Today, we’re sharing the ultimate list of cruise essentials for your family’s carry-on bag, so you have everything you need close at hand on embarkation day. That cruise day buzz is something special. If you’re reading this, you probably already know the feeling, or you’re about to experience it for the first time. Either way, you’re in for something special.

After many years of cruising with our sons, we’ve learned exactly what helps embarkation day go smoothly. And what can quickly turn it into a long, frustrating wait. Packing your carry-on bag properly makes a huge difference for families. Without the right items to hand, those first few hours onboard can drag, especially when excited kids are ready to head straight for the pool.

When you embark on a cruise, there is so much excitement! You will want to have lunch, explore, and then the kiddies will want to hit the pool. And here’s the thing: you can not access your cabin until around 3 pm, and you won’t get your luggage until later, usually around 4-6 pm. So you need to be prepared and have everything to get you through till then.

Must-Have Cruise Carry On Bag Essentials for Families

When you take kids on a cruise, it’s all about getting the holiday survival kit right. I.e., packing your cruise carry-on bag correctly! Being organised and packing everything you need for the first day on your cruise will get your vacation off to a smooth start.

What Is A Cruise Survival Kit?

This is something most parents will already do. We called ours the holiday survival kit. Named so, as we pack everything we needed to keep the kids busy for the entirety of their cruise.

The grand reveal was always in the car on the way to the airport or port. It became such an anticipated part of our travels. The boys became just as excited about the holiday survival kit (cruise carry-on bag) as they were about the prospect of travelling.

Almost everything inside the survival kit is new. All treats are to be used for the duration of the cruise, but there are also a few essentials for cruise day to keep the kiddies occupied and happy. This is something I built up over a year, so there was no big outlay. Thus, if I were out and saw a bargain that would work, I would buy it and put it away.

What To Pack In A Children’s Cruise Carry On Bag?

Start with a rucksack or suitcase. You know your children, will they carry a backpack or will a wheelie case or Trunki be better? Don’t overfill it; if it’s heavy, you will end up carrying the bags. However, both our boys had a Disney Cruise carry-on bag, and they were happy to pull them, as they knew they were filled with brand-new goodies such as……

1. Favourite teddy, it’s always good to have this handy.
2. Swimming shorts, do not forget these; I have made that fatal mistake.
3. Arm bands or water wings. ( Many cruise line have life vests available to use)
4. Small pack of tissues and handy wipes (saves you from carrying them, and kids think it’s novel to have in their bag).
5. An empty water bottle is handy to keep filled with water. If you have ordered a kids’ drinks package, you will also get a refillable drinks cup on the first day of your cruise.
6. A5 notebook and printable quizzes or colouring pages for drawing or notes with pencils or crayons ( I found it best to avoid felt tips just in case).
7. Kids’ digital camera, always fun to look back on.
8. Small set of travel toys, we used to love the Disney Play sets as they are miniature movie sets that fit into a drawstring bag and can be taken everywhere.
9. Snacks, such a raisins or popcorn and a drink, there is a bit of waiting to do at the port so snacks come in handy ( Drinks need to be consumed before security, however if you are waiting for test results it’s handy to have a drink).
10. Wipeable activity books, these are great to take to dinner.
11. Travel Uno, we have spent many hours playing Uno, it’s a great pre dinner family game.
12. Sun hat/sunglasses.

What To Pack In Your Cruise Carry-On Bag?

That’s the kiddies sorted and happy. But what about us mums and dads? What do we need to pack in our Cruise Carry-On Bag? Remember, it can take a while for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin. Thus, anything you think you will need before then, pack in your carry-on bag.

• A folder with all tickets, cruise passes, all together and a pen ( I know these are all mostly digital, however, it saves time to have a folder with printed copies).
• Passports/identity cards.
• Swimwear, flip flops, and a dry bag, the kids will want to jump straight in that pool.
• If you have a baby or toddler, swimming nappies (Although check this post as toddlers can not use pools on all ships)
• If cruising with a baby? Nappies, sterilised bottle, spoon and sachet of dried milk ( Shops will not be open till after sailaway and you may not get your luggage for some time)
• Suncream.
• A wallet with small notes for tipping.
• Laptop, camera, tablets, keep all valuables with you until you can put them in a safe, they are not insured if you leave them unattended.
• Any medication, don’t put this in your checked luggage in case it gets misplaced. If you carry injections, insulin or medication that needs to be kept cool, we use a Frio Bag and can thoroughly recommend it.
• Sunglasses.

Get Our Free Printable Cruise Carry On List Here

With a bit of organisation, it’s not too much to carry. Especially for a little peace of mind, you have all you need to make the most of the first day of your cruise. Thus making it part of your cruise holiday. Rather than a day of waiting around for luggage, essentials and shops to open. And if you would like our printable list, just right-click the image above and save it. Get our full cruise planner and packing guide.