Packing List for Your Perfect Cruise Including PDF

Are you wondering what you might need on a cruise? Or what you can comfortably leave at home? You'll find answers to all your questions here, so you can start your vacation relaxed.

Are you interested in going on a cruise, or have you already booked and are now wondering what you need to pack? Then you'll find your answers here. Especially if you are a cruise newbie, this list will help you enjoy a worry-free time before your departure. Your cruise will thus become a true relaxation vacation.

Documents and Important Papers Carry-On What You Always and Sometimes Need Cruise with Your Child What You Don't Need Before Your Departure Book Your Cruise Printable Packing List

Let's clarify the most important things first: What documents do you need for your cruise, and what must you definitely not forget?

✓ ID card

✓ Passport (even for children!)

✓ Visa

✓ Booking confirmation and ticket for the ship

✓ (if applicable, International) driver's license

✓ Copies of these documents

✓ Bank cards & cash

✓ Vaccination certificate

✓ Travel insurance

✓ Health insurance card

✓ Foreign health insurance

✓ (if applicable) plane tickets

The question of what should go into your carry-on is one of the most important points before your trip. Of course, you want to have everything you need readily available but don't want to take too much either. Otherwise, the journey can become a test of strength due to the heaviness of the bag. We have summarized the essentials for you.

✓ important medications

✓ necessary toiletries

✓ phone, headphones, book/eBook, power bank

✓ one set of underwear and spare clothes for emergencies

✓ documents and papers

✓ valuables: laptop, camera, jewelry, etc.

✓ if traveling with a baby: diaper bag

➡ Travel Tip: Swimwear or jacket for the time until your suitcase arrives in the room.

Just like with your carry-on, you don't want to forget anything that you might need in your larger luggage pieces. However, space in your cabin on the cruise ship is limited, so you shouldn't overdo it. Here you will find a list of things you definitely need. Depending on whether your cruise goes north or south, we have extended lists with items you might need.

Clothing | Shoes | Toiletry Bag | South | North | Travel Pharmacy | Others

✓ long pants

✓ shorts

✓ T-shirts

✓ sweaters

✓ socks

✓ underwear

✓ belt

✓ wind and rainproof jacket

✓ pajamas

✓ workout clothes ➡ Gym

✓ swimwear (bikini, swimsuit, shorts)

✓ Sunscreen (sunglasses, sun hat)

✓ evening wear (dress code) ➡ restaurant, casino, theater...

✓ respectful clothing for visits to religious sites

➡ Travel Tip: Your favorite clothes will suffice; there usually is a ship laundry service that washes for a small fee.

✓ sneakers

✓ sandals

✓ dress shoes

✓ water shoes

✓ everyday shoes

✓ sturdy footwear

✓ toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

✓ hairbrush, hair ties

✓ deodorant, perfume

✓ shampoo, conditioner

✓ contact lenses & accessories

✓ nail kit

✓ razor

✓ tissues

✓ contraceptives

✓ cream, lip balm

✓ makeup, makeup remover

✓ menstrual products

➡ Travel Tip: A hanging toiletry bag saves space.

✓ swimwear (pool, spa, beach)

✓ beach towel

✓ also pack a wind and rainproof jacket! (for travel wind)

✓ light scarf against sunburn

✓ UV clothing

✓ bag for pool and play items

✓ swimwear (spa, pool)

✓ thermal underwear

✓ winter clothing

✓ waterproof footwear

✓ rain pants

✓ hat

✓ scarf

✓ sunscreen is also important here (e.g., sunglasses)

✓ personal medications (better in carry-on)

✓ tablets for motion sickness, fever, diarrhea

✓ sunscreen

✓ band-aids, blister pads

✓ insect repellent, electric sting remover, gel for insect bites

✓ gel/cream for sunburn

✓ pain relievers

✓ wound disinfectant spray, wound and healing ointment

✓ tick tweezers

✓ more detailed information can be found in our Travel Pharmacy Checklist

➡ Travel Tip: Bring 1/3 more of everyday medications and store the travel pharmacy safely for children.

✓ binoculars

✓ earplugs

✓ sleep mask

✓ backpack for shore excursions

✓ umbrella (Note: pointed umbrellas are prohibited)

✓ entertainment

✓ adapter (American)

✓ plastic bag for wet or dirty clothing

✓ travel laundry detergent

✓ charging cable

➡ Travel Tip: Leave some space for your souvenirs.

The luggage needed for river cruises is not significantly different from ocean cruises. However, the outfitting of the cabins might differ, so it's best to check before your departure whether items like bathrobes or shampoo are provided or if you need to bring them yourself.

Traveling with a child often feels like bringing three times as much luggage, you surely know this. To help you not pack too much or forget something important, here is our list. We know that children's needs are individual, so don't forget to pack anything specific that your children may need!

Important | For Babies | Clothing | Travel Pharmacy | Others

✓ passport

✓ health insurance card

✓ vaccination certificate

✓ travel authorization

✓ medications

✓ bodysuits

✓ baby wrap ➡ Tip: A stroller can often be borrowed

✓ diapers + diaper bag (changing mat, etc.)

✓ swim diapers

✓ baby food (sometimes available on site)

✓ bibs

✓ baby shampoo

✓ sleeping bag

✓ pacifier

✓ everyday clothing adjusted to the climate for the duration of the trip

✓ underwear

✓ socks

✓ short/long shirts

✓ short/long pants

✓ wind/rain jacket

✓ (if applicable) warm clothing

✓ hat, cap

✓ scarf, neckerchief

✓ pajamas

✓ sneakers

✓ (waterproof) footwear

✓ water shoes

✓ swimwear

✓ UV protective clothing

✓ non-slip socks

✓ (if needed) everyday medications (like allergy meds)

✓ fever reducers (follow storage instructions!)

✓ nasal spray for children

✓ electrolyte mixes

✓ cough medicine

✓ eye drops

➡ Travel Tip: Many medications and items you have with you are also useful for children, but always pay attention to dosing!

✓ disinfectant

✓ sunscreen for children & babies with high SPF (at least SPF 30)

✓ thermometer

➡ Travel Tip: In emergencies, there is always a doctor on most ships.

✓ swim wings, fins

✓ diving goggles

✓ toys

✓ water toys

✓ entertainment options

✓ stuffed animal

✓ blanket

✓ a small child's backpack for excursions

✓ children's binoculars

✓ nightlight

➡ Travel Tip: Bracelet with name and a way to note the cabin number.

Besides what you need, it is also important to know what you will not need on your cruise. Some items will be provided by the cruise line, while other things are even prohibited. What those are, you will find out here.

✖️ bed linens

✖️ towels (beach towels excluded)

✖️ bathrobe

✖️ baby monitor, as it won't work on a ship

✖️ examples of prohibited substances (expand)

✖️ examples of prohibited items (expand)

➡ Travel Tip: Check with your cruise line about the specific regulations on your ship.

Not only is your luggage important for your dream cruise, but there are also several things you should consider before your departure!

✓ check vaccination requirements

✓ medical care on board

✓ check cabin amenities (towels, slippers, shower items, etc.)

➡ Travel Tip: Distribute clothing across multiple suitcases

✓ be aware of currency abroad

✓ label your suitcase

➡ Travel Tip: Inform yourself about appropriate clothing on board and on land.

✓ check minimum age for travel

✓ availability of baby beds & suitable cabin reservation

✓ availability of baby food

✓ book as early as possible

✓ check offerings for children

Childcare options Food Play opportunities Stroller rental (on the ship or on land)

Has the travel bug bitten you? Then check out our perfect offer for you! If you need more information, for example about the costs of a cruise or which routes are the most beautiful, we are here for you as well. Have you ever thought about a cruise to the Northern Lights?

We have summarized all our tips for you in a PDF. Just print it out and check things off, so you won't forget anything!

All packed? Then let's get going! We wish you an unforgettable trip.