Printable Cruise Packing Checklist
Updated November 2, 2026
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Quick answer: Pack your passport or ID and cruise documents in your carry-on, plus a first-day bag with medications, swimsuit and a change of clothes, because checked luggage can arrive late. Check your cruise line's prohibited items list (often including clothes irons and surge protectors).
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What you'll need
- Non-surge power strip
Limited cabin outlets; check line rules - Magnetic hooks
Extra cabin storage - Packing cubes
Small cabins
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Print this checklist and tick items off as you pack. For Alaska, also see what to pack for an Alaska cruise.
Documents (carry-on)
- Passport or required ID and birth certificate
- Cruise boarding documents and luggage tags
- Credit card and some cash
- Travel insurance details
- Copies of documents stored separately
Carry-on day bag
- Medications in original containers
- Swimsuit and sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Phone, charger and non-surge power strip if allowed
- Refillable water bottle
Clothes
- Daytime outfits for each day
- One or two dressier outfits for evening
- Layers or a light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Commonly prohibited
- Clothes irons and steamers
- Surge protectors
- Candles and incense
- Drones (rules vary)
Rules vary by line, so check the official list.
Frequently asked questions
What should not go in checked luggage?
Passports, medications, valuables and anything you need on the first day.
Can I bring alcohol?
Policies differ by line; check yours before packing.
Sources
Related guides
- Printable Cruise Packing Checklist
- Alaska Cruise from Seattle: What to Know Before You Book
- Alaska Cruise from Vancouver: Round-Trip vs. One-Way
- Alaska Cruise Guide: How to Plan Your First Alaska Cruise
- Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Month-by-Month Guide
- Glacier Bay Cruises: How They Work and How to Find One
- Alaska Cruise Ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and More
- What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: A Practical Checklist
- Do You Need a Passport for an Alaska Cruise?