Cruises can be fun and exciting but hard to pack for, which is why we share this 7 day cruise packing list, so you don’t forget those essentials!
Planning for a cruise is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming task, especially when it comes to packing. You’ll need to be prepared for a variety of activities and environments, from lounging poolside to formal dinners, and from adventurous shore excursions to days at sea.
Whether this is your first cruise or 10th, a packing list can make life a lot easier before you head out on your voyage!
7 Day Cruise Packing List

Travel Documents and Essentials
We need to start this 7 day cruise packing list with the essentials!
- Passport and ID: You’ll need your passport for international cruises. Even if your cruise doesn’t require a passport (such as certain domestic cruises), it’s always wise to have one on hand in case of emergencies. We also recommend having a photocopy of your passport and a photo on your phone, just in case you misplace the passport!
- Cruise Tickets and Boarding Pass: Most cruise lines now provide digital boarding passes, but it’s a good idea to print a copy just in case. If you do have the digital boarding pass and excursion tickets, you could group them in your emails or copy them over to your notes, so that you can access them easily. Remember that most cruises don’t provide free Wi-Fi.
- Travel Insurance Documents: Be sure to pack printed copies of your travel insurance policy, including the policy number and emergency contact information. This is essential for cruises as any visit to the onboard doctors can be expensive.
- Credit/Debit Cards and Cash: Bring at least one credit or debit card for purchases onboard, as well as for any additional costs during shore excursions. Carry small amounts of local currency for ports of call where cash is more common. This isn’t as important for destinations in the US or Canada, as many places along the ports are card-only. However, some European and Asia ports will have restaurants, shops, and attractions that are cash-only.
- Health Information: If you have any ongoing medical conditions, consider bringing a copy of your health information or prescription details in case of emergencies. When planning cruise holidays, it is important to make sure you have full health insurance and any health information with you, available for those that may need it.

Clothing for a 7-Day Cruise
The key to packing for a cruise is versatility. Since storage space in cabins is usually limited, choose items that can be mixed and matched for different occasions. Here’s a breakdown of what to pack for seven days on a cruise.
- Daytime Casual Wear: During the day, whether you’re on the ship or out exploring, you’ll need casual, comfortable clothes.
- Swimsuits (1-2): You’ll want at least two swimsuits so you can alternate between them while one dries. For beach-heavy itineraries like those heading to the Caribbean, three might be more practical.
- Cover-Ups or Sarongs (2-3): A cover-up is great for transitioning between the pool or beach and public spaces like the ship’s restaurants or lounges.
- T-Shirts and Tank Tops (5-7): Lightweight tops are perfect for lounging on deck or wearing on shore excursions. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, especially on Asia trips like the Indonesian cruises.
- Shorts (2-3 pairs): Pack a few pairs of casual shorts for warm days, whether you’re strolling through a port town or relaxing by the pool.
- Sundresses (2-3): For women, sundresses are an easy option for daytime sightseeing or lunch on the ship. You can also throw them over your swimsuit after sunbathing by the pool on a sea day.
- Athletic Wear (2 outfits): If you plan to use the ship’s gym or go on active excursions, such as hiking or biking, pack activewear like vest tops and shorts.
- Light Jacket or Sweater: Cruise ships can sometimes be chilly indoors, and if you’re cruising to a cooler destination, you’ll want something light to layer with. Ladies, I recommend taking a light cardigan so you can still dress up for dinner but stay warm. Hoodies are a great idea for those Spring or Autumn cruises in Europe, especially for days exploring the deck.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Sneakers or walking shoes are a must for shore excursions, especially if you’ll be exploring cities or nature reserves. We recommend bringing two pairs of sneakers (or trainers as we say in the UK) but make sure you wear them plenty of times before the cruise; no one needs blisters at any point during their cruise!

Evening Wear
Most cruise lines have a mix of casual, smart casual, and formal nights. Be sure to review the dress code for your specific cruise line and pack accordingly. For example, Virgin have a red night, so wearing red is appropriate whilst Disney has a Pirates night, so dress up is suggested.
- Casual Evening Attire (3-4 outfits): On casual evenings, smart casual is usually the standard. Think sundresses or skirts for women, and polo shirts or button-downs with slacks or chino shorts for men.
- Formal Wear (1-2 outfits): Most seven-day cruises have at least one formal night where you’ll be expected to dress up. For women, this could mean a cocktail dress, a formal gown, or a nice pantsuit. Men should pack a suit and tie, though a tuxedo might be necessary for the most upscale cruise lines. However, it is worth noting that the formal wear rule tends to only be enforced in the dining rooms; if you don’t want to dress formally, you can visit one of the other restaurants or the buffet.
- Theme Night Attire: Some cruises offer theme nights, such as “White Night” or “Tropical Night,” where guests dress according to the theme. Check your cruise itinerary to see if you’ll need specific outfits for these events.
- Dress Shoes: Women will need heels, dress sandals, or flats, while men should bring dress shoes or loafers to complement their formal outfits. Personally, I avoid heels on the ship as after a few cocktails and some rocky winds, I am a lot less elegant in heels!

Shore Excursion Clothing
If you plan to participate in specific shore excursions, pack the appropriate clothing and gear.
- Adventure/Active Wear: For excursions that involve hiking, biking, or zip-lining, pack athletic clothing that’s moisture-wicking and comfortable. Don’t forget appropriate footwear like trail shoes or sneakers.
- Waterproof Gear: If your itinerary includes places where rain is likely or if you’ll be participating in water sports, bring a light rain jacket or a poncho. Also, pack a towel for these occasions. I always bring a waterproof phone holder too, to avoid getting my phone soaked.
- Beach Gear: For beach-heavy destinations, in addition to swimsuits, pack flip-flops or water shoes for rocky beaches, and consider a rash guard if you plan to spend a lot of time snorkeling or swimming. For Caribbean, Southeast Asia, or Mediterranean cruises, pack a snorkel set too, so you can enjoy some snorkeling in the beautiful waters, for example when visiting some of the beautiful places in Thailand.
Footwear
Shoes can take up a lot of space in your luggage, so it’s important to pack only what you need.
- Flip-flops or Sandals: These are great for pool days or casual strolling around the ship. I always pack these in my luggage because they are small and take up less room.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for shore excursions, these should be broken in to avoid blisters. I tend to wear these on embarkation day as they as heavier and bulkier than other shoes but also comfortable if a lot of walking is needed.
- Dress Shoes: Men will need a pair of polished dress shoes for formal nights, and women can opt for heels, wedges, or elegant flats. I tend to bring ballet flats (often black) because I can wear them during the day around the ship and also at night.
- Water Shoes: If your cruise involves water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, or snorkeling, water shoes provide protection and grip.
Toiletries and Personal Care Items
While cruise ships provide basic toiletries like soap and shampoo, it’s always a good idea to pack your own, especially if you prefer certain brands or products.
- Shampoo and Conditioner: Travel-sized versions are perfect for a seven-day cruise, but if you have special hair needs, bring full-sized products. You can always throw it out at the end of the cruise and give yourself more room for souvenirs.
- Sunscreen: Opt for a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen, especially for tropical cruises. Bring a reef-safe option if you’ll be swimming near coral reefs.
- Moisturizer with SPF: Cruising, particularly in sunny or windy environments, can be drying for your skin. Keep your face protected and moisturized.
- Aftersun: We can all get burnt on a cruise, especially when on the deck when the wind makes us feel like it’s cooler than it really is. Bringing aftersun or Aloe Vera is the perfect lotion to soothe any burns during your trip.
- Makeup and Makeup Remover: Bring your essential makeup items for evening events and formal nights. Travel-sized makeup remover wipes are convenient for quick cleanup.
- Hair Tools: If you need a hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron, check with your cruise line to see if they’re allowed onboard or if they provide hairdryers in the cabin.
- Razor and Shaving Cream: Essential for grooming, especially on a beach vacation where you’ll be in swimwear frequently.
- Deodorant and Perfume/Cologne: Personal hygiene is key, especially in warm climates.
- First-Aid Kit: A small first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers can come in handy for minor injuries during excursions.
- Bug Spray: For tropical destinations, especially near jungles or wetlands, bug spray with DEET or a natural alternative is essential.

Technology and Gadgets
While cruises are great for disconnecting from everyday life, some gadgets can enhance your experience
- Smartphone: It serves as your camera, GPS, and communication tool. Many cruise lines offer apps that allow you to view daily itineraries, book excursions, and even message other passengers onboard. Most cruises offer Wi-Fi but often for an additional fee.
- Portable Charger: A portable charger is essential, especially during long shore excursions where you won’t have access to an outlet. Just double-check if your chosen cruise line has a max voltage allowed on their cruise; some do!
- Camera: If you’re a photography enthusiast, you might want to bring a dedicated camera for higher-quality images, especially on scenic excursions. This is the best way to work on your travel photography! This is highly recommended when taking more picturesque cruises like those visiting Alaska or the Norwegian Fjords Cruises.
- Power Strip: Cruise ship cabins often have limited outlets. A non-surge-protected power strip can give you more charging ports for your devices, ideal for those with multiple devices to charge.
- E-Reader or Tablet: Perfect for downloading books, movies, or games to enjoy during downtime on deck or in your cabin. Again, be aware that Wi-Fi isn’t often free, so downloading any bookies, movies or games ahead of time is a must.
- Waterproof Phone Case: If you plan on participating in water activities like snorkeling or kayaking, a waterproof case can protect your phone from splashes.
Miscellaneous Accessories
Don’t forget the little things that can make your trip more comfortable and organized.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially on warm-weather cruises or active excursions. Bring a refillable water bottle that you can easily carry on excursions. Most cruises will fill it up with ice too if you ask before leaving the ship.
- Beach Bag or Tote: You’ll need a sturdy, waterproof bag for beach days or poolside lounging.
- Packing Cubes: These are great for organizing your clothes and maximizing the space in your suitcase. We love using packing cubes to sort the types of clothes we have but you can also use cubes to sort out your daily outfits.
- Laundry Bag: A small, collapsible laundry bag will help keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones. Don’t get a huge bag though as space in cabins is limited.
- Binoculars: If your cruise involves scenic destinations like Alaska or the Mediterranean, binoculars are great for wildlife viewing or admiring the coastline from your balcony.
- Sunglasses: A quality pair of polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, both on deck and during outdoor excursions.
- Towel Clips: If you plan to lounge by the pool, these clips will secure your towel to your chair on windy days.
- Food: Most cruises allow packaged foods but check requirements before you go. We personally bring along some sweet treats and cereal bars for those mornings or evenings that we fancy a treat but don’t want to have to walk to the buffet to pick up cake.
- Drink: Cruise lines tend to allow some drinks to be brought onto the ship, but what and how much of each drink varies depending on the cruise line. For example, the Royal Caribbean allows you to bring up to 12 standard cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages and one 750ml bottle of alcohol per gust. We always choose this option so we can enjoy a drink on the balcony before dinner or even at the end of the night after a quieter evening.

Carry-On Essentials
Your carry-on bag should contain the essentials that you’ll need immediate access to upon boarding the ship or during disembarkation.
- Swimsuit: If your luggage is delayed getting to your cabin, having a swimsuit in your carry-on allows you to jump in the pool or hot tub right away.
- Change of Clothes: Include a lightweight outfit in case your luggage arrives later than expected.
- Medications and Travel Documents: Keep all important documents, medications, and valuables in your carry-on for easy access.
A 7-day packing list is quite extensive but making sure you have everything you need is the key to enjoying your trip. By selecting clothing that can mix and match, shoes that suit different occasions, and ensuring you have all the essentials from toiletries to technology, you can make the most of your vacation.
Stay Creative!
Thank you for your support and love for Creative Travel Guide. If you are looking for more video tips, make sure to head over to your YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram for daily tips and chats.
Share any questions or comments below and happy creative travels!
What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise (2024) - Creative Travel Guide
Saturday 4th of January 2025
[…] for excursions or those evening snacks! I always need some of my favourite chocolate during a 7-day cruise for […]