Packing for a cruise can be pretty overwhelming, particularly if you are first time cruisers. However it doesn’t need to be.
With a little bit of planning and organisation of both your checked luggage and your cruise carry-on bag you can set yourself up for a smooth and stress free embarkation.
As you’ll be dropping off your checked luggage when you arrive at the port, and may not see it again for a good few hours, it is important you take everything you think you’ll need for your first day onboard in your hand luggage.
In this post, I share some suggestions for what items and accessories you should consider taking in your carry on bag. I’ve also included a few hand luggage packing tips.
Jump Ahead
Embarkation Day
While the first day of a cruise is pretty exciting, it can also be long and tiring.You might have a long journey to the port or maybe you flew in the day before.
Either way by the time you reach the cruise terminal it can feel like you’ve done a full day already.
So, when you start the embarkation process you’ll may well be on your last nerve and most likely already thinking about that first drink from a deck bar
Thankfully, it doesn’t usually take too long to board and get your cruise holiday underway but the day can still be a bit intense.
However, there are some things you can do to make the day a little bit easier on yourself.
The first day of a cruise is pretty casual so you don’t have to worry about a dress code or putting your finest outfit on. Aim for something relaxing and comfy.
It’s also a good idea to wear some comfortable walking shoes, you may be on your feet for a fair bit.Both as you go through the boarding process and as you explore the ship.
When you board you might find that your cruise cabin is not quite ready, particularly if you have an early boarding time. Even if they are ready, your luggage might take a while to arrive.
Giving your carry-on luggage a bit of thought before you pack will also help embarkation day run smoothly and start your cruise off on a good note.
You’ll want to have all your cruise essentials, such as your travel documents, close to hand as well as some items to get you through the first couple of hours on board.
What is the best type of cruise carry-on bag?
It probably sounds obvious but the best type of carry-on bag to use is whatever you feel most comfortable with.
It could be a tote bag, a rucksack, a beach bag or even a small wheeled case. All are good options.
As long as you can fit everything in that you decide you want to keep with you on embarkation day and have easy access to any essential documents, you will be fine.
I use Longchamp shoulder bags as they are lightweight and you can fit a lot in them. The smaller bag, I double up as a day bag during the cruise so I can use it around the ship or on shore excursions.
I use the larger sized bag if I am taking my laptop. That size is also good if you are not self disembarking at the end of cruise. It works well as an overnight bag when you have left your case out to be collected at the end of the crusie.
If you are taking a suit or dress for any celebration or formal nights, then you might also want to think about taking those in a suit bag or garment carrier. This will avoid them getting too creased in your suitcase.
How to pack for a cruise – essential items to have in your carry-on luggage
Packing your carry on bag is a fine balance of taking what you need for your first day, without overpacking it.
You don’t want to carry too much, cos who wants to lug a heavy bag around? Yet it’s wise to keep a few essential items with you just in case your main luggage is delayed or even worse, lost.
Here are the important items that you should keep with you during embarkation and a few suggestions of things to consider popping in your cary on bag.
Travel Documents
You should keep your cruise documents with you at all times. This includes your photo id, passports, e-tickets and boarding passes.
In current times, some cruise lines also require confirmation of vaccination status and travel insurance information.
While you can show these via your smartphone, it is also worth considering having printed versions with you. This avoids any potential issues with not being able to get a signal on your phone when you really need it. That can happen in busy cruise terminals.
If you do print your documents, keep them all together in an envelope or folder. When you arrive at the cruise terminal you’ll have to show some or all of these documents before being able to board so you want to have easy access to them.
You definitely don’t want to be having to rummage around in your suitcase for them. Even worse, if you have already dropped your suitcase off then it will make things much more difficult than they need to be.
It’s also a good idea to keep other important documents, such as your driver’s license, with you at all times too.
If you are not able to show all the required documents it is likely you will not be able to board the ship.
So, to ensure your holiday is not over before it begins, do a check of all your essential travel documents before you leave home.
Wallet and Purse
Keep your wallet or purse with you at all times. While it is fairly unlikely that your bag will go missing or be delayed it is not unheard of.
If you pack your wallet or purse in your checked in luggage you run the risk of losing it if your cases do not turn up at your cabin.
Spending the first day of your cruise, trying to cancel debit and credit cards and organising replacements is not much fun.
You might also want some snacks or refreshments before you board or as you travel to the cruise port so you’ll need your cash and cards with you.
Once onboard you won’t need to use your wallet or purse unless you get off the ship in port so you can lock it in your safe.
Medication
If you take any medication, it is best to take these in your hand luggage.
There is a very good reason for this. While it is unlikely your suitcases and bags won’t reach you onboard, it does happen every now and then. Luggage can go missing or take a long time to be delivered to your cabin.
Keeping your prescription medications with you means you don’t have to worry about it not being with you when you need to take it.
Another thing worth considering is to bring some extra medication just in case you are delayed returning home.
If the ship can’t dock for whatever reason, your flight home is canceled or your transport is delayed, at least you know you are covered with your medication for a few extra days.
If you get sea or motion sickness, it is worth keeping any medication for that with you too. Just in case your luggage doesn’t arrive until after you have set sail.
Cruise ships have medical centres that will help you or provide advice should you need it, but that is one place onboard you really don’t want to visit.
Mask and hand sanitiser
In this day and age it is worth taking a few face masks and some hand sanitiser with you.
Rules are evolving all the time and while lots of cruise lines no longer require you to wear a mask unless in the medical centre, it is probably a good idea to have a couple with you just in case.
It is also a good idea to check what restrictions and requirements are in place at your ports of call. Again, many cruise destinations have relaxed restrictions but checking in advance makes sure you are prepared.
Sentimental or valuable items
If you are traveling with any personal items you would be devastated to lose, it’s best to keep them with you.
Things like sentimental jewellery or items that can’t be replaced. The same goes for any expensive items.
You want to return from your cruise with happy memories, not upset you lost something precious to you.
Camera
For many of us, our mobile phones are our cameras. So, they are likely to be with you all the time.
However, if you are a bit old school (or have a professional bit of kit), then you definitely want to keep your camera with you in your carry-on luggage.
As well as the potential risk of your luggage being delayed or going missing, there is always a chance fragile items could be damaged.
So, packing items such as cameras in your check-in luggage is something to avoid.
Finding out your camera has accidentally been broken or not turned up, would not be a great start to your cruise.
You also don’t want to miss out on any photos you might wish to take before your case shows up at your cabin.
Electronic devices and tech
As with cameras, it is best to keep any essential (and expensive) tech items with you.
It can take some time before your suitcase arrives so you don’t want to be wondering where it is when you want to use your iPad, laptop or phone etc.
Portable phone charger
If you have a long journey to the port or just like to use your phone a lot, it’s easy to run out of battery on your phone or camera.
Taking a portable charger means you can charge your phone anytime you need to. So, no worries about missing that firstshot of you kicking back and relaxing with a Pina Colada onboard for your social media channels.
Change of clothing
Depending on the type of cruise you are taking it might be a good idea to have a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage.
It can take some time until you are reunited with your suitcases. So if you are boarding your cruise ship in a warm destination, such as the Caribbean or Mediterranean, for example, it might be worth considering taking some cooler clothes as hand luggage.
The first night is usually smart casual so you don’t need to worry too much about dressing up but getting out of your travel clothes can be quite refreshing.
Pool wear or gym gear
Don’t forget your swimming costumes, bathing suit, sun hat and flip flops either. If you board early, you may wish to use the swimming pool, hot tubs or any other water activities before your suitcases turn up.
It’s also a good idea to have some sunscreen or lip balm with you just in case you want to sit on deck and enjoy the sun on your first afternoon onboard.
Your favourite toiletries
Toiletries, such as soap, body wash and shampoo are provided in cruise ship cabins.
However, if you don’t want to go without your favourites then it is worth keeping them in your cruise carry-on bag.
There is nothing worse than opening your case and finding your liquid toiletries have leaked all over your clothes.
That would definitely put a downer on your first day. Plus it is not much fun spending your first evening using the onboard laundry.
If you do decide to pack them in your main cruise luggage, make sure you wrap them up well so any leaks are contained as much as possible.
Refillable water bottles
Taking a refillable water bottle with you is a great way to reduce the use of plastic bottles.
Many cruise lines offer water stations so you can refill your water bottle around the ship.
Alcohol and soft drinks
Many cruise lines allow a small quantity of alcohol to be brought onboard at embarkation.
So, if you dream of being able to enjoy a bottle of wine while sitting on your balcony, this is your chance.
While it might be tempting to put bottle or cans of alcohol in your suitcase, you definitely don’t want to run the risk of them smashing and ruining all your clothes before your cruise has even begun.
If the worst does happen, there are laundry services onboard you can use but this will come with an additional cost.
So, if you would like to enjoy a tipple in your cabin or on your balcony, make sure you take any drinks in your hand luggage. Or wrap and pad them out well if you do decide to take the risk of packing them in your checked luggage.
You can also take soft drinks onboard and these are often unlimited. However, check with the cruise line you are travelling with for their policy.
Cruise lanyard
When you board, you will be given a cruise card. This will be your room key and how you will pay for items throughout your cruise.
Lanyards are a popular way of ensuring your card is always with you.
No more checking all your pockets to find your card. Just pop the card in the wallet and the lanyard around your neck and you are good to go.
Some cruise lines are now going down the wearable tech route, such as a wristband or medallion instead of cruise cards. Check with your cruise line in advance to see what they are using.
Things to keep the kids entertained
If you are traveling with children, it is a good idea to have some bits in your hand luggage to keep them occupied.
Embarkation might feel like a long day for us but it will be twice as long for any little ones. So, pop a favourite book, toy and some snacks into your carry-on and hopefully you’ll escape any meltdowns.
Cruise packing tips
Once you’ve packed your bag you are almost good to go. However, there are a few other things you should keep in mind.
Don’t forget your luggage tags
Your cruise line will supply you with tags for your bags. Make sure these are securely tied to all pieces of luggage.
Details on the tags will include your cabin number, where you drop your luggage off at the port and space for you to add your phone number.
Make sure the tag can be clearly seen. This will reduce the risk of your bag going missing.
Apple Air Tags
Apple, as usual, has come up with something you never knew you needed.
Air Tags are an easy way to keep track of your stuff. You just drop one into your case and you can keep an eye on its location via your ‘find my’ app on your iPhone.
They are a pretty inexpensive way to track your belongings.
Pack light (where possible)
It might seem like there are a lot of items that should be carried in your hand luggage, however, it is still worth trying to pack as light as possible.
As you’ll be carrying these bags on yourself, they should be comfortable to lift or carry.
What to pack for a cruise – checked in luggage
While you are here I thought it was worth dropping a few suggestions of items you might not have thought about packing in your main luggage.
Towel Clips
It can get quite breezy on deck. So to stop your towels flying away, pack some towel clips so you can secure them to your sun lounger.
These are a great idea, however please don’t be one of those people that uses them to fix a towel to a sun lounger they want to reserve and then disappear for hours on end.
Cabin night light
It can get very dark in cruise ship cabins, especially if you have an inside room. While some of the newer ships have night lights built in most do not.
So, it is worth bringing one or two along with you to avoid things going bump in the night.
Storage organisers
I usually travel solo so storage space in cabins is not really an issue for me. However, I can see that if a couple of people are sharing, you might run out of storage.
If you think this might be the case it is worth thinking about taking some over the door storage organisations or some magnetic hooks for the walls.
The storage organisers can hold all sorts of items from shoes to jewellery to sunglasses and small items of clothing. The magnetic hooks can hold dresses or coats that may be too long for the wardrobes or bags. Just make sure you store the magnets correctly.
The last word
As you can see, packing your cruise carry on bag needn’t be overwhelming.
It just takes a little bit of thought and planning around what items and travel essentials you think you will need on your first day.
Once you know this, it will help you pack and start your cruise off on the right foot.
Happy cruising!
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