Ultimate Cruise Packing List for Vacation

Are you planning your first vacation? This ultimate packing list for a cruise vacation will ensure you have everything you need whether you are vacationing on land or sailing on your first cruise.

Embarking on your first vacation is an exhilarating experience filled with the promise of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. However, packing for a vacation can be daunting whether you're packing for Alaska or the Caribbean especially if you're unsure what to bring.

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Your Essential Packing List for Vacation

The first thing you want to think about when you are packing is the length of your trip and decide if you will be checking a bag or bringing carry-on only. If you are flying to a destination with a layover, you might want to consider carry-on to avoid lost luggage or delays. In addition, you will need to consider the weather. For warmer weather like the Caribbean, you obviously won't need to pack in layers but traveling to Alaska you will need a few more accessories to keep you warm and comfortable on your Alaskan cruise.

Essential Documents and Items

Passport and IDs

Ensure your passport is up-to-date and valid for at least six months after your return date. Also, bring a government-issued ID. Keep your passport safe in this passport holder. Tip: When we arrive in the cruise cabin, I always put my passport in the safe until needed again.

Cruise Documents

Keep your cruise tickets, boarding passes, and travel insurance documents handy.

Credit Cards and Cash

Most cruises operate onboard using a cashless system, but having some cash for ports of call is essential.

Medication

Pack any prescription medications and a basic first aid kit, including seasickness remedies, pain relievers, and band-aids.

Clothing

Daywear

Comfortable casual clothes for exploring the ship and ports. Think shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses. For a seven-day cruise you will want to pack approximately, 2-3 pairs of shorts, and 4-7 tops (depending on if you wear sundresses during the day).

For more ideas on what to wear Caribbean cruise, check out Caribbean Cruise Outfits.

Swimwear

Bring a 2-3 swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip-flops for lounging by the pool. A small beach bag is a good idea for sunscreen, towels, and a book.

Activewear

Pack workout clothes and sneakers to hit the gym or participate in active excursions.

Layering Pieces

Include a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or overly air-conditioned spaces. Even cruising in the Caribbean, the ocean air can get chilly during nightly walks on the upper decks.

Sleepwear

Pack two sets of pajamas for a seven-day cruise. Don't forget undergarments and socks.

Themed Nights

Check your cruise itinerary for what type of theme nights they offer. Cruise lines all almost always offer formal night or elegant night. In addition, you can find various other theme nights such as, 70s- or 80s-night, White Night, Caribbean Night, Neon Night, Latin Night and Orange Night.

Formal Night

Many cruises have formal nights, so pack at least one elegant outfit, such as a cocktail dress or a suit for men. Resort casual is often acceptable on formal nights as well, such as a sundress, jeans, and a polo shirt for men. For a seven-day cruise you can expect to have two formal nights.

White Night

White Night often features live music, dancing, food, drinks, and games, depending on your cruise line. Attire for White Night can be either casual or dressy, including options like a white blouse, t-shirt, sundress, or a white suit—whatever makes you comfortable.

70s or 80s Night

Popular on most Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships, Decade Night is a themed evening celebrating music, culture, and fashion from various decades. You can enjoy live music, dancing, food, drinks, and games, depending on your cruise line. Dressing up is optional, but many guests choose to wear attire from the featured decade, ranging from a simple shirt or dress to a full head-to-toe outfit. Have fun with it!

Caribbean Night

Caribbean Night is a lively celebration of the vibrant culture of the Caribbean islands. Passengers can look forward to island music and tropical drinks. So, put on your favorite tropical shirt, dress, or full outfit, and enjoy the Caribbean vibes!

Neon Night

Neon Night on a cruise ship is a lively event featuring live music, vibrant neon colors, and retro styles, often paired with Decade Night. Passengers can wear anything neon, from shirts and dresses to shoes and hair accessories.

Latin Night

Latin Night celebrates Latin culture through music, dance, and attire. Passengers are encouraged to wear colorful and festive outfits, such as bold colors, flowing dresses, and tropical prints. Men might choose guayabera shirts or linen suits. And don’t forget comfortable shoes for dancing!

Orange Night

The Orange Party on a cruise ship is a lively celebration honoring Dutch heritage, reminiscent of King’s Day. Guests can enjoy a gala dinner with Dutch-inspired dishes and plenty of orange decor! So, put on your favorite orange and enjoy!

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Banned Cruise Items

Packing for Alaska

Cruising Essentials

Footwear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential for exploring ports and participating in excursions. You will need some good sturdy walking shoes. If you are in a colder climate, such as Alaska, and rain is expected consider packing waterproof sneakers as well.

Dress Shoes

For formal night or any themed night. Plan on packing at least one pair of dress shoes you can wear with multiple outfits.

Sandals or Flip Flops

Perfect for poolside and casual strolls around the ship. Pack at least one good pair of flip flops.

Toiletries and Personal Care

Sunscreen

Protect your skin from the sun's rays with a high-SPF sunscreen.

Insect Repellent

Useful for certain destinations during excursions. You want to make sure you have bug repellent if you are doing any hiking or will be in a woody area.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is great if you get too much sun. You will be happy you have this.

Basic Toiletries

Most ships only provide shampoo/conditioner in one and body wash. You may prefer your own products. Don't forget deodorant, make-up/ skin care products, toothbrush/ toothpaste.

Tip: Pack these leak proof silicone travel bottles to help save room.

First Aid Kit

You can make your own first aid kit with essentials or buy a travel kit. This is great to have for any minor cuts and scrapes.

Motion Sickness Medication

Motion sickness patches are essential for me. Dramamine also works well for any motion sickness. You don't want to be without these if you start having rough seas. I also use them when flying as well.

Hair Tools

Most cruise ships (even older ones) have hair dryers. You can bring a curling iron or flat iron but always check with your cruise line for any prohibited items. This travel bag can help keep all of your hair accessories organized.

Tech and Gadgets

Phone and Charger

Also, don’t forget to bring headphones or earbuds to listen to your favorite music or podcast or book on audible while relaxing at the pool.

Tip: This travel cable organizer can really help to keep all of those phone charger organized.

Waterproof Phone Case

A waterproof phone case is great to take to the pool, excursions, or if you will be playing at the beach. It keeps your phone cruise card and any cash or credit cards safe.

Camera

Bring a camera and extra memory cards if you want higher-quality photos.

Portable Charger

Portable Charger Power Bank is great to take to the port or on excursions, so you don't have to worry about your phone dying. Plus, it's great to have in the room to give you an extra port to charge your phone.

Charger Block

Surge protectors are prohibited on cruise ships. While some cruise lines allow you to bring a power strip, it’s best to pack a charger block with no cord.

Miscellaneous Essentials

Day Bag

A small backpack or tote for daily excursions. (You can use the same one you take to the pool to save space).

Plus, it's a good idea to have a backpack or small bag for a carry-on on embarkation day, while you are without your luggage.

Binoculars

Binoculars are great for hiking or sightseeing from the ship. (This is best if you are going on an Alaskan cruise). Be sure to purchase binoculars with a good zoom.

Books or E-Reader

Bringing an E-Reader will allow you to have multiple things to read while saving space in your luggage.

Optional Extras

Snorkel Gear

You can pack snorkel gear if you plan to snorkel and prefer using your own equipment. However, many shore excursions provide snorkel equipment, so check with your excursion before packing extra unneeded items.

Travel Laundry Kit

A pop-up hamper is great for longer cruises to keep your room tidy. While all cruise ships will offer laundry service on longer cruises, some ships have a laundry area where you can wash your clothes.

Packing Tips

I love using Packing Cubes

Packing cubes can really help you stay organized and avoid overpacking. You can use your packing cubes to pack by the day or pack like items in each cube, this will really help you stay organized in your hotel or cruise cabin.

Tip: I like to use a packing cube for dirty clothes instead of bringing a laundry bag.

Check Luggage Restrictions

Be aware of your cruise line’s luggage policies to avoid surprises to ensure you are not packing any prohibited items.

Luggage Tag Holders

Your cruise luggage tags must be printed and placed on your luggage. The luggage tag holders are sturdy and reusable and are a great way to ensure your luggage tag does not get messed up. (They even hold up going through the airport as well).

Hanging Toiletry Bag

The hanging toiletry bag is a great way to organize your small cruise cabin. My favorite is the hanging toiletry jewelry organizer bag. It keeps all of my essentials and jewelry organized and this is perfect for cruising or in your hotel room.

Magnetic Hooks

Magnetic hooks are the perfect organizational hack! This will help keep your room organized by keeping things off the floor to hang your jackets, sunhats, cruise lanyard or anything else you can think of.

Portable Fan

Cruise ships don’t have ceiling fans, so if you like extra coolness while sleeping a portable fan is a great thing to have.

This packing list will help prepare you for your vacation, ensuring you have all the essentials while avoiding overpacking.

Bye for now -

Be sure to check out our YouTube for other first time cruiser tips and tricks.