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What to pack for your cruise (Photo: Shutterstock)

The Ultimate Printable Cruise Packing List

What to pack for your cruise (Photo: Shutterstock)
Assistant SEO Editor
Marilyn Borth

Last updated
Oct 9, 2024

Read time
3 min read

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.


Carry-on Items

  • Book/E-reader/reading material

  • Camera/lenses/batteries

  • Cash

  • Cell phone

  • 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)

  • Medications

  • Passport and/or birth certificate

  • Pen

  • Photocopies of ID and credit cards

  • Power bank

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Seasickness medication

  • Snack

  • Sweater/large scarf

  • Tissues

  • Travel insurance information

  • Valuables/jewelry

  • Wallet

Luggage Items

  • 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

  • Formal wear

  • Hair brush/comb

  • Hair elastics/scrunchies/clips

  • Hair products/gels

  • Hairstyling tool(s)

  • Hat/gloves

  • Heels/dress shoes

  • Jacket

  • Jeans

  • Keycard lanyard

  • Laundry items

  • Magnetic hooks

  • 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


Publish date January 08, 2020
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