MSC Cruise Packing List + Custom Printable Checklist (2024)

From toiletries and sunblock to travel documents and clothing items, this blog post will help ensure that when it comes time to set sail, all necessary items are already accounted for!In this MSC Cruise Packing List post, I’ll give you an extensive yet complete packing list of what you need to bring plus I’ve linked a printable checklist that you can customize at the end of the post!

What to Pack for an MSC Cruise + Printable Packing List

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MSC Cruise Essentials: Must-Haves to Pack

These are my top cruise essentials that you MUST HAVE when taking a cruise. Trust me, you will regret not bringing them!

Passport, ID, Documents – Obviously, you’re going to need all necessary IDs and documents. I always always always recommend making a copy of these items and keeping it in your luggage.

Seasick Prevention – better safe than sorry with this one! I don’t typically get seasick, but I always pack some meds just in case. If you don’t want to take meds, try using a patch or bracelet instead — this patchhas 4.5 stars and over 12,000 reviews on Amazon!

Magnetic Hooks – Fun fact, cruise ship walls are totally magnetic!! This is one of my favorite cruise hacks, bring magnetic hooks to hang things in your stateroom. This can help you save space and keep your room organized.

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Extension Cords – Plugs are limited in cruise staterooms, so avoid fighting over charging rights and get an extension cord with multiple plugs! BUT it MUST be cruise ship approved, meaning it doesn’t have a surge protector. These are all safe to bring:

Towel Clips – It can be super windy on deck, so towel clips will be your best friend! They keep your towel from blowing all over the place — trust me they’re a game changer and super cheap. I would recommend 4 for each person to hold down all corners of the towel.

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Water Bottle – Stay hydrated on board! Bring a reusable water bottle to refill instead of having to buy plastic water bottles each time.

Portable Fan – It gets hot on deck and during excursions, bring along this portable fan

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MSC Cruise Packing List: Clothes for Women

Dresses – I personally love wearing dresses when traveling, they’re flowy and easy and can be dressed up or down. Check if you have a formal night and pack accordingly.

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Tops – As far as tops go, I recommend a couple t-shirts, tanks, and maybe a couple of nice tops if you prefer those to dresses.

Bottoms – You’ll definitely want some shorts to wear with t-shirts or over a swimsuit. Also, depending on your style and destination, consider if you’ll need these bottoms as well: jeans, pants, skirts, etc.

Bras, Underwear, Socks – be sure to pack plenty of these! Look at what activities you’ll be doing in order to plan how many of each you’ll need.

Swimsuit – I recommend packing at least 2 swimsuits (I usually bring 3-4). I hate putting on a wet swimsuit, so if you have 2, you can wear one while the other dries. These are some of my favorite swimsuits on Amazon:

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Swimsuit Cover-up – Coverups are perfect for walking around the deck or popping from the pool to lunch! Here are some of my favorites:

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Sunhat – a sunhat is a must-have to block out the sun up on the cruise deck.

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Pool/Beach Bag – you will definitely want a pool bag/beach tote on a cruise to help you carry your towel, towel clips, sunscreen, book (or kindle) etc! I loveee these custom ones from Etsy too!

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Pro-tip: this hat clip attaches to your bag and makes it easy to tote around your hat!

Sunglasses – I usually bring two pairs of sunglasses just in case I lose one.

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Shoes – depending on the activities planned, I’ll pack tennis shoes, flip flops/beach shoes, and a pair of nicer wedges. Here’s a link to some of my favorites.

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MSC Cruise Packing List: Clothes for Men

Tops – Cruises typically go to warm places, so breezy button downs or linen tops are best

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Bottoms – most guys on cruises wear shorts, but it can’t hurt to bring a pair of nice pants or jeans too just in case

Underwear, Socks, Etc – Plan how many of each you’ll need by considering how many days you’ll be gone and the type of activities you’ll be doing

Swimsuits – I always recommend bringing at least two swimsuits, that way you’ll have an extra in case one is still drying.

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Beach bag/day pack – bring a beach backpack or dry bag on a cruise to help you carry your towel, towel clips, sunscreen, book (or kindle) etc!

Shoes – depending on what you have planned, I recommend packing tennis shoes, flip flops/beach shoes, and a pair of nicer shoes just in case.

Sunglasses – probably a good idea to bring two pairs in case you lose one!

Hat – help protect your face from a sunburn by packing a hat!

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MSC Cruise Toiletries Packing List

Here’s a list of toiletries you’ll need to pack for an MSC Cruise. Of course edit to what you need personally, you can do that on the checklist.

Hair Products – pack all the necessary hair products you’ll need, like shampoo, conditioner, brush (this one is great for tangles), comb, dry shampoo, hairspray, blow dryer, other styling tools, hair ties, bobby pins etc. Linked some of my favorite products below:

Pro Tip: I recommend bringing your own hairdryer if you can, the ones on board usually aren’t the best.

Skincare Products – make-up, lotion, cleanser, toner, tweezers, etc.

Oral Care –Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Mouthwash

Deodorant– it gets hot on deck, no one wants to be stinky 😉

Perfume/Cologne – the travel size and roll-on ones are super convenient for cruises

Sunscreen – You’re definitely going to want to pack PLENTY of sunscreen for an MSC Cruise! I like to use a spray on one for my body and one specifically for faces. And in case you do burn, definitely bring along some aloe vera.

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Lip Balm – protect your lips with a hydrating lip balm and get one with an SPF too!

Medications – Pack typical medications you might need, like Advil, stomach meds, vitamins, and of course, and prescription meds.

What Else to Pack for a MSC Cruise

Here are a couple more things you’ll need or may want to consider packing:

  • Waterproof Phone Case Most phones are water resistant these days, but better safe than sorry
  • Speaker – great for playing music in your room or when chilling out on the balcony. This Bose one is small, waterproof, and plays amazing sound – it’s what I use.
  • Books or a Kindle – I always bring my kindle for reading on the deck
  • Snorkel gear – I personally love the ones that are full-face, they look dorky but they’re fantastic!
  • Camera gear – photographic your adventures, just don’t forget extra SD cards!
  • Lanyard – for carrying around your cruise card

MSC Cruise Printable Packing Checklist

Here is the customizable packing checklist as promised! Click on the list below (or this link) and it will open a Google Doc. Follow the directions on the first slide to make a copy and edit for yourself!

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There you have it, the perfect packing list for an MSC Cruise! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram!

Related Posts:

    • MSC Mediterranean Cruise Review: Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Cyprus
    • What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation
    • 14 Tropical Places You Can Visit Without a Passport

xx Chels

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MSC Cruise Packing List + Custom Printable Checklist (2024)

FAQs

What not to pack on MSC cruises? ›

Items Forbidden Onboard

Alcohol, firearms, sharp objects such as blades and scissors, flammable and explosive material, items with heating elements, excluding hair dryers, hair Irons and hair straighteners, or open flames (e.g. clothing irons, kettles, hotplates, candles, incense, steamers), drones.

Can you bring a 12 pack of soda on MSC cruise? ›

Many cruise lines allow you to bring alcohol onboard, such as a bottle of wine; however, MSC does not allow guests to carry-on any adult drinks on the ship. This extends to beverages in general, so soda also needs to stay at home. Don't try to sneak it on; this can cause issues and potentially delay embarkation.

What do I need to board an MSC cruise? ›

Adult U.S. Citizens (16 years and over):
  1. American Passport Card.
  2. Original or Certified Copy of Birth Certificate* along with a valid, unexpired, government issued photo ID**
  3. Original Certificate of Naturalization along with a valid, unexpired, government issued photo ID (copies will not be accepted)

How many suitcases can you bring on an MSC cruise? ›

Guests are encouraged to limit their checked luggage to two checked suitcases per person (not exceeding 35x29x16 inches in size and 50 lbs. in weight per bag) and two handheld pieces of luggage (not exceeding 22x17x9 inches in size and 50 lbs. in weight per bag).

Can I wear jeans to dinner on an MSC cruise? ›

Shorts and tasteful T-shirts are acceptable even in the dining room. At dinner, dress codes will vary daily, among the following: Casual: Slacks and sport shirt for men (no jeans); slacks and blouse, sundress or pantsuit for women.

Does MSC provide shampoo and conditioner? ›

One for shower soap. One for shampoo. And one for conditioner.

What drinks are complimentary on MSC? ›

Like most cruise lines, MSC offers a variety of beverages included in your cruise fare. While you won't find piña coladas or shots of bourbon offered for free, you will find a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Water, coffee, tea, iced tea, juices, and milk are offered at no extra charge to guests.

Does MSC allow water bottles? ›

Unless otherwise permitted by our security personnel or crew, guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board. Boxed wine and other containers are prohibited. Security personnel may inspect containers (including water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, canteens, etc.)

Can I bring snacks on an MSC cruise? ›

We know from 3 MSC cruises before the pandemic (Seaside, Armonia, Mervaglia) that MSC is strict and does not [did not anyway] allow carrying on ANY food or drink of any type on embarkation day.

Do I need cash on a MSC cruise? ›

All on board purchases are made with the personal cruise card, eliminating the need to carry cash or credit cards. Cash deposits can be made or a credit card can be registered to the cruise card at any time during a cruise.

How early can you check-in for an MSC cruise? ›

Remember, web check-in is accessible starting from 30 days before and up to 24 hours prior to your cruise departure.

What do you wear on a MSC cruise? ›

Casual Dress Code

It still requires guests to dress neatly and appropriately. Men can wear slacks or khakis paired with a button-down shirt or polo shirt. Women have the option of wearing sundresses, skirts, or dress pants paired with blouses or tops. Avoid wearing swimwear, gym clothes, or overly casual attire.

What is not allowed on MSC? ›

Overview of MSC Prohibited Items. Any type of firearms, including handguns and rifles, is strictly prohibited on MSC cruise ships. This rule ensures the safety and security of all passengers and crew members. Carrying ammunition, including bullets and shells, is not allowed on board.

What is free on an MSC cruise? ›

On MSC World Cruise the Dine & Drinks package is included. It includes: house wines, draught beer, soft drinks and mineral water that can be consumed during lunch and dinner in our main restaurants and in the buffet.

What plugs do MSC Cruises use? ›

What plug sockets do MSC cruise ships have? All MSC cruise ships feature a minimum of 2 US and 2 European plug sockets. Cruise ships in the Meraviglia, Meraviglia Plus, and Seaside class also offer USB sockets, ranging from 3-4 per cabin.

What is not allowed in luggage on a cruise? ›

The list includes -- although certainly not limited to -- any flammable liquid or fuel (although disposable cigarette lighters are fine), candles, incense, coffee makers, kettles, hot plates, heating pads, electric blankets and clothes irons.

Can I bring a case of water on an MSC cruise? ›

Non-alcoholic drinks, such as water, soda and juices, are prohibited to be brought on board either as carry- on or checked luggage on both embarkation and port days.

Can I take my hair straightener on an MSC cruise? ›

The only electrical appliances permitted in cabins are: electric shavers and hairdryers, battery chargers and computers. Please note that heat-generating devices (like electric kettles, bottle warmers for babies, electric blankets etc.) are not allowed on board.

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