Packing for a cruise is its own kind of puzzle - part resort vacation, part European city tour (Or Caribbean adventure, or South Pacific dreamy island hop!), part dress-up dinner party at sea. You need outfits that work on a sun-soaked pool deck and make sense walking through cobblestone streets. Something easy for a lazy breakfast, something polished for formal night, and always enough options that you don’t feel stuck wearing the same sundress five days in a row. 

This is everything you’ll want in your suitcase for a summer cruise - from breezy daytime staples to night-out heels that actually work on a moving ship.

5  Must-Pack Items You Might Not Have Thought Of:

1. International Plug Adapter with USB Ports

Cruise cabins aren’t all built the same - and outlets can be scarce. A universal adapter that accommodates multiple plug types plus USB ports means you can charge phone, camera, and hot tools from a single socket. If your cruise has shore excursions in different countries, this doubles as your in‑cabin and on‑shore lifeline. Bring two if you run on as many devices as I do - one for the cabin, one for the pool bar.

If you have a lot of electronics you need to keep charged (cameras, watches, phones, laptops, headphones, gopros... they all add up quick!), OR if you always use hot tools on your hair that need additional plugs, buy two. What's great about an international converter is that you can use the same one for all the different plug styles around the world. 

2. Reef‑Safe Sunscreen in Travel Size

Ocean days aren’t like pool days - salt water reflects extra UV, and you’ll burn faster than you think. Pack a travel‑size tube of reef‑safe SPF 50+ for body and a tinted face formula that won’t pill under makeup. Slip both into your day bag so you never have to hunt the ship’s shop for sunscreen when you hit the deck.

3. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Cabin parties, sunrise on deck, beach days ashore - you’ll want a soundtrack. A compact, waterproof speaker that straps onto a railing or beach chair keeps the good vibes rolling. Bonus points if it doubles as a hands‑free speakerphone during video calls home.

4. Slim Garment Bag + Packing Cubes

Formal nights and shore‑side dinners deserve crease‑free pieces. 

How to pack like a professional: Layer dresses and blouses on slim velvet hangers inside a fold‑flat garment bag - tuck it along the bottom of your suitcase. Then use packing cubes for everything else - swimwear, separates, undergarments - to keep your cabin closet and drawers organized. You’ll unpack in minutes, not hours.

5. Extra‑Long Phone Charger Cable

Cruise stateroom outlets are rarely next to the bed - and one short cable means fighting for that single plug. A 6‑ to 10‑foot cable lets you charge from anywhere - bedside, desk, even in the hallway nook - so your phone’s topped off before shore excursions or late‑night deck walks.

Daytime Looks For Cruising, Lounging Or Excursions:

1. Swimsuits

It doesn't matter if you're sailing the Caribbean or down a river in Europe, between pools, hot tubs, and days out, always pack more than you think you'll need! Choose one that’s sleek and sporty for swimming or excursions, and one that makes a statement for lounging with a spritz in hand.

Go Classic:

Go Bold:

2. Swim Cover-ups or Kaftans

An easy layer you can throw on and walk to the buffet in without looking like you just rolled out of your beach chair. Opt for gauze, crochet, or airy cotton - anything breathable that won’t cling in the heat or feel like a burden to carry.

3. Daytime Separates and Matching Sets

Think breezy tanks, high-waisted shorts, or wide-leg linen pants. Prioritize light fabrics like cotton, linen, or modal that keep you cool but still hold some shape. You want effortless, not sloppy

4. Day Dresses

Pack a couple of low-maintenance dresses that work for exploring towns, grabbing lunch, or sipping wine on deck. Bias-cut slips, tiered sundresses, or button-front midis are perfect - no heavy fabrics or fussy designs.

   

5. Comfortable Shoes

You need a few pairs of shoes, but make smart choices with the right combination of cute and wearable - slides or chunky sandals for onboard, sneakers, ankle strap low block heels, leather sandals, or walkable espadrilles for shore days, and a classic thong sandals for the pool or beach. If they can’t survive cobblestone streets or five rounds of shuffleboard, leave them behind.

 6. Summer Sun Accessories

You’ll be living in the sun, so come prepared. Bring oversized sunglasses with real UV protection, a wide-brim hat or packable visor to keep your face shaded, and a lightweight scarf that can double as a headband, shawl, or accessory. Toss it all into a beach-ready tote that can handle sunscreen spills and salty air without falling apart.

Evening & Dinner Wear

1. Dresses or Pants sets for Fancy Dinners

Pack two or three solid go-to dresses - one little black dress, one breezy wrap or slip dress, and one with a bit more drama in case your ship hosts a formal night. Think of these as your “just in case” outfits that still pack light and wear well.

2. Light Layers for Cool Nights & Air Conditioning

Ocean wind is no joke after sunset, and indoor AC cranks hard. Bring a light cardigan, soft wrap, or cropped blazer to layer over your dinner look. You’ll be glad you did.

3. Fun, Flirty Evening Accessories

A few well-chosen pieces go a long way. Statement earrings, layered gold necklaces, and one versatile clutch or crossbody keep your look elevated. Don’t bother with bulky bags or anything you’ll end up leaving in your cabin.

4. Dinner And Night Out Heels

Cruise nights call for a little extra height - but not at the expense of your sanity. Leave the stilettos at home and pack heels you can actually dance in, walk in, and survive the ship’s swaying decks in.

Block Heels or Wedges – Sturdy, flattering, and far easier to walk in on a moving ship. Look for neutral tones that go with multiple outfits.

Heeled Sandals – A simple ankle-strap or slide-style sandal with a low to mid heel works for dinners, shows, and cocktails without killing your feet.

Something That Sparks Joy – Bring one fun pair just for you. Maybe it’s metallic, maybe it’s rhinestoned, maybe it’s totally impractical and makes you smile. If you’re going to dress up, enjoy it.

What to Skip

• Overly complicated outfits that need ironing or dry cleaning – there won’t be time or space.
• Excessive sneakers – one good pair is enough; prioritize comfort and style.
• Heavy sweaters or bulky jackets – they’ll take up space and rarely get used.

Extras That Matter

Workout gear  

If you plan on hitting the gym or doing yoga, pack lightweight, moisture‑wicking sets. Bonus if they double as casual wear.

Sleepwear 

Comfortable and breathable. Think soft cotton or modal sets.

Undergarments

 Bring enough to add up to double the days on the ship - no matter how many times you change from outfit, to bathing suit, to another outfit, you always have a fresh pair. Since they take up so little room and weight, there's no reason not too! Laundry options vary by ship.

Things You Might Forget

Even the most seasoned packer can blank on the small stuff. Don’t let these essentials slip your mind:

• Double-sided sticky bra inserts or adhesive bras - Perfect under dresses and tops that make wearing a bra a challenge, and the best for us small chested girls that want to add a little extra to our bathing suits and tops - with no risk of a pad falling out.
• Lightweight scarf - Doubles as a head wrap, sarong, or impromptu picnic blanket.
• Belt or sash - Instantly updates day dresses or cinches oversized shirts.
• Jewelry pouch - Keeps delicate pieces from tangling in your bag.
• Portable steamer or wrinkle-release spray - Because even wrinkle‑resistant fabrics aren’t foolproof.
• Extra hair ties and bobby pins - They vanish faster than you think.
• Small laundry detergent packets - Handy if you need a quick wash in the sink, I always keep a couple of these in my travel flight kit and they come in handy so often. 
• Lint roller - Pet hair, lint or dust, stay polished.
• Emergency flats - Foldable ballet flats that slip into your purse for sudden dress‑up occasions.