Cruise Holiday Packing List.
Everything you need on board and in port — from formal dinner outfits and magnetic cabin hooks to seasickness tablets and waterproof excursion bags.
Cruise packing is unlike any other trip type. You need formal clothes for dinner, casual clothes for days at sea, beach gear for port excursions, and practical items specific to ship life that most packing lists don't mention — magnetic hooks, power strips without surge protectors, over-door organisers. This checklist covers all of it, including the cruise-specific items that experienced cruisers swear by and first-timers wish someone had told them about.
Before you pack
Four tips that make the difference.
Magnetic hooks are a game-changer for cabin storage
Cruise ship cabin walls are mostly metal and magnetic. Pack 6–8 magnetic hooks and suddenly you have somewhere to hang bags, lanyards, hats, and wet towels. The difference in cabin organisation is remarkable.
Pack a power strip — but not one with a surge protector
Most cruise cabins have only one or two power outlets. A basic power strip (without a surge protector — these are banned on most ships for fire safety reasons) lets you charge multiple devices at once. Check your cruise line's specific policy before packing.
Seasickness tablets are worth packing even if you don't think you need them
Many people who've never been seasick on a cruise find open-ocean days unexpectedly rough. Tablets, patches, and wristbands are all significantly cheaper bought before departure than from the ship's shop. Pack them as insurance.
Bring a small waterproof day bag for every port excursion
You'll be on shore with sun, sea, and sometimes rain. A lightweight dry bag or waterproof daypack protects your camera, phone, and documents during snorkelling, boat trips, and unexpected rain showers in port.
The essentials
What goes in the bag.
Tick items off as you pack. For a full list tailored to your trip length, climate and travel style, use the checklist tool.
Documents & boarding
Formal & smart attire
Port & excursions
Cruise-specific
Health & medical
Tech & cabin
Want the complete list, with your own items, saved on your device and exportable to PDF or Notion?
Open the checklist tool →Coming soon to Etsy: a print-ready A4 PDF of this list, in English and German.
FAQ
Questions people ask.
Do I need to dress formally on a cruise?
Most large cruise lines have formal nights — typically 1–2 per week on a 7-night cruise. These require smart attire: suits and ties or cocktail dresses at minimum, black tie optional on some lines. Outside of formal nights, smart casual (no flip flops or swimwear in restaurants) is the standard. Check your specific cruise line's dress code, as it varies significantly between lines.
What's the best way to avoid seasickness on a cruise?
Choose a cabin mid-ship and low — this position moves the least in rough weather. Ginger, taken from the day before departure, helps many people. Ask a pharmacist or your doctor about motion sickness remedies before you travel; some work very well, and some need a prescription.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise?
Most cruise lines restrict bringing alcohol on board, though policies vary. Typically you can bring one bottle of wine per person at embarkation. Spirits are generally not permitted. All checked luggage goes through X-ray. The ship's drinks packages are often worth considering if you drink regularly — do the maths before you sail.
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