Key points of this page
- I created a checklist of things to bring on a cruise, divided into categories such as "must-have items," "clothing," "useful items for your cabin," "bags for ports of call," and "items you cannot bring on board."
- On the day of departure, your suitcase may not arrive until the evening, so please carry valuables, medicine, passport, and swimwear in your hand luggage.
- Pajamas are not provided on foreign ships or the Asuka II. Some ships do not allow passengers to bring heat-generating electrical appliances such as irons or extension cords.
Last confirmed: September 29, 2026 (Please be sure to check the final information as rules regarding items brought on board vary by shipping company.)
Please put your passport, medication, and valuables in your carry-on luggage, not your checked suitcase! It may take some time for checked suitcases to reach your cabin.
1. Items to definitely bring (to put in your carry-on luggage)
- Boarding pass and final information (final documents)
- Identity verification documents
- Passport (for cruises on foreign ships that call at overseas ports. There are also conditions regarding the remaining validity period.)
- Credit card (for onboard payment; often registered during online check-in).
- Cash (Japanese yen; for shopping and transportation at ports of call)
- Over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs
- Travel insurance certificate (if applicable)
- Smartphone and charger
- Suitcase key
Keeping a record of your card number and emergency contact information will be helpful if you lose your card.
2. Items to keep on hand on the day of boarding
Suitcases checked in at the terminal may not arrive in your cabin until the evening. Keep anything you'll need immediately upon boarding in your carry-on luggage.
- Swimsuit (for those who want to go to the pool right away)
- Change of clothes for dinner on the first day
- Medicine, valuables, passport
3. Clothes
- Casual clothes (comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement during the day are fine)
- Formal attire (suits, dresses, etc. Dress codes vary by ship)
- A light jacket or cardigan (the ship is air-conditioned, and the deck can be quite chilly at night).
- Comfortable walking shoes and stylish shoes for the evening.
- Rain gear (Umbrellas and raincoats are not available for rent on the Asuka II).
- Hats and sunglasses
- Swimwear and athletic wear
4. Useful items in the guest room
- Pajamas (not provided on foreign ships or in many cabins on the Asuka II)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (some ships, such as Princess Cruises, do not provide these).
- Motion sickness medication
- A small bag (to hold your cruise card and smartphone when walking around the ship)
- Magnetic hooks (Many guest rooms have walls that are magnetic, making them convenient for hanging hats and bags)
- Laundry supplies (some ships have coin laundries, others do not)
- Products to combat dryness (masks, moisturizing products)
5. What to bring in your bag when strolling around town at a port of call
- Cruise card (boarding pass)
- Identification (a passport may be required at some foreign ports)
- Japanese yen cash and transportation IC cards
- Smartphone and mobile battery
- Note down the return time (it's a good idea to take a picture of the onboard information).
- Drinks, sunscreen, folding umbrella
- Eco-bag (for souvenirs)
What are the sights to see and how to get to each port?Port of Call GuideIt is introduced there.
6. Items that cannot be brought in or require special attention
- Many ships prohibit bringing electrical appliances that generate heat, such as clothes irons, hair irons, coffee makers, and electric heaters, to prevent fires.
- Extension cords and power strips: Some shipping companies prohibit bringing them on board.
- Dangerous items such as candles, knives, and flammable liquids.
- Alcohol: Rules regarding bringing alcohol on board vary by cruise line. Some ships will hold alcohol purchased at ports of call until the night before disembarkation.
Electrical appliances vary in plug shape and voltage depending on the ship (for example, Princess Cruises cabins use 110V and 220V). Be sure to check in advance whether your Japanese electrical appliances will work.
Differences between Japanese ships and foreign ships
| item | Japanese ships (Asuka II & III, Mitsui Ocean Cruises, etc.) | Foreign ships (Princess, MSC, Costa, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| passport | Not necessary for domestic cruises only | Necessary for calling at overseas ports |
| Pajamas and toothbrush | It varies depending on the ship and cabin (Asuka II does not provide pajamas). | Often, preparations are not made. |
| money | JPY | Onboard, payments are often made in US dollars (card payment is accepted). Cash for ports of call should be purchased before departure. |
| tip | Unnecessary | A service charge is often added per night. |
The process from boarding to disembarking is as follows:First Cruise: The Process from Boarding to DisembarkingIt is introduced there.
FAQ
Q1What are some things people tend to forget when packing for a cruise?
Commonly packed items include pajamas, a toothbrush, something to wear over your clothes (to protect against the air conditioning on board), motion sickness medication, and rain gear. Note that pajamas are not provided in cabins on foreign ships or on the Asuka II.
Q2Is it okay if I bring an extension cord?
Some shipping companies prohibit bringing extension cords or power strips on board to prevent fires. Please check with the shipping company before bringing them.
Q3Can I bring a hair dryer or curling iron?
Many ships prohibit bringing or using electrical appliances that generate heat, such as irons and hair straighteners. Many ships provide hair dryers in the cabins, so be sure to check beforehand.
Q4Do I need to wear formal attire?
On ships with a dress code for dinner, you'll wear something a little more formal, such as a suit or dress, on formal nights. Dress codes vary depending on the ship and cruise, so be sure to check your final itinerary.
Source/Reference Information
- NYK Cruises "Luggage Checklist (Asuka II)"
- NYK Cruises "Asuka II/Asuka III Cruise Life: Frequently Asked Questions"
- Princess Cruises: "Things to Pack and Required Documents Before Your Cruise Departure"
Last confirmed: September 29, 2026. Rules regarding items brought on board and cabin amenities vary by cruise line and cabin type. Please be sure to check the final information.