Many people pack many things when planning for their cruise but often forget to pack their carry-on bags efficiently. A carry-on bag is essential for the first and last day of your cruise when it can take several hours to access your luggage. The best part is there is no limit on the weight of your cruise as it is with airport carry-on bags. However, most cruise lines encourage passengers to carry less than 50 pounds.
Your carry-on bag should have easy access to items in transit. Here is a look at some of the things you need in your bag while boarding your cruise.
Travel Documents and ID
Your ID, besides medication, is one of the most important documents you must carry in your travel bag. You will also need your boarding documents that your cruise line will require you to have so that you can board the ship. You will need government-issued identification such as your birth certificate, passport or driver’s license.
Your ID will be necessary when flying to your departure port as well. If you have all these items in your small carry-on, you will have everything easily accessible and prevent loss.
All your medication
If you are on medication, you should always ensure it is in your carry-on bag. If you pack it in your luggage, you might have to wait a long time for them to arrive, which might be a matter of life or death for some people. You can pack your doses in your travel suitcases but carry small doses to help you wait till you get your luggage.
Remember to carry prescriptions for all controlled substances and their original bottles with your details on them. In addition, you can get the essential over-the-counter drugs on almost all cruise ships, but if you rely on medication to fully function, ensure you have them in your carry-on bag.
Reserve Cash
While there are ATMs on cruise ships and in almost every destination you will be travelling to, we still advise you to have some reserve cash of at least $100 while on a cruise. Sometimes ATMs malfunction, and you might have a cash emergency.
Additionally, keeping cash in your checked luggage can make losing your luggage very painful. Credit card and bank card fraud is rampant and can lock your account while on a cruise, and you may find yourself with no access to money.
Your Wallet and Other Valuables
In addition to having cash in your carry-on bag, you also need to have your wallet and other valuable items. This includes any valuable jewellery you plan to carry on your cruise. There have been stories of travellers losing their valuable jewelry with their luggage when it goes missing or gets delayed.
Change Of Clothes
Long flights and drives can make you feel quite grimy. Your luggage might take a while to get delivered to your cabin. Having a change of clothes will also allow you to shower and change before you get your luggage. Opt for wrinkle-resistant clothes since you must fold them to fit in your small bag.
You might also want a swimsuit just in case the rest of your stuff takes ages to show up. You can enjoy some time at the pool as you wait.
Your Toiletries
It would help if you also had your essential toiletries, such as toothpaste, deodorant and a toothbrush, in your hand luggage. This way, you can quickly freshen up if your luggage takes a while to get to your cabin. If you are planning to fly to your port of embarkation, remember the carry-on liquid must be in containers of not more than 100ml, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Book Your Parking Spot
If you plan to drive to the terminal with your family, you must book a secure parking spot. You can park at the port terminal, which can be expensive, or choose off-site parking, such as Safe Cruise Parking. At Safe Cruise Parking, we offer safe and affordable parking services. We also provide free shuttle services and a complimentary drink to the terminal.
Our team ensures that your vacation starts before you get to your cruise ship. Once you are back, you will also catch the shuttle back to your car. It’s a very convenient, hassle-free process.
There are many parking options at Miami port; however, believe that your car is safe at Safe Cruise parking. Our parking prices are lower than the terminal parking services. We also offer shuttle services to the port at no extra cost.
