It’s Cruise time!! Packing for a cruise can be a little scary because it’s not your typical vacation.  You can’t just run to the closest store and buy what you forgot to pack.  It’s even scarier trying to figure out what you need to have in your embarkation bag.  You don’t get your suitcase right away and of course, you need ALL of the things you packed. I’m going to tell you what I always have in my embarkation bag and so far I haven’t been without.

Swimming Suit

DUH! It’s cruise time and unless you’re wearing it when you board the ship, you will need to pack it.  Depending on the port you leave from and the time of year, it could be nice and sunny.   I don’t know about you but if the sun is out on vacation then, I’m ready for the pool.   Even if you’re leaving from a cooler port, which I have done a few times.  The hot tub is still a nice place to start the vacation.  Don’t forget a wet bag for when you change into dinner attire and have to throw your suit back in your bag.

Dinner Attire

There’s only been one time when I didn’t get my bag before dinner on a cruise. I have been on five cruises now and I would say I’m pretty lucky to always have my bag for dinner.  The dress code is a little more lenient on cruises now.  I remember when I went on my first cruise, you had to be dressed nicely to eat in the dining room.  Even though cruise lines have become more flexible, I would still like to have a nice outfit for dinner.

Medicine/Sunscreen

If you have any medicine that you take regularly, you should always keep it in a carry on or embarkation bag.  This is so important because you never know if your luggage will get lost or delayed and then you don’t have medication that you need.  Sunscreen is something that is also very important, you don’t want to get burnt on embarkation day and stay inside the next two days of the cruise.

Portable power bank/charger

I don’t know about you but this is the last opportunity for your Phone to work until you get to wifi.  Unless you paid for a phone plan on the ship, you’re unreachable.  I want my phone fully charged and access to a charger just in case I need to make some last minute calls.  You’re also on vacation so of course, you’re going to want to start taking pictures or videos of your time away from home.  Unfortunately, the power bank that I have is not available any longer but this one is very similar and honestly probably better.  Mine is very heavy and this one is about 1/3 of the size that I have and very highly rated.  This will be my next power bank purchase.  I always look for one with at least 10,000 mah so I know it will hold enough charge for a couple of devices.

Boarding documents/Passport 

This one is fairly obvious.  Although, unfortunately, some will forget to take these and have a very difficult time boarding the ship.  I always like to take a copy of my boarding documents and my passport.  I don’t want to be the person that can’t board because I lost the originals.

Lanyard

It took me a cruise or two to learn about the lanyard thing. Lanyards are great at helping you keep track of your sign and sail card.  If you know you’ll use your phone to take pictures then I would get a lanyard like this. This lanyard will keep your phone and your card together.  Or you can even get this one that’s waterproof.  Remember, your sign and sail card is now your money, room key, and your ID.  It’s is extremely important that you keep track of it.