The cruise packing list you’ll actually use.
From passports to pool days, this is a practical start-to-finish checklist for getting the family aboard without the last-minute ‘what did we forget?’ panic.
Before you start
Use this as your master list, then adjust it for your itinerary, weather, cruise line, length of sailing, excursions, and family. Requirements and prohibited items can vary by cruise line and destination.
Packing list · 01
Documents & money
- Passport and/or required government ID
- Cruise documents and boarding information
- Travel insurance information
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash and small bills for ports and tips
- Emergency contact information
- Copies or secure digital backups of important documents
Packing list · 02
Embarkation-day carry-on
Your checked luggage may not reach your cabin right away, so keep anything you need for the first several hours with you.
- Prescription medications
- Phone and wallet
- Charging cable / portable power bank
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Change of clothes or dinner outfit
- Essential toiletries
- Kids’ must-haves
- Valuables
- Reusable water bottle
Packing list · 03
Clothing
- Casual daytime outfits
- Dinner outfits
- Formal/elegant-night outfit if you plan to participate
- Swimsuits
- Cover-ups
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Light sweater or layer for cool indoor spaces
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals / pool shoes
- Workout clothes if needed
- Hat
Packing list · 04
Toiletries & personal care
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo / conditioner if you prefer your own
- Hairbrush / comb
- Hair products
- Makeup / skincare
- Razor
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contacts / glasses and supplies
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Travel-size stain remover
- Wrinkle-release spray
Packing list · 05
Cabin helpers
- Magnetic cabin hooksWe actually pack these →
- Cruise luggage tag holdersWe actually pack these →
- Lanyards for cruise cardsWe actually pack these →
- Cruise-appropriate charging setupSee what we pack →
- Packing cubesSee our pick →
- Small laundry bag
- Night-light
- Cabin fan if desiredSee our pick →
- Hanging toiletry organizer
Packing list · 06
Pool, beach & port days
- Waterproof phone pouchSee our pick →
- Waterproof waist pouch / dry bagSee our pick →
- Beach or excursion bag
- Water shoes if your excursion calls for them
- Towel clips or bands
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Cooling towel or portable fan
- Snorkel gear if you prefer your own
- Lightweight rain poncho
Packing list · 07
Tech
- Phones
- Smartwatch
- Camera / action camera
- Chargers and cables
- Portable power bankSee our pick →
- Headphones / earbuds
- Luggage tracker if used
- Downloaded entertainment for offline time
Packing list · 08
Traveling with kids
- Kids’ medications
- Headphones
- Tablet / device and charger
- Small games or activities
- Comfort item
- Extra swimsuit
- Snacks for travel day
- Refillable bottle
- Any needed stroller gear
- A change of clothes in the carry-on
Packing list · 09
Health & just-in-case items
- All prescription medications in your carry-on
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Motion-sickness products you normally use
- Pain reliever you normally use
- Bandages
- Hand sanitizer
- Any personal medical supplies you may need
Packing list · 10
Leave at home / check first
Cruise-line rules differ and can change. Always check your specific cruise line’s current prohibited-items policy before packing.
- Irons and clothes steamers
- Candles / incense
- Weapons or prohibited items
- Surge-protected power strips
- Anything specifically prohibited by your cruise line
Need the gear?
Ashley’s travel must-haves
The checklist stays useful whether you buy anything or not. When you do need something, our Travel Must-Haves page has a smaller collection of practical picks—including items we actually pack ourselves.
Browse travel must-haves →