What to Pack for Your Cruise

So you’re going on a cruise. Hooray!

But what do you pack?

Packing for a cruise can be a bit overwhelming. The idea of being stuck on a ship for several days and unable to pop out to the store to pick up cold medicine or a toothbrush may stress you out. It stresses me out.

Don’t fear; I’ve compiled this comprehensive packing list for your cruise.

The Essentials

You will need these essential items on your trip, no matter which itinerary you’re cruising.

Passports/ Birth Certificates
Photo Identification
Cruise Documents
Suitcases
Luggage Tags
Medical Insurance Cards
Travel Insurance Information
Credit Cards/Cash
Phone/Charger
Medications

Pro Planning Tip: We recommend using Jessica Lieb with ET Family Travel to book your vacation!

Clothes

Packing clothes for a cruise is a little bit different than most vacations. You may change clothes throughout the day depending upon your selected activities. Because your room is so easily accessible, changing clothes for dinner quickly is easy.

The destination of your cruise will determine what types of clothes you will need to pack.

Pajamas
Underwear/Bras
Socks
Shirts
Shorts
Pants
Dresses
Swimsuit & Cover Up
Workout Clothes
Athletic Shoes
Flip Flops
Sunglasses
Hat
Jacket

Toiletries

Most cruise lines provide toiletries in your stateroom, like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. However, you may prefer to bring your products from home. Some toiletries are available to purchase onboard, but it will be much cheaper if you can get everything you need from home.

Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair Brush
Hair Products
Soap
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Lip Balm
Face Wash
Skin Care Products
Body Lotion
Razor
Deodorant
Makeup
Contacts/ Solution/ Glasses
Feminine Products
Medication
Vitamins/ Supplements
Dramamine
Tissues

Baby Items

Traveling with a baby requires a lot of extra gear. Family cruise lines are great for accommodating families with small children, but the best baby gear for travel doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive.

Diapers & Wipes
Diaper Bag
Bibs
Baby Toys
Baby Food
Bottles/ Formula
Pacifiers
Baby Blankets

Excursions

Depending on your excursion, you may need to bring more or less when disembarking the ship. But here are a few of the typical items you may want to bring with you:

Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Belt Bag/ Small Backpack
Passport/ Birth Certificate
Photo ID
Water Bottle
Portable Charger
Swimwear
Change of Clothes
Poncho/Umbrella
First Aid Kit
Waterproof Phone Case

Beach/Pool Essentials

Laying on the beach or by the pool is the perfect way to spend the day relaxing in the sun. Here are a few things you may want to pack in your day bag: