7 Cruise Packing Tips You Need to Know

Packing for a cruise can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. With limited space in your cabin and a variety of activities to prepare for—think formal dinners, poolside lounging, and port excursions—it’s easy to overpack or forget something essential. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first voyage, knowing what to bring (and what to leave behind) can make or break your trip. I am sharing 7 must-know cruise packing tips that will help you stay organized, pack smarter, save space, and ensure you’re ready for whatever adventures come your way!

One of the best advantages to a cruise line vacation is waking up in a new destination every day-but only unpacking once! Seriously-it’s the best! But, the challenge can be getting everything to fit in your stateroom. It’s not like you can just Uber to the nearest WalMart and pick up anything you left behind. And, last time I checked, cruise ships don’t accept Amazon Prime orders for guests, either.

Having sailed on several cruise itineraries, I have come up with some of my best cruise packing tips to share with you! These will help you save space, really consider what is necessary, and assure you have all the essentials!

Cruise Packing Tip #1: Know The Space You Have to Work With

The cruise line will list the square footage and set up of your room. Looking into this ahead of time is wise! My favorite way to use stateroom storage is using the area under the bed. As soon as our suitcases are unpacked, the suitcases go under the bed-and I usually add any extra unused stateroom hangers to them. Why? Because they can clank in the middle of the night due to ship movement, and it’s annoying!

This is also a helpful way to easily access your items if you have more than 2 people in your stateroom. Think of it like a drawer. You can just pull it out, get what you need, and push it back under the bed. We also leave one suitcase for dirty clothes, and add to that so it is basically packed when we are ready to disembark.

Cruise Packing Tip #2: Consider Utilizing the Laundry Services on the Cruise Line

I know, it seems fussy to do your laundry on vacation. But really, it’s priced reasonably and so easy to use. All cruise lines offer laundry services-either self serve or via the crew members. If you plan on this, then you need to take only 4-5 days worth of clothing. I think this tip is best on a 7+ night sailing.

As a mom, I utilized this service when we sailed the Disney Fantasy. It was SO helpful from a packing standpoint. It definitely lessened the hassle that comes with taking too much luggage.

Cruise Packing Tip #3: Take Magnetic Hooks and Magnetic Organizers with You

These do not have to take up a lot of space in your luggage, and you’ll be glad you have them. Since cruise ships are basically floating steel, the walls & doors in your stateroom are typically magnetic. Some of my favorite stateroom organizing tools include:

• Magnetic Hooks: These are such a great way to utilize the wall space. Hang handbags, hats, towels, keys. You can hang almost anything from these!
• Shoe Organizer: These are great to have in your luggage no matter WHERE you are traveling. They are so functional! You can hang these on the towel rack, or using magnetic hooks if they support a heavier weight. Please do not hang them over the doors, as they scratch the surface and are often not allowed if you do so. Shoe organizers are perfect for shoes, makeup, brushes, jewelry, and all the little things that take up surface space.
• A Collapsible Closet Organizer: This is obvious-but can be SO helpful! Just hang it right on the rod in the closet, and start organizing! You can organize by port of call, shoes, outfits for the kids, swimsuits. These are a huge asset to setting up your stateroom. These maximize the most space, in my opinion.

Cruise Packing Tip #4: Have the Most Functional Luggage Possible

Utilizing your suitcase space will in turn give you more stateroom space. If possible use your luggage to store luggage under the bed. If your suitcases nest inside each other, that is ideal. Or, fill one with your carry ons and items you had for the flight and use it as storage during your sailing.

Packing cubes are 100% the best thing ever. I started using these about 4 years ago in my packing, and I will never go back to packing without them. Not only do they allow me to fit everything in my suitcase efficiently, they are also superbly helpful when I unpack in my stateroom. I typically pack mine by “type” of clothing, whereas I know some who pack them by outfits. Whatever works for you!

Dry bags are a good idea when sailing. Considering you will have wet clothing-shoes, swimsuits, etc-these are ideal. They allow you to functionally pack any wet clothing for the trip home without interfering with your other clothing. They are also great for your water bottles. Pack your water bottle in a dry bag, and place it in your day bag.

Cruise Packing Tip #5: Research the Cruise Line Dress Code & Theme Nights

Many cruise lines have dress codes – at the minimum cruise casual – for their dining rooms. To make it even more fun, they will often designate one night as a “Formal”, “Semi Formal”, or another fun theme. For example, when I recently sailed the Allure of the Seas we had a “Caribbean Night”. Disney Cruise Line is known for their “Pirate Night” experiences. Looking into this before you sail will allow you to be prepared for the correct dress code or theme.

Cruise Packing Tip #6: Know what NOT to Bring Onboard

This list is pretty standard amongst cruise lines. Weapons, drugs, fireworks, explosives….these are all big “no nos”. But what about power strips or certain foods? Each cruise line has a very clear list of what NOT to bring on their website. I highly recommend asking your travel advisor and checking the cruise line’s site before you arrive at the cruise terminal.

Cruise Packing Tip #7: Be Sure to Bring Cash

You will need to have cash on hand for local guides, room service, luggage porters, etc. While prepaying your gratuities is wise, and super easy, you will have some small incidentals where you will need cash. Some smaller towns in ports of call may not take credit card, so that is something to consider as well.

Take some very small bills in the local currency to have on hand. Tour guides, taxi drivers, etc, those are all people you want to tip.

Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With these top 7 tips, you’ll be prepared for smooth sailing, whether you’re exploring tropical beaches, bustling ports, or just lounging by the pool. Remember to pack smart, keep essentials within reach, and leave room for souvenirs. A little planning goes a long way to ensure your vacation is stress-free and full of unforgettable memories.