I’ve had the chance to go on 3 Carnival cruises now – 3 of them with kids. Going on a cruise requires a bit of different thinking. You’re not going somewhere where you can just “buy” what you need. A cruise usually means you’ll be off land for quite some time. For those of you who are going on a cruise, here is what you pack!
1 – Electronics and chargers
While on a cruise, you may not understand the importance of your electronics and chargers. Don’t forget your phone, tablets, and their chargers. You may be too busy to realize you don’t need to be connected to your phone all the time, but you’ll still want them on board with you.
Read How to Stay Connected on a Carnival Cruise with the Carnival Hub App
2 – Passport and birth certificate
Most of the time, a cruise isn’t just going around the USA, it’s going to hit up other parts of the world. You’ll want to make sure your passport and identification with you. This is something you’ll want to check and double check. Along with your passport and birth certificate, bring along your cash and credit cards!
3 – Warmer clothes
A cruise might not scream bring warmer clothes with you, but it’s important. The weather can change dramatically, while on a cruise. You may wake up to chilly weather and as the day turns tonight, the cold weather may also reappear. Don’t be shy about bringing pants, socks, and even a sweater!

We had to have blankets for the outdoor movie night!
4 – Something fancy to wear
A lot of cruises encourage you to dress up for the special events they have planned. This is especially true if you’re going on a special cruise. Make sure you bring a suit or a pretty dress with you, just in case. Worst case scenario is that you don’t use it.
5 – Bring a carry on
What is supposed to come with you on a carry on? Simple! You’ll want to have the following in your carry on:
- Personal toiletries
- An extra change of clothes
- Medicine
- Identification
- A pair of sandals and your swimsuit
Make sure to check out my post on what you should pack if you’re cruising with kids!
You don’t have to go crazy when you’re choosing what to pack for a cruise. Keep it simple, but also make sure you pack everything you can possibly need. I also like to bring a few of my favorite books with me! While I don’t have a lot of downtime on the cruises I go on, it’s nice to sit back and relax!
Oh, and make sure you don’t bring on certain items like weapons, candles, and alcohol. Might sound like something you should already know, but it’s better to know for sure.
Tell me, what do you plan on bringing on your first cruise? I’d love to check out your packing list.
Check out all of my other posts about our Carnival Cruise!
- Delicious Dining Options on a Carnival Cruise
- Keeping Kids Busy on a Carnival Cruise
- Stay Connected on a Carnival Cruise with the Carnival Hub App
- Exploring Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Half Moon Cay with Kids
- 7 Things To Do On The First Day Of A Cruise With Kids
- Fun with Dr. Seuss on a Carnival Cruise
- Celebrating the Holidays on a Carnival Cruise
- Room Decorations on a Carnival Cruise
- Activities on the Carnival Freedom
- Visiting Mahogany Bay With Kids
- 10 Reasons to Cruise with Carnival Cruise
Disclosure: A huge thanks to Carnival Cruise Line for hosting us on a 7 day cruise on the Carnival Freedom. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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