Cruise Holiday Packing List

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✅ Essentials Checklist

✓Formal or smart evening wear for formal nights (check your cruise line's dress code)
✓Casual daywear for port days and sea days
✓Swimwear × 2 (pool and beach)
✓Comfortable walking shoes for port days (cobblestones are brutal in heels)
✓Sunscreen SPF50 ↗+
✓Seasickness medication — even if you've never been seasick (conditions vary)
✓Power strip or extension lead (cabin sockets are very limited — check cruise line rules)
✓Lanyard for cruise card (you'll use it constantly)
✓Waterproof bag for shore excursions
✓Travel insurance documents
✓Formal dress or dinner jacket (for formal nights — check your line)

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👕 Clothing Checklist

→Smart evening wear × 2–3 outfits
→Casual day outfits × 1 per day
→Swimwear × 2
→Cover-up for walking between pool and restaurant
→Comfortable walking shoes × 2 pairs
→Formal shoes for evenings
→Layers for sea days (ships are heavily air-conditioned)
→Light waterproof jacket for open decks

⭐ Nice to Have

○Magnetic hooks (useful in cabins — metal walls everywhere)
○Over-the-door shoe organiser for tiny cabin storage
○Highlighter pens for marking daily programmes
○Collapsible bag for shore shopping
○Binoculars for wildlife and ports
○Reusable water bottle (refillable at stations on board)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a formal night on a cruise?

Most cruise lines have 1–3 formal nights per week at sea. Dress codes vary by line — luxury lines like Cunard require black tie; mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and P&O request smart formal (suit or cocktail dress). Check your specific cruise line's dress code before packing. Formal nights are in the main dining room — specialty restaurants and buffets have relaxed codes.

How do I avoid seasickness on a cruise?

Choose a cabin on a middle deck, midship — this is the most stable position on the ship. Pack Stugeron (cinnarizine) or wear Scopoderm patches — both require planning ahead. Sea-Bands acupressure wristbands help mild cases. Keeping your eyes on the horizon, eating light and staying hydrated all reduce symptoms. Rough weather is rare on Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries.

Can I bring alcohol on a cruise?

Policies vary significantly by cruise line. Most mainstream lines (Royal Caribbean, NCL, MSC) prohibit bringing alcohol onboard. P&O and Cunard allow a limited amount of wine. Princess Cruises allows one bottle of wine or champagne per person. Check your specific cruise line's alcohol policy before embarkation — confiscated alcohol is held until the end of the voyage.

Check the weather and best time to visit before you finalise your Cruise Holiday packing list — and see country facts and travel info for entry requirements and local tips.

Not sure which suitcase size or clothing sizes you need? Check 247Sizing's luggage and clothing size guides before you pack.