Family cruise packing list
Cruise cabins are small and itineraries change daily, from formal nights to snorkel stops. These lists help you pack once for every port.
Kristina's notes
- Magnetic hooks and an over-door organizer double your cabin storage.
- Most cruise lines prohibit surge protectors, so bring a cruise-approved power strip.
- Pack a day bag with swimsuits so you can use the pool before your luggage arrives.
The complete family cruise packing list
Cruise packing is mostly about the cabin: small closets, few outlets, and long days split between pool, port and dinner. Pack for those three settings and the rest takes care of itself. Here is our master cruise list, then choose your ship or itinerary below.
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Embarkation day carry-on
- Passports or the ID your cruise line requires, and printed cruise documents
- Swimsuits and sunscreen, since cabins and luggage can take hours to arrive
- Medications and anything you can't do without for the first afternoon
- A change of clothes for dinner
The cabin
- Magnetic hooks for the metal cabin walls
- A non-surge-protected USB charging cube; most cruise lines ban surge protectors
- A small over-the-door organizer for shoes and sunscreen
- A night light for little ones in an unfamiliar room
- Wrinkle-release spray, since irons are usually not allowed
Pool deck and port days
- Swimsuits for every day plus rash guards for kids
- Water shoes for rocky beaches and tender boats
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for excursions
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a sun hat and polarized sunglasses
- A packable beach tote and a light cover-up
Dinners and formal nights
- Check your line's dress code: many have one or two dressy evenings
- A dress or nice outfit for formal night and a collared shirt for boys
- Comfortable dressy sandals or shoes
- A light sweater or wrap; dining rooms and theaters run cold
Health and comfort
- Motion sickness remedies, plus wristbands for kids
- Children's pain reliever, bandages and a small first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer for buffets and excursions
- A refillable water bottle for each person
Family basics
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash, or use the hotel's
- Leakproof travel-size bottles
- Deodorant, hairbrush and hair ties
- Glasses, contacts and solution
- Prescriptions in their original packaging
- Bandages, a thermometer and hand sanitizer
- Phones and chargers
- Driver's licenses or IDs and health insurance cards
- Credit cards and a little cash
- Flight, hotel and car confirmations saved offline
- A warm layer or light jacket for each person
- Mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Before you go: hold the mail, set the thermostat, charge everything
Three mistakes we see families make
- Packing a power strip with surge protection, which can be confiscated at boarding
- Putting swimsuits in checked bags and losing the first pool afternoon
- Forgetting a warm layer for windy decks and cold dining rooms
Choose your destination
Cruises & ExpeditionsAlaska Cruise
Glaciers, whales, and rainforest ports along the Inside Passage.
Cruises & ExpeditionsAntarctica
Penguins, icebergs, and Zodiac landings on the White Continent.
Cruises & ExpeditionsBahamas Cruise
Short sailings from Florida with clear water and beach days.
Cruises & ExpeditionsCaribbean cruise
Sun, sea days, and a pool deck for everyone.
Cruises & ExpeditionsCaribbean Yacht Charter
Your own crewed yacht, quiet coves, and an island a day.
Cruises & ExpeditionsDanube River Cruise
Vienna, Budapest, and Wachau Valley vineyards by riverboat.
Cruises & ExpeditionsDisney Cruise
Character-filled sea days, kids' clubs, and island beach time.
Cruises & ExpeditionsFrench Polynesia Cruise
Lagoons, motu picnics, and Bora Bora on a small ship.
Cruises & ExpeditionsGalápagos Islands
Sea lions, giant tortoises, and snorkeling from a small ship.
Cruises & ExpeditionsGreek Isles Cruise
Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens without packing up each day.
Cruises & ExpeditionsHawaii Cruise
Four islands in one week, from volcanoes to reefs.
Cruises & ExpeditionsMediterranean cruise
A new port every morning, unpack only once.
Cruises & ExpeditionsNorwegian Fjords Cruise
Waterfalls, fjord villages, and long summer evenings at sea.
Cruises & ExpeditionsRhine River Cruise
Castles, vineyards, and old towns from Switzerland to Amsterdam.
Cruises & ExpeditionsSvalbard Arctic Expedition
Polar bears, glaciers, and walrus under the midnight sun.
Cruises packing, answered
What should I pack in my cruise carry-on?
Passports or required ID, cruise documents, medications, swimsuits, sunscreen and a change of clothes for dinner. Checked luggage is delivered to your cabin later in the day.
Can you bring a power strip on a cruise?
Most cruise lines don't allow surge-protected power strips. A non-surge USB charging cube is the usual workaround. Check your line's current list of prohibited items before you go.
What do kids wear on a cruise formal night?
Something a little dressy: a sundress or nice outfit for girls and a collared shirt with nice shorts or pants for boys. Very few lines require jackets for children.
Do I need water shoes for a cruise?
They help on rocky beaches, tender boats and snorkel excursions, and they keep little feet safe on hot sand.
How do I get a list for my exact cruise?
Choose your cruise below, then set your month and your kids' ages. The list adjusts to the itinerary's typical weather.
Get our printable packing checklists free, plus new lists and seasonal tips.
Kristina's edits for this trip
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.