Your Ultimate Cruise Packing List

When it comes to packing for your cruise vacation, it can feel a bit overwhelming since there is limited storage space in your stateroom. What do you really need and what should you leave at home? I've got you covered with my Ultimate Cruise Packing List below!

Bring It!
You'll actually be surprised by how much you won't need on your cruise. Here is what I recommend for each person in your room:

• 2 bathing suits
• 1 cover up
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 3-4 pairs of shorts
• 3-4 tees/tanks
• good walking shoes for excursions
• 1 nicer outfit for each dinner (you don't have to get super fancy here. A comfy knit maxi dress or nicer shorts and button up shirt is totally fine - just no beachwear at dinner)
• 1 pair of jeans or pants 
• 1 sweater or jacket
• nice shoes/sandals
• socks and undies
• pajamas
• optional: if your sailing has a formal or semi-formal night or dress code for adult only or specialty dining, be sure to pack a nice outfit for that
• toiletries (your stateroom should have soap, shampoo and conditioner, and a blow dryer) 
• medications in their original bottles
• contacts/glasses
• hat
• sunglasses
• sunblock
• earplugs if you have a hard time sleeping in new places
• travel tumbler for water/beverages if you don't have a drink package

Carry On!
Your stateroom will not be accessible until after lunch on your boarding day and your luggage will arrive outside your door sometime later in the afternoon. So be sure you have your essentials in your carry on bags!

• travel identification/passports
• boarding documents
• wallet
• lanyards for holding room key/cruise cards
• SeaBands if you are concerned about motion sickness
• bathing suits if you want to swim before dinner
• essential medications you'll need before dinner
• phone/chargers/electronics
• cash with small bills for tips
• if you are going on a Disney cruise, be sure to bring something to collect character autographs
• alcohol, if permitted by your cruise line

Don't Bring It!
There are a few things you won't need or can't bring onboard!

• alcohol, if not permitted by your cruise line
• valuable or irreplaceable items
• beach towels
• power strips or extension cords
• firearms or other weapons
• homemade or perishable food
• hard sided coolers

I find printing a list to be super helpful as I am packing. Click here for my favorite printable list that you can customize for your cruise!

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