Packing for a cruise is packing for two trips: the ship and the shore. The ship is climate-controlled and dress-coded; the shore is whatever the region decides that week. Print the list for your region — your advisor can add anything sailing-specific before you go.
Caribbean & Mexico
- Light, breathable layers — it's warm at sea and warmer ashore
- Swimwear (two sets — one is always drying)
- Reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun
- One smart outfit per elegant evening, per the line's dress code
- Comfortable walking sandals plus water shoes for rocky beaches
- A light rain layer — afternoon showers pass quickly
- Small day bag for excursions
Mediterranean & Europe
- Layers for port days — mornings and evenings cool off, even in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are undefeated)
- One polished evening outfit; check your line's dress nights
- Modest cover-ups for churches and cathedrals
- Swimwear for sea days and the pool deck
- A compact umbrella — shoulder seasons surprise people
- Crossbody bag with a zip for crowded old towns
Alaska
- A proper waterproof outer layer — not water-resistant, waterproof
- Warm mid-layers (fleece or wool); glacier days are cold on deck
- Binoculars — small ones live in your day bag all week
- Sturdy, broken-in walking shoes for excursion terrain
- Gloves and a warm hat, even in July
- Camera with a zoom, plus a dry bag
- Smart-casual evening wear — Alaska sailings run relaxed
Transatlantic
- Books, journals, projects — sea days are long and glorious
- Layers for open-deck walking in Atlantic weather
- Formal or smart evening wear, per your line's gala nights
- Motion-sickness remedy, just in case
- Swimwear for the ship's pools and spa
- Comfortable shoes for two very different embarkation climates
South Pacific
- The lightest clothing you own — it stays warm
- Snorkel gear if you prefer your own (many ships rent it)
- Reef-safe sunscreen, twice as much as you think
- Resort-casual evening wear
- Insect repellent for shore evenings
- A dry bag for tender-boat landings