Cruise Packing List for Canadians: The Printable Version
This is a checklist you can print or screenshot and tick off. It starts with the items that live in your carry-on, then the core wardrobe, then the add-ons that change with your route.
What goes in your carry-on on embarkation day?
Checked bags are taken at the terminal and can reach your cabin as late as mid-evening. Everything you can't be without for the first afternoon goes in your hand luggage.
- Passports for everyone, plus a photo of each photo page stored separately
- Boarding pass and luggage tags from online check-in
- Travel insurance policy number and the 24-hour assistance line
- All medication for the trip plus a few days' extra, in original containers
- Phone, charger, power bank and any glasses or contact lenses
- Swimsuit, sunscreen and a light layer for the deck at sail-away
- The credit card you'll register for your onboard account
The core wardrobe for any cruise
For a 7-night sailing, most people manage with one checked bag each by following a simple rule: daywear for half the trip, plus a way to do laundry (see self-service laundry on board).
Daytime
- Four or five casual tops and two or three pairs of shorts, trousers or skirts
- A cover-up or shirt to throw over swimwear for indoor venues
- Comfortable walking shoes that are broken in, plus sandals
- A light sweater for air-conditioned theatres and dining rooms
Evenings
- Smart-casual outfits for most nights: slacks or a nice skirt, collared shirt or blouse
- One dressier outfit for formal or "evening chic" nights (see what people wear on formal nights)
- Shoes that aren't flip-flops, since most dining rooms ask for them at dinner
The full daytime rules by venue are in what to wear on a cruise during the day.
Adjusting the list for your route
| Add this | Caribbean or Mexico | Alaska | Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rain layer | Light poncho | Waterproof jacket with hood | Packable rain jacket |
| Warmth | One light sweater | Fleece, toque and light gloves | Sweater for evenings |
| Footwear | Water shoes for beaches | Waterproof walking shoes | Shoes for cobbles and hills |
| Sun | Reef-friendly sunscreen, hat | Sunglasses, sunscreen for glare | Hat, sunscreen |
| Extras | Snorkel mask if you own one | Binoculars | Scarf to cover shoulders in churches |
For Alaska specifics by month, see what to pack for Alaska in May vs September. For Europe, check the outlet type: most ships serving North America have North American sockets, often alongside European ones, but bring one adapter for hotels ashore.
Money, cards and small cash
- A credit card with no foreign transaction fee, since onboard charges post in US dollars (see paying in CAD vs USD)
- About US$50–100 in small bills for tips ashore, taxis and market stalls
- A debit card as backup, with your bank told about your travel dates
Health and comfort
- Seasickness tablets or bands, started before you need them
- A small first aid kit: plasters, blister pads, pain relievers, antacids
- Hand sanitizer, lip balm and after-sun
What to leave at home
Power bars with surge protectors, clothes irons and steamers, and candles are banned on most ships. Read what you can plug in on a cruise before packing chargers. Cannabis is also out, even though it's legal at home: why you can't bring cannabis on a cruise explains the rules. The broader list is in what not to pack for a cruise.
Have a question about this? A licensed cruise expert can answer it for free — no booking required, no pressure.
Ask a cruise expert →Adjusting this list for your specific trip
Check your line's dress code, your ship's outlet types and your itinerary's weather a week before you sail. Then pack once, lay it out, and take out a third of it. You'll still have enough.
Want this priced up for your dates? Speak to a licensed cruise expert — same price as booking direct, plus perks like onboard credit and prepaid gratuities the websites don't show. No fee, no obligation, and you can book online if you'd rather.
Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
What documents do Canadians need to pack for a cruise?
A valid passport for every traveller, your boarding pass and luggage tags from online check-in, and your travel insurance policy number and assistance phone line. Some itineraries outside North America and the Caribbean also need a visa or electronic travel authorization, so check each country on your route.
What's commonly forgotten on a first cruise packing list?
A lanyard or card holder for your ship card, a small day bag for port days, a power bank, a light layer for chilly indoor venues, and a paper copy of key documents in case your phone dies.
Should Canadians pack a winter coat for a Caribbean cruise?
Not in your suitcase. Wear a packable down jacket or fleece to the airport and stuff it in your carry-on, or leave a heavy coat in the car if you use a park-and-fly lot.
More questions you might have
- Can You Bring a CPAP on Norwegian Cruise Line?Yes — here's how Norwegian Cruise Line handles CPAP machines: extension cords, distilled water, where to notify the line, and what to pack in your carry-on.
- What If You Get Sick the Day Before Your CruiseThe pre-cruise illness scenario nobody plans for — what your options actually are, and why insurance timing matters here specifically.
- Cruise Cards and Wearables: How You Pay On BoardOne card that's your key, wallet and ID — how the cashless account works, the currency catch for Canadians, and keeping the final bill boring.
- Can You Bring a CPAP on Disney Cruise Line?Yes — here's how Disney Cruise Line handles CPAP machines: extension cords, distilled water, where to notify the line, and what to pack in your carry-on.
- Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy and Final Payment Dates ExplainedWhen Royal Caribbean's balance is due, how much you lose at each stage after it, and the refundable-vs-non-refundable deposit choice that decides everything.
- Cruising Around Canadian Long Weekends and HolidaysVictoria Day, Thanksgiving, Family Day and more — timing a short cruise around Canadian-specific holidays without competing with US school calendars.
Booking essentials: Is It Cheaper to Book a Cruise Through a Travel Agent · What Are Expedia Extras on a Cruise Booking · Onboard Credit Explained and How to Get More · Cruise Line Policies Compared: 8 Lines Side by Side (2026)