Cruise travel has become one of the popular holiday choices for Hong Kong people in recent years. Whether you’re on a short-haul Asian cruise from Hong Kong or a long-haul cruise to Europe, the Americas, the Mediterranean or Alaska, packing is one of the keys to the quality of your holiday.
Unlike regular independent travel or land travel, cruise ships are on the move at sea once they set sail, which does not mean that they can go to convenience stores, pharmacies or supermarkets to restock immediately after getting off the ship. Although most cruise ships have duty-free shops, clinics or convenience stores, the choice of brands and products is very limited, and the prices may be much higher than the market price. In particular, items such as prescription drugs, personal preference brands, and well-fitting clothing are extremely difficult to replace once they are missed.
Therefore, pre-departure preparation has become a compulsory lesson for all cruise passengers.
In order to allow everyone to carry out a holiday at sea with peace of mind, the editor has specially compiled this practical and detailed [cruise luggage packing list], covering from the documents and visas required for boarding, common medicines, cruise wear suggestions, to onboard consumption payment methods, common electronic devices and travel gadgets, etc., to help you prepare in one stop and no longer cramm.
Whether you’re new to boarding a ship for the first time or have experienced cruise control on a luxury cruise ship many times, this guide will be the best reference when packing your luggage. Let’s take a look at what to bring on a cruise, so that you can indulge in the arms of the perfect sea holiday from the moment you get on board!
✅ 【Documents and Documents】Please be sure to prepare all the documents before departure!
The most important first step in a cruise is to make sure that all the necessary documents for entry and exit are in place. If the itinerary involves multiple countries or requires boarding at overseas ports, it is important to prepare in advance to avoid affecting the boarding or entry arrangements due to incomplete documents.
📌 A valid passport
Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of disembarkation. This is the basic requirement for passengers of most cruise lines and destination countries. If you are holding a single-entry, temporary or emergency passport, you may be denied boarding by the cruise line.
📌 Visa & Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Many travelers overlook this point: even if you are participating in an Asian cruise that does not require a flight, if you are calling at a country that requires a visa (such as Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, etc.), you still need to apply for a visa or electronic travel authorization (e.g. USA ESTA, CANADA ETA, AUSTRALIA ETA, etc.) in advance. If you are participating in a long-haul cruise (e.g. Mediterranean, Alaska, South America) that flies overseas and then embarks, the visa requirements are more stringent, so it is recommended to check the visa requirements for each destination before booking.
📌 Documentation of the child’s travelling group
If you are traveling with a minor and are not traveling with both parents, you must prepare a guardianship authorization document. Many cruise lines will check such documents on the day of embarkation. It is recommended to contact the cruise customer service in advance to confirm the required format and content.
📌 Travel insurance
Remember to purchase travel insurance that covers your cruise itinerary before you leave to cover medical, trip cancellation and emergencies.
📌 Embarkation documents
Please have all cruise-related documents ready before departure, including:
- Booking confirmation from the cruise line
- Detailed Itinerary
- Shore excursion itinerary confirmation or proof of meal package booking, if applicable
- Paper tickets (some cruise lines such as MSC Cruises and Piano Land still require passengers to print their own tickets, please be sure to be ready)
📌 Editor’s tip: It is recommended to check the following official resources beforehand
- Consulates in Hong Kong or official immigration websites for the latest travel entry requirements
- Official website of the cruise line confirming pre-departure documents, health declarations, onboard health policies (e.g. vaccine certificates, health declarations, etc.)
🧳 Cruise travel is relaxing, but immigration policies and regulations are anything but sloppy. It is recommended to back up all paper and electronic documents (PDF versions) on your mobile phone and cloud, and print at least one copy for later use. This will not only facilitate customs clearance and boarding, but also make the whole sea vacation more worry-free!
💳 【Onboard consumption and payment methods】Correct preparation of credit cards and cash
One of the biggest features of cruise tourism is the high degree of convenience of consumption on board. From food and beverage upgrades, boutique shopping, spa treatments, shore excursion itinerary registration, to daily gratuities / Service Charges, almost all expenses are settled through the Stateroom Card, so it’s important to bind a valid payment tool beforehand.
📌 International credit card (Visa / MasterCard / American Express).
Most cruise lines will require you to bind a valid credit card as a security deposit on the day of boarding. From the moment you step on the cruise, your room key card will become an “e-wallet”, and all purchases on board (including paid restaurants other than buffet restaurants, drinks, shopping, entertainment, massage spa, etc.) will be automatically credited to your account, and the bound credit card will be charged at the end of the voyage.
✅ Reminder: Remember to call your bank to activate the “Overseas Transaction Function” of your credit card before departure, and confirm that the daily spending limit of your card abroad is sufficient to cover the entire voyage. It is advisable to bring at least two credit cards from different card issuers (e.g. one Visa, one Master).
📌 U.S. dollars for cash standby
If you do not wish or are unable to use a credit card, cruise lines will usually accept a cash deposit and a spending limit. It is recommended to use the US dollar (USD) as most cruise lines still settle in US dollars (even if departing from Hong Kong and Asia).
In addition, some countries or regions still prefer to pay in cash when it comes to shore excursions, such as local markets, sightseeing bus drivers, hawkers or tour guides in Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico and other places. Therefore, it is recommended that you exchange a small amount of local currency or carry a small amount of US dollar cash (e.g. $1, $5, $10 bills) in case of emergency, depending on the port of call on your itinerary.
📌 You can query consumption records in real time
Most modern cruise brands offer a mobile app or in-room TV system so you can check your daily spending history at any time to help you keep track of your budget.
📌 Editor’s Tips:
- UnionPay is not accepted: Most international cruise brands do not accept China UnionPay cards, please use Visa, Master or AE as the main payment.
- Use a Debit Card: While technically available, banks place a hold on a pre-authorized amount and refunds can take up to 10–20 business days, so it’s safer to use a credit card.
💊 【Standing Medicines and Medical Supplies】Prepare your own medicine and medical supplies to reduce additional expenses on board
Although there is usually a basic medical centre and on-board doctor on board, the fees are usually expensive, and some of the medicines may not be suitable for Asian people or the language description is limited. Therefore, it is recommended to bring your own common medicines and emergency medical supplies before departure, which is not only convenient to use at any time, but also to avoid physical discomfort affecting the trip.
📌 Personal prescription medications
If you have a chronic illness or have been taking medication for a long time, please be sure to bring enough dosage with you and attach a prescription or prescription in English.
It is recommended to classify all medicines into a tight bag or medicine box, and mark the purpose and time of use, which is more convenient to carry and organize. Common examples include:
- High blood pressure medications
- Diabetes medications
- Asthmatic inhalers
- Special drugs such as heart medicines, anticoagulants, etc
✅ Tip: Pack your medication in its original box and carry it in your carry-on baggage, not in case it is lost or not available immediately.
📌 Basic standing medications
It is recommended to prepare the following commonly used medicines according to your personal situation and route:
- Seasickness medicine
- Antipyretic analgesics (fever, headache, muscle aches)
- Gastrointestinal medicines
- Cold medicines, throat lozenges, vitamin C, etc
📌 External medical supplies and emergency gadgets
Mosquito bites, minor abrasions, etc., are inevitable during activities on board or on shore, so it is recommended to bring the following supplies:
- Mosquito repellent, mosquito repellent patch, anti-itch ointment (especially suitable for cruise itineraries in Southeast Asia)
- Tape
- Women’s physiological products (some brands may not be available on ships)
- Anti-allergy drugs: such as those who are allergic to food, seafood, pollen, etc
- Eye drops (especially when the wind is windy and dry)
🧳 Editor’s tip: If you are accompanied by the elderly, children or pregnant women, you should add appropriate medicines according to their needs, such as antipyretic patches, antipyretic medicines for children, and water and soil medicines. Although the medical resources on the cruise ship are perfect, prevention is the first priority, and the common drugs are prepared, which can not only deal with minor illnesses and pains in real time, but also save unnecessary expenses. Especially in case of unstable sea conditions or frequent shore excursions, it is wise to bring your own medicine.
👕 【Cruise Wear Guide】Daily, sports, and formal wear are packed at one time, and it is easy to cope with every occasion on the cruise
Different from ordinary travel, there are many occasions and facilities on cruise ships that have clear dress requirements, from daytime leisure activities, sports and fitness, pool relaxation, to dinner parties and religious tours, wearing the right clothes not only makes you more comfortable to participate, but also makes the trip more ritualistic.
👕 Everyday casual wear
Suitable for: daily activities on board, dining in the restaurant, watching performances, free movement
- Short-sleeved T-shirt / polo shirt
- Shorts/cotton trousers/loose skirts
- Light casual shoes / sandals / slippers
- Light jacket or knitwear (air-conditioned cabins and restaurants)
✅ Tips: It is recommended to prepare two sets of clothes a day (day + night) to cope with the difference in morning and evening temperatures and activities.
🏊 Pool & Water Facilities Clothing
Suitable for: swimming pools, spas, jacuzzis, island shore activities
- Swimsuit (1 extra set of replacement is recommended)
- Swimming trunks, swimming caps, swimming goggles, beach towels
- Water slippers / non-slip sandals
✅ Tips: Some cruises have an adult pool and a family water park, so please choose the appropriate clothing according to the situation.
🏋️♀️ Activewear
Suitable for: gym, jogging track, rock climbing field, basketball court, dance lessons
- Moisture-wicking T-shirt / sports vest
- Athletic shorts / Leggings
- Athletic shoes (closed shoes are mandatory for some activities such as ice skating or rope challenges)
✅ Tip: If you are attending a fitness class (e.g. Zumba, Yoga), remember to bring a special towel and water bottle.
🎩 Formal Night / Gala Night
Suitable for: Dinner on cruises, Captain’s Night, Theme parties (usually 1–2 nights per cruise)
- Men: blazer, shirt, trousers, leather shoes (with or without tie)
- Women: Traditional clothing such as elegant dresses, cocktail dresses, suits, cheongsam, and hanbok are also popular
- Accessories: clutches, heels, necklaces, hair accessories
✅ Tips: Some Asian cruises have a more relaxed formal dress code, but on European and American routes, formal dress is recommended.
🧴 [Other Practical Items]
In addition to the basic luggage such as passports, clothing and medicines, some seemingly “nice-to-have” daily necessities can actually greatly enhance your cruise experience. Here are a few practical items that travelers have rated as “once you use them and you can’t go back”, which are suitable for Hong Kong travelers who are preparing for a cruise!
💧 Reusable water bottles or thermos cups
For the sake of environmental protection and safety, most cruise ships prohibit passengers from bringing external bottled water on board, including unsealed bottled water. Drinking water is usually available free of charge in the cafeteria or water dispenser, but bottles are not available for takeaway.
🔌 Type-C / Lightning Adapter & Multi-Function Adapter Receptacle
The number of sockets in cruise cabins is very limited, usually only 1-2 jacks, which is not enough to cope with the demand for a variety of electronic devices such as mobile phones, cameras, watches, headphones, etc. It is recommended to carry a multi-hole USB charger (e.g. 3-4 holes) to charge multiple devices at the same time. The adapter varies depending on the cruise line: the American style (2-hole flat head) is the mainstay, and some European fleets use the European round head (German standard).
👝 Personal items:
🌞 Sunscreen, 🕶 sunglasses, 🪥 toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste)
🎁 【Editor’s Extra Point Recommendation】A travel artifact with high practicality, you will thank yourself if you bring it!
🔑 Neck-mounted key card holder/lanyard card holder
After boarding, the Stateroom Card will become your “master pass”, which can be used to open the door, board and disembark, order food at restaurants, consume at bars, make SPA reservations, etc. It is recommended to prepare a neck-mounted transparent card holder or waterproof card holder, which can be carried with you to facilitate access and use, and also avoid loss.
✅ Small backpack or crossbody backpack: It is used for shore excursions, and it is convenient to carry mobile phones and water
📱 Download Movies & Series (Offline Entertainment Ready).
Although Wi-Fi is available on most cruise ships, even if you pay a fee, your internet speed may be limited due to location or crowd load, especially if you can’t stream videos smoothly. It is recommended to download Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and other movies and e-books on your mobile phone or tablet before departure, so that you can watch them offline during the trip.
Finally, of course, you have to bring a happy and excited heart to the cruise discharge! 🚢✨
Whether you’re a first-time cruise newbie or a cruise enthusiast who loves a luxury vacation, packing ready will make your trip more stressful and smooth.
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