12 items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag
When you board a cruise ship, the items you bring with you in your carry-on might be the only possessions you can access for the entire first afternoon you’re on board.
Why? Typically, when you arrive at the pier, you give your larger suitcases to the porters, who bring guest luggage on board en masse for the crew to deliver to your cabin door. Your bags might not arrive until later in the day — or even that evening — especially if you’re on a larger cruise ship carrying six or seven thousand passengers.
If you’re a smart cruiser, you carry on everything you need for check-in and the first day on board — plus emergencies. It’s better to come prepared, so you can make the most of those first hours on the ship, either relaxing by the pool or enjoying the ship’s public spaces. Plus, should the unthinkable happen and your luggage never arrives, you’ll be as prepared as possible.
For smooth sailing on embarkation day and the rest of your trip, always pack these 12 items in your cruise carry-on bag.
Travel documents, passport and ID
It’s crucial to have all your boarding documents organized in a wallet-style case or in a clear or manila folder that’s easily accessible when you arrive at the cruise terminal. The check-in process should be mostly seamless, so you don’t want to be fidgeting around looking for everything when it’s your turn to step up to the counter.
You should also keep your passport or another form of ID, such as a birth certificate and driver’s license, as required by your cruise line, with your cruise documents, as you’ll need to show those at check-in.
Other documents you’ll want to carry on to avoid misplacing include your travel insurance information (especially the phone number for emergencies) and confirmations of any restaurant reservations and tour bookings you made through the ship or independently.
Paper copies are helpful backups, especially when Wi-Fi is spotty or your phone runs out of juice.
Medications, vitamins or supplements
If you or your family members take any regular prescription medications, vitamins or supplements, pack them in your carry-on bag. Even if you don’t need them for the first 24 hours of your cruise, you don’t want to risk losing them and going without them for the entire trip.
You should also consider putting together an emergency kit that includes pain relievers, antacids, bandages and other over-the-counter drugstore items for unexpected embarkation-day ailments. If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll also want access to Dramamine, your motion sickness patches or Sea-Bands in case your luggage is delayed until after you set sail.
The shops on the ship won’t open until after sailaway, and they might not have everything you need. (When they do, get ready for sticker-shock prices.) In that case, it’s a good idea to pack a few extra meds for that unexpected headache or mild case of heartburn.
Cruise lanyard
If you prefer carrying your room key around the ship in a lanyard, toss one in your carry-on bag to put on and wear as soon as you receive your cruise card. You’ll be ready to purchase cocktails, gelato, specialty coffees and other items around the ship without fumbling in your pockets for the card. You’ll also be less likely to lose your card while you’re juggling your carry-on luggage, cruise documents, phone and other items in the terminal.
Lanyards are a great idea for cruising kids, who aren’t used to carrying around a wallet or ID. They’ll need their cruise card handy to check in and out of the kids club and to get into your cabin when they run ahead.
A bottle of wine and a 12-pack of soda
Most cruise line alcohol policies permit you to bring Champagne or wine on board the ship. If allowed, pack a special bottle or two in your carry-on bag. Once you’re in your cabin, you can request an ice bucket and ice from your cabin steward, so you can chill a bottle of bubbly just in time for sailaway. (Beware of corkage fees on some lines if you’d rather bring your special bottle to dinner.)
For example, Holland America allows you to bring an unspecified but limited number of wine or Champagne bottles on board for your cruise. There is a corkage fee applied to each bottle. Royal Caribbean allows each guest of drinking age to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne on board — with no corkage fee if you imbibe in your cabin.
A few lines also let you bring on a reasonable amount of bottled water, soda or other nonalcoholic beverages in sealed packages. Typically, they ask that you carry these items on board with you.
Holland America permits a limited amount of drinking water in cans or cartons, but no soda or energy drinks. Plastic bottles are not permitted on the ship. If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, you can bring a 12-pack of nonalcoholic beverages (in cans, cartons or bottles) on board in your carry-on luggage. Carnival Cruise Line’s policy is nearly identical to Royal Caribbean’s — except only cans and cartons, not bottles, are allowed.
Poolside essentials
If your vacation goals are to relax, catch some rays and sip tropical drinks poolside for the next week or more, then have those pool items ready to go once you’re on board. You might even bring a lightweight beach bag or tote filled with pool essentials such as your swimsuit, sunglasses, a cover-up, a collapsible straw hat, a travel-size bottle of sunscreen, flip-flops and that good book you’ve wanted to read. Towels are provided on board, so no need to bring your own.
Workout gear and a set of headphones
If you’re ready to stretch your legs after a long flight and get in some exercise time at the gym, pack a pair of athletic shoes, socks and workout gear in the bag you bring on the ship. Don’t forget to pack a set of headphones to listen to your favorite tunes on your smartphone while running on the treadmill or lifting weights.
Kid stuff
If you’re cruising with children, you’ll want to toss entertainment and snack options in your carry-on to keep them happy in the check-in line and on the ship until the rest of the luggage arrives.
These items could include portable video games, books, favorite snacks, coloring books or a cuddly nap-time toy. You don’t want a meltdown to kick off your cruise, so make sure you’re prepared to make the little ones happy once you’re on the ship.
Also, if you’re traveling with babies and toddlers, pack extra diapers, wipes, sippy cups and other necessary gear in your carry-on, so you have everything you need for the afternoon and evening in case your luggage arrives late.
A change of clothing
If you’re still waiting for your bag to arrive just before sailaway or at the dinner hour, it won’t be a problem if you’ve planned ahead and packed a change of clothing in your carry-on. It can be something as simple as a pair of shorts and a fresh shirt or a sundress and sandals, but it’s still nice to change out of your travel clothes before heading up to the pool deck for a celebratory glass of Champagne or going out for dinner on the first evening of your cruise.
An extra set of clothes is also useful to have on hand in the rare event that your luggage gets lost or goes missing for longer than the first night. If you truly get stuck without your bags, you’ll have a spare outfit so you can wear one while washing the other.
Electronic devices and chargers
Whether you’re traveling with a laptop, tablet, e-reader, gaming device or just your family’s collection of smartphones, it’s advisable to keep your electronic devices with you so they don’t get lost, stolen or damaged.
Once you arrive, you might need to charge one or all of your devices, so keep the chargers and their cords in an organizer or pouch in your carry-on bag. A portable phone charger is also a great idea to bring on vacation, especially if you’ll be using your smartphone as your camera during your cruise.
A camera
If you do have camera equipment, keep it secure in either a camera bag or in your carry-on luggage and bring it with you on the ship. It’s one more thing to have to carry on board, but you don’t want your investment to get damaged or lost before you start your vacation. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on first-day photos.
Toiletries and hair items
If you’ll need personal items like body wash, shampoo, moisturizer, eye drops, hairbrushes and hairspray to freshen up before leaving your cabin, bring them with you in travel-size containers in your carry-on bag. Some people prefer their own products to those available on the ship.
This is especially important if you arrive at your ship after an overnight or early morning flight, and you really need to brush your teeth or put in your contacts once you make it to the ship.
Jewelry and other valuables
While it’s not advisable to travel with expensive jewelry, you likely want to glam it up while on your cruise. Even costume jewelry can be pricey, so keep it with you in the luggage that you carry on board.
Once you’re settled in your cabin, you can lock up your jewelry, passport, wallet and other valuable items that will fit into the safe. Some rooms have modest-size safes, and others can accommodate a small laptop. If the size of your in-room safe is a concern, check with the cruise line before you sail.
Bottom line
What you do or don’t pack in your cruise carry-on can make or break the first day of your vacation — and potentially the rest of the trip if your luggage goes missing or gets damaged. Follow our packing tips, and you’ll be well-outfitted for all the fun awaiting you on board your ship.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.