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Soon, we are going on a cruise for the week. We haven't been on a cruise in over 15 years. Wow, it's been a while. So, preparing for the trip for myself and my family members (a total of 4 people), I started searching for guidance on what to bring for this "relaxing cruise." So, of course, I had to create one and share it with all of you. Please share it with all your friends and family. It will help you and them immensely. Below I have broken down the packing lists into a carry-on, his, hers, and kids.
Jump to:
Cruise Line Packing List
Below are guidelines I found on what to bring and what not to bring for the main cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
Carnival
Disney Cruise Line
Note: If you are taking kids, the last page is for them.
First, let's start out by answering these questions below.
Questions to Ask Before Making A Cruise Packing List
Below are questions to ask yourself to help you pick the right items for your trip.
- How many days will the cruise be?
- What type of cruise will it be?
- Will there be events where you will need specific clothes?
- How many offshore activities are there?
- Will you need to have clothing before and after the cruise? For how many days?
- What days are you planning on doing special activities on the ship?
- How is the weather for the trip? Will it be raining or sunny?
- Will I bring my laptop, or can I use my iPad / Tablet?
- Are there medicines that I need to carry for my family and me?
- Are there tasks I may need to do before the trip? How about after the trip?
Carry-on Bag Cruise Packing List
This packing list is just for carry-on bag items.
If you don't take all the items on the list, cross them out. I wanted to be thorough, just in case. Also, I added a blank column so you can add specific items you want to take in your carry-on bag.
Carry-on Packing List items:
Below is the carry-on packing list of items you may need.
- Jewelry (Affiliate Link) / Valuables
- Passport / Birth Cert. / Visas
- All Cruise airline information and guides
- Wallet (Affiliate Link): Money, Traveler’s Check, Credit card, Drivers License
- Health Insurance Cards
- Small first aid kit
- Phone/tablet and charger
- Tablet and earbuds (Affiliate Link) and cord
- Wet wipesGum for flight
- Ear plugs
- Reading material
- Glasses/contacts
- Sunglasses
- Notepad and pens
- 1 – quart size bag for liquids
- Kleenex, brush, Tums
- Prescription medication
- Seasickness bracelet or medicine
- Allergy medicine
- Bathing suit
- Extra outfit
- Workout outfit
- Neck Pillow
- An extra sweater
- Eye mask
- Earbuds (Affiliate Link)/ headset
- Small first aid kit
- Vitamins
- Water bottle
His and Her Cruise Packing List
Here is his and hers cruise packing list. This stuff is usually placed in your luggage. The column in the middle is for the extra supplies you will need.
You may wonder why there are two columns with "X"s at the top. Well, I always take my vacation checklist (Affiliate Link) with me because I want to return with everything left, right? So, the first "X" column is for when I am packing to leave for vacation, and the second "X" column is for when I am packing my stuff on the cruise.
His Cruise Packing List
Below is the cruise packing list for him.
- T-shirt
- Shorts
- Long pants
- Shirt or polo shirt
- Formal shirt/cuff links
- Suit Jacket/pants and/or Tuxedo bow tie, etc.
- Sport jacket /dress pants/tie/tie clip
- Underwear
- Sleepwear / Robe
- Swimsuits
- Light Jacket
- Shoes (Affiliate Link)
- Water shoes (Affiliate Link)
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Dental floss
- Toothpaste/toothbrush
- Razor
- Hair supplies
- Brush/comb
- Make a note of which luggage they will be taking.
Her Cruise Packing List
Below is a list of items she may need on her cruise packing list.
- T-shirt
- Shorts
- Slacks
- Capri
- Formal Dress/outfits
- Evening Wrap and/or light jacket
- Blouses/tops
- Underwear
- Bras
- Slips
- Hose and socks (Affiliate Link)
- Sleepwear/ Robe
- Swimsuits/cover-up
- Light Jacket
- Shoes (Affiliate Link)
- Dresses
- Jacket/sweater
- Flip-Flops or Water shoes (Affiliate Link)
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste/ toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Razor
- Hair supplies
- Brush/comb
- Makeup
- Nail file. Nail Polish
- Tweezer
- Feminine products
- Make a note of what carry-on and luggage you will be taking.
Blank Cruise Packing List
If you have kids and/or need an additional checklist (Affiliate Link), here is a blank one.
Kids Cruise Packing List
There are many things to pack for a cruise trip. Below is an extensive list of items you will need for your kids.
- Undergarments - bring an extra few just in case there are accidents.
- Outfits (shirt/pants): Bring an extra set of clothing and put it in your carry-on, just in case.
- Bring two swimsuits - If one is used, it will take time to dry, so having another one will allow the kids to swim two days in a row.
- Bring Sunglasses, swim goggles, and earplugs. These items are helpful for kids who love to be out in the sun and swim. However, they cost a lot more when you buy them on vacation.
- Socks (Affiliate Link) - bring a few extra pairs of socks (Affiliate Link).
- Shoes (Affiliate Link) - bring three pairs of shoes (Affiliate Link)—one pair of sneakers and comfortable shoes (Affiliate Link) for each kid. Also, bring water shoes (Affiliate Link) or flip-flops.
- Minimize the sleepwear - Only bring a few sleepwear outfits for the kids. Each outfit can be used for a few days at a time.
- Hat - Each kid should have one hat for the trip.
- A light jacket and/or poncho - Be sure to have layers for the kids. You don't want them to be sick on the ship.
- Hair accessories, special self-cleaning products - A separate toiletry bag just for the kids will
- Disposable toilet seat covers are great for kids needing to go while traveling.
- Motion Sickness Patch - These patches work well for seasickness for kids and adults.
- On-the-go games - sometimes, tech battery doesn't work in certain areas. So, some paper pad games are a great Plan B.
- Fork/spoon for kids - bringing their favorite fork and spoon will make it easier for them to be independent.
- Small backpack - Your children can carry something. Having them have a small backpack to hold their keep-busy activities works well.
- Water bottle - each kid should have a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Luggage/carry-on - write down what luggage and carry-on each child takes so there is no question when packing.
Cruise Packing List Tips
Now that you can see the complexity of a packing list, I hope it doesn't overwhelm you. To help you even more, I provided additional tips you may want to do when making your packing list.
Make your packing list early.
This will save you money because you can find deals for things you need.
Create a DIY tech organizer kit:
My post shows you how to make one for each family member. HOW TO MAKE A TRAVEL TECH ORGANIZER KIT Each older kid and adult should have their own. That makes it easy on the parents if the kids need to charge something while charging parents' devices.
Download the Cruise App:
Go through your Cruise Line App and pay in advance for trips so you don't incur additional charges. You usually get discounts on trips if you pay before the trip starts.
- Disney Cruise Line has an iOS and Android App
- Carnival App has an iOS and Android App
- Royal Caribbean Royal App has an iOS and Android App
- Norwegian Cruise Line App has an iOS and Android App
Label kids' items:
Labeling the kids' items with their names, our cellphone numbers, etc... will help in many ways. If you have two of these items, the kids may get theirs mixed up, so labeling them keeps them from fighting. If they lose an item and someone finds it, they can contact you by phone.
Layer clothing:
Try just one sweater and a light jacket to minimize the number of outerwear items you need. If it is cold, add a sweater under the light jacket to keep you warm.
Pick luggage for the right person:
Everyone, even the kids, should have luggage/carry-on bags for their trips. The right size depends on the person, the airline, and the cruise company. Be sure to check the size and dimensions of your luggage. Some may be used as carry-ons, and others may not.
Add a section for before and after the cruise to-dos:
As a reminder, create a section on your packing list for to-dos before and after your trip. Add the to-do date and task to each row that works well on a packing list.
Bring the packing list with you.
Lastly, be sure to include your packing list in your carry-on bag. This will remind you of what you brought and the tasks you must complete when you return.
Conclusion:
Making these cruise packing lists took some time, but I think it was worth it. I don't know about you; I want to relax on vacation and not worry about what I may have forgotten. Feel free to print the images above to help you make your own checklist (Affiliate Link). Please share this with your friends and family. Have a great trip.
Below are additional travel tips for your next shore vacations and 'day' trips!
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
April Reis says
We go on a couple of week long cruises every year. One more thing that I always take - a watch. I don't keep my phone with me on the ship, it gets turned off as soon as we board. But everything on the ship runs on a schedule and clocks can be hard to find depending on the cruiseline.
Sabrina says
That's a great suggestion, April! Thanks for commenting.
Seana Turner says
How fun! These are great tools to help ensure a wonderful vacation:)
krystle cook says
I plan on going on another cruise next year. This list will be very helpful!! It's always good to write down what you may need otherwise it's likely to be left behind.
Jason B says
I haven't been on a cruise yet. It's on my bucket list though. Thanks for the great list.
Meredith @ The Palette Muse says
Oh how I love lists! If I ever go on a cruise, I will be sure to reference these. It looks like you've thought of everything!
William Rusho says
These are great ideas and suggestion. All I need now is be able to afford a cruise and able to take the time off from work. When I do, I will at least have this list available. Thanks for sharing.
Pamela Chollet says
I know people applauded your great tip here's another round of applause. I love the, "take home" list, what a great idea. I've left so many items from my planner to shoes in hotel rooms. Thank you for the templates and the tips.
Marquita Herald says
It's been a few years since my last cruise but it was a marvelous experience! Of course the fact that it was all expenses paid as a prize in a business incentive and our company had the whole ship may have had something to do with it. I am really impressed by your list and tips on packing - not sure when I'll go on another cruise but I copied the forms anyway because it think this is a good strategy for any type of packing. Thanks!
Lenie says
I'm not planning a cruise but if I was, I would totally appreciate this checklist. I like the two x's - one for leaving home and the other for leaving the ship. That's a great idea and could even be adapted for other vacations, even for just a day away.
Great ideas as always Sabrina.
Catarina says
Great list, Sabrina. If I ever want to go on a cruise I will take it into account.
Ken Dowell says
I have never been on a cruise Sabrina. But perhaps this list could help me anyway because I don't think I've ever packed for a trip without forgetting something.
Donna Janke says
Great lists. I like the idea of the two X's. I often make a list for packing, but don't think to bring it with me to check off that I bring back everything. Good idea.
Arleen says
You list is great whether you going on a cruise or traveling by any means. I have bookmarked your blog so I now have a list. Thanks for sharing
Erica says
I've never been on a cruise, but I imagine this would be very useful. There is nothing worse than not having what you want or what you nee while you are in the middle of the ocean. My husband has sleep apnea, so his C-PAP machine is the first thing that we make sure we have with us. It is always nerve wracking because we have to pack it last second after he wakes up. He did forget it once, but we were only taking a road trip. I will say, it was still frustrating to have to turn the car around an hour into our trip, but definitely better than not having it.
Jacqueline Gum says
This is an excellent idea! I think cruises are particularly hard to pack for becasue if you forget something, there is limited opportunity to buy whatever you forgot. And if you find the item, it will most often cost a fortune. This is a great list and very complete!
Sabrina says
Thanks Jacqueline! It's very true. Cruises are unique because you usually pay upfront for almost everything. But, if you don't, boy do you pay for it.
Phoenicia says
What a brilliant idea to have a checklist for packing on your way out and on returning.
I make lists the week before going on holiday - one for me and the children. My husband usually packs his case at the last minute!
Patricia Weber says
What a great idea with the two Xs on the top of your cruise packing lists! Also it's great to see a separate carry on list. I tend to keep that separation of things in my end so I like this idea.
Even if I KNOW there will be electricity, on our list is our portable device battery charger. I make sure it is fully charged before we leave and the one I have is good for fully charging one device up to 4 times, or 4 devices once.
Beth Niebuhr says
What a good idea. I have lists for general trips but not for cruises. Probably because I haven't been on one for a long time. Thanks for doing my work for me.
Sabrina says
Thanks for stopping by Beth. It's so true, where there is a need, we create something to fill that need. Have a great day.