# Cruise Packing List URL: https://emptvl.vercel.app/packing-lists/cruise Publisher: Empyrean Travel (https://emptvl.vercel.app/) Last reviewed: 2026-10-19 A cruise packing list covering documents, the embarkation-day bag, formal-night outfits, cabin helpers and seasickness remedies, plus items lines prohibit. **Quick answer:** For a cruise, pack a passport even when it isn’t strictly required, an embarkation-day carry-on with medication and a swimsuit, outfits for your line’s dress code including any formal or elegant nights, layers for windy decks, and seasickness remedies. Check your cruise line’s prohibited-items list, which often bans surge protectors and clothing irons. - Bag: Suitcase + embarkation-day carry-on - Climate: Depends on itinerary; decks are windy - Dress code: Resort casual by day; check formal nights - Don't forget: Passport, even on closed-loop cruises ## Checklist **Documents:** Passport (strongly recommended on every cruise); Cruise boarding documents or app check-in; Cruise line luggage tags; Government-issued photo ID; Pre- and post-cruise hotel and flight confirmations; Travel insurance details; Credit card for your onboard account; Shore excursion confirmations; Visas for any ports that require them; Emergency contact list **Clothing:** Resort-casual daytime outfits; 2 swimsuits; Swim cover-up; Formal or elegant night outfit(s); Smart-casual dinner outfits; Light jacket or sweater for windy decks; Packable rain jacket; Comfortable walking shoes for port days; Dressy shoes; Sandals; Workout clothes; Sun hat **Cabin helpers:** Magnetic hooks (many cabin walls are metal); USB charging cube without surge protection, if allowed; Over-the-door organizer; Small night light; Lanyard or holder for your key card; Reusable water bottle; Laundry bag; Wrinkle-release spray **Tech:** Phone and charger; Cruise line app downloaded before sailing; Waterproof phone pouch; Camera and spare batteries; Power bank (carry-on only); Headphones; E-reader; Universal plug adapter for pre- and post-cruise hotels **Health & toiletries:** Seasickness remedy (ask your doctor which suits you); Prescription medication plus a few extra days’ supply; Sunscreen; After-sun gel; Hand sanitizer; Basic first-aid kit; Pain reliever and antacid; Insect repellent for tropical ports; Toiletries **Embarkation-day carry-on:** Passport and boarding documents; All medication; Swimsuit; Change of clothes for dinner; Sunscreen and sunglasses; Chargers; Jewelry and valuables; Small bills for terminal porters ## What should you pack in your embarkation-day bag? Luggage handed to porters at the terminal can take hours to reach your cabin, sometimes not until early evening. Carry everything you need for the first afternoon: documents, medication, a swimsuit, sunscreen, chargers and a change of clothes for dinner. Keep jewelry, cameras and other valuables with you rather than in checked luggage. If you’re flying in, arrive the day before sailing so a delayed flight or bag doesn’t mean missing the ship. ## What is the dress code on a cruise? Dress codes vary widely by cruise line. Many mainstream lines are resort casual by day and smart casual at dinner, with one or two formal or elegant nights per week. Some luxury lines expect a jacket at dinner on certain evenings, while expedition ships are casual throughout. Check your line’s guidance before you pack and plan outfits by night. Our leisure travel team can help you match a ship’s style to the way you like to travel. ## Which items are commonly banned on cruise ships? Most cruise lines prohibit surge-protected power strips, clothing irons, candles and other fire risks, and many limit how much alcohol you can bring aboard. Drones and certain sports equipment are restricted on many ships. Rules differ by line and change over time, so read your line’s list before you pack. ## Frequently asked questions **Q: Do I need a passport for a cruise?** A: On closed-loop cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port, U.S. citizens can often sail with a birth certificate and government photo ID. A passport is still strongly recommended: if you miss the ship in a foreign port or need to fly home early, you’ll need one to board an international flight. Our passport renewal guide explains timing. **Q: How many formal outfits do I need for a seven-night cruise?** A: Most seven-night sailings on mainstream lines include one or two formal or elegant nights, so one or two dressier outfits are usually enough. A dark suit or blazer, or a cocktail dress or dressy separates, works on most ships. Luxury lines may have more dress-up evenings, while expedition ships have none, so check your line’s daily dress guidance. **Q: Can I bring a power strip on a cruise?** A: Many cruise lines prohibit power strips with surge protectors because they can pose a fire risk on a ship. Some allow non-surge-protected strips or compact USB charging cubes. Cabins often have few outlets, so a multi-port USB charger is a simple fix. Check your cruise line’s prohibited-items list, since security may confiscate banned items at embarkation. **Q: What helps with seasickness on a cruise?** A: Talk to your doctor before you sail about options such as over-the-counter tablets or a prescription patch, and pack them in your carry-on. On board, a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck moves the least. Fresh air, looking at the horizon and light meals also help. Larger ships and calmer itineraries tend to be gentler for sensitive travelers. ## Sources - [CDC Yellow Book: Cruise Ship Travel](https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/travel-air-sea/cruise-ship-travel.html) - [CBP: Know Before You Go](https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go)