Essential Cruise Packing Guide
- Gracie Sanchez
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Before we start packing, let's confirm the essentials of your cruise: your destination, your travel dates, and whether the climate will be cooler or more tropical.
What to Pack for a Cruise
Camera. Sunscreen. Swimsuit. Watershoes. Okay, now that we've got the basics out of the way, here are a few must-have cruise items that'll help make your vacation more comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.
On the first day...
For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes, and any medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your stateroom.
Onboard attire...
Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect during the day, whether indoors or out.
For lounging by the pool, pack two bathing suits (an extra suit in case the other is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (e.g., flip-flops, sandals, sneakers). You'll also need some casual shorts and a couple of t-shirts or a cover-up for getting to and from the pool areas.
If you're planning to visit the onboard fitness center, be sure to bring extra shorts, t-shirts and socks that you won't mind working out in - plus a pair of tennis or running shoes/sneakers.
If you're planning to ice skate on cruise please make sure to bring long pants and socks. All skaters are required to wear long pants and socks for their own comfort and safety.
Dinner attire...
Meals in the main dining room follow this schedule:
Cruise Length | Casual | Smart Casual | Formal |
3-night | 2 | 0 | 1 |
4-night | 3 | 0 | 1 |
5-night | 3 | 1 | 1 |
6-night | 3 | 1 | 2 |
7-night | 4 | 1 | 2 |
8-night | 4 | 2 | 2 |
9-night | 5 | 2 | 2 |
10-night | 6 | 2 | 2 |
11-night | 7 | 2 | 2 |
12-night | 8 | 2 | 2 |
13-night | 9 | 2 | 2 |
14-night | 8 | 3 | 3 |
15-night+ | Remaining Casual | 3 | 3 |
The number of smart casual and formal nights is at the ship's discretion.
Note: *Some 12-night European cruises may have 3 formal nights
Suggested guidelines for these nights are:
Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses, or pants for women
Samart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women
Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women
For fun... There are four very important types of books you'll want to consider packing:
Travel guides - to help you explore new destinations
Poolside pleasures - nothing beats a great read in the sun
Journal - keep an account of your adventure for sharing and reminiscing
Address book - send your friends a postcard to make them jealous
Binoculars are another often forgotten, yet indispensable travel item. Be sure to pack a pair for magnified excitement onboard and onshore.
Save space...
Bring shirts and pants/skirts that mix and match, turning three outfits into five or six.
Wear your heaviest shoes during embarkation and disembarkation so you don't have to pack them.
Pack small items inside larger ones for efficiency.
Bring an additional empty bag for those acquired extras.
For formal nights you'll need cocktail dresses for women, suits and ties - or tuxedos - for men. And for the smart casual nights bring dresses or pantsuits for women, jackets for men.
Don't forget shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits might not be considered appropriate attire in the dining room at dinner. Casual dress dining is available in the Cafes and buffets. And be aware you'll also need smart casual attire for some of the specialty restaurants.
Tuxedo rentals for formal dinners and special occasions might be offered by the cruiseline.
Onshore attire...
You'll need comfortable walking shoes, as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.
If you are cruising to Northern Europe or Alaska, remember that nights on deck can be cool. Bring sweaters, jackets and long pants. And if you'll be touring any museums, cathedrals or churches, it's always wise to dress conservatively. You may also want to bring a raincoat, hiking shoes and a travel umbrella.
Note:
*Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors? I'd check the website.
My personal recommendations: I recommend not forgetting items needed because they will be a lot more expensive on the cruise.
Watershoes (these have been life savers for me. Cheap and you only have to purchase once. They come in handy for the beach trips also.)
Foldable bag or backpack (I used to run so I have had tons of these that I got for free. I even take them for my friend)
Swimsuits (tip: I always take two-piece suits with cute tops that are mostly black colors so that I can mix and match, I even use the tops with jeans or etc....) Here is one of the ones that I have https://amzn.to/4wH5zqI
Carry on bag and you can use your foldable bag but I don't. I use another and pack the foldable for excursions etc.
Here is a cheaper foldable bag.
Womens 3 piece lounge sets for change of clothes carry on are awesome. They come in handy in case it is chilly. I always take pants just in case. These are light and easy to carry, do not take a lot of space and you can mix and match if you pick those neutral colors. And you can even wear your swimsuit underneath. You are going to look so fancy and stylish and they are not expensive. If you do not want to spend more money then that light cardigan comes in handy.
Mens 3 piece I have to say I love my men in a hawaiian shirt/guayabera. Must be that hispanic side of me. lol! But, I do recommend those neutral colors to mix and match. White, black, beige. Why so many for men? Because, we forget men want to look good too. I found so many cute clothes so I wanted to share.
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