Things to bring on a cruise ship: cruise packing list

Luggage

Last updated:  02/09/2025

The basics

To help you to decide what makes it into the case for your holiday – and what you can leave at home – we’ve put together some general cruise packing tips for holidaying with P&O Cruises. Read on to find out the essential things you need to take for a cruise holiday on our ships.

We also have a handy cruise packing list, which you can download.

Travel essentials 

Travel essentials are the most important thing you need to pack for your cruise. These include:

• Your passport  
• Travel documents such as boarding passes and insurance information  
• Entry visas you need for the destinations you’re visiting 
• Medications you take (remember to pack enough for the whole time you’re away) 

For extra peace of mind, we recommend saving digital copies of your travel documents to your smartphone or email inbox, just in case you misplace the originals. We also recommend packing travel essentials in your carry-on luggage, so you have access to them at all times.  

Currency and payment cards

Although your P&O Cruises ship is a cashless environment, if you’re sailing outside of the UK, you’ll need to think about how you’ll pay for things in the destinations you’ll be visiting.

To avoid getting charged by your bank for using your card abroad, we recommend travelling with a pre-payment card that doesn’t charge a fee for foreign transactions, and carrying some local currency with you, just in case card or digital payments aren’t accepted

On board your P&O Cruises ship, payments get charged to your cruise card, so on sea days you can just leave your cash and cards in your cabin’s safe.    

Technology and gadgets

The cabins on our ships are fitted with UK plug sockets, so if you’re travelling with a device that uses any other type of plug, you’ll need to pack an adaptor. 

If you’re planning on bringing lots of gadgets – for instance a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or fitness tracker, electric toothbrush, or an e-reader – you might find it handy to pack a USB plug with multiple ports, so you can charge a few devices at once. 

A portable charger can also be useful for keeping your phone battery topped up on days you head ashore, especially if you use your phone to take photos or map your journey.

Hygiene and beauty

We provide hand wash, body wash, and shampoo in all of our cabins, so you don’t need to worry about packing these items, unless you have a favourite brand you prefer to use.

Other hygiene and beauty items to pack for your cruise include:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste  
• Mouthwash  
• Deodorant  
• Conditioner 
• Perfume or aftershave 
• Shaving foam or gel  
• Razors 
• A hairbrush, beard brush, or comb 
• Make-up 
• Skincare products you use 

Health and wellbeing

Although our ships’ stabilisers make seasickness unlikely, it never hurts to pack seasickness bands or motion sickness medications for your cruise, so they’re there if you need them.

In some destinations, everyday medications like paracetamol aren’t widely available (or cost a lot more than at home) so you may want to pack a packet of these, plus plasters or sanitary products, just in case.

You’ll also find free water refill stations on board Arvia and Iona, so you might also want to bring a refillable water bottle with you.

Sun and insect protection

No matter where you’re travelling to, we recommend packing high-SPF sun cream to protect you from UV exposure, particularly as the sea’s glare can increase your risk of getting burnt.

For tropical destinations, such as the Caribbean, you may also want to pack insect repellent and antihistamines to offer some protection and relief against insect bites.

Bags and day packs

A small tote bag or backpack is handy for carrying sun cream, a bottle of water, or an umbrella on the days you go ashore in your destinations. It’s also a handy place to store your cruise card and phone when moving around your ship on sea days.

Consider packing a bag that’s collapsable, so it won’t take up much room in your luggage. Instead of packing this in your case, you could also use this as your carry-on bag on the day you board your P&O Cruises ship.

Cruise packing clothing tips

When choosing clothing for a cruise, it’s important to pack for the destinations you’re visiting as well as the days and nights you’re spending on board your ship.

Start with the essentials:  

• Sleepwear
• Underwear  
• Socks 

Then move on to what you’ll need on board: 

• Swimwear for the ship’s pools 
• Gym kit or workout gear for exercising or activities 
• Leisurewear for relaxing during the day 
• Eveningwear/black tie for Celebration Night 
• Some smart casual clothing options for the evenings 

Next, think about what you’ll need in your destinations 

Make sure to check the local weather forecasts before you pack, so you’re prepared with the right kind of clothing.  

If you’re sailing somewhere hot and sunny, like the Caribbean  

Consider lightweight and loose layers in cooling materials like linens and cottons as well as sunglasses and a sunhat. Even in tropical destinations, nights at sea can get chilly, so we also recommend packing a longer layer or cover-up for the evening. 

If you’re sailing somewhere cold, like Northern Europe or Norway in winter

Remember to pack thick layers like jumpers and bodywarmers, as well as a warm winter coat, scarf, hat, and gloves for the days you’re going ashore. We also recommend packing some medium to light layers, just in case you get warm on your ship.  

Don't forget to pack for your experiences ashore

Flip-flops are fine for sipping cocktails on the beach but if you're planning on taking part in active experiences like hiking or cycling, you'll need suitable shoes and clothes.  

Likewise, if you're visiting any religious sites, you may need to cover your shoulders and knees – even if the weather is hot.

Footwear and accessories

As well as what clothing to pack, you’ll also need to think about what footwear to bring.

We recommend at least one comfortable and supportive pair of shoes for walking or exercising. You’ll also need to pack something for the evening that goes with your Celebration Night outfit, and a pair of flip-flops or sandals can be useful if you plan on using your ship’s spa or pools.

What you don’t need to pack for a cruise

You’ll be pleased to know that there are some things you don’t need to bring on a cruise ship. At P&O Cruises, these include:

• Towels  
• Hair dryer 
• Shampoo, body wash, and handwash (unless you want to bring your own)

There are also some items, like travel irons and extension leads, that we ask you not to bring on board for safety - here's the full list of what not to pack for your cruise.

Still need help?

Still have questions? Our friendly Customer Contact Centre is always happy to help! Contact us on live chat today. 

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