Packing for a cruise is no simple task, regardless if you are a first-timer or veteran. The combination of various "what to wear" scenarios coupled with the inability to run to the store to buy something you need gives a lot of people pause when trying to figure out what to are so many fun things to do on a cruise in addition to all the great excursions. How to pack for everything? It's my experience that a really good cruise packing list helps a lot, because it can assist with being prepared for cruise line dress codes, what to wear on shore, evening wear, and everything you may need in your cabin ahead can be a great time-saver, as no one wants to use valuable vacation time doing detours while in port in a search for a forgotten item. Or missing out on a great activity, such as a galley tour, because you don't have closed toe shoes. After many years of cruising, here are the list of important things you should pack for any cruise ship vacation. I hope with this list, you can avoid common cruise packing mistakes and be ready for an amazing trip!LuggageBefore you start packing, it is always a good idea to make sure you have the right luggage. Royal Caribbean does not have a specific limit on the number of suitcases. For most, this will be guided by transportation options, especially flying, which has restrictions on both the size and weight of bags. When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will hand your larger bags over to a porter, and they will be delivered to your cabin later on embarkation day. For that reason, you will need to bring a manageable carry-on bag, which should have room enough for important valuables, required documents, and anything else you need right away, such as flip flops and a bathing suit. If you are bringing on wine or champagne, this will also need to be packed in your carry-on. Daytime clothes and accessoriesAs with most trips, clothing is going to your primary focus and take up the bulk of your total number of outfits that you are going to want to bring depends on the length and type of cruise. There are no self-service laundry facilities onboard but washing, pressing, and dry-cleaning services are offered prices vary per item. It is best to plan clothes for the number of days plus a return home outfit. Two outfits per day is a good rule of thumb day and night.For casual daywear packT-shirts and/or tank topsShortsSwimsuits and appropriate cover upSundressesComfortable pair of flip flops and/or sandalsJeans and pantsActive wear Clothes for onboard activities, such as the all-access ship tour, zip-lining, and rock climbing, which require closed-toe shoesSocksSunglassesHatLanyard for SeaPass cardEvening clothes and accessoriesFor evening events, the dress code varies, but cruisers are less formal than they use to be. Many guests wear "smart casual" for formal night; Royal Caribbean's website explains the dress code to help with packing for evening wear."Smart Casual Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts, blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats, and blazers are snazzy and Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, or evening gowns, although I have to say less and less of are also fun theme nights, such as the White Party, 70s or 80s nights. They differ by ship, but a previous Cruise Compass will indicate what can be shoes heels, flats, loafers, etc.SleepwearJewelryRelated Everything you need to know about formal night on a Royal Caribbean cruisePorts and excursionsWhether it is a beach day, bicycle tour, or snorkeling, there are a few things you should probably include for your port is always a good idea to keep valuables such as a phone and wallet safe when venturing out in ports. Cross-body bags with secure locks or a money belt are good options. It never hurts to stick an umbrella or rain ponchos in your bag in case any tropical showers pop general water/beach outings, consider packingMask, goggles, and snorkelWater shoes where neededLife jackets/flotation devices especially for childrenWaterproof phone carrierTowel clips the ship provides towelsBeach bagBug spraySunscreen and lip balmAppropriate footwear Packing for Colder ClimatesCruising to colder climates, like Alaska, has become increasingly popular and requires different considerations for weather and amount of rain and temperature can vary during an Alaskan cruise, so you should be prepared to keep warm and dry. Layered dressing is the way to go in this climate. Here are some suggestionsShirts and t-shirts for inner layersWarm layers, such as fleece pulloversWaterproof jacketSuitable closed toe shoesBoots for hiking where neededGloves, hat and scarfBinocularsWater-resistant backpack/cross-body bag for onshoreInsect repellant is especially important for AlaskaHand warmer packsLocation specific requirementsThe cruise planner will list important details for excursions. For example, in Rome, there is no access to the Vatican or St. Peter’s Basilica with exposed shoulders or knees. This applies to both men and those who love camouflage clothing, it is important to note that it is illegal in some Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Lucia, as it is reserved for military use. Some non-camo options should be included when is a must and cruisers should be aware that some destinations require reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the health of their coral reefs. These products don’t contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate. Reef-safe sunscreens are readily available in popular drugstores and other retailers. Ports in the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Hawaii are some of the locations that require these types of stuffTraveling with younger kids can definitely add more to your packing list. Beyond the standard clothes suggested for adults, consider includingDiapers – pack plenty of extra ones, including regular and swimBaby wipesRash creamExtra plastic bags for wet itemsExtra clothesLight blanketStrollerCar seat where necessaryBottles/sippy cupsBaby food and formulaBeach toysActivities like coloring, stickers, books, bath tub to place in the shower for younger childrenAlso, make sure that you download any favorite shows and games on tablets or phones prior to boarding the ship!ToiletriesWhen it comes to toiletries, the cruise line only provides soap and shampoo; many people prefer to bring their own. Here are some of the main things to consider bringingShampoo and conditioner, and other hair care productsMakeupEye care – glass cleaners and contact solutionDental – toothbrush and toothpaste and floss for the 1% that actually do as their dentist tells themCurling / flat irons cabins have blow dryersShaving productsBrush, comb, elastics/ hair accessoriesDeodorantNail productsShoe rack to help with organizationSewing kitTip - For some reason, travel sized products can be pricey despite their size. Reusable travel bottles are a good solution, especially if you don’t need a large quantity of Aid and MedicationsWhile some items can be purchased onboard, it is a good idea to have a ready made first aid kit for easy access during the cruise. The last thing you want to do, is spend time running around in port to find something,Unfortunately, some people suffer from sea sickness, but there are a number of well known remedies such as Gravol, wrist bands and are some common medications/ first aid items to packSea sickness remediesPain and allergy productsAfter-burn care aloe, lip balm SPF, and bug sprayAnti-itch cream/ hydrocortisoneFirst aid items such as band-aids and anti-bacterial ointmentUpset stomach medicationsCold medicineEye dropsValuables/Carry-onThe last bag to pack is your carry-on. Once the luggage is dropped off at the terminal, this should contain everything needed until the cabin is small denominations for tips/ foreign currency, credit cardsElectronics – phone, tablet, earbuds, charger, cameraRequired medication at least 3 days extra worthEyewear – glasses, sunglasses, contactsComfort items such as gum/ mints/ snacksPhone battery can’t be packedMasks where requiredHand sanitizer and wipesCovid 19 test kits if you plan on doing proctored testsPensAlthough most people keep documents on their phone, I always feel better having hard copies as well just in case something happens to my phone. Documents to considerBoarding passesNegative Covid-19 test results if necessaryCountry specific entry requirementsHotel reservationsTransportation detailsInsurance detailsA list of key numbers and reservationsSetSail passesLuggage tagsExcursion detailsTip Passports applications are taking longer right now, so do keep this in mind if you are traveling to a destination that requires one. It is important to check the expiry date as most countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 and BeveragesRoyal Caribbean allows guests to bring a specific quantity of drinks onboard. This can be a great money saver or is nice if you have a specific beverage you really love. According to Royal Caribbean, each guest can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne, as long as they are of legal drinking ageGuests can also bring non-alcoholic beverages up to 12 standard 17 oz. cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted. Corkscrews will be provided for guests to enjoy their drinks in their stateroom, and if guests wish to enjoy their wine or champagne in our dining or bar venues, there will be a corkage fee who purchase alcohol bottles onboard, in a port-of-call, or bring more than the two permitted bottles on boarding day, will have their items safely stored by the ship. These bottles will be returned on the last day onboard for enjoyment once Caribbean ships have standard plugs and most Caribbean ports have the same electrical outlets as those in the United States. However, for your pre-and post stay for international cruises, you may require adaptors and are inexpensive to purchase but do vary by destination, so check what is required for your travels destination. In addition, some items may need a converter that, as the name implies, converts it to the proper voltage. This is more likely to be an issue for items like flat or curling irons. These can be much more expensive, so best to do your research ahead of time to determine what is there is plenty of food and drinks on the cruise, there are times when it is helpful to have a pre-packaged snack on hand. Protein and granola bars can be great options, as well as favorites like goldfish or cheerios that can calm down a tired items to considerA night light, as cabins can be dark Reading material – some people love reading on a kindle or their tablet, but for those that don't remember to bring a book or clips to keep your towel from blowing awayFan, but must be cordless can plug into USBMulti-outlet USB Charger non-surgeMagnetic hooks Ziplock bags Water bottleWrinkle release sprayWatch E-PackingThis is a growing category that I have added to my packing list. With more and more apps and Covid protocols, and other health requirements, I have to give more thought to what I need to have on my phone for travel, what I consider people like to print out everything, which is a good strategy as well, but for some things, it is best to have an app. Royal Caribbean's App - you will need this onboard, get information on activities, your schedule, book entertainment, and transportation appsBoarding passesVaccine proofNegative Covid-19 results Any country specific entry codes, for example for Spain, you need to complete a health form and receive a QR code for entryExcursion details/ticketsCountry specific requirements like Canada’s ArriveCAN app, that much be completed prior to arrivalI also create a specific travel folder for all of my travel related emails, such as transportation details, and cruise planner to leave at homeThere is a whole list of items that can’t be brought onboard, so it's best to know about this ahead of time and not waste space or risk losing is a detailed list of prohibited items on Royal Caribbean's website, and among many are items that heat up, which can cause a fire hazard on the ship. Anything that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of guests and crew are are some common items that the cruise line does not permit onboardBeer, hard liquor and spiritsMarijuana even if medical products, CBD Oil / CBD ProductsIrons and steamersKettle, coffee maker or hot plateCandlesAny other device that produces heatBaby MonitorsExtension cordsPerishable foods and meatsHookahs and water hookah pipesWeapons including pepper sprayToy gun replicasHoverboardsHAM radiosDownload the Printable ChecklistWant to have this entire list in an easy-to-print list?You can click here to easily download out cruise packing list!