In short
You need less for a cruise than you think: on a short trip you hardly have to wash anything, and towels, shampoo and a hair dryer are already in the cabin. What matters is documents and medicines in your hand luggage, comfortable shoes for the ports, layers for a windy deck and one or two smart outfits for the gala evening. On boarding day your suitcase often reaches the cabin only in the evening, so keep swimwear and essentials with you.
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Reislite
What to pack for a cruise
Usually not allowed on board
Irons and steamers, kettles and immersion heaters, candles and incense, extension leads with surge protection. Rules on alcohol, drones and some other items differ by cruise line — check before you go.
Useful on Reislite
- Your first cruise — reislite.com/travel/first-cruise/
- Do I need a visa? — reislite.com/travel/practical/visa-for-your-cruise/
- How many days of leave you need — reislite.com/travel/vacation-days-calculator/
- Money and tips — reislite.com/travel/practical/money-and-tips/
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Five tips that save space
- What is already on board. Towels (beach towels too), shampoo, soap and usually a hair dryer — no need to bring your own.
- Layers instead of heavy clothes. A T-shirt, a jumper and a windproof jacket cover almost any weather in the Mediterranean or the Canaries.
- A gala evening is not black tie. A dress, or trousers with a shirt, is enough; jacket and tie are optional.
- A boarding-day bag. Your suitcase arrives in the evening, so keep everything you need for the first hours with you.
- Room for shopping. Leave a little space in the suitcase — souvenirs turn up in almost every port.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a tuxedo or an evening gown?
No. For gala evenings smart clothes are enough: a dress or a skirt and blouse, trousers and a shirt. A jacket and tie are welcome but not required. Beachwear is usually not worn in the restaurant in the evening.
Are there towels and a hair dryer in the cabin?
Almost always: cabin towels and pool or beach towels, shampoo, soap and a hair dryer. If it matters to you, check with your cruise line.
Can I do laundry on board?
Most ships have a paid laundry service, and some have self-service launderettes. Drying clothes on the balcony is usually not allowed.
Do I need a plug adapter?
It depends on the ship: many have both European and American sockets. Extension leads with surge protection are usually not allowed on board — a multi-port USB charger is the better choice.
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This list is general guidance. Each cruise line has its own rules about what you may bring on board, and document requirements depend on your passport and route.