Cruise
Formal night and motion sickness are the two easy misses.
Check the ship's dress code before you pack, keep documents and luggage tags together, and put motion-sickness tablets in your cabin-day bag rather than the suitcase.
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Cruise packing is different from a normal holiday: your cabin is small, your suitcase can take hours to reach it on boarding day, and the ship has its own rules about what you can bring.
This list is set up for a 7-day cruise for 2 adults and 2 kids. Quantities scale with your trip, so use Customise this list to change the length, who's coming or the season.
Cruise
Check the ship's dress code before you pack, keep documents and luggage tags together, and put motion-sickness tablets in your cabin-day bag rather than the suitcase.
Family, flying abroad
Tablets and phones all need charging after a travel day. Pack snacks that clear security, and keep passports in one pouch you never put in checked luggage.
Travelling with kids
Spills and delays are easier when each child has a change of clothes, snacks, and headphones in the bag at your feet — not in the hold.
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Protective AirTag cases with keyrings to clip a tracker to luggage handles, bags or keys. AirTags not included.
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Retractable travel washing line with two hooks and 12 clips.
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Comfortable over-ear kids' headphones with 85dB/94dB volume limiting and a built-in microphone.
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Checked bags can take several hours to reach your cabin. Keep passports and cruise documents, medication, swimwear, sunscreen, a change of clothes and chargers in a day bag you carry on board.
Most cruise lines don't allow surge-protected power strips. A non-surge strip with USB ports is usually fine, but check your cruise line's list of prohibited items before you go.
Many cruises have one or more formal or "dress-up" nights. One smart outfit per person is usually enough. Check the dress code for your sailing.