I can confidently say that over the years I have mastered the art of packing for cruises! From the sunny decks of the Caribbean to the vibrant beaches of Mexico and the Bahamas, I've perfected my packing skills to ensure my family can enjoy every moment without a hitch.
Below I'll take a closer look at exactly what mine is. Ultimate Warm Weather Cruise Packing List. It's not what you pack, it's how you pack it (hint: I swear when I see these packing cubes). From my favorite sunscreen to the best motion sickness bands for young adventurers and the clothes I pack, join me as I reveal the secrets to a perfectly packed suitcase!
Best Cruise Packing List
packaging essentials
Want to know a little secret? How you pack and what travel gear you use is just as important as what you pack! A good set of suitcases and packing cubes will help you stay organized so it's easier to find everything you need when you set sail.
My whole family has been using Atlantic Luggage Hardside Spinners lately. I'm obsessed with the bright colors they come in so they're easy to spot. It has a built-in wet/dry pouch, the zippers are high quality and long-lasting, and the wheels roll easily. This is the best luggage I've ever seen!
I use Shacke Pak packing cubes to keep us all organized. This makes it easy to divide each person's belongings and quickly get things out once we get to the room.
Shop essentials for packing and organizing
Required Documents
This is a commonly needed item when traveling on a cruise. Of course, you will want to read carefully the details required to verify your identity that the cruise company sends you.
- Passport/Birth Certificate: Make sure your passport is up to date or, for closed-loop cruises, bring your birth certificate.
- driver's license: You'll need it when you drive, go on a cruise, or make purchases on the ship.
- Cruise documentation: I printed and signed the online check-in form.
- luggage tag: On the day of boarding, please use the tag provided by the cruise company to handle your baggage.
- Flight boarding documents: When traveling on a cruise ship.
- Confirm transportation/hotel reservations: A printed copy may be convenient.
- Third party tour documentation: You can save a lot of money by choosing a reliable third-party supplier for your travel. It is wise to double-check with your provider at least a week before your cruise. Also, have printed copies of confirmations, receipts, contact numbers, etc. available.
- Medical Insurance Card and Travel Insurance Information: It's always a good idea to have it with you in case of an emergency.
- Cash/Credit Card: Tips and purchases at port are essential.
technology
- Cell phones and chargers: Download your cruise line's app for onboard communication. We always have portable chargers on hand!
- Laptop and Charger: Used to stay connected or for business purposes.
- Portable USB Charger and Cord: Charge your devices and get ready.
- iPad/Tablet: Useful for communication and entertainment.
- shine: Perfect for reading by the pool.
- headphone: For personal entertainment only.
- Camera, charger, additional battery, memory card: Capture every moment.
- GoPro with Accessories: Ideal for water activities and travel.
technology shopping
Toiletries
- Sunscreen: It can be expensive on board, so bring plenty.
- hair tie: Useful for windy deck conditions.
- Sea Band or Dramamine: To prevent motion sickness.
- Over-the-counter medications: Painkillers and cold medicine.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss: Don’t forget children’s toothpaste!
- deodorant: Stay fresh throughout your trip.
- Makeup and makeup remover: Waterproof option is your best choice!
- Moisturizer: In sunny and windy environments, you need to keep your skin moisturized.
- Hairbrushes/combs and styling products: Anti-humidity products are a lifesaver.
- Curling iron/fixer: Rooms usually have hair dryers, but it's a good idea to bring other hot tools.
- Contact information, solutions, examples: Keep your vision essentials handy.
- Daily Vitamins: We always pack high-quality vitamins for our travels to ensure our bodies get all the nutrients and minerals they need, especially when exposed to different environments.
- Lip Balm: Prevent chapped lips.
- Products for women: I love traveling with my Diva Cup. This is because they do not need to be replaced frequently. Easy to wash and reuse.
clothes
You'll want to pack the following clothes for each family member!
- shirt: One each day.
- shorts: 2-3 couples for a 7-night cruise.
- Sportswear: For sports activities on board. My kids always find themselves on the basketball court!
- jeans: A pair for cool evenings.
- one piece: There are many options for dinner and shows.
- Swimsuits and Cover-Ups: There are at least two options:
- Undergarments and bras: Enough for every day, including strapless options.
- Pajamas: 1~2 pairs.
- Great outfits for dinner: Most cruises these days have a variety of dining options, so depending on your plans, you may or may not need a suit. Check your itinerary and restaurant guidelines and pack accordingly!
- Light jacket or sweater: Perfect for cooler indoor spaces and evening decks.
Outfits I actually packed on my last cruise!
- bijouterie: It's easy to raise it.
- Flip flops/sandals: Perfect for pool, beach and casual wear.
- Tennis shoes and socks: For active travel or visiting the gym.
- Sun hats and sunglasses: A must on sunny days.
for young children
Here's what you need to prepare to have a smooth and enjoyable cruise with your baby or toddler!
- Bottle/sippy cup: It's easy to get lost while traveling, so bring several.
- Nipples and Nipple Clips: Bring extra items so you don't get caught without one.
- bib: This is especially important if you're planning a fancier dinner and want to keep your kids clean!
- Baby wipes and diaper cream: You can usually make a last-minute purchase on the plane, but I always pack a few more than I think I'll need.
- Diaper bag: It is essential for transporting baby items.
- Change pad: For sanitary diaper changing.
- Dishwashing detergent and scrubber: Convenient for cleaning bottles.
- Baby food/food/snacks: Bring something your baby eats regularly. The dining area has limited options for infants.
- baby tableware: These services are often not available on cruises.
- Sling/Carrier: Easier to manage than a stroller in crowded, tight spaces.
- Plush/Lovely: Help your child become comfortable in their new environment.
- Sleep Bag: We like to keep our sleep routine as close to home as possible.
- Children's medications/vitamins: Onboard options are limited, so pack essentials like baby fever reducers.
- Car seat: A must for port travel! Jack has been using WAYB Pico.
- Swim Diaper: Infants wearing swim diapers are not permitted in swimming pools on certain cruise lines, but are still required in water play areas and ports.
- goggles: My kids always want to put their goggles in the water.
Little shopping
Additional features for Cruising Pro
- lanyard: Convenient to carry your key card.
- Wrinkle Relief Spray: This is a travel-friendly alternative to ironing.
- laundry bag: Separate dirty and clean clothes.
- magnetic dry erase board or sticky notes– If you have older kids who can get in and out of the cabin, bring dry erase boards or post-it notes! This is useful when you don't have phone service.
- Sandoff mitt: It may not seem exciting, but I always pack this handy mitt to easily remove sand from my body after a day at the beach. Because I really hate the feeling of sand sticking to me.
- reusable bin zipper bag: Bring extra snacks such as cereal, grapes, and blueberries at breakfast so that young children can snack on them throughout the day.
With this ultimate warm weather cruise packing guide, you won't just be throwing things into your suitcase. You are preparing your family for a successful vacation. From trusty motion sickness bands for your kids to much-needed sunscreen and, of course, a chic yet comfy ensemble to get you in the holiday spirit, it's all about choosing wisely! So, take these tips, pack intentionally, and set sail for endless fun and sunny memories.
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