Cruises are designed to be relaxing and convenient, but with so many on-board amenities, first-time cruisegoers can get confused about what to pack, often bringing too much or too little.
While planning for a cruise can be an exciting experience, it can also be overwhelming. An expertly-curated cruise packing checklist can help make the process easier. Whether you're traveling alone, bringing your family, or cruising with friends, a cruise checklist is essential. Check out these cruise checklists below or download the printable cruise checklist PDF.
Cruise Packing List for Adults
- Casual outfits/sundresses for the whole week (including undergarments)
- 2-4 formal/nice outfits for the evening
- Swimsuits
- Sandals, sneakers and dress shoes
- Make up/make up remover
- Feminine care products
- Hair products/hair tools
- Jewelry
- Socks
- Shaving Supplies
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Shampoo/soap
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella
- Rain poncho
- Hairbrush
- Phone charger
- Batteries
- Floss
- Travel first aid kit
- Medication (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Camera
- Boarding passes
- Passports/IDs
- Reading materials
- Cash/cards
- Copies of important documents
- Lip balm
- Zip-close bags
- Power strip
- Dirty clothes bag
- Beach bag
Cruise Packing List for Parents with Infants or Toddlers
- Formula/baby food and snacks
- Baby bottles/sippy cups
- Bibs/pacifiers
- Toys/teething rings
- Baby monitor
- Diapers/wipes
- Baby soap/shampoo
- Children medications/thermometer
- Stroller/baby carrier
- Pack & Play/blankets
- Diaper bag
- Sun hat
- 2 outfits per day
- Pajamas for every night
- Swimsuit
- Swim diapers
- SPF shirt/sun hat
- Shoes/sandals
- Water shoes
- Sound Machine
- Nightlight
- Snack cups/resealable bags
Cruise Packing List for Kids
- Swimsuits
- Sandals, sneakers and dress shoes
- 2-4 nice shirts for the evening
- 2-4 nice bottoms for the evening
- 5-7 casual shirts
- 5-7 casual bottoms
- 5-7 undergarments
- Casual and nice dresses
- Pajamas for each night
- Long sleeve/sweatshirt
- Sweatpants/leggings
- Socks
- Hair accessories
- Nightlight
- Reusable water bottle
- Books
- Toys
- Sun hat
Cruise Packing List for Seniors
Everything on the Adult Packing List, plus the following:
- Medications/prescriptions (plus an extra dose)
- Emergency contact and doctor’s information
- Reading glasses (multiple just in case)
- Non-slip shoes
These cruise packing lists above are general guidelines. If you have questions whether certain items are included in your cruise package, contact your cruise line. Additionally, social media groups or online forums can provide helpful information about specific cruise lines or itineraries.
Unlike other vacations, it’s likely for cruisegoers to have paid for most of their vacation before ever stepping foot on the ship. With travel insurance for a cruise, you can insure your prepaid, non-refundable cruise, flight, excursions, and other trip costs so that you’re covered in case the unexpected happens before or during your travels. Travelers could miss the boat, lose baggage, or get sick which are only a few of the key reasons why having travel insurance for a cruise is so important.
This cruise cancellation case study explains how travel insurance can help protect your cruise investment. IMG customers John and Annie prepaid more than $40,000 in non-refundable expenses for their luxury cruise to Japan. When they had to cancel their once-in-a-lifetime cruise due to an unexpected medial issue, IMG helped the couple recoup their trip investment.