Read time: about 3 minutes. Published 2026-01-01

Packing for a cruise is a whole different bird than packing for a hotel. Your room is cozy (that’s ship-speak for "small"), the rules are specific, and once that ship leaves the dock, there’s no popping out to the local superstore because you forgot your socks! To help you soar through embarkation, I’ve spotted the best tips to keep your suitcase – and your vacation – under control.

It’s time to board the ship! Your checked luggage could take hours to arrive at your stateroom, even if the room itself is ready early in the day. Pack a "survival" backpack with your ID/Passport (that doesn’t expire for at least 6 months), medications (I highly recommend motion sickness patches), and – perhaps most importantly – your swimsuit! There’s nothing sadder than staring at the empty pool deck because your swim trunks are trapped in the belly of the ship. You might also want a change of clothes for dinner that first night, depending on your plans (check the dress code ahead of time). A power bank for your phone is good to have too – it might be a long time before you can plug your phone in. 

Now your luggage has arrived, and it’s time to unpack and make yourself at home! Unless you splurged for a large suite, you’ll find that storage space is hard to come by. If you have nesting luggage, you’ll want to combine your empty suitcases and store them under the bed. If you brought any “just in case” items, you could leave them in the luggage to keep them out of the way. I recommend you get some good magnetic hooks – the walls are metal! This will let you hang up some things to free up valuable shelf space. Lanyards, hats, damp swimwear, etc. can all hang on the wall.

You want lights and A/C? Depending on the cruise line and ship, you might notice there’s a card holder right inside the door, and unless you leave a keycard in it, the lights and A/C don’t run. The idea behind this is to conserve energy when you’re away from the stateroom all day. The downside is that if it’s a really warm day, your stateroom can be pretty toasty when you return. But here’s the trick – it’s just a mechanical switch that can be activated by anything sturdy that fits. You can use a library card or bring a keycard from a past trip. This will keep the lights on and your stateroom cool without the risk of running off without your keycard, leaving you locked out.

A good outlet is hard to find. Your stateroom will probably be limited in the number of available outlets, and we all have a lot of things to keep charged! However, the surge protector is not the way to go – these are banned as a fire risk on almost every cruise line. Instead, bring a non-surge multi-USB hub.

It’s party time! You’re ready to cut loose, but you didn’t want to spring for the drink package. Well, depending on the ship’s alcohol policy, you might be able to bring your own wine or champagne on board. It’s typically limited to one bottle per person, but it can be a money-saver if you plan ahead.

Themed nights! Some itineraries include themed nights, and they can be a lot of fun to participate in. Some of the possibilities include a Formal night (elegant cocktail dresses, suits or even tuxedos), White Hot night (dress in all white), or even Pirate night (dress as – you guessed it – a pirate!) These are all optional, so don’t feel like you have to dress up if you don’t want to, but it can be a lot of fun!

Dress for the occasion! Keep in mind you’ll be doing a lot of different things on your cruise – lounging in the hot tub, splashing in the pool, getting your sweat on in the fitness center, attending shows, dinners, excursions, etc. I like to think through each activity and make sure I have the right outfit for everything, from the hat to the shoes!

Don’t forget to show appreciation! While most things are charged to your room card, and we always recommend the pre-paid gratuities, you’ll want to bring a stack of small bills (ones and fives). It’s perfect for tipping the porters who take your bags, the tour guides in port, or that bartender who memorizes your drink order on day one.

Ready to Sail Away? With your "survival" backpack ready and your magnetic hooks packed, you’ve officially leveled up your cruise game. Knowing these pro-tips ensures your vacation starts the moment you step into the terminal, rather than waiting hours for a suitcase to arrive. If the thought of organizing your next big adventure still feels a bit daunting, remember that Victoria and Adam specialize in the fine print. They’ll keep your travel plans on course while you enjoy the view. Bon voyage!