Cruise Packing List
Everything Your Family Needs to Pack — Caribbean & Alaska
Planning a cruise and not sure what to bring? After booking cruises for hundreds of families, this is the most complete packing list I've put together — everything you actually need, nothing you don't. Scroll down for Caribbean and Alaska specific sections, plus my top cabin must-haves that most people don't think about until they're already on the ship.
Essentials — Every Cruise
Documents & Money
- Passport — valid for at least 6 months past your sail date
- Printed cruise booking confirmation
- Travel insurance documents
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Cash in small bills for port tips and vendors
- Photo ID for every family member
Health & Medications
- Prescription medications in original bottles
- Motion sickness patchesThese are a game changer — grab them before you leave home
- Pain reliever, antacids, anti-diarrheal
- Sunscreen — bring more than you think you need
- After-sun lotion
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- First aid basics — bandages, antibiotic ointment, blister pads
- Vitamins or supplements you take daily
Clothing
- Casual daywear for sea days and port days
- One or two nicer outfits for dinner (check your cruise line's dress code)
- Swimsuits — at least 2-3 so one is always dry
- Cover-ups and flip flops for the pool deck
- Comfortable walking shoes for port days
- Light jacket or cardigan — ships run cold inside
- Pajamas and loungewear
- Undergarments and socks
Cabin Must-Haves
- Magnetic hooksCabin walls are metal — use these for bags, lanyards, hats, and wet swimsuits
- Small portable fanMakes a big difference for sleeping, especially with kids
- Over-the-door shoe organizer — keeps the bathroom clear
- Power strip without a surge protector (surge protectors are not allowed on ships)
- Reusable water bottle — refill at the buffet
- Highlighter for marking your daily cruise newsletter
- Lanyard with ID holder for your keycard
- Nightlight — cruise cabins are pitch black at night
Tech & Entertainment
- Phone charger and portable power bank
- Headphones for flights and sea days
- Tablet or e-reader loaded with books, shows, and kids content
- Camera or GoPro for port excursions
- Waterproof phone case
- Travel adapter if sailing internationally
For Kids
- Floaties or swim vest — ships don't provide these
- Waterproof sunscreen — reapply constantly
- Small backpack for port days
- Snacks they love for embarkation day and port excursions
- Favorite small toys or comfort items for the cabin
- Kids motion sickness medication or patches
Destination-Specific Packing
☀ Caribbean Add-Ons
- Lightweight breathable clothing — linen, cotton
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Snorkel gear or plan to rent at port
- Dry bag for beach excursions
- Insect repellent for jungle excursions
- Light rain jacket — afternoon showers are common
- Small beach bag for port days
❆ Alaska Add-Ons
- Waterproof rain jacket — non-negotiable
- Warm base layers — thermal tops and bottoms
- Fleece or mid-layer jacket
- Heavy outer layer or parka
- Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Wool or thermal socks — multiple pairs
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Hand warmers for cold port days
- Insect repellent for rainforest excursions
Before You Board — Final Checklist
- Passports and documents packed and accessible
- Travel insurance purchased and documents printed
- Online check-in completed and boarding pass downloaded
- Shore excursions booked
- Specialty dining reservations made if applicable
- Medications packed including motion sickness
- Magnetic hooks and cabin organizers in your bag
- Portable fan packed
- Kids snacks and entertainment ready for embarkation day
- Bank notified of travel dates
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