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Essential Cruise Packing Guide

  • Writer: Gracie Sanchez
    Gracie Sanchez
  • May 19
  • 4 min read

Updated: May 26



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.


First Day...

For the initial day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes, and any medications you might require. This ensures you won't have to wait for your checked luggage to reach your stateroom.


Attire for onboarding...

Shorts, t-shirts, Slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses, and sundresses are all ideal for daytime wear, both indoors and outdoors.


For lounging by the pool, pack two swimsuits, comfy shoes such as flip-flops or sneakers, casual shorts, and some t-shirts or a cover-up. For the gym, bring additional shorts, t-shirts, socks, and either tennis or running shoes. For ice skating, make sure to have long pants and socks for both comfort and safety.


Dinner attire...

Here are my recommendations for meals in the main dining room.:

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+

Keep It 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

Smart 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.


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.


beach dress this dress might be all the dress that you will ever need. It is that little black dress that you can wear several ways. It comes in several colors too.


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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