Cruise packing lists

The short answer

Start with the master cruise packing list, then add what's different for your trip. Alaska needs layers and rain gear, the Caribbean needs two swimsuits and reef-safe sunscreen, a seven-day cruise needs a formal-night outfit, and every trip needs a day-one carry-on with medication and a swimsuit.

By Kathryn Lyn2 min readReviewed September 2026

Every list on this site is interactive: tap an item to mark it packed, and your check marks stay in your browser for next time. Start with the full cruise packing list, then pick your destination, trip length or cruise line below.

The complete cruise packing list

Pack documents and medication in your carry-on, about one casual outfit per day, two swimsuits, a cover-up, smart-casual evening clothes plus one dressier outfit, a light jacket, walking shoes and sandals, sunscreen, a non-surge USB charger and a power bank. Leave irons, steamers, surge protectors and candles at home.

What to pack for a cruise

Pack for three settings: days on board or ashore (casual clothes, swimwear, walking shoes), evenings (smart casual plus one dressier outfit), and cold interiors (a light layer). Add medication, documents and sunscreen in your carry-on. The ship supplies towels, basic toiletries and a hair dryer, so leave those at home.

Printable cruise packing list

This is the full cruise packing list, formatted to print on two pages. Press Print this list, or choose Save as PDF in your browser's print menu to keep a copy on your phone. You can also check items off on screen, and your progress is saved in this browser.

Your day-one carry-on bag

Your checked luggage reaches your cabin hours after you board, sometimes not until evening. Carry on everything you need until then: documents, all medication, a swimsuit and sunscreen, a change of clothes for dinner, chargers and valuables. With that bag, your vacation starts the moment you step aboard.

Cruise essentials and must-haves

The cruise essentials first-timers wish they'd packed are small: a non-surge USB charging cube, magnetic hooks for the metal cabin walls, a lanyard for your room card, a power bank, a reusable water bottle, a zip day bag and a light jacket for the cold dining rooms.

What not to pack for a cruise

Don't pack irons, steamers, surge protectors, candles or incense: cruise lines ban them as fire risks. Check your line's drinks rules before packing any wine, water or soda. And skip beach towels, lots of shoes and 'just in case' outfits; the ship provides towels and you'll wear far less than you pack.

What to wear on a cruise

By day, wear resort casual: shorts, T-shirts, sundresses and swimwear with a cover-up. In the evening, smart casual: collared shirts, slacks, dresses. On formal or dress-up nights, cocktail dresses and jackets, though they're optional on most lines. Every line's own dress code is below.

Alaska cruise packing list

Pack layers, not a winter wardrobe: a waterproof rain jacket, a fleece or warm mid-layer, long pants, a hat and light gloves, waterproof walking shoes, and binoculars. Alaska summers are cool and often wet, and temperatures swing between a sunny deck and a glacier bay. Add a swimsuit for the ship's hot tubs.

Caribbean cruise packing list

For a Caribbean cruise, pack light breathable clothes, two swimsuits and a cover-up, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky beaches, a hat, a small dry bag, and a light rain jacket for tropical showers. Add evening clothes and a light layer for the air-conditioned ship.

Bahamas cruise packing list

A Bahamas cruise is usually short, warm and beach-focused. Pack two swimsuits, a cover-up, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sandals and water shoes, a beach bag, light clothes and one or two evening outfits. Many Bahamas cruises stop at a line's private island, where towels and chairs are provided.

Mexico cruise packing list

For a Mexico cruise, pack light clothes, two swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen (required in some parks), water shoes for cenotes and snorkeling, walking shoes for ruins, a hat and insect repellent. Pacific sailings from California can be cooler at sea, so add a light jacket.

Europe and Mediterranean cruise packing list

For a European cruise, pack for walking and for churches: supportive shoes, light clothes plus a scarf or layer that covers shoulders and knees, a crossbody bag with a zip, and a plug adapter for hotel nights ashore. Northern Europe and the Baltic need layers and a rain jacket even in summer.

Packing for Hawaii, Bermuda, Antarctica and the Galápagos

Hawaii needs reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear and a warm layer for volcano visits; Bermuda needs smart-casual clothes and a layer outside summer; Antarctica needs serious cold-weather layers, though expedition lines often lend boots and parkas; the Galápagos needs sun protection, water shoes and quick-dry clothes for wet landings.

3- and 4-day cruise packing list

For a three- or four-night cruise, you can often manage with one carry-on-sized bag: three day outfits, two or three evening outfits, one or two swimsuits, a cover-up, sandals and one pair of evening shoes, plus documents, medication and sunscreen.

5-day cruise packing list

For a five-night cruise, pack about four day outfits, three or four evening outfits including one dressier look if your line has a dress-up night, two swimsuits, a cover-up, walking shoes, sandals and evening shoes, plus documents, medication and sunscreen in your carry-on.

7-day cruise packing list

For a seven-night cruise, pack five or six day outfits, an evening outfit for each night including one or two dressier looks for formal or dress-up nights, two swimsuits, a cover-up, three pairs of shoes, a light jacket, and your documents, medication and sunscreen in the carry-on.

10- to 14-day cruise packing list

For a ten- to fourteen-night cruise, pack for about a week and plan to do laundry, using the ship's service or a self-service launderette where available. Bring two or three dressier outfits, layers for changing climates, extra medication and a larger supply of sunscreen and toiletries.

Cruise packing list for women

A woman's cruise wardrobe for a week: five or six day looks that mix and match, two swimsuits and a cover-up, three or four evening outfits plus one dressier dress or jumpsuit for formal night, a wrap or light cardigan for cold dining rooms, sandals, walking shoes and one pair of evening shoes.

Cruise packing list for men

A man's cruise list for a week: four or five pairs of shorts or chinos, five or six T-shirts and polos, two pairs of swim trunks, three or four collared shirts and long pants for dinner, a jacket (and tie if you like) for formal night, sandals, walking shoes and one pair of dress shoes.

Family cruise packing list

For a family cruise, pack each child two swimsuits, a sun hat and rash guard, their own medication in your carry-on, a night-light for dark inside cabins, a small backpack with their favorite things, and a lanyard for their room card. For toddlers, check the line's swim-diaper and pool rules first.

Disney cruise packing list

For a Disney cruise, add to the usual list: a pirate-night outfit (often red, black and white, costumes optional), a dressier outfit for the dress-up or formal night, polished dress-casual for adults-only dining, swim cover-ups (swimwear isn't allowed in the dining rooms), and autograph books for character meets.

Carnival cruise packing list

For a Carnival cruise, pack Cruise Casual clothes for most evenings and one Cruise Elegant outfit, swimwear and a cover-up, a lanyard for your Sail & Sign card, and, if you like, one sealed bottle of wine or champagne per guest 21 or older in your carry-on. Leave beer and spirits at home.

Royal Caribbean cruise packing list

For a Royal Caribbean cruise, pack casual clothes, one or two Dress Your Best outfits for the dressier evenings, water shoes and a rash guard for slides and the surf simulator, a lanyard for your SeaPass card, and check Royal Caribbean's alcohol policy before packing any wine.

Norwegian cruise packing list

For a Norwegian cruise, pack cruise casual for day and night, with one smart-casual outfit for the upscale restaurants; there are no mandatory formal nights. Don't pack water, soda or juice: NCL prohibits bringing beverages, except water for medical or infant needs and sealed wine for guests 21 and over, with corkage.