What do you carry on the cruise ship? Do you always have what you need before your luggage arrives? Stick with me, and I’ll share my go-to cruise embarkation day essentials with you.
Years ago, when we cruised for our honeymoon, our luggage didn’t make our connection, and we went without for 3 days. For all of you snickering….why yes, it did make for a fun honeymoon!
This was back when you couldn’t enter the dining room without wearing dress clothes. So, while we certainly made the best of our time together and dined exclusively in the RCCL Windjammer…we did take extra care when packing for our next trip.
For the next several cruises, I packed a wrinkle-resistant dress in my cruise embarkation day bag and an extra pair of shorts just in case. And, I always carried, and still do, a bikini which, in a pinch, works as undergarments.
Oh, but times have changed
For many reasons, including the cruise lines being more casual and our strict habit of flying in a day early, I’ve pared down to just the essentials for my cruise embarkation day bag.
Who wants to lug a bunch of bags around for a couple of hours when they could be enjoying cocktails by the pool?
So, what do I consider to be my sail-away day essentials? Here are my 10 things to carry on cruise embarkation day!
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Functional Items for your Cruise Embarkation Day Bag
Lightweight Backpack –
I like a backpack so that my hands are free to handle paperwork, take pictures of a new exciting boat…and of course, have a happy vacation drink! I still carry my laptop bag onboard, but after I unpack, I switch to this lightweight packable backpack for all of our port days.
Boarding Docs and passport, pen.
I also bring receipts for anything I’ve prepaid – internet, drink package, excursions, and reservation confirmations for specialty dining, shows, etc. I also take copies of our passports and carry those with us while on the islands and leave our actual passports in the cabin safe. True, a photocopy isn’t a legal document, but it would make things a little easier in an emergency.
Electronics/Valuables
It’s a good idea to pack your electronic items, such as a laptop, camera gear, etc., in your carry-on bag when you board the cruise ship. If you are traveling with other valuables or irreplaceable items such as jewelry, keep that with you. This isn’t about potential theft, although I suppose it could happen. This precaution is mostly so these items aren’t potentially damaged during handling.
Lanyard –
A must for any cruiser! Update for 2019, some cruise ships are starting to use RFID protection and will not hole punch your card. Consider carrying one with a clear pouch or a zipper one like these.
Reusable Water Bottle
I do not go anywhere without my Yeti Rambler (with the water bottle top and handle lid). I love having water with me throughout the day and at my bedside at night. Remember you will need to board the ship with it empty. It’s so easy to carry because of the handle, it’s easy to refill, and dishwasher safe!
Phone, Charger & Splash Proof Pouch–
Like many people, I use my phone to communicate with family and friends, take pictures, and post updates on my social media.
Because I’m a cruise writer, I have quite a few electronics – a laptop, camera, etc. which I keep in my carry-on. I recommend keeping any valuable items or items that cannot be replaced with you when you board.
Related: What’s in my tech bag?
Swimwear/Cover-up
Typically I want to explore the ship, BUT if you head straight to the pool, you will likely grab a great spot as most people head for the food! Consider wearing your swimsuit under your embarkation day outfit and packing a cover-up.
A Few “Health Items” for your Cruise Embarkation Day Bag
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is critical on a cruise. Applying sunscreen before arriving at the port and tossing it into your embarkation bag so that it’s easy to reapply. (I pack Aloe Vera in my checked luggage, sunburns can be painful) My go-to brand is Sun Bum, but I really like the Safe Sea brand and Alba Botanica as well, and always have at least one of these in my cruise embarkation day bag. I’m a big proponent of reef-safe sunscreen to protect our ocean life, and it’s required in the Caribbean and Hawaii.
Sunglasses and/or hat
I clip my favorite “Beach hair don’t care” trucker hat or my old Nike hat to the top of my backpack just in case I want it, and I ALWAYS wear my sunglasses.
Medication/First Aid bag
ALWAYS keep your prescription or necessary medication with you. You may also want to bring some pain relievers, seasickness prevention, and treatment (just in case!). I also stash a few band-aids and antibacterial ointment in the medicine pouch. I usually keep these items in my beach bag.
More details on my medication bag are in my Cruise Port Day Bag Post.
Cabin Prep Kit
A small zipper bag is full of my stateroom cabin MUST-HAVES. Check out the details in this article for how I prepare our stateroom cabin for a great week.
What are your must-haves for your cruise embarkation day? Comment Below.
Free Printable Version For Subscribers – Cruise Embarkation Day Bag
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Where did you get your backpack? I love it and didn’t see a link.
Hi Ashley. Thanks for your question. The backpack in this post is Calia (Carrie Underwood’s athletic brand). I purchased it at Dick’s Sporting Goods a couple of years ago. I went online to get a link for you but it looks like they don’t carry this same one any longer. The newer version looks really great and has tons of pockets but it’s a lot smaller. If you are looking for something to carry a laptop and lots of extras, I actually recommend the Under Armor Brand. They are more structured than my Calia one and more padded/supportive.
If you are looking for a super lightweight bag to bring onboard and also use for excursions I recommend the ORICSSON Rate 35L Carry on Large Portable Backpack. (this is an affiliate link but no additional cost to you) It has so much room and is really light. Once I’ve stored my laptop in my stateroom, I switch over to this backpack. It’s also VERY inexpensive at around $8. I don’t expect it to last forever but it’s still going strong after 3 cruises and counting.
Let me know if you have any other questions and have a great weekend. – Jill
Why is a lanyard a must? I have never been on a cruise before. Headed to our first cruise to celebrate 22 years of marriage in April.
Hi Jenny, Congrats on your anniversary. That is certainly a great reason to celebrate! Where are you sailing in April?
Ok, back to the lanyard. You will be given a cruise card that will be your way on and off of the ship as well as for room access and all onboard purchases. I always get my card hole punched and then attach it to a lanyard. This allows me to always have it safe and handy around my neck, especially when I don’t have pockets. My husband seems to always have pockets so he prefers to just carry his in his pocket. 🙂 Jill
Love you posts…..My son is taking us on our first cruise in Sept. Oasis of the Seas. We are super excited.
Thank you, Mariana! You will LOVE it and that is very sweet of your son! The Oasis class ships are amazing! Let me know if you have any questions and be sure and check out my Cruise Cabin Prep Kit post and the cruise planner post. I think those could be helpful in your planning/packing process.
I always wear my bathing suit on embarkation day with a nice sun dress over it. That way we can grab lunch from the buffet then head to the pool to relax and begin vacation. I also include a book with my carry on bag. One of our last trips out of PR we ended up spending hours relaxing in the hot tub and pool while others were stuck waiting to get their suits because they did not plan ahead.
Thanks so much for sharing. I totally agree! Be prepared.:-)
Thanks so much for the ideas/list. First time cruiser and I am so excited to get ideas.
Thanks! I hope you’ll come back and visit. I’m working on a resource library now for my subscribers so if you haven’t subscribed yet, I hope you will. Let me know what cruise you are taking. First cruise…that’s so exciting!
I love this list! It makes me want to book a cruise today!!!