Cruise Packing 101

When traveling on a cruise, there are TWO bags you need to think about packing- your main suitcase and your carry on bag. Think of it like when you travel on an airplane…one of your bags gets checked and you will not have immediate access to it. The other you get to carry with you on the plane. Same with cruise ships. When you check in at the port, you will have the opportunity to “check” your bags and have them brought to your stateroom. You will not have access to this bag until it arrives at your room, so you need to make sure you have a few essentials in your carry on bag.

What to Pack In Your Cruise Carry On Bag

Sometimes it can take several hours for your bags to arrive in your room. (On some cruise lines, you might not get your luggage until midnight!) 

So I always pack a well-stocked cruise carry on bag  to make sure I have everything I need while I wait for my luggage. 

Here’s what you’ll always find in my bag:

• Cruise line boarding documents (print these!)

• Passports (although not required on closed loop cruises from the US, it is highly recommended to have a passport)

• Wallet (with cash to tip the luggage porters)

• Sunscreen/Sunglasses

• Bathing suit

• Basic toiletries: toothbrush/paste, deodorant

• Medications

• Phone charger and/or portable battery charger

Some additional items to consider:

• Contact lens case and solution

• Basic cosmetics–for a quick touch-up before dinner

• Hat

• A casual outfit (just in case you want to change out of your travel clothes for dinner)

• Light jacket or sweater

What to Pack in Your Checked Luggage

Everything else you want to bring with you can be placed in your checked luggage. Pro tip! The cruise line will not weigh your suitcase like an airline does, so put that travel pillow, jacket, and extra layers of clothing in the suitcase before you check it.

Here are a few checklists for packing: