Carry-on Essentials
Keep these with you on embarkation day and on flights. Assume checked bags might be delayed.
- Passport and/or birth certificate + photo ID
- Cruise & flight boarding passes
- Travel insurance & medical cards
- Emergency contact list (printed)
- Cash, credit/debit cards, wallet
- Phone, charger & power bank
- Medications (original containers)
- Glasses/contacts
- Deodorant & small toiletries (TSA-size when flying)
- Change of clothes & swimwear
- Reusable water bottle
- Seasickness medication
- Snacks; hand sanitizer & wipes
- Headphones / ear plugs / eye mask
- Hotel info & keys
- Document holder or money belt
- Pen & photocopies of ID/credit cards
Men
- Activewear; swimwear
- Walking shoes; sandals; water shoes
- Tees/polos; shorts; jeans
- Sweater/hoodie; jacket
- Socks; underwear; undershirts
- Dress shirt; slacks; tie; belt
- Formal wear (if required by line)
- Shaving kit; hair product/comb
Cold-weather layers only for certain itineraries. See Ports for typical weather.
Women
- Activewear; swimwear
- Walking shoes; sandals; water shoes
- Tops (tees/tanks/blouses); shorts; jeans
- Skirts/dresses; pajamas; sweater/hoodie; jacket
- Socks; underwear; bras/stockings
- Heels/dress shoes; belt(s); formal wear
- Makeup & remover; hair ties/clips/tools
- Purse; pashmina/scarf; perfume
Everyone
- Aloe & sunscreen; bug spray
- First-aid kit; OTC meds; pain reliever
- Moisturizer; lip balm; dental kit
- Shampoo/conditioner; soap/body wash
- Contacts + solution; glasses
- Keycard lanyard; magnetic hooks
- Laundry items (clips, dryer sheets, bag)
- Rain jacket/compact umbrella; day pack
- Goggles; wet/zip-top bags
- Converter/adapter (for non-US stays)
Families
- Baby gear (diapers, wipes, formula, bottles)
- Compact stroller or carrier
- Portable crib/rail (if line requires)
- Toys, books, tablet with offline shows
- Some TVs accept HDMI; varies by ship
Tips
Click to expand each tip.
Preparation & Flights
1) Plan around flights and liquid rules
Know airline weight/count limits. TSA 3-1-1 applies: ≤100ml per container, one quart bag.
Some connections re-screen duty-free unless sealed in STEBs.
2) Pack a smart carry-on
Checked bags can arrive late. Keep meds, IDs, docs, valuables, swimwear, chargers with you.
Luggage & Wardrobe
3) Edit your checked luggage
Remove “maybes”; mix-and-match. Split family items across bags.
4) Know dress codes
Most lines are resort-casual; formal varies. Specialty restaurants may be stricter.
5) Use packing aids
Packing cubes organize; compression saves space. Bring a laundry bag.
6) Laundry options
Self-serve on some ships; otherwise paid service. Travel detergent sheets help.
7) Toiletries reality check
Bring conditioner/lotion if you’re picky. Cabin hair dryers are basic.
10) Re-wear smartly
Repeat bottoms; refresh tops. Accessories change the look.
17) Pack lighter than you think
Versatility over volume. Most forgotten items can be bought in port.
Onboard, Ports & Tech
8) Pack for destination & activities
Match layers to excursions; modest wear for religious sites. See Ports.
9) Leave room for souvenirs
Bring a foldable duffel; pad fragile items.
11) Don’t forget basics
OTC meds, sunscreen, batteries, adapters, memory cards cost more onboard.
16) PPE varies by port
Rules change; check your line a week before sailing.
18) Temperatures on board
Indoor spaces ~21–22 °C (low-70s °F). Bring a light layer.
19) Power: adapters & converters
Power strips w/surge are banned. Bring a multi-USB wall charger.
20) Tech & gaming
Some TVs accept HDMI; varies by ship. Download media offline.
21) Theme Nights
Fun, optional. Check your line’s app for details.
22) Social Media Groups
Find roll calls on Cruise Critic or Facebook (use ship name + full date).
Documents & Safety
12) Keep IDs with you
Keep passports or birth-certificate+ID, visas, vax proof, cruise docs in your personal item.
13) Prohibited items
No irons/steamers, surge strips, candles, hot plates, many drones, weapons. Check your line.
14) Photo your documents
Store clear photos of IDs/insurance/cards on phone + cloud.
15) Emergency contacts
Carry a printed sheet: contacts, insurer hotline, cruise line emergency number, ship name.