The ultimate cruise packing list — Download your printable PDF

Cruise essentials packing list

Here’s a simple breakdown of what most travelers need. It works for both men and women and suits most generic cruises. We’re not going too niche (no Arctic expeditions or themed voyages). This list is intentionally one-size-fits-all — once you’ve packed everything on it, you can always add some more specific items to match the unique trip you’re taking.

Documents and valuables

Let’s start with the real essentials — passports, money, and insurance documents. Keep all of these items together in a waterproof bag so they’re protected during and after check-in. Wherever your cruise is taking you, you’ll need everything in this section throughout the trip.

Passport

Your passport is a must-have on any international travel checklist. Still, you won’t need to show it every time you get off the boat. When you arrive at a port in a new country, you can just tap or present your cruise card (or equivalent cruise ID, provided when you first board) as you leave the vessel. You’ll normally only need your passport to begin your voyage. After showing it to the cruise ship staff during boarding, leave it in your cabin. On rare occasions when port authorities require passports, the crew will warn you well in advance.

Credit/debit cards

You should bring at least one card with you to cover extra expenses. Unless you splashed your cash on a genuinely all-expenses-paid cruise, you’ll be spending some money at sea. Most cruise tickets cover cabins, basic meals, and some on-board entertainment (a bar band, for example), but that’s about it. Drinks? Specialty restaurants? Spa rooms and yoga classes? Those services usually cost extra. Then you need to be ready for onshore costs in the ports and coastal towns the cruise ship stops at. While some vendors take cash — and may even prefer it — the smart move is always to pack a credit or debit card as well.

Travel insurance documents

Make sure to have all of your health insurance documents in order before you sail, with digital copies saved to your devices. In addition to the documents on your phone or laptop, pack at least one printed copy of your health insurance information. Having those documents on the journey with you means you can double-check what is and isn’t covered, even if your devices run out of battery, fall overboard, or otherwise become inaccessible.  

Cash in small bills

Though not as essential as your credit cards, packing some cash is never a bad idea. You can use bills to tip servers and staff on the ship (not mandatory, but certainly encouraged). On day excursions, you might find that small businesses — especially stalls and street vendors — only accept cash, or at least prefer it. Carrying physical currency is also just good for your own peace of mind. Even if you lose your card or accidentally leave it on the ship while ashore, the bills in your pocket can tide you over for a little while. 

Hygiene and personal items

Bring your usual toiletries — toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap or body/face wash. If you’re picky about skincare, pack your favorites because ship brands won’t always be great quality. Some of the products you bring should reflect your own health and hygiene needs, but here are the vital ones for most travelers. 

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Sure, we all know that brushing our teeth is important. On a cruise, though, it’s easy to end up consuming more sugary snacks and drinks than normal. Bringing your own toothbrush and toothpaste means you can stick to your usual routine without worrying about ship brands you might not like. The days of scurvy on the high seas might be over, but oral hygiene is still a priority! 

Shower essentials

Cruise ships almost always provide soap and shampoo, but they won’t be anything special. For your own comfort, bring the shower products that you actually like to use at home — soaps and gels with scents you actually enjoy, for example, and shampoos that work for your hair type. If you want to save on luggage space, decant your lotions and potions into small plastic or glass bottles, with just enough for the cruise. 

Skincare basics

Cabins can be dry, while on deck you’ll face hot sunshine — over the course of a cruise, you might find these conditions surprisingly taxing on your skin. Pack a moisturizer and a cleanser and (very importantly!) bring plenty of sunscreen. The last thing anyone wants on a long voyage is sunburn and dehydrated skin.

Shaving kit

People like to relax on cruises, but that doesn’t mean you won’t want to freshen things up occasionally. Cruise dinners and evening events can be fun opportunities to trim and feel your best, so bringing a shaving kit is a smart move. For many travelers, the key items are the razor itself, any razor accoutrements (a charging cable for an electric device, or spare blades if you’re old-school like that), and a soothing cream for afterward.

Clothing and accessories

Cruises can mix lazy sea days with dressed-up dinners, so you need a flexible wardrobe. That means swimwear, comfortable shore clothes, and some fancier evening outfits. 

Casual daytime outfits

Days on a cruise are generally very low-key, so pack for comfort. We’re talking lightweight tops, loose pants or shorts, and anything that layers easily in case the weather changes. You’ll be walking on deck, exploring ports, or grabbing a coffee, so comfort is key. Make sure to bring a few choices of footwear — it’s unlikely that the shoes you wear to an evening dinner will be comfortable for a shore excursion. 

Evening wear

Many cruises have at least one or two formal nights, so it’s worth having something a bit smarter tucked away. Don’t stress about going full black tie or evening gown — the goal here is just to feel confident and put together while enjoying dinner or a show. To save on space, think about how different items could be mixed and matched to create a wider variety of evening outfits. Can you break up two suits to create three or four combinations? Could a dress be quickly restyled with the addition of your light day jacket? On a long cruise, versatile evening wear allows you to keep your looks fresh without having to overpack.    

Swimwear

Cruises are all about catching some sun. Whether you’re getting your tan on a deck lounger or in the pool, you’ll want swimwear. Bring a couple of options so one can always dry out while you’re using the other. Swimwear doesn’t take up too much space, so it’s worth bringing even if you don’t envision yourself wearing it often.

Hat and sunglasses

This can’t be stressed enough — bring a hat. People often overestimate how much their hair protects their scalp from UV rays, and that’s before you even talk about heatstroke. Long, sustained periods in the sun can cause severe health problems, so if you’re out for an extended duration, cover your head. For your own comfort, sunglasses are also a great idea — the glare of light reflecting off the ocean can be intense. Just remember that there’s always a risk of losing or dropping shades on a cruise, so maybe leave the Gucci glasses at home.

Health and safety

After the legal documents we talked about earlier, health and safety items are probably the most important items to have on your packing list. You’ll find medical stations and personnel on your cruise ship, but if you pack right, you can lower the chances of having to seek them out.

Prescription medications

If you take any prescription medications, pack them in their original containers and bring enough to last your entire trip, plus a little extra. Keep them in your cabin, but also have a small daily supply in a pouch or pill bottle for shore trips. Talking to your doctor before traveling can also be a good idea — you can discuss your prescription needs abroad and what steps you can take if you somehow lose access to the medications you need at sea.

Sunscreen

You’re sick of being told to wear sunscreen — we get it. But on a cruise, strong sun protection (at least SPF 30) really is important. It’s not just about long-term health, even though that’s a big concern. Painful sunburns and peeling skin can ruin the fun of a long, relaxing cruise, and you just don’t need to put up with that. Sunscreen is often sold on cruise ships too, but the prices might be higher than on land.  

Insect repellent

No bugs at sea, right? Well, that’s great until you step onto the land and realize that you’re back on the insects’ turf. Make sure to bring some insect repellent that you can carry with you when going ashore. In hot climates, bug bites can be extremely hazardous, carrying dangerous infections like West Nile virus and malaria. Even if you’re lucky and avoid the worst-case scenario (the lasting, even life-threatening conditions caused by a viral infection), bites can itch for days after the initial encounter. 

Motion sickness tablets

People might say that they don’t get seasick — until one day, they do. Motion sickness tablets can make the difference between a relaxing day on deck and a miserable one spent inside the cabin. Pressure bracelets and those strange, liquid-filled glasses are also an option, but many people find the pills to be the most effective and unobtrusive treatment. Just remember that motion sickness tablets can make you a little drowsy and should only be taken in line with the medication’s instructions.  

Technology and connection

The kind of technology you want to bring on your trip will be specific to you, but some things are universal — chargers, for example, and a way to get online. Your cruise ship will be covered with Wi-Fi, but having a reliable internet connection (something like an eSIM or a pocket Wi-Fi device) will be a must when going ashore. 

Chargers

Portable devices are only really useful if you can keep them charged. Bring the chargers you normally use at home, plus adapters for the different regions you’re sailing through — if you want to charge a device while on shore, you’ll need to be able to use the local electrical outlets. To really pack smart, get a small case for your wires so they’re not getting tangled up at the bottom of your bags. 

Power bank

Chargers are important, but why stop there? A power bank is a lifesaver for days on shore or long periods away from the cabin. You don’t want to have to run down to your cabin every time your phone or e-reader dies on deck. Just make sure your power bank is fully charged before leaving the ship in the morning — to make life simple, just set it to charge while you sleep each night. 

Headphones

Headphones aren’t just for music — they’re for podcasts, audiobooks, or even a bit of quiet time if the ship’s sounds begin to bother you. Cruises get noisy (especially when the kids are out), so it’s not a bad idea to pack noise-canceling headphones. 

Internet connection

Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi? Yes, they do — but that won’t help you get online when you’re off the boat. An eSIM is probably the best choice on land. Physical SIMs usually only work in certain regions (so you’d have to find and buy a new one in every port), while roaming plans can be outrageously expensive. An eSIM app, on the other hand, lets you add data for each country on your itinerary. As soon as you enter the region of a new mobile network, your plan activates automatically. You can navigate, message friends, or make use of the best travel apps without juggling local SIMs or worrying about surprise charges.

Miscellaneous

We’ve covered the specifics — now it’s time for the catch-all section. These items aren’t really essentials, but you’ll be happy you packed them.

Day bag

A day bag is great on the ship and on land. While at sea, a day bag lets you hang out on deck without having to return to your cabin regularly. For port excursions, this item is even more useful, letting you carry everything you’ll need for the day — wallet, phone, sunscreen, a light jacket, or a snack. Consider the bag’s strap carefully, though. You don’t want one that will dig into your skin or chafe in hot weather, so a wide strap is usually best. 

Insulated steel water bottle

It’s easy to underestimate how much you’ll rely on water while at sea or on shore, but an insulated water bottle is a great traveling companion. Insulated steel bottles keep drinks cold, and you’ll drink more water with a bottle close at hand. Best of all, you won’t need to pick up disposable bottles on the ship or at ports, and that’s a little win for the environment.

Laundry bag

If you don’t want dirty clothes piling up, pack a laundry bag. It doesn’t have to be fancy (or expensive) — a basic drawstring bag works fine, while those that are made of thin, lightweight fabric fold up well when not in use. Small organizational habits like this save a lot of stress and make your cabin feel a little more like home.

Books or an e-reader

Cruises are all about downtime — but downtime with nothing to distract you can get dull. A trip like this is the perfect time to crack open a book, so pack some reading material. If you want to save on space, try using an e-reader. Don’t feel like adding more tech to your bag? Just install an e-reader app on your smartphone or tablet. The app might not be as slick as a dedicated e-reader device, but it gets the job done.

What should you pack in a carry-on, and what should go in your checked luggage?

Your carry-on should hold anything you can’t afford to lose or might need during the boarding process — passports, cruise tickets, travel insurance, and other important documents. Put prescription medications, electronics like your phone or camera, and a change of clothes in your carry-on too, just in case your checked luggage gets delayed. 

Checked luggage is for the bulkier items you won’t need immediately. Most of your clothes, shoes, entertainment devices, and extra toiletries go in here. In many ways, luggage on a cruise ship works on similar principles to the bags you fly with — your carry-on is for essentials and quick access items, and checked luggage covers everything else.

What items are you not allowed to bring on a cruise?

Cruise lines don’t allow you to bring any risky or dangerous items on board — health and safety are their main concerns. Policies vary from one company to another, but the basics are the same — no weapons, no heating appliances that could cause a fire, and (obviously) nothing illegal. Alcohol rules differ by company, but limitations should be expected.

• Firearms and other weapons. Unsurprisingly, cruise ships don’t want you bringing firearms (or any offensive weapons) on board. Even objects that might seem harmless at home — such as camping knives or workout equipment — can fall into this category. If you have any doubts about whether an item you’re packing could be considered a weapon, ditch it or contact the cruise company in advance to discuss your situation with them.

• Irons, kettles, and other heated devices. Any device that produces heat is probably off-limits. Once a cruise ship is at sea, one of the biggest safety concerns is a fire on board, so self-heating items are unlikely to be allowed. Ships have a laundry or pressing service available, and hot drinks can be bought at bars and cafes, so these restrictions shouldn’t be too impactful. 

• Candles or open-flame items. Candles, incense, and anything else involving an open flame are banned on ships — again, cruise companies really don’t want to risk a  fire. Lamps and battery-powered flashlights? No problem! Just leave the scented wood wicks at home. 

• Excess alcohol beyond your allowance. Cruise lines allow a limited amount of alcohol per passenger, and anything above that is prohibited. Let’s be honest — cruise ships want you to buy your booze on board, not bring it with you. Bringing too much alcohol in your bags can lead to confiscation, and trying to sneak it on might end up getting you fined or ejected.

Tips for packing light and smart for a cruise

When you’re packing for a cruise, you really have to make the most of the little space you have in your cabin. Follow these tips to make packing a little easier. 

• Decant liquids into small bottles. Instead of bringing full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, or body wash, transfer your favorites into small, leak-proof travel containers.

• Mix and match outfits. Plan your wardrobe so that tops, bottoms, and layers can be combined in multiple ways. Packing versatile pieces that go together means fewer items overall but more outfit options.

• Roll (instead of folding). Rolling your clothes, rather than folding them, can save you a surprising amount of space. It’s particularly useful for soft fabrics like cotton T-shirts, casual dresses, and light linens. Rolling also makes it easier to see everything in your suitcase at a glance, so you’re not digging through layers to find that one shirt. 

• Limit shoes to essentials. Shoes are heavy and take up a lot of room, so pack only a few pairs. You just need a pair of casual onshore shoes, some evening footwear, and sandals or slides for the poolside. Bringing multiple pairs of dinner shoes, for example, will severely limit how much you can fit in your bags overall.

How can Saily improve your cruise vacation experience?

With Saily, you can set up all the internet connections you’ll need on your trip — before you even set foot on the cruise ship. Once you have your cruise itinerary and know what countries you’ll be visiting along the way, you can download the free eSIM app and choose data plans for those destinations. 

As soon as you’re within the network range of a region’s local providers, your plan will activate, and you’ll be online. Forget about renting expensive pocket Wi-Fi devices or hunting for local SIM cards in every port you visit. Saily keeps data simple, flexible, and affordable.