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What to Pack for Port of Long Beach

The complete cruise packing checklist. Every essential item with explanations — so you don't forget anything for your cruise from Port of Long Beach.

18 packing items · researched from public reviews and official sources

Packing for a cruise from Port of Long Beach

Cruise terminals are not shops. Whatever you forget has to be bought before you reach the curb, so pack the checklist below and use these Port of Long Beach notes to plan the last stop on the way in.

There's very little shopping near the terminal itself — the Queen Mary area has a gift shop but no drugstore. Your best bet is to stop at CVS on Long Beach Blvd downtown or Vons on Ocean Ave in Belmont Shore before heading to the port. Don't count on finding anything at the terminal.

Forgot something? Stops near Port of Long Beach

Vons — Belmont ShoreFull grocery store for snacks, water, sunscreen, and anything you forgot to pack

3900 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803

CVS Pharmacy — Downtown Long BeachDramamine, phone chargers, toiletries, and travel-size essentials

596 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

Target — Long BeachEverything last-minute — clothes, toiletries, snacks, electronics, luggage tags
USPS — Downtown Long BeachPost office to drop off mail before you set sail

300 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

The complete cruise packing checklist

Packing for a specific itinerary or wondering what each cruise line actually lets you bring aboard? Read the full cruise packing guide, or jump to the Alaska and Caribbean lists.

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Carry-On Day Bag

Pack these in a bag you keep with you at boarding — your checked luggage won't arrive until 3-4pm

Swimsuit and flip-flopsHead straight to the pool after boarding
Phone charger and portable batteryYou'll drain your battery exploring and taking photos on Day 1Amazon
MedicationsBoth prescription and OTC — don't risk them being in delayed luggage
Sunscreen (reef-safe)The pool deck sun is intense — apply before you even get on the shipAmazon
Government-issued photo IDRequired for boarding — keep it accessible, not buried in a suitcase
Snacks and water bottlesKids get hungry in the boarding line. Sealed snacks are allowed through security
Change of clothes for each kidPool splashes, spilled drinks, cruise ship excitement — be ready

Cruise Essentials

Things that make the whole trip better

Magnetic hooks (for cabin walls)Cabin walls are metal — these give you hanging space for hats, lanyards, wet swimsuitsAmazon
USB multi-port charger (no power strip)Cabins have 1-2 outlets, but most cruise lines now ban power strips and surge protectors outright — a USB-only charger is not confiscated at security
Packing cubesCabin drawers are small — cubes keep things organized in tight spacesAmazon
Insulated tumblerFill it at the buffet drink station — stays cold by the pool all afternoonAmazon
Lanyard for cruise cardYour cruise card is your room key, ID, and payment method — keep it around your neckAmazon
Night lightCabins are pitch black. A small night light prevents midnight stubbed toesAmazon

Easy to Forget

The things people buy overpriced at the port gift shop

Motion sickness remedyEven experienced cruisers can get queasy on rough sea daysAmazon
Wrinkle release sprayIrons aren't allowed on cruise ships — this saves your formal night outfitAmazon
Highlighter or penFor marking up the daily activity schedule — old school but effective
Waterproof phone pouchPool photos, water slides, port excursions — protect your phoneAmazon
Small whiteboard for cabin doorLeave messages for teens: 'We're at the pool deck' — most cabins don't have cell serviceAmazon

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Restaurants, activities, hotels, terminal tips, parking, packing lists, and boarding advice — all in one page.

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