Cruise Packing Checklist PDF: Free Printable List

A packing checklist is only useful if it is quick to print, easy to mark and specific enough to catch the things people actually forget. Download the free cruise packing checklist PDF below, then adapt it to your itinerary, airline and cabin.

This page is the scannable companion to the full guide on what to pack for a cruise, which explains the reasoning behind each decision. Swan Hellenic guests also receive a recommended packing list for their destination before departure; where that list is more precise, follow it.

The printable list is built for a seven-day cruise, with a separate supplement for polar and remote expedition voyages. Print one copy for planning and a second for the final check before you leave.

Two habits make the list work. Mark an item only once it is in the correct bag, not when you set it aside. Use a different mark for anything still to be bought, charged, washed or collected on the morning of departure, so a nearly packed item is never mistaken for a finished one.

Keep these in your carry-on, never in a bag that may be delayed or checked at the gate.

• •Passport and any required visas
• •Cruise confirmation, boarding documents and flight details
• •Travel insurance and emergency-assistance information
• •Required health forms, vaccination records or fitness documents
• •Prescription medication in labeled packaging
• •Enough medication for the trip plus a sensible delay margin
• •Copies of prescriptions and important medical information
• •Payment cards, limited local currency and emergency contacts
• •

Checked luggage may reach the cabin several hours after you do. Pack the first part of the day as though the suitcase will not be there.

• •Passport, boarding documents and valuables
• •Prescription medication and essential health items
• •Phone, charging cable and portable charger
• •A light sweater, jacket or weather layer
• •Basic toiletries
• •Swimwear if you plan to use the pool or spa
• •One change of underwear and a clean top
• •Fragile camera equipment and other electronics
• •Reusable bottle if one is not supplied

For a seven-day voyage, pack coordinated pieces rather than seven separate outfits. Adjust quantities for laundry access, climate and excursions.

• •Five daytime tops or shirts
• •Three or four trousers, shorts or skirts
• •One or two casual evening combinations
• •Underwear and sleepwear
• •Swimwear and a cover-up
• •Comfortable walking shoes
• •Lightweight shoes for onboard use
• •Socks suited to walking and the climate
• •Sun hat and sunglasses
• •

• •Travel adapter correct for the embarkation region and the ship’s guidance
• •Manufacturer-approved charging cables and plugs
• •Small waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• •Earplugs and eye mask
• •Packing cubes or simple organizers
• •Small laundry bag
• •Reusable shopping or day bag
• •Travel-size toiletries and personal-care products
• •Notebook and pen for briefings, wildlife notes and port information

• •Phone or camera
• •Memory cards or storage device
• •Camera charger and protected spare batteries
• •Lens cloth and weather protection
• •Binoculars, or confirmation that they are supplied for your voyage
• •Headphones
• •Power bank, carried in hand luggage

Spare lithium batteries and power banks must travel in the aircraft cabin rather than in checked baggage. Protect the terminals and check the operating airline’s watt-hour and quantity limits.

Add this section for Antarctica, the Arctic and other exposed or remote destinations, alongside the destination-specific list supplied for your voyage.

• •Moisture-wicking thermal base layers
• •Insulating fleece, wool sweater or technical mid-layer
• •Waterproof over-trousers
• •Warm gloves or mittens with liners, plus a spare pair
• •Windproof hat covering the ears
• •Neck gaiter or other close-fitting neck protection
• •Warm, moisture-managing socks
• •Polarized or high-UV-protection sunglasses
• •High-protection sunscreen for exposed conditions

Check what is already provided before buying bulky outer equipment. Swan Hellenic’s published voyage inclusions state that guests receive a waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle to keep. On polar voyages, a branded expedition parka is provided to keep and rubber boots are supplied for use during the voyage.

• •Irons, kettles and other unapproved heating appliances
• •Clothes steamers, unless the operator’s current policy explicitly permits them
• •Surge-protected power strips
• •Weapons, illegal substances and anything restricted at a destination
• •Spare lithium batteries or power banks in checked luggage
• •Bulky towels, bedding or cabin items already supplied
• •Duplicate parkas, boots or backpacks provided with the voyage
• •Excessive formalwear when the ship has a relaxed dress code
• •

The ship, the airline and each destination apply their own restrictions, so review all three rather than treating one prohibited-items list as universal.

One checked suitcase and one carry-on cover a seven-day cruise for many travelers. Expedition equipment and multi-climate routes may justify more, though the airline allowance and any included or charter flights may impose stricter limits than the ship. Leave room on the outward journey for items provided to keep, and weigh every bag before departure. Allowances, size limits and bag strategy are covered in full in the guide to cruise luggage rules.

Yes. Download the PDF on this page, then check it against the operator’s current travel guide and any requirements specific to your destination.

Documents and medication, coordinated clothing, walking and onboard shoes, a weather layer, cabin essentials, charging equipment and anything your excursions require. Laundry access may let you reduce clothing quantities.

For many travelers, one checked suitcase and one carry-on are enough for a seven-day voyage. Expedition gear or multi-climate routes may justify more, though flights and transfers can allow less than the ship, so pack to the lowest confirmed limit on your journey.

Commonly prohibited items include irons, kettles and other unapproved heating appliances, and many operators also prohibit clothes steamers. Surge-protected power strips, weapons and anything restricted at a destination may also be barred. Spare lithium batteries and power banks belong in hand luggage rather than checked bags. Check the current rules for your ship before packing.

Thermal layers, waterproof trousers, warm gloves, a windproof hat, neck protection, suitable socks, high-UV sunglasses and protection for electronics. Confirm which parka, boots, backpack and bottle are supplied before buying duplicates.

No. Prescription medication, documents, valuables and spare lithium batteries belong in the bag that stays with you, since checked luggage can be delayed or gate-checked without warning.