Curious about what’s in my cruise carry on bag?
Packing a great cruise carry-on bag means you’ll have everything needed to start your cruise off right.
Remember you may have several hours of waiting time before and after checking in and boarding the ship, these necessities will be at your fingertips, easily accessible in cruise carry on bag until your are in your stateroom cabin and your checked luggage has been delivered.
ID and Paperwork
From the moment you begin your travel via car or plane, you will want to have your government ID and vacation itinerary paperwork handy. Keep it in a safe and secure place, but also easily accessible in your carry-on bag.
If you’re flying into your port city, you’ll need your Real ID identification; government ID or passport, and either an electronic boarding pass or a printed boarding pass. Add to your paperwork your Excursion documentation & confirmation, travel insurance documents, and medical insurance cards.
I highly recommend everyone who cruises out of the country has a passport, even if you are on a closed loop cruise. Your passport is your entry into and out of the USA, so while your plans are to enter via your cruise ship, accidents happen and emergency situations arise.
Having a valid passport is like having insurance – it’s a “better to be safe than sorry” precaution.
Of course, you should keep your wallet, credit cards, and cash on your person at all times prior to securing them in your stateroom cabin safe.
Cruise Paperwork
Your cruise paperwork will be available once you have completed your final payment and your online check-in.
It will include things like your cruise boarding barcode – for entry onto the ship and perhaps a medical form. You’ll need to have these forms filled out and completed ahead of time everything.
Everything is available via the cruise dashboard for your cruise line. Just be sure to complete it a few days ahead of time.
Your cruise ‘paperwork’ may be available in printed or electronic form.
Either at check-in or as soon as you have access to your stateroom cabin, you’ll be issued your room key. Pack a lanyard with sleeve or slimline card carrier for your room key.
For Around the Ship
I enjoy boarding the ship as early as possible, giving me plenty of time to explore the restaurants, entertainment venues, and public spaces on the ship before the cruise even gets underway. Keep your camera close by for some incredible in port photo opportunities.
On cruise embarkation days, I recommend you dress in layers, especially if you are leaving from a cold port and going into warmer weather. You’ll want to be comfortable while waiting for entry into your stateroom cabin. Include a Pashmina / large scarf or cardigan sweater / fleece jacket in your bag.
After enjoying a leisurely lunch and before your checked bags delivered, your family may enjoy spending time in the sports pub, in one of the lovely lounges, or on the pool deck. Pack a swimsuit & cover-up, just in case the water, sports deck/activities, or spa call your name.
Don’t forget your sunscreen and a refillable water bottle!
For the Stateroom
For my home away from home, the first thing I like to do is ready my room for the week.
The Cruise Stateroom Readiness Pack includes items to help convert stateroom cabins into a functional, tidy, clean, and welcoming environment. I keep these items together between cruises to make it easier to pop into my carry on bag right before my next sailing.
Just in case
Just in case my checked luggage is delayed and delivered to the stateroom cabin later than expected, I recommend you include a fresh outfit. This will give you a change of clothes for the evening…don’t forget an extra pair of shoes.
A small version of my make up case it’s also in my carry-on bag along with prescription medications and motion sickness bands / medicine. Over the counter medicines are typically secure in your checked luggage.
When traveling with children, I recommend having their PJs and anything they may need to help them get settled for the evening in their carry-on bags too.
It’s also wise to have your electronics – including smart phones, eReaders, and tablets – in your carry on bag, instead of in your checked luggage.
As soon as you board the ship, your vacation has begun! Be sure to pack a paperback, a deck of cards, or an activity book and crayons for your children and you’ll be able to kick-start your relaxation time with some family fun.
Since it cannot go in checked luggage
Planning to bring a couple bottles of wine or a six pack of water or small box of sodas?
You’ll need to hand carry these onto your cruise ship. If these items are found in your checked bags, they may be confiscated for the length of the cruise. Remember to check the rules of your cruise line for all the details.
When you arrive at the cruise terminal you’ll be going through a security check-point, TSA style, before you officially check-in. They will inspect your carry-on bags and your liquids (wine/water/soda), while you go through metal detectors before boarding the ship.
Your checked luggage will go through similar scrutiny before being delivered to your stateroom cabin.
Other bags I pack for my cruise
Beyond my carry-on bag, of course I have my checked bag, which includes the rest of my clothes for on board the ship, excursions, and formal nights. Plus my personal care items and cabin essentials.
Once inside my stateroom cabin, I’ll unpack and assemble these bags so my week at sea will be smooth and easy.
- Port Day Bag
- Pool Bag
Download the full Carry-on Bag Packing List here:
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