The list
Use this as a starting point and adjust for the route, the season and how dressy the ship is. Tick boxes are for printing.
Documents
- Passport or the ID your line accepts for the route
- Boarding document and luggage tags
- Travel insurance details and emergency numbers
- Copies of documents, stored apart from the originals
- A credit card for the onboard account
Carry-on for day one
- Medications in their original containers
- Swimsuit, sunscreen and a change of clothes
- Phone, charger and any travel adapters
- Valuables, jewelry and documents
- A refillable water bottle
Clothes
- Light layers and one warm top for windy decks
- A rain jacket, even for warm routes
- Something smarter for dinner if the ship has dress-up nights
- Comfortable walking shoes for port days
- Shoes with grip for wet decks
Health
- Any seasickness remedy your doctor or pharmacist suggests
- Basic first-aid items and pain relief
- Insect repellent for tropical ports
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
Port day bag
- A small amount of local cash
- A copy of the ship's port agent details
- A light bag that zips closed
- Snacks and water
- Your cruise card and photo ID
Why a day-one carry-on matters
On many large ships you hand your main bags to porters at the terminal, and they are delivered to your room later in the day. Until then, you only have what you carry. Keep anything you cannot do without in a small bag that stays with you: medications, documents, valuables, chargers and a change of clothes. The same goes for the last night, when many ships ask you to put your bags out the evening before you leave.
Documents
Requirements depend on your citizenship, the route and the countries you visit. A valid passport is the safest choice for any cruise that leaves your home country, even when other ID is allowed, because it lets you fly home from a foreign port if something goes wrong. Many countries also expect your passport to stay valid for months beyond your trip. Check the entry rules for every stop on the official sites listed in our health and safety guide, and check what your cruise line requires.
Clothes
- Layers. Decks get windy, and indoor spaces are often cool from air conditioning. A light sweater helps even on tropical trips.
- Dinner. Some ships hold dress-up evenings and others stay casual all week. Your line's website explains its dress code.
- Port days. Comfortable shoes you have already worn in, and modest clothing if you plan to visit religious sites.
- Cold routes. Expedition and northern trips need warm, waterproof gear. Some expedition ships lend boots or jackets, so check before you buy.
Items ships often ban
Every line publishes a list of prohibited items, and it is worth reading before you pack. Common examples include items that pose a fire risk, such as clothes irons, candles and some power strips, along with weapons and some sports gear. Rules on drinks brought on board also differ. Banned items may be taken from your bag at the terminal and held until the end of the trip.
Packing tips
- Cabins are compact. Soft bags that fold flat store more easily under the bed.
- A few magnetic hooks can add hanging space on metal cabin walls, if your line allows them.
- Bring a small night light if you book an inside room; it gets very dark.
- Leave space for anything you buy, or plan to wear it home.