What to Pack for a Cruise: The Ultimate Packing Guide
Packing for a cruise isn’t like packing for a regular trip. Cruise cabins are small, you’ll want to pack specific clothing for some nights of the cruise and you’ll need to prepare for a mix of pool days, excursions, and onboard activities. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to pack — and what to leave behind — so you’re not overpacking your suitcase or forgetting essentials.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
✅ What to wear on board and for port days
✅ Must-have toiletries and personal care items
✅ What NOT to pack (and why)
✅ How to maximize space in a small cabin
✅ Pro packing tips from an me (a somewhat experienced cruiser)
This cruise packing list is geared for cruises that will sail to warmer locations (Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico to name a few warm weather places)
What to pack
Let’s discuss clothes- this is the mostly self-explanatory part. It’s a good idea to adjust your items based on the length of your cruise and style preferences.
You will want to make sure you pack 1-2 formal wear outfits or attire.
Lesson 2: What NOT to Pack
Here’s what you can leave at home:
- Towels – Ships provide them for pool and beach use.
- Irons & Steamers – These are banned on most ships for fire safety. There is usually an ironing room on every other deck or check with your cabin attendant for a steamer
- Heavy Hair Tools – Some cabins have low-wattage outlets that won’t support heavy-duty styling tools.
- Too Many Shoes – Stick to versatile pairs (one for walking, one for dress, one for lounging).
- Full-Size Toiletries – Travel-size only! Cabin bathrooms are small.
💡 Pro Tip: If you forget something, most ships have a store where you can purchase items — but expect cruise prices ($$$).
Lesson 3: What to Pack
Toiletries and Personal Care
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (Virgin Voyages offers these in the cruise cabins)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Sunscreen
- Motion sickness remedies (Dramamine, Sea-Bands)
- Pain relievers, allergy meds, and first-aid basics
- Deodorant and personal hygiene products
Gadgets & Tech
- Portable charger (for port days especially if you finally connect to wifi, your battery will die quickly!)
- Universal adapter is always good to have
- E-reader or tablet
- Headphones
- Power strip (without a surge protector — most cruise lines ban surge protectors)
💡 Pro Tip: Download any shows, playlists, or podcasts before boarding — ship Wi-Fi is slow and expensive.
Cruise-Specific Must-Haves
- Lanyard (for your key card)
- Magnetic hooks (cabin walls are metal — easy way to hang things like wet bathing suits, washcloths, purses, etc.)
- Over-the-door organizer (for toiletries and accessories)
- Towel clips (to keep towels from blowing away)
- Reusable water bottle (fill it up at the Lido)
💡 Pro Tip: Bring your own insulated tumbler for drinks — they’ll keep cocktails cold by the pool. I like to use these for the one bottle of wine I can bring aboard.
Lesson 4: My Packing Tips
- Use Packing Cubes: Saves space and keeps things organized.
- Carry-On Bag Essentials: Pack medications, swimwear, and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed getting to your room.
- Laundry hamper or bag: To store your dirty clothes
- Cleaning Supplies: Make space in your luggage (preferably your carry on luggage) to sanitize the cabin room! Just like hotel rooms, I feel much more at home if I can lysol and sanitize the beds, bathroom, all the things. You can purchase a pack of Clorox wipes and mini cans of Lysol spray in the travel section too!
💡 Pro Tip: Pack a carry on bag for embarkation day with essentials — you might not get your checked luggage until the evening.
Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s all about knowing what to expect and keeping it simple. Stick to versatile outfits, bring smart accessories, and pack light to avoid overstuffing your cabin. See how I pack and use my own cruise tips in action here.