A researched cruise packing checklist: making the most of a small cabin, the charging rules to check before you pack, dress codes and shore excursion essentials.
Our master holiday checklist on one A4 page. No sign-up needed.
First-time cruisers and anyone packing for an ocean or river cruise
We haven't been on a cruise ourselves yet, so this is a researched checklist rather than one based on our own trips. We've looked at cruise line guidance and the advice experienced cruisers share most often, and combined it with the travel essentials we already use.
Rules vary between cruise lines and ships, and they do change. Always check your cruise line's own packing guidance and prohibited items list before you travel.
Passport – check the validity rules for every country on your itinerary, not just the departure port.
Cruise documents and luggage labels – printed or downloaded, as instructed by your cruise line.
Travel insurance that covers cruising – not every policy does, so check.
A lanyard or card holder – your cruise card is often your room key and onboard payment card, so it's worth keeping it safe.
Some local currency – for ports where cards aren't widely accepted.
Packing cubes – cabins have limited drawer space, and cubes let you live out of your case neatly.
Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes
Good-value starter set for trying packing cubes without spending much.
Hanging toiletry bag – cabin bathrooms are usually compact with very little shelf space.
BAGSMART Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag
Hangs from a hook or rail, so everything stays visible and off a small shelf.
Magnetic hooks – a popular tip among cruisers, as many cabin walls are metal and hooks give you extra hanging space.
Earplugs and an eye mask – for inside cabins or noisy corridors.
Reusable earplugs
Small, washable and handy for noisy neighbours or thin walls.
Contoured sleep mask
Blocks light without pressing on your eyes.
Don't pack an extension lead without checking – many cruise lines ban extension leads and multi-plug power strips, including surge-protected ones, as a fire risk. Royal Caribbean, for example, lists them as prohibited.
Check your ship's socket type – it varies. Some ships aimed at British passengers have UK sockets, while others use US or European ones. Your cruise line's website will tell you.
A travel adapter with USB ports – a single adapter with built-in USB charging lets you charge several devices without a multi-plug strip.
MyTravelPal Pro Universal Travel Adaptor
One grounded adaptor with USB ports, so you can charge several devices from a single socket.
Power bank for shore days – excursions can mean long days away from the ship.
INIU 10,000mAh 45W Power Bank
Compact, fast USB-C charging and enough capacity for a full day out without becoming a brick in your bag.
Leave kettles, travel irons and other heating appliances at home – lines such as P&O Cruises don't allow items with heating elements in cabins.
Smart or formal evening wear – many cruises have dress-up nights. Check your cruise line's dress code for each evening.
Layers and a windproof jacket – it can be surprisingly breezy on deck, even in warm weather.
Swimwear and a cover-up
Comfortable shoes for excursions – and non-slip shoes for wet decks.
Seasickness remedies – worth having even if you don't usually suffer. Ask a pharmacist for advice.
Any regular medicines – in your hand luggage, with enough to cover delays.
A small first aid kit
Compact travel first aid kit
A small ready-made kit covering plasters, wipes and the basics without taking much space.
Sun cream and after-sun – the sun reflecting off the sea is stronger than it feels.
NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture Spray SPF 30 (200ml)
Easy to forget until you're on deck. Pack it rather than paying onboard prices.
A day bag – for water, sun cream, layers and your cruise card.
Waterproof phone pouch and dry bag – for beach stops, tender boats and water activities.
SYNCWIRE Waterproof Phone Pouch 2-Pack
Keeps your phone safe from rain, spray and sand on days out.
Small dry bag
Keeps your phone, keys and spare layers dry on boat trips and wet days.
Refillable water bottle
Collapsible water bottle
Folds flat when empty, so it's easy to carry around all day and refill as you go.
Card games are a problem on a breezy deck. If you want to play outside, a game without cards copes much better with wind.
Hive Pocket – chunky tiles, no cards and no board. Our top pick for playing outdoors.
Hive Pocket
Chunky tiles and no cards, so it copes with a breeze. Excellent for two players.
Dobble – a tiny tin for quick games in a bar or lounge.
Dobble
A tiny tin with very quick games. Easy to play at a bar table with a drink in hand.
Extension leads and multi-plug strips – unless your cruise line confirms they're allowed.
Kettles, irons and other heating appliances
Pool towels – many ships provide towels for the pool and excursions, so check before packing your own.
A book or a Kindle – a Kindle weighs less than a single paperback and holds a whole holiday's worth of books, so you'll never run out halfway through the trip.
Amazon Kindle
About 158g and smaller than the Paperwhite, so it's our pick for travel. It isn't waterproof, so keep it away from the pool.
Dungeon Crawler Carl: Book 1
Our favourite holiday read: funny, addictive and eight books long. It's for adults, not children.
Games on these lists are ones we've packed and played ourselves. Other products are linked to our researched guides, so you can check whether something is genuinely worth the space before you buy.
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