Packing for
Your 7 Day Cruise
Cruise Packing List: What to Bring (and Skip) for a Stress-Free Sailing
Quick checklist, embarkation carry-on plan, what to skip, and five bite-size FAQs—no fluff.
Rick Copithorne •
Start here
TL;DR Packing Checklist
- Essentials: Passport/ID, cruise docs, insurance info, cards + backup, small bills, prescriptions (original bottles), basic first-aid, motion relief.
- Embarkation carry-on: Swimsuit, sunscreen, meds, phone + charger, sunglasses, hat, flip-flops, refillable bottle, a book/Kindle, optional AirTag/Tile.
- Sea days & evenings: 2–3 mix-and-match outfits, light sweater, comfy shoes, wrinkle-release spray, one “evening upgrade” outfit.
- Port days: Daypack, dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, packable towel, compact umbrella/poncho, portable battery.
- Tech & power: Phone, cables, non-surge USB hub or multi-port charger.
- Skip these: Irons/steamers, surge-protected strips, candles/incense, weapons, drones (often restricted), perishable foods.
Don’t sail without these
Essentials
IDs & Documents
- Passport (or accepted ID for your itinerary), boarding pass, luggage tags.
- Travel insurance details (policy #, 24/7 claims line). Keep digital and printed copies.
- Store scans in your phone’s files app; bring paper backups just in case.
Health & Meds
- Prescriptions in original bottles, with 2–3 extra days’ supply.
- OTC basics: pain reliever, antihistamine, motion-relief, tummy relief.
- Mini first-aid kit (bandages, ointment, moleskin); contacts/solution; spare glasses.
Money, Cards & Access
- Primary + backup cards (set a travel notice), small bills for tips.
- Download and sign into your cruise line’s app before boarding.
Look good, pack light
Sea Days & Evenings
Micro-capsule: 2–3 breathable tops, 2 bottoms, one light dress or linen shirt, a cardigan/light sweater (A/C can be chilly). Comfy walking shoes + one dressier pair.
- Wrinkle plan: wrinkle-release spray or packing cubes. Irons/steamers are typically prohibited.
- One “elevated” outfit is enough unless you love going formal.
- Photo hack: Stick to a palette (navy/white/tan) so everything mixes and looks fresh in pics.
Sun, water, walking
Port Days
- Daypack that zips and a dry bag for boat/snorkel days.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and after-sun.
- Water shoes for rocky/reefy entries; a lightweight packable towel.
- Hat, sunglasses (retention strap helps), and a portable battery.
- ID, ship card, small cash; optional compact binoculars for sail-away.
Board ready to play
Embarkation Day Carry-On
Checked bags sometimes arrive later. Keep these with you:
- Swimsuit/cover-up or gym outfit, flip-flops.
- Medications and valuables—never check them.
- Travel-size sunscreen and hand sanitizer.
- Phone, wired earbuds, charger + short cable.
- Refillable water bottle (fill after boarding) and a light layer for wind.
- A book/Kindle for sail-away.
Read before you plug in
Tech & Power
- Phone + cables, e-reader, optional camera.
- If you use luggage trackers (AirTag/Tile), add contact info in the app.
Avoid the confiscation bin
What Not to Pack
- Irons/steamers (fire risk; usually prohibited).
- Surge-protected power strips (often prohibited).
- Candles/incense, hot plates, kettles.
- Weapons or look-alikes.
- Drones (rules vary by line/port; often restricted).
- Perishable foods or home-cooked items.
- Alcohol beyond your line’s allowance (policies vary—check first).
One-page view
Printable-Style Packing Table
| Category | Must-Haves | Nice-to-Have |
|---|---|---|
| Documents & Money | Passport/ID, cruise docs, insurance, cards, small cash | Luggage trackers, printed copies |
| Health | Rx meds, OTC basics, first-aid, motion relief | Electrolyte packets, small thermometer |
| Embarkation Carry-On | Swimsuit, sunscreen, meds, charger, shades, hat | Book/Kindle, flip-flops, light layer |
| Sea Days & Evenings | 2–3 tops, 2 bottoms, dressier piece, sweater | Jewelry/scarf for variety |
| Port Days | Daypack, dry bag, water shoes, towel, reef-safe sunscreen | Snorkel mask, compact umbrella |
| Tech & Power | Phone, cables, USB hub (no surge) | Camera, SD cards |
| Misc. | Refillable bottle, zip bags, wrinkle-release spray | Magnetic hooks* |
*Cabin walls are often metal—magnetic hooks keep hats, lanyards, and day bags tidy.
Quick answers
FAQs
Do I need a passport for a closed-loop Caribbean cruise?
Many closed-loop sailings from the U.S. accept a government photo ID + birth certificate, but a passport is strongly recommended for emergencies or unexpected flights home. Always confirm with your cruise line and itinerary.
Can I bring a power strip?
Bring a non-surge USB hub or multi-port charger. Surge-protected strips and irons/steamers are commonly prohibited.
What’s the dress code at night?
Most lines are resort-casual with one suggested “elegant” night. A collared shirt + chinos or a simple dress works on nearly all ships.
Are laundry and irons available?
Self-service laundry varies by line/ship; irons are typically not provided due to fire risk. Use wrinkle-release spray or the ship’s pressing service.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Policies vary. Some lines allow a limited number of wine bottles on embarkation; spirits are usually restricted. Check your line’s current rules.
Let’s make it easy
Need More Packing Advice?
Not sure what’s actually banned on your ship—or what to wear on “elegant” night? Send me a message and I’ll help you out.
