100 item Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Printable PDF)

Packing for a cruise is no simple task, regardless if you are a first-timer or veteran. The combination of various "what to wear" scenarios coupled with the inability to run to the store to buy something you need gives a lot of people pause when trying to figure out what to pack.

There are so many fun things to do on a cruise in addition to all the great excursions. How to pack for everything?

It's my experience that a really good cruise packing list helps a lot, because it can assist with being prepared for cruise line dress codes, what to wear on shore, evening wear, and everything you may need in your cabin too.

Planning ahead can be a great time-saver, as no one wants to use valuable vacation time doing detours while in port in a search for a forgotten item. Or missing out on a great activity, such as a galley tour, because you don't have closed toe shoes.

After many years of cruising, here are the list of important things you should pack for any cruise ship vacation. I hope with this list, you can avoid common cruise packing mistakes and be ready for an amazing trip!

Before you start packing, it is always a good idea to make sure you have the right luggage. Royal Caribbean does not have a specific limit on the number of suitcases. For most, this will be guided by transportation options, especially flying, which has restrictions on both the size and weight of bags.

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will hand your larger bags over to a porter, and they will be delivered to your cabin later on embarkation day.

For that reason, you will need to bring a manageable carry-on bag, which should have room enough for important valuables, required documents, and anything else you need right away, such as flip flops and a bathing suit.

If you are bringing on wine or champagne, this will also need to be packed in your carry-on.

As with most trips, clothing is going to your primary focus and take up the bulk of your suitcase.

The total number of outfits that you are going to want to bring depends on the length and type of cruise. There are no self-service laundry facilities onboard but washing, pressing, and dry-cleaning services are offered (prices vary per item). It is best to plan clothes for the number of days plus a return home outfit. Two outfits per day is a good rule of thumb (day and night).

For casual daywear pack:

For evening events, the dress code varies, but cruisers are less formal than they use to be. Many guests wear "smart casual" for formal night; Royal Caribbean's website explains the dress code to help with packing for evening wear.

Related: Everything you need to know about formal night on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Whether it is a beach day, bicycle tour, or snorkeling, there are a few things you should probably include for your port days.

It is always a good idea to keep valuables such as a phone and wallet safe when venturing out in ports. Cross-body bags with secure locks or a money belt are good options. It never hurts to stick an umbrella or rain ponchos in your bag in case any tropical showers pop up.

For general water/beach outings, consider packing:

Cruising to colder climates, like Alaska, has become increasingly popular and requires different considerations for weather and activities.

The amount of rain and temperature can vary during an Alaskan cruise, so you should be prepared to keep warm and dry. Layered dressing is the way to go in this climate. Here are some suggestions:

The cruise planner will list important details for excursions. For example, in Rome, there is no access to the Vatican or St. Peter’s Basilica with exposed shoulders or knees. This applies to both men and women.

For those who love camouflage clothing, it is important to note that it is illegal in some Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Lucia, as it is reserved for military use. Some non-camo options should be included when packing.

Sunscreen is a must and cruisers should be aware that some destinations require reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the health of their coral reefs. These products don’t contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate. Reef-safe sunscreens are readily available in popular drugstores and other retailers. Ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Hawaii are some of the locations that require these types of sunscreens.

Traveling with younger kids can definitely add more to your packing list. Beyond the standard clothes suggested for adults, consider including:

Also, make sure that you download any favorite shows and games on tablets or phones prior to boarding the ship!

When it comes to toiletries, the cruise line only provides soap and shampoo; many people prefer to bring their own. Here are some of the main things to consider bringing:

Tip - For some reason, travel sized products can be pricey despite their size. Reusable travel bottles are a good solution, especially if you don’t need a large quantity of product.

While some items can be purchased onboard, it is a good idea to have a ready made first aid kit for easy access during the cruise. The last thing you want to do, is spend time running around in port to find something,

Unfortunately, some people suffer from sea sickness, but there are a number of well known remedies such as Gravol, wrist bands and patches.

Here are some common medications/ first aid items to pack:

The last bag to pack is your carry-on. Once the luggage is dropped off at the terminal, this should contain everything needed until the cabin is ready.

Although most people keep documents on their phone, I always feel better having hard copies as well just in case something happens to my phone. Documents to consider:

Tip: Passports applications are taking longer right now, so do keep this in mind if you are traveling to a destination that requires one. It is important to check the expiry date as most countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months.

Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring a specific quantity of drinks onboard. This can be a great money saver or is nice if you have a specific beverage you really love.

According to Royal Caribbean, each guest can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne, as long as they are of legal drinking age

Guests can also bring non-alcoholic beverages up to 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.

Corkscrews will be provided for guests to enjoy their drinks in their stateroom, and if guests wish to enjoy their wine or champagne in our dining or bar venues, there will be a corkage fee applied.

Guests who purchase alcohol bottles onboard, in a port-of-call, or bring more than the two permitted bottles on boarding day, will have their items safely stored by the ship. These bottles will be returned on the last day onboard for enjoyment once home.

Royal Caribbean ships have standard plugs and most Caribbean ports have the same electrical outlets as those in the United States. However, for your pre-and post stay for international cruises, you may require adaptors and converters.

Adaptors are inexpensive to purchase but do vary by destination, so check what is required for your travels destination.

In addition, some items may need a converter that, as the name implies, converts it to the proper voltage. This is more likely to be an issue for items like flat or curling irons. These can be much more expensive, so best to do your research ahead of time to determine what is needed.

Although there is plenty of food and drinks on the cruise, there are times when it is helpful to have a pre-packaged snack on hand. Protein and granola bars can be great options, as well as favorites like goldfish or cheerios that can calm down a tired toddler.

Other items to consider:

This is a growing category that I have added to my packing list. With more and more apps and Covid protocols, and other health requirements, I have to give more thought to what I need to have on my phone for travel, what I consider e-packing.

Some people like to print out everything, which is a good strategy as well, but for some things, it is best to have an app.

I also create a specific travel folder for all of my travel related emails, such as transportation details, and cruise planner purchases.

There is a whole list of items that can’t be brought onboard, so it's best to know about this ahead of time and not waste space or risk losing them.

There is a detailed list of prohibited items on Royal Caribbean's website, and among many are items that heat up, which can cause a fire hazard on the ship. Anything that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of guests and crew are prohibited.