What to Pack for a Cruise

Packing for a cruise can be tricky. You can bring some items that are prohibited on flights while some items you can bring on a flight are prohibited on a cruise ship.

What Not to Bring on a Cruise

Cruise Lines will eagerly confiscate items that could potentially cause a fire or otherwise cause harm. With that in mind, leave weapons, extension cords, candles, lighters, clothing irons, etc. at home. Such items will be confiscated and kept by the cruise line for the duration of the cruise. The cruise line will typically issue a Prohibited Item Receipt for confiscated items but they will be returned to the guest upon reaching the final port (usually after going through customs).

What to Bring on a Cruise

Be sure not to forget any of your toiletries as they will be expensive to obtain on the cruise ship. You should also bring sun tan lotion and bug spray as needed. Don't forget your passport either!

As far as clothing, don't forget about formal nights—most cruise lines have one formal night for cruises lasting less than 7 days while cruises lasting 7 days or more have at least two formal nights. That means bringing business casual attire, or even suits for some cruise lines' formal nights along with your bathing suits and tshirts. Don't forget the sandals for the beach and comfy shoes for exploring as well.