The Good News Cruise Packing Guide: Essentials, Prohibited Items, and Helpful Tips

It’s never too early to start thinking about what to pack for the Good News Cruise! To help you prepare, we’ve put together a guide of must-pack essentials, items to leave at home, and other important details—everything you need to set sail on this unforgettable journey of Faith at sea!

PACK

• Medication, vitamins, and supplements

• Credit cards and cash

• A reusable water bottle (unless you plan to purchase a water package)

• Sunscreen and aloe

• Sunglasses and hat

• Chargers / portable charger (rooms have both American and European outlets)

• Comfortable close-toed walking shoes

• A jacket or sweater for chillier nights

• Motion sickness remedies, if needed

• A small, travel-sized Bible, if you'd like

• Themed outfits for theme nights:

  • Sunday, Feb. 8: Tailgate Sail-Away

  • Monday, Feb. 9: Formal Night

  • Tuesday, Feb. 10: Italian Night

  • Wednesday, Feb. 11: Yacht Rock

  • Thursday, Feb. 12: Caribbean Night

  • Friday, Feb. 13: Night on the Town

  • Saturday, Feb. 14: St. Valentine’s Day

  
  

  *See Holland America Line's full packing list here.

  
  

DO NOT PACK

• Plastic water bottles

  • An allowance of six liters, twelve cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom. Onboard, water is sold in cans or refillable at buffet stations.

• Alcohol

  • Guests may bring Wine and Champagne onboard, however a corkage fee of USD $20.00 (which is subject to change without notice) will be applied to each bottle (max 750 ml in volume or less). Limitations apply– see Holland America Line's website.

• Sodas, energy drinks or other non-alcoholic beverages

• Travel steamer or clothes iron 

• Power strips

• Incense, candles, or diffusers 

• Electric heating pads

• Scissors (blades longer than 4” are prohibited)

• Coolers larger than 12” x 12” x 12”

• Musical instruments

• Towels (not prohibited, but provided on board)

  
  

  *See Holland America Line's list of prohibited items here.

  
  

More Important Cruise Packing Information

• Dress code: Shirts/cover-ups and footwear are always required indoors. Shorts, beachwear, tank tops, and distressed jeans are not permitted in table-service restaurants.

• Toiletries: Elemis shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided in your stateroom. Bring personal products if preferred.

• Laundry: Laundry service is available on board.

  
  

  * Remember to keep travel documents, medications, and valuables in your carry-on, not in checked luggage.

  
  

If you are unsure about items not listed here, we highly recommend you review Holland America Line's website to avoid bringing any prohibited items that may need to be discarded at boarding!