When you are out exploring your cruise ports of call, you’ll need a great cruise port day bag. A bag that has all the essentials, but won’t weigh you down. Does such a bag exist? Why, yes, it does! 😉
Here’s a breakdown of you items you may want to pack in your cruise port day bag. I hope this helps you plan for your cruise port adventures, and if it does, I hope you’ll share it with a friend.
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Backpack vs. Tote
First, you need to choose your bag. And, it is a personal choice. In my experience, when I carry a tote, it becomes the carry-all for everyone. “Hey mom, can you carry my water bottle?” “Hey, babe, is there room for my wallet?” Then, when your little lovelies want their items…guess who is stopping to retrieve them?
As the day goes on, the tote gets heavy, rubs against my shoulders, and starts to hurt. NO FUN!
For this reason, years ago, I started carrying a backpack…even to the beach. (Even though there are so many cute beach totes out there! ) I like that I can pick up things, move, and bend without a tote falling off my shoulder.
However, you should choose a lightweight bag that works best for you! If you are a beach tote person, that’s great! If you are taking a water-based excursion, you may want to consider a dry bag.
Pro Tip: How about everyone carries their own stuff? Each family member can have a small backpack that they manage. Start them early, my friends, and everyone will have a good time. I have now gifted an “excursion backpack” to each member of our family – even my in-laws!
Cruise Port Day Bag – Stay Healthy Essentials
I like to stay organized, so I start out with a zipper pouch full of our healthy essentials.
These zippered bags come in so many styles and colors, you’re sure to find one festive enough for your cruise vacation. (I have quite a collection) I add the items below to my zippered bag.
- Medicine Organizer – I start with a daily pill organizer. I organize each slot with the medicine we may need and label it accordingly: allergy, heartburn, tummy, Ibuprofen, etc. (see image below). I tucked this in a smaller zipper pouch along with a few Band-Aids, just in case.
Pro Tip: Grab a daily pill organizer from your local Dollar Store. They are much more expensive at a pharmacy. I used to carry a small first aid kit as well, but now I just tuck a few bandages along with the medicine organizer in this little pouch. Bandages are great for blisters, too!
- Antibacterial wipes – Yes, I do buy these in bulk. Don’t judge! 😉 For cruises, I now purchase the Sono brand.
- Tissues – Again, multi-use. The obvious is a running nose, but you’d be surprised how many public restrooms don’t have toilet paper. I’ve discovered that warm water and soap can be hard to find, so the tissues and antibacterial wipes may be your new BFF.
- Sunscreen (and lip protection)- I encourage you to always protect your skin AND our oceans by using a reef-safe and biodegradable sunscreen. Safe Sea is great but my new favorite is Sun Bum.
- You may also want to take along some insect repellent. These are great for travel.
- If you’re headed to the beach, I have heard great things about baby powder to remove sand from your feet. I’m not sure how environmentally-friendly this is, but you may want to give it a try.
Hydration
Don’t forget to pack your water bottle. It’s easy to fill your insulated water bottle with ice and water before you leave the ship, so you are prepared for your day of exploring. Your water bottle can tuck perfectly in the side pouch! Again, if everyone has their own bag, they each have a pocket for their water bottle.
A family that stays hydrated together…you get the point.
Electronics
- Phone/Charger – The world’s multi-tool…smartphones. I use mine to take pictures and access downloaded Google Maps.
- Backup Charger – May be critical if you are out exploring all day.
- Camera – If you use a “real” camera and not just your phone, make sure you also bring an extra battery and SD card(s)
- Selfie stick – While they are the butt of many jokes, they are handy.
- Entertainment, I also pack a good book or my Kindle and my Airpods.
Cruise Port Day Bag Essentials – A few items for Comfort
- Sunglasses – Protect those peepers, people! I have really sensitive eyes, so I always try to choose a polarized option. You’ll be more comfortable if you don’t have to squint all day!
Pro Tip – Put your sunglasses on if you ask a fellow traveler to take your picture. You won’t have to worry if your eyes are closed in the pic.
- Hat – A hat can really save you on a super hot day. It also comes in handy for that unexpected light rain. Snapback caps can easily be hooked on a bag, making them easy to manage.
- Wrap – I always travel with my wrap on planes and cruises. But, it’s great to have with you while sightseeing as well. Getting too much sun? Restaurant or tour bus a little chilly? Wearing a tank top and the cathedral has a covered shoulder requirement? You can also tie the wrap around your waist when your knees need to be covered.
Great travel items are multi-purpose! - Appropriate shoes – When you are out exploring, you may prefer sneakers (tennis shoes, trainers) for better support. Just tuck your flip-flops in your bag just in case.
Do a little research on your area, or if you have a planned excursion, you may want to pack water shoes/socks if the beaches are rocky. Most recently, I’ve just been wearing my Tevas, which are as comfortable as sneakers but work well at the beach and rocky conditions. - Fold up reusable bag – Perfect if you buy something in port. No plastic bags! You can also use it for a wet swimsuit or wet/dirty shoes.
Documents & Spending Money
- Identification/Passport – Depending on where you are traveling you may or not need your passport. If you do, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of it in a second location. Just in case. You may not be able to travel home with the copy but you will be able to enter a U.S. Embassy with a copy and work on getting your proper documentation.
I like to use personal passport holders so that everyone quickly can identify their own passports when we are repacking or organizing. If you don’t need your passport, it’s still important that you carry identification.
When our kids where younger, I always used family passport holder. It held all of our important documents and identification. - Money – I use a credit card when I travel but small bills are also necessary to have on hand. I like to divide any cash between my husband and myself. It’s also a good idea to keep it in separate locations, such as some in a pouch/wallet and a portion in a secure pocket. In many ports, you will need cash for transportation and tips.
- Confirmations/tour information, etc. – Tip, if you can, take a screenshot of confirmation numbers, phone numbers, addresses, etc. on your phone. This allows you to access the information without worrying about all that paperwork. Remember to always have the name and contact information for your hotels, tours, etc.
Other items for your cruise port day bag
- Consider packing a travel towel. They are so compact, lightweight, and dry fast! It’s so much easier to take along than bulky beach towels borrowed from the cruise. Not heading to the beach? It’s still very usable. I have used it to sit on a bench or on the ground on many occasions.
- Carabiner – Hear me out on this one. I can’t tell you how many times we have used these little magic gems during our travels. I have attached my bag to a chair at a restaurant. I have used it to hang our bags on the beach umbrella. (This keeps your items visible during your dip in the water AND helps weigh down your umbrella)
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