You’ve booked your cruise, hotels, plane reservations….now what? First step is probably think about what to pack! A good packing list essential. Cruising is a travel experience where you want to be prepared with everything you need in advance. I’ve learned it’s easier to bring it from home than trying to find it in port.
I have found these cruise accessories and travel gadgets to be really useful for space-saving and more! Below, I share some of the most useful things to bring on a cruise….from items that help with packing for a cruise to genius items that will organize your cruise cabin space.
I will also include a few items you may not have thought of bringing, but really should be on in your suitcase! There’s a possibility you already have some of these things at home.
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
You might be wondering if you need all the items on this list. You can pick and choose what you think you will need and use. Just remember, the items below are some of the most popular and well reviewed cruise essentials sold on Amazon. Many of these items are things that I bring and use on my own cruises.
So let’s get started!
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PASSPORT! and other important travel documents
Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier. I find a travel wallet to be very useful.
This is another option….travel wallet
Suitcase with spinner wheels
I have a weakness for new luggage, lol. Make sure it’s lightweight and has 4 spinner wheels. This makes it so that it’s easy to board your cruise ship and disembark….especially if you do self-disembarkation. Plus….who wants to drag a heavy bag around ship terminals or airports! My favorite brands currently are London Fog and TravelPro.
Pro tip – If you have a neutral or common color suitcase, like black, blue or grey, make sure to add something colorful and unique so that it stands out and you can find it easily at the airport or cruise terminal.
Carry on luggage
I have been using an airline approved size carry on bag for several year now. There is plenty of room for extra shoes, a change of clothes, medicine, jewelry, electronics….all the things I don’t want to check with baggage handlers.
Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders
Protect your luggage with reusable holders. Nothing worse than having your luggage go missing! Plastic reusable luggage tags holders are so practical. If you get nothing else, buy luggage tag holders! Not only are they reasonably priced, but they can be reused again and again. After having tags accidentally torn off one time and our bags go missing, I purchased some. Will never cruise without them again!
Below are Amazon links for several cruise lines.
Packing cubes
I’m a packing cube convert. I’ve found even more ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. My suitcase stays organized and when I unpack onboard, I just move them into the drawers or shelves. I recommend getting at least 2 packs in various sizes and in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family.
I’ve recently started using compression packing cubes. Our last trip, my bag only weighed 38 pounds but was packed full because the clothing was bulky. These cubes decrease the bulk and give you more room.
Luggage Locks
Lock your luggage! We always lock ours when flying or boarding a ship. These luggage locks are designed to keep thieves out but still allow TSA to check bags when they’re going through security. And because the TSA can’t take their key out without relocking, you can be assured your luggage will stay locked .
Lanyard and Keycard Holder
Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port.
Pop Socket Card Wallet
No need to carry a bag onboard! This pop socket wallet is a sleek and secure way to carry your seapass card along with your phone. Magnetically attaches to your phone. It has an attached phone grip, so you can avoid phone drops and kickstand your phone. Holds up to 3 cards and is RFID protected.
Travel Binoculars
Most cruise ships provide binoculars in your cabin but they aren’t very good. We like to bring a small, travel size pair.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
I have used a bathroom organizer for years. I keep it packed all the time except for a few items which I need everyday. This way, it is grab and go! This hanging bag comes in lots of colors and patterns too!
Travel Pill Case
This is another of those things that you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without. The perfect travel companion for your medications, supplements and vitamins, the Travel Pill Case offers seven labeled compartments (for the days of the week), plus a bonus compartment.
Waterproof beach bag or tote for pool
This waterproof and sand proof beach bag has tons of pockets and space for your towels, swim suits, flip flops, water bottles, glasses, sunblock, toys and any other things you’d like to take with you to the beach or pool, and an interior pocket to place keys, your wallet or phone and other valuables.
Bag to use onboard or onshore
This backpack would also be great for onshore excursions.
A small crossbody bag is very helpful onboard to keep your phone, sea card and any other items you might want while onboard.
Fanny packs are becoming very popular again…many people are wearing them as crossbody bags. This one is made by the same company that makes my favorite leggings and is waterproof also! There are several colors available.
Also very popular are these crossbody bags. The fit under jackets and are close to the body for security. Available in several colors.
Waterproof case for phone and ID
A waterproof case is useful if you are uncomfortable leaving your valuables on the beach while you are in the water. There is also a waterproof case if you want to snorkel with your phone.
Reusable shopping bags
Many stores are eliminating free bags with purchases. I travel with reusable grocery bags…saves money and keeps me from using plastic bags.
Liquid IV
Hydration and immune support is super important while traveling. Ocean travel has higher humidity which requires you to drink more. Liquid I.V. packets taste great and provide 2x faster hydration than water alone. It comes in lots of delicious flavors…just mix in your water bottle!
Refillable (and collapsible) Water Bottles
I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles. While obviously convenient on the cruise ship, even more than that, I love how they don’t take room in my luggage or beach bag when not being used.
Bug repellant
If you are heading somewhere with biting bugs, these repellant patches are amazing. Just place on your clothes, bugs stay away!
Hand Sanitizer
If you are like me and have sensitive skin, the product used onboard may be too harsh for you. I found Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer to be gentle and yet effective. I always carry some with me in every bag. They have lots of great scents too.
Portable Fan
Cabins can get hot and stuffy. If you want some air movement in the cabin, consider bringing a small fan to make your cabin more comfortable. I like this one as it’s USB powered – plus it’s quiet.
Motion Sensor Night Light
Cruise cabins can be very dark at night. We find a motion sensor night light to be very useful. No more bumping into furniture or walls….no one needs injured toes.
Travel Size Humidifier
Cabin air can be dry at night, even though you are at sea. Air conditioning draws mositure out of the air. We like to bring a small, travel size humidifier with us. Helps prevent a dry throat during the night.
Magnetic Clips
I find these very useful to organize papers in the cabin…nothing worse than losing something! Why bring magnet clips? Fun fact about cruise ships….most cabin walls are magnetic! On a cruise, you’ll have paper cruise planners, shore excursion tickets, and invitations to events on your cruise that tend to clutter up your desk and counter space. Use these magnetic clips to hang these items on the wall.
Magnetic Cabin Hooks
One of the best ways to add storage space to your cruise stateroom is to use magnet hooks. We use these hooks for hats, jackets, purses/backpacks, etc
Wrinkle release spray
Travel irons and steamers are not allowed onboard. They are a fire hazard. We have found that a wrinkle release spray works well.
Many ships do not have self-service laundry facilities. Packets of laundry detergent are very handy for doing a quick wash in the sink.
Just need to do a quick clothing clean up? I carry Tide to Go with me everyday and in my carry-on luggage.
Good sun protection hat
Protect your head and face from the sun. I love this one while walking around town.
And this one for the beach:
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Sunscreen is expensive on the ship and in port. It’s important to use sunscreen that also protects our reefs and oceans.
Aloe Vera After-Sun Gel
Always be prepared in case you get too much sun. This cooling after sun spray can actually be able to be worn under your clothes, as it won’t be sticky like some gels with fillers. INSTANT COOLING EFFECT – thanks to skin cooling ingredients like Cucumber and Organic Aloe Vera this blend is perfectly formulated to soothe and calm your sun exposed skin.
Lip Balm with SPF
Don’t forget to bring lip balm with SPF on a cruise. If your lips get dry and chapped or sunburned, you will regret not packing lip balm. Place some in your carry on bag also. Travel can be dehydrating!
Cooling Towel
If traveling to a warmer climate like the Mediterranean or Caribbean, a cooling towel will help keep you comfortable. We live in Florida and use them often.
Seasickness remedies
If you are prone to seasickness, these wristbads have proven to be very effective. They come in different colors too!
Bonine is also very effective.
Travel magnifying mirror
Many cruise ship cabins do not have a magnifying mirror, which I find very helpful when doing hair and makeup. This is the one I have been using. It is very popular on Amazon and has over 8,000 reviews!
Sunglasses
The glare off the water can be very strong. I use readers and recently found these. So nice to not have to switch glasses if I want to read something. They are NOT bifocals either!
Apple Airtags
No one wants to lose their luggage while traveling. Air tags can help you locate your bags if they go missing while flying or traveling. We use one in each bag, including carry ons. The piece of mind is worth the cost.
I also use a AirTag holder that can attach to the inside of the bag. There are lots of colors available.
Electronics Organizer Case
Stay organized by keeping your chargers, cables and plugs, and phone accessories together. To keep my chargers organized, I use organizer case. It’s big enough to hold all my cords and chargers but small enough to fit in my carryon.
Cruise Approved Power Bar
Most cruise ship cabins have only a few electric plugs. You’re going to need additional outlets to charge electronic items like phones, computers, tablets, kindles, etc. USB ports are also useful.
VERY IMPORTANT – Cruise lines don’t allow a regular surge-protected power bars from home (they will confiscate them). It’s very important to have a non-surge protected power bar that is “cruise approved”.
Adapters
I love these adapters by Hero. They have them for several different countries. Made is the US with a 100% money back guarantee and lifetime warranty.
Towel clips
The pool deck can be breezy and towels never stay put for me. It used to drive me crazy as I would try to read or relax. We love these towel clips with different styles….flamingo, margaritas, flip flops. Pick some that are fun and unusual….that way you can easily find your chair after enjoying the pool or beach
We have recently started using towels band also.
Portable Lock Box
We use this lock box at the beach or pool. It easily attaches to any beach chair and provides a secure place for your phone, id and money.
Over the door hanger
An over the door organizer is very practical to store items you and your family will use often. This can hang on your bathroom door or even use magnet hooks to hang on a cabin wall. It will help to organize smaller items in the cabin.
Travel first-aid kit
A travel first-aid kit is a necessity. Pain killers (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.) and a few bandaids…easier (and cheaper) than going to the ship’s doctor. This is a great first aid kit for traveling.
Shoe deodorizer
Keep your shoes smelling fresh with these odor eliminators. You don’t want your cabin smelling like stinky feet! I also keep them in our luggage when not traveling to keep them smelling fresh. There are several different scents to choose from too,
Travel shoe bags
Protect your clothes from dirty shoes with shoe bags!
Bottle bags
If you purchased a special bottle of wine or liquor to enjoy at home, the last thing you want is for it to break while traveling home. Keep your clothes safe from broken bottles. These are bottle bags are reusable!
And of course…..CLOTHES! Bathing suits are a must, especially if you are planning a beach day. No need to bring beach towels….the ship will provide them for you. Comfortable clothes to wear around the ship during the day. For evenings, dressy outfits for “formal” nights….evening gowns and tuxedos are not mandatory, but some people will still wear them. Wear what makes you happy, as long as you follow the ships requirements. Most do not allow shorts or gym clothes in the dining room for dinner. The ships can be chilly in the evenings, so a light sweater is always good idea.
I hope this helps make packing a little easier. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions!
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