The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (2024)

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (1)

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (Photo: REDPIXEL.PL/Shutterstock.com)

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (2)

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (Photo: REDPIXEL.PL/Shutterstock.com)

On This Page

  • The Basics
  • Packing for the Destination
  • New to Cruising

There's more to packing for a cruise than throwing an arbitrary pile of clothes and accessories into a suitcase and saying, "Bon voyage!" Cruisers need to consider factors like cruise line dress codes and temperature differences between homeports and ports of call. Read through Cruise Critic's packing guide to learn the ropes, get the inside scoop on savvy-cruiser packing hacks and see examples of what to wear for different activities and climates. You'll be a pro before you know it.

Booked? Find your Roll Call to see who's sailing with you.

The Basics

What to Pack for a Cruise: A Beginner's Guide
There's no need to pack your entire wardrobe for a cruise. Lighten your load with these simple guidelines.

The Ultimate Printable Cruise Packing List
Cruise Critic's packing list makes it easy to compile a list of must-bring items and check them off as they go into your suitcase.

Pictures of What to Wear on a Cruise
Need packing inspiration? See what our members like to wear onboard and ashore, in different types of environments.

Cruise Line Dress Codes
No cruise line dress code is the same. Find out what your ship requires.

Anatomy of a Cruise Carry-On
What you pack in your carry-on bag could make or break your first day onboard. Start your cruise off right by keeping these necessities handy.

Tips & Advice

Top 10 Cruise Packing Tips
From keeping personal documents close to leaving room in your suitcase for souvenirs, here are 10 packing tips for a smooth sailing.

9 Cruise Packing Hacks That Will Revolutionize the Way You Travel
Combat common packing problems with these simple solutions you never would have thought up on your own.

What to Pack for Kids on a Cruise
Pack the right gear for your family cruise to prevent complaints about boredom, long walks and low-battery electronics.

What Not to Pack: Things You Want to Bring on a Cruise But Shouldn't
Don't make it awkward. Make sure none of these items are in your suitcase before you board.

What Not to Forget on a Cruise: 10 Things to Remember to Pack
From A to Z, here are the most critical things to remember to bring on your next sailing.

17 Worst Cruise Packing Mistakes
Even the savviest cruisers make mistakes. Laugh along (and learn how to stay prepared) with these "not so perfect" packing stories.

How Not to Overpack for Your Cruise
Are you the one lassoing bulging bags at baggage claim? Change your ways and learn our secrets to resist overpacking.

9 Reasons to Pack Duct Tape on Your Next Cruise
Who knew duct tape had so many powers? We list a few reasons you might want to slip a roll in your suitcase.

12 Tips for Packing for a Long Cruise
So much to bring, and so little room. Master the art of packing for a long cruise with these quick tips.

Packing for the Destination

Top 10 Must-Pack Items for a Caribbean Cruise
Flip-flops, snorkel gear, resealable plastic bags... Here's how to pack for a cruise on island time.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: 10 Must-Pack Items
Leave the Hawaiian-print tees at home, but bring the sunscreen. Prepare for the Last Frontier with these packing recommendations.

10 Must-Pack Items for a European Cruise
Europe is full of culture and sights to see; make sure you have what you need to navigate.

Top 10 Must-Pack Items for an Exotic Cruise
Whether you're headed to the Maldives or the Middle East, use this guide to pack smart.

New to Cruising

10 Must-Pack Items for New Cruisers
You don't have to learn the hard way. Here's how to pack like a pro for your first cruise.

What to Expect on a Cruise: Cruise Clothing
How fancy do people get on formal night? What shoes should I bring? We answer common questions about what to wear on a cruise.

9 Cruise Fashion Faux Pas and How to Avoid Them
Take advice from a professional. We consult with Kelly Nishimoto, host of TLC's "Something Borrowed, Something New," on how to stay fashionable at sea.

10 Signs You've Done a Terrible Job Packing for Your Cruise
If you're worried you're a packing failure, know the signs -- and follow our tips to help you avoid future packing mistakes.

Publish date

January 08, 2020

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The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Cruise (2024)

FAQs

What is the 333 packing method for a cruise? ›

What is the '333 packing' method? The concept is fairly simple: Choose three tops, three bottoms and three pairs of shoes to create different outfit combinations. The result is more than a dozen looks that fit easily in your carry-on luggage.

What are the rules for packing for a cruise? ›

You are allowed to bring a quart-size, zip-lock bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes though the checkpoint in carryon luggage. These combined items need to be less than 3 ounces. More information from the TSA. So the 3-1-1 rule is the TSA's quick reminder: 3 ounces, 1 quart bag and 1 bag per traveler.

What is the 1 2 3 4 5 rule packing? ›

Consider the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule

One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear. This should be enough to last you for two weeks.

What is the 54321 method of packing? ›

We believe the secret to becoming a light packer is the 54321 method. For a weeklong holiday, that means you'll need: five shirts and/or T-shirts, four pairs of trousers, three accessories (think hats, belts and sunglasses), two pairs of shoes and one pair of swimming trunks.

What is the 3x3x3 packing rule? ›

The concept of this packing rule is that you choose three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes to create more than a dozen outfit looks that fit easily into your carry-on.

How many outfits should I pack for a 7 day cruise? ›

You should average two outfits per day, as you'll wear one during the day and one at night for dinner. I find that I like to re-wear at least two or three outfits at night to save space. Plus, I just don't like having to plan seven different outfits for each night. This, however, is a personal preference.

What is not allowed in luggage on a cruise? ›

All weapons and any item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon: firearms (including replicas, imitations and their components), spears or spear guns, crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows; blunt weapons, including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or Nunchaku; ...

Do cruise ships check your carry-on bags? ›

Just like the security screening at an airport, we also screen all luggage our guests bring onboard to ensure everyone's safety. If there is an item in your luggage that is prohibited or is believed to be prohibited, your bag will be taken to a screening location and will be inspected by our Security Team onboard.

How do you pack for a cruise without overpacking? ›

Packing Light for a Cruise: Tips for Efficient Travel
  1. Create a Packing List. First, compile a cruise packing checklist as a jump board. ...
  2. Invest in a Hard-Shell Suitcase. ...
  3. Pack a Carry-on Bag. ...
  4. Choose Functional Outfits. ...
  5. Sort Out Your Day and Evening Wear. ...
  6. Don't Forget to Layer. ...
  7. Pack the Right Footwear. ...
  8. Get Travel Size Products.
Nov 14, 2023

Can you take full size toiletries on a cruise? ›

As you prepare your bags for your getaway, I'm happy to share that you may bring full-size toiletries in your carry-on luggage. Unlike traveling on an airplane, there is no restriction on the size of your toiletry items when traveling onboard Disney Cruise Line.

How do you pack a cruise without wrinkles? ›

Overlapping Garments

If you're packing delicate fabrics, dresses, dress pants, or skirts, try overlapping your garments. Lay the bottom half of the garment flat into the suitcase, and then layer other clothing on top. This can include your rolled jeans and folded knits.

Do I need jeans on a cruise? ›

The good news is that denim in the form of jeans, jackets, shorts and skirts is generally a perfectly acceptable daytime casual cruise look, often combined with a T-shirt but check before you go for lunch – those designer jeans may cut it for a promenade on deck but some lines don't allow jeans in their restaurants, ...

What is the 333 styling method? ›

The 333 styling method is a minimalist fashion challenge encouraging individuals to select and wear only 33 items for 3 months. This includes clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes, aiming to simplify wardrobe choices and promote sustainable fashion habits.

What is the 333 method of packing? ›

The 333 method is simple: Pack three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes, then mix and match for at least nine different outfits or 27 different looks if you're counting the various shoe options, too.

What is the 3-3-3 packing rule? ›

The concept of this packing rule is that you choose three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes to create more than a dozen outfit looks that fit easily into your carry-on.

What is the 333 method? ›

The 333 method is a manifestation technique that helps you focus on and achieve your goals. It entails writing down your goal(s) 3 times every day for thirty-three days. If you want to be successful, you must take it seriously. A more advanced 333 method is to write your goals 33 times over 33 days.

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