Are you planning to go on a Mexico Cruise vacation? If so, you need a good cruise packing list to keep you organized. I have been on over 20 cruises and trust me, I forgot to pack lots of items. Learn from my mistakes! I created a Mexico Cruise packing list based on my personal experience on what to pack on a Mexico cruise.
Below, you will find my Mexico Cruise packing list that you can download and print to help you plan and pack for your cruise vacation.
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What to Pack: Mexico Cruise
A Mexico cruise is more than just a beach vacation. You will need to pack for various activities, from dining on the ship to relaxing on the shore. You will also need some accessories to make your cruise more enjoyable. Here is a list of everything you should pack for your Mexico cruise.
1. Waterproof Camera
If you like to take cool underwater videos and pictures, I suggest bringing a waterproof camera. I like to use my GoPro to capture underwater videos while I’m snorkeling. Don’t forget to bring extra memory cards, batteries, and waterproof covers/accessories for your camera.
2. Bug spray
I always bring bug spray so I don’t get insect bites. I’m a mosquito magnet so I always use the bug sprays with DEET. Bring a few packets of these insect repellent wipes.
3. Sunblock
You need to bring sunblock on your Mexico cruise. Get the sunblock with high SPF (at least 50). If you are spending the day by the pool or at the beach, you need to reapply every 2 hours so bring a lot. I bring sunblock stick for the face and sprays for the body. Don’t forget the chapstick with SPF for your lips!
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4. Tote Bag or Beach Bag
You will need a good size tote bag or beach bag to take with you when you go to the pool or when you go ashore. When you go ashore, you will need to carry everything you need for a day at the beach such as towels, sunscreen, water, extra clothes, snacks and accessories. It’s also a good idea to have waterproof beach bags. I like this beach bag because it is waterproof and has zipper closure. I also like this foldable beach bag.
5. Refillable water bottles
Refillable water bottles will come in handy during your Mexico cruise. Most cruise ships don’t provide free water in your cabin, unless you purchase the bottled water from the cruise line or get water from the buffet. I like to fill up my water bottles with water and ice and take it to my cabin. I also do the same when I go ashore.
Don’t bring water bottles with straws since it’s a hassle to wash. I like these insulated water bottles without straws. If you’re like me, you can’t be trusted in not losing water bottles, then you need this crossbody bag that is made to hold water bottles!
6. Resealable plastic bags
I always bring a few resealable plastic bags or Ziploc and keep it in my beach bag. It comes in handy when you are at the beach to store snacks and to keep things dry.
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7. Beach Towels
Even though the cruise ship provides beach towels, I always bring my own for when I go ashore for a day at the beach. They charge a fee if you lose their beach towels so I’d rather bring my own!
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8. Beach Chair Towel Clips
I always bring my own beach chair towel clips to secure my towel to the beach chair so it doesn’t fall off or gets blown away. It’s a pet peeve of mine to lie down on a beach chair where the towel has slipped off. I like these fun beach chair towel clips. If you want a less bulky beach towel clip, these towel bands are great.
9. Lanyard
You will need your cruise card for everything- to get into your cabin to pay for purchases and to get in and out of the ship. It’s a hassle to have to look for it, so I suggest bringing a lanyard to keep your cruise card. If not, you will probably end up buying wristbands that serves as your cruise cards onboard (similar to Disney MagicBands)
10. Waterproof phone case
To protect your phone from water and sand, use a waterproof phone case that has a touch screen. I also like this waterproof pouch because it’s bigger and it has an adjustable strap so you can carry it on your shoulder or around your waist. It will come in handy when you spend the day at the beach.
11. Walkie talkie
If you are traveling with family or a big group, it’s nice to have a way to communicate to each other onboard. Cellphone service is poor and internet service is expensive. Bringing a long range walkie talkie is an easy way to stay in touch and it can be a lot of fun for kids to use.
12. Binoculars
I always pack binoculars when I go on cruises. It’s fun to use when your balcony. Definitely get one that is lightweight and with a strap.
13. Seasick Medicine
Years ago, cruise ships used to give out seasick medicine freely. Now, I find that is not the case. It’s best to bring your own seasick medicine (unless you want to pay Cruise ship gift shop pricing!) If you are cruising with kids, you should bring seasick medicine for kids– they are chewable and the dosage is meant for children.
Pro tip: Eating frequently can help you prevent seasickness on a cruise. It’s not hard to do on the cruise since you are eating all the time! Don’t let your stomach get empty. An empty stomach can make you more prone to feeling nauseous.
14. Shorts and shirts
These are the staples of your casual wardrobe for a Mexico cruise. You can wear them for daytime activities, such as relaxing on the deck or a day at the beach. Choose light and breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. I always pack a few skorts with pockets.
15. Sweatshirt or light jacket
Even though Mexico is known for its warm and sunny climate, it can get chilly at night or in air-conditioned areas. Therefore, it is a good idea to pack a sweatshirt or a light jacket that you can layer over your shorts and shirts. I also often get cold on the plane so I always pack a light sweatshirt for the plane ride.
Check out my Alaska Cruise Packing list (free printable)
16. Underwear
This is an obvious item to pack, but you might want to bring more than you think you need since you will be spending a lot of time swimming and at the beach. If you are packing for a 7 day cruise, I’d bring 10 pairs of underwear just in case. You should also pack special underwear for the evening, such as shapewear and strapless bra.
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17. Swim Cover Up
A swim cover up is a must-have for a Mexico cruise. You can wear it over your bathing suit when you go to the beach, the pool, or the buffet.
18. Hats or Baseball Caps
Hats or baseball caps are essential for a Mexico cruise.
19. Water shoes
Water shoes are a great item to pack for a Mexico cruise. You can wear them for water activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, or jet skiing. You can also wear them for walking on the beach in case you are on rocky surfaces.
20. Flip flops
Flip flops are a must-have for a Mexico cruise. It also doubles as a slipper in your cabin.
21. Bathing suits (bring 2-3 extra)
Bathing suits are the most essential item to pack for a Mexico cruise. You will be spending a lot of time in the water, whether it is the ocean, the pool, or the hot tub. Bringing only 1 bathing suit is never enough because sometimes it takes too long to dry. If you are going on a 7 day cruise, you need at least 2 bathing suits. I recommend bringing 3 bathing suits especially if you are going on the cruise with kids. You will be glad to have packed extra bathing suits. Also do bring rash guards because the sun can be intense in Mexico.
22. Swim goggles
If you are sensitive to the water, swim goggles are a must. Don’t forget to pack swim goggles since you will need it at the pool and you will most likely be going ashore to the Mexico beaches and will need swim goggles for salt water swimming. I suggest bringing an extra swim goggle in case you lose one! Otherwise, you will get stuck having to buy expensive swim goggles at the cruise gift shop.
23. Eveningwear
You might want to dress up for some nights during your Mexico cruise. Although the dress code is often optional, it’s always nice to dress up for the different evening dinners such as captain’s dinner, the gala night, or the farewell party. There are also a lot of photographers at the cruise so it’s always nice to be dressed up when you get your picture taken. I always try to get our family photo during cruises because it’s a lot less expensive to buy them on the cruise than having to go to a studio back home.
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24. Shawl or Pashmina
A shawl or a pashmina is a handy item to pack for a Mexico cruise. You can use it as a wrap for your dress. The cruise ship air conditioning can get cold you it’s nice to have a nice shawl or pashmina to keep you warm.
25. Dressy shoes
Don’t forget to pack dressy shoes. You will need it for evening dinners during your Mexico cruise. Do pack comfortable heels because you will do a lot of walking after dinner. I usually like to go to the gift shops, watch a show and even do a little dancing after dinner. Pack comfortable dressy shoes!
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26. Evening bag or clutch bag
Don’t forget to pack an evening bag or a clutch bag to go with your eveningwear. I like evening bags with a wrist strap so it’s easy to carry around with you even if you are at the buffet!
27. Gym clothes (with sneakers)
When I first started cruising, I always forget to pack gym clothes and always regret not packing them. During sea days, you may want to go to the gym. Pack comfortable and stylish gym clothes with sneakers.
28. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must when you visit the Mexico since the sun is more intense there. Everyone needs sunglasses even kids.
29. Mesh laundry bag
I always pack a mesh laundry bag for my dirty clothes. Having a laundry bag for dirty clothes will help keep your cruise cabin organized.
30. Electronics, Chargers and External Batteries
If you are going on a cruise with a lot of sea days and you are traveling with kids, you will want to keep everyone entertained with iPads, Switch, Kindle (to read by the pool). You should also bring charger and external batteries.
Pro tip: I suggest downloading movies in advance before you get onboard, so you don’t need to subscribe to the cruise internet service.
31. Snorkeling gear
If you think you will snorkel, then you should bring your own snorkeling gear. I personally don’t like renting it, but I know it’s bulky so depending on how much room you have in your luggage, you may or may not want to bring your own snorkeling gear.
Do keep in mind some cruise lines will not allow you to use your snorkeling gear in the ship’s pool. Definitely check your cruise line’s regulations before bringing your snorkeling gear.
32. Cash (Small Bills)
You will need cash, in particular, small bills. It will come in handy for tipping and to buy things. Most places take US dollars. Of course, if you forget, no worries you can always get small bills from Guest Services. But if you bring your own, you will avoid the long lines at Guest Services.
33. One Bottle of Wine
Most cruise lines will allow you to bring one bottle of wine on the ship when you board. For example, on Carnival cruises, you are allowed to bring one 750 ml. unopened bottle of wine or champagne per person. After that, any alcohol that you buy ashore will be taken and kept until the end of the cruise. Please double check with your cruise line before you bring wine.
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34. Power Strip
Don’t forget to bring a cruise-approved power strip. You’ll be glad you have extra outlets to charge your devices because the cruise cabins never have enough!
35. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a great item to pack for your cruise. It can soothe your skin after sun exposure and prevent peeling if you get sunburned.
36. Fan
If you are staying in an inside cabin and you are sensitive to airflow, you might want to bring a portable fan to improve the air circulation in your cabin. I like this portable fan because it can sit on your nightstand and also convert to be a handheld fan for when it’s hot outside. Plus, it is USB rechargeable.
What to Pack for a 7 Day Mexico Cruise
Here is an example of what to pack on a 7 day Mexico Cruise for women. Use packing cubes to keep things organized. Assign a color for each person in your cabin so you don’t get your packing cubes mixed up!
- 10 pairs of underwear
- 4-7 pairs of socks
- 4 pairs of shorts (skorts)
- 4 t-shirts
- 2 polo shirts
- 2 button-down shirts
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1-2 pairs of leggings (for the gym or sea days)
- 1 sweater or cardigan or sweatshirt
- 1 blazer or jacket
- 1 dress or suit
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 1 pair of flip flops
- 1 pair of water shoes
- 4 bathing suits
- 2 swim cover ups
- 1 sun hat or baseball cap
- 1 shawl or pashmina
- 1 evening bag or clutch bag
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Here is an example of what to pack for a 7 day Mexico Cruise for Men
- 10 pairs of underwear
- 4-7 pairs of socks
- 4 pairs of shorts
- 8 t-shirts/polo shirts/button down shirts
- 1 pair of jeans/khaki pants
- 1 pair of shorts or sweatpants (for the gym or sea days)
- 1 sweaters or sweatshirts
- 1 blazer or jacket
- 1 dress pants (match with blazers)
- 1 dress shirt
- 1 ties, belts and cufflinks
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 1 pair of water shoes
- 1 pair of flip flops
- 4 bathing suits
- 1 hat or baseball cap
What to Pack in Your Mexico Cruise Carry-On Bag
A large carry-on bag is essential for your Mexico Cruise. You should bring a small roller luggage that you can take on board with you and store in the overhead compartment on airplanes. This is because your checked luggage will not be delivered to your stateroom right away on the first day of the cruise. It may take a few hours for your luggage to arrive. Therefore, you should pack your first day essentials in your carry-on bag. Here are some items that I suggest you pack in your carry-on bag.
Bathing Suit
Pack your bathing suit in your overnight bag, in case you want to swim the first day. I know my kids usually want to jump in the pool on the first day so I always pack their bathing suit.
Swim Goggles
Don’t forget the swim goggles!
Sunblock
You will need sunblock if you are planning to swim the first day.
Flip Flops
You should pack flip flops in your carry-on bag if you plan to swim on the first day. Otherwise, I suggest you wear them so you are ready for the pool.
Change of Clothes
Bring a change of clothes in case you get in the pool that first day. Sometimes they don’t deliver your luggage to your cabin until almost dinner time. You will want a change of clothes after swimming at the pool.
Medication
Definitely bring your medication in your carry-on bag. My son is allergic to peanuts and I always pack his epipen and allergy medication in the carry-on bag.
Book, Electronics and Toys
There will be some downtime on the first day. If you are cruising with kids, you will need electronics and toys to keep them entertained. I like to bring my book with me so I have it when I’m lounging by the pool.
Lysol Wipes
I always bring a pack of Lysol wipes so I can wipe down my stateroom.
Toiletry Bag
It’s a good idea to pack your toiletry bag in your carry-on, so you have access to it on the first day, especially if you want to freshen up. I like this toiletry bag because it doesn’t take up precious counter space since it has a hook for hanging.
If you need to book Mexico tours, a great platform to book tours is with viator.
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Check out our other cruise packing lists with free printables:
Mediterranean Cruise Packing List
25 Things People forget to Pack for a Cruise
Check out: 30 Unusual Things to Pack for a Cruise: Things You Didn’t Know You Need
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