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Cruise Packing Guide - Cruising Earth

Cruising Earth - Information, Guides & Tips

Cruise Packing Guide

Pre-Cruise Checklist

Cruise Packing Tips

  1. Keep Important Documents With You
    • Keep your Government Issued IDs (passport/license) and cruise documents (boarding passes, purchase confirmations for dinner/drink packages and excursions, etc.) with you, never pack them in checked luggage.
      • Exception: Once onboard place all your Government Issued IDs and important documents securely in your cabin. For most cruises all you will need while onboard is your Cruise Issued ID. You should have your Cruise Issued ID with you at all times both on and off the ship for the duration of the cruise.
    • Keep cruise ship boarding passes with you at all times prior to boarding. It happens multiple times every cruise, someone has placed important documents like boarding passes in checked luggage that has already been taken away. You definitely don't want to start your cruise off this way.
    • If immunizations records are required, keep those with you.
    • Always print out important documents and have the hard copy with you. Don't rely on electronic devices to be charged or to have internet access.
    • Cruising Earth recommends using a travel documents wallet. It will keep all your important documents in one place.

  2. Cruise Carry-On or Check-In?
    • What you pack in your cruise carry-on might be all you have access to your first day aboard. If you can't live without something, for a few hours or a day, pack it in your cruise carry-on.
    • Your cruise checked baggage will be delivered to your cabin typically by dinner time on the day you board. Luggage deliveries to cabins can be delayed for numerous reasons, plan ahead with your carry-on. Usually the first dining night does not have any dress code restrictions for this reason.
    • Cruise Carry-On Recommended Packing Items:
      • Passport / ID / Cruise Documents - You will need all this for the entire boarding process, which continues even after they take away your checked bags.
      • Credit Card(s) / Cash - A credit card will typically be required to setup your onboard account
      • Medications - Never trust prescriptions to checked-in bags, bags can arrive late, anything can happen. Keep all prescriptions in your carry-on.
      • Swimwear - If your ship has any pools or hottubs and you want to use them right away on the first day be sure to carry on your bathing suit or wear it underneath your clothes.
      • Cell Phone / Camera / Valuables - You typically will have cellular service while in port and while close to shore, roaming charges may apply if out of your home cellular area. Never check-in valuables.
      • Change Of Clothes - Dome cruisers like to carry on an extra outfit in case luggage does not arrive prior to dinner.
      • Kids Care Products - Diapers, pull-ups, wipes, bottles, snacks, toys, etc. Basically anything your kid can't live without for a few hours or more.

  3. Be Aware Of Dress Codes
    • All cruise lines will have slightly different dress codes. Some cruise line's dress codes include a clean T-shirt and jeans as acceptable evening attire, while others require a jacket and tie if you want to dine in the main restaurant. You don't want to feel out of place on your vacation, be sure you are familiar with your specific cruise line's dress code.
    • If you like to dress up most cruises have formal nights. Some cruise lines also offer onboard tux rentals (you should rent prior to cruise to be sure on availability of your size).
    • Jeans have now become a standard pant option for dining rooms on casual nights for some cruise lines. While other cruise lines still do not allow jeans anywhere after 6:PM in public areas. Check your specific cruise line's dress code, be aware it may have changed since you last cruised.
    • How strict a cruise line is enforcing their dress codes is also as diverse as the dress code themselves. It is always better to be safe any comply as best you can to dress codes whenever possible.

  4. Toiletries
    • You will find basic toiletries available onboard in your cabin, such as soap and shampoo. If you are particular about your products be sure to bring your own with you. If travelling by air in the United States be sure to remember the TSA Liquids Rules and get TSA compliant bottles. Hair dryers will be provided, but again if you are particular it is recommended you bring your own with you.

  5. Onboard Laundry Services
    • Most ships will offer some sort of laundry service.
    • Laundry services typically will cost you extra. Some cruise ships still offer self-service machines, most now require all laundry services to be completed by cruise staff.
    • Using onboard laundry services can help lighten your cruise packing and is especially useful for long cruises.
    • Some cruise lines will offer cheaper laundry services on one day, typically this is mid-cruise.

  6. Try Not To Overpack
    • Most people usually overpack clothes on their first cruise. Nothing like packing 4 outfits per day only to average using 2 and returning not having used have your clothes. Remember there will likely be laundry services available.
    • Leave room for souvenirs! No matter where you cruise there will likely be items you want to bring home, whether it's clothes, jewelry, duty-free gifts, etc. you'll likely be coming home with more than when you left.
    • Plan ahead and bring a foldable duffle bag. It won't take up much space in your suitcase and it'll work great in helping to get your new additions home safely. You can also check it in or carry it on for the flight home if needed.

  7. Bring The Basics With You
    • Some items like over-the-counter medications, batteries, sunscreen, ear plugs, etc. will usually be available for purchase onboard, unfortunately they will also be super expensive compared to what you can purchase these same items for at home. Bring these items with you to save.
    • Cabins tend to only have one or two power outlets available. If you've got more than a couple people in the cabin a power strip will come in extremely useful for charging all of your electronic devices.

  8. Air Travel Regulations
    • If traveling by air, be aware of any regulations and restrictions for carry-on and checked baggage for the countries in which you will be passing through airport security.
    • The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Liquids Rules:
      • Carry-On Bag: Liquids, gels and aerosols will be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces, and those containers must be inside a single, clear, 1 quart zip-top bag. Each traveler can have one bag.
      • Checked Bag: All containers larger than 3.4 ounces (regardless of amount inside) must be in checked baggage.
      • Exemptions: If you use a medication that comes in liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste form and the container is larger than 3.4oz, it's exempt from the rules. Similarly, if you're carrying baby formula, breast milk, or other liquid foods for your child, these are also exempt.

      • TSA Liquids Rules

Cruise Essentials & More

Never Cruise Without It!

This section contains items that members of the Cruising Earth staff have said they'd never want to cruise without. These are typically small dollar items that can help make a large impact on the overall enjoyment and success of your next cruise. Christmas is coming up and these items make great stocking stuffers and gifts!



Easily identify your drink with a custom 30oz Yeti. Keep drinks cold on hot days on the open deck. Bring drinks to and from your cabin.

Easily identify your drink with a custom 20oz Yeti. Keep drinks cold on hot days on the open deck. Bring drinks to and from your cabin.

Charge your phones, cameras, etc. Cruise cabins are usually lacking in outlet options. Includes electrical surge protection for safety.

Charge your phones, cameras, etc. Cruise cabins are usually lacking in outlet options. Does NOT have surge protection like Belkin option.

Electronics accessories organizer for power cables, power blocks, SD cards and more. Never forget your charge cables again! Cables not included.

Travel Adapter, Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Adapter, works in 150+ Countries with US/EU/UK/AU plugs.

Trying to fit that extra outfit or prefer not to take the bigger suitcase? This is your solution. Can save up to 75% packing space.

Planning a day at the beach or pool? These mesh bags store great for travelling and work great to get all your families stuff to the beach.

Prefer a backpack to carry your stuff on your excursion? Not as much room as the hand bag but great for 2-3 people and comes in 10+ colors.

Keep your ID(s), important travel documents, cruise receipts, purchase confirmations, etc. all in one place. 10+ color options available.

Plan ahead for souvenirs! Whether it's clothes, jewelry, duty-free gifts, etc. This foldable duffle bag will get your new additions home.

Keep your shoes away from your clean clothes while traveling. Set of 4 nylon shoe bags. Waterproof with zipper closures.

Swim suits can take days to dry in humid cruising environments. These wet/dry bags allow you to pack them for the trip home. 2 pack.

If you ever been on a cruise you know you're always needing your Cruise ID. Most veteran cruisers keep it right around their neck. 2 pack.

Designed specifically to hold the printed cruise luggage tags sent to you by the cruise line. Zip closure to keep out moisture. 12 pack.

Combination pack of 2 retractable Cruise ID Holders, 4 Luggage Tags and small travel bag. 12+ color and design options.

The only thing needed to make a Yeti mug perfect - a handle!

The only thing needed to make a Yeti mug perfect - a handle! Choose your size and from 18+ color options.

For your phones, cameras, wallets, Cruise ID, shoes, etc. Keep everything organized with multiple people in one cabin. Hangs over any door.

Cabins tend to lack wall/door mounted hooks. Since all cabins are metal (walls, doors, ceilings) these hooks can be placed anywhere.

Yes, most phones are waterproof these days, but have you tried to get sand out the crevices of your phone. If headed to a beach get one!

Passports aren't waterproof. If your getting off the ship with your passport and will be by water (pool/beach), do yourself a favor get one!

Traveling with medications can be challenging. Security encountered may require all prescriptions be in personally identifiable containers.

Is there a chance you may over indulge? It's good to have on hand. Individually wrapped to take with you to the pool, beach or next bar.

You know you're going to experiment with new food and drinks. Be prepared for being adventurous.

You know you're going to experiment with new food and drinks. Be prepared for being adventurous.

Even veteran cruisers can be hit with motion sickness on occasion. Don't let it ruin your cruise. This is a patch. Pill option is Dramamine.

Even veteran cruisers can be hit with motion sickness on occasion. Don't let it ruin your cruise. #1 Pharmacists recommended brand.

You're on the water, it's going to be humid. Plan ahead to keep your clothes, your shoes and your cabin smelling fresh.

You know you've over-packed and some items are likely to be wrinkled, plan ahead!

Want to travel with your own shampoo, conditioner, lotion? These leak proof bottles are perfect. All are TSA compliant sizes for air travel.

Earplugs with airplane pressure relief. If you've every experienced pain from trapped pressure before you'll not hesitate to get a pair!

Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, travel size. It's vacation, you'll be trying new foods. Come prepared your cabin mates will thank you.

Batteries - all different sizes and quantities available. Amazon Basics are proven to last nearly as long for a much cheaper price.

Travel Comfort / Luxury

These items will make your travel to/from the cruise port a little more enjoyable. Some items will also be useful while cruising.



Apple's Latest iPad Pro 11", WiFi or WiFi & Cellular, memory sizes: 256/512/1TB. Up to 10hrs of battery life. Space Grey or Silver.

Apple's Latest iPad 10.2", WiFi or WiFi & Cellular, memory sizes: 32/128. Up to 10hrs of battery life. Space Grey, Silver or Gold.

If you're looking to record all your vacation action adventures look no further. Compact, waterproof, reliable, many accessories available.

Bose Bluetooth Wireless, Noise Cancelling Headphones, with Alexa voice control, AR enabled. 3 color options: Black, Silver, Rose Gold.

Beats by Dr. Dre - Studio 3 Bluetooth Wireless, Noise Cancelling Headphones. Up to 22 hours of battery life. 20 different colors.

Piece of mind while you're away. Whether it's the front door, your vehicle or your pet. Easily check in while away. In packs of 3 or single.

NEW Apple's AirPods Pro with noise cancelling. Great for canceling out the ambient noise in the car or plane, while listening to your favorites.

Apple's original AirPods. Still sound great and will save you a few bucks over the newer noise cancelling version.

Kindle – Latest version now waterproof with 32 GB of storage. Includes WiFi + Free Cellular Connectivity.

Kindle – Latest version now waterproof with 32 GB of storage.

Portable Travel Blanket with Built In Carry Bag. Great for car travel, air travel, and cool ship decks/balconies at night! 3 color options.

Memory foam neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs and carrying bag. Great for travel or at home. Comes in blue or gray. All machine washable.

Luggage & Bags

Luggage has come along way over recent years. Now may be a good time to replace or upgrade yours. Lighter, more durable / longer lasting, more secure and easier to maneuver luggage has arrived. In this section we cover our staff and member favorites for cruising luggage and bags. Christmas season is right around the corner, travel in style for the new year with new luggage!



Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 - 21", 25", 29" with Spinner Wheels. Purchase in 3 piece set or individually. 6 color options.

Samsonite Leverage LTE Expandable Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels. Purchase in 3 piece set or individually. 3 color options.

Samsonite Solyte DLX Expandable Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels. Purchase in 3 piece set or individually. 3 color options.

Samsonite Winfield 3 Deluxe Hardsided Luggage with Spinner Wheels. Purchase in 3 piece set or individually. 8 color options.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardsided Luggage with Spinner Wheels. Purchase in 3 piece set or individually. 8 color options.

Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5, 2-Piece Set, Soft Tote and 22-Inch Rollaboard. 3 color options: black, blue, green.

Planning a day at the beach or pool? These mesh bags store great for travelling and work great to get all your families stuff to the beach.

Prefer a backpack to carry your stuff on your excursion? Not as much room as the hand bag but great for 2-3 people and comes in 10+ colors.

Electronics accessories organizer for power cables, power blocks, SD cards and more. Never forget your charge cables again! Cables not included.

Keep your ID(s), important travel documents, cruise receipts, purchase confirmations, etc. all in one place. 10+ color options available.

Plan ahead for souvenirs! Whether it's clothes, jewelry, duty-free gifts, etc. This foldable duffle bag will get your new additions home.

Keep your shoes away from your clean clothes while traveling. Set of 4 nylon shoe bags. Waterproof with zipper closures.

Swim suits can take days to dry in humid cruising environments. These wet/dry bags allow you to pack them for the trip home. 2 pack.
Page last updated: Fri Mar 17, 2023
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