Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for a Cruise (2019)

Unless you’re on an expedition trip to, say, Antarctica, packing for cruise is a straightforward endeavor: Bathing suits, flip flops, a stack of books to read by the pool—check. But a few trip essentials may escape your cruise packing list, especially when activities can range from a formal dinner one night to an off-ship excursion the following day. We asked cruise experts, both in-house and otherwise, for their tips on what to pack for a cruise vacation.

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On Deck

Most of your cruise days will be spent shuttling between the pool deck and dining rooms, so you’ll want your outfits to be easy enough to throw over a bathing suit. This bright linen set will keep you cool in warm weather, but looking chic enough that you won’t feel thrown together at the lunch table. Pro tip: A great way to minimize your plastic waste while you’re on board is to make sure you bring your own water bottle. We like the aqua one by Que that collapses when not in use, giving you zero excuses not to store it in your bag.

Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 45, $34, nordstrom.com

Venessa Arizaga Rainbow Shell necklace, $150, shopbop.com

Que collapsible water bottle, $25, amazon.com

Lisa Marie Fernandez linen miniskirt, $425, mytheresa.com

Madewell Boardwalk Bare sandals, $59.50, shopbop.com

Lisa Marie Fernandez linen top, $395, mytheresa.com

By the Pool

“A lot of people don’t realize that you check your luggage as soon as you arrive in port, and then don’t see it for most of the day until it’s delivered to your cabin,” says City Guides Director Corina Quinn. “While it’s great not to schlep, pack a portable carry-on with a swimsuit, a change of clothes, sunscreen and sunglasses, so you can chill comfortably on the ship on boarding day.” Don’t forget a beach bag that you can take to the pool and transition into evening dinners. Bonus: This Solid Striped swimsuit’s ruffled shoulder means it can double as a top—just throw on a pair of shorts and you’re good to go.

Emilio Pucci bucket hat, $395, farfetch.com

Glossier Invisible Shield daily sunscreen SPF 35, glossier.com

Solid Striped Amelia bathing suit, $168, solidandstriped.com

Ipanema Free Slide sandal, $45, nordstrom.com.

JW Anderson shorts, $529, farfetch.com

Cult Gaia Cora clutch, $160, modaoperandi.com

The Formal Dinner

Lines like Crystal Cruises, Celebrity, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Princess still have black-tie evenings, while several smaller ship lines like Seabourn, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea often have formal nights. In general, denim isn’t allowed on most ships after 6 p.m. Men should be fine with at least one dark suit jacket, while women should bring along a few formal dresses and shoes. So what exactly does “formal” mean on a cruise ship? We suggest going with flowy and easy pieces that look glam but still feel comfortable.

Nicholas smocked top and skirt, $228 and $348, shopbop.com

BaubleBar Regina Rafia earrings, $38, nordstrom.com

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek, $24, sephora.com

Welda Skin Food Light nourishing cream, $17, amazon.com

K. Jacques Thanos slides, $315, shopbop.com

In the Cabin

Quinn recommends bringing along travel-sized versions of your favorite toiletries, even shampoo and conditioner. “In general, cruises aren’t as generous as hotels about restocking the shower amenities,” she says. For the evenings you want to spend lounging inside your cabin, pack a pair of luxe silk pajamas and cozy socks. After long days on deck in the sun, it’s best to pack products that will hydrate your skin while you sleep, like a nourishing lip and face mask.

Laneige lip sleeping mask, $15, amazon.com

Lunya sleep mask, $48, lunya.com

Lunya washable silk pajamas, $178, shop.goop.com

Anya Hindmarch Filing Cabinet pouch, $450, saksfifthavenue.com

Happy Socks Grace ankle sock, $13, happysocks.com

Kiehl’s Calendula Aloe Soothing hydration mask, $45, nordstrom.com

The Shore Excursion

Even for the days you spend on land, don’t be afraid to lean into a nautical stripe, and always pack an extra bag or two. Brian O’Connor, a spokesman for Princess Cruises, suggests bringing a shoulder or cross-body bag for shore excursions: “It’s great for carrying personal items while sightseeing when you don’t want to carry a full backpack.” One of his cruise packing list essentials? A reusable bag that can double as a mini-laundry bag for your socks and underwear—we like Baggu’s standard shopping bag.

Madewell The Westport crossbody bag, $138, nordstrom.com

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 Instant Film Camera, $100, amazon.com

Vince striped shirt, $195, shopbop.com

See by Chloe Glyn Mid Wedge Espadrille, $215, shopbop.com

Baggu Standard Baggu, $12, amazon.com

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Sailor short, $325, orchardmile.com