Top Cruise Essentials To Pack For A Weekend Getaway
By Zachary Laks | Published on July 7, 2025
Your weekend cruise is booked — now let’s pack smart. This isn’t a beach trip; it’s a whirlwind of ocean adventures, onboard fun and port excursions. Every minute counts, so organization is key. Your cruise essentials packing list should include versatile outfits, comfy shoes, sunscreen and a few upscale evening looks.
In this guide, you’ll find must-have cruise necessities, expert insights for stateroom comforts, what to carry on and items to leave at home. Check off each item below and get ready to sail away for an unforgettable weekend.
Your Essential Weekend Cruise Packing Checklist
Here’s a handy cruise packing list to help with shorter cruises, including all the must-haves for fun, exploring and relaxing on your weekend getaway.
What To Consider When Packing For A Weekend Cruise
- ID for every guest: A government-issued ID or passport (US citizens born in the US can present a state-certified birth certificate) will always be at the top of a list of cruise ship must-haves. Visit Royal Caribbean’s helpful Travel Documents hub for more details on ID requirements, especially for what you need for minors, age 17 and under.
- Royal App: Download the Royal Caribbean app before you set sail, and you’ll be able to plan your vacation, check in for your cruise and easily present your boarding pass when you arrive at the port. The app is a one-stop mobile companion for every phase of your cruise.
- Credit card and cash: Once you link a credit card to your onboard account, your SeaPass card becomes your one-tap payment solution for all spending onboard and at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay (including the onboard casino). You load your credit card information at check-in. Bring cash to tip at least $2 per bag for your ground-based porter if you plan to check your bags at the cruise terminal.
- Medications: All medications should be in your cruise carry-on bag in their original containers. Pack at least three days of extra medication in case of an unexpected change in the voyage itinerary.
- Wi-Fi and Devices: Royal Caribbean offers fast internet packages with options to add multiple devices per stateroom to help you stay connected. Bring chargers, and consider a multi-port USB charger, as no surge protectors are allowed.
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Clothing List
- Outfits: Planning what to wear is one of the most fun parts of preparing for your cruise. Pack two to three casual daytime outfits for various activities, including lounging poolside, enjoying the ship’s bars and restaurants and exploring a port. Plan for shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops and cover-ups.
- Evening looks: Pack at least two smart casual looks for nights on the ship, with pants preferred over shorts. Royal Caribbean’s weekend sailings include one formal night on the second night of sailing. For this special evening, your best threads are encouraged (think suit and tie, tuxedo, cocktail dress or evening gown).
- Swimsuits: Two is ideal, so one can dry.
- Lightweight jacket or sweater: Depending on the time of year, it can get chilly out on deck at night. Come prepared with a light layer.
- Undergarments and sleepwear: Bring enough for each day away, plus one extra as a back-up.
- Flip-flops/sandals and active shoes: You’ll want comfortable, beach-friendly shoes for exploring the ship and enjoying the pool deck. Active, closed-toe shoes come in handy for the select activities onboard that require proper footwear.
- Workout clothes: Your ship will feature a state-of-the-art fitness center with classes such as yoga, Pilates, spinning, sculpting and more.
Toiletries
Your stateroom will have towels, shampoo, body wash and hair dryers. If you forget anything, head to the ship’s onboard convenience store and specialty boutiques where you’ll find travel amenities like toiletries, sundries and souvenirs (and a great way to use onboard ship credit).
Important note regarding aerosol cans: Aerosol cans for personal grooming products like hairspray, sunscreen and deodorant are allowed onboard Royal Caribbean ships. If you’re flying to your cruise, you'll have to adhere to the TSA's guidelines for carry-on luggage. Avoid the hassle by checking a bag on your flight with your aerosol products.
Toiletries to consider include:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Hairbrush/comb.
- Hairspray/hair gel.
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion.
- Deodorant.
- Razor.
- Makeup and makeup remover.
- Wrinkle-release spray (irons and clothes steamers are prohibited).
What To Pack For A Cruise Carry-On
Your embarkation day carry-on bag is your go-to, dependable bag that should house your travel documents (most notably your ID, as you will need that for check-in at the terminal), swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, medications and valuables. Once you check your bags curbside at the terminal, you won’t see them for a few hours until they arrive outside your stateroom door.
On embarkation day, you’ll want to arrive at the ship during your designated boarding time with a carry-on of essentials so you can get the weekend started the moment you step on the ship. You’ll likely board before accessing your stateroom or the luggage you’ve checked port-side. Consider wearing a bathing suit underneath your clothing if you’re eager to enjoy all the ship’s water sports and fun in the first few hours onboard.
Carry-on Luggage: If you’d rather not check your bags, that’s OK! You're welcome to bring a reasonable amount of luggage onto the ship. But avoid carrying too many bags to keep things easy and comfortable.
Here’s what you can carry on a cruise ship, and a few helpful items to remember to put in your bag.
- Travel documents + meds (keep these with you, not in checked luggage).
- Sunglasses and a hat.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Book, e-reader or magazines.
- Waterproof phone pouch.
- Device power bank.
- Sea sickness remedies (wristbands, Dramamine).
- Lanyard for your SeaPass card.
- A small first aid kit.
- Ziplock bags (for wet swimsuits, snacks and organizing).
- A portable fan if you run warm, especially for port days.
How To Pack For A Shorter Cruise
If you’re new to cruising and seeking first-time tips, or this is your first weekend cruise, pack with the outlook that less is more. You’ll be glad you did. Versatility is key here as multipurpose outfits and layered clothing help to transition from cruise activities like lounging poolside to enjoying a cocktail at one of the ship’s many bars and lounges.
Packing cubes can be game-changers in staying organized. The handy organizers are especially useful for unpacking; easily slide the cubes straight into drawers when you get to your cabin. You’ll be done in minutes, and everything stays neat and organized.
Your ship’s dress code is one of the most important packing considerations to follow, especially if you’re packing for a family cruise. Onboard, the venues and time of day determine the attire.
In general, daytimes are casual, vacation attire. Jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses all fit into the ship’s laid-back vibes. Cover-ups beyond the Pool Deck are necessary, and shorts are welcome for breakfast and lunch. Evenings are for smart casual looks, especially for dinner, and shorts are generally discouraged. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses or pantsuits.
What Are Essential Items To Bring On A Weekend Cruise?
This is your weekend getaway to paradise, and packing for shorter cruises ensures you’ll be able to relax and have fun the moment you step onboard. Plan for casual days onboard the family-friendly ships, with versatile looks that will easily allow you to transition from poolside lounging to exploring the ship’s many amenities. Some of the most popular activities at sea, like ice skating (depending on the ship), roller skating, ziplining and mountain climbing, will vary in requirements, including long pants, closed-toe shoes and ankle-high socks.
If you're traveling on an Alaskan cruise, you’ll need to prepare for a different kind of paradise. Come prepared with waterproof jackets, layers and sturdy shoes. For a closer look, check out this detailed Alaska Cruise Packing List .
picture to commemorate an unforgettable evening on the most amazing cruise you've taken to date.
Cruise Cabin Must-Haves
When considering what to pack for your cruise cabin, think of it as your home for the weekend. Pack efficiently, and you’ll maximize your time onboard while staying organized and comfortable.
Here are a few cruise cabin hacks that can help your stateroom feel more like home:
Pack…
- Magnetic hooks for hats, jewelry and other accessories.
- An over-the-door organizer for the bathroom.
- A nightlight for easily navigating the room in the dark.
And remember, your stateroom attendants are there to help ease you into your living quarters and are available for extra pillows or blankets, hangers and ice requests.
What Not To Bring On A Weekend Cruise
There are a few unnecessary extras and commonly overpacked belongings you should leave at home. The most common prohibited items include irons, candles, surge protectors and weapons.
While Royal Caribbean doesn’t have strict overpacking rules, you'll be quickly overwhelmed if you bring too much. Your stateroom will have towels, hairdryers and basic toiletries.
Pack Smart For An Easy Sailing
A weekend cruise with Royal Caribbean is the perfect quick getaway — and packing the right essentials ensures you’ll make the most of every minute. From versatile clothing and smart stateroom hacks to your carry-on must-haves, you’re now in the know and ready to start packing. Follow the checklist, pack smart and get ready to make the most of your weekend escape with Royal Caribbean.
Now that you know all the insider tips on what to pack, it’s time to make your move. Click here to start planning the perfect weekend getaway sailing near you!
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