When packing for a cruise, be sure to put these items in your carry-on bag – the one that stays with you when the rest of your luggage is checked in for the cargo hold. It’s important to keep these items with you as you travel to meet your ship, just in case your checked luggage needs some extra time to catch up with you.
Government-issued
identification. The cruise
line will ask you to present your passport, or a driver’s license and birth
certificate, so keep these essential documents with you.
Boarding
documents. This includes copies
of documents provided by the cruise line, along with other travel
tickets and reservations. It’s a good idea to store them in a plastic sleeve or
folder to keep them organized and clean.
Prescription
medications. It’s easier
to replace over-the-counter medications, but it can be very difficult to
replace prescription medications while cruising.
Wallet. Bring a credit card or two and a small
amount of cash in your wallet. You can charge onboard purchases to your onboard
account (which you can settle with a credit card), but you may want a little
cash for an occasional tip or small purchase on shore.
Electronic
devices and chargers.
Devices like smartphones, e-readers, cameras, earbuds, tablets, and laptops are
safer with you than in checked luggage. Remember to bring their chargers and
cords, too.
Change of
clothes. It can take a
while for checked luggage to be delivered to your cruise ship cabin, so a
change of clothes in your carry-on can provide a quick refresh for the sail-away
party. This is especially important when traveling to a different climate, say,
Minneapolis to Miami. If you leave home in long pants and a sweater, a quick
change to shorts and a light shirt will feel good.
Swimsuit (and sunscreen). If you want to jump into an onboard pool
as soon as possible, instead of changing clothes, put on a swimsuit, a cover-up,
and a small tube of sunscreen in your carry-on.
Jewelry. Truly valuable jewelry should stay at
home, but you may want to keep whatever jewelry you bring with you.
Check with your
professional travel advisor for additional tips on what to keep in your
carry-on and on cruise packing in general. Finally, double-check that your
carry-on bag meets any size or weight restrictions for the plane, train, or bus
you’ll take to meet your ship.
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