Packing for a cruise doesn’t need to be stressful — it just needs to be smart.
Leaving the Port for the stroll into town
After several cruises, from the Mediterranean to the South Pacific, we’ve learned what’s worth bringing… and what’s better left at home.
On our most recent Mediterranean cruise, we were travelling light — just carry-on bags and limited space — so we had to be intentional with every item we packed. The goal? Travel simply yet still have everything we need for a smooth and comfortable trip.
In this post, we’re sharing our go-to cruise essentials — the items that made our days at sea easier, our cabin more comfortable, and our port days more enjoyable. It’s not a comprehensive list — just the gear that’s earned a permanent spot in our bags.
Whether you’re heading off on your first cruise or looking to refine your packing, we hope this guide provides a helpful head start.
️ Embarkation Day Must-Haves
The first day of a cruise can be busy — between boarding, exploring the ship, and waiting for your luggage to arrive, it’s essential to have a few key items on hand. Here’s what we pack in our embarkation day kit to make that first afternoon stress-free:
Printed Cruise Documents – Even if you have digital copies, we recommend bringing printed versions of boarding passes, luggage tags, and insurance information — just in case Wi-Fi or mobile access is patchy.
Travel Wallet and Document Pouch – Keeps your passports, ID, insurance, and credit cards organised and together.
Cruise Card Lanyards – Not everyone uses them, but we find lanyards make it easy to keep your cruise card accessible, especially on embarkation day when you’re in and out of your cabin.
Luggage Tags (Cruise Specific) – We recommend printing and attaching your cruise line’s tags before arriving at the port. Reusable tag holders are a significant investment.
We use waterproof plastic tag sleeves that clip on easily — no staples or tape needed.
Refillable Water Bottle – Handy while waiting to board and valuable throughout the cruise. Some ships allow you to refill them at buffet stations or designated taps.
Day Bag or Carry-On Tote – This is the bag you’ll bring on board with all the essentials above. Choose something spacious enough to hold your documents, tech, water bottle, and any other essentials you’ll need access to before your luggage arrives.
Later on, we switch to a smaller cross-body or anti-theft bag to carry just the essentials around the ship, such as glasses and a phone.
️ Cabin Cruise Essentials
Cruise cabins are compact, so bringing a few thoughtful extras can make your space feel more functional and relaxing. These are the items we pack to help us settle in and make the most of our time on board.
Travel Adapter & Multi-Port USB Charger – Since many cabins only have one or two power points, a compact hub for phones, watches, and other devices is a lifesaver.
Just check your cruise line’s policy — surge-protected boards may not be allowed, but USB-only chargers usually are.
Magnetic Hooks – Since many cabin walls are metal, magnetic hooks are ideal for hanging hats, lanyards, or lightweight jackets without cluttering the small space.
Foldable Laundry Bag – We pack a small laundry bag just for underwear and lightweight clothing. It keeps things tidy without occupying much space.
Foldable Tote – A lightweight bag is excellent for carrying swimwear, robes, or a book to the spa or thermal area. It’s also handy for sea days, beach days or laundry runs.
Tip for Suite Guests: Many cruise lines — including MSC’s Aurea Experience and other suite-level packages — include extras like robes and slippers in the cabin. That’s one less thing to pack!
Want to know what was included in our MSC Aurea experience? Watch our review here.
Sea Day Comforts
Enjoying a coffee in the fresh air
Sea days are for slowing down — lounging, reading, sipping coffee, or just watching the ocean go by. These are the little extras we pack that make sea days feel like a retreat.
Phone or E-Reader – We usually read or unwind using our phones — whether it’s a book, a podcast, or a downloaded travel video.
Want to take a break from your phone screen? A Kindle or other e-reader is a great alternative that saves space and offers a more relaxed, paper-like reading experience. Amazon
Reusable Coffee Cup – On local cruises where space isn’t an issue, we often bring a thermal mug to fill with coffee or tea and take to a quiet spot on deck.
On longer international trips or carry-on-only sailings, we usually leave these at home to save space.
Comfortable Wrap or Lightweight Cardigan – Even in warmer climates, indoor areas can become cool with the use of air conditioning. A soft wrap or cardi is great for layering on the ship.
Slippers or Slide-On Shoes – Easy to slip on when heading to the buffet or wandering the ship, especially if you’re in “sea day mode” and not quite ready for proper shoes.
Notebook or Travel Journal (new version coming soon) – Sea days are perfect for jotting down thoughts, memories, or even planning your next adventure.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earbuds – Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or just blocking out background noise, a good set of headphones makes downtime more relaxing.
Couples’ Tip: If you’re craving a peaceful moment, don’t worry — there are quiet corners on most ships that many passengers overlook. From tucked-away lounges to deck chairs away from the pool, they’re easier to find than you might think. Explore early and find a spot that’s just right for you.
Grab the Printable Cruise Essentials Checklist
Want to take this list with you? Download our free one-page Cruise Essentials Packing List — it’s the exact checklist we used on our Mediterranean cruise.
Download the printable here
️ Port Day Essentials
Piazza del Ferrari
Port days are often the highlight of a cruise — whether you’re strolling through a seaside town, climbing to a viewpoint (even if it surprises you!), or enjoying a pizza by the water. These are the essentials we bring to stay comfortable, safe, and ready for whatever the day brings.
Daypack or Crossbody Bag – A secure, comfortable bag is a must. We use an anti-theft crossbody with RFID protection — it keeps valuables safe while staying light enough for a full day out.
Compact Umbrella or Foldable Raincoat – Even on sunny cruises, weather can shift. A lightweight umbrella or packable raincoat doesn’t take up much room and has saved us more than once.
Refillable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is key, especially if you’re walking a lot. We refill before leaving the ship — some bottles even include filters for added peace of mind.
Sunglasses, Hat & Sunscreen – The basics, but easy to forget! Especially in warmer ports, sun protection is essential.
Comfortable Walking Shoes – We’ve learned this one the hard way. Cobblestones, hills, or longer-than-expected walks mean good shoes can make or break your day.
Phone with Offline Maps or eSIM – We download offline maps before heading out. If you prefer to stay connected, an international eSIM is a great way to get data without using ship Wi-Fi or roaming.
Tissues or Travel Wipes – Many public restrooms lack paper or soap — travel-sized packs have saved us more than once.
Couples’ Tip: Port days are best done on your terms. It doesn’t have to be about ticking off top sights — often the best moments come from wandering, finding a café, or just soaking in the atmosphere. Travel in a way that suits you.
Cruise Essentials Final Thoughts
Exploring the upper Decks on the MSC World Europa
Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs to reflect how you travel. We hope this list helps you feel more prepared and gives you a few new ideas to make your next cruise smoother and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re heading off on your very first cruise or refining your system after a few trips, packing smart can make all the difference. Choose what fits your travel style, skip what doesn’t, and most of all — enjoy the journey together.
We’d Love to Hear From You
We’ve had to turn off blog comments due to ongoing spam, but we still love hearing from fellow travellers!
If you’ve a favourite travel item, a packing question, or a suggestion we should try, feel free to send us an email or message us on YouTube. We’re always happy to connect, share what’s worked for us, and learn from others as well.
Thanks for being part of our journey!
More from Sapphire Blue Travel
Watch the Video
Want to see some of these items in action? In this YouTube video, we share what we actually packed for our Mediterranean cruise — what worked, what didn’t, and what we’d change next time.
Related Blog Posts You Might Like
Packing for a Winter Mediterranean Cruise – What We Got Right (and Wrong)
A Winter Escape on MSC World Europa
Relaxed Cruise Port Days – Civitavecchia, Genoa & More (still to come)
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