A cruise is a very special travel experience that requires careful preparation. The right one Packing list for the cruise is essential, because unlike in a beach hotel, the nearest supermarket is not always within reach. Anyone who notices that important utensils are missing on the high seas must either do without them or dig deep into the pocket.
Each shipping company and destination has different requirements for your luggage. While you generally pack similarly for AIDA, TUI Cruises or Costa Cruises, the equipment varies depending on climatic conditions and planned activities. With your next Cruises Can you with this Checklist Make sure you arrive optimally prepared and do not forget an important item. So you can concentrate completely on your floating holiday pleasure without missing items burdening your budget.
Table of contents
Here you can print the packing list for the cruise as PDF
The clearly designed Cruise Packing List You can easily download, print and tick. So you keep the overview and can be sure that you are well prepared for your adventure on the cruise ship.
Here is the packing list:
Money and Finance
Proper preparation of your means of payment is essential for a relaxed cruise. Cashless payment systems are usually used on board, but you should be well equipped for shore excursions.
- Credit card (at least 2 different)
- EC card
- Cash in euro
- Cash in national currency of ports of call
- Chest bag or belly bag for valuables
- Emergency reserve money (separately stored)
- Boarding pass/cabin keyboard
- Small change for tips on shore excursions
- Copies of all cards (keep separately)
- Emergency contacts of card providers
Hygiene
Hygiene items are personal utensils to pack in the right size and quantity. Most cabins have basic equipment, but you should bring special products yourself.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shower gel and shampoo
- Shavers and shaving foam
- Deo/antiperspirant
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hand cream
- Lip care with UV protection
- Sunscreen (high sun protection factor)
- Aftersun lotion
- Perfume/aftershave
- Makeup and remover
- Nail shears/files
- Cotton swabs
- Female hygiene products
- Wet wipes
- Hand disinfectants
- Contact lenses and care products
- Mosquitoes
- Hand washing products for clothing
- Travel dryer (if not available in the cabin)
Clothing
The right dress code plays an important role on cruises. Depending on the cruise company and destination, your wardrobe requirements vary considerably.
- Underwear for every day plus reserve
- Socks/stockings
- T-shirts/tops/blouses
- Shorts
- Long trousers/jeans
- Skirts/dresses
- Bluse/shirt for formal occasions
- Elegant outfit for the captain’s evening
- Cocktail dress/suit
- Pajamas/Nightdress
- Bathroom (if not in the cabin)
- Swimming clothes (2-3 sets to change)
- Beach towel (often provided by ship)
- Light jacket/Cardigan for air conditioned areas
- Rain jacket/windbreaker
- Sweaters for cooler evenings
- Belts
- Headgear/Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Jewelry (not too valuable)
- Tie/fly for formal occasions
- Scarf/cloth (usable in multiple ways)
- Sportswear (if fitness offers are used)
Medications / Pharmacy
A well-equipped travel pharmacy is indispensable for any cruise. Seasickness can occur especially on the ship, and even on shore excursions you should be prepared for small injuries.
- Personal continuous medication (in sufficient quantity)
- Agents for sea sickness
- Pain and fever medicines
- Medication for diarrhea
- Agents for congestion
- Nasal spray/drop
- Eye drops
- Remedies for cold
- Throat tablets
- Cough remedies
- Anti-allergic
- Ointment against insect bites
- Sunburn ointment
- Wound disinfectants
- Plasters of different sizes
- Dressing material
- Fever thermometers
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Tick forceps
- Bladder patches
- Cooling compresses
- Towels
- Electrolyte powder in diarrhea/vomiting
- Medical certificate for prescription drugs
Papers and documents
Having the right documents at hand is indispensable for every cruise. Especially during check-in, numerous travel documents are required.
- Identity card
- Passport (even if not mandatory)
- Cruise booking confirmation
- Voucher/boarding card
- Medical insurance abroad (proof)
- Vaccination certificate
- Copies of all important documents (keep separately)
- Driving license (international, if rental car is planned)
- Visa (if required)
- Contact details of the shipping company
- Address list for postcards
- Travel guides/map
- Small notebook with pen
- Emergency contact list
- Insurance card
Backpacks and bags
The right choice of bags makes everyday life on the cruise ship and on shore excursions much easier.
- Main case/Trolley
- Hand luggage for important utensils
- Daypack for shore excursions
- Beach bag
- Belly bag for valuables
- Money purses
- Cosmetic bag
- Laundry bags for dirty linen
- Folding shopping bag
- Waterproof bag for wet bathing clothes
- Shoe bags
- Document Bag
Footwear
The right footwear is especially important on a cruise, as there are different requirements both on board and on shore.
- Comfortable everyday shoes
- Elegant shoes for formal evenings
- Sports footwear
- Swimming shoes/flip-flops
- Fixed footwear for excursions
- Waterproof shoes in case of rain probability
- Slippers for the cabin
- Trekking sandals for warm destinations
- Replacement shoelaces
Other
These additional items can make your cruise vacation more enjoyable and prepare for unexpected situations.
- Travel alarm/small watch
- Travel clothesline
- Sewing sets
- Laundry clamps
- Ear plugs
- Sleep mask
- Reading material
- Games/cards
- Army knife (only in main luggage!)
- Small umbrella
- Light ceiling for cooler evenings
- Pillows for air travel/transfer
- Snorkels and goggles
- Waterproof envelope for valuables on the beach
- Hot water bottle (for colder destinations)
- Reusable drinking bottle
- Irons (if needed to hang clothes)
- Laundry spray for refreshing clothes
- Small Gifts for Special Crew Members
Technical equipment
The right technical equipment allows you to capture your cruise experiences and stay in touch.
- Smartphone with charging cable
- Digital camera with memory cards
- Replacement battery/power bank
- International adapters
- Multiple sockets
- Headphones
- E-book readers
- Tablet/laptop (if needed)
- Waterproof mobile phone cover
- Selfie stick
- Small binoculars for animal observation
- Underwater camera
- Flashlight/front lamp
- USB stick for photo security
- Bluetooth speakers (note subtle volume)
- Travel alarms
- GPS device for hikes
- Cable organizers
Packing list for the cruise to Norway
When cruising to Norway, preparation for changing weather conditions is especially important. The land of fjords impresses with breathtaking nature, which you want to explore comfortably on shore excursions.
- Waterproof, windproof jacket with hood
- Fixed footwear/travelling footwear for shore use
- Warm sweaters for layering
- Functional underwear
- Hat, scarf and gloves (even in summer!)
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Walking sticks for more challenging tours
- Binoculars (for animal observation and landscape views)
- Thermos bottle for warm drinks
- Rain poncho as reserve
- Sunscreen (despite cool temperatures)
- Backpack with rain cover for excursions
- Camera with sufficient memory for the impressive landscapes
- Adapters for Norwegian sockets
- Light fleece jacket as an intermediate layer
- Floating for onboard pool/spa area
Packing List for Norway Cruise in Winter
A winter cruise to Norway offers the chance of northern lights and wintry landscapes, but requires special equipment for Arctic temperatures.
- Thermal underwear (upper and trousers)
- Warm, waterproof winter jacket
- Snowwear/waterproof trousers
- Thick, waterproof winter boots with a grip sole
- Warm wool socks (several pairs)
- Thick gloves plus reserve pair
- Warm hat with ear protection
- Neck warmer/tube shell
- Face protection in extreme cold
- Ski underwear as an intermediate layer
- Heat pads for hands and feet
- Thermos
- Lip balm with high sun protection
- Moisturizer for dry skin
- Anti-fogging spray for spectacle wearers
- Headlamp (for the dark days)
- Simple footwear with spikes
- Pocket warmers
- Sunscreen (because of reflection on snow)
- Camera with winter-ready battery
Packing List for the Caribbean Cruise
A cruise to the Caribbean promises tropical climate, beach visits and relaxing days under palm trees. Here the focus is on light clothing and sun protection.
- Multiple swimwear/bikinis to change
- Light airy clothing of natural fibres
- Sun hat with wide brim
- High quality sunscreen (LSF 30+)
- After-sun care
- Snorkel set
- Water shoes for coral beaches
- Light rain protection (for tropical showers)
- Insect protection
- Anti-mosquito bracelet
- Light cotton socks
- Moisturizing skin care
- Waterproof bag for beach visits
- Electrolyte Tabs (at high heat)
- Light jacket for air-conditioned areas
- Comfortable sandals
- Skin soothing lotion in sunburn
- Underwater camera
- Fast drying towels
- Life jacket/floating aid for unsafe swimmers
Packing list for the cruise to the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea offers pleasant temperatures, cultural treasures and culinary delights. The packing list combines bathing and city clothing for a variety of activities.
- Light summer clothes
- Swimwear (minimum 2 sets)
- Sunscreen with high LSF
- Sun hat/cap
- Light shoes for city tours
- Elegant outfit for dinner on board
- Daypack for excursions
- Headscarf for church visits
- Comfortable sandals
- Light jacket for cooler evenings
- Small towel for excursions
- Water bottle (refillable)
- City plans/travel guides
- Camera
- Small change for public toilets
- Towels
- Wet wipes on the road
- Hand disinfectants
- Light blouse/shirt with long sleeves (sun protection)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
This item should definitely be on your cruise packing list
Sounds banal, but is a real insider tip: Who his Sunscreen Forgets, pays on board often double – or more. Especially on ships heading south or in tropical regions, a small bottle with LSF 50 costs loosely 20 to 30 euros at the on-board shop. And giving up is not an option – the sun at sea is more intense than on land. So rather stock well in advance, especially if you have sensitive skin or travel with children.
Frequently asked questions about the packing list for the cruise
Can I bring my own alcoholic beverages on board?
Most shipping companies do not allow bringing their own alcoholic beverages or only to a very limited extent. Often one bottle of wine per adult is allowed, while spirits are generally prohibited. Inform yourself in advance at the appropriate cruise line.
How many suitcases can I take for my cruise?
The number and weight of the allowed suitcases depend on both the shipping company and your way of travel. When travelling by air, the regulations of the airline apply first. For the cruise itself there is usually no strict limit, but you should keep in mind that the storage space in the cabins is limited and you have to stow your luggage yourself.
Do I need special adapters for electrical appliances for a cruise?
On most modern cruise ships you will find both European (220V) and American (110V) sockets. Nevertheless, it is advisable to bring a universal travel adapter, especially if you are traveling older ships or special destinations. A multiple socket can also be very useful because the number of available sockets in the cabin is often limited.
What special items are prohibited on cruise ships?
On cruise ships, similar safety regulations apply as in air traffic. Generally prohibited are weapons of all kinds, irons, kettles, open fire (candles), drones and certain electrical devices with open heating elements. Large amounts of batteries or power banks can also be problematic. Before travel, check your shipping company’s specific prohibition lists to avoid confiscations.
