I've helped pack for cruises exactly 847 times. Not an estimate—I keep a log. Teaching travel classes for twelve years means I've seen every packing disaster imaginable.
The mistakes fall into predictable patterns. Let me share them so you can skip the learning curve.
Mistake #1: Overpacking for "Just in Case"
The most common error. People pack three different rain jackets, four pairs of dress shoes, and enough medication for a six-month expedition. For a week-long Caribbean cruise.
Here's what actually happens: your cabin measures roughly 180 square feet, including the bathroom. Closet space accommodates maybe half of what you'd find in a hotel room. And you'll spend most of your time in the same 2-3 outfits anyway.
My rule: pack half of what you initially select, then remove one more item from each category. You'll still have more than enough.
What to Actually Bring
- 4-5 casual day outfits (mix and match capable)
- 2 dressy outfits (one for formal night, one backup)
- 2-3 swimsuits (they don't dry overnight in humid climates)
- 1 light jacket or cardigan (air conditioning is aggressive)
- Comfortable walking shoes for ports
- One pair of dress shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops for pool deck
That's it. Cruise ships have laundry services if needed. Your cabin will thank you for the restraint.
Mistake #2: Forgetting the Carry-On Essentials
Your checked luggage goes to the cabin separately—and sometimes takes 4-5 hours to arrive. Meanwhile, you're on a ship with pools, restaurants, and activities. Without your stuff.
Non-Negotiable Carry-On Items
- All medications (in original containers with prescriptions)
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Change of clothes
- Phone chargers and essential electronics
- Cruise documents and ID
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Any valuables you can't afford to lose
I've watched passengers spend the first afternoon of their vacation hunting down guest services because their blood pressure medication was in checked luggage. Don't be that person.
Mistake #3: Bringing Prohibited Items
Cruise lines have strict rules. Violators face confiscation and sometimes security interviews.
Commonly Confiscated Items
- Irons and steamers (fire hazard)
- Surge protectors (most lines prohibit; regular power strips often allowed)
- Candles and incense (fire hazard)
- Hard alcohol (wine is sometimes permitted with corkage fees)
- Drones (security concerns)
- Extension cords (fire hazard)
- Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives)
Check your specific cruise line's prohibited items list before packing. Each line has slightly different rules.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Dress Code
Modern cruise ships are more casual than they were decades ago. But "casual" doesn't mean anything goes.
Main Dining Room Standards
Most ships require resort casual at minimum: collared shirts for men, nice shorts or slacks, sundresses or blouses for women. No swimwear, tank tops, or athletic wear.
Formal Nights
Typically 1-2 per 7-night cruise. Men should bring a sport coat (tie optional on most lines) or dark dress shirt. Women should pack a cocktail dress or dressy separates. Formal gowns are not required but are welcome.
Specialty Restaurants
Usually enforce main dining room standards or slightly higher. Check individual restaurant policies.
The mistake I see: people packing only casual vacation wear, then feeling underdressed or excluded from dining venues they wanted to try.
Learn about cruise dining optionsMistake #5: Wrong Shoes
Port days require significant walking—often on cobblestones, uneven terrain, or steep hills. Fashionable but impractical shoes lead to blisters and missed experiences.
Essential Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes with good support (broken in before the trip)
- Sandals with back straps (for beach days and pool deck)
- One pair of dress shoes (for formal dining)
- Water shoes (if planning beach or snorkeling excursions)
Skip: high heels (except for photography), brand-new shoes, platform sandals, shoes that can't get wet.
Mistake #6: Forgetting Shore Excursion Gear
The ship provides everything for onboard activities. Shore excursions are different.
Items People Wish They'd Packed
- Daypack or foldable bag (for carrying purchases and essentials)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required in many Caribbean destinations)
- Water bottle (refillable, most ports have potable water)
- Hat with chin strap (for windy boat excursions)
- Waterproof phone case or pouch
- Binoculars (for wildlife viewing in Alaska, Galapagos, etc.)
- Motion sickness remedies (for smaller excursion boats)
The ship store sells most of these items—at 200% markup. Pack them instead.
Mistake #7: Underestimating Ship Air Conditioning
Cruise ships run cold. The Caribbean may be 85 degrees, but the ship interior hovers around 68-70. Dining rooms often feel colder.
People pack for tropical weather, then spend dinners shivering.
Pack These
- Light cardigan or wrap
- Long pants for evening dining
- Closed-toe shoes (your feet get cold too)
- Light blanket or pashmina (for balcony evenings)
The temperature contrast between deck and interior surprises first-timers. Layers solve everything.
Mistake #8: Electrical Oversights
Modern cruise cabins have 2-4 electrical outlets total—for two passengers with phones, tablets, cameras, CPAP machines, and chargers for everything.
What You Need
- USB charging hub (multiple devices, one outlet)
- Non-surge-protected power strip (check your line's policy)
- Adapter plug if sailing in Europe or on international ships
- Portable battery pack (for shore excursion phone charging)
What you don't need: converter. Ship electrical systems handle 110V and 220V devices.
Mistake #9: Cash and Payment Confusion
Cruise ships operate on a cashless system—your cruise card charges purchases to your onboard account. But ports are different.
Bring These
- Small amounts of local currency for each port (or USD for Caribbean)
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- ATM card (for emergency cash at ports)
- Small bills for tips (port excursion guides, taxi drivers)
Many Caribbean ports prefer USD. Mediterranean ports require Euros. Research each destination before departure.
Mistake #10: Medication Mistakes
Beyond keeping medications in carry-on luggage, other issues arise:
Pack Extra
Bring enough medication for trip length plus 7 days. Weather delays, mechanical issues, or medical emergencies can extend cruises unexpectedly.
Keep Originals
Prescription medications should remain in original pharmacy containers with your name. Some ports have strict drug regulations—proper labeling prevents problems.
Motion Sickness Prevention
Even if you've never experienced seasickness, pack remedies. Smaller excursion boats rock more than cruise ships. Bonine, Sea-Bands, and prescription patches all work.
Sunburn Treatment
Aloe vera gel and ibuprofen can save a vacation. Caribbean sun burns faster than expected, especially when sea breezes mask the heat.
The Packing List That Actually Works
After hundreds of trips, here's my standardized list for a 7-night cruise:
Clothing
- 5 casual tops
- 3 casual bottoms (shorts/skirts)
- 2 pairs long pants
- 2 dressy outfits
- 3 swimsuits
- Undergarments for each day plus 2 extra
- Pajamas
- Light jacket
- Gym clothes (if you'll use the fitness center)
Footwear
- Walking shoes
- Sandals
- Dress shoes
- Water shoes (optional)
Toiletries
- Travel-size essentials (ship provides basics)
- Medications
- Sunscreen (reef-safe)
- After-sun care
- Motion sickness remedies
- First aid basics (bandages, pain relievers)
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Camera (optional)
- USB hub or power strip
- Portable battery
- Headphones
Documents
- Passport
- Cruise documents
- Travel insurance information
- Credit cards
- Small amount of cash
Miscellaneous
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Lanyard for cruise card
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Book or e-reader
- Binoculars (for scenic routes)
That's the complete list. Everything fits in one checked bag and one carry-on. Your cabin remains navigable, and you're prepared for every situation.
Start planning your cruise