7-Day Cruise Packing List

Clothing: What to pack for a 7-day cruise

For a week-long warm-weather cruise, choose clothes you can mix and match rather than packing a completely different outfit for every day. You’ll need comfortable daytime clothes, swimwear, a few evening options and something suitable for exploring ports.

Daytime clothing

• 4–5 lightweight tops or T-shirts

• 2–3 pairs of shorts, skirts or casual bottoms

• 1–2 casual dresses or additional outfits

• 1 lightweight sweater or cardigan for air-conditioned spaces

• 1 light rain jacket or compact poncho

• Underwear and socks for the week

• Sleepwear

Swimwear and beachwear

• 2 swimsuits

• 1–2 cover-ups

• Flip-flops or pool sandals

• Sun hat

• Sunglasses

Evening clothing

• 3–4 mix-and-match evening outfits

• 1 dressier outfit, if you plan to attend formal or elegant evenings

• A light layer for cooler dining rooms or outdoor decks

Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sandals for daytime or evenings

• Flip-flops or pool shoes

• Dressier shoes, only if needed

Packing tip: Check your cruise line’s dress code before deciding how many evening outfits to bring. Most cruises are fairly relaxed, but specialty restaurants and designated dress-up nights may have different expectations.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

Your main suitcase may not arrive at your cabin until later in the day, so keep your important documents, medications and anything you’ll need before dinner in a small carry-on or personal-item bag.

Travel documents and valuables

• Passport and any required travel documents

• Cruise boarding documents or app confirmation

• Wallet, credit cards and a small amount of cash

• Travel insurance information

• Phone and charging cable

• Jewellery and other valuables you prefer to keep with you

Health and personal essentials

• Prescription medications in their original labelled containers

• Any medications you may need during the day

• Glasses, contact lenses and essential personal-care items

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Hand sanitizer and tissues

• A refillable water bottle

Items for your first day on board

• Swimsuit and cover-up, if you want to use the pool before your luggage arrives

• Flip-flops or sandals

• Sunglasses and sun hat

• A change of clothes, if needed

• A light sweater for air-conditioned spaces

• A small bag for wet swimwear

Electronics

• Phone charger

• Power bank, if permitted by your cruise line and airline

• Headphones

• Camera and accessories, if you use them

Packing tip: Keep medications, travel documents and valuables in your carry-on rather than checked luggage. Check your cruise line’s current rules for prohibited items, electrical devices and what you may bring aboard before travelling.

Toiletries & Personal Care

Pack your usual daily essentials, but check what your cruise line already provides in the cabin before bringing full-size products.

Everyday essentials

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss

• Deodorant

• Shampoo and conditioner, if you prefer your own

• Body wash or soap

• Face cleanser and moisturizer

• Hairbrush or comb

• Hair styling products and tools

• Razor and shaving products

• Makeup and makeup remover, if used

• Feminine hygiene products, if needed

• Contact lenses, solution and glasses, if needed

• Nail clippers and tweezers

Sun and skin care

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen (safe for the ocean if you will be swimming there)

• SPF lip balm

• After-sun moisturizer

• Insect repellent, if needed for your excursions (depends on the port)

• A small first-aid kit with bandages and blister care

Packing tip: Bring enough sunscreen for your trip, especially if you plan to spend several days at the beach or pool. Check airline liquid restrictions if you are flying with carry-on luggage only.

Health & Medications

Keep essential medications in your carry-on, as covered earlier. This section is a reminder to plan for the entire trip.

• Prescription medications for the full vacation, plus a reasonable extra supply in case of delays

• Copies of prescriptions or a medication list

• Any regular over-the-counter medications you use

• Motion-sickness remedies, if appropriate for you

• Pain reliever

• Allergy medication, if needed

• Antacids or digestive remedies, if needed

• Personal medical supplies

• Travel insurance information and emergency contact details

Check destination requirements for medications, especially controlled substances, and ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional about any medication you are unsure about.

Travel Documents & Money

Before leaving home, confirm that you have everything required for your itinerary and that your documents are valid for each destination.

• Passport

• Any required visas or entry documents

• Cruise booking confirmation and boarding information

• Flight confirmations

• Hotel or transfer reservations

• Travel insurance details

• Credit and debit cards

• Some cash for tips, taxis or small purchases

• Emergency contact information

• Copies or secure digital backups of important documents

Important: Passport validity, visa and entry requirements vary by nationality, itinerary and destination. Check the official requirements for your specific trip rather than relying on a general packing list.

Electronics & Useful Extras

Bring the devices you actually use and avoid packing gadgets just because they appear on a cruise essentials list.

• Phone and charging cable

• Charging plug or adapter

• Power bank, if permitted

• Headphones or earbuds

• Camera and charger, if used

• E-reader or tablet, if used

• Travel adapter, if needed

• Waterproof phone pouch, if useful for your activities

• Refillable water bottle

• Small day bag or backpack for port days

• Laundry bag or packing organizer

• A few resealable bags for wet or small items

Cruise safety tip: Check your cruise line's prohibited-items policy before packing electrical accessories. Many cruise lines restrict extension cords, surge protectors, certain power strips, irons, steamers and other appliances. Do not assume an item is permitted simply because it is sold as a cruise essential.

What You Probably Don't Need

Packing less is easier when you know what can stay home. Consider leaving behind:

• Multiple outfits for every possible occasion

• More shoes than your planned activities require

• Full-size toiletries when travel sizes will last the trip

• Bulky beach towels if your cruise line provides them

• Large amounts of cash

• Expensive jewellery you would worry about losing

• Appliances or electrical accessories prohibited by your cruise line

• Extra gadgets you are unlikely to use

The goal is not to pack as little as possible. It's to bring what makes your particular vacation comfortable and enjoyable. One trick I use is to pack and then take out 30% of what I packed. I still end up with too much; it's very easy to overpack for a cruise.

Before You Zip Your Suitcase...

Use this final check before leaving home:

• Check the weather forecast for your itinerary

• Review your cruise line's dress code

• Confirm passport, visa and entry requirements

• Check baggage allowances for your flights

• Review your cruise line's prohibited-items policy

• Put medications, documents and valuables in your carry-on

• Charge devices and download any travel documents you need

• Leave a little room for souvenirs or purchases

• Make sure your luggage is labelled and easy to identify

Ready for Your Next Trip?

A good packing list should make travel easier, not give you more things to buy. Use this guide as a starting point, adjust it to your itinerary and personal needs, and pack with confidence.

For more help, explore our Weekend Getaway Packing List and All-Inclusive Resort Packing List, or visit our Travel Gear section for practical luggage and travel-essential recommendations.

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