Embarkation Day Carry-On Essentials

Embarkation Day Carry-On Essentials

My embarkation backpack with all my essentialsYou cruise is booked and now you are thinking about packing and what to take with you.

Since your luggage may not be delivered to your cabin in a timely manner, here are my suggestion on what to bring with you on embarkation day:

  1.  A comfortable, lightweight and sturdy backpack.

    • I once had a backpack where one of the shoulder straps kept falling down my arm. That was so irritating and no one wants to lug around an uncomfortable backpack on their vacation! My favorite is from Travelon. It is a perfect size for me, is anti-theft, has RFID blocking card and passport slots, can hold a tablet and has a side pocket for my water tumbler. Yes, a beach bag or other large bag will work but I love having my hands free to fill out paperwork, take photos and enjoy that first tasty adult beverage on the cruise :-).
  2. Essential travel documents.

    • Do not forget passports, photo id’s, boarding passes, a copy of your travel insurance plan, confirmation of excursions, specialty dining or any of the other extras you may have prepurchased. And be sure to bring a pen – you will be filling our forms while you wait to embark.
  3. Medicines.

    • Pack all prescription and any other essential medicine. You do not want to take the chance that these may get delayed or lost with your luggage.
  4. Electronics and chargers.

    • Phones, tablets, cameras, extra batteries, memory cards, and all necessary chargers need to be in your carry-on. On a cruise, an underwater camera is fantastic to have. My FujiFilm camera takes surprisingly great photos. Speaking of cameras, take a photo of your luggage before you hand it over to port luggage handlers. In the unlikely event that your bag is misplaced, it will be so much easier to identify!
  5. Sun protection.

    • No one wants to start off their vacation getting sunburned. Be sure to bring sunglasses, a sun hat and plenty of sunscreen.
  6. Reusable water bottle or tumbler.

    • Hydration is very important. I never cruise without my 20 oz. tumbler. It keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot – for hours and hours.
  7. Binoculars.

  8. Analog watch or fob.

    • Ship time sometimes differs from cruise port time. The cruise will leave port on ship time. I do not want to worry about my digital timepieces automatically changing time so I have an analog watch fob on the backpack I carry in every port. It gives me peace of mind for very little cost.
  9. Change of clothes.

    • You may want to go swimming before your luggage is delivered to your cabin. In fact, you may want to go to dinner before your luggage is delivered. It is a good idea to be prepared with a change of clothes.
  10. Small bills.

    • I always bring small bills to tip my room steward and others who go out of their way to provide exemplary service.
  11. Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers. 

  12. A small notebook, journal or diary.

    • I don’t know about you but I love having a little notebook with me while on vacation.  I like to jot down what I did and what my thoughts and impressions were as a reminder of my fantastic cruise!
  13. Jewelry.

    • Other than my wedding band and engagement ring, which I never take off, I leave my ‘good’, meaning expensive jewelry at home. I pack cute jewelry that I do not have to worry about getting lost or stolen. I pack these in a small jewelry bag that I tuck in the bottom of my carry-on bag.

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