On cruise embarkation day your checked luggage may not reach your stateroom for several hours. It can arrive any time between mid afternoon and early evening depending on how busy the ship is and how quickly bags are processed. To avoid being stuck without essentials, it is smart to carry a small backpack or day bag with everything you might need for the first part of your cruise.
The most important things to pack are medications and valuables. Bring all prescription medications, over the counter medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and any first aid items you use regularly. Over the counter medications on the ship are very expensive, so it helps to have your own. Keep your travel documents, identification, jewelry, and electronics in your carry on since you should not put anything valuable in checked bags. Many people include laptops, tablets, cameras, and a phone charger so they can stay connected while waiting in lounges or exploring the ship.
If you plan to swim on embarkation day, pack swimsuits, sunscreen, and maybe flip flops for the pool deck. The family pools, splash zones, and water slides are usually open right away and they tend to be quiet until luggage delivery finishes. Kids can burn energy in the water while adults relax, so having swim gear handy makes the afternoon smoother. If you do not want to swim, pack something comfortable to wear until your room is ready and your luggage arrives.
Parents traveling with infants or toddlers should bring a generous amount of diapers, wipes, snacks, and a full change of clothes. It is also worth packing a change of clothes for yourself because babies often spit up or spill during the travel day. A small selection of toys, books, or quiet activities can help with downtime in the stateroom before dinner. Families sometimes pack swim diapers if their child plans to go to the splash pad, since regular diapers are not allowed in pool water.
Evening outfits are optional in your backpack, but they can be helpful if you are eating dinner early and do not know when your luggage will arrive. Some people pack a light sweater in case the air conditioning feels cold on the ship. The basic rule is to assume you will not see your suitcase until four or five hours after boarding, so pack anything you would normally want access to during an afternoon out of the house.
A small, well planned backpack makes embarkation day easier, especially if you are traveling with children or have specific health needs. It gives you freedom to start having fun without worrying about when your luggage will show up.
