If you have been on a cruise before, you know how important it is to pack a carry-on bag. Checking in all your luggage can be a mistake since there are essential items you’ll need on the first day of your cruise that should stay with you. This is particularly true if you’re traveling with kids.
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Why Do You Need a Carry-On Bag?
The main reason for having a carry-on bag is that your checked luggage won’t arrive at your stateroom right away on the first day of your cruise. Typically, it takes several hours for your bags to be delivered to your cabin, so it’s smart to pack your essential items in your carry-on. This is the bag you’ll bring aboard the ship with you, and you won’t be checking in.
A small roller bag with crazy wheels is perfect for carry-on. It’s lightweight enough to maneuver onto the ship easily and compact enough to fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane. Below are some must-have items to include in your cruise carry-on bag, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Having these items handy on the first day can really make a difference.
Passport
You will need your passport and travel documents to board the ship. It’s best to keep these essentials in your carry-on bag or purse. Never check your passport or other important cruise documents in your luggage—always keep them with you!
It’s also smart to make a photocopy or take a picture of your passport so you have it handy in case you lose it. But don’t leave the photocopy of your passport in your checked-in luggage; always keep it with you in your carry-on luggage.
Cash
This is basic common sense: Always keep cash in your carry-on bag or purse. It’s a bad idea to pack your cash in your checked luggage, as it could get stolen!
Be sure to also have small bills on hand, which will make tipping much easier. On your first day of the cruise, you’ll want to tip your porter, and trust me, if you’re traveling with kids, having a porter is a lifesaver!
Toys
Expect plenty of downtime on the first day of your cruise, so it’s a good idea to pack some toys in your carry-on bag to keep your kids entertained.
Kids Security Blanket
If your child has a security blanket or a beloved lovey, pack it in your carry-on luggage. This way, they’ll have it handy for naps since you can’t predict when your checked luggage will arrive.
Kids Accessories
If you have travel essentials like kids’ potty seats, travel placemats, or sippy cups, pack them in your carry-on bag.
Diapers, Pull-Ups and Wipes
Pack extra diapers and pull-ups in your carry-on if your child isn’t potty trained yet. Don’t forget the wipes; you’ll want enough on hand! If you plan to swim, make sure to also pack swim diapers!
Bathing Suits
If you’re heading off on a Caribbean cruise and the weather looks warm, be sure to pack some bathing suits in your carry-on. Trust me, your kid will probably want to jump in the pool on the first day! Your ship might even have waterslides and splash pads; you’ll regret not having those suits handy.
Don’t just pack the kids’ bathing suits; make sure you pack yours in the carry-on bag as well. Remember that your checked luggage will not be available until later in the afternoon (sometimes close to dinner time!)
Swim Goggles and Floaties
Don’t forget the swim goggles! If your child needs floaties, pack them in your carry-on bag as well.
Sunblock
You will need sunblock if you are planning to swim on the first day.
Flip Flops or Crocs
If you plan to swim on the first day, you should pack flip-flops or Crocs in your carry-on bag. Even if you don’t plan on swimming, having flip-flops handy can be quite useful since they make comfortable slippers in your cabin.
Swim Cover Up
If you’re planning to swim on the first day, you should pack your swim cover-up in your carry-on bag. This way, you can easily throw it on over your bathing suit when you head to the pool. I like this swim cover up; it provides enough coverage and comes in many fun prints. Don’t forget to pack swim cover-ups for the kids, too! I like these hooded towels.
Beach Chair Towel Clips
Don’t forget to pack a few beach chair towel clips in your carry-on. This handy clip will keep your beach towel securely on your chair, preventing it from sliding off or being swept away by the wind. I like these fun beach chair towel clips. You might also want to use these Towel Bands since it takes up less space in your luggage.
Change of Clothes
Bring a change of clothes in case you decide to swim in the pool.
Refillable Water Bottles
Make sure to pack your refillable water bottles in your carry-on bag. You’ll want to fill them up at the buffet to have easy access to water throughout the day. Remember that most cruise ships don’t offer free water in your cabin, and the water bottles in your cabin can cost you around $5 to $6 each.
Prescription Medication
Always pack your prescription medications in your carry-on bag. You don’t want to take any chances by leaving them in your checked luggage, as there’s always a risk of it getting lost. Keeping your medication close at hand is the safest option, especially if you rely on emergency medications like an EpiPen for allergic reactions.
It’s also smart to include your over-the-counter (OTC) medications in your carry-on, just in case. Be sure to check out my free printable Toiletry Bag and First Aid Kit packing list that you can download!
Sunglasses
Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses if you plan to go to the pool!
Cellphone
This is another common sense packing tip- always pack your cellphone in your carry-on bag instead of leaving it in your checked luggage.
Cellphone Charger
Make sure you pack your cellphone charger in your carry-on bag so that you can use it on the first day of your cruise.
Prescription Glasses
It’s a bad idea to leave your prescription glasses in your checked-in luggage. This includes reading glasses. You don’t want to get stuck without your prescription glasses on the first day of your cruise.
Lysol Wipes
You will want to sanitize your cabin the moment you get in. Keep a pack of Lysol wipes handy in your carry-on bag to easily clean the remote control, phone, nightstand, and other surfaces.
Electronics
Expect some downtime on the first day, so don’t forget to pack your kids’ iPads, Kindles, and gaming devices.
Chargers
Don’t forget to pack the chargers for your phone and other electronic devices!
Books
If you have a book you are reading, bring it with you in your carry-on bag so you have it just in case. If you have small children, pack a book or two in your carry-on bag just in case.
Toiletry Bag
It’s a good idea to pack your toiletry bag in your carry-on so you can easily access it on your first day. You might want your face soap to freshen up or your kid’s shampoo, body wash, and moisturizer after they swim.
Hand Sanitizer
Even though the ship has many sanitizing stations, it’s still a good idea to pack a small hand sanitizer in your carry-on bag. You’ll want it handy before lunch and snack.
Snacks
Even though the cruise has unlimited food, it’s a good idea to pack a few bags of your child’s favorite snacks in your carry-on. If you have a picky eater or if your child has food allergies, having your own snacks on hand is the safest bet. It’s always better to be prepared! Check out 15 Random but Useful Things to Pack to Survive Cruising with Kids
Cruise Carry-On Bag Packing List: Free Printable
Get your free cruise carry-on bag packing list for families with kids. Download our free PDF printable to help you with your cruise packing!
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