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Let me keep it real with you—cruising is supposed to be relaxing, but packing as a queen? Not so much. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifth, overpacking (or underpacking) can turn your ocean escape into a whole ordeal.
After my latest cruise, I realized how much I brought that I never touched (and some things I returned the minute I got home). Cruises have their own rhythm: chill mornings, dressy dinners, unpredictable weather, and lots of walking.
The key? Pack with intention.
Don’t let TikTok, Pinterest, or cruise forums convince you to bring your entire wardrobe “just in case.” I’ve been there—this list is based on real experience, not theory.
What to Pack for Your Cruise
Below is my complete, no-fluff checklist to help you pack smart and stress-free.
Prefer a downloadable version to keep or print? Click here to download the PDF.
Clothing
- ☐ 2–3 swimsuits + 1 to 2 cover-ups
- ☐ 2 dinner outfits (semi-formal or elegant depending on cruise)
- ☐ 3–4 daytime outfits (shorts, sundresses, jumpsuits)
- ☐ 1 pair of comfy walking shoes
- ☐ 1–2 pairs of sandals/slides
- ☐ Swim shoes
- ☐ 1 sweater or light jacket (ships can be chilly!)
- ☐ Undergarments + sleepwear
- ☐ Some type of sunhat
- ☐ Fanny pack
- ☐ Makeup mirror (came in handy with a group)
Toiletries
- ☐ Cleaning supplies (the rooms are not top-tier clean)
- ☐ Travel-size hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, air freshener, etc.)
- ☐ Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- ☐ Razor + small grooming items
- ☐ Feminine hygiene products (you never know)
- ☐ Lip balm + lotion (the salt air dries you out)
- ☐ Bathroom air freshener
- ☐ Your own blanket and pillowcase
- ☐ A portable straw
- ☐ Toilet seat covers
- ☐ N95 mask for crowded spaces
- ☐ Antibacterial paper soap
- ☐ Mini perfume bottles
- ☐ Laundry bags or paper bags
- ☐ Water bottle bag with phone pocket
- ☐ Immune support electrolyte + vitamin C packets
- ☐ Beach towel bands for beach chairs
Cruise-Specific Must-Haves
- ☐ Passport or valid ID
- ☐ Cruise documents (boarding pass, luggage tags, etc.)
- ☐ Keychain for your boarding room key
- ☐ Refillable water bottle
- ☐ Magnetic hooks (the walls are metal!)
- ☐ Small fan or portable neck fan
- ☐ Dramamine or sea bands
- ☐ Power strip (non-surge protected — trust me)
- ☐ Waterproof phone pouch
- ☐ Mini medicine kit (ibuprofen, Pepto, allergy meds)
- ☐ 12-pack of drinks (we brought 3 cases but only needed 1)
Things You Don’t Need
- ☐ Multiple pairs of heels (1 is enough if that)
- ☐ Hair tools galore (the humidity has other plans)
- ☐ Full-size toiletries
- ☐ That third beach hat you think you’ll wear (you won’t)
Tips to Stay Sane
- ☐ Pack outfits that can mix and match
- ☐ Roll your clothes to save space
- ☐ Use packing cubes (especially for family trips)
- ☐ Leave room for souvenirs
- ☐ Download the cruise line’s app before you board
Final Thoughts + What’s Next
Cruising is about ease, fun, and being present — not overthinking every outfit or item. Hopefully, this list saves you from the stress and helps you walk on that ship feeling prepared, cute, and covered. Shop my Amazon storefront for some of these essentials at AuthenticallyZ here
Coming soon: I’ll be dropping a video on exactly how I packed, what I regret bringing, and what I wish I had. Subscribe or follow along so you don’t miss it!
Until then,
Pack light, live fully, and don’t forget your sunhat. 😉
— Zak L. Grace | @AuthenticallyZ
#AuthenticallyZ #CarnivalCruise #CarnivalGlory #CruiseChecklist #WhatToPack #SummerMommySeries #CruiseWithConfidence #SmartPacking #NoStressTravel
