What to Take on a Cruise: Essentials (& eSIMs)

Going on a cruise is one of the most effortless ways to see the world. You unpack once, your hotel moves with you, and every morning you get to wake up somewhere new. But don’t let that simplicity fool you.

What you pack (and what you forget) can seriously shape your experience onboard and at every port.

Why Smart Packing Makes or Breaks a Cruise Vacation

Smart, strategic packing is an essential first step before you actually set foot on a cruise. Why? Because when you're at sea, you can't just nip out to the shop to get what you need. You need to come prepared, because once you're on the cruise, you'll want to spend less time dealing with stressy setbacks and more time in sun-soaked bliss.

So get your packing game face on, and let's go over every single thing you need to bring on your cruise to guarantee smooth sailing.

Cruise Essentials You Absolutely Cannot Forget

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your departure port and realising you’ve left something important behind. Having your core essentials to hand just makes life so much easier, and translates to smooth check-ins, easy port days, and getting to avoid the overpriced onboard shops.

Travel Documents and IDs

First and foremost, your documents should be your number one priority. This includes your passport, your printed or digital cruise tickets, any necessary visas for international ports, and vaccination cards (if required) by your cruise line. Always know where your hard copies are at all times, and store digital backups on your phone. If you're concerned about accessing your documents, travel eSIMs like ZenSim allow you to have mobile access to your backups when Wi-Fi is unreliable at boarding terminals and port cities.

Money Matters

When it comes to money, it's a good idea to have access to a mix of currencies. Most onboard purchases will go on your cruise account, but you’ll also want to bring a credit or debit card for emergencies. It's also nice to have a few local currencies for tips, small souvenirs, or snacks during port stops.

What to Wear On and Off the Ship

Cruises pack so many different experiences into one trip. You may spend an afternoon lounging by the pool before heading off for a five-course meal in the evening. There are always opportunities for sightseeing at port cities, not to mention themed nights (like Pirate Night or 80s Night) in the many different theatres and restaurants. All the variety can make packing for your cruise a bit of a balancing act, but that's all part of the fun!

Daywear for Ship Life

For most cruise lines, daywear on board is all about comfort. You'll want to bring lightweight, breathable clothes for lounging on the pool deck, grabbing lunch at the buffet, or participating in daytime activities. Bring a couple of bathing suits and cover-ups so you always have a dry one ready, along with plenty of cover-ups for walking between your cabin, the pool, and the buffets. Flip-flops or slip-on sandals are essential for moving around the ship easily, especially on those impromptu ice cream runs.

Evening Outfits

Evenings on many cruise ships can be a mixed bag. You'll have opportunities for casual dinners, themed parties, and even formal nights with strict dress codes. Some cruise lines are stricter than others, so make sure to check with your specific cruise line in advance. On formal nights, you probably won't need to go full black-tie, but having some smart-casual options, like a cocktail dress, a pair of dress pants, and a pair of dress shoes, will keep you covered for anything.

Port Day Clothes

On cruise port days, comfort and function are everything. Think sturdy, comfortable walking shoes for long excursions, sun-protective layers, and breathable fabrics that can handle heat and humidity. Some excursions involve hiking, while others involve touring religious sites or temples, so pack with variety in mind and make sure to take a look at any itineraries ahead of time.

Accessories

You may be struggling to find space in your suitcase, but this is not the time to skimp on accessories.

A wide-brimmed hat or packable sun hat is a must for lounging next to the pool. Sunglasses with UV protection are also essential, and it doesn't hurt to bring a backup pair just in case. A compact, foldable tote, beach bag, or clutch also comes in handy for evenings when you don’t want to lug a backpack around the ship.

For formal nights, statement jewellery or a sleek belt can elevate even the most basic outfit to suit the dress code. Another often overlooked item is a small travel umbrella, which is a lifesaver when an unexpected shower hits when you're exploring a port city or out on a shore excursion.

Staying Clean, Fresh, and Healthy

On many cruise lines, cabins can be tight. But that just means your personal care routine needs to be compact and efficient. Cruise lines typically provide the basics, like soap and shampoo, but seasoned cruisers know that it's best to just bring your own favourites in travel sizes to avoid frustration.

Cruise-Friendly Toiletries

Start with the essentials: your own shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a good-quality sunscreen. If you’re headed somewhere tropical, don’t forget a travel-sized bottle of after-sun lotion or aloe vera. A compact facial mist or hydrating moisturiser can also be a lifesaver after long days in the sun and sea air.

Laundry and Freshening Up

Keeping your clothes fresh is another piece of the puzzle. Cruise laundry services and laundry detergent can be pricey, so bringing some laundry supplies with you can help stretch your wardrobe. Things like stain remover pens, wrinkle-release spray, and a small laundry bag can help you manage your outfits between wears. It's also worth packing quick-drying fabrics, making it easy to wash and dry certain garments in your cabin if you're in a pinch.

Mini First-Aid Kit

You'll definitely want to bring a mini first-aid kit with the basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, bug spray, and any personal medications.

Hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes are also good to bring on a cruise, where thousands of people touch the same surfaces all day. A quick wipe-down of tray tables, door handles, and lounge chairs can help prevent the spread of germs while also helping you feel a bit cleaner.

And if you're prone to seasickness, make sure to pack preventative medication or motion bands so you’re not stuck feeling woozy while everyone else is out enjoying the sun and cocktails.

Tech and Connectivity Gear

Yes, you'll want to disconnect from the world when you're on your cruise. But there are still a few tech essentials worth bringing to keep you entertained and at least reachable.

Chargers and Adapters

First up are chargers and adapters. Cruise cabins are notoriously stingy with power outlets, so a multi-port USB hub is a smart addition to your packing list. You may also want to check your cruise line's tech policies to see what you're allowed to bring (some allow surge-protected power strips, while others don't). Either way, having a way to charge multiple devices at once is crucial if you’re travelling with phones, tablets, or portable speakers. 

If you're planning to do a few excursions, make sure to bring some portable battery packs or power banks to keep your phone charged while you're out exploring.

Stay Connected at Sea and Port Cities

To keep yourself entertained, preload your devices with everything you need before you set sail. This is the time to download any playlists, shows, or e-books you want to have on board. Streaming onboard can be hit or miss, with some cruise ships even charging extra for faster internet speeds.

For navigating port cities, having a travel eSIM like ZenSim is super helpful for finding cheap eats, translating menus on the fly, or checking in with friends and family. Plus, you can activate your plan ahead of time and skip the hassle of finding Wi-Fi at a random café or having to purchase a physical SIM when you dock.

Must-Have Cruise Extras

Beyond the basics, a few well-chosen extras can really elevate your cruise experience. These are the small things that can make a huge difference.

Carry-On Bag for Day One

On the day you board your ship at the departure port, make sure to pack your carry-on luggage strategically. This is because your room with your checked luggage may not be ready yet, but you'll still want to enjoy all the facilities on the ship. When packing your carry-on, throw in a bathing suit, a pair of flip flops, sunscreen, and even your phone charger so you can fully enjoy your first day while you wait for your room and luggage to be ready. Bonus points if your carry-on bag has clear or mesh pockets to make it easy to locate your items.

Reusable Water Bottle and Snacks

Reusable water bottles are a non-negotiable when packing for a cruise. Most cruise ships have plenty of water refill stations scattered throughout the ship, and having your own bottle saves you from having to buy water at the onboard shops (while also reducing plastic waste). It's also nice to throw in a few snacks to keep on hand for long shore days when lunch options might be delayed or limited.

Day Bag for Port Excursions

Another non-negotiable is a dedicated day bag for excursions and exploring port cities. Even if you're just hitting the beach, you'll still want to have a small bag to carry all your essentials, like your towel, water bottle, sunscreen, ID, and perhaps a dry change of clothes. Even a foldable, lightweight tote can make all the difference.

Personal Entertainment

Cruises are jam-packed with loads of entertainment and things to do, but you'll also have plenty of downtime. Save room in your bag for a paperback book (and night light!), portable video game system, e-reader, or travel journal so you'll always have something to do on quiet afternoons or evenings.

First-Time Cruiser? You Need to Read These Tips

Packing for a cruise for the very first time feels a lot like solving a puzzle. Here are a few smart strategies to make packing a (sea) breeze.

Think in Layers

Even if your itinerary takes you to sunny shores, cruise ships are air-conditioned and can get chilly, especially in the dining rooms and theatres. Don't forget to pack a light cardigan or hoodie to keep you warm. A nice scarf can double as a blanket on deck while also keeping you warm indoors.

Mix and Match Items to Make Multiple Outfits

To save space in your luggage, choose a few core colours and build your wardrobe around them so you can mix and match. Think neutral tones and versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. You'll also want to bring a mix of athletic and dress socks, so you're prepared to go from a rugged day trip to your five-star dining reservations.

Be Smart About Your Luggage

When it comes to luggage, soft-sided bags are often easier to stow under beds or in narrow closets than hard-shell suitcases. Packing cubes can also help you stay organised when separating swimwear from dinner attire and dirty clothes from clean clothes.

Get Organised

Tools like magnetic hooks are a lifesaver on a cruise. Cruise ship cabin walls are usually metal, so bring some hooks with you to hang throughout your cabin. This gives you some extra space to hang swimsuits, hats, and lanyards so they don't end up on the cabin floor.

Towel clips, foldable pop-up hampers, and over-the-door organisers are also helpful for keeping your cabin tidy, especially on longer voyages.

It's also a good idea to invest in a quality waterproof phone case, just in case!

Stay Connected Wherever You Dock

The real MVP of your cruise, though, is a travel eSIM (like ZenSIM), which provides you with mobile data the moment your ship docks at a new port or cruise destination. No SIM card swaps. No hunting for a restaurant with Wi-Fi. And no surprise roaming bills.

That means you'll be able to do it all — check maps, book last-minute tours, or order a taxi right from the port to the city centre — in every country along your journey.

Cruise Like a Pro

Packing for a cruise really is a mindset. It's about setting yourself up for the most relaxed, enjoyable version of your holiday. With the right essentials and a few smart extras, you’ll avoid common headaches and be ready for everything the high seas (and exciting ports) throw your way.

Yes, ticking everything off your cruise packing list can feel like a lot. But short-term pain = long-term gain.