Packing for a cruise isn’t quite the same as packing for a regular vacation. Sure, you’ll need clothes and toiletries, but cruise ships have their own set of unwritten packing rules. Ask any experienced cruiser, and they’ll tell you there are a few items that can turn a good trip into a great one.
Take a lanyard, for example. On a cruise, your cabin key doubles as your room key, onboard credit card, and identification. You’ll use it so often that stuffing it into your pocket 47 times a day gets old fast.
Then there are magnetic hooks. Most cruise cabin walls are metal, making these little lifesavers perfect for hanging hats, bags, swimsuits, and anything else that seems to multiply in a tiny cabin. I like pack both smaller hooks for hanging hats or lanyards and bigger heavy duty hooks for larger items like backpacks or purses.
A reusable tumbler or water bottle is another cruise MVP. Whether you’re filling up with water, coffee, or a fruity poolside drink, you’ll appreciate having your favorite cup along for the ride.
Don’t forget a small carry-on bag or backpack for embarkation day. Your checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin for several hours, so keep essentials like medications, travel documents, swimsuits, and sunscreen with you.
My cruise-specific favorites include:
A power strip or cruise-approved USB charging station
Hanging toiletry bag – ideal for the small spaces.
Cruise luggage tags – keeps tags secure so your luggage makes it to the right cabin.
Motion sickness remedies—even if you think you won’t need them. The ginger-flavored candies work wonders.
A beach bag for port days
Wrinkle-release spray for clothes that spent days folded in a suitcase
Waterproof phone pouch for pool days and shore excursions
A nightlight for navigating an unfamiliar cabin after dark
Packing cubes to maximize limited cabin storage space
Towel clips to keep your towel from blowing away on windy deck days
A small crossbody bag or belt bag for excursions
Zip-top bags for wet swimsuits, snacks, or protecting valuables
Over-the-door organizers for extra storage in compact cabins
A portable fan for added airflow in your stateroom
A foldable laundry basket to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones
Portable stain-removal pens for unexpected spills at dinner
Extra medication and basic first-aid supplies for minor mishaps
Cash in small bills for tips, taxis, and local purchases in port
The funny thing about cruise packing is that the items taking up the least space often make the biggest difference. While everyone remembers to pack outfits, seasoned cruisers know it’s the little cruise-specific essentials that keep the vacation running smoothly from sail-away to disembarkation.
With the right items on board, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time making memories at sea.