Why you should bring a cruise carry-on – because this is all the cruise luggage you will have on you for the first few hours of boarding the cruise ship.
When you pack for a cruise you are not going to see that suitcase for a few hours after you have checked it in at the cruise ship terminal.
Why is this? Because the cruise line has your cruise luggage brought on board for you, so you do not have to carry it onboard yourself.
It makes the embarkation of the vessel a lot quicker and your luggage is delivered to your cabin.
You do have the option of bringing onboard your own cruise luggage, but you will have to carry it onboard all by yourself. Walking up the gangway of a ship is not like walking into a hotel!
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What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On
You are not going to see your main luggage for a while, so pack in your cruise carry-on luggage what you will need as soon you board the cruise ship.
This depends on what you would like to do, if you are on a warm itinerary you may like to hit the pool deck first. If this is the case pack your swimsuit, cover-up, flip-flops, hat and sun cream.
Cruise Carry-On Tips: Pack Essentials
Always bring your valuables and pack the essentials you will need:
- Passport
- Money/Credit Cards
- Boarding Pass
- Pen
- Medication
- Change of clothes/shoes
- Toiletries
- Makeup
- Phone charger
- Phone/Tablet/Laptop
- Jewellery/Watches
What Not to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On
Like at the airport, some things are not allowed onboard! Here are some examples not to pack:
- Knives
- Firearms or replicas
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Fireworks
- Illegal drugs (this includes marijuana, even if it is legal in your state)
- Candles
- Drones
- And many more items – here is a full list of prohibited items from different cruise lines: Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean and NLC
Is Boarding a cruise ship like boarding a plane?
Boarding a cruise ship is similar to boarding a plane, but you do not have to put all your liquids in a little clear bag.
You can bring all your liquids is whatever size, apart from open water bottles. If you have your own water bottle just drink the water or throw it away.
If you have wine, beer or spirits you may be able to bring one bottle of wine onboard if your cruise line allows it. Otherwise, they will confiscate it, so best to check first!
All your carry-on luggage will be screened like going through security at the airport and you will walk through a metal detector.
What to Pack for a Cruise
Now you know what to pack in your cruise carry-on, what do you pack for the cruise?
You may enjoy reading how to pack a capsule wardrobe for a cruise with a cold climate and a warm climate.
These articles also include a free packing checklist that you can download to your device or print off:
Cruise Carry-On Tips: Disembarking the Cruise
On the last day of the cruise, your cruise carry-on will come in handy as you will have to put your luggage outside of your cabin in the evening.
On most cruise lines your luggage is collected the night before you disembark the vessel and put on the pier for you to collect when you have disembarked.
It makes it easier to disembark and quicker. This is why your cruise carry-on comes in useful, as you can pack all the items you need the night before and the morning of leaving the ship.
So, remember to pack a cruise carry-on on your next cruise!
Cruise Essentials
Here are some cruising products from Amazon you may find useful on your next cruise – have a look at my Amazon shop page and click here.
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Happy Travels
