With the height of the cruise season right around the corner, I have no doubt that the excitement for your first cruise is building.  It is time to begin your research!  When I think back to my very first cruise over 20 years ago now, I wish that someone had told me what cruise essentials to pack in my carry-on and things I should know, including cruise cabin hacks to help me stay organized. In this post I’ll share all of the must have carry-on essentials for the 1st time cruisers!

Now that the internet and social media can be accessed from anywhere it is much easier to find all of the answers to your cruising questions and much easier than it was all of those years ago.

When arriving at the cruise port, a porter will immediately take your luggage leaving you with your personal items and a carry-on, if you have one.  The luggage will later be delivered to your cabin.  Many times it could be much later.

7 ESSENTIALS TO HAVE IN YOUR CARRY-ON FOR THE 1ST TIME CRUISER

  1. Passport, Boarding Pass & Paperwork
  2. Medication
  3. Electronics
  4. Swimwear
  5. Change of Clothes
  6. Toiletries
  7. Miscellaneous Items
If you want to make the most of your first day onboard your cruise, it is important to have these 7 essential items packed in your carry-on
Make sure to have these cruise essentials packed in your carry-on

As a first time cruiser, I know how excited you will be to get on board that ship to do some exploring, and hit one of the several pools and/or bars.  Trust me when I say that if you haven’t packed the proper essentials into your cruise carry-on, you will be wasting several valuable hours of your precious time on the ship.

In order to ensure that you enjoy your first day onboard the ship to the max, I have assembled a list of carry-on essentials for the first time cruiser.

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It is finally your time to board, so let’s get started….

PASSPORT, BOARDING PASS & OTHER PAPERWORK

In order to save precious time, all of these documents should be pre-printed before you even leave home.

  • boarding pass
  • pre-paid tour purchase confirmations
  • pre-paid drink package confirmations
  • passage contract

Read Next: If you are cruising solo for the first time, you’ll benefit from learning some insider tips for cruising alone.

Pack your passport, boarding pass and important paperwork into your carry-on to have handy when boarding the cruise ship
Be sure to pack passport, boarding pass, electronics and other paperwork in your carry-ont

It should go without saying that all of these papers should be kept in your purse or carry-on.  Many people don’t like the clutter, so they will pack it in their suitcase.  Please don’t!  Without your boarding pass, you will be unable to board the ship. Having all of these documents readily available will save you a substantial amount of time and a huge amount of headaches.

JUST ONE TIP: I always pre-purchase my tours and water package well in advance of the cruise.  This will eliminate the chance of any disappointment I may have in the event a specific tour sells out (and they sell out fast).  I then print all of the paperwork and assemble it all into an envelope and in my carry-on it goes

MEDICATION

This one should be a no-brainer, but I am always surprised at the number of people who pack their medications in their checked baggage.  Always remember when cruising, it may be well into the evening before your bags arrive at your cabin, so it is essential that all medication be kept on your person at all times.

ELECTRONICS

All electronics, including your camera, cellphone, laptop, chargers, etc. should be packed as an essential into your carry-on.  By the time you board the ship, you have likely been on the road (or in the air) for hours, and your phone will need re-charging.  Even though it is difficult to use your cellphone when at sea, most cruise lines have an app which allows you to access your shipboard account, see what events are taking place on the ship at any given day or time, and best of all, it allows you to text your travel mates while on board the ship.

Keep Your Camera Handy!

As a first time cruiser, I know that you will want to explore the ship almost as soon as you board.  I am sure that you will be in complete awe of the sheer beauty and size of the ship, so you will want to have your camera close by in order to click away and capture all of those first impressions.

SWIMWEAR

After a long day of travel, you will be anxious to immerse yourself into ship life.  It is absolutely essential that you pack the following swimwear items in your carry-on:

  • bathing suit
  • beach cover-up
  • flip flops
  • suntan lotion
  • sun glasses
  • hat

You will be extremely disappointed if you didn’t have these essential items with you and were unable to join in the fun.  If there is anything that you won’t want to forget to pack in your carry-on, it is these items!  

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

It will be highly unlikely that your luggage will arrive in your cabin by the time dinner rolls around, so it is a smart idea to have an extra set of clothes packed into your carry-on.  If you plan on eating at the buffet your first night on the ship, then shorts and a t-shirt are sufficient.  If you plan on enjoying the finer dining in one of the dining rooms, then you will want to pack a dress or a smart pair of pants and top. Extra clothes is essential to have packed in your cruise carry-on.

There are also other dining options, which will include pizza and hamburgs on the pool deck.  Some, but not all, cruiselines also offer room service.  Keep in mind though that the staff are extremely busy on embarkation day!

TOILETRIES

After a long never-ending day of travel, you will want to freshen up at some point throughout the day.  It is for this reason, that it is essential that you pack at least a toothbrush and toothpaste and hair brush in your carry-on.  I am not a make-up person, so I pack this in my checked luggage, but if you want to get all dolled up for dinner on your first cruise day, then by all means pack your makeup in your carry-on.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: Carry-On Essentials for the 1st Time Cruiser

Last but not least, there are some additional items that you might want to have with you in your carry-on:

  • Book:  if you are a reader, you may want to relax poolside or on your balcony with a good book.
  • Wine:  most cruise lines allow each passenger to bring one bottle of wine onboard.  I am that person who enjoys a cocktail on my balcony before heading for dinner.  It is for this reason that it is essential that I pack my bottle of wine in my carry-on.
  • Lanyard:  Unless you want to carry a purse or bag with you wherever you go on the ship, this item is essential!  When you board the ship, you will be given a key card, which will grant you access to your room, allow you to charge all purchases to your shipboard account, and on most ships this key card will also turn the lights on in your room.  This card will be with you wherever you go, so I highly recommend packing a lanyard in your carry-on so you have somewhere to put this card without having to carry a purse or bag.

I truly hope that this list of essential items to pack into your carry-on help all of you first time cruisers.  You don’t think you will remember all of these items?  Not a problem!  You can PIN this post for later.

Read Next: Is Alaska on your bucket list? Cruising Tracy Arm Fjord is a must read.

If you are a 1st time cruiser, don't forget to pack these essentials into your carry-on

You might also enjoy Cruising Solo Onboard the Loveboat and 10 Tips for the Solo Cruiser to help you prepare for your first cruise.

More cruise articles new and experienced cruisers may like to read:

Experienced cruisers, I would LOVE to hear what essentials you pack in your carry-on?

HAPPY SAILING AND BON VOYAGE! 🙂

Travel Solo Like a Pro!

AIRFARE:

♥  CheapOair and WayAway offer flights at a resonable rate. Let CheapOair or WayAway find the cheapest and best flight for your destination

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION:

♥  I use Booking.com to book all of my accommodations, both domestically and internationally. When booking in the United States, I use Trivago US

ACTIVITIES:

♥  Get Your Guide and Viator are the absolute best sites to plan and book any adventures, activities, and all things fun

BIKE AND MOTORCYCLE RENTALS:

♥  BikesBooking.com will find the best prices for bicycles, motocyles, and scooter rentals any place in the world.

CAR RENTAL:

♥  Economy Bookings will provide rental prices worldwide, which making it a one stop shop for the most reasonable car rentals

AIRPORT TRANSFER AND PRIVATE TOURS:

♥  Kiwitaxi is who you want to contact for transportation from the airport or train station.  Why not arrange for a PRIVATE CITY TOUR with Kiwitaxi at the same time.

CRUISES:

♥  Cruise Critic not only provides reviews and answers questions, it also offers great cruise deals. If your a cruise lover (like me), I highly recommend that you check it out!

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

♥  Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials.  It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.

PIN TO PACK FOR YOUR NEXT CRUISE

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Hi! I'm Kelly, the face behind Just One Passport. Your journey into the world of solo travel for seniors begins right here with Just One Passport. Join me and learn to travel solo like a Pro!

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66 Comments

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  8. SWIMSUIT! YES!! Our very first cruise we made that rookie mistake! Didn’t know our luggage would take so long to get to out stateroom and all we wanted to do was get in that pool! Didn’t make that mistake twice LOL! Great article!

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  16. I just don’t trust the luggage valet system, never tried it, and it’s not in my plan to use it. I always travel with a minimum, therefore, I always have EVERYTHING with me! 🙂

    1. I have never tried just taking a carry-on, other than domestic flights. I haven’t every had my bags go missing, although I am always nervous that they will.

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  19. I have been on a cruise just once and would love to go again. These are some really good tips for a first time cruiser, though on my last trip, I did not book the tours and activities beforehand, and decided to do my own little trip once in the city. I really liked having the flexibility to be able to go wherever I wanted! I think even though there are enough activities to keep you busy onboard, carrying a book and taking some alone time isn’t a bad idea at all!

  21. Great recommendations! We just went on our first cruise this past September and the luggage was one of the biggest issues. Your idea of taking a carry-on with essentials for the day would have been perfect!! On our next cruise we will following these great suggestions! Thank you!

  22. It always pays to have a tidy hand luggage. Best is to travel with hand luggage only and keep all your stuff on you.

  23. I’ve never been on a cruise so I didn’t know how the check-in luggage aspect worked. Good to know that it’s better to have a carry on luggage with essential items to start your cruising experience. I like your tip on having a lanyard for your room card instead of carrying a purse around all day long. Look forward to reading more of your cruise posts!

  24. Out o fthe many things that I carry with me, my camera is the most important one. I have a compact Sony but I can take very good photos with it and with a large zoom. So that’s why this one is the most important thing in my luggage.

  25. Wow! I didn’t realize it could so much time to get your luggage! I would have thought to pack a suit for the pool but would have thought about clothes for dinner or my toothbrush. I guess going to the buffet the first night would be fine but best to be prepared. Great information!!!

  26. The change of clothes made me LOL because I NEVER thought about that on a cruise – but you’re absolutely RIGHT! I always just assumed it would be. My boarding outfit is usually casual comfy and if I’m waiting in lines to board I may be sweaty, so a change of clothes would be a great idea!

    1. Exactly! If you plan on eating in the dining room on the 1st day, the worst feeling is being in the same clothes since sometimes 3 in the morning. yuk! lol

  27. Thanks for the great tips! I haven’t experienced a cruise yet so knowing that you don’t immediately have your luggage is a big help.

  28. I’m not a frequent cruiser (have done ONE in my entire life), so this is good info to have. It seems like the cruise ships have a great opportunity to give folks branded lanyards! (I know I would hate to carry a purse, and I’d never think to pack a lanyard.) 🙂

  29. The bathing suit tip was essential on my first cruise. I didn’t realize that our bags take hours to get to your room. This is a great list!

  30. I’ve been on a cruise but it was a loooonng time ago, I was a child. But this is good to know now that I’m older and can book my own cruise one day!

  31. The more I read your blog, the more I convince myself that a cruise ship is what I need for my next holidays! I will bookmark this list and several other articles in your blog. They are packed with useful details that are not so obvious if you are cruising for the first time! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Thank you. I was a little bit overwelmed on my first cruise. I didn’t realize that there was so much you should know. I’ve been on 7 now and I keep learning new tips and tricks.

  33. What a great list of things to take on a cruise! I always recommend taking anything you need to start having fun before your luggage arrives… aka bathers!

  37. I have yet to go on a cruise but I would love to someday – there are some really great tips and some that can be applied no matter what kind of vacation you’re on!

  39. I have yet to go on a cruise, but I think I will be planning one in the near future. Thanks for all your helpful information 🙂

  40. I love all the information here, I never went on a cruise yet, but it is on my bucket list! I would not have packed my swimwear in my carry on luggage that’s for sure…. Thank you for sharing this post!

    1. I hope you get the chance to go on a cruise. I’ve been on 7 now and I’ll never forget my 1st one standing in 90 degree weather in my me and watching everybody in the pool

  41. Interesting, I never knew, that you can swin in the cruise, but it kind of makes sense, since those boats can take a smaller village on board, why not have a pool there? Thanks for the tips, there are many things I have heard about for the first time

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