Packing List for Cruise Ship Crew on 5+ Month Contracts
Packing for a cruise ship contract is like trying to solve a puzzle where all the pieces keep changing. You’d think after a few contracts, I’d have it down to a science, but no – every time, I’m standing in front of my suitcase, debating if I really need that second jacket or the "just-in-case" pair of shoes that I definitely didn’t wear last time.
When your contract stretches over five months (or sometimes even six), packing light feels like a cruel joke. But here’s the secret: whether it’s three months or 18 (once in my entire seafaring career), I’ve realised I usually pack the same amount anyway. The real challenge is fitting everything into a suitcase, a backpack, and my trusty bum bag without breaking my back – or the airline’s weight limit.
For me, the climate is usually tropical since most of my ships sail in East Asia. But let’s be real, even when winter sneaks in, I don’t change much. My grunge-inspired style (think layers, t-shirts, long sleeves, and maybe a jacket) works for any season. Inside the ship, it’s shorts all the way, no matter how cold it is outside. My mantra? Comfort, practicality, and a dash of “this can survive five months of relentless washing machines.”
The aim of my packing strategy? Simplicity and sustainability. Enough toiletries so I’m not running around the first port looking for shampoo, timeless staples that look good even after 20 tumbles in the dryer, and a careful balance between “I’ll definitely use this” and “Why on earth did I bring this?” I want to sign off my contract with a lighter load (physically and emotionally) than when I signed on.
So, if you’re about to start life onboard and wondering how to pack for months at sea, here’s my ultimate guide based on years of overpacking, underpacking, and finally, packing just right.
Essentials You Cannot Forget
When it comes to cruise ship contracts, your essentials are your lifeline. Forgetting something major can lead to unnecessary stress – or even a frantic, last-minute shopping spree at the airport. I’ve had my share of lessons learned. Here’s everything you absolutely need and a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
Documents & Money
Your paperwork is the key to getting onboard smoothly – and staying there. Misunderstanding the requirements or missing an important document can lead to frustrating delays. Here’s what to include:
Passport
This needs to be your MVP (Most Visible Passport). You’ll be pulling it out multiple times at airports, so ditch the fancy passport holder for travel days. Make sure it’s easy to slide in and out of a secure pocket, like one in your backpack or bum bag.
Pro tip: Once onboard, the ship personnel will keep your passport safe, so you won’t need to carry it around after sign-on.Medical Reports
Here’s where I once got tripped up. I initially thought only the pre-employment medical report was needed, but the ship requires everything: certificates, blood tests, ECG, x-rays – the works. Bring the original reports and pack a few extra copies just in case. Keep these with your contract and passport for easy access during onboarding.Contract
A printed copy is essential, even if you think you have a digital version. The ship will keep this alongside your passport, but you’ll need it during sign-on.Travel Insurance
You never want to need it, but if something goes wrong (looking at you, rainy gangways), you’ll be glad you have it. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone.Emergency Contacts
List your agency, family, and any relevant numbers, and keep both a physical and digital copy. If your phone dies, you’ll have a backup.
Money Matters
If I’ve learned one thing, it’s this: never underestimate the value of being financially prepared. Whether it’s leftover coins from your last contract or the latest e-wallet trend, having options is a lifesaver.
Cash
I always pack leftover foreign currency from previous contracts, even if it’s not on the current itinerary. You never know when you might need it – once, I got transferred to another ship and regretted having to exchange more currency when I already had some at home. USD is also a great universal backup. Keep your cash in small denominations for tips, quick purchases, or emergencies.E-Wallets
These have become my go-to in many countries. Touch ’n Go and BigPay are lifesavers in East Asia, and Wise is fantastic for both local payments and transferring money home. In fact, many colleagues use Wise as their primary way to send money back. (If you’re curious, I’ve written about using Wise to send money home here.)Debit and Credit Cards
Always bring at least two cards (ideally one Visa and one Mastercard) in case one doesn’t work.
Pro tip: if you’ve recently travelled, let your bank know to avoid accidental freezes.
Packing Strategy
When it comes to luggage, I stick to one large-sized suitcase and a medium-sized backpack as my carry-on. I aim for an overall weight of around 25ish kg because anything heavier and airport staff start tagging my suitcase with those “HEAVY BAGGAGE” labels (read: personal guilt trip). While my single-suitcase system works for me, it’s worth noting that many colleagues in my position bring multiple suitcases to avoid dealing with a single heavy load.
Suitcase
My suitcase is usually around 28 inches (I think) – big enough to fit everything I need. I prefer a durable soft-shell suitcase because hard-shell suitcases with limited flexibility may not fit under the bed in cabin onboard.Backpack
My Fjällräven Kånken backpack is my carry-on MVP. It holds my laptop, documents, and other essentials. It’s not the most comfortable for carrying heavy loads over long distances, but for short-term use and hand-carrying, it’s a solid choice.
Pro tip: If space allows, consider packing a change of clothes in your backpack. I’ve never experienced lost luggage (thankfully), but I’ve had colleagues who weren’t so lucky. A clean outfit in your carry-on can save you from wearing airport chic for 48 hours.Bum Bag/Handbag
My go-to for shore leave and quick-access items like my passport, boarding passes, and cash. It’s compact, convenient, and keeps the essentials close without digging through a bigger bag.
Work Attire Basics
Packing work attire for a cruise ship contract isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Some roles require a full wardrobe of professional outfits (like mine), while others have uniforms provided onboard. But here’s the kicker: I’ve seen crew with uniforms still lugging around more luggage than me – and I only bring one suitcase!
If your role needs workwear, the challenge is to balance sustainability with practicality – enough clothes to avoid constant laundry, but not so much that your suitcase rivals a boulder in weight.
Formal Office Wear
For roles like mine, where workwear isn’t provided, you’ll need to bring a professional wardrobe.
Sustainably Packing Smart
My go-to formula:
6-7 shirts or blouses in neutral, timeless colours (black, white, navy) that can handle machine washing and tumble drying. Polyester blends are my favourite – durable, wrinkle-resistant, and still stylish.
3-4 pairs of trousers or skirts (depending on your preference). I stick to black trousers because they pair with anything and hide minor spills.
1-2 lightweight blazers or cardigans for layering. Ship air-conditioning can make you feel like you’re working in a freezer. Bonus: a good blazer instantly elevates any outfit.
1 pair of closed-toe shoes
I bring a single pair of black, closed-toe, non-slip shoes that work for any occasion. Safety is non-negotiable onboard, especially when you’re constantly walking on wet or polished floors. Leather or leather-look styles strike the right balance between practical and professional.
Pro tip: If they’re new, break in your shoes before your contract begins. Blisters are not the souvenir you want from your first week.
Durable Materials
With ship life comes industrial laundry machines that are anything but gentle. Choose fabrics that can survive a spin in these beasts without shrinking, fraying, or fading. Leave the delicate fabrics at home – you’ll thank yourself later.
Multipurpose Pieces
Whenever possible, I pack workwear that doubles as casual wear for shore leave. A crisp blouse that looks great with formal trousers can also pair with jeans for exploring a new port.
Casual Wardrobe for Ship Life
When you’re off duty, your casual wardrobe needs to handle everything from lounging in your cabin to walking through public areas, and even hiking or exploring ports. I pack with versatility and durability in mind – lightweight clothes that layer well, survive the ship’s industrial laundry machines, and keep me comfortable during long days onboard or ashore.
Timeless Staples
6-8 T-shirts or tops
Black tops dominate my wardrobe because they’re timeless, versatile, and hide minor spills. I also add a couple of neutral or muted colours for variety. Avoid fabrics that shrink, like 100% cotton, unless they’re pre-shrunk. Cotton-poly blends are a safer choice – they’re lightweight, durable, and dryer-friendly.1-2 checkered long-sleeve shirts
These are my go-to for layering – light enough to wear in place of a jacket when it’s warm but easy to layer over a t-shirt and under a jacket when it gets chilly. They’re also great for a casual but put-together look during shore leave.3-4 pairs of shorts or trousers
I pack 2-3 pairs of shorts for the warm, tropical climate, and 1-2 pairs of casual trousers or jeans for cooler evenings or smarter outings. For trousers, I go for stretch denim or lightweight twill. These fabrics are comfortable and breathable, even in humid weather.1-2 lightweight jacket or hoodie
Even in hot climates, ship air-conditioning can leave you shivering. A lightweight hoodie or jacket is essential for layering. If you’re sailing in cooler months, add a slightly thicker jacket.1 pair of sneakers
These double as hiking boots for me. They’re comfortable enough for long walks and sturdy enough for trails. Choose something with good grip and support.1 pair of flip-flops
These are cabin essentials and great for beach days during shore leave. They’re lightweight and don’t take up much suitcase space.1-2 casual dresses or skirts (optional)
If you prefer dresses, pack one or two simple options that can be dressed up or down. A flowy, easy-to-care-for dress is perfect for hot weather shore leave or casual evenings onboard.1 bandana
A bandana works as a multipurpose accessory – or at least it would be if I remembered to use it more often! It’s great as a headband, sweatband, or even a makeshift face.2-3 sets of sleepwear
These double as lounging wear in the cabin for lazy mornings or post-shift downtime.Underwear
Socks
Toiletries & Personal Care
Toiletries onboard are a personal thing – some people pack half the bathroom aisle, and others keep it super minimalist. For me, it’s a mix of practical essentials and sustainable options, with a focus on hydrating products because ship life can be drying, especially for hair and skin.
Toiletry Essentials
Shampoo & conditioner
I bring full-size bottles of both to last the entire contract. Ship air can be drying, so look for products that are hydrating or repair-focused. I’ve tried no-chemical options like sulphate-free or paraben-free, but my hair is always frizzy. To avoid spills, I tape the lids shut or pack them in a waterproof ziplock bag.Soap (instead of body wash)
For sustainability, I bring a few bars of soap instead of body wash. I pack them in a reusable soap dish.Toothbrush & toothpaste
I pack a full-size toothpaste and a toothbrush with a travel case. I also bring a spare toothbrush. If you’re looking for a sustainable option, try natural toothpaste tablets.Skincare basics
I bring cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen, though I often forget to apply the latter two (oops). Still, they’re worth packing because they’re lifesavers for ship air and tropical sun exposure. A simple routine works best for me:Gentle cleanser to remove sweat and sunscreen.
Lightweight moisturiser for hydration.
SPF 30+ sunscreen for shore leave.
Sanitary products (if applicable)
I pack a mix of reusable options like a menstrual cup and some pads for backup. It’s always good to have a combination, just in case.Laundry detergent
I hand-wash small items like underwear, so I bring a travel-sized laundry detergent, but now prefer laundry soap bars to save space.Razor
Nail clipper & tweezers
Extras for Personal Care
Hand sanitiser and masks
Essential for ports and busy public areas.Hairdryer
Hairbrush & hair ties
Basic makeup
I pack a minimalist kit: foundation or BB cream, mascara, eyeliner, and a lip balm or lipstick.Towel
I pack a lightweight towel (just in case I don’t want to use the ship’s towels).
First Aid & Medications
My first aid kit is simple:
Tiger Balm. I use it for headaches, flu, seasickness, and even sore muscles. One small jar goes a long way.
Other essentials you could bring:
Seasickness remedies (if you’re prone to it).
Pain relievers (paracetamol for headaches or muscle aches).
Prescription medication (enough for your entire contract).
Gadgets & Entertainment
Living onboard a cruise ship for months means you’ll want a few trusty gadgets to keep you connected, entertained, and sane during your downtime. Space is limited, privacy is rare, and Wi-Fi is... well, let’s just say it’s not the highlight of the ship. I keep my tech setup simple but effective, packing only what I’ll genuinely use and can manage without taking up all my precious backpack space.
Must-Have Gadgets
Phone & charger
My phone is my lifeline for everything: keeping in touch with family, taking photos, and binge-watching pre-downloaded shows. I pack a spare charging cable as well.Laptop (optional)
I pack my laptop for occasional use, but honestly, I rarely have the privacy or space to sit down and use it. If you’re considering bringing one, go for a lightweight model that won’t weigh you down.International travel adapter
Cruise ship cabins often have a mix of outlet types, depending on the ship's origin and routes, so an international travel adapter is a lifesaver. Choose one with multiple plug configurations and USB ports to charge several devices at once. This ensures you're covered no matter what type of outlet your cabin has.Power bank
I don’t have one yet, but it’s on my wishlist. A power bank is a game-changer for port days, especially if you’re out taking photos or navigating with maps all day.Headphones
I don’t have them, but noise-cancelling headphones are great for unwinding with your favourite tunes or podcasts during breaks.Camera with stand (optional)
As someone who often explores ports solo, I dream of owning a compact camera with a stand for better photos. My phone camera does the job for now, but a lightweight, portable setup would elevate the travel shots.
Entertainment Essentials
Pre-downloaded shows or movies
Wi-Fi onboard isn’t built for streaming, so I make sure to download shows, movies, or YouTube videos before I board. My go-to apps include Netflix, and Spotify for offline entertainment.Books
While there’s usually a library onboard, I still bring one or two books.Notebook & pen
I always pack a thin notebook for jotting down thoughts, making plans, or simply doodling during downtime. It’s a nice way to unplug without completely disconnecting.
Practical Extras
Magnetic hooks
These are a game-changer for cruise ship cabins with their metal walls, letting you hang lightweight items like jackets, lanyards, or a bandana to keep things organised. However, don’t expect them to hold heavy items like towels or a fully loaded laundry bag. Make sure to get hooks with a strong magnet and larger size for better grip.Thermal mug
Having a sturdy tumbler or mug with a lid prevents spills in rough seas. A simple way to reduce waste and stay refreshed during work hours.Lightweight tumbler
A tumbler is a shore leave must-have for staying hydrated on the go. (Though I always forget because it doesn’t fit into my bum bag.)Travel umbrella
Torch & whistle (for emergency).
Tips for Arranging Items Inside Your Suitcase
Packing a suitcase for a long cruise ship contract is part survival strategy, part Tetris mastery. The goal: fit everything into a suitcase and carry-on, keep it functional, and still leave room for souvenirs.
1. Start with the heavy items at the bottom
Place your heaviest items, like shoes or toiletries, at the bottom of the suitcase (near the wheels). This ensures your suitcase stays balanced and doesn’t tip over when you’re wheeling it around the airport.
Use the inside of shoes to store small items like socks to save space.
2. Use packing cubes for categories
Work Clothes in One Cube: Keep your workwear (shirts, trousers) together so you can easily grab what you need when unpacking.
Casual Wear in Another Cube: Store t-shirts, shorts, and other off-duty clothes separately.
Sleepwear and Undergarments: These go into a smaller cube for quick access.
Shoes: To save space and keep things clean, store shoes in shoe bags.
Why it works: Packing cubes not only keep items categorised but also compress clothes, leaving more room for other essentials.
3. Roll or fold strategically
Roll softer items like t-shirts, sleepwear, or more socks to fill gaps between cubes or along the suitcase edges.
Fold structured items like trousers and jackets to minimise wrinkles and stack them neatly.
4. Protect liquids and toiletries
Use a waterproof toiletry bag to store shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids. Always tape the lids shut and pack them in ziplock bags to prevent spills.
Place the toiletry bag in the middle of the suitcase, cushioned by soft items like clothes, to avoid crushing bottles.
5. Use the gaps wisely
Slide smaller items like belts, chargers, or travel adapters into the gaps between cubes.
Use socks to fill extra spaces around shoes or toiletries.
6. Keep important items accessible
Documents, valuables, and a change of clothes go in your carry-on or backpack, not the suitcase.
7. Flatten bulky items
Lay flatter items, like blazers, on top of the packing cubes. This creates a smooth surface for closing your suitcase and ensures nothing shifts around during transit.
8. Use laundry bags for multipurpose use
If you don’t have enough packing cubes, use laundry bags to separate categories of clothes. They also keep dirty clothes separate onboard, prevent socks from disappearing when sending them to the ship’s laundry, and protect delicate items from getting snagged or damaged.
9. Maximise your suitcase lid
The zippered compartment in the lid of most suitcases is great for slim, lightweight items like towels, documents (not the sign-on documents), or a folded laundry bag. Use this space to keep flat items secure and out of the main compartment.
10. Do a final weight check
Once everything is packed, lift your suitcase to check the weight. If it feels too heavy, rethink the bulky items (do you really need all those extras?) and adjust before the airport charges you for the overweight baggage. While I don’t weigh it obsessively, I keep in mind that anything over 25kg becomes a nightmare to haul around.
And there you have it!