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You are here: Home / LIFE / Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Includes Cruise Packing PDF)

Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Includes Cruise Packing PDF)

March 21, 2023 by Christina Marie

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master cruise packing list with printable cruise packing PDF list

Everything You Need to Pack for Your Next Cruise

My mom and I cruise a lot…and by a lot I mean at least 2-3 times a year. (I’d go more than that if I could, but I do work full time and only have so much vacation.)

Of courses, a cruise packing list includes things like swimsuits, tropical beach vacation dresses, bras and panties, and cute pink pajamas.

But there are other things you’ll want (and need!) to pack for your 7 day cruise.

This guide with tips on what to pack for a cruise includes

  • Unique things to pack for a cruise
  • A detailed cruise packing list and a master checklist of things to pack for a cruise
  • Helpful things to pack for a 7-day cruise that you wouldn’t think of
  • Optional things to pack on a cruise
  • Tips on what NOT to pack for a cruise
  • A printable cruise packing list/downloadable PDF with everything to pack for a cruise

This post may contain affiliate links. View the disclosure here.

In this article:

  • Essentials to Pack for a 7-Day Cruise & Cruise Packing List
  • Master List of What to Pack for a Cruise
  • Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Pack on a Cruise
  • Optional Things to Pack on a Cruise
  • Cruise Packing Checklist and Cruise Packing List PDF 
  • What NOT to Pack on a Cruise
  • My Favorite Cruise Clothes and Accessories to Pack
  • FAQs about Cruises and What to Pack for a Cruise
  • More Cruise Guides to Help You Plan the BEST CRUISE EVER

Essentials to Pack for a 7-Day Cruise & Cruise Packing List

Unlike other vacations, where you can easily run to a Target or a Walmart, you can’t easily buy any last-minute essentials when you are on a boat in the middle of the ocean.

Granted, most cruise ships have nice shops with pretty clothes nice (like pretty dresses by Tommy Bahama), good-smelling perfumes, and makeup, but everyday essentials like razors and sunblock are usually overpriced at the cruise shops.

Here are my go-to essentials to pack for cruises that you may not have thought to pack.

1. Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Some port locations require that you wear reef-friendly sunscreen. I personally like Hurley Reef Friendly sunscreen.

2. A Visor

You need to protect your face, especially if you want to look younger than your age when you get older. 😉

You’ll want to pack a hat too, but a visor will be helpful if you are outside and it is windy. I’ll tell you, my mom and I played pickleball on our last Holland America vacation and it was quite windy!

3. A Pretty Swimsuit Cover Up

You may be able to get away without a swimsuit cover up on other vacations, but you’ll definitely want one for pool days on a cruise.

RELATED:

The Best Beach Cover Ups on Amazon

The Best Plus Size Beach Cover Ups on Amazon

4. Earplugs

Earplugs. Really? Yes!

Even if your spouse/significant other doesn’t snore, the live bands and entertainment on cruise ships can be quite loud.

Don't forget to add earplugs to your cruise packing list.

5. Sunscreen for Your Face

You might be able to get away without wearing sunscreen on a normal vacation, but you need a great sunscreen for your face while on a cruise.

6. Advil/Aleve/Tylenol

It’s the worst when you have a headache. Cruise ships sell OTC pain medicine on board, but the prices are quite high.

I personally always travel with Advil just to be safe.

7. Pepto Bismol

In case the cruise food doesn’t agree with you…

8. A Cocktail Dress

I was so embarrassed in college when I went on a cruise and didn’t pack a formal dress. It doesn’t have to be a black-tie dress, but you’ll definitely want a cocktail dress for Gala Night/formal night on a cruise.

Depending on which cruise line you sail with, you’ll notice that the women (and men!) dress up a lot.

Many people also get their pictures taken on Gala Night, so you’ll want a nice dress if you plan on doing that.

9. A Beach Bag

There’s nothing like walking off the cruise ship with one of the free beach bags provided by the cruise line to scream, “tourist!!” Instead, pack your own beach bag with a zipper.

10. A Watch

Pack a watch for your cruise. The time on your cell phone may get off/be inaccurate/update automatically without your knowledge and be different from the ship’s time (not good!).

To be safe, pack a watch and make sure it matches the ship’s time before you explore each port.

11. Water Bottle

In case you get thirsty at night or at port, I find it much easier to pack an empty water bottle and fill it up in the buffet area.

Tip: Make sure not to put your water bottle directly under the water dispenser. Fill up a cup of water and dump it in your water bottle or ask a server to refill your water bottle to be more sanitary.

12. Bug Repellent

There’s nothing worse than being itchy, itchy, scratchy, scratchy! If you have any tours in the rain forest or near water you need bug repellent.

I often forget to pack bug repellent when I go on cruises. Add bug repellent to your cruise packing list!

13. Water Shoes

I’ll admit it. I don’t pack water shoes, but they will come in handy if you plan on snorkeling or getting into the water near rough rocks.

14. Instant Coffee

The coffee on cruise ships can be bad. And by bad…I mean REALLY bad. In case the coffee tastes horrible, pack your own instant coffee packs.

15. Rash guard and maybe a lightweight wetsuit

A rash guard will protect you on the beach and a lightweight wetsuit will keep you warm. The Caribbean Ocean can be cold in January/February.

Master List of What to Pack for a Cruise

Heading off on your first 7-day cruise? Here’s a master list of everything to pack.

Clothing:

10 pairs of underwear (in case you get sweaty)

7 pairs of socks

1 strapless bra (to wear with tank tops/dresses)

1 comfortable bra (check out these best-selling plus size bras)

3 sports bras (if you like to work out)

1 sun guard shirt (for swimming in the ocean)

2 swimsuits (check out these swimsuits if you are on the curvy side)

1 pair of flip-flops

1 pair of semi-casual sandals

1 pair of sneakers/running shoes

2 pairs of workout shorts

4 basic t-shirts (for walking around town or working out in)

1 pair of pajamas

1 formal dress

1 cocktail dress

1 pair of heels

1 pair of jeans

1 pair of leggings with pockets (perfect for travel! I love 90 Degree leggings)

1 sweatshirt (in case it gets cold)

1 button up sweater (to wear over a dress or tank top)

5 semi-dressy but casual tops

Travel Documents:

Photo ID and driver’s license

Passport

Proof of vaccination and negative COVID test

Emergency contacts (just to be safe)

Your cruise boarding pass

Your cruise luggage tags

Confirmation pages (receipts) of any excursions booked

Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Pack on a Cruise

Cash (for buying things at the port or paying for taxis) – I’d recommend at least $150

Sunblock (I love good-smelling sunblock)

Beach bag for port days and beach days

Sunglasses

Eyeglasses/contacts (if applicable)

Cell phone charger

Personal Items to Pack on a Cruise:

Under-arm deodorant

Face wash/face scrub (Trader Joe's has a really good $5 face scrub perfect for travel)

Razor

Shaving cream

Hairbrush

Fingernail clippers

Travel-friendly makeup

Toiletries (e.g., tampons)

Unique Things to Pack on a Cruise (things you’d never think to pack!)

Reef-friendly sunscreen (I love Hurley sunscreen)

Sunblock for your face (Elta MD is my favorite)

Beach bag with a zipper

Ear plugs

Tylenol/Aleve/Advil

Bug repellent

Swim shoes

Pepto Bismol

Visor

Rash guard

Formal dress/cocktail dress for Gala Night

Swimsuit cover-up

Watch

Water bottle

Instant coffee

Rash guard

Light weight wetsuit

Optional Things to Pack on a Cruise

My mom packs so much for cruises. In fact, she even packs her own mattress pad to ensure a good night’s sleep! (LOL).

If you don’t mind taking two suitcases with you, or if you are going on a 10-day or two-week cruise, you may want to pack these additional items too.

Optional Items to Pack on a Cruise

Vitamins (it never hurts to take your daily vitamins)

Magazines to ready by the pool (I love Real Simple and Health)

Wine (if your cruise line allows it – you may be able to bring two bottles of wine or champagne on the ship)

A new book you want to read

Playing cards

Your own instant coffee (sometimes cruise ship coffee is lousy)

Dramamine (for seasickness, although most cruises have so many balancers now-a-days it isn’t really needed)

Sleep medication (in case you have trouble sleeping one night)

Tupperware container (if you are crazy like me, and like to keep healthy snacks in the fridge at night)

Your favorite shampoo/conditioner (if you are particular)

Fun jewelry for Gala night

Pedialyte (in case you drink too much and need a recovery)

Lanyard for your room key

A floaty for the beach (often the water is cold, and a small floaty is fun!)

Wetsuit (in case you are cruising in January and the water is cold)

Rash guard for your legs

Laptop (the internet will be horrible/non-existent on a ship, but you may need it)

Anti-itch cream (in case you get any mosquito bites on your cruise)

Cruise Packing Checklist and Cruise Packing List PDF 

Searching for a printable checklist?

Download a cruise checklist PDF here.  

Cruise Packing Checklist PDF

What NOT to Pack on a Cruise

Whatever you do, please don’t pack these items on your next cruise.

These items are either 1) not needed or 2), not allowed and will be found by security and taken until you disembark from the cruise ship.

Prohibited Items on Cruise Ships

Hair dryers (there are hair dryers in the state rooms on cruise ships)

Candles

Liquor or beer (even if you hide alcohol in mouthwash containers, they may get found and confiscated)

Weapons (of course)

Items to NOT Pack on a Cruise

Beach towels (the cruise line will provide you with fresh beach towels each day)

Shampoo, conditioner, and soap (the cruise line provides this)

Expensive jewelry (you don’t want to be a target at port)

Shoe organizer (one cruise packing list included this; there’s no need!)

Nightlight (your stateroom has night lights near each bed)

Outlet adapter (most cruise lines have normal outlets now)

My Favorite Cruise Clothes and Accessories to Pack

Below are some of my favorite cruise clothes and accessories to pack! 

Comfy Cotton Dress

Cruise Vacation Dress

So Pretty!

View on Amazon

This cotton dress is comfy, cute, and stretchy! Perfect for a cruise. Plus, the sleeves will prevent your arms from getting burned while cruising.

Cute Hat

Always on Vacation Hat

So Cute and Fun!

View on Amazon

This hat will instantly put you in the vacation mindset for your cruise!

FAQs about Cruises and What to Pack for a Cruise

Have a question about cruising, the Holland America Cruise line, vacations to tropical and warm places, or what to wear on a cruise or tropical beach vacation?

Please leave a comment. I’d love to help you out!

What can you not bring on a cruise?

Firearms & ammunition, CBD oil, candles, incense, hot plates, hookahs, pepper spray, alcoholic beverages, and knives are prohibited on cruises. Refer to your cruise FAQs online for a complete list.

How many outfits do I need for a 7-day cruise?

I’d recommend packing at least 5 daytime outfits (your clothes will get sweaty and dirty each day), 1 formal outfit for Gala Night, and 2 semi-formal/going out outfits for the other Gala Night or a night out dancing on the cruise ship.

Do I need to bring hangers on a cruise?

No, your cruise line will provide hangers in your stateroom. You can ask your stateroom attendant for more hangers if you need more.

Do you get towels on a cruise?

Yes, most cruise lines provide fresh towels in your stateroom for each day, towels at the pool on the ship, and beach towels to bring to the beach. 

How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

I’d recommend bringing at least $100 in cash on a cruise.

You’ll need to pay the taxi drivers cash at each port (plan for $15/day per person) and you’ll likely need cash to buy souvenirs at each port.

Tip: Many store owners offer a 10-20% discount if you pay in cash vs. credit card, so I personally pack $200 in cash for each cruise. Last time I bought a beautiful hat and sunglasses for $50 cash and I’m glad I had that much cash on me.

Do you carry a purse on a cruise?

Yes, I personally carry a cruise on the ship.

That way, I can carry my stateroom key card, photo ID, cash, ear plugs (for dancing at night), sunblock, and sunglasses with my everywhere I go.

Can you bring your own cup on a cruise?

Yes! I highly recommend it. I pack a water bottle and a coffee cup with a lid and straw with my on each cruise.

What to pack for a cruise to the Bahamas?

For a 7 day cruise to the Bahamas, you’ll want to pack at least 3-4 daytime outfits, one formal outfit for GALA night, plenty of sunscreen, at least two swimsuits, and a broad hat and beach bag.

You’ll also want to pack at least one colorful and tropical dress.

Download this complete cruise packing list with everything you’ll need (and other helpful items) for a cruise to Mexico.

You may also want to check out these beach vacation outfits for ideas on what to pack for a cruise to the Bahamas.

What to pack for a cruise to Mexico?

For a 7 day cruise to Mexico, you’ll want to pack daytime outfits, a formal dress, sunblock, and cute sandals. You’ll also want to pack a cute romper and a rash guard, especially if you will be snorkeling.

Download this complete cruise packing list with everything you’ll need (and other helpful items) for a cruise to Mexico.

You may also want to check out these vacation outfits for Mexico to get ideas on what to pack for a cruise to Mexico.

More Cruise Guides to Help You Plan the BEST CRUISE EVER

Want to plan the best cruise vacation possible?

Check out these travel and vacation outfit guides to guarantee your best cruise vacation to date.

Cruise Outfit Ideas

The Best Plus Size Tropical Dresses for Cruises

Cute beach vacation dresses for women

Cruise outfit ideas for your beach vacation

The best swimsuits for plus size pear shape women

The best dresses for apple shaped body

The best plus size maxi dresses on Amazon (perfect for wearing on cruises)

Cruise Planning Guides

Holland America Rotterdam Ship (pictures and deck plan included)

Holland America Cruises: Tips for a 1st time cruiser on Holland America

How to not gain weight on a cruise

Swimsuits for Cruises

Cute swimsuits for curvy women

The most flattering one piece swimsuit for women over 60

Cute one piece swimsuits for women

The best plus size swimsuits for women

Beach Cover Ups for Cruises

The Best Beach Cover Ups, Including the Best Beach Cover Ups for Older Ladies

Affordable and flattering plus size beach cover ups

Super cute beach skirt cover ups and sarong cover ups

Crochet beach cover up dresses for cruises  

YouTube Cruise Guides

Cruise Tips & Tricks for Beginners

cruise packing list with printable cruise packing list in PDF

Cruise Packing List

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