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 awhile. So, preparing for the trip for myself and my family members (we are a total of 4 people), I started searching for guidance on what to bring for this "relaxing cruise" from the cruise lines. I looked and looked and couldn't find an actual "cruise packing list" I could use or even modify. I was really surprised that no one created a cruise packing list! 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 are the 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. Each kid may have different needs so I left it blank. Refer to the other list for guidance on what to add to the kids list.
This packing list is just for carry-on bag items. If you don't take all the items on the list, just cross it 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.
You may be wondering why there is two columns with "X"s at the top. Well, I always take my vacation checklist with me because I want to return with everything left with, don't you? 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. Here is a his and hers cruise packing list. This stuff is usually place in your luggage. The column in the middle is for the extra supplies you will need.
If you have kids and need an additional checklist, here is a blank one for you. Refer to the his and her checklist for guidance on what to bring.
Making these cruise packing lists took some time but I think is differently worth it. I don't know about you, I want to be relaxing on vacation and not worrying about what I may have forgotten. I hope this helps you start your cruise vacation on the right foot. I know it will help me. Please share this with your friends and family. Have a great trip.
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
April Reis
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
That's a great suggestion, April! Thanks for commenting.
Seana Turner
How fun! These are great tools to help ensure a wonderful vacation:)
krystle cook
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
I haven't been on a cruise yet. It's on my bucket list though. Thanks for the great list.
Meredith @ The Palette Muse
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
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
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
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
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
Great list, Sabrina. If I ever want to go on a cruise I will take it into account.
Ken Dowell
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.