When you go on a cruise, there are things that you should never pack in your check-in luggage. You will want to have these essential items close at hand since checked luggage does not arrive at your stateroom immediately. Crew members typically take a few hours to deliver your luggage to your cabin, think late afternoon or early evening. There is also always the risk of theft or lost luggage!
Passport
The biggest mistake you can make when traveling is to pack your passport in your check-in luggage. First, you’ll need your passport and travel documents to board the ship. Always carry these in your purse or carry-on, not your checked luggage. You risk losing your passport if you check in your luggage. It’s also smart to keep a photocopy or a digital copy of your passport as a backup. Keep the photocopy in your carry-on bag!
Cellphone
Never leave your cell phone in your check-in luggage. You should always pack it in your carry-on bag or your purse. Even if you think you won’t be using your phone on the ship, it’s still a good idea to keep it close to you. It’s such a high value item that you don’t want to risk losing it if you pack it in your check-in luggage.
Cellphone Charger
You’ll want your charger in your carry-on bag in case you need it since your check-in luggage will not be delivered to your cabin until late afternoon or early evening.
Prescription Glasses
Never pack your prescription glasses, reading glasses, and contact lens in your check-in luggage. It’s a bad idea! You risk losing it if you pack it in your check-in luggage. You will also most likely need to use it on the first day of your cruise.
Lysol Wipes
If you’re like me, you will want to sanitize your cabin when you get in. Keep a pack of Lysol wipes in your carry-on bag to quickly clean high-touch areas like the remote control, phone, and nightstand.
Electronic Devices
You will have downtime on the first day of your cruise. Make sure you pack your electronic devices in your carry-on bag. This includes laptops, iPads, Kindles, and gaming devices. You also don’t want to pack them in your check-in luggage because it could get lost or stolen.
Bathing Suits and Goggles
If you plan to swim on the first day of your cruise, make sure you pack bathing suits and goggles in your carry-on bag. You want access to your bathing suit to enjoy the pools, waterslides, and splash pads on the cruise ship right away. Remember that your checked luggage won’t be delivered to your cabin until later in the afternoon (sometimes close to dinner time!)
Sunblock
If you’re planning to swim on the first day of your cruise, make sure you pack sunblock in your carry-on bag. Check out I’m Cheap, Here are 9 Things I Always Do to Save Money on a Cruise
Change of Clothes
Always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Even if you are not planning to swim, you should still pack a change of clothes in case your luggage gets lost or delayed. Check out 8 Important Things to Do to Keep Your Luggage Safe on a Cruise
Flip Flops or Crocs
It’s a good idea to pack flip-flops or Crocs in your carry-on bag, especially if you plan to swim. Even if you’re not swimming on the first day, you might still want to have your flip-flops or Crocs handy and use them as slippers in your cabin. Check out Should You Remove Automatic Gratuities on Your Next Cruise?
Toiletry Bag
Packing your toiletry bag in your carry-on is smart, so you can easily access it on your first day. You might want to freshen up and have your face soap. Having your toiletry bag with you also protects you from the unlikely worst case scenario of your check-in luggage getting lost. Check out How to Make Your Cruise Inside Cabin More Comfortable
Cash
Never leave cash in your check-in luggage! It could get stolen or lost! Always keep cash in your carry-on. Don’t forget to pack small bills to tip your porter on embarkation day. Check out 7 Things to Always Pay for in Cash on a Cruise
Toys
If you’re cruising with kids, it’s smart to pack toys in your carry-on bag. There will be plenty of downtime on the first day of your cruise, and you will want to have toys ready to keep your kids entertained. Pack small toys such as no-mess coloring books, board games, magnetic toys, and travel toys. Check out Pros and Cons of Bringing Kids on a Cruise with You
Kids Security Blanket
Never pack your child’s security blanket in your check-in luggage. It’s too risky—what if it gets lost? Check-in luggage won’t be delivered to your cabin until late afternoon, so you’ll want your kid’s security blanket in case it’s needed for nap time. Check out 9 Family Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
Jewelry
Never pack your jewelry in your check-in luggage. Whether it’s sentimental items like a wedding ring, a special necklace, or even costume jewelry you plan to wear on formal night, it’s too valuable to risk losing. Checked luggage can be lost or delayed, and there’s also the theft risk. Check out 11 Anti-Theft Cruise Tips that Every Cruiser Needs to Know
Sunglasses
Always pack your sunglasses in your carry-on bag, don’t leave them in your checked luggage. You want your sunglasses easily accessible when you board the ship, especially on a Caribbean cruise. Get your free packing list: What to Pack: Caribbean cruise
Prescription Medication
Never pack prescription medications in your checked luggage. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access, along with any over-the-counter medicines you might need. Get your free packing list printable Cruise Toiletry Bag & Cruise First Aid Kit Packing List