Packing checklist for a cruise

Packing for a cruise is easier when the list follows categories instead of days, because one bag has to cover sea days, port days and evenings. The lists below group the items you are likely to need into categories you can tick off as you pack.

Before you start, check the cruise line's rules on prohibited items and the dress code for your sailing. Those two details change the list more than anything else, and both are easy to find in the booking information and onboard materials. Check the typical weather for each port on the itinerary as well, because a list written for one warm destination can leave you short of layers for a cooler stop.

Clothing

Pack for the climate of the ports and the length of the trip, then add a layer for the ship itself, which is often cooler than the air outside because of air conditioning. Choose pieces that mix and match, so that a few tops and bottoms cover many combinations. Fabrics that dry quickly are worth the choice, since laundry on board takes time and a damp swimsuit can stay wet in a bag for hours.

• Everyday tops and shirts, with one or two spares
• Shorts, skirts or trousers suited to the ports you will visit
• A light layer, such as a cardigan or thin jacket, for cool indoor areas and evenings on deck
• Swimwear and a cover-up for walking to and from the pool
• Sleepwear, underwear and socks
• One outfit for formal or smart-casual evenings, if your sailing includes them

Toiletries and personal care

Pack toiletries in leak-resistant containers and keep them in a clear bag so they are easy to see at security checks. Cabins often include basic soap and shampoo, but not always the products you prefer, and shipboard shops can be expensive. Bring what you use every day, plus the items that are hard to replace on board. A small first aid kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes and any personal items you rely on is worth the space, because ship medical services are usually charged separately and a pharmacy visit in port can take time.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• Deodorant, razor and any skin or hair products you rely on
• Sunscreen, and aloe or after-sun for skin that has been in the sun
• Insect repellent for port days in warm or wooded areas
• Over-the-counter pain relief you already use, taken as the label directs
• Prescription medication in its original container, with a copy of the prescription

Electronics and charging

Bring a charger and cable for every device you plan to use, and a multi-port charger cuts down on the number of plugs you need. Cabin outlets vary, so check the plug type and voltage in the cabin information before you buy an adapter. Many cruise lines restrict extension cords and some power strips, so confirm the rules before you pack one. Connectivity at sea and in port is often limited or costly, so download offline maps and the cruise line's app before you leave home.

• Phone, tablet or laptop, with chargers and spare cables
• Power bank, kept in your carry-on for air travel
• Plug adapter, if the cabin outlets use a different plug type
• Camera with its charger and a spare memory card
• Headphones or earbuds, and a waterproof pouch for the pool or a tender ride

Day bag and port items

A small daypack is one of the items you will use most in port, so pack it with the essentials for every stop. Choose a lightweight bag that closes securely and fits under a seat on a bus or a small boat, and leave a pocket you can reach without unpacking the bag for the ship card. On most ships the ship card doubles as the cabin key, and you receive it at embarkation rather than packing it from home. Test the bag at home by walking with it fully packed for a few minutes. A bag that feels light in the shop can become tiring after a long morning of walking, and it is easier to remove an item at home than on a pier.

• Lightweight daypack or crossbody bag
• Refillable water bottle
• Hat and sunglasses
• Small umbrella or packable rain jacket for wet ports
• Photocopy or digital copy of your passport photo page, kept apart from the original
• Small amount of cash and a payment card

Cabin extras

Cabins are compact, and storage is often limited, so a few organizing items can make a large difference. Bring a hanging organizer or over-the-door pouch for small items, and a bag for wet swimwear or laundry. Light and noise matter too. Some cabins face a busy promenade or a corridor with foot traffic, and an eye mask and earplugs take almost no space in a bag. They help with sleep in a cabin next to a busy corridor, and on the morning of an early port arrival, when light and activity start before you want to wake.

Before you leave, weigh your bag if your transfer or airline has a limit, and check the documents and medication for the trip the night before departure. Keep the finished list with your travel papers and adjust it after each sailing, since the things you did not use are the first things to remove next time.