Must Have Cruise Essentials
No matter which cruise line you choose, certain essential items are universal to a cruise and then there are the extras.
You don’t have to have the extras, but it makes cruising a little better. If you’re prone to motion sickness, don’t forget to pack motion sickness bands or medication.
This post includes Amazon affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking a link in this blog post I will make a small commission. Please know, this does not change the price on your end, it’s a small affiliate commission I earn.
PRO TIPS: Prepay for parking at the airport or cruise port. Not only does it guarantee you a spot, esp. during peak holiday times when parking can fill up, it also saves you a little money.
Check Facebook to see if there is a group for your cruise or join the group before your cruise to see when shows opens, etc…
These make great gifts & stocking stuffers!
Our Favorite Cruise & Travel Essentials Found on Amazon
BRINGING WINE ON THE CRUISE? MAYBE A BOTTLE OF CURACAU LIQUEUR BACK? “These durable bottle travel sleeve protector bags can be used repeatedly in luggage for cars, planes, and cruises. It’s simple and easy to use with wine, beer, champagne, spirits, liquor, olive oil, perfumes and other fragile glass bottles.”
THIS IS THE GREATEST TRAVEL HAT! Packable and foldable. Rolls right up and can easily fit in your carry-on or luggage. Click the link to view how it rolls.
Cruise Luggage Tags. If you have cruised before you know why I recommend these.
BEST TRAVEL MAGNIFING MIRROR. 20x magnifying mirror with 3 suction cups. Small enough to travel with, great for putting on makeup, teasing your brows, false lashes, and more.
Waterproof Cruise Lanyard. Not everyone wants or really needs one. I choose to keep my card with my phone, but for kids, these are great. Let them pick their favorite color and design, there are so many to choose from.
A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO LANYARDS AROUND YOUR NECK. You can even remove the metal key rang to work as hair ties.
Waterproof Pouch with Waist Strap (2 Pack). “Best Way to Keep Your Phone and Valuables Safe and Dry. Perfect for Boating, Swimming, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Beach Day, etc…”
IF YOU ARE GOING TO CURACAO… buy these locks and surprise your love with a visit to Punta Love Heart, where you can lock in your love for each other. Located just after the floating bridge. If you buy them early, you could even have your name engraved before leaving or the date of your cruise.
A MUST FOR ALL THE STANLEY USERS. WATER BOTTLE POUCH TO HOLD YOUR SEA PASS/SIGN & SAIL/CRUISE CARD and… your phone, cash, and more.
TRAVEL SIZE Downy WrinkleGuard, Wrinkle Release Fabric Spray. It’s true, you can’t bring an iron or your steamer on a cruise. This keeps your clothes looking neat without the hassle of irons and steamers & the travel size saves space in your luggage.
SHIP APPROVED Cruise Power Strip, No Surge Protector with USB Outlets. This MUST-HAVE Cruise Accessory will triple the available outlets in your Cruise Cabin.
Cruise Approved USB C Travel Power Strip. Cruise lines require that power strips DO NOT have Surge Protection and this one meets the requirements. I have a few of these and bring them on all trips, not just cruises. *Warning some cruisers have had ones like this (that have cords) not allowed on. This does not have a power surge, so many ships allow it, others only allow the ones above. I prefer this one as I like being able to extend it.
Magnetic Hanging Hooks for Cabin. Over and over again, you will hear people say these are a cruise necessity. I have to be honest, I agree. I got the 27 lbs, but think going to the 40 lbs or higher would have been better as it would hold more weight. The 27 lbs would hold a wet suit fine or an empty bag. Anything heavier, it was slipping down the wall. I have seen people use these outside on their balcony to hang their wet clothes too.
24 Pockets Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer. Great for putting shoes in if you are limited on space in your room or great to organize your space, esp if you have 3 or 4 people in a room. I recommend getting heavy magnets so you can hang this on the wall or you can try and hang it over your bathroom door.
OH WHAT LUCK, YOU FOUND A DUCK. YES, hiding ducks on cruises is a real thing. Hide yours and see how many you find! PRO TIP: Search for cruise duck groups on Facebook to see all the fun people have with ducks.
I ONLY WISH I HAD FOUND THESE 15 YEARS AGO. Foldable Water Shoes. This footwear crosses over from beach to studio, couch to commute, and everything in between! With a snug, ergonomic fit and a flexible range of motion, these shoes are perfect for around the pool, at home, or in the yoga studio.
LIGHTWEIGHT & PACKABLE BEACH TOWEL. This is my favorite beach towel b/c it’s so lighweight. Maybe you don’t want to risk losing a towel and being charged $$ or maybe you like having your own towel so the kids know where your chairs are.
Pelican 2 Pack Marine Floating Waterproof Phone Case. “This waterproof pouch will keep your phone full functional and 100% protected from water making it one of the best cruise, vacation and travel essentials / accessories to have.”
Less Expensive Waterproof Case. Not everyone wants to spend the big dollars on a Pelican case (like me).
Rechargeable, 180°Tilt Folding Fan, Ultra Quiet. I love this because it folds flat, saving so much room in my luggage.
Bonine MAX Chewable for Motion Sickness Relief. Bonine chewable motion sickness tablets are a perfect addition to your travel kit – no water needed!
Dramamine Non-Drowsy, Motion Sickness Relief, Made with Natural Ginger. The keyword here is NON-DROWSY. If you have never cruised, I highly recommend bringing a bottle. I also recommend this if you can’t handle roller coaster rides like you used to, game changer on rides.
LUGGAGE SCALE, ANOTHER MUST HAVE FOR THOSE WHO FLY. If you fly often, esp with kids, this should be a staple in your home. Going over the 50 lbs., by even a pound, could cost you $100 + “for a heavy item” or time at the airport repacking. Don’t be that person. This comes with us on all flights.
TRAVEL DRINK & PHONE HOLDER. “Travelers call is the best innovation ever.” If you love being hands-free when traveling, you will love this. This fits over your roll-on travel luggage and makes getting a cup of coffee or a drink at the airport easier to manage. Plus a place to place your phone.
TRAVEL CORD ORGANIZER. An item I can’t travel without after ordering. It’s so easy to find our chargers now when digging through my bag and only have to grab this. Esp. when I am flying and don’t have a lot of space. There are a lot of colors to choose from!
Ship Happens! Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray. Leaves your small, cruise room bathroom smelling fresh and clean. Simply spray the water in the bowl with Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray before using the toilet to prevent odors before they begin!
Mini refillable perfume bottle for traveling. The perfect solution for traveling with your favorite fragrances, essential oils, and aftershaves that SAVE ROOM. Do you really need to bring that BIG, glass, bottle of perfume? Problem solved.
Beach Towel Clips for Pool, Beach, Even Your Balcony Chairs. Genious idea, purchase these or a less expensive version from the Amazon link below and clip your wet clothes to your balcony chair so your wet clothes don’t blow away and they are not hanging in your bathroom soaking the floor.
Towel Bands, Beach & Pool & Cruise Chairs, Stretch Silicone Beach Towel Clips. Super small, lightweight, easy to pack and carry + they take up less packing space in your luggage than towel clips. A new alternative for towel clips
Hangovers happen, even too much sun. “Whether you’re in need of hydration for exercise, travel, or long nights, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier packets have you covered.”
Portable Safe Box. Mini safe lock box comes with a removable sturdy wire chain. Be in the pool or on the beach without having to worry that items have been left unattended.
MAKE YOUR OWN DOOR DECORATIONS. This is great for those who want to make their own door decorations. If you aren’t sure how to make your own decorations Canva is your friend. If you are wondering why do people make door decorations? Think those who have had to much to drink; now they can hopefully find their room or those who have kids, helps the kids find the room quicker vs saying “Is this are room? Is this our room?”
We update this list as we find other items we love when cruising, so keep checking back!
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