I’ve packed for more cruises than I can count, and every single time, I learn something new about what actually belongs in my bag and what I hauled on board for no reason.
Cruising presents a packing challenge unlike any other trip. You’re working with a tight cabin and limited storage, and you can’t exactly duck out to a pharmacy in the middle of the night if you forget something essential.
Onboard shops exist, but the selection is sparse, and the prices are steep. After years of trial and error on ships ranging from mega-liners to small river vessels, I’ve narrowed it down to the items that genuinely make sense and the ones that never should have made it past my front door.
In this article
Pack It: A UPF 50+ Dress That Works From Deck to Dining Room
Packing for a cruise means finding clothes that can keep up with your day, from shore excursions to poolside lounging, and lunch on the lido deck, all without overstuffing your suitcase.
I have the Stio Women’s Hylas Tunic LS, which stands out for its UPF 50+ fabric that provides strong sun protection on long days in port, and odor-control technology, which keeps me feeling fresh throughout a range of activities.
It also has a temperature-regulating finish that I find helps me to stay cool as the day heats up, while providing comfort inside chilly restaurants.
It’s also versatile enough to throw on over a swimsuit for lunch or on a shore excursion, and is still designed to look and feel like everyday clothing, not just a cover-up.
This dress packs flat, doesn’t wrinkle, takes up minimal space, and proves useful every single day on board.
Pack It: Sandals Built for Both the Ship and the Shore
Shoes are easy to overlook when packing for a cruise, but the right pair can make all the difference.
Look for shoes that handle slick pool decks and cobblestone streets but still look sharp at dinner.
I love the Solei Sea Bowie Sandals. They have built-in arch support, cushioned footbeds, and non-slip soles that keep your feet happy and steady all day.
Style-wise, they work with both a maxi dress at dinner and a swimsuit on a beach day. Choosing one pair of shoes for all scenarios is smarter than packing multiple pairs for different uses.
Pack It: A “Cruise Kit” for the Cabin and the Deck
Cruise cabins are smaller than you might expect, with limited storage. To make the most of your space, there are few things I always bring as part of a "cruise kit."
I pack magnetic hooks or over-the-door hooks for hats, bags, jackets, and wet swimsuits. These space savers make use of unused vertical space, leaving your closet free for other hanging items.
For days on the deck, bring high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen and towel clips to secure towels on breezy days. These tools prevent lost towels and keep you organized.
Also helpful is a compact first aid kit stocked with motion-sickness meds, bandages, and pain relievers. These are essentials that will likely cost more on board.
I also suggest storing everything in a lightweight, water-resistant nylon backpack that doubles as a beach bag; it folds flat, holds port-day essentials, and easily carries wet or sandy gear.
Leave It: A Clothes Iron or Steamer
It’s tempting to pack an iron or steamer for formal nights.
But many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, ban them because they pose a fire hazard.
Instead, use a travel-size wrinkle-release spray like this one on Amazon for $7, which works on most fabrics.
Additionally, many ships offer laundry and pressing services, and some, like Riverside Luxury Cruises, have self-serve laundry rooms.
Irons will only be confiscated at boarding, slowing down the embarkation process.
Leave It: A Bag Full of Snacks
You may want your favorite snacks onboard with you, but food is everywhere on a cruise.
With buffets, room service, poolside grills, and specialty restaurants, you’ll never go hungry, and remember, a cruise is an all-inclusive experience, where most meals and snacks are included in the overall price.
Packing snacks just takes away from that value and only adds weight for items you may not eat. Use that extra suitcase space instead for a sarong, extra shoes, or souvenirs.
Leave It: Bulky Beach Towels
Beach towels take up space and most cruises provide pool towels on deck and at the gangway.
Check them out with your room key and return them when finished on a shore excursion instead of dealing with a damp towel on the way home.
The only reason to pack one is if you’re visiting a truly remote beach or swimming spot and might benefit from bringing a compact microfiber towel rather than a bulky one from home.
The Shortcut
A UPF 50+ dress, supportive non-slip sandals, and a simple kit with sunscreen, first aid basics, magnetic hooks, and towel clips will serve you better than anything in the ship’s shops.
Irons and steamers aren’t allowed on most cruise lines, so bring wrinkle-release spray instead.
Cruise ships provide towels and food any time, so skip snacks and bulky linens and save space for souvenirs or essentials.
