Your first cruise is officially booked. 🎉 If you’re wondering what to pack on my first cruise, you’ll find plenty of helpful advice here.
Now comes one of the questions nearly every first-time cruiser eventually asks:
What in the world am I supposed to pack?
Packing for a cruise is a little different from packing for a typical vacation. During one trip, you might spend a day relaxing beside the pool, dress up for dinner that evening, hike to a waterfall the next morning and spend the following day exploring a Caribbean island.
You’re essentially packing for several different types of vacations at once.
But that doesn’t mean you need to bring your entire closet.
The secret to packing for your first cruise is knowing what you’ll actually use, what needs to stay in your carry-on, what the cruise ship already provides and what shouldn’t come onboard at all.
Let’s pack!
First Things First: Look at Your Cruise Itinerary
Before you start pulling clothes out of your closet, take another look at your itinerary.
A Caribbean cruise in July requires a completely different suitcase from an Alaska cruise in September. A Mediterranean cruise filled with sightseeing requires different shoes than a cruise where most of your port days will be spent at the beach.
Consider:
- Your cruise destination
- Time of year
- Typical temperatures
- Number of sea days
- Planned excursions
- Dinner plans
- Formal or elegant evenings
- Theme nights
- Beach days
- Activities onboard the ship
Your excursions are particularly important.
If you’re zip-lining, hiking or riding ATVs, you may need closed-toe shoes. A beach day may require water shoes. A European itinerary may mean walking several miles over cobblestone streets.
Pack for what you’re actually going to do—not every possible scenario you can imagine.
Your Embarkation-Day Carry-On Is VERY Important
Here’s something many first-time cruisers don’t realize:
You probably won’t take your large suitcase directly to your cabin.
At the cruise terminal, you’ll typically leave your tagged luggage with a porter. It will then be screened and delivered to your stateroom.
Your luggage might arrive quickly.
Or it might arrive several hours later.
That’s why your carry-on deserves some careful planning.
Pack these items in your cruise carry-on:
- Passport and/or required identification
- Cruise boarding documents
- Wallet
- Credit cards
- Cash
- Prescription medications
- Travel insurance information
- Health insurance information
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Portable battery
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Essential medical devices
- Valuables
- Swimsuit
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Change of clothes if desired
- Anything your children will need
- Any permitted beverages you’re carrying onboard
Destinations Travel Tip
Put your swimsuit in your carry-on.
You may be able to start enjoying the pool shortly after boarding, even if your suitcase hasn’t arrived.
There’s something pretty fantastic about changing into your swimsuit, ordering that first vacation drink and starting your cruise while everyone else is waiting for their luggage.
Most importantly, never put your passport, medication, money or anything you absolutely cannot afford to lose in luggage you’re handing over at the terminal.
What Clothes Should I Pack for My First Cruise?
Cruise ships are generally much more casual during the day than first-time cruisers expect.
You don’t need a fashion show’s worth of clothes.
Instead, pack pieces that can be mixed, matched and worn more than once.
For Sea Days
For warm-weather cruises, consider:
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Sundresses
- Casual skirts
- Lightweight pants
- Casual tops
- Swimsuits
- Swimsuit cover-ups
- Sandals
- Flip-flops
Even on a Caribbean cruise, bring a light sweater or cardigan.
Restaurants, theaters and lounges can be surprisingly chilly compared with the temperature outside.
What Should I Wear to Dinner on a Cruise?
This varies by cruise line and restaurant.
Most evenings don’t require formal attire.
For a typical dinner, think resort casual.
Women might pack:
- Sundresses
- Casual dresses
- Nice tops
- Skirts
- Dress pants
- Nice sandals
Men might pack:
- Polo shirts
- Button-down shirts
- Khakis
- Dress pants
- Nice jeans where permitted
- Loafers or other casual dress shoes
Specialty restaurants may have different expectations, so check your particular cruise line and ship before leaving home.
Do I Need Formal Clothes?
Maybe.
Some cruise lines have formal nights. Others call them elegant nights, dress-your-best evenings or something similar.
And “formal” doesn’t necessarily mean you need a ball gown or tuxedo.
You’ll often see everything from cocktail dresses and dress shirts to suits and genuinely formal attire.
The atmosphere also varies considerably by cruise line.
Check the dress recommendations for your specific cruise before packing.
If dressing up isn’t your thing, don’t panic. Cruise ships generally offer alternative dining options where you can keep things more casual.
How Many Swimsuits Should I Bring?
For a warm-weather cruise, I recommend at least two swimsuits.
Why two?
Because putting on yesterday’s cold, damp swimsuit is nobody’s idea of a good vacation.
Having two lets one dry while you wear the other.
For a seven-night Caribbean cruise with several beach days, bringing three isn’t unreasonable.
I’d also pack:
- 1–2 cover-ups
- Flip-flops
- Beach bag
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
And speaking of sunscreen…
Bring More Sunscreen Than You Think You’ll Need
Between the pool deck, excursions and beaches, you may spend significantly more time in the sun than you do at home.
One tiny travel bottle of sunscreen probably isn’t going to last an entire family for seven days.
Pack enough for the trip.
Also bring SPF lip balm.
It’s tiny, weighs practically nothing and can prevent the miserable experience of spending half your vacation with sunburned lips.
Some destinations or excursions may have specific sunscreen requirements, so check before you travel.
Let’s Talk About Shoes
This is where suitcases get out of control.
Shoes take up a ridiculous amount of luggage space, so resist the urge to bring a pair for every outfit.
For most warm-weather cruises, you’ll probably need:
1. Comfortable walking shoes
You’ll walk more than you think—both on the ship and in port.
2. Sandals or flip-flops
Perfect for the pool and beach.
3. Dinner shoes
Choose something versatile enough to work with several outfits.
4. Activity-specific shoes
Depending on your excursions, you may need:
- Athletic shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Closed-toe shoes
- Water shoes
Check your excursion descriptions before packing. Some activities have mandatory footwear requirements.
Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise
Cruise ships provide basic toiletries, but if you’re particular about your shampoo, conditioner or skincare products, bring your own.
Consider:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Hairbrush
- Hair products
- Razor
- Shaving products
- Contact lenses
- Contact solution
- Extra contacts
- Glasses
- Feminine hygiene products
- Sunscreen
- Aloe
- SPF lip balm
Ships usually sell some personal-care items onboard, but the selection may be limited and prices may be higher than you’re accustomed to.
If it’s something you know you’ll need, bring it.
Make a Small Cruise Medicine Kit
You don’t need to pack an entire pharmacy, but having familiar over-the-counter medications can be extremely convenient.
Consider:
- Prescription medications
- Pain reliever
- Motion-sickness medication
- Antacid
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Allergy medication
- Cold medication
- Bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Blister bandages
Bring enough prescription medication for the entire trip plus some extra in case your return home is unexpectedly delayed.
Keep important medication in your carry-on.
If you’re traveling internationally with prescription medications, keeping them in their original labeled containers is a good practice. You should also verify whether any of your destinations restrict medications you take.
What If I Get Seasick?
First, don’t assume that you will.
Modern cruise ships are huge, and many people who expected to become seasick are surprised by how little movement they notice.
Still, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
Options travelers commonly consider include:
- Motion-sickness medication
- Prescription motion-sickness patches
- Ginger products
- Acupressure wristbands
If you have a history of severe motion sickness or aren’t sure which medication is appropriate for you, speak with your healthcare provider before traveling.
Electronics to Bring on Your Cruise
Even when we’re trying to escape everyday life, somehow the chargers still have to come along.
Consider packing:
- Cell phone
- Phone charger
- Smartwatch charger
- Headphones or earbuds
- Camera
- Camera charger
- E-reader
- E-reader charger
- Portable battery bank
Be Careful With Power Strips
Don’t automatically throw your household power strip into your suitcase.
Cruise lines have rules regarding extension cords, power strips, surge protectors and outlet extenders, and the rules aren’t identical across every cruise line.
Always check the current policy for your specific cruise line.
And don’t automatically trust something just because an online retailer calls it “cruise approved.”
Small Items That Can Make Your Cruise Cabin Better
Cruise cabins are extremely efficient, but they’re probably smaller than your bedroom at home.
A few inexpensive items can help.
Magnetic Hooks
Many cruise cabin walls and doors contain metal, making strong magnetic hooks useful for hanging lightweight items such as:
- Hats
- Lanyards
- Bags
- Jackets
- Cruise documents
Packing Cubes
I love these for cruises.
Organize your clothes by category or person, then place the cubes into drawers or shelves after unpacking.
Laundry Bag
Bring a lightweight or collapsible laundry bag.
Dirty clothes stay separated from clean ones, and repacking at the end of your cruise becomes much easier.
Small Nightlight
Cruise cabins can get DARK—especially inside cabins.
A small battery-operated nightlight can be helpful for those 2 a.m. trips to the bathroom.
Lanyard
Some cruisers swear by them.
Others would rather die than wear one.
It’s completely personal preference.
Your cruise card may be used frequently around the ship, so decide whether you’d prefer a lanyard, pocket, small crossbody bag or phone-card holder.
What Should I Pack for Port Days?
Your port-day bag should be small enough to carry comfortably but large enough for the essentials.
Consider:
- Cruise card
- Appropriate identification
- Phone
- Portable battery
- Credit card
- Small amount of cash
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Water
- Necessary medication
- Insect repellent
- Lightweight rain poncho
- Small first-aid items
For beach excursions, you might also want:
- Swimsuit
- Cover-up
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Dry bag
Your excursion description should always be part of your packing research.
Should I Bring Cash on a Cruise?
You generally won’t need cash to make everyday purchases onboard because purchases are usually charged to your onboard account.
But you should still bring some cash.
It can be useful for:
- Porters
- Tour guides
- Drivers
- Additional gratuities
- Small vendors
- Souvenirs
- Purchases where cards aren’t practical
Bring some smaller bills, too.
You don’t want to discover that your only cash is a $100 bill when you’re trying to give someone a $5 tip.
Do I Need to Pack Beach Towels?
Usually, no.
Cruise lines generally provide towels for the pool, and guests can typically take designated towels ashore.
Follow your cruise line’s procedures and make sure the towels come back with you. Some cruise lines may charge for towels that aren’t returned.
Save the suitcase space.
You’re probably going to use it for another pair of shoes anyway.
Hair Dryers, Flat Irons and Curling Irons
Most cruise cabins have a hair dryer.
Personal grooming appliances such as curling irons and flat irons may be treated differently from prohibited heat-producing appliances such as clothing irons.
Because electrical-device policies can vary, verify the current rules for your cruise line before sailing.
And no, a clothing iron is not worth trying to sneak onboard.
What NOT to Pack for a Cruise
Cruise ships maintain prohibited-item lists for safety reasons.
Depending on the cruise line, prohibited or restricted items may include:
- Clothing irons
- Steamers
- Candles
- Hot plates
- Heating appliances
- Surge-protected power strips
- Certain extension cords
- Weapons
- Illegal drugs
- Marijuana and certain cannabis/CBD products
- Certain quantities or types of alcohol
- Other potentially hazardous items
Always check your cruise line’s current prohibited-items list before packing.
Policies change, and rules aren’t necessarily identical from one cruise line to another.
Flying to Your Cruise? You Have Two Sets of Rules
If you’re flying to your embarkation port, remember:
Your airline/TSA rules and cruise-line rules are separate.
An item that’s perfectly acceptable to take onto your cruise ship might not be permitted in your airline carry-on.
For example, TSA limits most carry-on liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less within the applicable liquids bag.
So if you’re bringing full-size toiletries, they may need to go into your checked airline luggage.
Pack for Your Pre-Cruise Hotel Night
Whenever practical, I recommend arriving in your embarkation city at least one day before your cruise.
Flight cancellations, mechanical problems and weather delays don’t particularly care that your ship leaves at 4:00 p.m.
Your ship isn’t going to wait for your delayed flight.
If you’re staying in a hotel the night before your cruise, make these items easy to reach:
- Pajamas
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Chargers
- Next-day clothes
- Cruise documents
That way, you don’t have to completely unpack your beautifully organized suitcase just to find your toothbrush.
The Biggest First-Cruise Packing Mistake: Overpacking
You don’t need a brand-new outfit for breakfast, another for lunch and another for dinner every day.
Nobody is keeping track of your outfits.
Choose a simple color palette and pack items you can mix and match.
One neutral pair of shorts can work with three tops.
One cardigan can work with several dresses.
One pair of dinner shoes can work with every evening outfit.
And depending on your ship, self-service or paid laundry options may be available.
Save some room in your suitcase.
You might want that space for souvenirs on the way home.
The Ultimate First Cruise Packing Checklist
Travel Documents & Money
☐ Passport and/or required identification
☐ Cruise boarding documents
☐ Travel insurance information
☐ Health insurance information
☐ Credit cards
☐ Cash and small bills
☐ Copies of important travel information
Clothing
☐ Casual daytime outfits
☐ Dinner outfits
☐ Formal/elegant clothing if desired
☐ Undergarments
☐ Pajamas
☐ Light sweater/cardigan
☐ Swimsuits
☐ Cover-ups
☐ Comfortable walking shoes
☐ Sandals/flip-flops
☐ Dinner shoes
☐ Excursion-specific clothing
Sun & Port Essentials
☐ Sunscreen
☐ SPF lip balm
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Hat
☐ Beach/day bag
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Waterproof phone pouch
☐ Rain poncho
☐ Reusable water bottle if permitted
Toiletries
☐ Toothbrush/toothpaste
☐ Deodorant
☐ Shampoo/conditioner
☐ Hair products
☐ Skincare
☐ Makeup
☐ Razor
☐ Contact-lens supplies
☐ Feminine hygiene products
Health
☐ Prescription medications
☐ Motion-sickness remedy
☐ Pain reliever
☐ Allergy medication
☐ Stomach medication
☐ Bandages
☐ Blister care
Electronics
☐ Phone
☐ Phone charger
☐ Smartwatch charger
☐ Headphones
☐ E-reader
☐ Camera
☐ Portable battery
Helpful Extras
☐ Magnetic hooks
☐ Packing cubes
☐ Laundry bag
☐ Lanyard
☐ Battery-operated nightlight
☐ Zip-top bags
Embarkation-Day Carry-On
☐ Passport/ID
☐ Cruise documents
☐ Prescription medications
☐ Wallet
☐ Valuables
☐ Phone
☐ Charger/portable battery
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Swimsuit
☐ Flip-flops
☐ Change of clothes
First Cruise Packing FAQs
How many outfits should I pack for a 7-day cruise?
You don’t need 14 separate daytime and evening outfits. Build your wardrobe around pieces that can be mixed, matched and reworn. Your itinerary and cruise line will determine exactly how much casual versus dressier clothing you’ll need.
Should I put my swimsuit in my carry-on?
Yes! Your checked luggage may not reach your cabin immediately. Having your swimsuit, sunscreen and sandals in your carry-on means your vacation can start as soon as you’re onboard.
Do I need formal clothes?
That depends on your cruise line and how you want to spend your evenings. Some lines encourage dressier attire on designated evenings, while others are much more casual.
Can I bring full-size toiletries?
Cruise ships don’t use TSA’s airline 3-1-1 rule simply because you’re boarding a ship. However, if you’re flying to your cruise, airline security restrictions still apply to your carry-on.
Can I bring a power strip?
Don’t assume you can. Power-strip and extension-cord policies vary among cruise lines. Check your cruise line’s current prohibited-items policy before packing one.
Do I need to bring towels?
Usually not. Cruise lines generally provide pool towels and have procedures for taking them ashore.
What should never go in my checked cruise luggage?
Keep your identification, passport, cruise documents, prescription medications, money, essential medical supplies and valuable items with you.
You’re Packed! Now Let’s Get You on the Right Cruise
Packing for your first cruise shouldn’t require three suitcases, 17 pairs of shoes and an international logistics team.
The secret is knowing your itinerary, packing for what you’re actually going to do and keeping the truly important items with you on embarkation day.
And this is exactly why working with a travel advisor can make your first cruise so much easier.
At Destinations Travel, I don’t just help you book a ship.
I help you find the right cruise for you—the right cruise line, ship, itinerary and stateroom—and help you navigate all those little details that first-time cruisers don’t necessarily know to ask about.
From travel insurance and dining to excursions, pre-cruise hotels, flights and what to expect on embarkation day, I’m here to help make the entire experience feel less overwhelming.
Because your first cruise shouldn’t leave you thinking, I wish someone had told me that.
It should leave you thinking:
When can I go again?
Ready to Plan Your First Cruise?
Let Destinations Travel help you find the cruise that fits the way you want to vacation.
Visit www.dwjtravel.com to start planning your next adventure.
Looking for more?