23 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag

what to pack in a cruise

Cruise lines have strict rules about what types of beverages and alcohol you can bring on a cruise ship. If you're picky about wine, many lines will let you bring on a 750 ml bottle or two. Pack your favorite, but be prepared to pay a corkage fee if you drink it at an onboard bar or restaurant.

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Reviewers Reveal Their Top Picks for Cruise Packing.

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Cruise Packing Checklist (What Else You Should Bring)

Use packing cubes to separate different categories of clothing for your cruise. Daywear, evening and sleepwear can all be placed in their own packing cubes. Consider bringing along an inexpensive watch so that you can be sure to stay on ship’s time in the cruise ports of call.

Towel clips

You’ll want to be prepared for fun sea days, beautiful days in port and elegant evenings on the cruise ship. Other cruise packing list must-haves include a facial cleanser, moisturizer, deodorant, shaving supplies, lip balm, Q-tips, and cotton balls/pads. Don't let dirty laundry accumulate on the floor of your cabin's closet or around your room. Pack a lightweight bag you can fill as you go, then pack it with its contents intact at the end of the trip. If you're extra organized, sort laundry by travel companion or separate colors from whites.

what to pack in a cruise

Waterproof Dry Bag

The water on board the ship is filtered and safe to drink, so bring refillable water bottles to sip from while on the ship by the pool and especially in port when going to the beach. Shoe bags are a great packing organizing tool for cruises and any travel. No matter the dress code, make sure to pack cruise wear for the weather. If cruising in a cool climate, pack layers for the day if spending time outdoors. When cruising in the Caribbean, light clothing can be worn most of the time. Like hotels, cruise ships typically provide soap and shampoo in your cabin.

THE Cruise Packing Checklist: 85 Items To Bring (Printable)

If you haven’t discovered the joy of packing an extension cord yet, trust me it’ll feel like an unexpected luxury on your next trip. My brother and I will be sharing a room on our upcoming trip, so an extension cord is especially vital to lessen sibling bickering (yes, even as grown adults). And of course, my brother would want me to tell you this was his idea originally. These Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches, which have 71,000 five-star ratings, were designed to protect your phone from the ocean.

Port day gear

In addition to clothes, you need to pack a few other items with you to make your cruise go smoothly. This includes everything from your boarding documents to your toothbrush. Our checklist of things to pack for a cruise is completely free. While we cover all the items in detail below, you can click the image (or click this link) to download the printable PDF. In other words, when it comes to packing for a cruise, nobody has the expertise — and the experience — that we do.

Since the Caribbean weather is quite warm most of the year, plan on light clothing during the day, like shorts and a t-shirts or tank top, or a light sundress. Winter months (January, February, March) tend to be a little bit cooler, so plan accordingly. It’s important to be prepared with all your cruise essentials, including toiletries, medications, cruise accessories and shoes (yes, many people forget their formal night shoes!!). I also recommend bringing a travel-sized air freshener for the bathroom – there isn’t a lot of ventilation and you can’t simply open the window like you would at home. You might also want to bring along a sun hat or a visor, especially for children who will spend all day in the sun!

You'll likely want one top for each day of your cruise (roll them to save space in your luggage). One or two bathing suits should be the maximum, just don't expect to wear them into dining areas. From breakfast through the afternoon, you don't need to stress about your outfits. If you're cruising in tropical regions, pack one pair of shorts for every two days of your cruise (in cold regions, switch shorts for pants or jeans). If you like to vary your look, pack different color shorts or breezy skirts. Keep Anything for the First Day in Your Carry-OnYou don’t have to check any bags at the port if you don’t want.

Cruise Packing Checklist: Other Items to Bring

Long Pants and SocksIf you’re planning to go ice skating on ships like Allure, Symphony and Wonder of the Seas (and many more!), you’ll want to wear pants and socks. Socks are also good to have in case you want to hit up spots like the rock climbing wall and the zip line on board. This way you’ll be dry and comfortable until you get back to your ship. Small Bag or Tote Bag With EssentialsYou’ll want to get in on the action as soon as you set foot on your ship.

Bring a handful and know that you’re covered for anything you might encounter. One important thing — even if you pack wipes that say they are flushable, do NOT flush them. Flushing anything but toilet paper can cause issues in the ship’s waste systems. You shouldn’t bring enough shoes to fill up an entire shoe organizer. On the ship you will have a small shop selling medicines, alongside other sundries like toothbrushes and deodorant. However, the prices are expensive and they aren’t open 24 hours.

Anatomy of a Cruise Carry-OnWhat you pack in your carry-on bag could make or break your first day onboard. Start your cruise off right by keeping these necessities handy. If you are headed to Alaska, your packing list has many similarities, but will be a little different. Specifically, it includes more cool weather gear, including warm socks, hat, and gloves.

Here’s a list of the most essential items to pack for your cruise. I’ve included both cruise accessories that will be useful for any cruise, as well as things to bring that are specific for your Caribbean Cruise. Dinner WearDressing on board is pretty much come-as-you-are—you’re on vacation after all. We recommend keeping the swimwear, shorts, flip-flops and baseball caps for other parts of your day.

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