The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need
(Updated for 2026–2027 Sailings – Works for Every Cruise Line & Destination)
After helping hundreds of clients board ships everywhere from Alaska to the Mediterranean, we’ve learned one truth:
Over-packers stress for weeks. Under-packers spend a fortune on board. Smart packers just enjoy the vacation.
This is the exact list we send our clients. It works whether you’re on a 3-night Carnival party cruise, a 14-day Viking river cruise, or a luxury Silversea expedition to Antarctica.
The Golden Rule: One Carry-On + One Checked Bag Per Person (Max)
Most cruise ships now charge for extra bags on transfers, and you’ll thank yourself on embarkation day when you’re not wrestling three suitcases.
The 2025 Cruise Capsule Wardrobe (Mix-and-Match)
Pack these pieces and you’ll have 15+ outfits with almost no effort:
Daytime / Port Days (Casual & Comfortable)
- 5–7 tops (t-shirts, tanks, linen shirts, polo shirts)
- 3–4 bottoms (shorts, lightweight pants, skirt, or sundress)
- 1 light sweater or fleece (ship AC is Arctic)
- 1 waterproof windbreaker or packable rain jacket
- Swimsuit × 2 + cover-up
- Comfortable walking shoes (broken-in sneakers or supportive sandals)
- Flip-flops for pool deck & beach
- Sun hat + sunglasses + collapsible water bottle
Evening Wear (No More “What Do I Wear Tonight?” Panic)
Most ships dropped formal nights or made them optional. Here’s the new reality:
Cruise Style
What “Dress-Up” Actually Means Now
Pack This Instead of a Gown/Tux
Carnival, MSC, Norwegian
1 optional “Cruise Elegant” night
Men: collared shirt + slacks Women: sundress or jumpsuit
Royal Caribbean
Same — very relaxed
Same as above
Princess, Celebrity, Holland America
2–3 “Dress to Impress” nights (still optional)
Men: sports coat (tie optional) Women: cocktail dress or nice pants + blouse
Virgin Voyages
No dress code ever — wear whatever makes you feel hot
Whatever you love
Viking Ocean/River
Elegant casual every night
Men: button-down + chinos Women: nice top + pants/skirt
Silversea, Seabourn, Regent
Country-club elegant every night
Men: jacket every night (tie rare) Women: dressy separates or cocktail dress
Pro move: Choose one color palette (navy/white/tan or black/white/gold) and everything matches.
The Must-Have Items Everyone Forgets
- Magnetic hooks (cabins walls are metal — instant storage)
- Power strip (NO surge protectors allowed — get a non-surge one)
- Collapsible laundry bag
- Reusable straw & lightweight tumbler
- Ginger candies or Dramamine (even if you’ve never been seasick)
- Small first-aid kit + prescriptions in carry-on
- Portable charger
- Waterproof phone pouch (for beach excursions)
- Ziploc bags (wet swimsuits, leaky sunscreen, souvenirs)
- Travel-size detergent packets (for quick sink washes)
Cruise-Line-Specific Items
- Alaska or Northern Europe → Pack layers, wool hat, gloves, binoculars
- Caribbean or Mediterranean → Reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, aloe vera
- Expedition (Galápagos, Antarctica) → The cruise line usually provides parka & boots — just bring base layers & waterproof pants
- River cruise → Comfortable shoes for cobblestones — you’ll walk 5–10 miles a day
Toiletries – Save Money & Space
Ships provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and usually a hairdryer. Skip the giant bottles.
Bring travel sizes of:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if going tropical)
- Toothpaste, deodorant, contacts solution
- Makeup remover wipes
- Feminine products
- Seasick meds & pain reliever
The “Never Check These” Carry-On Essentials (Embarkation Day Survival Kit)
- Swimsuit & sunscreen (so you can hit the pool while waiting for luggage)
- Change of clothes
- All medications
- Valuables & travel documents
- Phone charger
Final Packing Hack: The 24-Hour Rule
Lay everything out → remove 30% → you’ll still have too much.
Ready for your cruise but dreading packing stress?
Now go enjoy that balcony sunrise with zero luggage drama.
Smooth sailing!
Elijah Pendergraft
Founder, Travels by Elijah, LLC
P.S. Booked a cruise for 2026–2027? Many lines still have free laundry or onboard credit promotions — message us and we’ll check if yours qualifies!