The Ultimate Cruise Checklist: 100+ Things to Bring on a Cruise

Picture this: You’ve eagerly awaited your cruise for months, counting down the days until you can set sail. But when you unpack on embarkation day, you realize you forgot some key items amid the packing scramble—from your prescription sunglasses to your power adapter to charge your devices onboard. Suddenly, your much-anticipated vacation has some unnecessary stress from day one.

In 2023, over 31 million people took a cruise vacation, and 35.7 million people are expected to cruise in 2024. And as a baby boomer, you’ve earned the right to relax and enjoy your cruise to the fullest—no wardrobe malfunctions, forgotten vitals, or “what was I thinking?” moments needed. 

That’s where this ultimate cruise checklist comes in. We’ve rounded up 100+ must-have things to bring on a cruise to ensure smooth sailing from embarkation to debarkation. From clothing and accessories to toiletries and tech, shore excursion items, and in-cabin comforts, we’ve got you covered with these cruise essentials—plus some insider tips on what to leave at home.

Cruise Essentials: What Clothes to Pack for a Cruise

Regarding clothing, the key to efficient cruise packing is selecting versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched for various occasions. 

For daytime wear, pack comfortable, casual attire appropriate for your destination. A Caribbean cruise calls for shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and swimwear, while an Alaskan sailing may require warmer layers like light sweaters and jackets. Regardless of your itinerary, it’s wise to pack a few long-sleeved options and a waterproof coat for unexpected weather changes.

Check your cruise line’s dress code for evening wear. Most lines have a “casual” dress code for most nights, meaning collared shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pants with blouses for women. Some cruise lines, particularly luxury, will have one or more “formal” nights where men must wear suits or tuxedos and women don cocktail dresses or gowns. 

If you plan to dine in the main dining room, pack at least one “nice” outfit per cruise week, such as a little black dress, an elegant pantsuit for women, a collared shirt, slacks, or a sports coat for men.

Many cruise lines also host themed nights, like Carnival’s “80s Rock’n’Glow Deck Party,” so consider packing an outfit to match if you want to participate.

Don’t forget appropriate footwear for your cruise activities, including:

• Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing in port
• Dress shoes for the evening (heels or nice flats for women, loafers for men)
• Flip flops for the pool deck and beach
• Water shoes for rocky beaches or active excursions

By packing a mix of casual and dressy items, layers for unpredictable weather, and shoes for various activities, you’ll be well-prepared for any cruise itinerary without overstuffing your suitcase. 

Toiletries and Medications: Don’t Leave Home Without Them

While cruise ships provide basic toiletries like shampoo and soap, bringing your favorites from home is always a good idea. You never know if the provided products will suit your hair type or skin sensitivity, and onboard shops have limited options at inflated prices. Be sure to pack:

• Shampoo, conditioner, and styling products
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Razor and shaving cream
• Deodorant 
• Makeup and remover wipes
• Face wash and moisturizer

Sun protection is crucial on a cruise, even on cloudy days. Pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen (at least SPF 30), aloe vera to soothe sunburns, and lip balm with SPF. If you’re cruising to a tropical destination, don’t forget insect repellent to ward off mosquitos and other pesky bugs.

Regarding medications, it’s better to be over-prepared than under. Cruise ship medical centers can treat minor illnesses and injuries but charge a premium and may not have your preferred remedies. 

Therefore, be sure to include these on your cruise checklist:

• Prescription medications in original bottles (pack enough for a few extra days in case of travel delays)
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Antacids and upset stomach remedies like Pepto Bismol or Tums
• Anti-diarrheal medication like Imodium
• Antihistamines for allergic reactions
• Motion sickness remedies such as Dramamine, Bonine, or acupressure wristbands
• Basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and hydrocortisone cream

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider asking your doctor for a prescription Transderm Scop patch. These patches can provide longer-lasting relief than over-the-counter options.

Other Things to Bring on a Cruise: Electronics and Entertainment

While a cruise is an excellent opportunity to unplug, you’ll still want to bring a few essential tech items for convenience and entertainment. 

First and foremost, download your cruise line’s app before you set sail. These apps provide valuable information like daily schedules, deck plans, dining menus, and port guides. They also offer features like chat messaging and booking shore excursions or dining reservations.

Pack a power strip or multi-port USB charger along with the necessary charging cables to keep all your devices charged. Cruise ship cabins have limited outlets, so consolidating your charging station is critical. Remember to bring a European adapter plug and voltage converter if your ship has international outlets. A portable battery pack is also handy for long-shore excursions.

Also, consider bringing a tablet or laptop, aside from your phones, to watch movies or shows pre-downloaded from your favorite streaming service for in-cabin entertainment. An e-reader or a few paperbacks are great for poolside reading. If you’re traveling with kids, pack a portable gaming device or a favorite stuffed animal to help them feel at home.

Remember your camera and video camera, along with extra batteries, chargers, and memory cards, to capture all your cruise memories. If you don’t have a waterproof phone or camera to take breathtaking pictures of the scenery, a waterproof case or dry beach bag will protect your gear during beach or snorkeling trips.

Carry-On Essentials: Important Items to Keep With You

On embarkation day, your checked luggage can take a while to be delivered to your cabin. To avoid any inconvenience, pack a carry-on bag with all your essentials for the first day.

Start with your important travel documents, such as your passport, boarding pass, travel insurance papers, and vaccine card, if required. Keep them in a secure, easily accessible place, like a travel document holder worn around your neck.

Pack your essential medications and a day’s worth of toiletries in case of any delays. It’s also wise to bring a change of clothes, including your swimsuit if you want to hit the pool right away.

Don’t forget to pack your valuables like jewelry, cash, and credit cards in your carry-on rather than your checked bag. Once on board, you can store these items in your cabin’s safe.

With these essentials, you can start your cruise vacation off on the right foot, even if your luggage takes a few hours to arrive.

What to Bring on a Cruise for a Shore Excursion

One of the best parts of cruising is exploring exciting ports of call. To make the most of your shore excursions, pack some key gear items in addition to your day bag essentials.

A lightweight, water-resistant daypack is perfect for carrying your must-haves like sunscreen, a hat, flip-flops, and your camera. Look for one with comfortable straps and a secure clip for your keys or cruise card.

Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during long days in port. You can fill it up on the ship before disembarking and save money on bottled water in port. You may also want to pack your own snorkel gear for tropical destinations—it’s more hygienic than rental equipment and saves time waiting in line.

If you’re cruising to Alaska, don’t forget your binoculars to spot wildlife from the ship or on excursions. Pack warm layers like a fleece jacket and hat for chilly days, along with a lightweight rain jacket for drizzly weather.

Little Items That Make a Big Difference

Beyond the obvious necessities, there are a few easily overlooked items that can make your cruise experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

Magnetic hooks are a game-changer for maximizing storage space in your cabin. Cruise ships’ metal walls are perfect for hanging up bags, jackets, or wet swimsuits without sacrificing precious closet space. A pop-up hamper or mesh laundry bag is also handy for keeping dirty clothes contained.

For budget-conscious cruisers, packing your own refillable water bottle and travel mug can save you money on bottled water and specialty coffees on board. Just fill them up at the buffet or dining room before heading out for the day.

Experienced cruisers know the importance of bringing cash for tipping in ports, as some local establishments may not accept credit cards. Small bills are best for tipping tour guides, drivers, or porters helping with your luggage.

Finally, zipper bags in various sizes are useful for everything from storing toiletries to keeping your phone dry at the beach to organizing your suitcase. They take up minimal space but offer endless versatility.

What Not to Pack for Your Cruise

Knowing what to pack is just as important as knowing what to leave behind. Cruise lines prohibit some items, like aerosols or outside food, for safety reasons, while others are simply unnecessary and waste precious luggage space.

Other commonly prohibited items to leave off the packing list include weapons (even small pocket knives), illegal drugs, candles, and extension cords. Irons and clothing steamers are also a no-go as they pose a fire hazard. If you desperately need to press a garment, most ships have laundry rooms with irons for passenger use.

As for unnecessary extras, leave your beach towels, hairdryer, and bathrobes at home—your ship will provide these amenities. Formal wear like tuxedos or ball gowns are rarely needed unless you’re sailing on a luxury line with frequent formal nights.

Finally, think twice about packing expensive jewelry or multiple pairs of shoes. Cruise cabins have limited storage space, and it’s not worth the risk of losing a valuable item. Stick to a few versatile pieces and shoes that can mix and match with multiple outfits.

Pack These Cruise Essentials and Enjoy Stress-Free Traveling

With this comprehensive packing list, you’re well on your way to a stress-free and enjoyable cruise vacation. Just remember to pack the cruise essentials for day and night, stay prepared for unexpected health needs, and bring the right gear for your destinations and onboard activities.

By following these guidelines and putting thought into your packing, you can avoid overpacking and ensure you have everything you need to make the most of your trip. With your suitcase sorted, all that’s left is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the cruise vacation you’ve been dreaming of.