Some cruise lines have gone to a wristband rather than the cruise card, but for those using the card, how will you carry your cruise card? This is something you will want to decide ahead of time so you can pack what you need.
The cruise card is your boarding pass, room key, and how you will charge any onboard purchases. Everytime you order a drink or purchase something from the shops, you will present your cruise card.
There are a few different ways to carry your cruise card, actually all four of us in my family carried our cruise ID cards differently.
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6 Ways to a carry your cruise card.
#1 Cruise Lanyard
A small hole is punched in the corner for a lanyard to attach to. A cruise lanyard is one of the most popular choices to carry your cruise card as it keeps your card easily accessible and is hard to lose.
A lanyard is the probably the best way for kids to carry their cruise cards.
I give my suggestions for the best lanyards for a cruise below.
A lanyard is how my son carries his cruise card. Carnival Cruise Lines had the hole pre punched in their cards. The shops onboard the Carnival Dream sold Carnival lanyards if you want a cruise specific one.
If your cruise card doesn’t have a hole punched, check with guest services. On our last Royal Caribbean cruise, they punched a hole in the cruise card for us.
My recommendation for the best cruise lanyard below allows you to use it with our without a hole punched in your card.
We purchased our Carnival Cruise lanyard onboard the Carnival Dream in one of the shops. It makes for a great souvenir.
I would also suggest packing a couple magnetic hooks with you. Most cruise ship walls are magnetic. Place a magnetic hook by your stateroom door to hang you lanyard when you are in your cabin. This keeps things organized and eliminates wasting time looking for where you left your cruise lanyard.
Best lanyards for a cruise
What are the best lanyards for a cruise? These are the ones I’d recommend.
The other reason I think these are the best lanyards for a cruise is that they have a quick release buckle so you can easily unclip it rather than having to lift if over your head every time you use it.
Here are the main reasons I think these are the best lanyards for a cruise:
- You can use the plastic sleeve or not. These keycard lanyards give you the option to use the protective plastic sleeve or clip your cruise card directly to the lanyard if there is a hole punched in it. I find just clipping the lanyard to the cruise card is far more convenient that the sleeve.
- Quick release buckle. This detachable buckle is a great feature. You can easily unclip it without having to lift if over your head each time you use it.
- Use it on any cruise line. Because it is not cruise line branded you can wear it on any cruise line. Wearing merchandise from another cruise line on a cruise ship is often frowned upon.
A cruise lanyard is on my list of the cruise essentials that you can find on Amazon.
#2 A small purse
A small purse is what I use to carry my cruise card. Below is a picture of the purse I use. It’s small and light enough not to be a bother, but allows me to carry my phone, cruise card and lip balm. I like the long strap, I wear it cross body.
I bought this inexpensive light weight purse in a little shop at the Puerto Vallarta port. Here is a similar one I found on Amazon.
#3 Coiled wrist band
My daughter uses a coiled wrist band. It would drive my crazy and be too bothersome for me but it’s how she likes to carry her cruise card. I found similar ones here.
#4 Cell phone card holder
There are card holders that attach to your cell phone or cell phone cases with built in card holders. This would be a good option to carry your cruise card if you plan on taking your phone with you everywhere.
The above is an example of a phone case with built in card holders. You can find this one on Amazon.
#5 In your pocket
My husband just carries his cruise card in his pocket. If this is you plan, be sure all you pants and shorts you pack have pockets in them.
Click here for more colors available.
#6 Fanny Pack
A fanny pack is an adjustable pack that is worn around your waist. This option would allow you to carry your cruise card, phone and sunglasses all hands free.
The above fanny pack comes in many different colors. Check them out here.
A frequently asked question is:
Do you need a lanyard for a cruise?
A lanyard is just one way to carry your cruise card. So no, you don’t need a lanyard for a cruise. A lanyard however, is a probably the most popular and convenient way to carry a cruise key card.
Other ways to carry your cruise card include a coiled wrist band, small purse, fanny pack, phone wallet case, and of course your pocket.
If you are new to cruising you may find these helpful:
55 Must-Have Cruise Essentials you can Find on Amazon
What to Pack in Your Shore Excursion Bag
Embarkation Day Tips to Start Your Cruise off Right
I hope this will help with your cruise planning.
Bon Voyage.
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