Cruise Packing Checklist

Who this is for

A packing list shaped around a cruise. Tick each item as it is packed and write how many beside it.

First-time cruisers working out what a ship holiday needs, and regular cruisers who want a list they can reuse for every sailing.

What this helps you track

• The documents you need to board and to go ashore
• Daywear for sea days and warm or cool ports
• Evening and formal outfits for each night on the itinerary
• A small kit for shore excursions
• Cabin comforts, medicines and toiletries

How to use it

1. Write the ship, the itinerary, the dates and your cabin number at the top.
2. Check the cruise line's dress code and your itinerary, then write how many outfits of each kind you need on the lines.
3. Tick each item as it goes in the case, not as you think of it.
4. Keep documents and medicines in your hand luggage, as cases may be delivered to the cabin later.
5. Use the browser version, which saves in your own browser, to keep the list from one cruise to the next.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The online version keeps what you enter in your own browser and builds the completed PDF on your device.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

How many formal outfits do I need?

That depends on your cruise line and the number of dressed-up nights on your itinerary. Check the dress code in your booking papers and write the number on the line beside evening and formal wear.

Why keep some things out of the main case?

On many ships, cases are taken at the terminal and arrive at the cabin later in the day. Anything you need before then, such as medicines and documents, is better in the bag you carry.

Which items are allowed on board?

Rules on things like kettles, extension leads and drinks vary by cruise line. The cabin list has no such items on it; check your line's own list before adding them.

Can I use it for a river cruise?

Yes. River cruises are often less formal, so cross out lines you do not need and add your own on the blank lines.