The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Determining what to pack for a cruise can be a daunting task, particularly if you've never cruised before. But don't worry, it's easier than you might think.

As a travel writer specializing in cruising, I spend a healthy amount of time at sea each year — last year, a total of three months — split between expedition ships, mega ships, and river ships. And no matter where I'm traveling, whether that's Antarctica, the Galápagos, Europe, or the Caribbean, I've got packing for a cruise down to a science.

In my experience, you need to pack far less than you might expect. When it comes to clothing, plan on wearing the same outfit multiple times (or at least mixing and matching various pieces, à la capsule wardrobe). When it comes to shoes, pick your most versatile pairs. And as for everything else? Stick to the basics. 

While different itineraries call for different gear — always default to your cruise line's guidance for specific items you might need — I've put together a solid starting point for your cruise packing list. I've also tapped Acendas Travel Director of Vacations JoAnne Weeks, who has sailed on more than 125 cruises, and Lauren Vaitkus, Hotel Director of Celebrity Equinox, for their expert insights.

Packing Checklist for a Cruise

Clothing

No matter the itinerary, cruise outfits can be separated into two categories: daywear and eveningwear.

By day, most ships have relaxed dress codes, which typically means donning swimsuits and cover-ups or perhaps a T-shirt and shorts — at least on a warm-weather itinerary. Cold-weather sailings, whether a circumnavigation of Iceland or a fall foliage cruise in New England, will likely have you donning sweaters and jeans.

By night, many cruises, like a cruise to the multi-cultural Turkey, will adopt a dressier atmosphere, which can range from resort casual to formal. Take a look at your cruise documents to find out about special dress codes — including themed events — and tailor your packing list accordingly. Keep an eye out for requirements like collared shirts and pants for men.

Clothing for Women

Best Casual Daywear

PRETTYGARDEN Women's 2 Piece Summer Beach Outfit

$40 at Amazon

I recently wore this fun (and affordable!) PrettyGarden set from Amazon on a Bahamas cruise, and it was the perfect daytime outfit that doubled as a swimsuit cover-up. What I love about sets like this is that you can wear the pieces together or separately — pair the top with jeans for a casual outfit in the evening, or wear the shorts with a plain white tee for another daytime look. This set is particularly great because the shorts are lined, so you don't have to worry about sheerness. The silky material is delightfully lightweight for summer temperatures, though you should be warned that it can shrink in the dryer.

Best Swimsuit

Bleu by Rod Beattie Women's Molded-Cup One-Piece Swimsuit

$98 $59 at Macy's

Always bring a swimsuit, no matter where you're sailing! I've long been a fan of Bleu by Rod Beattie swimsuits, as I find they provide a little extra support like shapewear without feeling too restrictive. And they're quite durable — my swimsuits have held up well all around the world, from the clear blue Caribbean Sea to the 28-degree, iceberg-laden Southern Ocean in Antarctica. Choose from colorful patterned one-pieces like this model to chic bikinis in solid hues. "If it's a warm-weather itinerary I suggest you bring more than one bathing suit and cover-up so you always have a dry one," advises Weeks.

Best Evening Dress

Unbound Merino Travel Dress

View on Unboundmerino.com

Unless your cruise asks you to don genuine formalwear for dinner, a simple LBD (little black dress) is the way to go for an evening look. This midi-length, sleeveless number by Unbound Merino is made from merino wool, which is one of the best travel materials out there — it's moisture-wicking and has a natural resistance to odors. Plus, it's wrinkle-free! To get multiple wears out of this dress on your cruise, pair it with different accessories, whether that's jewelry, cardigans, or footwear. 

Best Slacks

Banana Republic Crop Flare Everywhere Ponte Pant

View on Gap.com

Because it can often be chilly indoors — the AC is usually blasting — you might prefer pants to dresses at night. If so, comfortable dress pants go a long way on a cruise. This pair from Banana Republic is made out of stretchy ponte, but it has pintuck detailing you might find on a pair of slacks, dressing them up a bit. Ponte is a great material for travel, as it packs well and is resistant to wrinkles.

Best Blouse

Ravella Milano Silk Blouse

View on Shopravella.com

A silk blouse may be an investment piece, but it's a sure-fire way to look effortlessly chic in the evening on a cruise — pair it with slacks for a dressier look or jeans for a more casual one. This blouse by Ravella comes in 10 standard colors plus two seasonal ones, and it's accented with gold buttons for a little dazzle. But most importantly, this silk is washable (which is key because ships don't usually have dry cleaning capabilities). 

Best Sweater

Everlane The Cozy-rib Cardigan

$88 at Everlane

As I mentioned, ships can be quite cold inside, so you should always bring a warm layer to wear over your dinner apparel. Or if you're on a cold-weather cruise, you might be able to wear your sweater by day, too. This cardigan from Everlane has an elegant V-neck, ribbing for texture, and a cropped length that would work particularly well with dresses. It comes in five colors — I'm always partial to a good black cardigan for the evening, but the bone option is quite lovely for outfits with lighter palettes.

Clothing for Men

Best T-shirt

Toad & Co Men's Primo Short Sleeve Henley

$46 at Zappos View on Toadandco.com

On most cruise ships, T-shirts are perfectly acceptable daytime wear, whether you're bar hopping inside or relaxing on the pool deck. To move away from a basic tee, opt for a short-sleeve henley, which provides a little extra oomph with its buttons without the formality of a collar. You can even wear it under a jacket for a casual evening outfit. This shirt from Toad&Co is made of moisture-wicking organic cotton and is pre-washed for lived-in softness.

Best Shorts

Bonobos The Chino Short 2.0

$45 at Nordstrom View on Bonobos.com

Ranking number one on our list of the best men's shorts, these chinos are one of Bonobos' signature items. (If you're on a cold-weather cruise, consider the pants version, which is identical in everything but length.) They're made out of extra-comfy four-way stretch fabric, have a curved waistband, and come in standard, slim, and athletic fits to suit various body types. Since they come in more than a dozen colors, it's easy to pick a few of your favorites to bring onboard your cruise.

Best Swim Trunks

Vuori Banks Short

$54 at REI $68 at Nordstrom $68 at Vuoriclothing.com

T+L testers named the Vuori Banks Short the best swimsuit for men, and it's not hard to see why. These are multi-purpose shorts: they can be worn for working out, lounging, and swimming. In other words, they're the perfect pair for a cruise, since you can wear them for just about all activities onboard (other than dinner if pants are required). They're quick-drying, and they also have two zippered pockets for essentials like your key card.

Best Short-sleeve Button-down

RSVLTS Bamboo Short Sleeve Shirt

View on Rsvlts.com

One of my husband's favorite brands, RSVLTS (The Roosevelts) is known for its many, many pop culture–related patterns, from Star Wars to Shrek. If that's not your jam, there are non-themed shirts, too, from solids to more traditional patterns like blue-and-white stripes. What makes RSVLTS shirts stand out in this category is their resistance to wrinkles, so there's no need to iron or steam them before dinner — which means more time at the pool.

Best Pants

DUER Weightless Poplin AC Pants

View on Shopduer.com

If you plan on having one nice dinner at a specialty restaurant on your cruise, pants are pretty much a non-negotiable. (Shorts aren't typically permitted at upscale restaurants, though tailored shorts might be an exception, depending on the cruise line.) But you don't necessarily need to wear a suit or even true slacks. Duer's Weightless Poplin AC Pants, for instance, have a lovely tapered fit, but they're made of an ultra-lightweight, breathable material that has stretch for extra comfort.

Best Jacket

Twillory Performance Blazer

View on Twillory.com

For a more formal evening, a jacket might be required of men. If you haven't yet surmised, I'm a big fan of wrinkle-resistant clothing for travel — and that's why I'm recommending the Twillory Performance Blazer. Yes, it's practically impervious to pesky wrinkles, but what's more, it's stretchy, it comes in more than a dozen colors (and even patterns like houndstooth), and, best of all, it's machine washable. There are matching pants if you'd like to put together a suit, too.

Shoes

Shoes take up far too much room in a suitcase, so you're best off choosing just a few versatile options that can work for various activities (and outfits). Generally speaking, there are three essential shoes to pack: waterproof sandals for the pool deck or the beach, sneakers for active excursions or onboard activities like rock climbing, and a dressier shoe like heels or loafers for the evening.

Shoes for Women

Best Sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals

$50 at Nordstrom $50 at Zappos $50 at L.L. Bean

Instead of flip-flops, these Birkenstock sandals are my go-to on cruises. (And, quite frankly, all summer long at home, too). For one thing, I find them a bit more supportive, thanks to the EVA footbed and thick, adjustable straps. For another, they're water-resistant, so you can easily wear them on a pool deck or at the beach. And unlike their traditional counterparts with the cork footbed, these sandals don't give me blisters in the arch of my foot.

Best Sneakers

Kizik Women's Wasatch Slip-On Sneaker

View on Kizik.com

I've been a Kizik convert for a few years now, primarily due to the company's signature hands-free technology in the heel of each of its shoes — after you've tied the laces during your first wear, you can just slip the shoes on with ease. The Wasatch model is a particular favorite of mine because it has a more rugged sole for easy hikes and a water-resistant exterior. It's always smart to bring a pair of closed-toe shoes on a cruise ship, as some activities might require them.

Best Dress Shoes

Margaux The City Sandal

View on Margauxny.com

You can never go wrong with a nude heel on a cruise — it goes with just about every outfit. Margaux's The City Sandal has an elegant, strappy look, but the shoes are all about comfort. The 2.5-inch block heel is easy to walk in, while 5 millimeters of foam padding cushions the bottom of your feet. Want a higher heel? Try The Platform Sandal, which has a 3-inch block heel mitigated by a 1-inch platform at the ball of the foot. I own these as my go-to dressy heels, and I've worn them all night long at a wedding.

Shoes for Men

Best Sandals

Crocs Classic II Flip Flop

$30 $25 at Amazon $27 at Zappos $30 at Dicks Sporting Goods

I'm all about Crocs for their all-day comfort — boy, do I love that Croslite foam! — but I understand that the iconic clog might not be for everyone. Fortunately, Crocs makes many models of shoes, including these classic flip-flops. They're a bit sturdier and more supportive than other flip-flops, and they're water-resistant (and therefore very quick drying). Be sure to size down in these shoes, as they tend to run a full size large.

Best Sneakers

Hoka One One Men's Clifton 8

$180 at Amazon $140 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Fleetfeet.com

Hoka sneakers are all the rage these days, but they're far more than just trendy. They're incredibly comfortable — so much so that T+L testers deemed them the best men's travel shoes. The curved design adds a little bounce in your step, making walking and running easier on your body. And that's not to mention the shock-absorbing EVA midsoles or the breathable mesh uppers that keep your feet cool. So, all in all, this is an excellent sneaker choice for men putting in some serious miles on their cruise, whether that's around the jogging track or off the ship on excursions.

Best Dress Shoes

Cole Haan Original Grand Wingtip Derby

$170 $99 at Amazon $128 at Nordstrom $120 at Zappos

These Cole Haan shoes have been ranked T+L's most comfortable men's dress shoes, so there's no need to worry about pinched toes or a lack of arch support. If you look at the top part of the shoe, they appear to be classic leather oxfords. But the soles have a distinct sneaker-like look to them. Sure, this does make the shoes a bit more casual, but it also makes them more comfortable, like sneakers.

Bags and Accessories

I love pockets as much as the next person, but you'll probably want to bring a bag or two to tote your essentials around the ship, from sunscreen to lipstick. Plus, sunglasses and hats are a must for sun protection, both in warm-weather and cold-weather destinations.

Speaking of bags, it's worth mentioning your suitcases. If you plan on checking a bag, remember that you'll need to store that checked bag somewhere in your cabin — usually there's under-bed storage for large suitcases. If possible, I'd recommend something collapsible like a wheeled duffel that can be stored in tighter spaces. I once ran into an issue where my checked bag was too large to fit under the bed!

And here's an insider tip: during embarkation, you'll likely have an option to have your bags delivered to your cabin by porters. If you do so, it might be hours until you receive them, so always bring a carry-on bag or a backpack with essentials, including a swimsuit so you can get right out on the pool deck.

Best Tote

Fjällräven Kånken Totepack

$95 at Amazon $100 at REI View on Fjallraven.com

I'm obsessed with this Fjällräven bag, and I take it just about everywhere with me — especially on cruises. I'm typically not a fan of totes, as I find the straps often slip off my shoulders, but this bag has tote-style handles for grabbing-and-going, a crossbody strap, and backpack straps. This makes it perfect for a quick run from your cabin up to the pool deck or out on an excursion. I also love that the top is zippered, so nothing will accidentally fall out, as well as the water-resistant, quick-drying material.

Best Backpack

ISLE Gateway Waterproof Backpack

View on Islesurfandsup.com

If you want a true backpack to haul gear around a ship (or off it on a water-based excursion), this 25-liter waterproof backpack by Isle is the way to go. The main compartment has an IP67 waterproof rating, which means it can stay underwater at a depth of 1 meter (about 3 feet) for up to 30 minutes. (The external pocket, however, is only water-resistant, so users beware!) Whereas most waterproof bags have a somewhat clunky roll-top, this bag is zippered for easy use.

Best Purse

HOBO Fern Crossbody

View on Hobobags.com

These days, I'm all about pockets, but I always bring a crossbody purse with me on cruises. Why? Because I need an easy place to stash my key card. This Hobo bag is one of my favorites, as it's large enough to carry essentials like sunglasses and my phone, but small enough that it's not much of a hindrance. There's a convenient slip pocket in the back for holding your phone (or that key card), while the main compartment has a double zipper.

Best Sunglasses for Women

I-Sea All Aboard Polarized Sunglasses

$28 at Amazon View on I-sea.com

I typically bring two pairs of sunglasses with me on a cruise: my prescription pair, which I always wear with a strap, and a cheap pair that I don't necessarily mind losing. I've personally witnessed sunglasses going overboard on multiple occasions (typically in Zodiacs on expedition cruises), so I'm a little cautious. These fashion-forward I-Sea sunglasses are the best budget women's sunglasses as rated by T+L testers — they received high marks for being lightweight and having polarized lenses.

Best Sunglasses for Men

Knockaround Premiums Sport Sunglasses

$38 at Amazon $38 at REI $38 at Backcountry

On our list of the best men's sunglasses, this pair by Knockaround received the superlative of "best budget." Not only are they pretty stylish (and they have polarized lenses to boot), but they're also quite durable — we didn't notice any signs of wear after six months of testing. Not bad for an affordable pair of sunglasses! They come in a series of fun colors, like an aquamarine-fuschia combo, as well as classic black.

Best Hat for Women

Solbari Ultra Wide Cotton Linen Hat

$65 at Amazon $59 at Solbari.com

A sun hat can provide you crucial sun protection when you're lounging on deck. The Solbari Linen Hat — our top pick for packable sun hats — has a classic sun hat silhouette, and it's made from a breathable cotton-linen blend with a UPF 50+ rating. Two features we love are the adjustable toggle to fit the hat perfectly to your head and the detachable chin strap. It can be quite windy at sea, and you don't want your hat blowing overboard.

Best Hat for Men

EINSKEY Unisex Sun Hat

$14 at Amazon $12 at Walmart

Sure, you can wear a baseball cap on a cruise ship, but that leaves the top of your ears and the back of your neck particularly vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays. A floppy sun hat gets rid of those problems. This one by Einskey is an affordable option on Amazon. It's a winner with its waterproof, sweat-wicking material, plus its mesh vents for additional cooling power. And it also has a drawstring for adjustability and a chin strap to help keep the hat in place.

Gear

You shouldn't have to bring too much gear on a cruise — unless you're on an expedition cruise that requires specialized gear — but general travel essentials like an adapter, a reusable water bottle, and a stain remover pen are always a good idea to take with you.

You should also bring anything you might need for health and wellness, such as a small first-aid kit, over-the-counter medications, and motion sickness remedies. Ships will always have medical professionals onboard, but you may be charged to visit them, so it's best to be prepared on your own.

Best Motion Sickness Remedy

Sea-Band Comforting Acupressure Bands

$10 $9 at Amazon $21 at Riteaid.com

If you're prone to motion sickness — and therefore seasickness — you should consult a doctor about your medication options before your cruise. But for a non-medication option, try these acupressure bracelets by Sea-Band. I'm fortunately not afflicted by seasickness, but I always carry these Sea-Bands with me just in case. I've worn them as a preventative measure on the infamous Drake Passage, as well as through a fierce storm on the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland — and I felt perfectly fine.

Best Binoculars

Nocs Provision Standard Issue 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars

$95 at Amazon $95 at REI $95 at Nordstrom

Because I'm a birder, I never cruise without binoculars, and I actually own multiple pairs for various types of trips. For a reasonably-priced pair of binoculars that are good for general viewing (and for kids), I recommend this compact Nocs model. They're waterproof, they have excellent grip on their impact-absorbing housing, and they come in lots of fun colors. Even if you're not a birder, you might find these handy for looking at ships off in the distance when you're at sea.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Stojo Collapsible Water Bottle

$20 at Amazon View on Stojo.co

Single-use plastics are the enemy of the sea, but many big ships still carry thousands of them onboard for guests' consumption. Skip those in favor of a reusable water bottle — "[m]ost ships now offer water filling stations," says Weeks. This Stojo Bottle is collapsible, so it saves plenty of space in your bag, but when expanded, it holds up to 20 ounces. I also love that it's bottom-heavy, which means it's more likely to stay upright in rough seas. 

Best Sunscreen

BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ 3 oz

View on Amazon

Named to T+L's list of the best reef-safe sunscreens, Blue Lizard’s mineral sunscreen is my pick because it's fragrance-free, which is beneficial for sensitive skin. While it has a watery consistency that feels hydrating on the skin, it does leave a white cast, which might not be ideal for some users. Something that's rather fun with this sunscreen is its packaging — the cap turns blue in the presence of harmful UV rays, so you know when it's time to reapply.

Best Travel Adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

$26 $23 at Amazon View on Epickatech.com

"For those traveling from outside of North America, an international adapter is a must," says Vaitkus. "All of our ships have U.S. outlets, and some have European ones, too, but an international adapter will come in handy for any charging needs as you explore ports." The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter, which is on our list of the best travel adapters and converters, doubles as a charging hub, as it has four USB ports, one USB-C port, and an AC socket — you can charge all of your devices at once.

Best Hanging Organizer

BAGSMART Hanging Compression Packing Cubes

$49 $40 at Amazon

While newer ships are pretty good about incorporating as much storage in the cabins as possible, some older ships lack storage options. "Foldable hanging storage is a great addition to your packing list, as it can be hung in your wardrobe to help keep your stateroom clutter-free," says Vaitkus. This system by Bagsmart includes a 14-pocket hanging organizer that folds shut and compresses with straps, as well as standard compression packing cubes, a laundry bag, and a shoe bag. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many outfits should I pack for a cruise?

A good rule to follow when planning your cruise wardrobe is one daytime outfit and one nighttime outfit per day. But there's a caveat: you can — and should — plan on re-wearing multiple outfits to save room in your suitcase. Think about mix-and-matching pieces when you can, or changing things up with accessories.

What should I avoid packing for a cruise?

Don't waste space in your suitcase by packing beach towels. Your ship will have plenty of towels for use both onboard on the pool deck and off the ship on excursions. But don't lose these towels! On larger ships, you'll scan your key card to "rent" these towels — if you don't return them, you'll be charged as if you've taken them home or lost them. Along the same lines, if you've booked a suite or are sailing on a luxury ship, you'll probably have a bathrobe in your cabin.

Is there a gift shop onboard if I've forgotten anything?

Most cruise ships either offer a laundry service or have DIY laundry rooms for guests. While a laundry service may not be cheap, it does help you pack much lighter. You can also save money by washing your laundry in your cabin. "I always bring a Tide pen and a travel-size packet of Tide, so I can wash out anything I need," says Weeks. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, T+L contributor Stefanie Waldek dug into her own experience packing for cruises. As a travel writer, she spends several months at sea each year, visiting destinations such as Antarctica (her favorite place), the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Europe's many rivers, and the Galápagos. She's sailed on the world's largest cruise ship for a weekend trip to the Bahamas and a 150-passenger expedition ship on a three-week Atlantic crossing from South America to Africa. As such, she's packed for all sorts of cruises! Stefanie also received expert advice from JoAnne Weeks, Acendas Travel Director of Vacations, and Lauren Vaitkus, Hotel Director of Celebrity Equinox.

Related: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

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