So you're going on a cruise vacation... What should be included on a cruise packing list?

Written 4/30/2023

Whether this is your first cruise or you need a refresher, below are some packing tips as you pack for your cruise.

Packing list:

Clothing: Depending on how many days you will be traveling, you can adjust the amount of each item you will need. Depending on your clothing style will also be a factor in what clothes you bring. This is just a suggestion.

• At least 5-6 days of casual clothing, including shirts, tank tops, pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses

• You should pack 2 outfits per day (one for the day and one for the evening), depending on the cruise activities, which will be about 10-12 outfits total.

• Socks for certain activities, such as ice skating or rock climbing

• At least 2-3 swimsuits, plus a cover-up

• A light jacket or sweater

• A dressy outfit for the formal night, which is typically day 2 of most cruises

• Jeans for certain activities on board, such as ice skating on some of Royal Caribbean’s ships

• Athletic wear or yoga attire if you want to exercise while on vacation

• Clothing for the theme nights

• Per Royal’s website, “Theme nights are offered on board Royal Caribbean Cruises of four nights or longer. Because these events vary by ship and itinerary, dates and times will not be available until you board the ship, and this can be found in the Cruise Compass. Some common themes we may offer include White Night, 50's/60's/70's/80's, Country Western, Masquerade Ball, and Toga Parties. These are examples and are subject to change.”

Shoes:

• Flip flops or water shoes for the pools and beaches

• Comfortable shoes

• Closed-toe shoes for certain activities on board, such as laser tag and rock climbing on some of Royal Caribbean’s ships

• Shoes for formal night

• Sandals

Accessories:

• Sunhat or baseball cap

• Sunglass

• Jewelry for formal nights, everyday wear, and themed nights

Toiletries: Keep in mind, if you are checking a bag, there is still a weight limit, and toiletries may add more weight. If you are taking a carry-on, 3-ounce bottles in ONE clear quart-size bag is allowed.

• Soap and Shampoo

• Are provided in all cabins

• Conditioner

• Only provided in suites

• Toothpaste, Toothbrush, and Floss

• Bodywash

• Hair Brush and Hair Comb

• Hair Ties/Scrunchies

• Deodorant

• Shaving cream and Razor

• Insect repellent

• Dramamine or motion sickness medicine

• Helpful Hint: Pack some in your checked bag, personal bag, and carry-on in case any item gets lost; all your medication won’t be in one place

• Pain medicine

• Helpful Hint: Pack some in your checked bag, personal bag, and carry-on in case any item gets lost; all your medication won’t be in one place

• TUMS

• Helpful Hint: Pack some in your checked bag, personal bag, and carry-on in case any item gets lost; all your medication won’t be in one place

• Perfume

• Makeup, Makeup Brushes, and Makeup Remover

• Chapstick, Lipstick, Lip gloss

• Bandaids

• Prescription Medications

• Helpful Hint: These medications need to stay with you in your carryon or personal item when on the plane and in the airport

Other Items:

• Sunscreen

• A lanyard for your sea pass which is your ID and form of payment on the ship

• Pool bag

• Fanny pouch

• Backpack

• Cash for the casino

• Passport and other travel documents

• Helpful Hint: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your cruise

• Eye Mask

• Travel Pillow

• Blanket

• Camera and charger

• Phone and charger

• Book or other reading material

• Journal or notebook

• Small umbrella

• Luggage locks

• Laundry bag

• Reusable Water Bottle

• Portable Charging Pack

Cruise Tips:

• Create a checklist before your trip.

• Reserve dinner times and excursions in your cruise planner after you book your cruise.

• If you need an already-made itinerary, check out my Thatch guide for a 4-night 5-day itinerary on Royal Caribbean’s cruise to the Bahamas from Miami, FL on their ship, Freedom of the Seas.

• Pay gratuities when booking your cruise.

• Download a few favorite shows or movies for your kids or yourself to enjoy on the ship if you don’t want to pay for the internet.

• Per Royal’s website: “Internet prices are a good deal. Pricing for "Voom Surf" packages -- which allow for most internet activities short of streaming -- starts at $12.99 per day, per device. Additional devices can be added for discounted rates, with the family package including five devices or more from $8.99 per day. The "Voom Surf and Stream" package is available for $17.99 per day, per device, and includes the ability to stream your favorite shows, movies, and music at sea. "Voom Surf and Stream" also offers discounts for multiple devices, with a family rate starting from $11.99 per device, per day.” These prices are subject to change.

• Pack light!

• In case of an emergency, here are things to have in a carry-on bag, personal bag, or backpack that you might need for the first day of your cruise if your luggage is lost or delayed:

• A change of clothes

• Underwear

• Pajamas

• Socks

• Swimsuit

• Jacket

Thanks for taking the time to read this short blog about travel tips and packing tips for your next cruise. What do you include when packing for a cruise that’s not listed here? Please share in the comments.

Stay Peachy!

~Melly and D~