Packing List for Cruises: Hot & Cold Weather Lists
Packing lists are useful for all types of holiday, but they are really useful for cruises. After all, you won’t be able to nip to the shops for items you forget - as you might on a beach break or city getaway.
Of course, cruise ships have shops too - but they can be expensive and only have a limited inventory.
So, making sure you have all the essentials in your suitcase will save you time, money and hassle.
What to wear on a cruise?
When deciding what to wear on a cruise, you need to think about the weather and temperature. Remember that even in the tropics it can get chilly at night. And on some cruises you may be required to wear formal wear - such as a tuxedo/formal dress - for some events (e.g. the captain’s gala party).
For some, getting dressed up is one of the best things about cruises.
What are the best items to bring on a cruise?
Aside from the basics, the best items to bring on a cruise will relate to your needs and interests. For example, seasickness tablets will be critical if you get a queasy stomach, while someone with sensitive skin will need sufficient sun block.
For those who tire of too much socialising or excursions, books or video games may be considered essential.
Cruise packing lists
From cruise clothes for women, to kids’ essentials, the following cruise packing lists cover general items, as well as specific things for either cold or warm weather cruises.
What documents do you need to pack for your cruise?
Essential additions to your packing lists for cruises are your important travel documents. These could include:
- Passport/other photographic ID
- Photocopies of passport/ID
- Boarding pass for cruise
- Boarding pass for flights
- Print out of hotel details (e.g. staying overnight at port before departure)
- Luggage tags
- Travel insurance details
- GHIC or EHIC health insurance card (if applicable)
- Other health insurance details (if applicable)
Money/payment items to pack for your cruise
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Cash backup (currencies to suit trip destinations)
- Smartphones with necessary SIM cards installed for 2-factor authentication
- Card reader (for authenticating payments)
- Photocopies of credit/debit cards (ensure only you have access)
Covid-19 essentials packing list for your cruise
- Health app installed (e.g. NHS App)
- Access to Covid-19 vaccination details on app/printed (as applicable)
- Face masks
- Hand sanitiser
- Evidence of Covid-19 tests (if applicable)
Cruise wear & footwear - general
Note: Some formal dinners may require men to wear a blazer or tuxedo; cruise wear for women may include a long evening dress.
- Underwear and socks
- Workout gear
- Formal wear (e.g. tuxedos/long dresses for formal occasions)
- Formal shoes
- Jackets
- Skirts
Cruise wear & footwear - warm weather
Note: choose cotton over more insulating garments as this material will keep you cooler.
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Swimwear
- Pyjamas - lightweight
- Flip flops/sandals
- Walking shoes
- Sun hat
- Cover-ups (important cruise clothes for women and men; most cruise ship dining rooms do not permit swimwear)
- Sweaters (it can get chilly at night, even in the tropics)
Cruise wear & footwear - cold/wet weather
Note: choose wool or synthetics over cotton, since it can absorb moisture and leech warmth from your body.
- Waterproof jacket
- Trousers
- Long skirts
- Heavy sweaters
- Thick coat
- Woolly hat
- Waterproof shoes
- Waterproof boots
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Pyjamas - thick
Accessories to pack for a cruise
The following are suggestions for ideas you might want to add to your accessories packing list for cruises:
- Glasses/contact lens (and solution)
- Jewellery
- Belt
- Sunglasses
- Handbag
- Day pack/beach bag
- Wallet/purse
- Tie (formal)
- Hairbands and accessories
Toiletries to pack for a cruise
When considering what toiletries to pack for a cruise, remember that most cabins will have basic toiletries - so you may save luggage space by leaving some items at home.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Soap/shower gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hair brush/comb
- Deodorant
- Razors and shaving cream
- Feminine hygiene products
- Makeup/makeup remover
- Perfume/aftershave
- Lip balm
- Lotion/moisturiser
- Shower puff
- Nail clippers
- Tissues
- Plasters
- First aid kit
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun block (advisable in cold but sunny weather too)
- Aloe vera
Electronics for a cruise
- Smartphone (with all required apps pre-loaded)
- Camera and memory cards
- Laptop
- E-reader/Kindle
- Hair appliances
- Handheld video games
- Power bank
- Headphones
- Plug adapters
- All required chargers
Miscellaneous items
- Medications (including inhalers/insulin etc)
- Vitamins
- First-aid kit
- Painkillers
- Nappies/baby wipes
- Contraceptives
- Seasickness tablets
- Phrase book
- Maps
- Guidebook
- Binoculars
- Snorkel equipment
- Wet bags
- Reusable water bottle
- Umbrella
- Books/puzzles/games/toys
- Pens (for completing forms)
- Laundry items
Caution - some items are banned in certain countries
If your ship docks at any of the following countries, be aware that the following may not be the best items to bring on a cruise (or at least, into port!).
- Codeine and Tramadol are banned in Greece, Japan, UAE, and Indonesia
- Sex toys - banned in Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Cambodia
- Vicks inhalers - banned in Japan
- Chewing gum - banned in Singapore
- Flip flops - banned on Capri island, Italy (they make too much noise!)
- High heels - Greece (but only at historic sites due to land erosion)
What NOT to pack for a cruise
The following items may not be required since they add weight to your luggage and may not be necessary for your trip.
Here are a few ideas about what not to pack for a cruise.
- A different outfit for each day - whether choosing cruise clothes for women or men, plan to re-use garments as much as possible (laundry facilities will be available)
- Books and magazines (opt for Kindle/eReader instead)
- Too much denim (heavy and takes up space)
- Some toiletries (many cruise lines provide basic toiletries like shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste)
- Makeup bag (just bring the items you need for the trip)
- Hair appliances - blow-dryer, straightener, curling iron etc - heavy items
- Multiple devices (fewer devices mean less to carry, while encouraging you to explore and socialise more)
- Jewellery and valuables (they are heavy and may be lost or stolen)
- Food (leave that hefty king-size jar of Marmite at home!)
- ‘Just in case’ items - don’t pack rainwear if the destination is dry, or tuxedos if the cruise ship is only smart-casual.
- Large toys (there will be plenty for kids to do on board)