What to pack for a world cruise

Packing for a world cruise is unlike packing for any other type of holiday. Rather than preparing for a fortnight in the sunshine or a long weekend exploring a new city, you’ll be getting ready to set sail on an incredible journey that could last for several months. Along the way, you may experience sun-kissed tropical islands, bustling cities and chilly, snow-dusted landscapes, making it difficult to know exactly what to take with you. Here, we share our top packing tips and a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for every stage of your world cruise adventure. 

Before you begin sorting through your wardrobe and folding clothes into a suitcase, take a minute to look back at your itinerary. It’s a good idea to not only look at where you’ll be travelling to, but at what time of year you’ll be visiting. As your cruise crosses different hemispheres, the seasons can change dramatically. You could be enjoying warm weather and sunny skies one week before wrapping up against cooler temperatures the next. It’s also worth checking your chosen cruise line’s dress code before travelling, too. 

Discover the art of the capsule wardrobe when packing for a world cruise. As many seasoned world cruisers will have learnt, a top tip is to focus on choosing versatile pieces of clothing rather than planning a completely different outfit for each day. Most cruise ships offer laundry facilities or laundry services, so you needn’t worry about your clothes not being fresh and clean. However, it’s worth checking what facilities are available before you travel. When selecting what to pack, opt for pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits throughout your trip. Neutral colours are a great place to start, as they pair easily with one another and make it simple to dress outfits up or down. Lightweight layers are equally practical, allowing you to adapt to changing temperatures without taking up too much space in your suitcase.

A world cruise can see you travelling through several climate zones, from warm destinations boasting blue skies and brilliant sunshine to tropical islands with humid afternoons and sudden rain showers, before arriving in cooler regions where crisp mornings and chilly evenings are expected. Rather than packing separate wardrobes for each destination, think about layering. Lightweight t-shirts with a pair of comfortable trousers, or a dress, can serve as the foundation of your outfit, while a fleece, cardigan or jumper can easily be added when temperatures drop. You’ll more than likely need options that keep you cool, too. Think materials like linen and cotton, along with options that are floaty and breezy. You might pack sundresses and linen trousers, shorts, and skirts, which can be paired with different tops and all work well in the heat. A waterproof jacket is another essential, particularly if your itinerary includes destinations known for unpredictable weather. If your voyage includes colder regions, you might need accessories such as a warm hat, gloves and a scarf, all of which take up very little room in your suitcase but can make a huge difference when you’re exploring ashore. 

You’ll probably spend more time on your feet than you expect, especially during long days spent ashore or on shore excursions and walking tours. Comfortable walking shoes or trainers that have been broken in before your trip are essential, while sandals are an excellent choice for warmer destinations and relaxing around the pool. Flip-flops are useful for the pool deck, spa and beach days, too. You’ll more than likely also need a pair of smarter shoes to pair with evening outfits.

Evenings on a cruise ship can be wonderfully varied. Some nights are perfect for relaxed dining, drinks in cosy lounges and quiet time reflecting on the trip so far, while others call for a little extra glamour. Whether you’re savouring a delicious meal in a speciality restaurant, admiring ocean views as you sip on a cocktail, watching a thrilling theatre production, or attending a formal celebration, a few smarter outfits will ensure you’re dressed for the occasion. Choosing timeless pieces that can be accessorised and styled in different ways will help to save valuable suitcase space. 

One of the most wonderful things about a world cruise is the chance to experience so many incredible destinations. From vibrant cities and idyllic beaches to historic landmarks and natural wonders, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore ashore. Having a small bag ready to grab each morning can make life much easier and ensure you’re never without the essentials. Some useful items include a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a portable charger, a camera, a lightweight waterproof jacket that you can roll away, and copies of important travel documents. A foldable shopping bag might come in handy if you pick up souvenirs or local snacks on your adventures. 

Prescription medication should always be packed in your hand luggage, so it’s close at hand, along with any copies of prescriptions or documents you may need while travelling. It’s also worth bringing a small supply of everyday medicines such as pain relief, motion sickness remedies, antihistamines, and plasters. Lip balm, moisturiser and sunscreen are equally important. 

A world cruise offers countless opportunities to capture incredible memories, so don’t forget your phone, camera and chargers. A power bank is useful during long days ashore, while a universal travel adapter may come in handy if you’re spending time in hotels before or after your cruise. Many guests also enjoy bringing a Kindle or tablet for relaxing sea days, while noise-cancelling headphones can make flights and quieter moments on board even more enjoyable. Binoculars are another worthwhile addition, particularly if your itinerary includes wildlife-rich destinations where whales, dolphins or seabirds are commonly spotted. 

This grand trip will likely be one of the most memorable holidays you’ll ever take, so you may want to bring home more than just photographs. As you explore vibrant markets, browse local boutiques and wander through famous shopping districts, you might discover handcrafted souvenirs, local artwork, clothing, jewellery or thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Leaving a little extra space in your suitcase will make it much easier to bring your favourite finds home. 

Here, we’ve put together a handy checklist of everything you might want to pack for a world cruise. Use it as a guide and adapt it to suit your itinerary, your cruise line and your own travel style. 

Top tip: Pack everything a few days before you travel, then revisit your suitcase with fresh eyes. Removing just a handful of "just in case" items can free up valuable space for the treasures you'll collect during your world cruise. 

• Passport
• Tickets and boarding documents 
• Travel insurance documents 
• Visa documentation, if required 
• Copies of important travel documents 
• Flight tickets and hotel confirmations, if required
• Credit and debit cards
• Local currency and some cash
• Emergency contact details
• Driving licence 

• Light-weight t-shirts 
• Versatile tops
• Casual trousers
• Shorts
• Jeans
• Skirts
• Dresses
• Lightweight jumpers or cardigans
• Fleece or warm jumper
• Underwear
• Socks
• Sleepwear
• Swimswear
• Cover-up or kaftan

• Smart dresses
• Smart trousers or skirts
• Smart shirts or blouses
• Blazer or lightweight jacket
• Smart shoes
• A belt
• Jewellery and accessories
• Handbag or clutch 

If required by your chosen cruise line…

• Formal dress, cocktail dress or evening gown 
• Dark suit (or dinner suit for black-tie evenings)
• Dress shirt
• Tie or bow-tie 
• Formal shoes
• Jewellery or cufflinks 
• Shawl or pashmina 
• Evening bag

• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Windproof layer
• Warm coat (for colder itineraries)
• A sun hat or cap for sunny weather
• A warm hat for cooler temperatures
• Gloves
• Scarf

• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
• Sandals
• Flip-flops
• Smart shoes

• Small backpack or crossbody bag
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses
• High SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Portable charger (power bank)
• Camera
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Foldable shopping bag
• Tissues
• Hand sanitiser

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Shower gel
• Deodrant 
• Hairbrush or comb
• Razor
• Moisturiser
• After Sun
• Skincare products
• Make-up and remover
• Hair styling products
• Contact lenses and solution (if needed)

• Prescription medication
• Copies of prescriptions
• Pain relief
• Motion sickness tablets or bands
• Antihistamines
• Plasters
• Antiseptic cream
• Cold and flu medication
• Indigestion tablets
• Diarrhoea relief medication
• Small first aid kit

• Mobile phone
• Camera
• Chargers
• Charging cables
• Travel adapters
• Kindle or e-reader
• Tablet (if you wish)
• Laptop (if you wish)
• Headphones
• Binoculars
• Memory cards

• Packing cubes
• Laundry bag
• Travel sewing kit
• Luggage tags

• Travel pillow
• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• Reusable coffee cup
• Notebook and pen
• Playing cards or travel games
• Books
• Dry bag for beach days
• Collapsible umbrella

• Souvenirs
• Local artwork
• Clothing and jewellery
• Gifts for friends and family
• Local food and treats