What to pack for a cruise
The short answer
Put medications, documents and one change of clothes in your carry-on — checked bags can take hours to reach your cabin. Pack comfortable shoes with grip, a warm layer, and any mobility aid you use at home.Free guide2 min readUpdated September 2026
In your carry-on
- All medications, with a few extra days' supply
- Passport or ID, cruise documents, insurance card
- A written list of your medications and your doctor's number
- Glasses, hearing aids and chargers
- One change of clothes
In your suitcase
- Comfortable shoes with good grip
- A warm layer and a light rain jacket
- One dressier outfit if your line has dressy nights
- A small folding cane or travel chair if you use one
More on medicines: medications on a cruise.
Rather talk it through? Kathryn Lyn answers the phone.
Call (239) 357-0814Things people often forget
- A written list of medications and doses
- Chargers for hearing aids, phones and other devices
- A spare pair of glasses
- A light sweater for air-conditioned rooms
- A small bag for days ashore
- Copies of your passport or ID and insurance card, kept apart from the originals
What to wear, line by line
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Holland America Line | Smart casual in the dining rooms, with Dressy Nights | September 21, 2026 |
| Princess Cruises | Casual most nights, with a number of formal dining nights | September 21, 2026 |
| Celebrity Cruises | Casual chic, with Smart Casual in the evening | September 21, 2026 |
| Cunard Line | Smart attire most nights, with gala evenings | September 21, 2026 |
| Viking | Casual by day, “elegant casual” in the evening, and no formal nights | September 21, 2026 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Cruise casual, and no mandatory formal nights | September 21, 2026 |
Doing laundry on board
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean International | No self-service laundry — washing, pressing and dry cleaning only | September 21, 2026 |
| MSC Cruises | Laundry Service Packages — up to 40 items per cabin per cruise | September 21, 2026 |
| Celebrity Cruises | Laundry packages, or pay per item | September 21, 2026 |
| Disney Cruise Line | Full service laundry, plus free 24-hour self-service machines | September 21, 2026 |
| Holland America Line | Full laundry and dry cleaning on every ship, for a fee | September 21, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | Full laundry service, but no self-service launderette | September 21, 2026 |
| Viking | Free self-service launderettes; laundry service free on some stateroom categories | September 24, 2026 |
| Cunard Line | Full laundry service for a fee, plus self-service launderettes | September 24, 2026 |
Common questions
Questions, answered.
The questions people ask most. Tap one to open it, or open them all and read straight down.
2 questions on this page
What should older ladies wear on a cruise?
Whatever is comfortable and fits the line's dress code. Most lines are casual by day and smart casual at dinner; some have dressier nights. Good-grip shoes and a light layer matter most.
Should I put my prescription medication in my checked bag?
No. Keep all medication in your carry-on, with a few extra days' supply. Checked bags can take hours to reach your cabin.