What Should You Pack for a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Pack your required travel documents, prescription medications in original bottles, comfortable daytime clothing, smart-casual and elevated evening outfits, 2 to 3 swimsuits, comfortable walking sneakers, sandals, toiletries, reef-safe sunscreen, chargers, and destination-specific layering. Keep essential documents, medication, valuables, and first-day pool wear in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.

Your carry-on should contain everything you need before your checked luggage is delivered to your stateroom (which can take until late afternoon). Essential items include your passport, SetSail pass, travel insurance documents, prescription medications, jewelry, phone and chargers, a change of clothes, a swimsuit, flip-flops, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Yes, and you absolutely should! Having your swimsuit, cover-up, flip-flops, and sunglasses in your carry-on allows you to immediately enjoy the pools, whirlpools, or Solarium upon boarding while other passengers wait hours for checked luggage delivery.

No. Royal Caribbean strictly prohibits clothes irons due to maritime fire safety regulations. If an iron is found in your luggage, it will be confiscated until the end of the cruise. Instead, bring travel-sized wrinkle release spray, hang garments in the bathroom while taking a hot shower, or use onboard laundry and pressing services.

No. Handheld garment steamers are also classified as heat-producing appliances and are prohibited across the Royal Caribbean fleet. Packing one will cause your luggage to be flagged and delayed at terminal security.

Standard household surge-protected power strips and multi-plug extension cords are strictly prohibited because surge protectors can interfere with ship electrical distribution systems. However, non-surge multi-USB charging hubs and approved travel adapters without surge protection are generally permitted.

You do not need 14 distinct outfits for 7 days. Plan around a versatile capsule wardrobe: 6 to 8 tops, 3 to 4 bottoms, 2 to 3 evening outfits (or dresses), 2 to 3 swimsuits, and 3 pairs of shoes. Mixing and matching neutral colors cuts luggage weight by half while providing plenty of stylish combinations.

Follow Angela Hughes' 3-shoe rule: 1 pair of comfortable walking/running sneakers (essential for shore excursions and onboard sports like the rock wall and ice rink), 1 pair of pool/beach sandals or flip-flops, and 1 versatile pair of evening dress shoes or wedges. Only pack specialty shoes if your itinerary specifically demands them.

Daytime is casual and comfortable: shorts, sundresses, t-shirts, polo shirts, and swimwear with cover-ups. Evenings in the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants transition to casual, smart-casual (collared shirts, slacks, dresses), or formal wear depending on the night's scheduled theme.

Formal night (or 'Wear Your Best' night) is completely optional. If you enjoy dressing up in a suit, tuxedo, cocktail dress, or evening gown, you will find plenty of fellow cruisers doing the same. If you prefer to stay casual, you can dine at the Windjammer buffet or casual cafes where formal dress codes do not apply.

Prioritize breathable natural fibers (linen, lightweight cotton), multiple swimsuits, UV rashguards, reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a sun hat, pool slides, a lightweight waterproof dry-bag for catamaran tours, and a light sweater or shawl for air-conditioned indoor dining rooms.

Alaska demands a 3-layer system: moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating fleece or lightweight down jacket, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell. Add comfortable waterproof walking shoes, wool socks, a beanie, touchscreen gloves, and compact binoculars for glacier and wildlife viewing.

Yes. Even in the Caribbean or Bahamas, ship interiors like the Royal Theater, Studio B ice rink, and Main Dining Room are heavily air-conditioned and can feel quite chilly. A lightweight cardigan, denim jacket, or pashmina wrap is an essential evening accessory.

Yes, we recommend bringing at least 2 or 3 swimsuits. In humid ocean environments, swimwear takes hours to dry. Having a second and third suit ensures you never have to pull on cold, damp swimwear before heading to the pool deck or private island.

Pack all daily prescription medications in their original pharmacy-labeled bottles with a 3-to-5 day surplus in case of travel delays. In addition, include basic over-the-counter remedies: motion sickness medication (meclizine or acupressure sea-bands), pain relievers, antacids, cold medicine, band-aids, and aloe vera for sunburns.