top of page
Writer's pictureElle

What's in My Embarkation Day Bag


Are you heading on a cruise? You'll want to have these things handy at check in!

Are you heading on a cruise? You'll want to have these things handy at check in!

Hey, y'all! Welcome to Travel Tuesday! In my last two travel posts, I've shared 12 Things You Need to Do Before Your Cruise and What to Do On Embarkation Day. Today I'm going to chat with you about the things I carry in my Embarkation Bag.

Embarkation day is one of my favorite parts of the cruise simply because it means that my vacation has officially started! Of course, days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are my favorite parts of the cruise as well! Embarkation day can be stressful though, even to a veteran cruiser, like me. Checking in can be quite the process but if you do a little preparation beforehand, it most definitely helps move things along a little faster. Let's put it this way, the more prepared you are- the faster you can get to the fun!

Whether you've cruised or not, I strongly suggest taking a look at my 12 Things You Need to Do Before You Cruise to help ensure you don't miss any important steps! Part of being prepared is having everything you need on hand and easily accessible. Here is a list of things you'll find in my embarkation bag.

1. Passport- All cruisers must have a passport or a birth certificate with a raised seal in order to board the ship.

2. Bank Cards- Although you set up your expense account prior to boarding the ship, I always keep my bank cards on me during check out just in case they need them.

3. Boarding Pass- Keep your boarding pass and passport handy at all times! Both of these documents will be checked multiple times before you board the ship.

4. Medical Information Sheet- One of the documents you'll need to have filled out before you board the ship is a medical information sheet. The information is pretty generic, they'll ask if you've had a fever or been sick within the last few days. Make sure you fill it out in advance.

5. Medication- It may be awhile before you get your luggage. Make sure you carry any necessary medication in your carry on.

6. Pens- I may go a little overboard in this department. I pack a couple of pens, a Sharpie and a highlighter. These items stay in my bag during excursions so I like to have a few extras on hand, just in case.

Naturally, I throw some non-essentials in my bag as well. These include:

  • A notebook

  • A book

  • A sweater

  • A pouch with hand sanitzers

  • Chapstick

  • Small pouch (for my key fob)

  • Hair ties (again, I keep these in my bag for excursions so I like to have extras on hand)

All of these items get neatly placed inside a backpack. I keep my passport and documents in one section with my wallet and the remaining items in a different part of my backpack so they aren't in the way if I need to grab something. Although I carry a bookbag (which is also the same bag I use in port), all of these items could easily fit inside of a large purse as well.

Are you heading on a cruise? You'll want to have these things handy at check in!

Be sure to like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

194 views0 comments
bottom of page