A cruise packing list like the one we provide here is a great help, especially to first-time cruisers.
This cruise packing list will help you to remember the essentials for a seven-day Caribbean cruise.
You can use a cruise packing list to check off items as you pack your 7-day Caribbean cruise. You’ll be able to pack everything you need for your vacation.
This post includes answers to such questions as:
- Can you bring snacks on a Carnival Cruise? Yes, but with restrictions
- Can you bring a CPAP on a cruise ship? (Yes… We’ll explain how below.)
- Can you bring an iron with you on a cruise ship? Please don’t bring one with you. This is a safety issue!
- Can you bring sports equipment with you on a cruise? Can you take sports equipment on a cruise ship?
We’ll get right to the 7-day cruise packing list and give you all the tricks and tips you need, whether you are cruising in a luxury or budget suite.
Simple and Quick Cruise Packing Checklist
Here’s a quick cruise checklist for what to bring on a 7-day cruise.
- Daytime: Swimsuit and cover-up. 4-5 pairs shorts. 5-6 shirts. Essentials.
- Evening: Slacks or skirts with collared tops or dresses for women. For men, dress-casual slacks.
- Dress up for formal and themed evenings: Men in suits and ties, women in dressy clothes, and theme nights as per the cruise line’s suggestion.
- Bathroom supplies.
- Cruise essentials for the best cruise experience
If you prefer to know more, here is our 7-day cruise packing list with bonus tips and tricks!
What to Pack for a 7-Day Cruise: A Women’s Cruise Packing list with Tips!
It can be difficult to know how to pack everything for a Caribbean Cruise. These cruise packing tips will make your life easier.
- Build your entire look around a single color palette. I use navy as a base color when I go on cruises. All of my pants, shorts and dresses, as well as accent pieces, are coordinated around this one color.
- Bring a few pieces to mix and match on your cruise.
- Layer up — you will need a sweater for cool nights spent on the top deck, or for air-conditioned theater shows.
- If you are planning to work out or climb the rock wall, bring gym clothes.
- Pack two swimsuits for a seven-day cruise. It can take some time for one of them to dry.
- Pack one pair each of dress shoes and daytime shoes. If needed, also pack gym shoes.
- You can add anything else you may need for your shore excursion, such as rash guards or water shoes.
What to pack for a Caribbean cruise: Tips and advice on packing for men!
Even when packing for a seven-day Caribbean cruise, we use this great strategy. Wear casual shirts to dinner, except on formal nights. Then wear the shirt again for a shore trip later in your vacation.
This is the best way to avoid packing too much for your cruise.
My husband wears the exact same suit for formal and semi-formal evenings. On formal nights, he wears a tie and jacket. He can wear a tie that is fun (or not) on semi-formal nights and leave the jacket at home. Pack two swimsuits as well as five casual outfits for the day. Also, include essentials and accessories.
What to Pack for a Cruise: A Packing List for Kids
Just let them be kids. Pack formal attire, but also something comfortable for the kids. Pack seven outfits plus two extras for the babies, two swimsuits and comfortable shoes.
On a cruise, our daughter wears a swimsuit and shorts with a t-shirt and then dresses up in a sundress and sweater for dinner. She loves simplicity! So do we.
I recommend sandals that have a heel strap, like these to prevent them from slipping and falling!
Cruise Wardrobe essentials: What clothes should you wear on a cruise?
Twenty years ago cruising was considered a luxury.
Every evening, people dressed up to go out for dinner. Packing light was difficult for a cruise.
Most cruise lines offer formal nights, theme parties and other activities. Packing for a seven-day cruise will save you money in airline luggage fees and ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your vacation.
With our 7-day cruise packing list you can pack everything you need to go on a cruise for a full week in just one suitcase!
Speaking Of Luggage! Need some?
This bag is fantastic! My husband uses my Chester Travels bag when he goes on vacation without me. It is spacious, especially considering its size. And it’s durable. This bag is amazing!
We cannot recommend highly enough the compression packing cubes if you are looking to pack more into less space. My husband, a quiet guy who is rarely enthused about anything, gives them 10 out of 10. He even helped me pack because he liked them so much! Unzip these packing cubes to double their size. Fill them up with clothes, then zip the bag shut to compress the packing cubicle. Double the amount of stuff in half the room!
What else should you include on your 7-day cruise packing list
You don’t have to pack a lot of extras because cruises are all-inclusive. Pack only what you need.
We also bring essentials for the sun, such as a beach bag and sunscreen. While we do bring our chargers and cell phones, we prefer to leave the computer at home. On sea days, you can relax with or Kindles.
Special note about sunscreen: Many Caribbean countries now require that cruise passengers use reef-friendly sunscreen to protect the eco-system! The sunscreen that we recommend is reef-friendly .
Bring all the necessary cruise documents, including boarding passes and confirmations of reservations (including shore excursions booked prior to the cruise), as well as identification (a passport works best) and cash/credit card. You’re done!
It’s much easier to stay organized when you have a printable cruise packing list.
What can you not bring on a cruise?
It’s important to also know what NOT to pack when creating your cruise packing list. You will have your luggage confiscated if you bring something that’s not allowed.
Weapons, illegal drugs and flammable liquids are prohibited on all cruise ships. Irons, candles, and small electrical appliances, including most irons, are also banned. Hair curling irons and flatirons are permitted, but I prefer a ponytail!
It’s important to double-check what is allowed because cruise line policies can change. The four major cruise lines for families have lists of prohibited items.
- Carnival Cruise Lines Prohibited Items List
- Disney Cruise Lines Prohibited items list
- Norwegian Cruise Lines Prohibited Item List
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines List of Prohibited Items
Cruise Questions answered!
Over the years, I have been asked many questions regarding cruising. This Cruise FAQ is especially useful for first-time cruisers that want to know how to pack for a seven day cruise, or a cruise to The Bahamas!
- Is it possible to take prescription medications on a cruise ship? Of course! On a cruise, prescription medications are permitted. It is best to bring your medications in the original packaging. If you are injured or ill, the doctor on board will have easy access to all your medical records.
- Is it possible to bring an iron with you on a cruise ship? Absolutely not! Irons are prohibited because they can cause a fire. Pack a few small bottles of Wrinkle Releaser : Spray your clothes in the bathroom and they will look fantastic!
- Is it legal to bring marijuana on a cruise ship? Not at all! Although marijuana is legal in certain states, it’s not allowed on cruise ships. Relax in a lounger on the pool deck instead!
- Is it possible to bring alcohol with you on a cruise ship? Most likely. You can bring up to two bottles of wine with you on most cruises, but there is a steep uncorking charge! You should check with the cruise line you are using to see what is allowed. (See below for links to some of the most popular cruise lines for families)
- Do I need to bring my own sports equipment? Yes or no. All sports equipment will be provided on the ship. This includes pool noodles. If you’re planning a shore excursion you can bring your own equipment, even if they don’t provide it. You can take these pool noodles on a beach day. They are lightweight and great for floating in the Caribbean seas. Electric bikes, hoverboards and scooters are prohibited.
- Can I bring snacks on a Carnival Cruise? Yes and no. On cruise ships you can bring pre-packaged snacks, but not homemade food, beverages, fruits, vegetables, or fish. This includes shore excursions. You must finish any fresh fruit you bought on shore excursions. This is not allowed aboard. You must have your deep sea fish sent home if you go on a fishing trip. You cannot bring it on board.
- Can I bring my CPAP on a cruise ship? Yes. Yes. You must also carry your distilled water on board if you have brought it with you. You may find it easier to purchase distilled water in advance through your cruise line.
- Do I need beach towels to bring? No. Cruise lines provide beach towels to be used on board the ship and during shore excursions. The cruise staff will usually hand out towels as you depart the ship, and have bins to deposit them in when you return. You may be charged for the towel if you don’t return a towel that you signed out.
- Do I need to have a passport when going on a cruise ship? You can answer both yes and no. You don’t need a passport if you are an American who is cruising to a US port from which you will return and vice versa. If you don’t possess a passport, you will need a government-issued birth certificate and an enhanced driver license. Since most cruises travel to foreign countries, a passport is advisable in the event of illness or injury.
What are the rules for cruise luggage?
When packing for a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise, less is more.
Space is limited, and you can only fit two or three bags underneath your bed.
If you’re flying into the port of your cruise, airline baggage limits apply — typically one or two bags per passenger. It’s hard to store that much in a cruise cabin.
The Chester Travels Bag is my favorite cruise luggage. This bag is awesome for many reasons.
- Two compartments with zips make it easy to pack. The space in between can hold a few dresses or blouses, without them slipping and wrinkling.
- This luggage is easy to handle because it has a sturdy wheel and a telescoping hand.
- When I leave my luggage outside before returning home, I can be sure that my belongings are safe.
- And, it’s lightweight!
Use whatever luggage you want, but make sure that your cruise luggage tag is securely attached to the luggage handle. Only then will the staff know where to deliver the luggage. You’ll need to print your luggage tags before your cruise. Cruise luggage tags holders are better than tape for attaching them to luggage.
- Cruise luggage tags for Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruise Line
- Cruise luggage tags holders for Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line
What to pack in a carry-on bag for a cruise?
The cruise terminal can be a bit chaotic on embarkation days. The cabin stewards will deliver your luggage to your room after you drop off your marked baggage. The luggage may not arrive before 8:00 pm, so make sure you have your essentials with you.
When you check-in for your cruise, you’ll need to bring some items. The first time cruisers carry more items than the more experienced cruisers. I certainly carried more on my first cruise. This carryon packing list includes all the items you’ll need:
- ALL cruise documents (boarding passes, photo IDs, passports, and whatever else the cruise line requests). If I say that the cruise line has requirements, I really mean it! You can’t cruise if you don’t possess the required documentation!
- ALL medicines. You can’t replace your prescriptions if checked luggage is lost or delayed. This article will give you tips on how to pack your medications properly for travel.
- Swimsuits. HINT – Boys can wear their swim trunks under clothes! Girls can also wear 2-piece suits and tankinis under their clothes if they have them. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to pack for a cruise.
- A sunscreen bottle.
- Sunglasses.
- All electronics are valuable. Carry your computer if you have to. Consider using the computers onboard cruise ships instead. It’s much easier!
- Battery. Charge your batteries so that you don’t need to carry them.
- If you plan to bring jewelry, make sure it is valuable. I don’t recommend this. Pack in checked luggage and simplify with just a few costumes.
- Diaper bag with baby food/bottles and toys for the younger children. This is my favorite tip for a family cruise. What would you normally bring on a day trip? This is all you’ll need for your diaper bag.
You don’t need to carry these items on a cruise. Pack these items into your cruise luggage.
- Change of clothing Before dinner, you’ll be able to access your cabin and change. Don’t worry if you arrive late with your luggage. The first night’s dinner is casual.
- All major cruise lines provide towels for their guests. All major cruise lines provide towels for their guests. All major cruise lines provide towels for guests. You can take them on shore excursions but you must return them back to the ship otherwise they will be charged.
- Chargers for electronics. Charge your electronics the night before the cruise. Pack the chargers with the electronic devices. Carry-ons for cruises should be as minimal as possible.
Final Cruise Packing Hacks and Tips
1. When you arrive at the port, take a photo of your luggage that you plan to check in.
When I travel I always take photos of my checked baggage. I always take a photo of my checked luggage when I travel.
2. Divide Items for Passengers Between All The Luggage.
Divide your checked luggage into two suitcases if you are traveling with another person. Divide your items into two bags and theirs. If a bag is lost or delayed you will both have clothes to wear. This tip is great for any travel, including cruises.
3. If in doubt, leave it out.
This phrase is not only applicable to writers, but also to those packing for a seven-day cruise!
Leave it out if you don’t need it. Leave it out if you answer, “But XYZ might happen, and I may need ….”.” How often does XYZ happen?
Find out more about Cruising
It can be difficult to decide which cruise line you want to use. These articles will help you choose the right cruise line.
- What is the best cruise line to take with your family ? (with infographic)
- What is the best cruise line to take your teen on? This article was written by my teenage daughter
- Compare Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruise Lines
- Carnival Cruise Lines for Families
- Tips for saving money on a Disney Cruise