THE ESSENTIAL CRUISE SHIP PACKING LIST
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by Condé Nast Traveler editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission.
I've been on more than a dozen cruise ships in my lifetime, which has given me plenty of experience in determining what to pack for a cruise. Between studying abroad on a ship with Semester at Sea, family travel—my parents both spent their careers working for cruise lines, so it was the de facto summer vacation growing up—and assignments for work, I count myself lucky to have traveled everywhere from the Mediterranean and Alaska to the Caribbean via cruise ship. All of those trips have made me something of a pro at packing for a cruise, if I do say so myself.
Now, unless you're on an expedition trip to, say, Antarctica, packing for cruise is a fairly straightforward endeavor: On warm weather trips, throw some bathing suits, sandals, a Kindle full of books to read by the pool, and your usual wardrobe staples into a carry-on and you're basically good to go. On colder trips, add in some layers—but keep the swimsuit, so you can make the most of the spa facilities and hot tubs. Beyond that, though, there are a few trip essentials that shouldn't be left off your cruise packing list, including small items that'll help you cut down on excess carry-on or checked bag weight. Looking to tailor your outfits to the location you're headed to? I've got recommendations there, too.
Below, my best tips on what to pack for a cruise.
- Before embarkation
- Around the ship
- By the pool
- Formal nights
- In the cabin
- Shore excursions
- For Caribbean cruises
- For European river cruises
- For Alaska cruises
Before embarkation
First thing's first: If you've experienced seasickness before, or are headed on your first cruise, it's a good idea to come prepared with Dramamine and Sea-Bands, which apply pressure to a point on your wrist that can help reduce nausea, just in case motion sickness occurs.
If you're headed to an international destination, you'll want a protective case to keep travel documents (passport, visas) safe in, and something to make sure you can charge up while en route. Nearly every cruise ship is equipped with both American and European plugs, but don’t let that stop you from tucking a travel adaptor into your bag: If you’re doing any additional travel before or after your cruise, or have a long layover along the way, an adaptor will come in handy.
Lastly, wherever you're headed, give yourself some added peace of mind with luggage tags, like Apple AirTags or Samsung Galaxy SmartTags, and a portable luggage scale, so you can shuffle around items as needed before you get to baggage check.
Around the ship
Sea days are often spent strolling around the ship: watching discussions or performances in the theater, gazing at the open water while lounging poolside, lingering in a dining room for a long lunch, or curling up in the library with a good read. You'll want outfits that are easy enough to throw over a bathing suit (like sundresses or linen shirts), as well as layers to keep you warm when the cool sea breeze rolls in around dusk (or the air conditioning is pumping particularly hard in the game room). A light windbreaker like the one below from Janji is much cooler than a poncho, and will keep you dry if a sudden rain shower breaks out when you're on an outdoor deck. Bring along your own reusable water bottle, too—most ships have fill-up stations in dining areas and on disembarkation floors, so you can skip the plastic bottles and stay hydrated both on the ship and off.
Sunglasses are of course an essential. If, like me, you aren't the best at keeping track of expensive sunglasses—or live in fear of dropping them overboard—a cheap but trendy pair from Amazon just might be the move. Lastly, forgo the stack of books and bring along a Kindle or other e-Reader. The Kindle Paperwhite is my favorite, since it's super small and lightweight (under eight ounces) and has a weeks-long battery life, meaning you can leave your charger at home. Even better, it's waterproof, so you need not worry about splashes in the pool or tub.
By the pool
If you're headed to a warm location, you'll probably want to take advantage of the pool deck, especially on sea days, so swim trunks or a bathing suit are a given. Keep skin protected with sunscreen and a sun hat—for the former, I love Supergoop's Play spray sunscreen for body and Unseen sunscreen for face; the latter goes on smoothly with no white cast. As for a hat, stick with something neutral you can wear on shore excursions as well as on board. Lack of Color's straw hat is especially ship-friendly—on windy days, tighten the chin strap to keep it from flying off. Beyond swimwear, add a cover-up and some waterproof sandals, like Birkenstock's Arizona Essentials or Tevas, which offer more support than flip flops, and you're good to go.
Formal nights
Whether you're sailing on a larger ship with Celebrity or Royal Caribbean or a smaller vessel with Seabourn or Silversea, you'll likely encounter at least one black-tie evening or formal night during your cruise (consult the cruise line's dress code page for specifics). For itineraries that include several formal nights, I like packing one or two staple dresses in a neutral color and pairing them with bold accessories to feel like I'm changing up my look without bringing a new outfit for each night. When packing dress shoes, go with something comfortable—the last thing you want is to be teetering around on four-inch heels when the water is even slightly rocky. And since you won't need much but your phone, room key, and maybe a lipstick when wandering around the ship, bring a small purse with room for just the essentials so you can avoid carrying around a bulky crossbody or tote when you head to dinner.
In the cabin
Nothing beats kicking back and relaxing in your stateroom after a long day of exploring—especially if you can watch the waves roll by from the comfort of your bed. Up the cozy factor with a pair of comfy socks; Brother Vellies' Cloud socks are a favorite of many Traveler editors, myself included. Even though most ships leave fluffy robes hanging in the closet, I like to pack a thinner one with me too, to wear in the mornings or while getting ready, especially since it doesn’t take up much room, even in a carry-on.
I also love a weighted sleep mask for ultimate relaxation (and darkness); Nodpod's can be laid over your head if you sleep on your back, or secured via a loop if you're a side sleeper or tend to move around. On the skincare front, hydrating face lotion is a toiletries essential no matter the climate you're traveling to—both ends of the temperature spectrum can lead to dried out skin (on that note, don’t forget a lip balm, too).
Then, of course, there are the Dopp kit basics: Travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body and face wash; makeup and skincare products, including sunscreen; contact lens solution or eye drops; a toothbrush and toothpaste; deodorant; meds; and maybe aloe vera (if you burn easily) and Band-Aids (just in case). I’ve never been on a cruise ship that didn’t offer a hair dryer, so you can leave that at home unless you’re really specific about your hair tools.
Shore excursions
Rule number one for shore excursions: Wear comfortable walking shoes. You might also need water shoes, depending on your ports of call and itinerary, but a pair of lightweight sneakers will come in handy for any and all sightseeing tours. The Hoka Kawanas have been my go-to for about a year now—they offer tons of support for long days on your feet, and while they're not my usual running shoe, they can stand in as one if I plan on heading out for a run while away.
If you plan on doing any shopping, stuff a mesh tote or Baggu bag in your day bag or crossbody—it weighs next to nothing and folds up small, but has plenty of room when unfolded to carry whatever souvenirs (or bottle of wine) you bring back on board. Plus, thanks to its material, Baggu bags double as a perfect beach tote to stash a towel and wet swimsuit in, if the day calls for a change of clothes.
Speaking of water, if you're planning to hike waterfalls, go kayaking or snorkeling, or participate in any other water-adjacent activity, bring along a waterproof phone case to keep your cell phone protected and easily accessible (I like the Pelican style below for its lanyard, and because it floats—I've brought it to Puerto Rico, Panama, and Miami, among other places.) Another fun pick: An underwater camera, if you'd rather leave your phone tucked away.
Shop by destination
As with any packing list, you’ll want to start with the basics: pajamas, comfortable T-shirts and pants, casual and more formal dresses, etc. Top off your list of wardrobe staples with pieces well-suited to your ports of call—bright colors and florals for the Caribbean, chunky sweaters and wool slacks for Alaska, and breezy linen and textured knits for Europe. (Packing tip: Short on space in your carry-on? Compressive packing cubes are your friend.)
The Caribbean cruise
The Alaska cruise
The European river cruise
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
- Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips
- 53 Best Travel Gifts for Every Globetrotter on Your List
- The Best Small Purses for Hands-Free Travel Days
- The Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses for Cold-Weather Destinations
- The 31 Best Walking Shoes for Long Travel Days
