Pack for the ship you booked, not a generic list from 2011
Formal nights if they exist on your line, Alaska layers, Caribbean sun, and documents in your carry-on.
Pack for the itinerary and the line you actually booked
Dress expectations vary by cruise line and sailing. Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and a short Bahamas cruise need different bags. Ashley uses the current line guidance and itinerary instead of a generic cruise list from 2011.
What belongs in the planning conversation
Carry-on
Documents, medication, valuables, chargers, and anything you need before checked luggage reaches the cabin should stay with you.
Weather
Alaska layers, Caribbean sun protection, rain, and shoulder-season temperatures should follow the itinerary rather than the word cruise.
Dining clothes
Formal, elegant, chic, casual, lines use different language. Pack for the current guidance and your own plans.
Port gear
Water shoes, walking shoes, day bags, reef-safe sun protection, or a light layer may matter more than another dinner outfit depending on excursions.
Pack in this order
Documents and medication
These do not belong in checked luggage. Keep anything you cannot replace quickly in your carry-on.
Weather and ports
Pack for the coldest, wettest, hottest, or most active part of the itinerary before worrying about dinner photos.
Ship expectations
Check the cruise line’s current prohibited-items and dress guidance for the actual sailing instead of copying a generic list.
Nice-to-haves
Only after the essentials are covered should the magnetic hooks, themed outfits, and seventeen backup shoes begin their campaign for suitcase space.
Keep going
Related pages that actually help
Ready when you are
Tell Ashley what you’re picturing.
Share who is coming, what you care about, and what still feels messy. Ashley will help you turn that into a plan.
“Tell me what you're dreaming about, I'll help you shape the rest.”