If there’s one question I get asked over and over again, it’s this: “What do I actually need to pack for a cruise?”
And hey, I get it—packing for a cruise isn’t like packing for your typical vacation. I’ve been on more cruises than I can count, from week-long getaways to bucket-list adventures, and let me tell you—trial and error has taught me exactly what you need, what you don’t, and what might just make your trip a little more fun.
So, if you’re staring at your suitcase wondering where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
Packing Cubes
Let’s face it: packing and unpacking can be one of the most stressful parts of a trip. But with packing cubes, it’s so much easier.
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These lightweight, zippered organizers help you separate your clothes, shoes, and accessories in your suitcase, keeping everything neat and compact. On a cruise, where storage space is limited, they’re especially helpful.
When I arrive in my cruise stateroom I just put the cubes into the drawers and on the shelves. My unpacking was done is minutes, and I know exactly where everything is throughout the trip.
Packing cubes also make packing to go home less overwhelming. I use cubes for dirty laundry so I don’t have to reorganize everything at the end of the cruise.
Strong Magnetic Hooks
If you’ve been on a cruise before, you know staterooms are designed to be efficient, but they’re not exactly spacious. That’s why magnetic hooks are a lifesaver.
The walls and ceiling in Disney Cruise Line staterooms are metal, so these hooks stick wherever you need them. (note that on Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, only the ceilings are magnetic).
I used them to hang lanyards, beach bags, hats, towels, and even decorations for the door. Having everything within easy reach made the room feel less cluttered and more organized.
These hooks are strong, inexpensive, and have endless uses. Make sure that you get the stronger ones as otherwise they just slip down the wall!
If you’re packing for a cruise, don’t forget them!
Travel Adapter with USB Ports
On a cruise, outlets are limited, and with today’s technology, it feels like you always have multiple devices that need charging—phones, tablets, cameras, portable fans, nightlights, and more.
That’s why travel adapter with USB ports is at the top of my cruise essentials list.
I love this product so much I even made a video for you.
This simple gadget allows me to charge multiple devices at once without worrying about running out of outlets in my stateroom. It’s compact, lightweight, and incredibly handy for keeping everything powered up.
On my recent Disney Wish and Disney Treasure cruises, I brought my adapter with four USB ports and two regular outlets, and it made all the difference.
I didn’t need to juggle which devices got charged overnight or worry about finding outlets in the room. It’s the kind of small investment that makes a huge impact on your travel experience.
Now this is where I see most confusion and there is a lot of advice out there which is just plain wrong. Some “recommended” items simply will not be allowed on a Disney Cruise.
Trust me. I have taken this multiple times on multiple cruise lines, including Disney, and never had a problem.
Water Shoes
I have had watershoes for years – but it took my years to find a design that looked good and was actually comfortable.
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These don’t look like watershoes – and you can walk a long way in them and still be comfortable (yes that long walk from the ship at Lighthouse Point).
They are available in lots of different sizes and colors.
Waterproof Bag
I didn’t realize just how useful these were until I bought one! So handy for the beach
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These waterproof bags are available in lots of different colors – and are leakproof and machine washable.
AirTags
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: AirTags are one of my favorite travel purchases of all time.
If you’re not familiar, AirTags are small tracking devices that sync with your phone. You can attach them to anything you want to keep track of—luggage, backpacks, strollers, and even kids’ bags.
On my recent Disney Wish cruise, I placed an AirTag in each of my suitcases before I handed them over at the port. While Disney Cruise Line is excellent at handling luggage, there’s always peace of mind in knowing exactly where your bags are.
One of my bags didn’t arrive at my stateroom until 6 PM, and being able to check its location in real-time with my phone was incredibly reassuring.
At home I have these on everything – including my cat!
Wine Carrier
Disney Cruise Line allows you to bring wine onboard, but it has to be carried in your carry on luggage.
If you’re planning to enjoy a bottle or two during your trip, a wine carrier is a must.
This simple item keeps your wine bottles safe during transport, so you don’t have to worry about breakage.
I used one on my Disney Wish cruise to carry two bottles of wine in my carry-on bag. It was padded, compact, and lightweight—perfect for protecting the bottles while complying with Disney’s alcohol policy.
When we unpacked in our stateroom, it was so nice to know I could enjoy a glass of wine on our verandah without worrying about whether the bottles had made it safely.
It is also a good thing to have to use to pack things for the return journey. You probably already know that you are going to splurge in the gift shop and these are useful for packing some fragile items.
Bathroom Air Freshener
People may not like to mention this, but on a cruise this is an issue (and we are not just talking about the Poop Cruise).
Cruise ship bathrooms don’t have windows (or extractor fans usually) so take some of this with you when you go.
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Cooling Towels
Easy to pack, inexpensive and a game changer in the heat.
Such a simple idea but these cooling towels make a big difference
I use them all the time now at home in the summer, at the gym at the Disney theme parks and I always take them on cruises.
The concept is really simple and they work so well at keeping you cool in hot weather. You just wet them with cold water and you are good to go.
Things to Bring to Keep Healthy on a Cruise
These days there will be a Hand Sanitizer available all over the ship. I do still like to take my own with me so that I can always have it when I need it.
This Hand Sanitizer Gel Infused with Essential Oils is a favorite as it is travel size and also has a clip so you can carry it easily.
Sometimes you really just want some soap to wash your hands with. These Mini Portable Disposable Travel Paper Soap Sheets are ideal for when you are sailing. They come in a cute dispenser.
I always bring these Multi-Surface Antibacterial Cleaning Wipes and use them to wipe down surfaces in my stateroom.
Always use Sun Screen. It will be available on the ship, but at a premium price. So always take your own preferred brand.
If you will be swimming in the ocean always use one that is eco-friendly such as this Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50.
I always make sure that I have some Aloe Vera in my cruise packing bag. I like this Organic Aloe Vera Gel because it is pure without the toxic additives that some brands have. It is great to use on sunburn, stings, and bites.
I also always pack some Sting Stop Gel – it really works quickly if you do get a bite or sting.
Binoculars
One thing that absolutely should be on your Alaska packing list is a pair of binoculars. There is so much amazing scenery and wildlife on an Alaskan cruise you will miss out unless you have some.
They are also definitely nice to have on other cruises too.
Some of the most amazing moments on cruises have been when I have seen whales and dolphins while sitting and relaxing on my verandah.
The binoculars really don’t have to be expensive – these Compact Binoculars with Clear Low Light Vision are very reasonably priced. They are also compact and lightweight enough to easily be packed in your port visit tote bag.
What do you always pack on a cruise? Do you have any tips for others about things to take on a cruise?
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.