The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (2024)

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (1)

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (Photo: REDPIXEL.PL/Shutterstock.com)

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (2)

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (Photo: REDPIXEL.PL/Shutterstock.com)

On This Page

  • The Basics
  • Packing for the Destination
  • New to Cruising

There's more to packing for a cruise than throwing an arbitrary pile of clothes and accessories into a suitcase and saying, "Bon voyage!" Cruisers need to consider factors like cruise line dress codes and temperature differences between homeports and ports of call. Read through Cruise Critic's packing guide to learn the ropes, get the inside scoop on savvy-cruiser packing hacks and see examples of what to wear for different activities and climates. You'll be a pro before you know it.

Booked? Find your Roll Call to see who's sailing with you.

The Basics

What to Pack for a Cruise: A Beginner's Guide
There's no need to pack your entire wardrobe for a cruise. Lighten your load with these simple guidelines.

The Ultimate Printable Cruise Packing List
Cruise Critic's packing list makes it easy to compile a list of must-bring items and check them off as they go into your suitcase.

Pictures of What to Wear on a Cruise
Need packing inspiration? See what our members like to wear onboard and ashore, in different types of environments.

Cruise Line Dress Codes
No cruise line dress code is the same. Find out what your ship requires.

Anatomy of a Cruise Carry-On
What you pack in your carry-on bag could make or break your first day onboard. Start your cruise off right by keeping these necessities handy.

Tips & Advice

Top 10 Cruise Packing Tips
From keeping personal documents close to leaving room in your suitcase for souvenirs, here are 10 packing tips for a smooth sailing.

9 Cruise Packing Hacks That Will Revolutionize the Way You Travel
Combat common packing problems with these simple solutions you never would have thought up on your own.

What to Pack for Kids on a Cruise
Pack the right gear for your family cruise to prevent complaints about boredom, long walks and low-battery electronics.

What Not to Pack: Things You Want to Bring on a Cruise But Shouldn't
Don't make it awkward. Make sure none of these items are in your suitcase before you board.

What Not to Forget on a Cruise: 10 Things to Remember to Pack
From A to Z, here are the most critical things to remember to bring on your next sailing.

17 Worst Cruise Packing Mistakes
Even the savviest cruisers make mistakes. Laugh along (and learn how to stay prepared) with these "not so perfect" packing stories.

How Not to Overpack for Your Cruise
Are you the one lassoing bulging bags at baggage claim? Change your ways and learn our secrets to resist overpacking.

9 Reasons to Pack Duct Tape on Your Next Cruise
Who knew duct tape had so many powers? We list a few reasons you might want to slip a roll in your suitcase.

12 Tips for Packing for a Long Cruise
So much to bring, and so little room. Master the art of packing for a long cruise with these quick tips.

Packing for the Destination

Top 10 Must-Pack Items for a Caribbean Cruise
Flip-flops, snorkel gear, resealable plastic bags... Here's how to pack for a cruise on island time.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: 10 Must-Pack Items
Leave the Hawaiian-print tees at home, but bring the sunscreen. Prepare for the Last Frontier with these packing recommendations.

10 Must-Pack Items for a European Cruise
Europe is full of culture and sights to see; make sure you have what you need to navigate.

Top 10 Must-Pack Items for an Exotic Cruise
Whether you're headed to the Maldives or the Middle East, use this guide to pack smart.

New to Cruising

10 Must-Pack Items for New Cruisers
You don't have to learn the hard way. Here's how to pack like a pro for your first cruise.

What to Expect on a Cruise: Cruise Clothing
How fancy do people get on formal night? What shoes should I bring? We answer common questions about what to wear on a cruise.

9 Cruise Fashion Faux Pas and How to Avoid Them
Take advice from a professional. We consult with Kelly Nishimoto, host of TLC's "Something Borrowed, Something New," on how to stay fashionable at sea.

10 Signs You've Done a Terrible Job Packing for Your Cruise
If you're worried you're a packing failure, know the signs -- and follow our tips to help you avoid future packing mistakes.

Publish date

January 08, 2020

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The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (2024)

FAQs

Can I bring a 12 pack of soda on Carnival Cruise? ›

A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.

What are the rules for packing for a cruise? ›

What to Pack for a Cruise
  • Bring activity-appropriate clothing and shoes. ...
  • Formal Attire. ...
  • Bathing Suits and Cover Ups. ...
  • Don't Forget to Bring a Sweater. ...
  • Bring a Back Pack or Beach Tote. ...
  • Bring Sunscreen and After-Sun Lotion. ...
  • Bring Your Own Toiletries. ...
  • Bring Medications for Upset Stomach and Motion Sickness.

How much money should I take on a cruise with me? ›

And how much cash should you take on your next cruise? We're here to help you figure it out! Experts say the average cruise passenger spends anywhere from $52 to $89 per day, but the amount you'll spend will, of course, vary based on cruise line, ship, experience and your individual preferences.

How many outfits to pack for a 7 day cruise? ›

You should average two outfits per day, as you'll wear one during the day and one at night for dinner. I find that I like to re-wear at least two or three outfits at night to save space. Plus, I just don't like having to plan seven different outfits for each night. This, however, is a personal preference.

Can I bring a refillable water bottle on a Carnival cruise? ›

Of course, water is available too— and it's perfectly safe to drink. Bring a refillable water bottle to save on trips to the Lido Deck.

Can you take bottled water on a cruise? ›

You will be happy to know that you are permitted to bring unopened bottled water when you board the ship. The water must be packed in your carry-on bags.

What can't you wear on a cruise ship? ›

At dinner, particularly in the main and specialty restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and theater, most cruise lines prefer a dressier look for men, requesting passengers refrain from wearing shorts, sleeveless T-shirts, flip-flops, and baseball caps.

Do cruise ships check your carry-on bags? ›

Just like the security screening at an airport, we also screen all luggage our guests bring onboard to ensure everyone's safety. If there is an item in your luggage that is prohibited or is believed to be prohibited, your bag will be taken to a screening location and will be inspected by our Security Team onboard.

What are you not allowed to carry-on cruise? ›

All weapons and any item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon: firearms (including replicas, imitations and their components), spears or spear guns, crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows; blunt weapons, including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or Nunchaku; ...

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise? ›

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

Do cell phones work on cruise ships? ›

Do cell phones work on cruise ships? It's a common question with varying answers. Guests are free to utilize their cellular data or connect to our onboard Wi-Fi on any ship. But, please be aware that cellular data used on the ship or in certain ports of call will result in charges from your cell phone provider.

Is it better to tip cash on a cruise? ›

Onboard casino staff are not part of the larger tip pool, so passengers should tip as they play, in cash or chips. Many cruise lines also suggest tipping separately for room service deliveries, a few dollars per person. As most tips are cashless, just sign the receipt and add your tip amount on the line provided.

How many pairs of shoes should you take on a cruise? ›

With few exceptions, you need to pack only 4-5 pairs of shoes for your cruise.

How strict are cruise dress code? ›

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both require that men wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes, and they do not allow hats. Shorts and sandals are theoretically banned, but on a practical level, neither cruise line enforces the rules which seem to outrage some passengers.

Can you eat 24 7 on a cruise ship? ›

Yes, food can be delivered to your cabin 24/7 on most major cruise lines' ships. Typically, the room service menu features a Continental breakfast (some lines offer a few hot items, sometimes for an extra fee), plus an all-day menu of sandwiches, salads, pizza, perhaps a few hot items or appetizers, and dessert.

Can you bring a case of soda on Carnival cruise? ›

Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival has one of the loosest beverage policies of all cruise lines, allowing each guest to carry on a maximum of 12 sealed 12 oz. cans or cartons of a non-alcoholic beverage (e.g., sodas, juices, milk, or sparkling water) – a policy that most cruise lines have eliminated.

Can you bring a case of soda on a cruise? ›

I have good news for you! Guests are able to carry their own soda onboard. Any food or drinks brought on the ship need to be unopened and in their original packaging. You'll need to bring it with you in a day bag, it cannot be in your checked luggage, so you won't be able to bring more than you're comfortable carrying.

Can you have more than 15 drinks on Carnival cruise? ›

Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hour period (9AM - 3AM). Once you have consumed your 15 drinks, you cannot purchase any additional alcoholic beverages.

Can you share a soda package on a cruise? ›

You are not allowed to share with someone

The cruise line is looking to make money on each drink sold individually. They also have no way of confirming if the person you're sharing a drink with is legally allowed to drink.

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