12 Items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag
When you board a cruise ship, the items you bring in your carry-on might be the only possessions you can access for the entire first afternoon you’re on board.
Why? When you arrive at the pier, you give your larger suitcases to the porters, who bring quest luggage on board in masse for the crew to deliver to your cabin door. Your bags might not arrive until later in the day or even that, especially if you’re on a giant cruise ship carrying six or seven thousand passengers.
Travel documents, passport, and ID
It’s crucial to organize all your boarding documents in a wallet-style case or a clear manila folder that’s easily accessible when you arrive at the cruise terminal.
You should also keep your passport or another form of ID, such as a birth certificate and driver's license, with your cruise documents, as you’ll need to show those at check-in, as required by your cruise line.
Other documents you’ll want to carry on aboard are;
*Travel insurance information ( phone number for emergencies)
*Confirmations of any restaurant reservations and tours
Medications, vitamins or supplements
If you or your family members take any regular prescription medications, vitamins, or supplements, pack them in your carry-on bag. Even if you don’t need them for the first 24 hours of your cruise, you don’t want to risk losing them and going without them for the entire trip.
Cruise Lanyard
If you prefer carrying your room key around the ship in a lanyard, toss one in your carry-on bag to put on wear as soon as you receive your cruise card.
A bottle of wine and a 12-pack of soda
Most cruise line alcohol policies permit you to bring Champagne or wine aboard the ship. If allowed, pack a special bottle or two in your carry-on bag.
