We aren't flying to the ship, we will be close enough to take a taxi...

Good to hear. I think that I will just buy a generic multi-tool and go with that...

I've cruized Carnival before. They list their prohibited weapons on their website. You can have blades up to 4" long. I've heard of screeners allowing blades longer, but I wouldn't push it myself. They didn't bat their eyes to my leatherman.

Good for on ship (the 4" blade), but likely a no-no where you disembark. Like I said, I was travelling to the Bahamas and there its 3" or under, non-locking.....
I admit to being "paranoid" and liking to be armed, but I just didn't see it for ship-board carry. My SAK was all I really needed, utility wise, and performed fine.

-Bill Liptak

The EDC item I used the most on my cruise was a flashlight. I wished I had brought a star chart. And bottled water. And more Jack Daniels. Hand sanitizer and wipes were everywhere on board.

The best star chart that I have come across is the one that I got at a Barnes & Noble book store in the astronomy/astrology section.

Look for a chart that has a line connecting the stars of the constellations since that makes it easier to identify each of the constellations that are within your view.

A star chart is much easier to use if you know where North or South is. You can use the Big Dipper to point the way to the North Star. If you can recognize the Constellation Orion, remember that the sword scabbard always hangs-pointing South.

The farther away from civilization that you are, then the less light pollution you will have to deal with which allows you to see many more stars.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Barnes & Noble OR any other publishing firm, distributor, or retailer. I mentioned B&N because they came to my mind first, but what I said is true of any book store.

I drove so the TSA flying guidelines didn't apply to me. Carnival does have a 4 inch blade restriction, as far as the metal detectors, they seemed like more of going through motion then anything. I wore my G-Shock watch and belt through it, didn't go off. The watch alone sets off airport dectectors. I believe they look for alcohol, guns, bombs etc- more "extreme" weapons if that makes sense, and alcohol so you buy theirs.

They do x-ray when you board everytime- I believe Jamaica was the only port that x-rayed before you left the port, then again on the boat. I kept my firestarter in my bag with no issues, carried first aid, meds, anti-bacterial, insect repel wipes, flash light, couple of lighters and had no issues.

I would have liked to taken more but sadly was completly unprepared- luckily nothing more then anti bacterial was needed, but i do plan on cruising again and would like to be as prepaired as possible. I thought about MRE, need water purification, to name a few things- I opted ot leave multi tool in truck just in case. Since it was my first cruise and again sadly hadn't ddone my research, i opted to go lightly to avoid issues.

As did I. Three other items I carried along that I forgot to mention earlier.....
Small FAK (AMK pocket kit with exrta bandaids and meds)
12 water purification tabs (in FAK pouch)
Nalgene bottle
Bottle was the thing most handy and used. Was able to fill it at the complimentary drink bar in the dining area and have 32 oz of fruit punch or tea with me. Very useful seeing as how me an the misses didn't buy the soda card (good for unlimited sodas and any crew menber selling drinks will fetch it for ya)

-Bill Liptak