🧳 WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR CRUISE?
What you actually need, what you definitely don't, and the things you'll wish you'd packed! 😂🚢
“Right…
I'm going on a cruise!
So obviously I need:
👗 14 outfits
👠 6 pairs of shoes
🩱 9 swimsuits
💄 Enough makeup to open a beauty counter
🧴 47 toiletries
🧥 A jacket
☀️ Summer clothes
🌧️ Rain clothes
💃 Formal clothes
👟 Trainers
🥾 Walking shoes
…and probably a small tent.
😂
Because surely the perfect cruise holiday requires:
PACKING YOUR ENTIRE HOUSE.
Well…
NO.
Today we're going to work out exactly:
✅ What you actually need
🚫 What you can leave at home
🎒 What needs to go in your carry-on
🧲 Which little cruise hacks are worth taking
🛟 What you should pack for emergencies
👗 What to wear on board
🌍 What to take ashore
And…
WHAT NOT TO PACK
because you don't want to arrive at the port and discover you've packed something the ship won't let you bring onboard. 😳
1️⃣ 🧠 FIRST RULE — DON'T PACK FOR EVERY POSSIBLE SCENARIO
“Let's start here.
You don't need:
Seven outfits for seven days.
Well…you can.
But you're probably going to wear:
👕 T-shirts
👚 Tops
🩳 Shorts
👖 Trousers
👗 Casual dresses
👟 Comfortable shoes
more than anything else.
And here's the big secret:
YOU CAN WEAR SOMETHING TWICE. 😂
Nobody is keeping a spreadsheet of your outfits.
You're on a cruise.
Not Fashion Week.”
2️⃣ 🎒 YOUR MOST IMPORTANT BAG ISN'T YOUR BIGGEST BAG
“Here's one of the most important things in this entire video.
YOUR CARRY-ON BAG. 🎒
When you arrive at the terminal, your large luggage may be checked in and delivered to your cabin later.
Royal Caribbean recommends keeping travel documents, medication, valuables, swimwear and other day-one essentials with you. Norwegian and MSC give similar advice, noting that checked luggage may not reach the cabin until later in the day.
So your carry-on needs to contain:
🪪 Passport / travel documents
💊 Medication
📱 Phone
🔌 Charger
🔋 Power bank
🩱 Swimwear
🧴 Sunscreen
🕶️ Sunglasses
👕 Change of clothes
💳 Important cards
Because you might be onboard before your suitcase is.
And imagine your ship has:
🏊 Waterpark
🌊 Pools
🍹 Bars
☀️ Sunshine
…and your swimming costume is in the suitcase that's somewhere between the terminal and your cabin.
NO. 😂”
3️⃣ 🩱 THE SWIMWEAR TRICK
“Here's one of my favourite embarkation-day hacks.
WEAR YOUR SWIMWEAR UNDER YOUR CLOTHES.
Or at least put it in your carry-on.
Because if the ship is ready before your luggage arrives…
YOU CAN GET STRAIGHT INTO HOLIDAY MODE. 😎
Royal Caribbean specifically suggests keeping swimwear in your day bag so you can enjoy onboard pools and activities while waiting for your luggage.
Imagine everyone else waiting for their suitcase…
and you're already:
🏊 Swimming
🍹 Having a drink
☀️ Sitting by the pool
THAT'S A PACKING HACK. 😂”
4️⃣ 🪪 PASSPORTS, DOCUMENTS & MONEY
“This is not the section where you say:
‘I'll put that in my main suitcase.’
Absolutely not.
Your:
🪪 Passport
📄 Travel documents
🎟️ Boarding information
🛡️ Insurance details
💳 Payment cards
💊 Medication
need to be somewhere you can access them.
P&O recommends keeping passports, travel documents, insurance information and medications in your carry-on and suggests keeping digital copies of important documents as well.
💡 HACK
Take photos or scans of important documents and keep secure digital copies.
Because losing your passport is already stressful.
Losing your passport and not having a copy?
NEXT LEVEL STRESS. 😳”
5️⃣ 💊 MEDICATION — DON'T PACK IT IN YOUR CHECKED BAG
“This one is important.
MEDICATION STAYS WITH YOU.
Not in your big suitcase.
Not in a random toiletry bag.
WITH YOU.
Royal Caribbean recommends carrying medication in your hand luggage and advises keeping it in original labelled containers; it also recommends carrying extra medication in case the itinerary changes.
And I would also pack:
🩹 Basic first aid
💊 Your usual over-the-counter essentials
🌊 Seasickness remedies
🧴 Any personal health products you use
Because buying a basic item onboard can sometimes be:
MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN AT HOME. 💷”
6️⃣ 🌊 SEASICKNESS KIT
“Now…
let's talk about the thing nobody wants…
SEASICKNESS. 🌊😂
Even if you've cruised before and been completely fine…
I'd still have a little backup.
Depending on what is suitable for you, that might include:
💊 Motion-sickness medication
🩹 Motion-sickness patches if appropriate
⌚ Wristbands
🥤 Hydration
And remember:
PREPARATION IS BETTER THAN PANIC.
P&O recommends considering seasickness bands or motion-sickness medication, and Royal Caribbean lists seasickness remedies among useful cruise carry-on items.
Because discovering you're seasick…
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN…
is not the time to start researching remedies. 😂”
7️⃣ 👕 CLOTHES — THINK LAYERS, NOT JUST WEATHER
“Here's a big one.
You check:
‘Caribbean — 30°C.’ ☀️
So you pack:
👙 Swimsuits
🩳 Shorts
👕 T-shirts
And that's it.
Then you're sitting on deck at 10pm thinking:
WHY AM I FREEZING?! 😂
Even warm-weather cruises can get cool at night or when the ship is moving.
P&O specifically recommends bringing warmer layers even when you're travelling somewhere hot, particularly for evenings at sea.
So pack:
🧥 Light jacket
🧶 Jumper/cardigan
🩴 Warm layers
🌧️ Lightweight waterproof where appropriate
THE WEATHER FORECAST IS NOT THE WHOLE STORY.”
8️⃣ 👟 SHOES — DON'T BRING 14 PAIRS
“Let's talk shoes.
You need:
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
Because port days can involve:
🚶 Walking
🏛️ Sightseeing
🚆 Transport
🛍️ Shopping
🩴 Pool / beach shoes
And perhaps:
👞 A smarter pair for evenings.
That's it.
Probably.
😂
You do not need:
👠 Six pairs of heels
👟 Four pairs of trainers
🥾 Hiking boots
🩴 Five pairs of flip-flops
unless your itinerary genuinely requires them.
P&O recommends supportive footwear for walking and suitable shoes for active excursions.
YOUR FEET ARE GOING TO BE DOING A LOT OF WORK.
Take care of them.”
9️⃣ 🏝️ PACK FOR THE PORT — NOT JUST THE SHIP
“Here's a mistake I see all the time.
People pack for:
THE CRUISE SHIP
but forget:
THE DESTINATION.
Your port day could involve:
🏖️ Beach
🏛️ Religious site
🚶 Long walking day
🥾 Hiking
🚲 Cycling
🌧️ Rain
☀️ Extreme heat
So before every cruise:
LOOK AT YOUR ITINERARY.
If you're visiting a religious site, for example, you may need to cover shoulders or knees even when it's hot; P&O specifically flags this in its packing guidance.
Don't arrive in Rome wearing your shortest shorts…
and discover the place you wanted to visit requires you to cover up. 😂”
🔟 🧴 SUNSCREEN — DON'T UNDERESTIMATE IT
“Pack sunscreen.
And then…
PACK MORE SUNSCREEN. ☀️
Because:
🚢 Sea
🌊 Water reflection
☀️ Sun
can make you burn surprisingly quickly.
P&O recommends high-SPF sunscreen for cruise holidays and highlights the increased UV exposure that can come from the sea's glare.
And don't forget:
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 Hat
👒 Sun protection
🧴 After-sun
Because:
‘I'M ONLY OUT FOR 20 MINUTES’
is famous last words. 😂”
1️⃣1️⃣ 🧴 TOILETRIES — DON'T PACK WHAT THE SHIP ALREADY PROVIDES
“Now let's save some suitcase space.
Depending on the cruise line, your cabin may already have:
🧴 Shampoo
🧼 Body wash
🧼 Handwash
🛁 Towels
💨 Hairdryer
For example, P&O says its cabins provide towels, hairdryers, shampoo, body wash and handwash; Royal Caribbean similarly lists several standard bathroom amenities.
So unless you're loyal to:
THE ONLY SHAMPOO YOUR HAIR WILL ACCEPT
😂
you can leave some of this at home.
CHECK YOUR SPECIFIC CRUISE LINE FIRST.
Because amenities differ.”
1️⃣2️⃣ 🧲 MAGNETIC HOOKS — YES, BUT DON'T GO MAD
“Now…
the famous cruise hack:
🧲 MAGNETIC HOOKS.
Cruise cabins often have metal surfaces, which makes magnetic hooks useful for:
🧥 Jackets
👜 Bags
🧢 Hats
🎟️ Lanyards
🩱 Swimwear
And they can make a small cabin feel much more organised.
But…
YOU DON'T NEED 47. 😂
I've seen packing videos where people bring what looks like an entire hardware shop.
Start with a few.
See what you actually use.
MORE IS NOT ALWAYS MORE.”
1️⃣3️⃣ 🧳 PACKING CUBES — THE ORGANISATION HACK
“Packing cubes.
Some people love them.
Some people think they're unnecessary.
I'm somewhere in the middle.
If they help you separate:
👕 Day clothes
👗 Evening wear
🩱 Swimwear
🧴 Toiletries
🧦 Underwear
then:
USE THEM.
Especially when you're travelling as a family.
Because nobody wants:
FOUR PEOPLE DIGGING THROUGH ONE SUITCASE. 😂”
1️⃣4️⃣ 🧳 YOUR SUITCASE IS ALSO STORAGE
“Once you're onboard…
PUT THE SUITCASE UNDER THE BED.
Cruise cabins are small.
That suitcase doesn't need to sit in the middle of the floor for seven days.
Under the bed:
Out of sight.
Out of the way.
Sorted. 😎
Then use your wardrobe and drawers properly.
Because:
FLOOR SPACE = PRECIOUS REAL ESTATE. 😂”
1️⃣5️⃣ 🎒 A SMALL DAY BAG FOR PORT DAYS
“Your big handbag isn't necessarily what you want exploring a port.
A small:
🎒 Backpack
or
👜 Crossbody bag
can be much more useful.
Think:
📱 Phone
💳 Small wallet
💧 Water
🧴 Sunscreen
🕶️ Sunglasses
📸 Camera
🗺️ Phone/maps
And…
A SMALL BAG FOR THE STUFF YOU BUY. 😂
Because somehow:
‘I'm not buying anything’
becomes:
‘Can we buy another suitcase?’”
1️⃣6️⃣ 💧 REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE
“This one is simple.
BRING A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE.
It's useful:
🚢 Onboard
🏝️ In port
🚶 Walking
✈️ At the airport
And it saves you buying bottled water constantly.
P&O specifically recommends a refillable water bottle and notes that some of its ships have water refill stations.
HYDRATION = IMPORTANT.
Especially when:
☀️ It's hot
🍹 You're drinking
🚶 You're walking all day
🌊 You're in the sun.”
1️⃣7️⃣ 🔋 CHARGERS, POWER BANKS & TECH
“Your phone is about to become:
📱 Camera
🗺️ Map
🎟️ Boarding pass
📅 Daily programme
💳 Onboard tool
📞 Communication device
So…
KEEP IT CHARGED. 😂
Pack:
🔌 Your charger
🔋 Power bank
⌚ Watch charger
🎧 Headphones
📱 Waterproof phone pouch
P&O specifically recommends a portable charger for days ashore, and a multi-port USB charger can be handy depending on your cabin's sockets. ”
1️⃣8️⃣ ⚠️ BUT DON'T PACK EVERY ELECTRICAL GADGET
“Now…
IMPORTANT.
Cruise lines have rules about electrical and heating appliances.
Things such as:
🔥 Irons
🔥 Clothes steamers
🔥 Kettles
🔥 Hot plates
🔥 Cooking appliances
and certain extension leads/multi-plugs can be prohibited depending on the cruise line.
MSC, for example, lists irons, kettles, hotplates, candles and other open-flame/heating items among forbidden items.
Royal Caribbean also prohibits certain electrical appliances and extension cords under its rules.
So:
DON'T PACK IT JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE IT.
CHECK THE CRUISE LINE'S PROHIBITED-ITEMS LIST FIRST.”
1️⃣9️⃣ 🚫 WHAT NOT TO PACK — THE SERIOUS BIT
“Every cruise line has its own prohibited-items policy.
Common restrictions can include things such as:
🚫 Weapons
🚫 Explosives
🚫 Fireworks
🚫 Flammable materials
🚫 Certain heating appliances
🚫 Illegal drugs
🚫 Other hazardous items
Royal Caribbean, MSC and other cruise lines publish their own prohibited-item lists, and the precise rules can vary.
And please…
CHECK BEFORE YOU PACK.
Because security is not going to say:
‘Oh, lovely, you brought a prohibited item.’
They're going to say:
‘NOPE.’ 😂”
2️⃣0️⃣ 🎟️ LANYARDS — THE LITTLE THING THAT BECOMES YOUR BEST FRIEND
“Remember your cruise card?
The thing you use for:
💳 Purchases
🚪 Cabin access
🚢 Boarding / identification
You're going to use it constantly.
So a simple lanyard can be incredibly convenient.
Put the card on.
Wear it.
Forget it.
And then you're not standing at the bar thinking:
WHERE DID I PUT MY CARD?! 😂”
2️⃣1️⃣ 🛍️ ZIPLOCK BAGS — THE WEIRDLY USEFUL THING
“You might laugh.
But pack a few:
ZIPLOCK BAGS.
They're brilliant for:
🩱 Wet swimwear
🍪 Snacks
💊 Small items
🔌 Cables
🧴 Toiletries
🏝️ Beach days
And then one day…
you'll need one.
And you'll think:
‘CC WAS RIGHT.’ 😂”
Royal Caribbean also includes Ziplock bags among its suggested useful cruise items.
2️⃣2️⃣ 🌧️ THE WEATHER CHECK
“Now…
before you start packing…
CHECK THE WEATHER FOR EVERY PORT.
Not just:
‘It's the Caribbean.’ 🌴
Your itinerary could have:
☀️ Hot port
🌧️ Rainy port
🌬️ Windy sea day
🧥 Chilly evening
And if you're going somewhere like:
🇳🇴 Norway
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇦🇱 Alaska
🇬🇧 Northern Europe
you need a VERY different suitcase from:
🏝️ Caribbean.
PACK FOR THE ITINERARY, NOT THE POSTCARD.”
2️⃣3️⃣ 👗 WHAT ABOUT FORMAL NIGHTS?
“Now…
DO YOU NEED FORMALWEAR?
This depends entirely on your cruise line and the specific sailing.
Some cruises have:
✨ Formal nights
✨ Celebration nights
✨ Elegant evenings
Others are much more relaxed.
P&O, for example, publishes guidance covering casual and smarter evening wear, while Royal Caribbean describes casual, smart casual and formal options depending on venue and evening.
So don't buy a tuxedo because:
TikTok said you need one. 😂
Check your cruise line's dress guidance.
And if you WANT to dress up?
GO FOR IT. 👗🥂
That's part of the fun.”
2️⃣4️⃣ 👟 THE ‘ONE COMFORTABLE PAIR’ RULE
“If you're only taking one really good pair of shoes…
MAKE THEM COMFORTABLE.
Because ports can involve:
🚶 Miles of walking
🏛️ Cobblestones
🚌 Tours
🚆 Stations
🌊 Promenades
And nothing ruins an excursion faster than:
BLISTERS. 😩
You can survive without six outfits.
You cannot survive Naples with shoes that are trying to kill you. 😂”
2️⃣5️⃣ 🩱 HOW MANY SWIMSUITS?
“Here's a Cruise & Confused rule.
MORE THAN ONE.
Why?
Because:
wet swimsuit + wanting to swim again = annoying. 😂
Royal Caribbean specifically suggests bringing a few swimsuits so that you always have a dry one available.
And honestly…
I AGREE.
Swimsuit rotation is real.”
2️⃣6️⃣ 👚 THE ‘DAY TO NIGHT’ HACK
“Don't pack a completely different wardrobe for every activity.
Think:
DAY → NIGHT.
A simple outfit can become an evening outfit with:
👗 Dress
🧥 Jacket
👠 Different shoes
💍 Accessories
Or:
👖 Trousers
👚 Nice top
🧥 Jacket
Less luggage. More options.
That's what we're aiming for.”
2️⃣7️⃣ 🧺 LAUNDRY — YOUR SECRET WEAPON
“Here's another reason you don't need 14 days of clothes.
DO LAUNDRY.
Depending on your cruise line, there may be:
🧺 Laundry services
🧺 Self-service laundry
or other options.
So for longer cruises…
DON'T PACK YOUR ENTIRE WARDROBE.
Pack enough…
wash…
repeat.
And suddenly:
ONE SUITCASE IS ENOUGH. 😎”
2️⃣8️⃣ 🎒 THE LAST-NIGHT BAG — DON'T FORGET THIS ONE
“Now here's a classic first-timer mistake.
The night before disembarkation…
the cruise line tells you to put your luggage outside your cabin.
You think:
‘Great. Everything's packed.’
Then…
WAIT.
Your:
🪥 Toothbrush
💊 Medication
👕 Morning clothes
🔌 Charger
👚 Sleepwear
are all in the suitcase you just put in the corridor.
😂
Cruise lines such as Norwegian and Royal Caribbean recommend having a small overnight bag for the final night because checked luggage is collected before disembarkation.
PACK THE LAST-NIGHT BAG BEFORE YOU PUT THE SUITCASE OUT.”
🚨 2️⃣9️⃣ THE THINGS I WOULD NEVER PACK WITHOUT CHECKING
“Before you put anything weird in your suitcase…
stop.
Ask:
❓ IS IT ALLOWED?
❓ DOES MY CRUISE LINE PROVIDE IT?
❓ DO I ACTUALLY NEED IT?
❓ CAN I BUY IT CHEAPER AT HOME?
❓ WILL I USE IT?
And most importantly…
❓ AM I PACKING THIS BECAUSE I NEED IT…
OR BECAUSE SOMEONE ON TIKTOK SAID I NEED IT? 😂”
🏆 3️⃣0️⃣THE ULTIMATE CC PACKING FORMULA
“So here's my formula.
🚢 FOR THE SHIP
🩱 Swimwear
☀️ Sun protection
👕 Casual clothes
👗 Evening wear
👟 Comfortable shoes
🧥 Layers
🌍 FOR THE PORT
🚶 Walking shoes
🎒 Day bag
💧 Water bottle
☀️ Sunscreen
🕶️ Sunglasses
🌧️ Weather protection
👗 Appropriate clothing for cultural sites
🎒 FOR YOUR CARRY-ON
🪪 Documents
💊 Medication
📱 Phone
🔋 Charger/power bank
🩱 Swimwear
👕 Change of clothes
🧴 Essentials
🚫 AND DON'T FORGET
CHECK THE PROHIBITED-ITEMS LIST.”
❤️ FINAL CHECK
“So…
WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO PACK FOR A CRUISE?
Less than you think.
😂
And most importantly…
THE WAY YOU ACTUALLY HOLIDAY.
If you're spending every day exploring ports…
you probably don't need six pairs of heels.
If you're spending every sea day by the pool…
you probably need more than one swimsuit. 😂
If you're doing hiking excursions…
bring the proper shoes.
If you're travelling somewhere cold…
don't pack like you're heading to Tenerife.
And if you're flying to the cruise…
remember:
YOUR AIRLINE'S BAGGAGE RULES MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE CRUISE LINE'S.
So check both. ✈️🚢
Because the perfect cruise suitcase isn't:
THE BIGGEST ONE.
It's:
**THE ONE THAT HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED…
AND NOTHING YOU DON'T.** ❤️
And remember…
YOUR FIRST DAY CARRY-ON IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR MAIN SUITCASE. 🎒
Because if your suitcase disappears for six hours…
you want to be the person:
🏊 Already swimming
🍹 Already drinking
☀️ Already relaxing
rather than:
THE PERSON STANDING BY THE POOL IN JEANS. 😂
so...
Pack smart.
Pack light.
Pack for the adventure.
And whatever you do…
DON'T PACK YOUR ENTIRE HOUSE. 😂🧳
🚢❤️SEE YOU ON BOARD!
🎒 Pack your carry-on like your main suitcase might disappear for a few hours — because it might. 😂
