Packing for any trip is no small feat, but that's especially the case for a cruise. There's so much to consider prior to boarding your ship that packing shouldn't have to -- and sometimes can't -- take up too much of your planning, time and patience. That's precisely where our cruise packing list comes in to help.
We've listed everything you'd need and likely need while on a cruise so you don't have to. The only thing you would need to do is check items off as you go.
It's both downloadable and printable, so you can easily mark off what you've already put in your suitcase and/or carry-on or take it with you to the store while you're shopping. We've even included a few blank spaces in case you have anything else you'd like to pencil in and pack.
Don't forget to check out our article that covers what you can't pack for a cruise as well. If you feel you need more guidance for your first cruise, look at our article that's a beginner's guide to packing for a cruise.
Our Ultimate Printable Cruise Packing List
Find our "what to pack for a cruise" checklist PDF here. The PDF is downloadable and printable, but we've also included the list directly below.
Editor's note: Not all of the items listed are necessary on every cruise. What you will need to pack depends on several factors, including where you're traveling, for how long, what the weather will be like and the activities in which you plan to participate. This checklist serves as a general guide, but what you pack is ultimately your responsibility.
Book/E-reader/reading material
Camera/lenses/batteries
Cash
Change of clothes
Charging wires
Chewing gum/mints
Computer/tablet
Credit/debit cards
Cruise and flight boarding passes
Cruise itinerary/cruise information
Deodorant
Document holder/money belt
Ear plugs
Eye mask
Hair elastic(s)
Hand lotion
Hand sanitizer
Handheld video games
Headphones
Hotel info (if applicable)
Keys
Lip balm
Medical insurance card(s)
Pen
Photocopies of ID and credit cards
Power bank
Reusable water bottle
Snack
Sweater/large scarf
Tissues
Valuables/jewelry
Wallet
Activewear
Aloe
Baby wipes/baby powder
Baby gear/diapers
Beach towel
Belt(s)
Binoculars
Bras/undershirts
Bug spray
Contacts/contact solution/case
Converter/adapter
Day pack/beach bag
Dental floss
Dress shirts
Dresses
Eye glasses/sunglasses
Face wash/cleanser
Fanny pack/drawstring bag
Feminine hygiene products
First-aid kit/pain reliever
Flats
Hair brush/comb
Hair elastics/scrunchies/clips
Hair products/gels
Hairstyling tool(s)
Hat/gloves
Heels/dress shoes
Jacket
Jeans
Laundry items
Makeup/brushes/makeup remover
Moisturizer
Nail file/clippers
Nail polish
Rain jacket
Pajamas
Pashmina/scarf
Perfume/cologne
Purse
Sandals/flip-flops
Shampoo/conditioner
Shaving supplies
Shirts
Shoes
Shorts
Shower cap
Skirts
Slacks
Sneakers/athletic shoes
Soap/body wash
Socks
Stockings
Sunscreen
Sweaters/hoodies
Swim goggles
Swimwear/bathing suits
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tie
Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash
Tweezers
Umbrella
Undergarments
Vitamins
Waterproof hiking boots
Water shoes
Wet bags/zip-top bags
Here are some more of our packing articles to help you pack just right, no matter what cruise you're going on:
What Not to Forget On a Cruise: 14 Things You'll Need on Your Cruise
17 Worst Cruise Packing Mistakes
Packing for an Antarctica Cruise: 10 Must-Bring Items
Hawaii Packing List for Cruises: 10 Travel Essentials
What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: 10 Must-Pack Items