What to pack for a cruise
The short answer
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.By Kathryn Lyn2 min readReviewed September 2026
Pack for three settings
| Setting | What to wear | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Days on board and ashore | Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, swimwear | Casual outfits, 2 swimsuits, a cover-up, sandals, walking shoes |
| Evenings | Smart casual: collared shirts, slacks, dresses | One evening outfit per night, plus a dressier one |
| Cold interiors | Dining rooms and theaters are air-conditioned | A light sweater or jacket |
What the ship already provides
- Bath and pool towels (don't pack beach towels unless you want your own).
- Basic shampoo, conditioner and soap on most lines.
- A hair dryer in most cabins.
- Hangers, a safe and usually a small fridge.
What only you can bring
- Your medication, in your carry-on.
- The documents your cruise requires.
- Sunscreen and after-sun; they're expensive on board.
- A USB charging cube and a power bank.
- Motion-sickness remedies you trust.
How to pack for a cruise cabin
Cabins are small but well designed: suitcases slide under the bed once unpacked. Soft-sided luggage fits best. Packing cubes make unpacking a two-minute job. And remember your checked bags take hours to reach you, so your first afternoon lives in your day-one carry-on.
The quick version
0 of 8 packedEverything, item by item: the complete cruise packing list.
First-timer questions
Questions, answered.
The questions people ask most. Tap one to open it, or open them all and read straight down.
3 questions on this page
What is the most important thing to bring on a cruise?
Your travel documents and your medication, both in your carry-on. Everything else can be bought or borrowed on board; those can't.
How many outfits do I need for a 7-day cruise?
About five or six day outfits and one evening outfit per night, including one dressier look. You'll re-wear more than you expect, and the ship has laundry.
What do most people wear on a cruise ship?
Resort casual by day and smart casual in the evening. On formal or dress-up nights, which are optional on most lines, many guests wear cocktail dresses and jackets.