If you’re flying, know your airline’s weight and bag count limits before you pack. Weigh checked bags at home and leave a little “souvenir margin.” TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies to carry-ons: liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers ≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml inside a single quart-size bag. That includes toothpaste, mouthwash, lotions, and hair products.

Flying internationally? Double-check your connection airports: some security re-screens even mid-journey and will re-enforce 3-1-1 on duty-free liquids unless they’re in STEBs (sealed duty-free bags).

Your checked bags can take hours to reach your stateroom on embarkation day. Put meds, IDs, cruise documents, valuables, a change of clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, and chargers in your carry-on. If an airline misroutes a suitcase, you can still enjoy day one. Include a compact power bank and a small toiletries kit that satisfies 3-1-1.

Some lines offer priority services (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s “The Key”) that include expedited boarding, a welcome lunch, reserved seating, VOOM internet, and **baggage delivery to your stateroom**. Check your line for details.

Lay out everything, then remove the “maybes.” You rarely need duplicate silhouettes (three black pants!)—swap tops and accessories instead. If traveling as a family, split everyone’s clothing between two suitcases so no one is stuck with nothing if a bag goes missing.

Roll garments (or use folder boards) to save space and reduce creases.

Most mainstream lines trend “resort casual” at dinner; premium/luxury lines (e.g., Cunard) may enforce formal nights. Check your line’s guidance and pack accordingly (a simple collared shirt + slacks or a sundress covers most nights). Specialty restaurants may have stricter expectations than the main dining room. Theme nights are fun but optional—don’t overpack for them.

Packing cubes segment outfits (pool, nightwear, gym) and make unpacking instant. Compression cubes or bags shrink soft items (tees/athleisure). A small laundry bag and a few extra zip-tops keep damp or sandy things separated for the flight home.

Some ships have self-serve laundromats; many offer paid wash-and-fold or per-item service. If you plan to pack light, confirm your ship’s options and prices. Travel detergent sheets and a sink-stopper handle quick rinses; a collapsible line or a handful of clips speeds drying.

Mainstream lines often supply only wall-mounted soap/shampoo. If you care about hair/skin products, bring travel sizes of conditioner and lotion. Most cabins include a basic hair dryer—leave your heavy one at home unless you need a specific tool.

Match outfits to what you’ll do ashore: breathable layers and comfy walking shoes for sightseeing; water shoes for rocky or coral beaches; modest coverage for religious sites (shoulders/knees). Don’t guess the climate—review each stop on the Ports page for typical temps and notes.

Plan a little space—or pack a foldable duffel you can check on the way home. Bubble-wrap or a padded packing cube keeps fragile items intact.

Bottoms (jeans, chinos) can be worn twice; refresh with different tops. Scarves, ties, and jewelry change the look without adding bulk.

OTC meds, sunscreen, batteries, memory cards, ear plugs, and travel adapters cost more onboard. If cruising with kids, pre-load a tablet with offline shows and a couple of small games/books.

Carry passports OR an original birth certificate (raised seal) + photo ID, visas, vaccination proof (if required), and cruise docs in your personal item—not checked luggage. Keep paper copies in a separate bag.

Commonly restricted: irons/steamers, surge-protected power strips, candles/incense, hot plates, drones (ship-dependent), weapons, and certain knives. Check your cruise line’s banned list; policies vary and are enforced at embarkation.

Store clear photos of passports/IDs, travel insurance, and cards on your phone (and one cloud location). If originals are lost, these speed replacement.

Carry a printed sheet with your emergency contacts, your cruise line’s guest services/emergency number, travel insurer hotline, and your ship’s name. Put a copy in each suitcase, too.

Mask rules change by country and can return temporarily. Check each stop on the Ports page and your line’s travel updates a week before sailing.

No one’s keeping score on outfit repeats. Pack what’s relevant to your itinerary and needs; most forgotten items can be bought onboard (at a markup) or in port. Aim for versatility, not volume.

Indoor spaces often sit around low-70s °F (21–22 °C). If you tend to run cool, a light layer helps in the theater or dining room. Tropical itineraries are often warm even in winter; though they can still be breezy or wet—bring a packable rain layer. See our Ports page for more details.

Most cabins have U.S. and sometimes EU outlets. Power strips and extension cords are generally prohibited. Bring a compact multi-USB wall charger (no cord, no surge suppression). Converters are only needed if you’ll spend nights pre/post-cruise in regions with different voltage (e.g., 230V Europe) and your devices aren’t dual-voltage.

Some stateroom TVs accept HDMI; others are locked down. If connecting a console matters, ask your cruise line about your specific ship. Download shows, playlists, maps, and reading for offline use before you sail.

Cruise ships often host theme nights you can enjoy without over-packing. Common examples include:

• Formal Night — Dress to impress (suits/tuxes; cocktail/evening dresses).
• White Night — Everyone in white for a striking look ship-wide.
• Caribbean Night — Tropical shirts, sundresses, bright colors.
• Decades Nights (’70s/’80s) — Retro/disco/neon fun.
• Special Events — Silent Parties, Country Night, and more (varies by sailing).

How to confirm: Check the daily planner in your cruise line’s app in the weeks before sailing or once onboard.

Connect with fellow cruisers via **roll call groups** organized by ship and sail date. Great for excursion buddies, cabin crawls, and pre-trip Q&A.

• Cruise Critic Roll Calls — Browse the forums.
• Facebook Groups — Search using the ship’s full name (no abbreviations) and the date written out with the year:
  Explorer of the Seas November 19, 2019 • MSC World America December 27, 2027

Date tip: Write out the date (month day, year). Short formats like 01/04/22 mean different things in different countries.