12 things you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag

Table Of Content

• Refillable water bottles
• Packing hacks for your cruise cabin
• What hygiene products do I need to pack for a cruise?

Dinner WearDressing on board is pretty much come-as-you-are—you’re on vacation after all. For dinner, you can go casual (think jeans, T-shirts and sundresses), smart casual (a step up from casual, like collared shirts, blazers, dresses and blouses) or even formal (bust out the black tie!). We recommend keeping the swimwear, shorts, flip-flops and baseball caps for other parts of your day. That’s where this handy packing list comes in, which will get you both prepared for your cruise and excited. Plus, each item is a tried-and-tested tip from Royal Caribbean experts who have cruised to hundreds of destinations. Of course, there are some cruises that depart from and return to a U.S. port of entry (known as a closed-loop sailing), in which case you wouldn’t need a passport.

Refillable water bottles

However, it's hard to know whether your hair will respond well to the onboard products or if you'll hate the scent. It's easy to fill a carry-on with footwear alone when packing for a cruise. The must-have basic is a comfortable pair of travel shoes for the flight, ship and walking in port. Elegant or formal nights bring out cocktail dresses, suits, ties and jackets. If formalwear is not your thing, choose room service, or go to the buffet or a casual restaurant for dinner to skip dressing up. Some luxury cruise lines will not allow underdressed passengers into certain restaurants or entertainment venues on formal nights.

Packing hacks for your cruise cabin

On a cruise, however, you’re hanging out by the pool in a swimsuit, dressing up for dinner, wearing casual clothes to the buffet, and putting on something warm for a show in the theater. Years ago I used to bring scopolamine or motion sickness patches, although we never used them. If you are prone to seasickness, I do suggest bringing them as people report that they work really well. You can also bring seabands, which are great for the cruise ship as well as boat excursions.

What hygiene products do I need to pack for a cruise?

You may even want to make a DIY wet bag and put wet bathing suits in large ziplocks after a beach excursion. Even though I love packing cubes and hanging toiletry bags, sometimes, a good old ziplock baggy is what you need. If you’re packing for a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise, make sure to pack reef-friendly sunscreen and aloe vera for potential sunburns.

Skip: Too Many Shoes

All those gadgets will need charging, too, so don’t forget those chargers. A power strip (preferably with built-in USB ports) can help ensure that the stateroom has more than enough juice to go around. On Celebrity’s Edge-series ships, you’ll find USB charging ports in your stateroom. A cruise vacation covers a lot of ground, which means you’ll need a lot of flexibility with your wardrobe, too. You can generally count on transitioning from daywear to smart casual on one or two nights per cruise and Evening Chic aboard the ship.

Instead, use the shoe organizer to pack and store your toiletries and other small items easily lost in your cabin clutter. Shower shelves and small baskets that attach to the shower walls or glass door via a suction cup will provide additional toiletry space, while suction-on hooks are handy for drip-drying swimsuits. Binder clips or magnetic shower weights can help clingy curtains stay in place.

Take lots of zippered plastic bags in various sizes

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Protect your luggage when you fly or cruise with a reusable luggage sleeve or cover. We used it on our last cruise when we got too much sun, and it was effective, non-sticky and moisturizing. Make sure to pack travel sizes of Tide to Go stain removal stick and Downy Wrinkle Release. Cruise lines provide basic toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel in your stateroom. For men this can be a tuxedo, suit or dress pants and dress shirt.

The Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist

But be sure you read the itinerary carefully so you don’t wind up turned away at the cruise terminal on embarkation day. Whether you choose a massive floating city in the middle of an ocean or a yacht-sized luxury ship set to meander down a famous river, it’s the perfect escape from reality. But that escape from reality can also make packing a bit tougher than land-based travels, where you know you’ll always be able to pop into a shop to buy anything important you’ve forgotten. This is a growing category that I have added to my packing list.

Cruise Outfits and Comfortable Shoes

A magnetic, battery-powered, motion-activated night light might be the perfect cruise ship device. Similarly, stuff sneakers or dress shoes with socks or rolled-up ties to protect the shoe's shape and use all available space for packing. The best part about organizing your cruise luggage with packing cubes is that unpacking is super quick.

The key to maximizing your wardrobe on the high seas is working with a few core pieces of clothing and mixing them up over the course of your itinerary. That's especially handy for evening wear, which tends to be bulkier and take up more luggage space. For the most part, cruising on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian (NCL) has become an almost entirely casual affair. That makes packing simpler than the days of stuffing full suits and elegant dresses into your suitcase. You'll also want to consider the destination of your itinerary and how connected you'll need to be on your cruise to gauge your non-clothing packing needs. Ladies will know that it’s essential to have a purse that’s dedicated for evenings onboard a cruise ship.

Also, bring a pack of aromatic shower steamers for a cheaper version of the aromatherapy showers found in the ship's spa. If something goes wrong with your flight, you're prepared with everything you need to get by during an unexpected overnight layover or a day without your checked bags. You could pack a portable fan or bulky white noise machine to block out ship sounds at night ... Or you could save space in your luggage and download a white noise or other sleep sounds app instead. Here's hoping you find some useful and creative tips in this list of the top 26 cruise packing hacks.

However some higher-end cruise lines have no limitations or corkage fees, so it’s always best to check the restrictions for your specific cruise line ahead of time. Pack them in your carry-on so they're always on hand and less likely to go missing. You'll want to pack your tablet, portable video game system and e-reader for both your pre-cruise travel and the sailing itself. Or, skip the tech and bring a few books, as many cruise ships no longer offer onboard libraries.

Make sure to be prepared for possible motion sickness on a cruise. While we all hope not to get seasick, seasickness medication or prevention should be on your cruise packing list just in case. These days cruise lines have relaxed the suggested dress codes, but many people do enjoy occasion to dress up a little. If you would like to participate, plan on bringing some fancier outfits.

You can sweeten your cabin bathroom by bringing a bathroom spray to mask unpleasant odors. A small inflatable kiddie pool or tub packs down small and can be used to give your little one a bath. Many cruise cabin walls and doors are magnetic (Did I just blow your mind?), so I like to pack magnets both as fun decor and for organizational purposes. Magnetic clips and hooks can help keep paperwork and hats off the in-room desk and couch, while a magnetic whiteboard can be useful for leaving notes for your travel companions. You can take these beach towels down to the pool and even bring them with you off the ship.

This might be a cocktail dress, a skirt, slacks, designer jeans with a blazer, or an elegant top. Most nights, the dress code is smart casual, which means you look comfortable yet tasteful in anything from a skirt or dress to long pants, chic jeans, and a stylish top or button-down. Remember that if you’re visiting churches, mosques, or other religious sites on your adventures ashore, it’s expected that shoulders and bare legs are covered.

12 Things You Should Always Include On A Cruise Packing List

Table Of Content

• Pack dryer sheets to keep clothing smelling fresh
• Travel gear
• Sunscreen & Aloe Vera
• Cruise Packing Checklist: Personal Items
• Pool wear
• Travel Jewelry Organizer

Men will also be required to cover legs and shoulders at most religious monuments, so be prepared ahead of time and reconsider shorts and tank tops. However, it’s essential for me to pack a swimsuit - even to cooler destinations! Most of Royal Caribbean’s ships sailing to these cooler destinations have a covered Solarium with a heated pool. If you’re cruising somewhere cool, consider packing a long sleeve swimsuit to keep warm. TPG staffers swear by Apple AirTags and similar tracking devices that allow you to see in real time where your bags are. I created a cruise packing list in the reminder app on my phone.

Pack dryer sheets to keep clothing smelling fresh

These can be found cheaply at the dollar store, with other travel items. Shoe bags are a great packing organizing tool for cruises and any travel. The average cruise ship cabin is fairly small and has minimal storage space. I pack my toiletries in a hanging toiletry bag and it saves a lot of space in the cabin bathroom.

Travel gear

It’s essential for me to pack a few empty ziplock baggies for a cruise. These are so versatile, from keeping cash dry at the beach to packing a snack for excursions. You can bring a variety of bag sizes, but sandwich is my preferred. If you’re planning to spend any amount of time in the sun on your Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s essential to pack sunscreen to protect your skin.

Sunscreen & Aloe Vera

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Anti-slip, closed-toe water shoes are also good to have for active shore excursions, like snorkeling in Bermuda or exploring cenote swimming holes in Mexico. Cruise ships are known for feeding their passengers well (and often). There’s little chance that you’ll go hungry when you have access to multiple dining venues and room service 24/7.

Bug spray is also useful, especially in Alaska, where people joke that the mosquito is the state bird. Once you've packed all the clothing, it's time to accessorize. For more on luggage and baggage rules for your cruise, see our article here.

Pool wear

Bringing resealable Ziploc bags is one of the smartest things you can do. From keeping your phone/wallet dry while you swim to keeping wet clothes separate from your dry luggage, Ziplocs are worth their weight in gold. Bring a handful and know that you’re covered for anything you might encounter. Hang it over the bathroom door and you have a perfect place to put small items like deodorant, shampoo bottles, sunscreen bottles, and anything else. This way you don’t have to take up valuable counter space in the small ship bathrooms.

Pack night lights — even if you're not traveling with kids

This way you’ll be organized once you get on the ship and into your cabin. While I actually don’t recommend, that you pack your passport or ID in your carry on bag, it is important to have with you as you board. I like a large tote or beach bag with a big shoulder strap, as this way we can use it on our excursion days. Our friends use a small carry-on suitcase with spinner wheels, which is great as you never have to carry it.

Travel Jewelry Organizer

There is a detailed list of prohibited items on Royal Caribbean's website, and among many are items that heat up, which can cause a fire hazard on the ship. Anything that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of guests and crew are prohibited. As with most trips, clothing is going to your primary focus and take up the bulk of your suitcase.

Check with your cruise line to see which parties or theme nights will take place, and then pack accordingly. To help passengers out, we’ve put together a complete 85-item printable PDF checklist that makes it easy to make sure you have everything you need. You can see (and print) our full cruise packing checklist here. Whether you are hanging out around the ship or heading into a port of call, it’s always nice to have a refillable bottle with you. This way you can always have some water nearby instead of having to find a restaurant to get a drink. We have used this one from Hydro Flask and loved it for our cruise as it kept things cool for a long time (though it is a bit pricey).

And remember that the beauty of a cruise vacation is that once you get everything into your bag, you only have to unpack one time after boarding the ship. So simply zip through this comprehensive list of things to pack for a cruise, and you’ll be packed like a pro and ready to go in no time. You don't need to pack a clothesline to dry wet items because one is usually hidden in your cabin's shower.

This cruise packing hack will ensure that your paper tags don’t fall off your luggage during the boarding process. Consider bringing along an inexpensive watch so that you can be sure to stay on ship’s time in the cruise ports of call. Some of the most overpriced items on a cruise are often pharmaceutical or health products sold in the cruise ship convenience store. So, avoid buying these items onboard, and pack them from home instead.

If you need white noise to sleep, consider packing a small white noise machine or download a white noise app on your cell phone. Cover the sole of your favorite shoes as you pack them in your luggage. Alternatively, you may want to pack towel bands, especially if you’re trying to pack light on your cruise.

Whichever route you choose, be sure to bring cash (including small bills for tips ashore), an ATM or debit card, and credit cards. A daypack and/or beach bag is essential for toting items while in port, as well as whatever purse you want to use on board in the evenings. Don’t forget sun hats and baseball caps for sunny days out on deck or in port, while a dressy scarf or shawl to drape over your shoulders is a good accessory for sophisticated evenings aboard the ship. We started CruisePackingTips.com to share our packing tips, printable checklists and guides on what to wear when cruising. Like hotels, cruise ships typically provide soap and shampoo in your cabin.

Closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same US port allow cruisers to sail with just a birth certificate in leu of a passport. It is essential for me to always bring my passport when I cruise, as I never want to be stuck outside of the country without my passport. I hate using that little bar of soap and I feel like it’s just a small luxury that’s worthwhile; this is especially true if it’s a longer cruise where I will be planning to spend more time in my cabin. Regardless of where I am cruising, it’s essential that I pack sunglasses. Even the Alaskan snow can be bright enough to require sunglasses.

On the ship you will have a small shop selling medicines, alongside other sundries like toothbrushes and deodorant. However, the prices are expensive and they aren’t open 24 hours. It’s much cheaper and more convenient just to pack a little of everything with you so you’ll have it at the moment you need it. One important tip — no matter which sort of fan you bring, you want something compact.