Ultimate Mexico Cruise Packing List: Print Yours Now!

Getting ready for a cruise to Mexico but not sure what to bring? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate Mexico cruise packing list so you can focus on soaking up the sun and enjoying your trip.

My wife Karen and I have cruised to Mexico many times, and our favorite way to travel is on a cruise to Mexico out of Los Angeles. We’ve cruised in the Fall, Spring, and Winter, and learned exactly what to pack for comfort, style, and fun.

If you’re cruising in January, be prepared: it can be surprisingly chilly setting sail from LA. But fast forward a day or two, then grab the sandals and sunscreen to bask in the warm, golden sunshine of Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas.

Even on a quick weekend cruise from San Diego to Ensenada, packing smart can make all the difference. From safe drinking water tips to handling money in Mexico, where pesos are preferred but U.S. dollars are accepted, it’s best to come prepared.

We always bring small bills for tips and essentials, and we’ve learned what to pack through many trips. Use our streamlined packing guide, and don’t forget to grab the printable checklist at the end!

Cruise Clothes

Mexican cruises are pretty casual, so shorts, t-shirts, and beachwear work best. Pick cruise wear items made from natural fibers for breathability and fabrics which dries fast.

Sandals and flip-flops work well on board, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating cobblestone streets in port. For adventurous excursions such as zip lining or ATV rides, close-toed shoes are often required.

Cruising to Mexico with just a carry-on is entirely doable, especially when skipping formal nights or taking advantage of onboard laundry services to keep packing light.

Dining is a highlight of any cruise, with options ranging from specialty restaurants and formal evenings to relaxed, casual nights. Each cruise line has its own dress code, and it’s good to know yours.

Cunard leans towards formal, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises (the “Love Boat” line) favor smart casual, and Carnival tends to be the most laid-back, just no shorts in the main dining room.

For formal nights, I usually pack a dress shirt or two, slacks, dress shoes, and a tie to be covered for any occasion. The buffet is always a reliable choice for those who prefer a more casual setting. Karen always brings a cocktail dress for special evenings.

Many shore excursions focus on watersports, and beach activities, so remember that all-important bathing suit and cover-up. We suggest a light jacket or sweatshirt for those early morning excursions, when cruising in winter.

If you’re prone to sunburns or bald, bring a sun hat or baseball hat and plenty of sunscreen.

Here’s a list of items that might not be top of mind when packing for a Mexico cruise. While optional, they can make the trip more comfortable and convenient for those who like to be well-prepared.

Motion Sickness Patches

After leaving Los Angeles on the way south to Mexico, it is common to experience rough seas during the first sea day. We’ve experienced shoppy seas to and from Mexico.

Modern cruise ships have stabilizers that reduce movement when in open water. However, some people feel the motion more than others resulting in seasickness, that can impact their cruise experience.

There are different products, such as sea bands, ginger tea, and bonine, that vary depending on your preferences. I prefer the motion sickness patches, which are inexpensive, work well, and don’t make me tired.

We recommend Bonine as an alternative for guests who experience blurred vision from patches. Recently, we’ve seen an increasing number of cruise ships that sell them onboard.

Water Shoes

With all that water, sand, and sunshine, it’s hard to visit Mexico without participating in some water activity. Whether paddle boarding, walking a beach, or surfing, water shoes are a must-have item to prevent slippage.

They are perfect for climbing slippery rocks or preventing burns from scolding hot sand. These aqua shoes take up very little space in your luggage and come in various colors and patterns, perfect for men, women, and children.

Each pair is reinforced at the toes to protect feet in the water during ocean excursions. The rubberized grip prevents slippage around pool decks. Our have served us well from the beaches in Hawaii to water activities in Mexico.

After Sun Lotion

Sunscreen is a must for any trip to Mexico. But if a visit to the Marietas Islands is on the itinerary, be sure to pack a reef-safe option to help protect the marine ecosystem. After-sun care is just as important.

Whether it’s a golden tan or a bit too much sun, skin needs some TLC. A good after-sun lotion with Aloe vera and vitamin E can soothe, hydrate, and help prevent peeling. Bonus: it keeps that sun-kissed glow looking great even longer.

Rashguard Clothing

We take our Rashguard tops whenever we cruise to warm destinations. We apply sunscreen, but Rashguard reduces the amount of sunscreen needed and gives us an extra layer of protection.

Water activities can wash away sunscreen, and the ocean breezes will often mask the effects of the sun’s rays. We’ve found wearing Rashguard clothing helps prevent our skin from getting burned.

Karen tends to tan, but I tend to burn. I consider my Rashguard shirt a lifesaver when I’m out in the Mexican sun all day.

The tops are available in long and short-sleeved styles (and we have both); for men, women, and children. We wear them over our bathing suits when spending time in the water.

The top has a UV Block fabric of UPF 50+ which helps prevent sunburn. They’re not just for swimming, but great for hiking or spending lots of time in the sun.

Excursion Backpack

One of my must-have items once we leave the ship is my backpack. We try to bring everything we need for however long we are off the ship. Karen often carries a foldable bag with a towel and a change of clothes if we swim.

Karen and I take thousands of photos, so we travel with lots of camera gear and accessories. Our gear includes a DJI OM 5 gimbal for video, a Nikon camera, extra lenses, GoPro’s, spare batteries, memory cards, etc.

Karen is the “Pro” photographer, but with today’s smartphones, it’s easy to take many quality photos. We often shoot the same scene, but the pictures come out differently due to opposing angles.

To keep all this gear safe, we have a lined zippered backpack with many compartments. The velcro inserts are movable allowing us to customize the inner space. 

If we are hiking, the backpack doubles as a lunch container holding energy bars, chocolate bars, extra water, etc. In the picture above, I wore my backpack on a hike to El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlan.

Be sure to bring a pack with multiple zippers providing accessible storage for many items.

I like to carry water bottles outside the bag just in case they leak. Nothing worse than having a bottle of water leak inside the bag and over your electronics!

Activated Charcoal

One of the most common concerns when visiting Mexico is the dreaded “Montezuma’s Revenge.” While locals drink the tap water without issue, their bodies are used to it, travelers aren’t so lucky.

To stay safe, stick to sealed bottles or cans, even if reassured the water is filtered. It’s also smart to skip ice cubes, as they’re often made with unpurified water. I learned this the hard way after requesting ice that made me sick.

Packing activated charcoal is a wise precaution. Its porous structure traps toxins in the digestive tract and helps flush them out naturally. Hopefully, it won’t be needed, but it’s a small item that can make a big difference if stomach trouble strikes.

Collapsible Water Bottles

If you plan on hiking or walking about the local port towns, we’ve found collapsible water bottles to be an ideal way to carry safe water.

We fill our bottles up on the cruise ship before we disembark, ensuring our water is safe to drink. These water bottles are reusable, environmentally friendly, and take up little space in our luggage or day pack. Once empty, they roll up and take up even less space.

Imodium

One of the most common concerns when visiting Mexico is the dreaded “Montezuma’s Revenge.” While locals drink the tap water without issue, their bodies are used to it, travelers aren’t so lucky.

To stay safe, stick to sealed bottles or cans, even if reassured the water is filtered. It’s also smart to skip ice cubes, as they’re often made with unpurified water. Believe me, I’ve been there, which puts a damper on our travel experience.

On a recent cruise and after busy activities in Mazatlan, we stopped for local food. It was a quaint outdoor restaurant that was busy and seemed very popular.

It was hot, so I ordered a Coke with a glass of ice. Karen quickly reminded me and asked, “Are you sure about getting ice?”

Like a Newby guy traveler, I proudly told her, “I’m tough; what’s the worst that can happen?” A few hours later that evening, I realized I was not as tough as I thought!

I never left our cabin for the next twelve hours and missed the show that evening. I learned my lesson and will not get the ice again when I’m off the ship.

Waterproof Case For A Smartphone

Today’s cell phones have become quite expensive. If you’re spending any time on the beach or by a swimming pool, it’s best to protect your phone against sand and water damage.

Karen and I travel with the latest Samsung and Apple phones to get high-quality photos wherever we are. Phones are essential to our blogging business, so we want to protect them.

Investing in a waterproof phone case allows us to use our phones to take pictures even when secured inside the pouch.

The lightweight phone pouch features a sturdy rope buckle and dual-sided clear windows to allow for use. These inexpensive pouches can turn your phone into an underwater camera on snorkeling excursions.

Portable Travel Safe

Recently, Mexico has experienced high crime rates, especially in major urban centers. Assault and theft make up most crimes.

On our last cruise, there were recent conflicts between the police and the drug lords, so our stop in Mazatlan was at risk. In the end, the police ramped up their efforts, and we docked without incident according to our itinerary.

However, Mexico is like many destinations where an ounce of caution can prevent your vacation from becoming an unfortunate event.

Protect your valuables at the beach or on a shore excursion with a travel safe. We recommend one that is water resistant and carries small items like a cell phone, money, wallet, and a small camera.

It’s made of lightweight plastic and has a heavy-duty flexible steel cable to securely lock around almost any fixed object. With a travel safe, you don’t have to take turns in the water while one of you guards the valuables.

Mexico Cruise Packing List Essentials

Here’s a small list of other things that are a good idea for your next cruise vacation to Mexico.

• Insect repellant.
• Heavy-duty magnetic hooks for extra hanging space.
• Towel clips to use by the pool.
• A snorkel mask if you’re snorkeling and prefer not to use a shared one.
• Binoculars.
• Sunglasses and a hat.
• First aid kit.
• Travel mugs.
• Sunscreen (preferably Reef Friendly).  
• Poo-Pourri. 
• 1 Bottle of Wine (if allowed by your cruise line). 

Like all lists, this one can be adapted to suit your needs. The more we cruise, the more we know what we use remove items from the list that aren’t used.

Final Thoughts

If it’s your first or your 10th cruise to Mexico, use the downloadable packing list as an easy way to ensure you have everything you need for the best time.

Since we live on the West Coast, Mexico is the perfect winter getaway and just a short flight from Vancouver. Also, we shop online using cruise websites, such as VacationsToGo, to find some great deals.

Regardless of where you live, Mexico has become a popular winter retreat. Thanks to the favorable exchange rate, we love the year-round warm weather and cheaper excursions.

Whatever type of traveler you are, hopefully, the Mexico Cruise Packing List will aid in packing and make your trip more enjoyable.

Viajes Seguros (Safe Travels)!