What should I pack for a cruise? What documents do I need? And how can I protect myself from sunburn and seasickness? This guide provides a complete, practical, and well-structured packing list for your cruise – whether you're sailing to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or the North Cape.
✅ Plus: Tips for personalized clothing that not only looks great, but also creates memories!
1. The Basics: What do you need to bring on every cruise?
Before you pack your suitcase, you should have all important documents and travel papers ready:
Most important documents
- Passport or identity card (depending on the route)
- Boarding pass or digital cruise tickets
- Credit card + some cash (e.g. for excursions)
- International health and travel insurance
- Proof of vaccination (e.g. COVID, depending on the destination)
- Emergency contacts + medical information
💡 Tip: Scan your most important documents in advance and save them offline on your smartphone or in the cloud.
2. Onboard attire – from pool to Captain's Dinner
On a cruise ship, you need versatile clothing: light and airy for the day, casually elegant for the evening – and, depending on the route, also weatherproof and warm.
During the day (on deck and on excursions):
- 4–6 light T-shirts or tops
- 2–3 pairs of shorts, skirts or linen trousers
- 1–2 airy shirts / blouses or dresses
- 1 sun hat or cap + sunglasses
- 1 lightweight hoodie for cooler moments
🎯 Recommendation: Our shirts made of breathable cotton are perfect for warm days on the sea and shore excursions. View now →
Evenings (Dinner & Events):
- 2–3 “Smart Casual” outfits (e.g. polo shirt + chinos or summer dress)
- 1 outfit for the Captain's Dinner or a special evening
- Clean shoes + a light cloth or scarf
Depending on the target area:
- Caribbean / Mediterranean: light, bright, airy – focus on UV protection
- Northern Europe / Alaska: warm clothing, fleece jacket, hat, weatherproof jacket
🌧️ Wind & weather? Our water-repellent jackets with integrated hoods are ideal for windy days at sea. To the collection →
3. Shoes: Less is more (but it has to be comfortable)
- Sneakers or comfortable running shoes for outings
- Flip-flops or sandals for the pool
- Evening shoes (depending on the dress code)
- Optional: Swim shoes or hiking shoes for special excursions
4. Care, Hygiene & Sun Protection
Don't forget: The wind can be treacherous on the ship – even on a cloudy day!
- Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 30 or higher)
- After-sun lotion or Aloe Vera
- Toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo (preferably in travel size)
- Razor, deodorant, lip balm
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
🧴 Packing tip: Use a hanging toiletry bag set – saves space in the usually compact ship cabin!
5. Travel first-aid kit: Small remedies, big effect
Sickness at sea often comes unexpectedly – be better prepared!
- Nausea/motion sickness remedies (e.g., chewing gum or patches)
- Pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol)
- Blister plasters & first-aid kit
- Mosquito spray (depending on the region)
- Personal medication
6. Technology & Practical Gadgets
- Smartphone + Charger + Power Bank
- Multi-plug adapter or USB hub (cabins = few sockets!)
- E-book reader or tablet
- Camera or action cam for trips
- Headphones (preferably noise-cancelling)
- Waterproof phone case for beach days or boat trips
⚡ Charge invisibly: Many cabins lack a power outlet by the bed – a small extension cord or USB hub will help.
7. Bags & Extras
- Sturdy suitcase (Tip: hard shell + TSA lock)
- Day backpack for shore excursions
- Beach bag or foldable bag
- Waist bag / Crossbody bag for valuables
- Laundry bag for dirty laundry
- Water bottle (refillable!)
- Notebook + pen for travel diary or memories
In summary, a detailed packing list can be found here.
