23. White Noise Machine/App
Cruise ships can be noisy, especially cabins near the engine or in high-traffic areas. A white noise app on your phone or a small sound machine helps block out hallway conversations, door slamming, and mechanical sounds. Better sleep makes everything about your cruise more enjoyable.
24. Small Nightlight
Interior cruise cabins have zero natural light, making them completely dark when the lights are off. A small nightlight helps you navigate to the bathroom safely during the night without waking up your roommate. Battery-operated LED nightlights work perfectly and don’t require an outlet.
25. Towel Clips
Pool chairs fill up quickly on cruise ships, and towel clips help save your spot when you leave briefly. They also prevent your towels from blowing away in ocean breezes. These simple clips attach towels securely to chairs and are much more reliable than just laying towels down.
26. Swimming Suit Cover-Up
A cover-up gives you a modest option for walking to and from pools, beaches, and casual dining areas. It also provides extra sun protection and helps you feel more comfortable in transition areas where swimwear might not be appropriate. Choose something lightweight that dries quickly.
27. Small Travel Clock
Many cruise cabins don’t have visible clocks, and constantly checking your phone for time can be annoying. A small travel alarm clock helps you keep track of time for activities, meals, and excursions without depending on your phone. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to limit screen time during vacation.
