Packing for a cruise doesn't have to be overwhelming. However, you don't want to underpack and realize you left something essential at home halfway through the trip.
Unlike land-based vacations, it's impossible to run to the nearest drug or department store to pick up forgotten items. While the ship's store may have some basic items, prices are inflated and the selection is limited.
It's best to approach packing for a cruise carefully. There's a fine line between overpacking and being prepared! Don't know where to start? A recent post on Reddit's r/cruise thread asking for packing tips received over 300 comments.
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Over-the-counter medications
Whenever you go on vacation, you want to be prepared with supplies and medication to treat unexpected minor injuries and illnesses. Reddit user bluecirc recommends bringing over-the-counter medications onboard your cruise, including medicine to treat headaches, allergies, and colds, as well as nasal spray, tissues, eye drops, and anti-nausea meds.
"I keep a [Z]iploc bag stocked with a bunch of various OTC meds in blister packs - Sudafed, Prevacid, anti-diarrheal, laxatives, allergy meds, cold meds, bacitracin packets, bandaids etc. You never know when you’ll need it," added disqeau.
Though all cruise ships have an onboard medical center, it's not open 24/7. Plus, you don't want to go out of your way when all you need is a bandaid or motion sickness medication. Bringing your own supplies can save you time and money, as the ship's inventory will be more expensive than the same products at your local drugstore.
Read more: Bonine vs. Dramamine
Prescription glasses
There's no eye doctor in the middle of the ocean! little_blu_eyez advises future cruisers to bring prescription glasses if they wear contacts.
"I saw someone get sunscreen in their eyes on embarkation day and couldn’t wear their contacts. He didn’t have a backup pair of glasses and spent the entire cruise blind," they explained.
Reynyan added saying it's smart to bring a backup pair of glasses, too.
A lanyard
Your cruise card serves as your onboard payment method, room key, and identification while onboard. As such, lanyards are popular cruise accessories since they help keep your cruise card safe and accessible.
"I always thought they looked so dorky & never bought one. Then on the last cruise I realized some of my new swim trunks had really shallow pockets & no cargo pocket so I couldn't keep my card safely in them," shares Snoobs-Magoo, "Fashion over function bit my ass that trip. They make wrist ones but I feel like those get in the way too much so just bite the bullet & get a neck one."
Read more: Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory
Fan
Purchasing fans for a cruise is a great idea, especially if you're prone to feeling warm or want to make your cabin more comfortable.
"[On] my most recent [cruise] even with the AC on [the] lowest setting [my stateroom] was hot!" writes ConentCory.
Small fans can help cool your cabin down, and if you bring a handheld one, they will help regulate your body temperature and keep you cool while ashore. Nobody wants to overheat on an excursion!
Read more: How to deal with summer heat on a cruise
Magnetic hooks
Cruise ship cabins are smaller than traditional hotel rooms, so many cruisers utilize certain hacks to increase their stateroom's functionality. From bringing wrinkle-release spray to purchasing magnetic whiteboards to communicate with other cruisers, several clever strategies help to maximize your cabin's space and organization.
Kireina25 is a fan of magnetic hooks: "They really help to keep things organized like bags, purses, belts, hats, etc. The magnets were also great for organizing excursion tickets and the daily schedule."
That's right! Cabin walls are magnetic, and hooks will help keep clutter organized. Clip magnets are great for holding paper, like shore excursion tickets and the daily schedule, while stronger hooks are ideal for jackets and heavier bags.
Read more: Top 25 cruise cabin hacks to improve your stateroom's functionality
Less clothing
Some cruisers wish they packed less.
"I actually packed more than I needed," explains mcflycasual, "I had 3 dresses that are basically swim cover ups, 2 pairs of shorts, 2 swimsuits, tennis shoes that I didn't wear, a hoodie and sweats to wear there and home, undies, curling iron, toiletries, like 4 tank tops. This was all in a hard sided carry-on."
"I brought an entire suitcase of shoes (large suitcase). Didn’t open it once," added linkinpark9503.
Packing efficiently is crucial for a smooth experience. In many cases, less is more! Overpacking can lead to unnecessary stress, especially when navigating limited cabin storage.
Other passengers aren't paying attention to your outfits and won't notice if you repeat something. By choosing to re-wear clothing, your future self will be grateful for less laundry to do after the vacation, too.
Read more: 15 Packing Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Snorkeling equipment
Snorkeling is a popular activity in The Bahamas and Caribbean. Tours can cost upwards of $80 and can add up quickly if you snorkel in multiple ports. A cost-effective alternative is to bring your own equipment.
"I think everybody should pack a mask or at least goggles as most private islands have decent snorkeling spots right there," says jambr380, "Cruise lines charge a ton for snorkeling equipment, but all you really need is a way to see underwater to pretty much have the full experience."
Battery-powered nightlight
If you're staying in an inside cabin, you'll be cruising in a pitch-black room when the lights are off. To avoid stubbing your toe in the middle of the night or tripping over a stray shoe, a nightlight can help you navigate to the bathroom with ease.
fanofpolkadotts says, "[Get a battery-powered] nightlight to put in the bathroom. It gave us enough light to 'see our way' to the [bathroom] (without losing a toe) at night. It was on the shelf under the sink so it gave off a bit of light, but wasn't too much. Dollar store purchase, BTW!"
Binoculars
Binoculars aren't really necessary while sailing through the deep blue Caribbean Sea. If, however, you're heading somewhere more scenic—think Alaska or Norway—they can greatly enhance your onboard experience, as recommended by hatfield1785.
They will help when trying to spot wildlife and take in the beautiful scenery. Maybe, for instance, you'll want a closer look at the snow-capped mountains or glaciers as your ship sails by, or perhaps the binoculars will be useful when spotting a whale breaching the surface or soaring eagles.
Read more: 21 best cruise gifts for someone going on a cruise ship
More sunscreen
kaydud88 shared how her travel party blew through their sunscreen quicker than expected and was forced to spend $30 on a single bottle at Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island in The Bahamas.
The great thing about sunscreen is that even if you don't use all of it on the cruise, there are other scenarios you'll want to be protected from the sun's harsh rays, including outdoor sporting events, swimming at the local pool, and hiking.
If, however, you find yourself in a situation like kaydud88, you'll pay more for the same sunscreen available for a fraction of the cost at home. This happened to me when sailing on Symphony of the Seas last year. As someone with fair skin, I had two options: burn or pay $16.50 for one bottle.
Towel clips
Irish_Exit_ regrets not bringing towel clips on their cruise.
On sea days, the ocean breeze travels throughout the pool deck. If you don't have towel clips, you might find your towel blowing away at inopportune moments. Instead of using shoes or beach bags to hold them down, many passengers opt for towel clips.
Travel coffee mug
Even if you have a drink package and can stock your cabin with plastic water bottles, insulated mugs are ideal for keeping beverages at the perfect temperature for longer.
Vamoose87 regrets not bringing a travel coffee mug on their recent cruise. "Filling up multiple tiny cups at the buffet to equal a normal serving is so annoying," they explain.
Insulated mugs can be used for cooler beverages, too. I've seen passengers order a fruity cocktail and pour it into a mug to keep it chilled. They remarked that frozen drinks melt too quickly in cruise line-provided glasses, especially when lounging in the sun on the lido deck.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
