We’ve put together a list of what to pack, where to pack it and what to leave behind for your next cruise.

For your Carry-On, you should have these items:

• Travel Documents
• Basic Toiletries
• Photo ID
• Passport
• Medication (prescription and over-the-counter
• Change of clothes – Just in case
• Bathing Suit

Master List for Both Men and Women

• Carry on bag (see above)
• Luggage, Marked and Weighed
• Duffel bag – Empty and folded into your luggage. This is for souvenirs and/or dirty laundry
• $1 & $5 bills for tips
• Dry bag or backpack for excursions
• Book(s) or E-Reader
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Bug Repellent
• Camera (extra batteries, charger, memory cards)
• Power strip (optional)
• Water Bottle
• Ziplock bags (quart and gallon) for keeping wet things separate and dry things dry
• Light jacket
• Toiletries
• Sewing Kit (emergencies)
• Pillow (if you can’t live without it)
• Shoes (Walking shoes, sandals, dress shoes, water shoes)

Specifically for Men

• Ties, belts, accessories
• Shorts for during the day (4+)
• Short sleeve tees/shirts for during the day (7+)
• Casual dress pants for evening dining (2+)
• Casual dress shirts with collar (i.e. “Polo”) for evening dining (4+)
• Formal evening attire (2+) – (See details below)
• Undergarments

Specifically for Women

• Makeup
• Curling irons
• Jewelry, scarfs, belts, and other accessories, etc..
• Swimming suit cover-up
• Shorts for during the day (4+)
• Short sleeve tee, tops, and/or blouses for during the day (7+)
• Casual dress pants, skirts, and/or dresses for evening dining (4+)
• Casual tops if wearing dress pants or skirts for evening dining (4+)
• Formal evening attire (2+) – (see details above)
• Undergarments (Nylons, slips, etc…)

Onboard Attire

Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect during the day, whether indoors or out.

For lounging by the pool, pack two bathing suits (an extra suit in case the other is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (i.e, flip-flops, sneakers, sandals).  You’ll also need some casual shorts and a couple of t-shirts or a cover-up for getting to and from pool areas.

If you’re planning to visit the fitness center (onboard), be sure to bring extra shorts, t-shirts, and socks that you won’t mind working out in – including a pair of tennis, sneakers, or running shoes.

Pack lighter by sticking with a color theme that you can mix & match.  You might re-wear bottoms with different tops, or bring a shirt that can be dressed up for dinner one night and then worn the next day as a casual top.

Dress in layers for the different temperatures.  Outside can be blistering hot while inside with the air conditioner running, it can be a bit chilly.  A cardigan can double as a jacket to keep your arms warm while wearing those sleeveless evening gowns during dinner and to have a blanket on long flights.

Try to bring shoes that serve multiple purposes or that can be worn with multiple outfits so you don’t end up with a suitcase full of them. 

Cruise Dinner Attire

7-nights=  4 casual, 1 smart casual, and 2 formal   

Men can wear a dark (black is dressy) business suit jacket, slacks, shirt, and tie, or dress shirt that doesn’t require a tie. 

Women can bring one basic “black” dress and use different accessories to change it up a bit, creating a whole new outfit for the second formal night.  An evening purse is optional but remember your shoes.

What else?

Do you have other tips? Leave them in the comments.