As travellers begin planning their spring and summer getaways, whether it’s a romantic weekend escape or an enriching journey through the Mediterranean, Celebrity Cruises is unveiling 2026’s must‑pack essentials. The premium cruise line also reveals how guests’ packing habits have evolved over the past decade, reflecting a new era of elevated, experience‑led travel.
Daniel Thomas, Hotel Director onboard Celebrity Ascent, has welcomed thousands of guests on board throughout his career and has seen first-hand how travellers’ suitcases have evolved with modern travel trends, new technology, and a shift toward more experience-led cruising. Celebrity Ascent, one of Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Edge Series ships which returns to the Mediterranean this summer, offers an innovative outward-facing design, elevated dining and thoughtful resort-style spaces that make it a standout setting for a premium cruise experience.
| What Cruise Guests Pack in 2026 vs. What They No Longer Bring | |
| Hiking boots and comfortable walking shoes for active excursions | Tuxedos, ball gowns and sequinned eveningwear |
| Activewear, yoga outfits and gym clothing for wellbeing | Large volumes of traditional formalwear |
| Waterproof gear and lightweight backpacks | Minimal tech beyond basic cameras/phones |
| GoPros, waterproof tech accessories and fitness trackers | Bulky cameras, disposable cameras and multiple chargers for separate devices |
From Ball Gowns to “Resort Chic”
When Daniel first joined the industry in 2014, he remembers guests arriving with suitcases full of gala outfits, tuxedos, ball gowns and sequinned dresses that would be worn across multiple evenings.
“We used to see many guests packing formalwear for a large proportion of the cruise,” he said. “It was all about the traditional glamour of being at sea.”
Today, he has watched that culture evolve into something more relaxed and experience led. Daniel explains that guests still love dressing up, but the style has shifted toward elegant, resort chic that allows them to move comfortably from longer days exploring ashore to elevated evenings onboard. British guests have embraced this change, favouring flowing dresses, jumpsuits, lightweight tailoring and smart separates such as linen trousers, silk camisoles and coords.
However, Celebrity Cruises still gives guests the opportunity to go all out in formal attire with its much-loved Evening Chic nights. Each itinerary features one to two nights where guests are encouraged to wear Evening Chic attire, meaning you dress to impress, feel glamorous and sophisticated as though you are heading to an A-list party. Daniel believes this remains a highlight for guests because they can still enjoy the ritual of dressing up, just in a way that feels more contemporary. He notes that the signature Shine the Night party has also become a favourite moment for guests to wear their brightest, most metallic or highshine outfits. “People still put a huge amount of effort into their evening looks,” he said. “It’s just less about tuxedos and ball gowns, and more about showing off their personal style.”
The Rise of Wellness, Tech and Activewear
Over the past five years, Daniel has seen a noticeable shift in what guests prioritise when packing. “There’s been a much larger focus on health and wellbeing,” he said. “Guests want to maintain their routines while travelling, and that’s reflected in what they bring onboard.”
Activewear has become a staple in modern cruise packing, with guests experiencing Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning wellness amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre with Peloton and HIIT classes, to an expansive spa offering with more than 120 treatment options, an adults only solarium and a multilevel outdoor walking and running track offering breathtaking views of the ship. Swimwear for spa days, yoga outfits and comfortable gym clothing now appear in almost every suitcase.
Technology has also become central to the cruise experience. Daniel regularly sees guests travelling with Apple Watches, GoPros and waterproof accessories to capture hikes, kayaking trips and swimming adventures. He attributes this to the rise of experience led travel: “People want to document their journeys and stay connected to their fitness goals. It’s a very different mindset from ten years ago.”
To support this growing wellness focus, Daniel notes that many guests are now seeking out Celebrity’s signature spa spaces, whether that’s the Thermal Suite, with its eight sensory rooms including the Hammam, Salt Room and Infrared Sauna, or AquaClass-exclusive amenities such as access to the Thermal Suite and dining at Blu, the clean‑cuisine restaurant reserved just for AquaClass guests.
Adventure Led Packing and Excursions
With Celebrity Cruises offering excursions such as guided hikes on Mount Etna, sea kayaking through Norwegian fjords, snorkelling in the Greek Islands and paddleboarding along Croatian coastlines, travellers are preparing for more active days ashore.
“We’ve seen a higher focus on walking, hiking, kayaking and swimming,” Daniel said. “Guests are packing for the experiences they’re excited about, not just the evenings onboard.”
This shift has led to more guests arriving with hiking boots, lightweight backpacks, waterproof gear and fitness trackers, items that support a full day of exploration.
What Guests Still Forget
Daniel says there are still a few items guests consistently forget when both packing in advance of their holiday and when preparing to debark. “Toiletries and travel adapters tend to be the most common forgotten items,” he said. “We have both US and EU plug sockets and USB ports, travel adapters are essential, but they’re also the thing guests leave behind most often. Guests remember the big things, but the basics sometimes slip through the cracks.”
Chargers for phones, cameras and GoPros are another frequent oversight. Daniel often sees guests arrive with all their devices but none of the cables. Fortunately, The Celebrity Shops onboard stock the most forgotten items so guests can replace anything they’ve missed.
One tradition, however, hasn’t changed at all, and it always makes Daniel smile. “British guests still pack their own tea bags,” he said. “We have a huge tea selection onboard, but some guests are loyal to their favourite brand. It’s a very British habit, and I love it.”
Tips for First-Time Cruisers
For first time cruisers preparing for a 2026 sailing, Daniel recommends choosing items that support both exploration and relaxation, from filled moments, while travel adapters remain essential for a smooth stay onboard. Of course, bringing a couple of chic options for dining is always recommended, and a light jacket or wrap is a smart addition for cooler evenings at sea.
“Cruising in 2026 is about creating unforgettable memories,” Daniel said. “If you pack with your adventures in mind, whether that’s relaxing, exploring or celebrating, you’ll be perfectly prepared for the journey ahead. The evolution from formal glamour to a more relaxed, elevated style reflects what guests truly value now, authentic experiences over orchestrated elegance. Pack with your time onboard in mind and you’ll feel completely at ease, able to enjoy everything the ship and destinations have to offer. The only constant? The desire to explore and make the most of every moment.”
