Packing for a cruise isn’t as straightforward as packing for a land-based vacation. Your ship might visit multiple climates, include formal nights, and limit how much space you have in your cabin. Whether you’re sailing the sunny Caribbean or the icy fjords of Alaska, these packing tips will help you prepare efficiently—without overstuffing your suitcase.
- Understand your itinerary’s climate
Before you start packing, review your cruise destinations and season. A Caribbean itinerary in July calls for swimsuits and sandals, while an Alaskan cruise in May demands layered clothing and waterproof outerwear. Use a weather tracker like Weather.com to monitor your ports. - Follow your cruise line’s dress code
Most cruise lines enforce casual dress codes during the day but offer optional or required evening wear for dinners or events. For example:
- Carnival encourages “Cruise Casual” with one or two “Elegant Evenings”
- Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises may have formal nights, especially on longer sailings
- Norwegian Cruise Line promotes “Freestyle Cruising,” with no strict dress code at all
Check your line’s guidelines on their official sites: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian
- Cruise packing checklist essentials
- Daywear: T-shirts, shorts, tank tops, sundresses
- Evening wear: Slacks, collared shirts, cocktail dresses, or resort casual options
- Swimsuits and cover-ups for pool or beach days
- Comfortable walking shoes for excursions
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Lightweight jacket or cardigan (even for warm-weather cruises, ship interiors can be chilly)
- Formalwear (if your ship has dress-up nights)
- Sleepwear and undergarments
- Cold-weather cruise must-haves (Alaska, Norway, etc.)
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Base layers (thermal tops and leggings)
- Beanie or warm hat
- Gloves and scarves
- Hiking boots or waterproof walking shoes
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Smart accessories and gear
- Magnetic hooks (walls are metal, great for hanging hats and towels)
- Lanyard for your keycard
- Over-the-door organizer for toiletries
- Collapsible laundry bag
- Refillable water bottle
- Plug adapter or non-surge power strip (check your cruise line’s policy)
- Small first-aid kit and medications
- Toiletries and personal items
Cruise cabins provide basics like soap and shampoo, but you may prefer to bring your own. Don’t forget:
- Sunscreen
- Motion sickness bands or medication
- Aloe vera or after-sun lotion
- Travel-size toiletries
- Makeup and shaving items
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Tech and documentation
- Passport or government-issued ID
- Printed cruise documents or app downloaded in advance
- Smartphone and charger
- Camera or GoPro
- Power bank
- Waterproof phone pouch (especially for tropical excursions)
- Items you don’t need to bring
- Beach towels (typically provided)
- Hair dryer (usually included in cabins)
- Excessive cash (cards and onboard accounts are standard)
Bonus tip: Pre-cruise purchases can earn you cashback
If you’re picking up cruise essentials at stores like Walmart, Walgreens, or Target, check Rakuten or Ibotta for cashback offers. You can also earn cashback with a Carnival gift card for your cruise when purchased through Fluz.
