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Planning a cruise in 2024? Whether it’s your first voyage or you’re a seasoned cruiser, it’s time to organize your cruise essentials to pack for your cruise. Don’t forget to print our cruise packing list below.
We’ve compiled essential tips from our cruises and our experienced friend, Kim, aka, the Cruising Queen, who has amassed over 60 cruises since childhood. Her invaluable packing wisdom greatly contributes to this list.
What are cruise essentials? Cruise essentials are recommended items that enhance your experience by providing comfort and enjoyment. While our list covers basics, consider adding personal preferences like a refillable water bottle or necessary medications not readily available on the ship.
PinDisclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to ourfull disclosurefor details.
When cruising, you’re practically moving in for a week or more, so bring comforts that make your temporary ship home cozy. Your cruise ship becomes your abode, and you need comforts and necessities to make it feel like home.
This article is about cruise essentials – things to bring on a cruise that make your cruise vacation more enjoyable and comfortable, in the cabin and on shore excursions. While we travel differently, some items are universally essentials for a cruise.
However, it’s important to recognize that your cruising needs might differ, so use this cruise packing list and cruise packing tips as a guide to tailor what to pack for a cruise.
Note: Some cruise itineraries may require a slightly different packing list. The items on this list are those cruise necessities that will kick your cruise experience up a notch.
What are your must-haves for a cruise? Let us know in the comments.
Table of Contents
Cruise Packing List: The Essentials
PinOUR Top 5 Cruise Essentials We Never Sail Without
- Passport
- Portable Charger
- Over-the-Door Toiletry Bag
- Magnetic Hooks
- First-Aid/Medications
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CRUISE MUST-HAVES: PRE-CRUISE ITEMS
1. Be Prepared and Have Your Passport and/or Government Identification Ready
PinDon’t overlook the passport—it’s the top priority on your cruise packing list. Without it, you won’t be allowed on board, especially if you’re departing from or arriving outside the US.
Pack it in yourtravel essentials bagand check its expiration date; some countries enforce a 6-month validity rule.
I discovered mine was too close to expiring when planning our Celebrity Beyond cruise to the Mediterranean. It prompted me to expedite its renewal immediately upon returning from our last cruise to avoid any hassles with our upcoming cruises.
2. Sturdy Luggage With Wheels That Glide
PinThe importance of sturdy luggage with smooth gliding wheels becomes evident when navigating airports and cruise terminals. Opting for reliable luggage with smooth-spinner wheels can alleviate travel difficulties.
We recently tested Monos and Away travel luggage, focusing on durability, sturdiness, organization, and carry-on capacity. Our recommendation for an excellent overall experience goes to AWAY luggage. However, if you’re looking for budget-friendly options, Amazon offers a variety, including brands like Samsonite and Level 8.
3. Track Your Luggage: Apple AirTags or Tile Mate Tracker
Lost luggage is a common issue at flight check-in or with cruise porters.Apple AirTagsoffers a modern solution for easy tracking, a small investment for added peace of mind. We always check in to see if our luggage arrives on the plane or the ship.
Android users can opt forTile Mate tags.
4. Cruise Luggage Tags
Cruise luggage tags will likely not be mailed to you unless you’re a suite or luxury cruise guest. And even then, you may not receive anything as we did not when we booked a suite atThe Retreat on Celebrity Beyond.
Print them before embarkation—some staple them to their suitcases, while others usecruise luggage tag holdersfor secureness and a neat look. You can then slide the printed e-tags into sealed plastic holders, securing them with a steel loop.
Print an extra set in advance—avoid the hassle of long lines at the port for last-minute printing.
Save now, share with friends, or come back to it later.
PinCruise Cabin Items For Efficiency
5. Electrical Hub Essentials: Power Strip | Power Outlet
Bring a power strip or power outlet extender for your cruise, especially on older ships with limited outlets. Cabins often have just a few outlets, and with multiple devices to charge, it’s a smart investment.
Consider a power strip with USB-A and USB-C compatibility.
Newer ships may have more outlets, like our balcony cabin on the Norwegian Joy, which has three US outlets. Assess your needs and plan accordingly.
We have purchased quite a few throughout the years to fit our different needs as we travel:
‼️ Important Cruise Tip: Surge protectors arebanned on cruise ships– leave them at home. Bring a plain power strip.
6. Additional Power Hub: USB Charging Station
For your cruise, research and check if your cabin has USB ports—if so, a power outlet extender with extra USB-A ports (as mentioned in #4) suffices. If not, you may want to bring a USB charging station for multiple devices.
If you have a lot of devices that need charging, we recommend an extra charging station—we use one with USB-A and USB-C ports. Don’t risk a dead camera or phone during port outings.
You can keep all cables, chargers, and power outlets organized in a cable/electronic case like this one that we use.
Read more: 30 Enjoyable Cruise Activities: From Free to Paid Options
7. Power on the Go with a Portable Charger
Having a portable charger with you, especially when disembarking the ship for the day, is important. Since I take so many photos and videos throughout the day, even on Sea Days, by mid-day, I usually bring my portable charger out to get a boost.
Over the years, we’ve tried various portable chargers, and the Morphie chargers stand out as a favorite. Its fast charging capability and ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously make it a reliable choice, especially when sharing with hubby.
8. Smart Space Solutions: Over-the-Door Toiletry Organizer
Consider an over-the-door organizer for three or more people in one cabin, maximizing bathroom storage. Great for shared spaces with limited surface area. The over-the-door organizer allows everyone to store their toiletries and other items in designated pockets for easy access later.
We recently upgraded to the BAGSMART Toiletry Bag, replacing our old five-year-old organizer. The new bag is a standout, accommodating everything from our previous organizer and more. It’s practical with a secure zip, foldable design, and features like a handle and door hook, making it perfect for our cruise cabin. We opted for the large size, which suits our needs as a duo.
9. The Handy Portable Fan
A portable fan may seem surprising, but a portable fan is a top recommendation and one of the most popular items on our list. Battery-operated, foldable, and easy to pack in your luggage.
Our friend Kim swears by it for a good night’s sleep and to keep the air circulating, making it a must-have for her on every cruise. Other cruisers can’t sleep without the noise of a fan.
10. Portable Glamour: Your Essential Travel Vanity Mirror
Kim’s stand-up mirror is a brilliant suggestion that our readers love. It’s a must-have if you share a compact cabin with limited space. A standing makeup mirror is a practical solution when you need to do your make-up and someone else is hogging up the bathroom.
For an upgraded experience, explore a travel vanity mirror with lights. While not as basic, it’s rechargeable and provides extra illumination—an excellent choice for enhancing your makeup routine.
11. Utilize Cruise Cabin Space: Maximize Efficiency with Magnetic Hooks
Cabin walls are made of metal, making magnetic hooks a cruise essential.
PinOpt for heavy-duty ones that hold 100 lbs or more—they’re perfect for keeping your lanyard, hat, or other items organized and secure in the cabin. I also use them to hold important documents on the wall instead of buying and carrying a 2nd set of magnets.
Additionally, use them to hang items to dry in the bathroom by sticking one to the ceiling of the shower. Efficient and versatile.
12. Portable Clothes Line to the Rescue
A must-have when there’s no built-in clothesline in your cruise cabin bathroom. This handy cruise cabin hack, combined with magnetic hooks, lets you dry clothes anywhere inside your cabin. Research your cabin category before cruising to determine if you need to pack this versatile item. Ideal for drying hand-washed items or drying wet swimsuits.
Our balcony cabin on Celebrity Solstice did not have a clothesline.
13. Clothespins Have More Than One Use
A seasoned cruiser suggested bringing a few clothespins from home in the comments. In your cabin bathroom, use them on the clothing line to hang up wet swimsuits or hand-washed items. They also come in handy for securing balcony curtains and keeping light out of the room. A small, practical addition to enhance your cruise experience.
Now, if you purchase the Portable Clothes Line above, you don’t need to bring clothespins as that set comes with it.
14. Don’t Stub Your Toe in the Middle of the Night: Bring a Nightlight
Nighttime in the cabin can be pitch dark, risking a stubbed toe during nighttime bathroom trips–I speak from experience, ouch.
PinSolve this with a small LED nightlight. Battery-powered tea lights work well. They’re cheap, take up minimal luggage space, and are often available at local dollar stores–I get mine at Ikea.
You can also consider the travel nightlight by CruiseOn or a plug-in nightlight.
15. Packing Cubes: Packing Tip Not To Be Missed
I am a believer in packing cubes. Packing cubes keep your suitcase organized and save space, making unpacking a breeze. After dropping off your suitcase in the cruise cabin, transfer your packed cubes to the drawers or shelves. Hang a few items in the closet, and you’re ready to head out for another vacation co*cktail in no time.
16. Stuff Your Dirty Clothes in a Laundry Bag
This foldable laundry bag easily fits in your luggage or carry-on. Conveniently toss dirty clothes during your trip, and when packing for disembarkation, stuff the bag, clothes, and all into your luggage. While others prefer pop-up laundry bags, we like to keep our dirty clothes separate when repacking.
A shopping bag may also suffice, but our trusty laundry bag has been a reliable travel companion on many trips. Even though our new suitcases came with laundry bags, we still packed and used this one.
Cruise Ship Essentials: Accessories
17. A Coffee Tumbler for the Coffee Lover
For coffee lovers, packing your favorite coffee tumbler is a game-changer. Those buffet cups are a joke, and since we all like to save money on a cruise, hubby uses his tumbler to avoid multiple buffet trips. Essential since anything outside the main dining areas and designated coffee spots is considered a specialty and costs extra.
It’s also environmentally friendly, safer in crowded spaces since it is covered (I’ve almost run into a few times while carrying an open cup of coffee), and keeps your coffee hot longer. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Note: Leave the tumbler at home if you purchase a premium beverage package that includes all the specialty coffees you can drink. They provide to-go cups, and health regulations prohibit them from serving your coffee in your tumbler.
18. Stay Hydrated and Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
On and off the ship, an insulated water tumbler is your eco-friendly companion. Cruise ships don’t provide free bottled water unless you have a drink package, so fill up your tumbler with ice and water at the buffet with the filtered water they provide. It’s another great way to save money and stay hydrated. You can also bring it off the ship with you on port days.
Tip: Some cruise lines will allow you to carry on a case of water water bottles. Check with the cruise line you’re sailing in.
19. Reusable Straws If You Can’t Drink Your Frozen Drinks Without One
Plastic straws are a thing of the past on many cruise lines, replaced by eco-friendly options like paper and compostable straws. Depending on the cruise, they probably won’t give you one, or only by request.
Missing a straw with your piña colada? We get it. It’s not the same. Although bringing your straws may seem unnecessary, it’s a personal choice considering the environmental impact of plastic. Cruise lines are adapting, but if you prefer your own, go ahead and bring them along.
20. Lanyards & Alternative Ways to Hold Your Cruise Card
You’ll receive a cruise cabin card upon embarkation—a multifunctional key to your cruise experience. Linked to your credit card, it serves as your payment method, grants access to your cabin, and facilitates embarkation and disembarkation. Carrying it with you is vital, and using a lanyard is a popular, convenient, and readily accessible way to keep your cruise cabin card close at hand.
While lanyards are sold on the cruise ship, you can find affordable options on Amazon. Remember to carry your cruise ship card when leaving your cabin, and since hole-punching is no longer allowed, opt for a lanyard with a plastic slip.
I’ve ditched lanyards for a small crossbody bag on cruises. Alternatively, consider phone/wallet crossbody bags or phone wallets that attach to your phone—perfect for keeping your cruise cabin card accessible.
This is the crossbody purse I’ve been using since it fits my Kindle, too.
Some newer cruise ships offer advanced features, allowing you to manage everything from your phone and its app, including locking and unlocking your cabin door. Virgin Cruises gives you a bracelet to manage it all, making cruise cards a thing of the past their ships.
21. Ziplock Bags
The most versatile item for your cruise is a Ziplock bag—handy for unexpected needs like storing wet clothes, organizing last-minute items in your luggage, and even snacks. We recommend bringing gallon and quart-sized bags. Environmentally friendly reusable storage bags are also a great alternative.
Cruise Shore Excursion and Port Day Essentials
22. Keep Your Towel in Place With Beach Towel Clips & Bands
During one of our cruises, we discovered the value of beach towel clips while sunbathing by the pool deck on the ship and then at the beach in port. These clips keep your towel secure on your chair, preventing the frustration of constant readjustments, especially on windy days. And when you’re out at sea, it’s windy. Now, we always travel with beach towel clips.
Another option popular among cruisers is beach towel bands.
23. Waterproof Phone Case for Water Adventures
Ideal for vacations with water activities, a waterproof phone case has proven invaluable during cruise shore excursions like kayaking in Harvest Caye. The universal waterproof phone pouch, being both affordable and popular, is my go-to. It’s a permanent fixture in my travel essentials arsenal; it’s easy to roll up and pack, taking up minimal room.
24. Bring Your Own Snorkel Set
While we include the snorkel set in our beach packing list, just like we won’t miss packing our flip-flops, we will always bring our own set when cruising to beach destinations. This way, we are ready to head to the beach and snorkel if we don’t plan excursions. Even if we do, we like having ones we are used to using and know that no one else has used them. Plus, you save money by not having to rent them out.
25. Water shoes
These are always a must for us when cruising the Caribbean. Not all beaches are equal with that soft white sand you want to sink your toes in. Some have rocky beaches, like in Bonaire and Curacao, where our water shoes were lifesaving. You can carry them in your beach bag or wear them for the day if you know you’re going to beach hopping.
These are my favorite water shoes because they look like sneakers, while my husband prefers his Speedos.
26. Packable Beach Towel
PinThe cruise ship will give you a beach towel to bring off the ship on port days. Realistically, there is no need to spend money on more towels if you don’t want to.
However, these packable microfiber beach towels are not bulky, easy to pack, and take up less room in your beach bag. They’ll do the same job or better than the cruise ship towel. This may be a wise investment if you’re a frequent cruiser looking to save space in your beach bag.
27. A Hat For Sun Protection
Don’t underestimate the power of a sun hat. Often overlooked, it becomes a regrettable afterthought when you’re under the scorching sun. Ideal for sunny days on the pool deck, too.
PinLearn from my experience, pack your favorite sun hat, and avoid impromptu purchases at the port.
28. Beach Bag or Travel Backpack for Port Days
Choose a beach bag or travel backpack for sunscreen, water bottle, towel, and more.
PinWe use a versatile carry-on bag, doubling as a cruise carry-on and a beach bag at ports. During other trips, we take it empty in our luggage to fill it up with goodies we find while on vacation to bring back.
Another great option that we love to use is the packable backpack.
29. Travel Umbrella Because You Can’t Let Some Drizzle Rain on Your Parade
Cruise ships typically provide umbrellas only to passengers staying in higher-end suites. If it’s raining at port, you might consider staying on the ship, but that doesn’t stop everyone. Bring a travel umbrella; weather can be unpredictable, especially in the Caribbean, where rain showers come and go. It’s also a must-pack item for cruises to Alaska, and we certainly used ours.
Essentials Toiletries & First Aid You’ll Need
30. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Planning to sunbathe on the pool deck or at the beach at port? Don’t forget sunscreen—even on overcast days. I skipped it once on a cloudy day and regretted it with a severe sunburn. Sunscreen is a cruise essential and will cost you double or triple the normal cost on the cruise ship. Try to get reef-friendly sunscreen if you’re heading out snorkeling at port.
31. Take Care of That Sunburn with This Sunburn Relief
Ever ended up buying overpriced aloe at the port due to a bad sunburn? Been there. Despite ample sunscreen in Hawaii, we faced serious sunburns. Discovered an incredible after-sun moisturizer in Kauai that is amazing and worth bringing with you.
32. Keep Mosquitos Away: Mosquito Repellent
This will depend on where you’re cruising, but adding an insect repellent to your cruise packing list isn’t a bad idea. If mosquitos love you, you won’t regret having a good repellent with you. We love the Natrapel brand repellent, which you can find in sporting goods stores like REI.
33. Prepare for Seasickness
Bring sea bands or a motion sickness patch, just in case. If you prefer alternatives to medications like Dramamine or Bonine. Ginger pills can help, but start taking them 2-3 weeks before the cruise for effectiveness. Green apples in the buffet are readily available and can assist with motion sickness.
34. Shared Cabin Tip: Poo-Pourri to the Rescue
When sharing a cabin with limited bathroom privacy, like on the Norwegian Epic cruise ship, having a bottle of Poo-Pourri can be a lifesaver. This before-you-go toilet spray ensures a more pleasant shared space experience.
35. No Iron, No Problem: Use Downey Release Spray
Avoid the hassle of no irons onboard with Downy Wrinkle Release Spray. Just spray it on your clothes, smooth them out, and watch the wrinkles disappear within minutes. You can also hang your clothes in the bathroom after spraying with the hot water running. The steam will help loosen those wrinkles out even more.
Note: Some Carnival, Princess, and Disney ships may have laundry rooms with irons, but you should verify within your cruise roll call or Facebook groups for the cruise ship if they are available.
You can also consider sending clothes for formal nights for proper ironing on day 1 of your cruise.
36. Laundry Detergent for Handwashing
We love to travel with the Tide-to-Go packets when we cruise. These handy detergent packets are perfect for handwashing clothes, and a little goes a long way—lasting for 2-3 washes.
If washing machines are available during our travels, we bring a few Tide pods from home in a ziplock bag for convenience.
37. Tide-To-Go Pen For Quick Clean-Up of Small Stains
Don’t travel anywhere without a Tide-to-Go pen. This pen is such a lifesaver. It will easily clean out spots you probably don’t know how they got there. Takes up no space, and it’s easy to pack.
38. Add Electrolyte Mixes to Your List
PinWhether exploring hot ports or winding down with a few drinks, enhance your cruise experience by including travel packs of electrolyte mixes to your cruise essentials.
Our top choice is Liquid I.V Hydration Multiplier, a refreshing and effective way to replenish electrolytes and stay energized. They are easy to pack, and the packets are small enough to keep 1 or 2 with you in your bag.
39. Medications You Need
PinFor regular prescription medications, ensure they are always in your bag with you. Consider adding over-the-counter meds that you think you will need. Our handy pill organizer is filled with potential OTC meds and has proved invaluable during our travels. You can purchase something like this, too, and then label it.
Include:
- Allergy meds
- Aspirin (Tylenol)
- Anti-inflammatory (Advil, Aleve)
- Cold meds
- Anti-diarrhea (Immodium, Pepto)
- Dramamine
Create a list based on your needs. Be prepared for unexpected health situations during your cruise.
40. First Aid Kit
Always bring a small first-aid kit when traveling. They sell premade ones online that you can purchase and add a few things to do or make your own.
We do have travel with a first-aid kit with bandages and the like, but these are the top things that we like to keep in our first-aid kit outside of medications:
41. Avoid Getting Sick: Use Hand Sanitizers and Disinfectants
When we travel, we always carry hand sanitizers and wipes. You can find mini disinfectants in local convenience stores, pharmacies, and markets.
While cruise ships have hand sanitizer stations, hand washing stations, and staff equipped with spray bottles with hand sanitizers, carrying your own helps keep your hands germ-free between hand washes is wise. Be proactive about your hygiene even when on board.
Is this a 100% foolproof way of not getting sick? No, but it helps to minimize your chances and someone else’s.
Printable Cruise Essentials Packing List
PinWe’ve created a printable cruise packing list of the essentials mentioned in this post. You can cross off anything you don’t plan to take or don’t make sense for your traveling style. Check mark things you plan to pack as you add them to your suitcase.
Print CRUISE PACKING LIST PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for my first cruise?
For your first cruise, pack travel documents, casual and formal clothing, toiletries, medications, electronics, sun protection, travel accessories, and optional items such as books to read.
What do I not need on a cruise?
On a cruise, you do not need to worry about packing things like shampoo, conditioner, and soap if you don’t mind using what they provide. You can also leave behind hangers and household items like coffee machines and don’t think of bringing an iron or a steamer as they are prohibited items that are not allowed on a cruise ship.
What do I need when boarding a cruise?
When boarding a cruise, you must have your official identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID, and your boarding pass. Have a credit card to link to your cruise card for onboard expenses and cash for additional tipping. Additionally, you should keep the necessary medications and change clothes in your carry-on bag to be pool-ready if your checked luggage is delayed.
BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
- Clever Cruise Cabin Hacks and Tips
- Packing For An Alaskan Cruise Must-Haves
- Women’s Cruise Clothing for Packing Smart
- Essential Men’s Cruise Wear Guide and Packing Pointers
- Beach Gear: 25 Must-Have Items for the Beach
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
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