Linen & Luggage
15 PACKING LISTS

Family cruise packing list

Cruise cabins are small and itineraries change daily, from formal nights to snorkel stops. These lists help you pack once for every port.

Kristina's notes

  1. Magnetic hooks and an over-door organizer double your cabin storage.
  2. Most cruise lines prohibit surge protectors, so bring a cruise-approved power strip.
  3. Pack a day bag with swimsuits so you can use the pool before your luggage arrives.

Choose your destination

A cruise ship among the mountains of Glacier Bay, AlaskaCruises & Expeditions

Alaska Cruise

Glaciers, whales, and rainforest ports along the Inside Passage.

Best Jun–Aug
A blue iceberg with a natural arch off Portal Point on the Antarctic PeninsulaCruises & Expeditions

Antarctica

Penguins, icebergs, and Zodiac landings on the White Continent.

Best Nov–Mar
Turquoise sandbar waters in the Exumas, BahamasCruises & Expeditions

Bahamas Cruise

Short sailings from Florida with clear water and beach days.

Best Dec–May
Cruise ship at sea off the coast of the Cayman IslandsCruises & Expeditions

Caribbean cruise

Sun, sea days, and a pool deck for everyone.

Best Dec–Apr
Sailboat anchored in a calm turquoise bay along a rocky coastlineCruises & Expeditions

Caribbean Yacht Charter

Your own crewed yacht, quiet coves, and an island a day.

Best Dec–May
The Hungarian Parliament on the banks of the Danube in BudapestCruises & Expeditions

Danube River Cruise

Vienna, Budapest, and Wachau Valley vineyards by riverboat.

Best May–Jun & Sep–Oct
A cruise ship at sea under open skiesCruises & Expeditions

Disney Cruise

Character-filled sea days, kids' clubs, and island beach time.

Best Mar–May & Oct–Nov
Aerial view of a lagoon-ringed volcanic island in French PolynesiaCruises & Expeditions

French Polynesia Cruise

Lagoons, motu picnics, and Bora Bora on a small ship.

Best May–Oct
Volcanic hills and twin bays of Bartolomé Island in the GalápagosCruises & Expeditions

Galápagos Islands

Sea lions, giant tortoises, and snorkeling from a small ship.

Best Dec–May
Whitewashed village of Oia on the Santorini caldera, Greek IslandsCruises & Expeditions

Greek Isles Cruise

Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens without packing up each day.

Best May–Jun & Sep
Jagged green ridges of the Na Pali Coast, Kauai, HawaiiCruises & Expeditions

Hawaii Cruise

Four islands in one week, from volcanoes to reefs.

Best Apr–May & Sep–Oct
A cruise ship sailing across calm blue seaCruises & Expeditions

Mediterranean cruise

A new port every morning, unpack only once.

Best May–Oct
Calm waters of the Geirangerfjord ringed by mountains, NorwayCruises & Expeditions

Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Waterfalls, fjord villages, and long summer evenings at sea.

Best Jun–Aug
Burg Katz castle above the Rhine River near the Loreley, GermanyCruises & Expeditions

Rhine River Cruise

Castles, vineyards, and old towns from Switzerland to Amsterdam.

Best May–Jun & Sep
Snow-covered glacier meeting the Arctic sea in SvalbardCruises & Expeditions

Svalbard Arctic Expedition

Polar bears, glaciers, and walrus under the midnight sun.

Best Jun–Aug
Questions families ask

Cruises packing, answered

What should a family pack for a cruise?

Magnetic hooks and an over-door organizer double your cabin storage. Most cruise lines prohibit surge protectors, so bring a cruise-approved power strip. Pack a day bag with swimsuits so you can use the pool before your luggage arrives.

How do I get a list for my exact trip?

Pick your destination below, then choose your month and your kids' ages. The list adjusts to the weather and what's happening that time of year.

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Want the whole trip handled?

I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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