The ultimate cruise packing list:
A guide to everything you’ll need

A person packing clothes into an open suitcase with a sun hat, sunglasses, and travel accessories visible nearby.

Getting ready for the perfect getaway—packing summer essentials like tropical prints, denim, and travel documents while dreaming of sunny destinations ahead.

Packing for a cruise is a little different than packing for a traditional vacation. Unlike a land-based vacation where you can run to the store for last-minute items, a cruise often means setting sail with everything you’ll need for a few days at sea and the exciting shore excursions you’ll enjoy along the way. Being prepared can be the difference between chaos and a stress-free voyage. 

Thankfully, Princess Cruises® makes cruising a breeze. With award-winning shore excursions, world-class dining and incredible entertainment, all you need to do is unpack once and let the adventure unfold. Use this cruise checklist to help you know what to pack so that you can be prepared for every moment.

Table of contents

服装

A couple dressed in smart casual cruise attire, with the woman in a beige trench coat and the man in a dark jacket and gray scarf, enjoying a shore excursion in London near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Step off the ship and straight into adventure—explore iconic cities in effortless smart casual style.

【スマートカジュアル】

Cruising with Princess means a blend of laid-back luxury and refined elegance. Most evenings on board follow a smart casual dress code, meaning guests should pack comfortable yet polished attire. 

For women, this could include skirts, dresses, trousers, blouses, sweaters or pantsuits. Men should bring trousers, polo shirts, button-downs and optional jackets or blazers. Many specialty restaurants on board encourage smart casual attire, so having these outfits on hand will mean you’re always prepared for a delicious meal with an ocean view.

A stylish couple dressed in formal cruise attire, with the man in a tailored gray suit and the woman in a red satin gown, walking arm in arm through an upscale dining venue with warm lighting and luxurious decor.
Elevate your evening at sea with elegant formal wear, perfect for a night of fine dining and unforgettable moments.

Formal wear

On select nights, Princess hosts formal evenings for a chance to elevate your onboard experience with an elegant dinner and dazzling entertainment. If you plan to participate, pack appropriate evening attire such as:

  • Women: Evening gown, cocktail dress or an elegant pantsuit
  • Men: Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket with slacks

Formal wear is required in select venues such as Spellbound by Magic Castle, 360: An Extraordinary Experience, and Chef’s Table Lumiere. If you plan to dine at these locations, be sure to pack accordingly.

A stylish couple dressed in light, breezy resort wear, with the man in a linen shirt and the woman in a cropped tank top and high-waisted shorts, walking arm in arm along a sandy beach with rocky cliffs and calm ocean waves in the background.
Breeze through your port days in effortless resort wear, perfect for sun, sand, and seaside strolls.

Resort wear

For casual days at sea or exploring ports, resort wear is a must. Bring lightweight, breathable options such as T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, skirts and comfortable pants. 

Swimsuits and cover-ups are essential for lounging by the pool or enjoying a hot tub soak. They are also great when visiting some of the world's most stunning beaches on a Princess shore excursion. Water shoes or flip-flops are helpful for beach days or onboard waterparks.

A man wearing a quilted jacket, jeans and a backpack rides a bicycle through a charming European street lined with ivy-covered buildings and brick facades on a crisp autumn day.
Stay warm and stylish on breezy port days with the perfect outerwear for your cruise adventures.

Outerwear

Weather can be unpredictable at sea and in port, so layering is key. Pack light jackets or sweaters for cooler evenings and bring a rain poncho or umbrella for unexpected showers. Don’t forget some heavier outerwear if you're sailing to a colder destination like Alaska. Check the weather forecast before departure so you can pack accordingly.

A variety of footwear laid out on a wooden surface, including black sandals, floral sneakers, striped espadrilles, pink flip-flops, black pointed-toe flats, and tan strappy sandals, showcasing versatile options for a cruise.
Step into adventure with the perfect footwear for every moment of your cruise—beach days, excursions, and elegant evenings.

Footwear

Since your cruise will include a mix of relaxing and exploring, bring a variety of footwear. Consider including options like: 

  • Sandals and flip-flops for poolside lounging
  • Comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions
  • Sneakers for onboard fitness activities or active excursions
  • Hiking shoes if your itinerary includes nature trails or adventure excursions
  • Dress shoes for formal nights

Princess offers a wide selection of shore excursions, from leisurely city tours to exhilarating outdoor adventures, and the right footwear can keep you comfortable no matter the activity.

A person holding a clear travel toiletry bag filled with mini bottles of skincare and hair products, a facial roller, and a toothbrush, with a light blue travel-size bottle being removed.
Pack your cruise essentials with ease—travel-size toiletries keep you fresh and ready for every adventure at sea.

Toiletries and hygiene items

Basic essentials

While many essential toiletries are available onboard, some guests prefer to bring their personal favorites. Your cruise packing list should include:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Deodorant
  • Body wash and lotion
  • Razor and shaving cream
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Skincare products (moisturizer, facial cleanser, makeup remover, etc.)

Since Princess provides complimentary shampoo, conditioner and body wash, you can save room in your suitcase if you're not picky about using hotel-style amenities. However, if you have a preferred brand or specific hair care needs, bringing your own may be a good idea.

Sun protection

Whether you're sailing the Caribbean or enjoying a breezy day at sea, sun protection is a must. Be sure to pack:

  • Sunscreen (reef-safe options are recommended for eco-conscious travelers)
  • Aloe vera or after-sun lotion
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • サングラス
  • A wide-brimmed hat or visor
  • UPF-rated clothing for extra sun protection

Many onboard and portside activities take place in the sun, including lounging on the Lido Deck or exploring tropical destinations. Protecting your skin will help you stay comfortable and fully enjoy your trip.

Personal health items

Taking care of your health while cruising is important. To make sure you feel you’re best while relaxing, remember to pack:

  • Prescription medications (bring enough for the duration of your trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays)
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Motion sickness remedies such as dramamine or acupressure wristbands
  • Antacids, cold medicine or allergy medication (just in case)
  • Band-aids & a small first-aid kit
  • Hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes

If you require medical devices such as a CPAP machine, be sure to bring all necessary components. Please note that the crew is not permitted to handle medical equipment, so you’ll need to be able to carry it all yourself. Guests bringing prescription medication should carry them in the original packaging and bring a copy of their prescription if needed for customs clearance.

A woman packing a suitcase with travel essentials, including a straw hat, pink heart-shaped sunglasses, a passport holder, white headphones, a smartphone, and tropical-print clothing.
Don't forget the essentials—pack your accessories and documents for a smooth, stylish cruise experience.

Accessories and documents

Bags

A well-packed suitcase is just the beginning. Having the right bags for daily activities will make your cruise even more convenient, so you might consider bringing:

  • A daypack or backpack for shore excursions and exploring ports
  • A beach bag to carry sunscreen, towels and swim gear
  • A collapsible tote for shopping or carrying souvenirs
  • A waterproof bag to protect valuables during beach or water-based excursions

Princess provides a complimentary shopping-style bag in staterooms, so if you forget a tote, you’ll still have something handy for carrying items around the ship or bringing souvenirs back from port.

Eyewear

Although it might seem insignificant, the right eyewear can keep you comfortable and protected while lounging on deck or sightseeing. This can include: 

  • Sunglasses (preferably polarized for extra glare reduction)
  • Prescription glasses (if needed)
  • Contact lenses and solution (bring extras in case of loss)
  • A protective case and cleaning cloth

Jewelry and other accessories

While it might be tempting to bring your best accessories, it’s best to keep it simple. Bring only what you need and leave anything irreplaceable at home. Consider packing:

  • Minimal, non-expensive jewelry for formal nights
  • A lightweight scarf or shawl for layering in cooler venues
  • A stylish hat for sun protection and fashion

If you want to shop for jewelry or designer accessories while cruising, visit The Shops of Princess. Guests sailing on Sun Princess can explore Diamonds International, a world-class retailer of fine jewelry and watches.

渡航書類

A smooth embarkation starts with having all the necessary paperwork. Be sure to pack:

  • Cruise tickets and boarding passes
  • A passport (required for most international sailings)
  • A driver’s license or government-issued ID
  • Any shore excursion confirmations or special event reservations
  • Visas (if needed for specific destinations)
  • Travel insurance documents

For international travel, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, as some countries require this for entry.

Money and storage

While nearly everything on board a Princess cruise is charged with your Medallion® and linked to your stateroom account, you may still want to bring a few financial essentials:

  • Wallet with ID and payment cards
  • Small amount of cash (for tipping in port or small purchases)
  • Money belt or travel wallet for safekeeping documents and valuables

For high-limit onboard purchases, guests can set up a line of credit for casino gaming and other transactions. If you're planning to spend over $10,000, you can apply for a credit line here: Apply for Casino Credit – Ocean Players Club

Sunny day on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach with clear shallow water, light golden sand, swaying palm trees, beach umbrellas and cruise ships in the distance.
Stroll the sun-drenched shoreline of Seven Mile Beach, where soft waves and palm trees line one of the Caribbean’s most iconic coasts.

Technology and gear

Devices

Technology is a great way to improve your cruise experience by capturing memories and providing entertainment while you relax. To that end, consider bringing:

  • Smartphone (for the Princess® app, staying in touch and taking photos)
  • Tablet or e-reader (great for reading by the pool or in your stateroom)
  • Camera (if you prefer a dedicated camera over your phone)
  • Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds (ideal for travel days and relaxing on deck)

While most Princess ships offer Wi-Fi through MedallionNet®, service packages vary, so be sure to check your plan if you want to stay connected at sea.

Chargers

If you’re bringing your devices, don't forget the necessary chargers and power adapters. Here’s what to know about onboard power outlets:

  • All Princess ships have a standard US 110V outlet at the desk.
  • A 220V outlet is available on all ships, but accessibility varies on older vessels.
  • Bathrooms include a 120/230V shaver-only outlet.
  • USB charging ports are available on some ships (only Sun Princess has USB-C ports).

To avoid overpacking, bring a multi-port USB charger if you need to charge multiple devices at once.

Extra considerations

Some additional tech and travel gadgets can make your trip more convenient, including:

  • Waterproof phone case (great for beach days and excursions)
  • Binoculars (especially useful for Alaska cruises and scenic sailings)
  • Travel alarm clock (though wake-up calls can be scheduled through your stateroom)

Princess ships are designed for comfort and convenience, but a few extra gadgets can help you stay organized and prepared for every part of your journey.

A black sleep mask, a pair of beige foam earplugs, and a soft travel neck pillow resting on a wooden surface, essential for comfortable travel and restful sleep on a cruise.
Pack extra comfort essentials for a relaxing cruise—better sleep means better adventures.

Additional recommended items

Travel aids

A few small items can make your journey more comfortable, especially if you’re adjusting to a new sleep schedule or traveling with light-sensitive sleepers. Consider packing:

  • Earplugs (for light sleepers or blocking out noise in public areas)
  • Sleep mask (for better rest in your stateroom or on a long flight)
  • Compression socks (for long flights or extended walking days)

Comforts

While Princess provides an array of dining options and amenities, bringing a few personal comforts can help you get the most out of your experience. Some guests like to pack:

  • Snacks (though onboard dining offers a variety of options, bringing a few of your favorites can be convenient)
  • Reading materials (books, magazines and crossword puzzles)
  • Small blanket or travel pillow (especially for flights or cozy nights on your balcony)

Princess makes it easy to find food and drinks throughout the ship, with snacks available at:

  • インターナショナル・カフェ
  • Lido Deck
  • Horizon Court & World Fresh Marketplace
  • OceanNow® delivery service (additional charges may apply)

For guests with dietary restrictions, onboard dining can accommodate a variety of needs — just let the crew know your preferences when booking and they’ll be happy to help.

If you’re cruising with young children or guests with sensory sensitivities, bringing familiar comfort items can make the trip smoother. While Princess does not currently provide sensory-friendly items like plushies or stim toys, families traveling with autistic children may want to bring:

  • Favorite stuffed animals or fidget toys
  • Noise-reducing headphones
  • Weighted lap pad or blanket

Organization

Cruise staterooms are designed with built-in storage, but a few small accessories can help keep things tidy. You might want to bring:

  • Packing cubes (great for separating outfits and saving space)
  • Over-the-door organizer (useful for keeping toiletries and small accessories in one place)
  • Magnetic hooks (most stateroom walls are metal, making these a great way to hang hats, bags or lanyards)

Staterooms include closets with hangers and dressers, so guests can fully unpack and settle in for the duration of the voyage.

A black and white cat lounging inside an open suitcase filled with folded clothes, a yellow towel, a bag of pet food and a set of blue pet bowls on a bed.
As much as they’d love to join, pets aren’t allowed on Princess Cruises—double-check prohibited items before you pack.

Typically prohibited items

Just as important as knowing what to pack is knowing what not to bring. These restrictions are for the safety and comfort of all guests and crew, and attempting to bring prohibited items may result in confiscation, delays at embarkation or, in serious cases, removal from the ship.

Weapons

For the safety of everyone onboard, the following are strictly prohibited:

  • Firearms, ammunition and explosive substances
  • Knives, scissors and sharp objects (some exceptions apply for small personal grooming items)
  • Self-defense items such as pepper spray, handcuffs or stun guns

Any prohibited weapons found in luggage will be confiscated, and law enforcement may be notified.

Electrical appliances

Certain electrical appliances present fire hazards and are not permitted in staterooms. These include:

  • Irons and steamers (Princess provides irons in self-service laundry rooms)
  • Kettles, coffee makers and hot plates (complimentary coffee is available in dining areas, and room service can deliver beverages)
  • Extension cords with surge protectors (unless pre-approved)

If you have a medical device requiring electricity, such as a CPAP machine, notify Princess ahead of time to ensure accommodations are made.

Controlled substances

Princess maintains a zero-tolerance policy for illegal or restricted substances, including:

  • Illegal drugs and narcotics
  • Marijuana and CBD products (even if legally prescribed or permitted in departure/destination countries)

Bringing restricted substances onboard can result in removal from the ship and potential legal consequences.

Alcoholic beverages

Guests may not bring liquor, spirits or beer onboard, but wine and champagne are allowed with restrictions:

  • Each guest (21+) may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne at embarkation.
  • Additional bottles are allowed but will be subject to a $20-$30 corkage fee per bottle.
  • Alcohol purchased in The Shops of Princess or in port will be collected and stored until the final day of the cruise.

Princess offers drink packages for guests who want to enjoy premium beverages throughout their voyage, so check out the drink packages if you’re interested. You can also explore Princess Premier® or Princess Plus® to save on drinks, dining, Wi-Fi and other guest favorites.

Other items

A few additional items that are prohibited include: 

  • Drones: While drones can capture stunning vacation footage, they are not permitted onboard for safety reasons.
  • Sports equipment: Certain items such as surfboards, hoverboards and electric scooters are prohibited, but Princess ships feature fitness centers and recreation activities for guests to enjoy.
  • Pets: Only service animals are allowed onboard, and written approval from Princess is required at the time of booking. Guests traveling with a service animal must meet all documentation and vaccination requirements.
  • Wheelchair-accessible stateroom: You may book a wheelchair-accessible stateroom online. For assistance reserving them or other reasonable accommodations, please call 1-800-774-6237.

For a complete list of prohibited items, visit Princess’ official policy page.

Cruise comfortably with Princess

Now that you know what to pack for a cruise, you're ready for a smooth, stress-free adventure at sea. While it may seem like a lot to pack, most of these items are things you’d naturally bring for any vacation. Plus, if you forget something, The Shops of Princess offer a variety of essentials — from toiletries and accessories to designer fashion and fine jewelry. And of course, our dedicated crew is always available to assist with anything you need.

Now that you have your cruise packing list in hand, you're all set to embark on an unforgettable cruise adventure. Browse our cruise itineraries and start planning your next getaway with Princess Cruises today!

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