What everyone should include in their cruise carry-on!

[@JoeLopez]

Great tips! We are preparing for our first cruise in March 2023 Summary: 1. Passport and other important travel documents 2. Medication 3. Drinks you are taking on board 4. Electronics - phone/tablet/cords/chargers/camera equipment 5. A change of clothes (just in case) 6. Swim suit 7. Cash/cards and other valuables

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thanks Joe!

[@TeufelHandlanger]

Having had luggage delayed more than once while traveling, I always carry underwear, socks, and a spare shirt at a minimum. I think you're right on target with your list.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, glad to have found this video - so many people ask me this same question! I always recommend people taking a bottle of water too, as the ports can sometimes rarely have this available between initial check in and getting onto the ship!

[@karynclay4061]

Thorough as always, Matt! If someone tends to wear tennis shoes when they travel, I’d recommend they carry flip flops/sandals too. Maybe not for Alaska, but definitely for the warm climates where a suit would more likely be used. Thanks for such great content!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Good info, Karyn!

[@escritora84]

For my carry-on, I usually will set aside one small packing cube to hold my swimsuit, a light sundress, flip flops, medications/some toiletries, and an empty water bottle so I can stow it in my backpack and easily remove it if i need to for security purposes. Travel docs and electronics all stay with me as well.

[@barbarashuster9029]

When we are flying into a cruise, especially a long ways, I put half of our clothes in each suitcase, so in case one gets lost at least my husband and I both have half of our clothes.

[@zipporarodreques5481]

That’s so smart!

[@andreagriffiths3512]

I take my backpack generally but for my next cruise I have a lovely Mia Tui bag and I can’t wait. I used it on a lane holiday and it was so good being able to find my stuff instantly instead of digging through my backpack. I’ll also take my backpack but it’ll be mostly empty until shore tours.

[@MarvelMTs]

Something I would TOTALLY bring in my carry-on: A notebook to document my experience. Memory fades, even with fantastic experiences, so my notebook to the rescue.

[@foodplaces5165]

This is an excellent tip that I always forget. Will add to my packing list.

[@foodplaces5165]

All great tips!!! I always bring a 6 pack of small bottled sodas, 12 pack of bottled water, a change of clothes, swimsuit, a lightweight sundress, lightweight sweater and a mini toiletry bag. This covers most bases in case my luggage gets lost. I use one of my rolling carry on bags so I don’t carry on my shoulder.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Great list!

[@mwfontenot978]

Thanks for the tip. I was debating on whether I should take a rolling carry on or backpack. Think I’ll go with the rolling bag.

[@lv2flip24]

i thought u can only take 12 bottles total per room?

[@FrancisSiuChock]

Matt, all great tips. You are being 'kind' with electronic valuables possibly breaking. The real reason is theft and this especially goes for any flight. I know three people who packed their laptops in their check-in and all got them stolen on route. bottom line is any valuables should be in your carry-on.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Great point!

[@lisafieber3569]

My last 2 sailings, my luggage was delayed. I will ALWAYS split some clothes into my carry-on going forward.

[@EntropyGuardian]

Bring a big family size bag of potato chips, or snack mix. The casual salty snacking is lacking on every ship I'm been to. Sometimes you just want to munch.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

We always bring snacks for kids to munch on in the cabin, such as Goldfish

[@leetha24]

We were 8 days into our 10 day cruise before we found out they had bags of chips at the Solarium Bistro :-( Not sure if that is the case on all cruises, but I definitely wish I had known that sooner LOL.

[@foodplaces5165]

We do a Walmart run before most cruises, time permitting, to pick up each kids favorite snacks. They are strictly for a quick snack in the room and/or shore excursions.

[@minhhoang326]

agree with having back up clothes in your carry on bag. My royal luggage room tag was ripped on my luggage bag and I didn't receive my bag until 9pm. I have since invested in the plastic luggage tag holder made for the cruise ship tags..

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Smart move!

[@jennekern2473]

Don't forget small bills for tipping.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

True

[@FraserAtSea]

This is a great one!

[@sariel8406]

Where i sail from tips already included in the price of our tickets:)

[@happycola2689]

I tip my steward, dining team and some other people who go beyond expectation. I know it is included but extra thank you make someone happpy. Since you are happy anyway.

[@hisloveiseternal1]

So much tipping 😢😢😢😢

[@donaldhooper3064]

I put a large (8x10) piece of paper on top of my items in checked luggage with Name, Address, Phone # & email addy. In case luggage tag is lost, the luggage can still be identified. I do this whether I am flying or cruising. That way it can;t be said that they couldn't contact the owner. One more thing. If I take my camera, I ALWAYS take a photo of my name, address, etc in case camera is lost, left behind on a table, etc. The first thing someone who finds it is going to do is look at the pics which will have identifying info available.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Good idea!

[@SimsfanCrystal]

This is great advice, thank you.

[@foodplaces5165]

Great tips!!!

[@howardwang8]

Binoculars for sightseeing, whether from aboard the cruise ship, or on shore tours.

[@Mayrose587]

Really good tips. We show up to the pier in our swimming attire. I have a pair of trunks that actually look like dress shorts so I put those on along with a swim shirt. My wife wears a lightweight dress over hers. We're talking aout catching ships in Florida. We've never been on an Alaskan cruise but I would imagine that more clothing would be needed at the pier 😀 We pretty much do everything you suggested with the exception of having a change of clothes and carrying on our 2 bottles of wine. We use padded bottle carriers to hold the wine and pack the bottles around our clothes. We also have hard-case suitcases. Everything we carry onboard goes into our backpacks. Must haves are medications, all cruise documents, and my wallet.

[@TheMaxRebo]

I was just going to ask about potentially just wearing the swimsuits (with coverups) and then packing a set of clothes to change into if needed. Seems easier than finding public restroom, but I am fairly new to cruising

[@philliplibertone7948]

Rolling Backpack 🎒 for carry on! And I do pack a change of clothes in it! 😎

[@leelanarinesingh8022]

I wants to go to cruise, and all D tips for Carryon luggage is so important. Thanks for sharing.

[@lovermonkey]

So, I can have 12 bottles of soda (plastic bottles) per stateroom. Not per person? Correct? I am used to Carnival's rules.

[@inthegreatwide]

Very helpful for first time cruisers. Thanks!

[@BubbaDWilliams]

The extra clothes in carry on became necessary for us when we got a plane cancellation at our connecting flight. We had no access to our luggage

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh no! How long did it take for them to get your luggage to you?!

[@BubbaDWilliams]

@@FraserAtSea our luggage made the trip to the final destination, we just had no access to it until the next day when we were able to get on a flight and reach our cruise. Always plan to arrive the day before.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@BubbaDWilliams oh no - what a nightmare!

[@foodplaces5165]

@@BubbaDWilliams So true!!! We always plan to arrive the day before. One year we all, roughly 15+ people, arrived at SFO, only to find there was no airplane and no crew for our scheduled flight. Roughly, 10 hours later, we were on our way. We arrived into Miami extremely late the night before our cruise.

[@mikeshaw4610]

Go to carryon is the 22 inch hard sided and a book bag that can go on your back. The plus is, as said, you can carry these on the plane so no concern about the plane loosing you’re luggage.

[@joankleinmann2090]

As far as the drinks...you cant take those on the plane correct? So that can't be used if you are flying.

[@jacquelyns9709]

Make sure you pack all needed chargers in your carryon. Don't think a charger for one piece of equipment will work on another. No Best Buy on the ship. Recently, a friend brought only an IPad charger to a hotel thinking it would charge her cell phone. It didn't. Her phone was several years old so no one could help her out. Phone wouldn't work with anyone's power pack either. We had to go several miles to a Best Buy to get her a charger. It took an hour to get there due to traffic. Luckily, it took less than 10 minutes to buy the charger.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Love these tips

[@Thetravelerfromflorida]

Backpack 🎒 os the best way to travel. Easy to carry and pack.

[@6ftNaturalBeauty]

When did wine or champagne stop being Alcohol… you had me nervous that the policy changed. Great video bud

[@kimfeldman5445]

It’s not considered hard alcohol. Only hard alcohol can’t be brought on board. There is a limit to two bottles per room though.

[@christophercox4460]

Backpacks; they double as our day packs for shore excursions. Our Family's are all the same make/model just various colours so we know at a glance they are ours. I would add, my water bottle and reusable coffee cup just because. And sunscreen.

[@TheMaxRebo]

good call with the water bottle and sunscreen!

[@ginnydeluzio3223]

I always use a backpack, leaves hands free. I pack all the items you mentioned, except the drinks, plus nightwear, just in case.

[@foodplaces5165]

I’m new to using a backpack and agree that it’s a great hands free option. I tend to overpack which is why I use wheeled luggage.

[@trinawaters4638]

Great Job Matt!!! Thanks so much definitely helps a lot will be using your tips soon.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Happy to help!

[@dorothymcmahon8898]

Is it 2 bottles of wine per person or per cabin? Thanks

[@DianeRoma1]

My carry on is a duffle bag with wheels. I keep all valuables, documents, meds and bathing suit in it.

[@wendyblackburn6418]

The woman of a couple we traveled with put her jewelry in an outside pocket of her checked luggage. it was missing after the flight. She had no jewelry for the cruise. Mine always goes in my carry on.

[@gabrielle9958]

I always carry jewelry in my carry on. A relative's sherpa jacket came up missing from her checked suitcase. Learned my lesson from that.

[@lebangmogakabe1001]

can i please ask you a question. I am from Botswana,Africa and obviously need visas to visit America. i would like to know if i need to apply different visas for different ports? or i need to apply for where i will embarking only?

[@AlanT821]

Can you bring a carryon luggage and a backpack?

[@palmstopinesoutdoors9304]

Are you sure u can bring bottled water? I have seen many vlogs say you can't.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yes you can

[@palmstopinesoutdoors9304]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog and this goes directly in Cary on I'm assuming? Thanks for all your help. What about a small fishing rod?

[@cecilyward1901]

Can you bring the wine, beverages and snacks on your carry on?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yes www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2020/09/04/what-food-or-drinks-youre-allowed-bring-royal-caribbean-cruise

[@dchenkin02]

Matt, not sure about Royal Caribbean departure ports. The cruise port in Boston, Massachusetts actually sets a size limit on bags which can be carried on the ship. Any bag larger than an airline permitted carry on bag was required to be checked by the porters in 2019.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Interesting. Never seen that in writing, but it's almost irrelevant since Royal doesn't offer cruises from Boston much anymore

[@davespencer9745]

Great post Matt!

[@edwinchw]

Can you bring aerosol/hair spray and hair dryer?

[@SlippyTweasel]

Incorrect information. You ARE allowed to bring alcohol onboard however not in carry on

[@tinawozniak374]

If you are flying always put an extra change of clothes in your significant others bag, and vice versa. My parents luggage was lost in Finland, Dads showed up but Moms didn't. Thankfully she had a change in Dad's bag.

[@thebraz21]

I would never carry soda water etc the ship has it this is one thing i still find annoying about cruising they charge for soda I don’t even drink soda but you’re spending thousands of dollars you have to pay extra for soda just dumb that’s one area all inclusives have it over the cruises

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

You can pay $8 per day and get unlimited soda if you're a big drinker. It's still a great value

[@jacquelyns9709]

Soda is a mixer. It's a bar drink! When I was a kid soda was a rare treat. Yes, the ship has water. However, I drink seltzer water which is more expensive than flat water or soda. Bringing my own saves quite a bit of money.

[@bearbullcruising6427]

I definitely take medication and what’s needed for a few hours between boarding and receiving your check luggage an extra pair of clothes and don’t forget that important documents vaccination information Covid test results and also your camera and phone accessories

[@joeo7693]

Twelve plus cruises, so experienced, not a veteran, I think you nailed the list. Well done! P.S. I bring a power bank charger too. 🤓

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thanks!

[@FraserAtSea]

Agree with the power bank, as I always used to run low on charge before the first night kicks off!

[@foodplaces5165]

@@FraserAtSea I have several power banks that are assigned to a specific bag. It lives in that bags pocket so I’m never without one. As I’m packing that bag, I check the power bank to ensure it’s fully charged, then back in the pocket it goes.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@foodplaces5165 great advice!

[@jacquelyns9709]

In addition to your prescription medications put some pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, motion sickness, Tums in your carryon. If you need any of these, you want to take them right away. They cost a fortune in the ship shops. I know most ships will give you sea sickness pills but that takes time and you have no choice in what you get.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Good recommendations!

[@ModernMyths]

I think one thing people should definitely bring, especially if they are going to the Caribbean, is a small travel size bottle of Suntan lotion. On every cruise i have been on, except 1, I have seen a few people get so red, people might confused them as cooked lobsters. Didn't see them the rest of the cruise.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I think the bigger issue for people is not remembering to pack sunscreen, but remembering to apply it (and re-apply later)

[@FraserAtSea]

Great idea, as day 1 can be a real issue if people don’t put cream on - you can sometimes spot the lobsters in the dining room on night 1…!

[@fowlerrobert57]

Reef safe suntan lotion

[@rhinomite5203]

USB splitter, usb desk fan or small 110v fan, our room in July 2022 had Europe plug so an appropriate adapter, also if you like to decorate, most doors are metal so magnetic deco for exterior of door. None if this required of course just makes for fun and games I guess…..

[@christopherjacovino1268]

Would Royal Caribbean take photos of your travel documents as proof? I would take the hard copies. Just in general, would photos work?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

No, you need the originals. Photocopies of travel documents are like photo documents of cash: not acceptable for use

[@bradytidwell7597]

How bad does the ship’s potable water taste?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

The water is as highly filtered as any you'll taste, so I think it tastes like, well, water.

[@raymullen3583]

That's why thee Wife handles this part [ PAPER WORK ] ,.... ALL I want to do is get to the Ledo Deck and Party and then Cabin ...Dry Cloths in a Carrie on is a GREAT idea have been in the POOL more than once or PUSH .....Fore sure a ROLLING BAG ... For Med's and C--PACS ....The rest can WAIT !!!!!

[@boarderx7954]

Are rooms typically ready as soon as you board? Traveling for work with a small PC tower on top of soda, water, and bottles of wine and lugging all this around doest sound like the most exciting way to spend the first couple of hours on the ship.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Rooms are usually ready between 1pm and 2pm, so it depends on what time your check-in is scheduled for.

[@mikeshaw4610]

The list is good. I would add pack lighter and just carry on all your luggage. It’s not that difficult if you not packing extras like a laptop of multiple nice outfits that are not needed.

[@LucysMum-j1m]

Matt, 1 of my carry-on is Lucy (as pictured on my profile), of course. I sometimes put her in my checked luggage but she didn’t like it. For any child, his fave toy especially a teddy bear is a must. June

[@foodplaces5165]

My niece had a Curious George squeeze toy, that lit up and played music. She slept with us for one cruise. Once home found it difficult to sleep without George’s music. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CJrebeL77]

I wear my bathing suit on to the ship and pack a change of clothes in a backpack

[@Nchas1000]

I am going on a royal Caribbean cruise on Sunday with my 80yr old mother. Do you think going on a cruise now is safe?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

That's a personal question. I think it's safe for me, but I, nor anyone else, can make the determinization for you or your mom.

[@jacquelyns9709]

Is your mother in good health? How upset would you and she be if either of you get COVID? Does she go out to restaurants, grocery stores, entertainment, etc. at home? How are you traveling? Flying, taking train or bus, driving? Some areas of the US and other countries hive more or less cases than others. Has your mother had a 2nd booster shot? And most importantly, what does your mother think? After talking everything out does she want to go. It's her decision, not yours.

[@susanwilliams3714]

Meds if you are on any.

[@lashawnmartin6198]

Lotion, a very thin outfit, flip flops, snacks, medicine, and of course passport and money

[@Mogg_mikal572]

Would you put mouth wash and other liquid toiletries in carry on to??

[@doel89]

6:10 imagine that was just 1 ship..

[@alexbouchier6437]

PACK EVERYTHING!

[@MasatoKay]

Bathing suit!

[@j_diggs]

Thanks

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

No problem

[@saltydog9776]

I didn’t know you were allowed to bring on bottled water or soda. I thought everything had to be in a can.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

The only limitation for non-alcoholic drinks brought onboard is it needs to be 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom of your favorite non-alcoholic beverage (soda, bottled water, etc).

[@jacquelyns9709]

Other cruise lines have different rules. Carnival requires cans; they don't allow plastic or glass except for 1 wine bottle per adult in same cabin.

[@keithsmith1642]

Do yourself a favor and carry your own bags (all of them) off the ship when your cruise is over. Was on Harmony and left ship on May 22. Cruise line lost my main bag that had all my clothes, souvenirs, shoes, etc. RC is taking NO responsibility although bag was put out at 10 pm the night before debarkation. Shore attendant could care less about the loss. Now the travel insurance company wants me to provide receipts of every piece of clothing I had in the bag and prove where I had bought it from. Our trip has been ruined from their slip shot baggage process.

[@joeo7693]

WOW 😮 I can’t imagine. No money would replace souvenirs and who keeps receipts for, realistically, clothes two or more years old?

[@karenlockhart790]

I'm sorry you went thru that dude! Thank you for the tip, I will carry all my luggage off myself.

[@AAa-cf1oe]

☺

[@mollyziegler440]

obvious caveat - you can't put the wine & soda in your carryon for the plane... needs to be checked.

[@jackiebyers3424]

I wait and buy wine and water/soda at the port city since we always fly in a day early.

[@jacquelyns9709]

This is why you arrive a day before you board ship. You can repack suitcases if you fly. It you drive to Port or take the train you won't need to repack. Buying soda and wine in port city is an option. However, if you have a tight budget find out the tax rate. Last time I traveled to New Orleans the sales tax was 20%. In San Antonio, TX sales tax is under 9%. In this case, cheaper to buy at home. The cost of the wine itself can be a factor too. Price of a bottle can vary greatly. Do a cost benefit analysis. Especially when flying. Will you have to pay extra luggage charges? Can you handle the weight?

[@dmpyron2]

We each have a backpack and a roll aboard. Additional hint. Don't have a "his" suitcase and a "hers"

[@colorfullownsome3931]

Drama of epic proportion 😭

[@nicholasharmsen7913]

I love your youtube channel, but please FOR THE LOVE OF GOD turn down the gain on your microphone. It's peaking and becoming static.

[@sweetcaroline1125]

Slow down...don't talk so fast.

[@sweetauntbuddy]

Click on the little gear on the bottom right of the window; choose playback speed and set it to .75, .50 or .25; your choice. I appreciate the "fast" talking, personally. Sometimes I set the speed faster for the narrators who talk slowly. :)

[@bobbieoetzel8512]

I bring a few days extra medication. Lately there have been several cruise ship mishaps where the guests did not get home on the day expected.🛳

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Good idea