https://my.cunard.com/api-mc/mc-getCruiseSummary/v1

What to pack for a Cunard voyage. Effortless style, wherever you sail.

Please correct the errors below and try again.

You’ll shortly receive an email from us to confirm your sign up. Please click on the link contained within this email to start hearing more from us. If you are unable to find this email in your inbox, please check your junk mailbox.

Self Service
There are self service launderettes on board which are complimentary with washing machines, washing powder (you may bring your own personal washing powder if you wish), tumble dryers and ironing facilities which are available from around 7.30am until 9pm (subject to change).
&nbsp;
Launderettes can be found in the following locations:
Queen Elizabeth &amp; Queen Victoria - Decks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Queen Mary 2 - Decks 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11
Queen Anne - Decks 1, 4, 7, 8
&nbsp;
Specialist cleaning services
Wet cleaning is a professional, aqueous cleaning process for sensitive and non-washable garments. The wet cleaning process was invented in 1991 by Kreussler &amp; Co GmbH in cooperation with Miele. Wet cleaning avoids the use of chemical solvents. Environmental groups and the United States Environmental Protection Agency have indicated that such alternative &quot;&quot;wet cleaning&quot;&quot; methods are better for the environment than chemical solvents and proponents of wet cleaning state that these methods can be used without shrinking or otherwise damaging garments that typically require dry cleaning.
We also offer slight alterations / repairs on board, for an added cost.&nbsp;

Are there laundry facilities on board?

You’re free to bring water, soft drinks, and light snacks on board our ships. You may also bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per person to enjoy in your stateroom or suite.

Can I bring food or alcohol on board?

You are welcome to bring water, soft drinks and light snacks on board, although we encourage you to take full advantage of our dining options. These include indulgent fine dining, hearty gastro fare, an informal buffet, and complimentary breakfast in bed.

Can I bring food with me on board?

It is permissible to wear such items of clothing during the daytime.
It should also be noted that some countries may have rules against this sort of attire such as Barbados where it is illegal due to this matching the uniforms worn by security services.
Restriction to wearing camouflage clothing:
<ul>
<li>Barbados</li>
<li>St Kitts</li>
<li>Dominica</li>
<li>Grenada</li>
</ul>
No restrictions to wearing camouflage clothing:
<ul>
<li>Curacao</li>
<li>St Maarten</li>
</ul>

Can I wear army camouflage clothing on board or ashore?

Yes, you will find a full selection of toiletries and cosmetics in the Royal Arcade shops. Complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries are also included in your stateroom.

Can you buy toiletries on board?

You may bring one bottle of wine or Champagne on board to enjoy within your stateroom.

Can you pack alcohol?

For all complimentary on board activities, your equipment is included at no extra charge. You’ll find an ever-changing programme of classes and activities to try each day, including fencing (adults 18+ only), table tennis, paddle tennis, shuffleboard, quoits, golf (chipping, putting and target nets), hoopla, darts, croquet and short mat bowls, to name but a few. Additionally, our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/spa/fitness">gym and facilities</a>&nbsp;provide state-of-the-art equipment,&nbsp; with all necessary requirements provided to&nbsp;you once on your ship, so there’s no need to bring anything of this nature with you.&nbsp;

Do I need to bring sports equipment or can I rent it?

No need. Your stateroom comes equipped with towels, a hairdryer, and bathrobes. We also provide Penhaligon's toiletries, so you can pack lighter.&nbsp;

Do I need to bring towels, hairdryers, or robes?

Not at all. Most evenings are smart attire - think dresses, trousers with shirts, or a jacket.&nbsp;On&nbsp;<a href="/the-cunard-experience/what-to-pack#galathemes" title="" target="_self">Gala Evenings</a>, many guests enjoy dressing more formally, but it's entirely up to you. The most important thing is feeling comfortable and confident.&nbsp;

Do I need to dress up every evening?

No, we will provide fresh beach, pool and bathroom towels for your throughout your stay.

Do I need to pack beach towels?

Irons are available in our laundries, so you won’t need to bring an iron with you.&nbsp;Please note, you are not permitted to bring irons on board with you.

Do the rooms have an iron, or should I bring one?

During the day, guests are welcome to dress casually throughout the ship. Shorts, jeans, and relaxed attire are perfectly acceptable in all areas, though swimwear should be reserved for the open decks and the fitness centre.
From 6pm onwards, a smart attire dress code applies in most bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This typically includes:
<ul>
<li>For women:&nbsp;cocktail dresses, skirts or tailored trousers with an elegant top</li>
<li>For men:&nbsp;collared shirts with trousers; jackets are optional but encouraged</li>
<li>Not permitted:&nbsp;jeans, shorts, or casual sportswear</li>
</ul>
On&nbsp;Gala Evenings, a more formal dress code is observed in these same venues. Guests are invited to embrace the occasion with:
<ul>
<li>For women:&nbsp;floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, or smart trouser suits</li>
<li>For men:&nbsp;dinner jackets, tuxedos, or dark suits with a tie or bow tie</li>
<li>Not permitted:&nbsp;jeans or casual wear</li>
</ul>
These dress codes help preserve the sense of occasion that makes evenings on board so special. If you prefer to dress more casually, alternative dining venues and lounges are available where the evening dress code does not apply.

Does the dress code apply to all areas of the ship?

You’ll find both self-service launderettes and specialist cleaning services on board.
The self-service launderettes are complimentary and include washing machines, washing powder (you may bring your own personal washing powder if you wish), tumble dryers and ironing facilities, which are available from around 7.30am until 9pm (subject to change).
For sensitive and non-washable garments, we offer a specialist wet cleaning service at a small charge, free from the use of chemical solvents. This method can be used for garments that typically require dry cleaning.

How does the laundry service work?

We offer both self-service launderettes and specialist cleaning services on board our ships. 
 

Self-service launderettes are complimentary and include washing machines, washing powder, tumble dryers, and ironing facilities. These are typically available from 7.30am to 9pm (times may vary). You may bring your own washing powder if preferred. 
 

For delicate or non-washable items, we offer a specialist cleaning service for a small charge. This service is better suited for garments that typically require dry cleaning.
&nbsp;

How does the on board laundry service work?

We allow an unlimited amount of luggage on board our ships, so long as each individual bag weighs under 23kg. However, if your cruise includes a connecting flight, you will need to be mindful of the luggage restrictions enforced by your airline.&nbsp;

How many suitcases can I bring on a cruise?

This depends on your dining preferences and how many Gala Evenings are on your voyage. Formal dining restaurants, such as your assigned main dining room on board, require smart attire after 6pm, while our buffet and Golden Lion pub welcome relaxed clothing all day long, even on Gala Evenings. 
 

Most seven-night cruises include one to three themed Gala Evenings. You can discover your themes in advance by logging in to your voyage calendar in My Cunard, giving you a helpful guide on the colours and styles to pack. On longer cruises, you can use our on board laundry service to reduce the number of outfits you need to pack.
&nbsp;

How many suits/dresses will I need to pack?

It really depends on how often you’d like to dine out formally each night. We encourage smart attire in formal dining restaurants in the evenings, but for buffet dining and in our Golden Lion pub, no formal dress code applies.&nbsp;On Gala evenings, of which there are usually two or three per seven-night cruise, we ask that you dress to impress, so do bear this in mind when packing; you may also want to dress for the theme of the evening, which will be communicated before you sail. You can take advantage of our full laundry service on board, which may help to reduce the number of formal evening options you bring on longer cruises.&nbsp;

How many suits / dresses will I need?

This will depend on how much you plan to use the pool and spa facilities, but in general, we would recommend packing two or three swimsuits.

How many swimsuits / bathing suits will I need?

You are welcome to bring entertainment devices such as laptops, tablets and music players on board. Please also pack headphones, if you wish to use these in public areas of the ship.
Heated hair stylers, electronic shavers and tabletop fans can be used within your stateroom only. We provide hair dryers in all staterooms, so there’s no need to bring one with you.
Extension leads aren’t permitted on board, unless with essential medical equipment (e.g. CPAP and nebuliser machines). These will be checked for electrical safety along with your medical equipment, prior to sailing.
Surge protected extension leads are not accepted in any circumstances as they interfere with the ship's electrical distribution. See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/advice-and-policies/prohibited-items">our list of prohibited items</a>&nbsp;for guidance.

What electronics can I bring?

One of the real pleasures of our ships is the balance between being relaxed and free to dress as you please during the day, and the chance to sparkle in the evenings, whether dressing for dinner or the extra glamour of Gala Evenings.
From 6pm, the style goes up. Every night on board, we ask that you wear smart attire in most of our bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.
On our much-loved Gala Evenings, which are the highlight of the voyage for many, we invite you to dress to impress as the celebratory atmosphere and sense of occasion are heightened across the ship. There will be at least one Gala Evening on your voyage. Of course, if you prefer to spend your evenings in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues are always available for your enjoyment.
For full details and inspiration, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/what-to-pack">our packing guide</a>.

What is the dress code on Cunard ships?

Even in summer, the weather can be changeable in Norway, so we recommend packing some warm layers no matter what time of year your voyage sails. Alongside jumpers and coats, other Norway packing essentials include:
<ul>
<li>Comfortable walking shoes</li>
<li>Hiking shoes (if your itinerary includes nature excursions)</li>
<li>A lightweight rain jacket, umbrella, or warm jacket</li>
<li>A rucksack or tote bag for carrying water and other essentials during port visits</li>
<li>Your camera and charger</li>
</ul>
Tip: If you are an avid hiker, we recommend packing at least two pairs of walking shoes, so you can alternate between them during your cruise.

What should I pack for shore days in Norway?

Cunard’s on board accommodation is among the most spacious at sea. Each stateroom is equipped with wardrobe hanging space and a safe for your valuables, as well as drawers for your clothes and accessories. In addition, your stateroom’s bathroom has counter space beside the sink where you&nbsp;may wish to keep your toiletries, while select Grills Suites on board also feature dedicated in-suite dressing areas.&nbsp;Explore our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/staterooms-and-suites">accommodation pages</a>&nbsp;for more information.

What storage space is available in cabins / staterooms?

Though it largely depends on your destination of choice (see our destination packing guides above), we suggest bringing the following for a comfortable day on shore.
<ul>
<li>Comfortable shoes</li>
<li>Hiking shoes (if necessary)</li>
<li>Lightweight rain mac, umbrella or a warm jacket</li>
<li>&nbsp;Rucksack or tote bag (for carrying water and other items during port visits)</li>
<li>Camera (and charger) so you don’t miss any photo opportunities on your voyage</li>
</ul>
Tip: We’d recommend bringing more than one pair of walking shoes with you for your journey so you can alternate if needed.&nbsp;

What to pack for shore days?

Frequently asked questions: What to pack

Sea days

Guests relax beside Queen Anne's Pavilion Pool

Sea days with Cunard are yours to enjoy. Swim, unwind with a book, join activities like fitness classes or wine tastings, and savour Afternoon Tea. As this time is leisurely, it’s important to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in. To have options to suit each day's activities, consider shorts and long trousers, T-shirts, cardigans, a blazer or sweatshirt, swimwear, and work-out clothes and trainers.
Tip: Swimwear isn’t permitted in indoor dining areas, so if you are planning to visit your stateroom’s main restaurant for breakfast or lunch, be sure to factor in time for a quick change in your stateroom.

Eveningwear

Evenings on board offer the perfect opportunity to embrace a touch of elegance. Most guests welcome the chance to dress in smart attire, adding to the sense of occasion. While formalwear isn’t required every night, we suggest attire akin to what you might wear to a fine restaurant or the theatre, such as a cocktail dress, a dress shirt with trousers, or a stylish skirt and top.

A man and a woman dance at a Cunard Gala Evening

On voyages of three nights or more, at least one Gala Evening invites you to embrace the grandeur of ocean travel. These special nights feature an elevated dress code and are entirely optional, though many guests sail with us precisely because they look forward to the elegance and tradition these evenings bring.

For Black and White Gala Evenings, we encourage you to join in the monochrome palette with eveningwear in full black or white, or patterns that combine both colours.

Queens Room Gäste genießen den Abend an Bord der Queen Anne

Queens Room Guests enjoying the evening onboard the Queen Anne

Join us as we celebrate Cunard's rich heritage and identity with this special theme. From a red bow tie and sparkling gold accents through to red dinner jackets and red and gold gowns, your participation can be as big or as small as you like.

For Roaring 20s, a simple hint towards the theme is all that's required - a pocket square in an art deco print or a feathered slide in your hair - but if you'd like to bring a flapper dress, or braces and a trilby, you're sure to fit right in. 

An evening of mystery, intrigue and suspense awaits as Cunard transports you back to Renaissance Italy and the infamous Venetian Masquerade Carnivals. Whatever you decide to wear, bring along a mask to match - or even make your own.

By destination

With up to 300 days of sunshine per year, the Mediterranean is a popular destination for anyone looking for sun, sea and sand. 
 
To make the most of your time here, be sure to bring&nbsp;beachwear and loose-fitting clothing&nbsp;to help you stay comfortable in the heat.&nbsp;Cottons and linens&nbsp;are great fabrics for keeping you cool in warmer weather.

Village Olden in Norwegian fjords, Norway

While summer heralds in warmer temperatures and longer days, the weather on a Norwegian fjords voyage can change in an instant. 
 
Norwegian fjords weather can shift quickly, even in summer. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and something warm for aurora spotting at night.

Sailing transatlantic means you’ll be spending the entirety of your cruise on your ship, and even though there’ll be some clothing shops on board, it’s still a good idea to pack for all occasions.

Our Alaska season runs during the summer, when days offer up to 19 hours of light and temperatures are at their mildest.&nbsp;Shorts&nbsp;work by day, but&nbsp;pack warmer layers for stargazing&nbsp;or whale watching at night. Sturdy&nbsp;walking boots&nbsp;are essential for exploring the wilderness.

A small church on an island in Alaska's Inside Passage, with the sunlit mountains in the background

The Caribbean’s stunning coastlines shine brightest from April to June, when temperatures peak around 90°F (32°C). Pack light:&nbsp;swimsuit, flip flops, and a cover-up&nbsp;are often all you’ll need. 
 
Tip:&nbsp;Avoid any clothing with a camouflage print, as some Caribbean islands forbid the wearing of camouflage by non-military personnel.

Additional tips

Bild eines Butlers, der den Koffer eines Gastes packt – alles Teil des Butler Grill Suites-Erlebnisses

Image of a Butler packing a guests' suitcase - all part of the Butler Grill Suites experience

There are several items that we ask you not to bring on board our ships, such as irons or extension leads. See our list of prohibited items for further information on what not to pack.

Cunard’s White Star Luggage Service, provided by our partner Luggage Forward, is the perfect alternative to transporting your own luggage and is also the perfect option for those who choose to extend their travels pre- or post voyage.

If you struggle to find something before your departure date or need just that little extra something for your outfit, our onboard retailers have themed products and accessories.&nbsp;

From the chalky Jurassic coast of southern England to the ethereal waters of Mull, the seas around the British Isles have a lot to offer you. Gaze down at porpoises and seals around the Isles of Scilly, look up at historic grey-stone castles along the cliffs of the Scottish Isles, and see the rugged beauty of the coast of Ireland, all from a unique vantage point on board.

What are the best sights on a British Isles cruise?

Layers and waterproofs are essential, especially for cruises during the colder months or scenic voyages, where most of your sightseeing will be done from the decks. Wrap up warm in winter, and protect yourself from the summer sun with sunscreen and hat. Sunglasses (and binoculars) are a wise addition all year round, as you scan the skies for birds and the clifftops for medieval castles. Lastly, a Cunard cruise wouldn't be complete without a Gala night or two, so bring your best dress or suit and be ready to dance the night away.

What should I pack for a British Isles cruise?

The Gulf Stream means that this part of the world stays relatively mild all year round, with a fair bit of rain thrown in. In the spring months, rain is more frequent, but the coastlines will be in full bloom and are a sight to behold. Summertime is busier thanks to local holiday seasons, with warmer and longer days, from June to August. Autumn brings a chill and beautiful colours (think golden-orange forests), and the winter months between December and February are the coldest, but bring some special marine life to the local waters.

When is the best time to cruise the British Isles?

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/diversity-and-inclusion

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/legal-information

/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/sailing-with-confidence

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/privacy-notice

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/website-terms-of-use

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/passenger-bill-of-rights

Footer Bottom

sm-Facebook

sm-Twitter

sm-Instagram

sm-Youtube

AbtaLogo

AtolLogo

Support

more voyages ( or XX nights) and you will unlock XXXX membership

more voyages and you will unlock XXXX membership

What to pack

Sea days

Evenings on board

Smart attire

Gala Evenings

Gala Evening themes

Black and White

Red and gold

Roaring 20s

Masquerade Ball

Black and White

Red and gold

Roaring 20s

Masquerade Ball

Packing tips by destination

Mediterranean

Additional packing tips

What not to pack

Cunard's White Star Luggage Service

Last minute addition?