Travel documents: Current passport (check expiry date a year before the cruise to avoid last-minute panic and the need for expedited processing), boarding passes, birth certificate (if required), travel insurance, and insurance cards.
Money and security: Credit cards, cash in small bills, and a money belt for valuables.
Clothing basics: Swimsuits, t-shirts, tank tops, cover-ups, undergarments, casual outfits, dress shirts, and formal wear for formal night.
Footwear: Flip-flops, water shoes, and dress shoes.
Toiletries and personal care: Toothbrush, floss, deodorant, sunscreen, aloe, lotion, moisturizer, conditioner, hair products, hairbrush, makeup remover, feminine hygiene products, lip balm, mouthwash, and bug spray.
Health and comfort: Health and comfort: Seasickness remedies, first aid kit, pain relievers, hand sanitizer, earplugs, eye mask, nightlight, and a CPAP machine with an extension cord.
Tech essentials: Cell phone, chargers, adapter, e-reader, laptop, headphones, and power strip.
Extras for convenience: Beach bag, reusable water bottle, magnetic hooks, keycard lanyard, luggage tags, and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Special items: Snorkel gear, diapers if traveling with little ones, destination-specific gear, and a journal to keep track of fun memories.
A simple, organized cruise checklist breaks down everything you need to bring on board — from travel documents and clothing to toiletries and tech. Instead of relying on memory or frantic last-minute shopping, it gives you a clear plan so you can pack confidently, avoid overpacking, and make sure nothing essential gets left behind.
Our 'What to Pack for a Cruise Checklist' is printable, easy to follow, and tailored for real cruise life. To get your copy, just follow these steps:
Enter your email using the signup form below.
Click "Get my checklist."
Check your inbox for the free download link.
Packing is necessary. Headspace is the secret weapon. Picture this: you're stretched out on a deck chair, the ocean slipping past, your phone in hand, not for social media, but for something that feeds your mind as much as the cruise feeds your sense of adventure. That's where the Headway app comes in.
Its 15-minute book summaries are made for cruise life: short enough to finish between ports, long enough to give you ideas you can actually use. Stuck in your cabin during a rain shower, sipping coffee on your balcony at sunrise, or waiting for your turn to board a tender boat, Headway fits right in.
Headway's categories cover every mood you might have at sea:
Self-growth: Reflect on personal goals while you're far from everyday distractions.
Business & Career: Keep your professional edge sharp during downtime.
Success & Communication: Perfect for networking on board or in port.
Healing & Relationships: The calm of the ocean is an ideal backdrop for deeper thinking.
Psychology & Happiness: Explore new ways to understand yourself and boost your mood.
'Essentialism': Learn to say yes only to what matters most, whether you're deciding what goes in your suitcase or who deserves a spot on your cruise guest list.
'Atomic Habits': Build small routines for sunscreen reapplication, water breaks, and nightly resets.
'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People': Plan your days so downtime actually happens.
Listen on deck, read in your cabin, and arrive home with more than just souvenirs — you'll bring back fresh ideas, better habits, and maybe even a new perspective.
In Headway's cruise packing checklist, you'll find organized categories for every part of your trip: travel documents, clothing for day and night, cabin comfort items, toiletries, health essentials, tech gear, and destination-specific extras. Each section has tick boxes so you can track your packing at a glance. Below you will find a list of things often left behind. But trip planning is hectic, so we recommend downloading and printing the cruise checklist so you don't forget anything.
Start here. Your bathing suit will not replace your passport, and vice versa. So, keep them and the following in your carry‑on so they never leave your side.
Passport or birth certificate, plus photo ID. Some itineraries accept a birth certificate on closed-loop cruises, but a passport is generally considered the safest option.
Boarding passes. Printed and digital.
Travel insurance and insurance cards. Save PDFs to your cell phone and carry paper copies with you.
Credit cards and small bills. Many ports prefer cash for tipping.
Cruise line luggage tags. Print and attach luggage tags at home to expedite check-in.
Emergency contacts and itinerary. Paper copy in case your phone dies.
Money belt for ports. Keep valuables close in crowded markets.
Medications. Original containers, plus a basic first aid kit.
Change of clothes. If your suitcase arrives late, you're ready for dinner.
Tiny sanity saver: Slip your keycard into a lanyard so you're not patting your pockets all day.
Space is tight on a cruise ship, so plan a capsule wardrobe. Choose a color palette that allows your t-shirts, tank tops, and bottoms to mix and match easily. Roll clothes to save room and reduce wrinkles.
T‑shirts and tank tops. Breathable fabrics win.
Lightweight shorts or skirts.
Swimsuits or bathing suits, plus cover‑ups for walking indoors.
Flip‑flops for pools and spa areas.
Hat or cap with a chin strap (a cruise ship deck can be windy!) and sunglasses to protect from the sun.
Athletic wear and socks.
Water shoes for rocky beaches and water parks.
Packable rain jacket for surprise squalls.
A beach bag with a reusable water bottle, towel clips, and sunscreen.
Bright casual most nights: chinos or dark jeans, dress shirts, lovely tops, or casual dresses.
Formal wear for at least one formal night: a cocktail dress or suit.
Dress shoes that you can actually walk in.
Light wrap or blazer — dining rooms can be chilly.
Enough undergarments and socks for the trip, with one extra set.
Pajamas that double as lounge wear for late‑night hallway snack runs.
Where you're sailing plays a massive role in what makes it onto your cruise packing list. Consider the climate during your travel dates, the activities you've booked, and any cultural expectations in the ports you'll visit. Warm-weather itineraries may require extra swimsuits, a wide-brimmed sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses, plus lightweight cover-ups. At the same time, cooler or unpredictable regions call for layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes.
Alaska or Norway: Insulating base layer, beanie, gloves, and waterproof jacket.
Caribbean or South Pacific: Sun hat, snorkel set, airy fabrics, and a second swimsuit or bathing suit.
Mediterranean cathedrals and religious sites: A shoulder-covering top or scarf for modesty.
Rainforest or jungle stops: Lightweight long sleeves, bug spray, and quick-dry pants.
River cruises in Europe: Comfortable walking shoes, a compact umbrella, and a crossbody bag for city tours.
Cruise cabins usually are tiny puzzle boxes. A few small items make them feel roomy, organized, and calm.
Magnetic hooks. Most cabin walls are metal — hang hats, day bags, and damp cover‑ups.
Power strip (non‑surge). Many cabins have few outlets. Bring a cruise‑approved power strip.
Adapter, if needed. Some ships feature a mix of US and EU sockets. Pack a simple adapter.
Night light. The cabins become dark when the lights are off.
Earplugs and an eye mask. Sleep well even near elevators.
Reusable water bottle. Refill often to stay hydrated between buffets and beach days.
Beach bag or foldable tote. Pack towels, sunscreen, and snacks for your time on shore.
Small fan or white‑noise app. Optional, but handy for light sleepers.
Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Wipe high‑touch spots on day one.
Lanyard for your keycard. Many guests wear their keycards while aboard the ship.
Aloe gel and lotion. Sun and saltwater dry out skin very quickly. Apply often.
Ship shops exist, but selection is limited and prices can be astronomical. Pack your usual toiletries and a few "just in case" items.
Toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. Keep your kit simple and leak‑proof.
Deodorant and lotion. Sea air is drying; a travel moisturizer helps.
Favorite hair products, conditioner, and hairbrush.
Lip balm with SPF.
Makeup remover and cotton pads.
Feminine hygiene products. Stock what you prefer.
Reef‑friendly sunscreen. Apply often.
Seasickness aids that work for you: bands, patches, or tablets
Pain relievers and antihistamines
Mini first aid kit with bandages and antiseptic
Aloe for sunburns and bug bites, plus bug spray for buggy ports
Spare prescription glasses or contacts
Baby wipes and diapers
Child‑safe SPF and medications
Quick tip: Keep all liquids in a zip pouch to protect clothes.
Decide what you'll actually use at sea. Keep power needs organized and label your chargers so they don't vanish.
Cell phone, headphones, and all chargers
Portable battery and cable organizer
An e-reader or tablet loaded with books
Compact camera and spare memory card
Laptop, if you're working or want to back up photos
Binoculars for viewing glaciers or wildlife
Simple travel alarm in case you keep your phone on airplane mode
Don't forget to download offline maps, entertainment, and your printable PDF checklist before sailing. Wi‑Fi can be slow.
Not every traveler needs the same suitcase. Adjust your cruise packing list to your style.
Two neutral bottoms (shorts, chinos, or skirts) and four versatile t-shirts or tops
Two smart evening options: button-down shirt or blouse, plus a lightweight blazer, cardigan, or casual dress
Three pairs of shoes: flip-flops for the pool and beach, sneakers for walking, and dress shoes for formal night
Travel-size toiletries and laundry soap for a quick sink wash mid-week — hang items on magnetic hooks to dry
Color-code packing cubes or bags per person for easy unpacking
Pre-pack a shared first aid kit, snacks, and reusable water bottles
Extra swimsuits, diapers, and a small night light for the cabin
Entertainment for downtime: e-readers, travel games, or downloaded shows
Extra formal wear options for multiple formal nights — suit and tie or cocktail/evening dresses
Statement accessories: cufflinks, shawl, evening bag, or tie clip
Wrinkle-release spray or travel steamer for dress shirts and blouses
A garment folder or hanging bag to keep tailored pieces sharp during travel
Thousands of guests pass through fragile ports. Small habits keep trip excitement from becoming trip anxiety.
Bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen and skip aerosol sprays on windy decks.
Choose multi‑use pieces — a sarong becomes a scarf, picnic cloth, or cover‑up.
Opt for solid shampoo and conditioner bars to reduce bottles.
Cruise lines have strict safety rules, and certain items will be confiscated at boarding. Among them:
Illegal drugs and CBD. Banned at sea, even if legal at home
Weapons and explosives. Firearms, replicas, ammunition, or anything flammable
Heating elements. Irons, coffee makers with hot plates, immersion heaters, and electric blankets
Sporting gear. Bats, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters (unless mobility devices), and scuba tanks
Restricted electronics. Drones (with limits), satellite phones, ham radios, and large batteries
Sharp tools. Power tools, drills, and large kitchen knives
Hazardous chemicals. Bleach, chlorine, ammonia, insecticides, and pepper spray
If you loved our What to Pack for a Cruise Checklist PDF, you might also enjoy other free printables from Headway to keep your home, habits, and hobbies organized:
House Cleaning Checklist — Keep every room spotless with a clear, room-by-room plan.
Decluttering Checklist — Simplify your space and make tidying less overwhelming.
Daily Checklist Template — Organize your to-dos for a more productive day.
Cleaning Checklist — Maintain your regular upkeep with this straightforward guide.
Deep Cleaning Checklist — Tackle those once-in-a-while cleaning jobs with ease.
Reading Log Printable — Track books you've read and ones you want to start.
Spring Cleaning Checklist — Refresh your home for the new beginnings.
Reading Journal Template — Capture insights, quotes, and reflections from your reading.
Not always — many cruise lines favor casual or "resort casual" attire, but some have optional formal or "elegant" nights. Bringing one or two dressier outfits is smart for special evenings or certain dining venues. Check your cruise line's policy before packing.
Yes — cruise ships don't follow the TSA 3.4 oz rule, so full-size toiletries are fine. Alcohol rules differ: Most lines allow limited wine or champagne but restrict other drinks. Non-alcoholic beverages often have quantity limits, and medical liquids are allowed with documentation.
Carry-on: passport, boarding pass, travel insurance, medications, a change of clothes, swimwear, toiletries, electronics, chargers, and valuables. Checked bag: bulkier clothing, formal wear, extra shoes, full-size toiletries, and excursion gear. This split ensures you're comfortable even if your luggage arrives later.
Yes — casual or resort casual attire is common for most of the day and evening. For dinner, "smart casual" is encouraged. Avoid beachwear, flip-flops, and overly casual items in the main dining rooms. Formal nights or upscale venues require dressier outfits.
Inside, temperatures are generally comfortable but can feel cool due to air conditioning. Pack a light sweater or jacket. Outdoors depends on your route and season: Tropical cruises are warm, while Alaska or Norway can be chilly, especially on deck.