Celebrity Packing List & Dress Code

The dress code in one paragraph

Celebrity has two evening standards: smart casual on most nights, and Evening Chic on a small number. Evening Chic means smarter than daytime — a jacket, a cocktail dress, a smart jumpsuit. It does not require black tie, and the casual venues are exempt entirely.

The practical reality is that the dress code is applied with courtesy rather than rigour. You will not be turned away for wearing chinos and a good shirt on an Evening Chic night. You would be asked to change if you arrived at the main restaurant in swimwear or a vest.

Check current details: How many Evening Chic nights a sailing has depends on its length, and the exact wording of the code has changed over the years. Check your sailing’s daily programme once on board.

What to wear, when

One jacket and one dressy option per person covers a whole week. Do not buy a tuxedo for a Celebrity cruise unless you already want one.

How much to actually pack

Almost everyone over-packs for their first cruise. The ship is warm, laundry exists, and nobody notices a repeated outfit.

• Two to three evening outfits for a seven-night sailing, worn in rotation — not seven.
• One pair of comfortable walking shoes and one pair of smarter shoes. That is enough.
• Swimwear: two sets, so one is always dry.
• Daywear: about four days’ worth for a week, on rotation.
• One warm layer regardless of destination. Ships are air-conditioned aggressively.
• Laundry and pressing are available on board for a charge; some stateroom tiers include it.

Packing for the Caribbean

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics. Linen and cotton over synthetics.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, high factor, more than you think you need.
• A sun hat that will survive being packed.
• Water shoes if you plan on rocky beaches or watersports.
• A light rain shell — tropical showers are brief and heavy.
• A light long-sleeve layer for the evening breeze on deck and for over-cooled interiors.
• Insect repellent for evening port stops.

Packing for Alaska

Alaska in summer is cool and wet rather than cold. Layers plus a genuinely waterproof shell beats a single heavy coat, and waterproof shoes matter more than almost anything else.

• Waterproof shell jacket with a hood — waterproof, not water-resistant.
• Fleece or light down mid-layer.
• Thermal base layer for glacier days on deck.
• Warm hat and gloves. The wind off a glacier is the coldest you will be.
• Waterproof, broken-in walking shoes.
• Binoculars — the scale is deceptive and wildlife is often distant.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: glare off ice and water is significant even under cloud.
• Swimwear, genuinely — the Solarium and hot tubs get constant use here.

Packing for the Mediterranean

• Proper walking shoes. Mediterranean old towns are cobbled, steep and unforgiving.
• Shoulders and knees covered for churches and religious sites — a light scarf solves this.
• A refillable water bottle. Public fountains are common and it is hot.
• Sun protection: high-factor sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
• A crossbody bag that closes securely for busy city ports.
• A light layer for evenings, especially in the shoulder seasons.
• Plug adapters for Europe — and check what the ship’s staterooms provide.

Packing for Asia and long-haul itineraries

• Modest clothing for temples and shrines: covered shoulders and knees, and shoes that slip off easily.
• Lightweight, quick-drying fabrics for humidity.
• A compact umbrella — more useful than a rain jacket in a Japanese autumn.
• Any prescription medication in original packaging, with documentation.
• Cash in local currency for smaller ports; card acceptance varies widely.
• Comfortable socks you are happy to be seen in — you will remove your shoes often.

Check current details: Medication rules differ sharply by country, and some common over-the-counter drugs are restricted in Japan and elsewhere. Check the rules for every country on your itinerary before you pack a pharmacy.

What experienced cruisers always bring

• A magnetic hook or two — stateroom walls are steel and storage is limited.
• An over-the-door organizer for the bathroom, which is small.
• A power bank and a USB charger with multiple ports, since outlets are few.
• A highlighter for the daily programme.
• A lanyard for the stateroom key card.
• Motion-sickness remedy, even if you have never needed it.
• A small daypack for port days.
• Ziplock bags for wet swimwear and port-day snacks.
• A travel-size stain remover pen.
• Printed copies of your booking, insurance and passport details.

Check current details: Note the absence of an extension cord or power bar from that list — see the prohibited-items section. Buy a cruise-approved, non-surge-protected USB hub instead.

What not to pack

Cruise ships confiscate items that create a fire or safety risk. The most commonly surrendered are irons, steamers, candles and surge-protected power bars — all of which passengers pack in good faith every single sailing.

• Irons and clothes steamers — fire risk. Use the ship’s laundry and pressing service.
• Candles and incense.
• Extension cords and power bars with surge protection. Some non-surge USB hubs are permitted; check first.
• Most alcohol. A small wine allowance is typically permitted at embarkation; spirits are not.
• Drones — prohibited on many itineraries and in many ports.
• Hoverboards and similar lithium-battery devices.
• Anything weapon-like, including some multi-tools and sporting equipment.

Check current details: Prohibited-item lists vary by ship and region and change. Check the current policy for your specific sailing — confiscated items are held until the end of the cruise, and some are not returned at all.

The embarkation-day carry-on

Checked luggage is delivered to your stateroom over several hours after boarding. Anything you need in that window has to be on your person.

• Passport, boarding documents and your card for the onboard account.
• All medication — never in checked luggage.
• Swimwear, so you can use the pool while the ship is quiet.
• A change of clothes.
• Phone, charger and power bank.
• Any valuables, including jewellery and electronics.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for the sail-away.

Documents and money

• A valid passport with adequate remaining validity for every country on the itinerary.
• Any required visas or travel authorizations for your citizenship and route.
• Printed and digital copies of your cruise documents and travel insurance policy.
• A credit card for the onboard account, registered at check-in.
• Some local cash for smaller ports, taxis and tips ashore.
• Your travel insurer’s emergency contact number, saved offline.

Check current details: Documentation requirements depend on your citizenship and exact itinerary and change. Verify with official government sources for your specific sailing — the cruise line is not responsible if you are denied boarding.