Packing for a kosher cruise is mostly the same as any cruise — with a few important additions for religious items and Shabbat. Use this checklist to make sure you don't forget anything.
Clothing
- Casual daywear — Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and light clothing for sea days and ports.
- Layers — A light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned interiors and cool evenings on deck. For Alaska cruises, pack warmer layers (fleece, waterproof jacket).
- Shabbat-appropriate attire — For men: dress pants and button-down shirts. For women: modest dresses or skirts. Many families dress up for Friday night dinner.
- Formal night outfit — Most 7-night cruises have 1-2 formal nights. A suit or cocktail dress works well, though it's optional.
- Swimwear — For the ship's pools and port beach days. Don't forget cover-ups.
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes — Essential for port excursions. Cobblestone streets in Barcelona and Santorini require sturdy shoes.
- Sandals or flip-flops — For the pool deck and beach days.
- Dress shoes — For Shabbat dinners and formal nights.
Kosher & Religious Items
- Siddur — For daily davening and Shabbat services. The onboard selection may be limited.
- Tallit and tefillin — Minyanim are guest-led when a minyan is present; bring your own set.
- Battery-operated Shabbat candles — Open flames are not permitted on cruise ships. LED candles are widely available and cruise-approved.
- Compact havdalah set — A small besamim container and braided candle (unlit, for after disembarkation) or battery-powered option.
- Kosher snacks — Sealed, commercially packaged snacks for port days when kosher food may not be available. Good options: granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers.
- Kippot — Pack extras; they can blow away on the pool deck!
- Chumash or Torah reading material — For Shabbat and sea days.
Cabin Essentials
- Magnetic hooks — Cabin walls are metal. Magnetic hooks are a game-changer for hanging hats, lanyards, and bags.
- Power strip (no surge protector) — Cabins typically have 1-2 outlets. A non-surge-protector power strip or USB hub helps charge multiple devices. Note: surge protectors and extension cords are prohibited.
- Lanyards — For carrying your cruise card hands-free, especially useful on Shabbat.
- Towel clips — Keep your towel on the lounge chair at the pool.
- Reusable water bottle — Water is free on the ship; stay hydrated on port days.
- Night light — Helpful for families with young children in an unfamiliar cabin.
Health & Wellness
- Prescription medications — Bring enough for the full trip, plus a few extra days.
- Motion sickness remedies — Sea-Bands, Dramamine, or ginger chews. Even modern ships can rock in rough seas.
- Sunscreen (reef-safe) — SPF 50+ recommended, especially for Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises.
- Insect repellent — For port days in tropical destinations.
- Basic first-aid kit — Band-aids, pain relievers, antacids. The ship has a medical center, but basics are handy.
Documents & Money
- Passport — Required for all international sailings. Check that it's valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
- Cruise booking confirmation — Print a copy as backup.
- Travel insurance documents — Highly recommended for international cruises.
- Credit card — For onboard purchases (linked to your cruise card).
- Small amount of cash — For port tips, taxis, and small purchases. USD is widely accepted in the Caribbean; Euros for Mediterranean ports.
What NOT to Pack
- Extension cords and surge protectors — Fire hazard; confiscated at embarkation.
- Irons and steamers — Not allowed in cabins. Use the ship's laundry service or hang clothes in the bathroom while showering.
- Candles with wicks — No open flames. Use battery-operated LED candles instead.
- Hard-sided coolers — Not permitted. Small soft-sided coolers are allowed on some cruise lines.
Pro Tips
- Pack a carry-on bag — Your checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin for several hours after boarding. Pack essentials (swimsuit, medications, documents, a change of clothes) in a carry-on.
- 1 bottle of wine per adult — Most cruise lines allow one 750ml bottle of wine per guest at embarkation. Kosher wine is available onboard but selection may be limited.
- Download the cruise line app — Royal Caribbean's app lets you check dining times, book excursions, and message other guests onboard.
- Use packing cubes — Cabin space is limited. Packing cubes keep your suitcase organized and make unpacking easy.