A few months ago we were invited to become a Carnival Cruise Line Partner. We chose to take a family cruise to the Caribbean on the Carnival Magic, which has just been recently updated with a Camp Ocean for kids, Guy’s Burger Joint and Dr. Seuss themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends.
Here are 5 things you might want to pack on your cruise:
LANYARD WATERPROOF CASE
A waterproof lanyard around your neck makes it much easier to keep up with your important items while you’re walking around the ship and swimming in the pool. My cell phone slides easily down in my lanyard, and the phone case actually has a spot to keep your ID, bank card, or cruise card in the back slot of your case, easily accessible by flipping up the bottom flap. A waterproof bag to bring along on excursions is also a great idea! Towels are provided, but I would bring your own if you want something smaller to travel around with at the stops.
WINE & OTHER DRINKS
During embarkation day, Carnival allows one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per (21+) adult passenger in their hand luggage. A $15 corkage fee (a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of wine served that was not bought on the premises), per 750 ml bottle, will be charged should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in a main dining room, steakhouse or bar. A small quantity (maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less) of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board on embarkation day, only if carried on in guests’ hand luggage (not in checked luggage). Water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages that are packaged in bottles are not allowed.
POWER STRIP AND PORTABLE CHARGER
The staterooms often have limited plug-ins. You are allowed to bring power strips as long as they are like-new, or aren’t considered to be a safety risk. They must NOT have a surge protector on them, and it’s recommend that you place them in your carry-on bag. You may need your portable charger if you plan on purchasing wi-fi on the cruise.
MAGNETS TO DECORATE YOUR DOOR
Some guests like to decorate their stateroom doors. You can use magnets and pictures to announce a special occasion, like your birthday, plus it makes your room a little easier to find. I didn’t even know it was a thing until we were on our first cruise. Only use fire-retardant materials; items sprayed with fire-retardant spray are not acceptable. Decorations may only be placed on the stateroom door and not the surrounding frame, walls or railings. To affix materials to your stateroom door, you may use magnets and Command Strips. Do not use adhesives such as tape or glue that will leave residue. No balcony decorations or string lights are allowed.
UNDERWATER CAMERA & SNORKEL MASK
And obviously your swimwear, sunscreen, and hat! There are gorgeous beaches at the ports. Why pay extra to snorkel when you can bring your own (clean) pair? And you know me, I don’t travel anywhere without my camera. An underwater camera is worth every penny.
Be prepared when you get on the ship. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and be ready for the welcome party. I also recommend getting a room with a balcony (it’s worth it) and researching your shore excursions ahead of time. I also like to bring a nightlight for the girls, an over the door organizer to help save bathroom space, and liquid band-aid for my accident-prone child.
You can find a lot of cruise packing checklists online, however this Packing Checklist from Hello Cuteness is one of my favorites and it works for any trip. We leave from Florida on July 9th, three days after my 29th birthday! We have been on a cruise before, but this will be the first time for our little girls. Happy cruising, here’s where we are headed:
Disclosure: My family and I were provided complimentary accommodations, along with activities, entertainment and dining options in exchange for this post. All views and opinions are my own.
This is a great resource for those who are planning to go on a cruise. I’ve never been on a cruise, but hopefully, we get to go one day.
I always bring an underwater camera with me when I go on a cruise or beach vacation. There are some amazing visuals to be had under the water!
My family loves to cruise!!! All the doors look the same so decorating them is a great way to be able to find your door quickly, super helpful with kids in tow.
We’ve cruised twice on Carnival and these are great tips! We always bring a bottle of wine and bottled water but next time we should bring door decorations too!
I have never been on a cruise but this sounds like a good list of essential items. I would love to take a cruise.
I always bring a waterproof camera with me when I go on a cruise or beach vacation. I also bring a water proof pouch for documents and credit cards.
That’s a great list. I have never been on a cruise before. I hope that my husband and I can go someday. Sounds like it would be tons of fun.
My husband and I so want to try a cruise vacation soon. This is helpful because I have absolutely no idea what I need, lol.
Thank you for the list. I didn’t know you are allowed to bring wine. 🙂 Would love to go on a cruise one of these days.
I have always wanted to go on a cruise. These are great things to pack. A spare charger is a great idea.
I have never been on a cruise but these are great ideas. Seeing that we are looking to take the Disney cruise next year I’ll have to keep these tips in mind
Great tips. I would have never thought of this especially the power strip. Thanks for sharing. ^Yolonda
I’m going on a cruise next year and these tips are great. I always bring wine with me on the cruise but next time I will def be bringing an underwater camera!
I’ve never been on a cruise before but would love to go with the kiddos someday. These are some great tips for newbies like me, I love the magnet idea.
We hope to go on a cruise this year. It is an affordable way to travel for the entire family!
Great list, I would have never thought to bring some of the things you’ve listed here. I’ve yet to try a cruise but I think I want to give it a go. I’m not sure how my motion sickness will act.
What a great list! I’ve been on Carnival cruises a few times with my family and had so much fun. You can’t beat their love for bloggers.
I love your list of essentials! One of my goals is to go on a cruise one day either with just my SO or maybe the whole family!
I will have to share this with my in laws. They go on cruises at least twice a year and love them. I’m not sure they know they can bring their own wine and such.
I cannot wait to take a cruise with my family. I think the waterproof lanyard is an excellent choice! I also think the underwater camera is a smart choice as well.
We have never gone on a cruise but we want to eventually! Thanks for sharing this will help a lot when planning!