Packing Tips for Your Cruise

Start with the documents

Passport or other accepted ID, boarding documents, travel insurance details and any excursion confirmations. Put them in a carry-on you keep with you on boarding day.

Clothes for warm days and cool rooms

Swimsuits, shorts, sundresses and sandals for the day, plus a light layer for air-conditioned dining rooms and breezy evenings on deck. Most lines have one or two dress-up evenings on longer sailings, so pack an outfit you'd be happy wearing to a nice dinner.

The cabin helpers

Magnetic hooks for the metal walls, a lanyard for your cabin card, a reusable water bottle, a portable charger and a small non-surge power strip if your cruise line allows one. They take up almost no room and you'll use them daily.

Sun and sea

Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a dry bag for beach days, motion-sickness remedies if you're prone to it, and a waterproof phone pouch for the pool and the beach.

Leave at home

Irons, candles and surge-protected power strips aren't allowed on most ships. Check your cruise line's list before you close the suitcase, and remember that ships offer laundry service if you'd rather pack light.