What to Pack for a Cruise? Essential Guide

I always ask the same question: what to pack for a cruise? Unlike airlines, cruise lines regulate their own luggage directly, rather than through government agencies like the TSA.

Each cruise company establishes its own baggage policies, though most follow similar safety guidelines to prevent fire hazards and maintain security onboard.

Official Weight and Bag Limits

Most cruise lines recommend that each passenger limit their luggage to two suitcases, each weighing less than 50 pounds. Confirms cruise industry experts. However, passengers have flexibility as long as they can transport their own bags to and from the ship.

What to pack for a cruise? It often depends on the cruise line you're traveling with, but the rules are very similar between them. For example:

• MSC Cruises: Not exceeding 90x75x43 cm in size and 23 kg in weight per bag. Two hand luggage per person (not exceeding 56x45x25 cm in size and 23 kg in weight per bag).
• Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, and most major lines: No strict weight limits, but recommend limiting luggage to two suitcases per person, plus carry-on items.

You must know

• No baggage fees: Unlike airlines, cruise lines do not charge for checked luggage.
• Each passenger is responsible for their own luggage. It is recommended that you only bring what you can carry to and from the ship.
• Luggage specifications may appear on your reservation tickets.
• Keep in mind that if you're traveling by plane, you'll need to follow TSA rules for carry-on and checked baggage.

PROHIBITED ITEMS: What you cannot bring

Be aware of what you can pack for a cruise, but also consider what prohibited items there are.

Make sure you know the laws of the destinations you'll visit during your cruise. For example, in Barbados, there's a clothing restriction: wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal in Barbados.

Always Prohibited Items in Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship:

Royal Caribbean Cruise has a special list you must know before taking the cruise.

• All illegal drugs and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.
• All firearms and weapons, ammunition, explosives, and incendiary devices.
• Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols, Revolvers, etc.
• All guns, replicas, and ammunition.
• All explosives include:
  • Dynamite.
• Fireworks.
• Hand Grenades.
• Plastic Explosives.
• Bomb Making Components.
• Realistic Replicas of Explosives.
• Gun Powder.
• Flammable Items.
• Knives and Sharp Objects.
• Tools.
• Martial Arts and Self-Defense Items.
• Sporting Goods Exception.
• Disabling Chemicals and Other Dangerous Items.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7.
• Electrical Extension Cords.
• HAM Radios or other transmitting devices.
• Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime.
• Alcohol.
• Recreational vehicles.
• Baby Bottle Cleaners/Sanitizers/Warmers.

While other cruise lines, such as MSC, have a shorter list of prohibited items.

• Alcohol.
• Firearms.
• Sharp objects such as blades and scissors.
• Flammable and explosive material.
• Items with heating elements.
• Open flames (e.g., clothing irons, kettles, hotplates, candles, incense).

In MSC, hair dryers, hair Irons, and hair straighteners are excluded from the interdiction and accepted on board.

But devices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data (e.g., smart glasses) are not allowed in the ship’s public areas.

In any case, all luggage is X-rayed, and if the cruise staff deems it necessary to retain some items, they will do so.

What to Pack for a Cruise? Food & Beverage

Allowed:

• Pre-packaged, unopened snacks (protein bars, granola bars, candy, chips, trail mix, beef jerky).
• Baby formula (always permitted).
• Sealed manufacturer packaging only.

Not allowed:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Homemade food.
• Pre-cooked items.
• Opened packages.
• Food requiring refrigeration.

Alcohol policies: wine allowed, hard liquor prohibited

It all depends on the cruise line. MSC strictly prohibits the bringing of alcohol on its ships. However, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line allow 1 to 2 725ml bottles of wine or champagne per passenger.

Dress Code Requirements: What to Wear?

Outfits are the most important thing when you're wondering what to pack for a cruise. Luckily, many cruise ships offer a guide of what you'll likely need during your trip. Either way, take note.

Once you've booked your cruise, you'll receive clothing suggestions. Keep three important points in mind:

• Casual: Jeans, polos, sundresses, and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck. Shorts are welcome for breakfast and lunch.
• Smart Casual: Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts, and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats, and blazers are snazzy and welcome.
• Formal: Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, or evening gowns. There can be 1-3 Dress Your Best during a sailing, and it is at the ship’s discretion.

Essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions (1-2 pairs).
• Dress shoes for formal nights (1 pair).
  • Most cruise lines require closed-toe shoes in certain areas.
  • Fitness centers and sports courts.
  • Some shore excursions.
  • Formal dining rooms (during formal nights).

Sandals/flip-flops for pool and casual wear (1-2 pairs).

Cruise Line Requirements:

• Most cruise lines require closed-toe shoes in certain areas.
• Fitness centers and sports courts.
• Some shore excursions.
• Formal dining rooms (during formal nights).

What to Pack in Carry-On

• Travel documents and your passport (VISA if needed).
• Medications.
• Allowed wine/champagne bottle.
• Swimsuit and cover-up.
• Change of clothes for the first evening.
• Toiletries for the first day.
• Phone chargers.
• Valuables.

FAQS

What Is a Must to Take on a Cruise?

Documentation & payment, medications, sunscreen, basic first-aid kit with personalized medications. Clothing Essentials: swimsuit (minimum 2-3), casual day outfits, evening wear (smart casual minimum; formal optional), comfortable walking shoes, sandals/flip-flops. Toiletries and financial items are a must.

What Is the 333 Packing Method for a Cruise?

The magic of the 333 packing rule is the intentionality. Each piece should coordinate with the others so you can mix and match effortlessly. That's why sticking to a consistent color palette — usually neutrals with one or two accent colors — is key.

• 3 versatile tops (examples: t-shirt, blouse, lightweight sweater).
• 3 bottoms (examples: jeans, shorts, dress pants).
• 3 pairs of shoes (examples: casual sneakers, sandals, dress shoes).

How Many Outfits Should I Pack for a 7-Day Cruise?

Fewer than you think. Using the 333 Method Approach: with three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes that coordinate with each other, you can make at least nine outfits without packing half your closet. If you factor in shoes, you can make up to 27 outfits.

Cruise experts emphasize that you can wear outfits multiple times. There is no harm in wearing the same thing twice during a cruise — many others will be doing just that. As well, every ship has a laundry service if you need it.

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