These Are the Items You Should Always Pack for a Cruise, According to Insiders
Your packing list, on deck.
You’ve just booked your first journey at sea—congratulations! The beauty of embarking on a cruise is in someone else figuring it all out for you—food, transportation, entertainment—so you can sit back, grab a drink, and enjoy the voyage. But packing? That’s still your responsibility. You might find yourself asking the almost paradoxical question: What do I need to survive the open water aboard a vessel that seemingly has everything?
Some items are obvious: a valid passport, dinner-ready outfits, a nautical spirit. But there are a few essentials you might not think to bring until you’re already on board, like magnetic hooks (more on that later). Thanks to the advice of our cruise experts, we’ve got your packing list covered. Alex Ojeda, travel influencer and waterpark enthusiast; Amy LaGrow-Rogers and Randy Marsden, advisors at the travel agency FORA who specialize in cruises; and Don and Heidi Bucolo, the husband-and-wife-duo behind EatSleepCruise all weighed in on what and how much to pack so you don’t end up on board with too few pairs of underwear.
What documents do I need?
Unless you’ve booked an entirely domestic or closed loop cruise—meaning your trip begins and ends at a US port—you’re going to need your passport, as well as any necessary visas. Be sure to check entry requirements before embarking.
"The single most important thing I remind all of my clients about packing is to make sure they pack their passports and legal documents,” says LaGrow-Rogers. “You can buy almost anything you need on the ship or in a port, but you can't get on the ship without those!"
What kinds of clothes should I pack?
In addition to the run-of-the-mill packing formula—casual outfits for the day, dressier outfits for the night, and, according to Ojeda, “more socks and underwear than you think you’ll need”—there are a few things to keep in mind.
“Check your cruise itinerary to see if there are any specific attire requirements, such as formal nights, as well as any themed nights,” says Marsden. “Some cruise lines are strict about the dress code on formal nights.”
And regardless of your itinerary, you’ll want to pack a bathing suit. “Even if it's not beach weather, many cruise ships sailing in colder regions have spas, indoor pools, and/or thermal suites for guests to relax after a long day ashore,” say the Bucolos.
Ojeda also suggests preparing a backpack specifically for embarkation day. After checking in your luggage, your bags are usually delivered to your stateroom by 3 or 4 pm, but there could always be delays. “Pack swim trunks and sunscreen [in the backpack],” says Ojeda. “This lets you enjoy ship amenities like the flowrider right away.” And because you’ll be placing your luggage outside of your room the night before disembarkation, LaGrow-Rogers recommends setting out an outfit along with any other essential items to carry off, so you don’t have to leave the ship in a borrowed robe and last night’s makeup.
Will my electronics work?
In an ideal world, cruise ship travelers would use the romance of the open sea as an excuse to completely disconnect. But without working phones, how would we get TikTok updates from the nine-month Ultimate Cruise? Ojeda recommends a portable charger to carry around with you on board, as well as extra-long phone chargers—“outlets can be far from the bed,” he explains.
And not all outlets are created the same. “Most cruise ships are built in Europe, so if you want to have access to more plugs, bring US to European power adapters,” says Marsden.
What happens if I get seasick?
It’s always a good idea to put together a little first-aid kit, should any emergencies arise. Marsden says, “Very few people actually experience seasickness aboard a cruise ship, but it doesn't hurt to pack non-drowsy motion sickness medications, patches or bands, especially if your ship is traveling in areas prone to rough seas or if your itinerary includes tenders to take you to shore.”
How can I maximize storage in my cruise cabin?
“First-time cruisers might not know that cruise cabins are small in size when compared to many hotel rooms,” the Bucolos say. “Luckily though, the walls are metal, allowing guests to use magnetic hooks to hang items like bags, hats, coats, and other accessories to free up closet space.”
Marsden adds, “Just be sure to buy ones that don't cause scratches, or add tape between the magnet and the wall to minimize damage.”
The Bucolos are also in favor of an over-the-door shoe organizer—“but not to hold shoes,” they say. “Instead, this lightweight and packable accessory can be used to store small items like jewelry, toiletries, tour tickets, small electronics, and charging cords. This will help to free up counter space on the desk and bathroom vanity of your cruise cabin.”
You might also want to consider ways to keep your clothes looking nice and fresh after days of excursions. “If you are traveling for a long time or you want to pack light, buy laundry detergent specific to hand washing in a sink,” Marsden says. “These are usually found in packets in the travel toiletry aisle at stores.”
What should I include in my toiletry bag?
Bring sunscreen! “Yes, you can get sunburned even in destinations like Alaska or Antarctica,” the Bucolos say.
Marsden adds an important point. “Before packing your usual sunscreen, make sure it is ‘reef safe,’” he says. “Some cruises mandate this. We need to keep our waters clean so we can keep sailing on them.”
Will a credit card suffice?
Don’t forget to bring some bills. “While payment for drinks or merchandise purchased on the cruise ship are charged to your onboard account, we always suggest you still bring some cash with you,” the Bucolos say. “Small bills come in handy for tipping crew members or tour operators ashore. Plus, having local currency can be helpful for small purchases ashore.”
If you decide to go the ATM route, “be sure that your ATM card allows for withdrawals internationally with no fee, even better if it’s one that provides rebates on the fees charged by the ATM machine,” Marsden adds. “That way you don't have to search out specific ATMs ashore.”
What can’t I bring?
If you’d like to have access to your favorite beverages in your cabin, check your cruise line’s policy. “Most allow a certain amount of bottles of wine, cans of beer/seltzers, and/or water,” Marsden says. “These must be carried on, or else they may get confiscated from any checked luggage. I think they want you to put in the work if you decide to BYOB!”
As a general rule of thumb, leave behind anything that would be forbidden on a plane, like knives or flammable liquids. “You also won't be able to bring power strips, extension cords, irons/steamers... basically anything that can catch fire,” says Marsden. “To keep your clothes wrinkle free, consider wrinkle release spray, or do what I do and pack clothes that are less likely to wrinkle easily.”