Organize Zen With Magan - Logo

The Ultimate Best Printable Cruise Packing List

Whether you are a cruising veteran or a newbie, you’ll want to check out this comprehensive list of items you’ll want to be sure you pack for your next cruise vacation. This is the ultimate guide with a printable cruise packing list of must-have items to make sure your cruise is “smooth sailing”!

Man and woman in front of a large cruise ship in port

“It’s the final countdown”….in less than 8 weeks we will be on our next family cruise, and the Weber Fam is So. Freaking. Excited! It’s pretty much the focal point of most of our family chats these days.

I’ve found that I’ve been jotting reminders here and there while taking mental notes of what we need to bring, and then I thought, “I should print a Cruise Packing List off the internet or Pinterest”.

The trouble is that none of them really had all the things that I thought were essential to our trip (In case you missed my post about what cruise accessories are helpful in making your next cruise the best vacation ever, check it out here…it’s got some things I bet you never thought of!)

So what’s a to-do list-loving freak like me to do?

Well, create my own printable of course!! 

So whether you are a cruising veteran or a newbie, you’ll want to check out this practical and comprehensive list of items you’ll want to be sure you pack for your next cruise vacation!

This is truly the ultimate list of must-haves to make sure your cruise is “smooth sailing”!

(Click on the Packing List to Download PDF)

Printable Cruise Packing List

I’ve broken it down into basic categories to help you stay organized!

1.Important Documents:

Important Travel Documents


This is certainly the most important category of all the things you should include in your cruise packing list, because if you don’t have the correct documentation, you may not be allowed to board the ship! 

So be sure to check your specific cruise line’s website for their list of necessary documents!

  • Passports and Personal ID’s

  • Medical Insurance Cards

  • Boarding Passes

  • Travel Documents

  • Photocopies of all documents

  • Printed Reservations

  • List of Emergency Contact Info

Cell phone reception may be “spotty” or not available at all, so having printed copies of anything you have a digital record of is highly encouraged.

You much rather have too much information rather than not enough!

2. Health Items:

Travel First Aid Supplies

  • Prescriptions

  • Motion Sickness Meds (or patches/bands)

  • Vitamins and Supplements

  • Travel First Aid Kit

  • Sunscreen

  • Aloe Vera

  • Bug Spray

  • Chapstick with SPF

  • Essential oils (this one is on my personal list since I’m one of those granola moms!)


3. Electronics:

Collection of various electronics

  • Cell Phone

  • Phone Charger

  • Waterproof Cell Phone Case

  • Outlet Extender (be careful it’s one that is cruise approved)

  • Headphones/Earbuds

  • Portable Speaker

  • Travel Sound Machine

  • Nightlight

  • Camera

  • Travel Alarm Clock

The electronics category is one that there are quite a few prohibited items, so be sure you DO NOT bring any “banned” cruise items.

You can see my list of Top 10 Prohibited Cruise Items here:

Things to not pack on a cruise



4. Clothing:

Vacation clothing in a suitcase

  • Casual Clothing

  • Formal Attire

  • Pajamas

  • Workout Attire

  • Light Jacket or Sweater

  • Bathing Suits and Coverups

  • Undergarments

  • Socks

  • Athletic Shoes

  • Sandals and Flip Flops

  • Hats

  • Belts

  • Jewelry

A few things you will need to keep in mind depending on your cruise destination and duration!

1. If you are going somewhere cooler like Alaska, you will need to pack clothes and shoes for cool weather, and you may need rain gear! Beach towels, bug spray, and warm weather items may not be necessary for you!

2. If you are taking a tropical cruise, check out the weather report ahead of time! You may not need the rainy day items such as the poncho and umbrella!

Even when I’m on a Caribbean cruise, I still take a little jacket or sweater because it sometimes gets chilly in the evenings or in various locations on the ship (Theatre, Casino, Dining Halls, etc) 

3. As far as formal attire goes, if you are going on a quick 3-4 day cruise, you may not have a “formal” night at dinner so leave the fancy clothes at home.

Almost all week (or longer) cruises have a dressier evening, so be sure to check your specific cruise itinerary to see if heels and sequins are necessary!

4. Also keep in mind what amenities are on your ship.

If you’ve got an ice skating rink, you may need warmer clothes for the chilly temps in the ice area or if your cruise has a basketball court, be sure to toss in those tennis shoes! 

5. Lastly, I HIGHLY recommend packing a “Boarding Bag” that you’ll use on Embarkation Day (the day you get on board for any novices out there!).

You can read about my specific recommendations about what to leave out of your checked bag that you should carry on in this blog post here! 

What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag for Embarkation Day

Cruise Embarkation Day bag



5. Toiletries:

Travel Toiletries

  • Hanging Toiletry Bag

  • Shampoo and Conditioner

  • Body Wash/Soap

  • Razor and Shaving Cream

  • Facial Cleanser and Lotions

  • Hair Gel & Products

  • Eyeglasses/Contacts

  • Makeup

  • Deodorant

  • Comb/Brush

  • Tweezers

  • Toothbrush, Floss, Paste, Mouthwash

  • Feminine Hygiene Products

  • Nail Clippers and Nail Polish

  • Hair Dryer (check your cruise line)

  • Hairstyling Tools

Since space is very limited on a cruise ship, I would recommend you bring travel-size toiletries for whatever you can!

Also, be sure to check your specific cruise line about their hairdryer and hair styling tools policy.  Also, if they provide a hairdryer, save the space and leave yours at home!

6. Basic Essentials:

cruise items on a beach



There are many small convenience and entertainment items that you definitely want to bring on your cruise that I’ve listed below, but if you’d like to read more, I go into all the details in my blog post:

Cruise Packing List Must-Haves – The Often Overlooked Essentials to Bring on a Cruise

32 Often Forgotten Cruise Items

  • Cash – Small Bills for Tipping

  • Lanyard with Plastic Pouch

  • Snorkel Gear

  • Backpack

  • Sunglasses

  • Umbrella/ Rain Poncho

  • Beach Bag

  • Towel Clips

  • Beach Towels (if space)

  • Beach Blanket

  • Reading Materials

  • Playing Cards

  • Portable Water Bottle

  • Cork/Bottle Opener

  • Air Freshener/ Poo-pourri Spray

  • Plastic Clothespins

  • Mesh Laundry Bag

  • Over the Door Storage Organizer

  • Binoculars

  • Earplugs

  • Highlighter Markers

  • Magnetic Hooks

  • Stick Notes

  • Magnetic Dry Erase Board and Markers

  • Door Decorations

  • Ziploc or Waterproof Bags

And there you have it friends, my comprehensive list of all the things you should pack for your next cruise!

Did I cover all of the essentials on my printable packing list?

Just in case you missed it, click here to get a printable list sent to your email! 

Cruise packing list on the beach


Let me know which ones are the most helpful or which items I may have overlooked!

Bon Voyage, my cruise mateys!

XOXO,

Magan



Other Cruise Posts:

Come Sail Away – The Essentials to Pack for a Family Cruise Vacation

What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag for Embarkation Day

Top 10 Prohibited Items on Cruise Lines – What You Should Not Pack on Your Cruise Vacation

 

Magan Weber

Your Go-To Mama For 

Organizing Your Health

Home, & Happiness

Ready To Get The Goods?

Provide your first name/email and we will send you our most sought after printables and send you our newsletter.