What to pack for your first cruise?
From must-have travel documents to versatile outfits and cruise hacks, our expert guide ensures you’re fully prepared.
Packing for your first cruise depends on the destination and cruise line. My cruise essentials packing list includes swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, travel documents, medications, and a travel adapter. But you should also bring versatile clothing for various weather conditions, a small first-aid kit, and insect repellent if needed. And don’t forget a few smart outfits for formal dining nights. This guide will help as it’s jammed with cruise packing tips!
One of the many reasons we love cruising is that you unpack once but wake up somewhere new every day. You can give everything its place in the cabin and make yourselves at home. Not living out of a suitcase is a nice perk if you enjoy multiple stop adventures.
As a family we’ve been cruising for over 10 years and have picked up many hacks and tips. Unlike typical holidays, cruises require a blend of preparation to ensure comfort, convenience, and readiness for various activities. It feels like yesterday we were daunted at the prospect of packing for our first cruise. What do you bring on your first cruise? What to pack for a luxury cruise line? It’s headache inducing.
Essentials on your cruise packing list
Essential Travel Documents
Before anything else, prioritise your travel documents. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, as many destinations (and cruise lines) enforce this rule. Have physical copies of your cruise tickets and boarding passes, and keep digital backups accessible on your devices. Don't forget your travel insurance details: You must have specific cruise coverage before being allowed to board.
Clothing and Footwear
For me, packing versatile clothing and items with multiple outfit options (like a sundress that works in the daytime with trainers but can be glammed up for night-time with accessories and heels) is key. For daytime activities, opt for light, breathable attire suitable for both onboard relaxation and shore excursions. Many cruises feature formal nights, so consider bringing semi-formal or formal wear for these events. Swimwear is essential; packing at least two swimsuits allows one to dry while you use the other.
Toiletries and Personal Care
Cruise ships often provide basic toiletries (think hotel miniatures) but bringing your preferred personal products can be better. Always ensure you have enough prescription medication for the entire trip, plus a few extra days' supply. Over-the-counter remedies, such as seasickness tablets, pain relievers and digestive aids, can be invaluable but are always available in port and at the ship’s shop.
How much to pack for a 7-night cruise?
Packing for your first cruise is simpler than you think. To avoid overpacking, it’s time to plan and focus on things you’ll need, use and wear. When packing clothes for a 7-night cruise, keep in mind the time of day, destination, the cruise line’s dress code and any theme or formal nights you might want to take part in. Generally, you can rely on casual resort wear for daytime activities and smart casual attire for sit-down dinners in the evening.
When packing for a 7-night cruise, most of us would pack aiming for around 7-10 different outfits which can be achieved with a combination of tops, bottoms, dresses, and a couple of pairs of shoes.
What type of outfits to pack for a cruise?
For your first cruise, pack casual clothing, activewear and a formal outfit (or two depending on your cruise length).
Casual clothing
- T-shirts, strappy tops, polos and blouses/shirts
- Casual dresses, skirts and trousers
- Smart jeans (not torn or distressed)
- Shorts, chinos or jeans for the daytime
Active wear
- Swimsuits, including at least one active swimsuit for water activities
- Walking shoes, trainers or hiking sandals
Formal wear
- A nice dress or cocktail dress for women
- A collared, button-up shirt and tie with trousers and dress shoes for men
- A sport coat, but it's generally not required
Other items
- Consider the activities you want to do and wear whatever makes you feel comfortable!
Hacks and tips when packing for your first cruise
Magnetic hooks
You can pick up magnetic hooks on Amazon or at a DIY shop or value store, but they’re such great value. You can stick them on the wall of your cabins with no fear of marking them. They’re awesome for hanging wet clothes and towels in bathrooms. Or your satchels, rucksacks and handbags in the entranceway.
Hand Luggage
When you board, your large suitcases will be taken by the porters and delivered to your cabin. But sometimes it can be several hours before you see them again. We always ensure we have medications, sun cream, swimwear and other daytime essentials, so we can enjoy the pool deck as early as possible! One to remember for those epic first sail away memories.
Comfortable footwear
This is an absolute must, not only for your casual shoes for daily activities, and sturdy pairs for more adventurous excursions. But, for the evening, the number of steps you take on a ship (no matter the size!) can be enormous. Not to mention the options for dancing and long nights at the casino.
Pack your suitcase upright
The trick everyone should know. Not only do you get more space, but everything is way easier to find. Bye-bye, messy suitcase!
Cruise specifics
When you board, you’ll get a keycard, this is your pass on and off the ship, your credit card and room key. It’s essential you have it available at all times. So, consider packing a lanyard. It gets windy onboard so towel clips are a must-have and finally, for cabin organisation, a foldable laundry bag!
Planning your first cruise? Packing smart can make all the difference! I hope this guide covers everything you need, from essential travel documents and versatile outfits to must-have cruise hacks like magnetic hooks and smart hand luggage tips. Whether you're setting sail on a short tropical escape or an epic luxury voyage. This expert advice, backed by 10 years of cruising experience, ensures you’re fully prepared.
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