Free Printable Cruise Packing List

Don’t forget the essentials when you’re headed out on a Cruise! Use our handy Free Printable Cruise Packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything. It’s a great resource for first-time cruisers.

Two years ago I shared an Airplane Carry On Packing list. It’s been really popular so today I thought I’d share another version specifically for Cruises. I hope this Printable Cruise Packing List is helpful! Especially if like us, you’re headed out on a cruise for Spring Break!

Table of Contents

• Why I Love Cruising
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• How to Get the Printable
• A few MUST PACK things for a Cruise

Why I Love Cruising

I remember the first cruise my husband and I went on. It was for our 15th anniversary and I was terrified to get on the boat! I had reassurances from so many people that I would LOVE a cruise and just took a deep breath and did it! 

They were right, we loved the cruise and have been on many since then.  We’ve done both Europe and the Caribbean, and I’ve loved both destinations. Our next “to do adventure” is a River Cruise, which I think we will try after the kids all go to college in a couple of years.

I find they are a great way to travel and can be a good value for families too as all of your accommodations and food are included in the price. I know that we would not have ever been able to take the kids to Norway for the price we paid for the week on our Norwegian cruise. The food and lodging is so expensive there!

We are headed out on a Cruise for Spring Break soon and I was making a list on my phone of things to pack. I realized as I was doing this, that the list might be helpful for others as well.

What to Pack for a Cruise

I’ve created a Cruise Packing list with items that you might NOT think to pack. It’s obviously not a complete list as it doesn’t contain clothing items etc. I figured you’d remember to pack your clothes and underwear. 

I tried to list the things you MIGHT forget, or might not think you need. For example, did you know that there are washers and dryers on cruise ships but the laundry detergent costs an arm and a leg? You can save yourself a bunch of money by packing your own laundry pods and dryer sheets.

How to Get the Printable

To see the rest of what’s on my list, you can grab the Printable Cruise Packing List on the PRINTABLES page.

Just look for the photo of the list and follow the directions on the page.

I thought I’d also share a bit of explanation about some of the items on the list. I won’t go over every item since many are self-explanatory. If I forgot something, leave it in the comments section! (may contain affiliate links)

A few MUST PACK things for a Cruise

1- Waterproof or “splash proof” phone case

This one is especially important if you’re going on a cruise to a sunny destination.  Water and sand can get everywhere and you need to take something to protect your phone and other electronics.

You can buy waterproof clear bags in many sizes, or you can even take a Ziploc bag (if the item won’t be submerged).

If you’re like me and you like to “travel handmade” then you can easily stitch up your own Splash Proof Phone pouch– this one is not waterproof but does have a clear cover (you can still use your phone) and will protect your phone from sand and splashes poolside.

Tutorial for Splash-Proof Phone Case

2- To Organize your Cords & Cables

Anyone who’s traveled knows that the cords and cables can get OUT OF CONTROL. I like to use these simple cord ties to keep things in check.  It makes a big difference when your cords are wrapped up properly.

I also have a series of pouches to carry items in. I have a pouch like the one below in my purse to keep a phone charger and backup battery handy.

Drawstring Travel Bag Tutorial – Also includes a size suitable for a laundry bag

3- Pop Up Laundry Hamper

Okay, this is a tip from a friend and I can’t wait to try it out on our next cruise.  Cruise ship rooms are small and get messy easily with 4 people in one space. 

This hamper folds flat and is lightweight. You can use it in the cruise cabin for dirty laundry, towels, extra sweatshirts, etc. You can also use it to tote beach toys back to the room with you (the sand will fall through the mesh).

4- Over the Door Shoe Organizer

This is another item that I can’t wait to try out on our next trip! Buy an over-the-door shoe organizer and hang it on the back of the bathroom door. You can use it to store everyone’s toiletries and keep the counters clean.

You can also use it in the closet for small accessories, chargers, and other miscellaneous stuff.

5- Wrinkle Releaser

There are no irons in cruise ship rooms. There are usually irons in the laundry rooms but there is sometimes a wait to use them. My kids could not care less if their clothes are wrinkled, I, on the other hand, do care.  This wrinkle releaser is not as good as an iron but will help you out a bunch in a pinch!

6- Refillable Water Bottle

Depending on the cruise you are on, there may be soda machines or not. If you’re on Disney they have soda machines with VERY small paper cups. If you want to avoid 50 million trips to the soda fountain, pack your own refillable bottle.  I created this YETI tumbler for our last Disney cruise and used it all week.

Also, bottled water is expensive on cruise ships. If you’re like me and you like to have water by your bedside at night, then make sure you pack a refillable water bottle. You can get ice for free from the bars. I like the ones with a built-in filter.

How to add a Disney Monogram to your Yeti Tumbler

7- Don’t forget your Day Carry On

On most all cruise ships your luggage is delivered to your room – which means there may be several hours while you are on the boat that you don’t have access to your stuff.  It is wise to pack a small carry-on with your “day” essentials. If your cruise is somewhere warm, then you’ll want to pack a swimsuit, flip-flops, and sunscreen. That way you can enjoy the day on the boat!

8- Day Bag for Excursions

Sling Bag

Depending on your cruise location, you want to make sure you pack a day bag for excursions. If you’re just going to the beach for the day then a large beach bag will do. This tutorial for an oversized beach bag would be great to take since it’s lined with foam. It can collapse flat for packing.

If you’re traveling to a city, you’ll want to have a secure bag to take with you. We have liked these sling backpacks. They keep your stuff close by. We also like the Pacsafe Brand of Bags – find them here- these bags all include lockable zippers and cut proof handles.

Oversized Beach Bag Tutorial

9- Shawl or Blanket

Most cruise ships are cold.  They keep the air cranked way up and I’m always freezing. I make sure to take along a lightweight sweater and shawl. I’ve found a small blanket is also useful.  We use it during the day in our cabin when we don’t want to “unmake” the bed, but want something to snuggle up with.

The “On the Go” Roll Up Travel Blanket from Project Teen – includes a strap to sling it over a carry-on bag – pattern can be found in the book.  It’s really lightweight and has been with us on many cruise ships and airplanes!

That’s my shortlist! Did I forget any “unexpected” thing? Let me know in the comments section!

You May Also Like:

Cruise to Norway with Kids

Things to do in the Netherlands

Adorable Disney Sewing, DIY & Craft Projects