Packing for Your First Cruise Holiday

Few experiences match the excitement of preparing for your first cruise. As you dream of endless ocean horizons, gourmet dining and port adventures, you might find yourself staring at an empty suitcase, wondering what exactly to bring.

After all, a cruise holiday is unique – you’ll be sailing across waters, experiencing multiple destinations, taking on exciting shore tours and enjoying everything on board, from casual pool days to elegant evening soirées.

While the thought of packing for such a varied adventure might seem overwhelming at first, don’t worry. With some thoughtful planning, you can arrive on board prepared for every eventuality. Whether you’re setting sail for a sun-soaked Caribbean cruise or nipping over the Channel on a mini cruise, this guide contains the ultimate first-time cruise packing list.

Have you not booked your first cruise? We’ve carefully curated a collection of perfect-for-beginners itineraries that combine shorter durations with our most popular destinations. These tried-and-tested routes offer an ideal introduction to the cruising lifestyle, giving you a taste of what makes this way of travel so special.

For those who are preparing for your first cruise, we’ve compiled a list of essential items to pack for your upcoming getaway. From clothing recommendations to what to consider bringing for shore days, you can find our comprehensive cruise packing checklist below.

Your travel documents should be the first thing you pack and the last thing you double-check before heading out the door. We recommend keeping them together and with you on embarkation day.

• Your cruise ticket (which you’ll receive approximately 21 days prior to departure)
• Your passport (with six month’s validity from the date of return)
• Your credit card or payment card
• Your cruise insurance policy
• Any necessary visas and entry permits

If you’re worried about keeping any of these items secure, you’ll find a safe in your cabin, which can be the perfect place to store them whilst you travel.

Your cruise wardrobe will need to cover a range of activities, from relaxed days exploring your cruise ship to daywear for shore excursions and formal wear for evenings on board. Although what you pack will depend on your personal preferences, here are some outfits that you should consider:

• Casual daywear like shorts and t-shirts
• Smart-casual options for dining in the main restaurants
• Formal evening wear for special nights
• Light layers for time on the deck
• Workout gear if you plan to use the gym
• Swimwear and cover-ups to wear on board
• A light raincoat or umbrella for unexpected weather
• A thick coat and warm layers for colder climate cruises

If you’re looking for climate-specific cruise packing tips, discover our guides below.  

When it comes to cruise holidays, packing the right footwear is essential to make the most of your time both on and off the ship. Some of the options you might want to consider packing are:

• Daytime shoes for onboard
• Flip flops or sandals for the pool or spa
• Dress shoes for formal nights
• Comfortable walking shoes for shore days
• Water shoes for beach days or the pool

In the modern era, packing technology and gadgets are a must to make the most out of your cruise holiday. Some of the pieces of technology or gadgets you could bring are:

• Your digital camera to take pictures of the amazing scenery
• Your tablet or e-reader instead of physical books and magazines
• An extension lead to increase the number of plugs in your cabin
• A charging bank so you can charge your mobile phone on the go

Shore Days offer exciting opportunities to explore a range of new locations. But, like any day of exploration, you’ll need to make sure you’ve packed properly to make the most of them. For shore days, we recommend you pack:

• A small backpack
• A reusable water bottle
• Items for your Shore Tour
• Comfortable shoes
• Your camera to capture the sights

We recommend bringing a small backpack with you to take ashore. This can make it easy to carry around necessities such as a water bottle, wallet, and camera, and it gives you an easy way to carry souvenirs you might pick up along the way. If you have a Shore Tour booked, we recommend you consider whether there is anything you’d like to bring for the experience, for example, hiking boots for a hike or a walking tour.

Making the most of your luggage space is crucial. Although UK departures can enjoy up to 90 kgs of luggage permitted (ideally with 20 kgs maximum per bag), you want to make sure you’re making the best use of your space and clever about your organisation.

Rolling Clothes – rolling, rather than folding, your clothes can ensure that you have fewer creases in your clothing and is also a wonderful space-saving tactic.

Packing Cubes – packing cubes can be a brilliant way to keep your clothes organised and maximise your suitcase space. This is a tip that Lizzy and Laura, avid cruisers at Sisters on the Seas, shared with us: “Our number one packing tip would be to use packing cubes. They help with making use of limited space and save so much time when you’re unpacking so you can get out of your cabin and enjoy your cruise.”

Check Luggage Restrictions – if you’re going on a Fly Cruise, be sure to check your airline’s luggage restrictions, as these will likely be different (and less generous) than onboard luggage restrictions

The very best cruise holidays start with smart, strategic packing. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or are preparing to cruise to a new climate, these ultimate cruise packing tips will help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Ready to explore our hand-picked first-time cruise itineraries? Or are you keen to go soon? Book now and start planning your dream voyage.