Packing list
Cruise packing list
Set the length of the sailing, the climate and whether there are dress-up evenings. Clothes are counted for the nights, and the cabin extras and excursion gear show only when they apply.
Documents and boarding
Clothes
Footwear
Cabin and ship
Sun and health
Toiletries
Electronics
Tips for this list
- Pack a day's worth of clothes, swimwear and chargers in your hand luggage: large bags often reach the cabin hours after you board.
- Plan evening outfits around two colours and change them with a scarf or a tie. Shoes are the heaviest part of dress-up, so limit them to one pair.
- Read your line's rules on what you may bring on board before you pack; items such as kettles, irons and some power strips are commonly not allowed.
- Keep passports and the next port's paperwork in one folder you carry yourself, never in a bag handed to the porters.
Questions
Do I need formal clothes on a cruise?
Only if the line has dress-up evenings, which many do on one or two nights of a week. Switch the formal option off and the list drops the evening outfits and shoes for a smart-casual set.
How much cash should I bring?
Most spending on board goes on the cabin account, so cash is for ports, small tips and street stalls. The list only says to bring some; the amount depends on your ports.
Can I bring my own power strip?
Many lines ban strips with surge protection, so check the line's list. A USB charging hub or a plug with USB sockets usually solves the shortage of sockets.