Packing for your cruise?

Packing for a cruise is different from a typical land vacation!

Why?

There are several important reasons.

Here’s a breakdown of why cruise packing requires more specific planning:

You Can’t Just Run to the Store

• Why it matters: Once you’re at sea, there are no drugstores, malls, or quick Target runs.
• Purchasing items from the cruise ship gift shops can be very expensive.
• What to do: Bring all your medications, toiletries, and cruise-specific gear (like seasickness remedies, swimwear, sunscreen).

My curling iron broke on day two of an eight day cruise. I have stick straight hair! I could not find a curling iron to purchase anywhere throughout my whole cruise. That’s why I don’t have any photos from that cruise! 😂

Limited Cabin Space

• Why it matters: Cruise cabins are smaller than most hotel rooms.
• What to do: Use packing cubes or the rolling method, and pack only what you need. Soft-sided luggage or collapsible bags can be stored more easily under the bed.

Even though the cabin is small, they actually have some great, efficient storage areas. I just take a few extra wire hangers as I like to hang most of our clothes.

Multiple Types of Activities in One Trip

• Why it matters: You’ll need clothes for:
  
  • Poolside lounging
  • Formal dinners
  • Shore excursions (hiking, beach days, city tours)
  • Onboard events (themed nights, fitness, spa)
• What to do: Plan versatile outfits and mix-and-match options.

Remember, you can wear something more than once!

Cruise-Specific Dress Codes

• Why it matters: Most cruise lines have formal nights, themed events, and smart casual dress codes for dining.
• What to do: Pack at least one formal outfit and check your cruise line’s dress code guidelines.

Fortunately, many of the popular cruise lines have relaxed their elegant night dress codes. They no longer require suits and formal attire.

Unpredictable Weather at Sea

• Why it matters: It can be warm in port and chilly or rainy on deck.
• What to do: Pack light layers, a sweater, and a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case.

If you get in a pinch, you can always wear the bathrobe the cruise line provides! (You may have to request one from your cabin steward.)

You Need Travel Documents Readily Accessible

• Why it matters: Embarkation requires passports, birth certificates, cruise documents, and health forms.
• What to do: Pack these in your carry-on and not your checked luggage.

Remember to keep your documents with you when you disembark from your cruise! I have seen other passengers frantically searching through their luggage. They were looking for their passports at customs when we were getting off the ship!

Day Bags Are Essential

• Why it matters: Your luggage might not arrive at your stateroom until later on embarkation day.
• What to do: Pack a carry-on with swimsuits, sunscreen, medications, and any first-day must-haves.

I always use a small rolling suitcase instead of a bag. It’s much easier to use with the long walkways to get on the ship.

PACKING TIPS

Smart Packing Strategy

• Pack by outfit, not by item (saves space and overpacking).
• Use packing cubes to stay organized.
• Roll clothing to prevent wrinkles and save space.

Mix and Match

• Choose a color scheme to mix tops and bottoms easily.
• Rewear basics like shorts or pants with new tops.

Laundry Options

• Many ships have self-service laundry rooms or laundry services. Check on this before you go. Take laundry pods or sheets and dryer sheets
• If you prefer not to do laundry, bring:
  
  • Travel-sized detergent to wash a few things out in the sink
  • Wrinkle release non-aerosol spray

BONUS TIPS

• Bring a small carry-on tote with 1st-day essentials (swimwear, meds, docs), since your main luggage might arrive at your cabin later.
• Bring wrinkle-free fabrics when possible—irons and steamers are typically not allowed in cabins.
• Magnetic hooks work great to hang hats, swimwear, or accessories on your cabin walls.

Start packing early! I have a suitcase I leave open a few weeks before my cruise. I put the things I know I want to take in it.

I have a dedicated suitcase that I always leave our cruise essentials in when I unpack from our cruise. Things like lanyards, luggage tag holders, travel clock, onboard bags, shoe holder, magnets, mug, etc. This way I already have a good start in my packing before we cruise!

Do you follow social media groups? You will always hear experienced cruisers saying to pack half of what you think you will need! That’s probably true. However, I like to be comfortable. I prefer to add the expense of purchasing an extra suitcase to our flights. I do this instead of wishing I had brought something!

Essential Packing List for Your Warm Weather Cruise

Cruise Line Luggage Guidelines: What You Need to Know