Free tool

Cruise packing list

Cruise-specific, not generic-holiday-specific. Tick things off as you pack — your progress saves automatically on this device.

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Cruise Cabin Gear

Documents & Money

Health & Sea-Sickness

Clothing

Formal Night

Port Days

Tech & Power

What ship security will confiscate

Every line publishes a prohibited-items list, and these show up in the confiscation bins on every single sailing. Check your own line's list before you pack anything that heats, burns or conditions power.

✕ Surge-protected power strips

Fire risk with ship electrical systems — the single most confiscated item. Non-surge strips and USB hubs are usually fine.

✕ Travel irons and steamers

Fire risk. Use the ship laundry or pack wrinkle-release spray.

✕ Candles and incense

Open flame is banned across every mainstream line.

✕ Extension cords with surge protection

Same reasoning as power strips — check your line's published list.

✕ Drones

Banned on board by most lines even if you only plan to fly them ashore.

✕ Alcohol beyond the allowance

Most lines permit one or two bottles of wine at embarkation only.

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Take the checklist with you

ShipTime keeps these lists on your phone with pre-departure reminders for check-in and luggage tags — then switches to ship time and gangway alarms once you board.

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for a cruise?

Beyond normal holiday clothes, cruise cabins have specific needs: magnetic hooks (cabin walls are steel), a non-surge power strip, a lanyard for your keycard, sea-sickness remedies and reef-safe sunscreen. Pack a formal outfit for elegant nights, and a day bag for port days.

What is not allowed on a cruise ship?

The most commonly confiscated item is a surge-protected power strip, because it is a fire risk with ship electrical systems. Travel irons, steamers, candles and drones are also banned by most lines. Non-surge power strips and USB hubs are generally fine.

Can I bring a power strip on a cruise?

Only a non-surge one. Cruise cabins have very few outlets so a power strip is genuinely useful, but anything with surge protection will be taken at the gangway and returned at the end of the cruise.

Do I need a passport for a cruise?

For closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same US port, a birth certificate plus government photo ID is often accepted, but a passport is strongly recommended — it is what lets you fly home if you ever miss the ship in a foreign port.

Next: count down to sail day,what your fare covers, andthe full packing guide.