10 Cruise Essentials To Never Travel Without
After more than 20 cruises, we’ve learned that a few simple items can make a huge difference on a cruise vacation. Some cabins have limited outlets, storage space is tight, and certain small items can make your room much more comfortable.
Here are 10 cruise essentials to never travel without.
1. Cruise-Approved Power Strip
Many cruise cabins only have one or two outlets, especially on older ships. A cruise-approved power strip (without surge protection) allows you to charge phones, watches, and other devices all at once. It’s one of the most useful things you can bring to your cabin.
2. Pop-Up Laundry Hamper
A pop-up hamper keeps dirty clothes off the floor and separate from your clean clothes. It folds completely flat in your suitcase and pops open when you need it. We like this much better than using a laundry bag.
3. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders
Before boarding the ship, you’ll attach cruise luggage tags to your checked bags so the crew can deliver them to your cabin. Plastic luggage tag holders protect the paper tags from tearing or falling off during the boarding process.
4. Magnetic Hooks
Cruise cabin walls are metal, which makes magnetic hooks incredibly useful. We use them to hang hats, lanyards, bags, and even damp swimsuits so they dry faster. They’re a simple way to create extra storage space in a small cabin.
5. Motion Sickness Medicine
Even if you don’t usually get seasick, it’s always a good idea to bring medication just in case. We pack non-drowsy Dramamine so we’re prepared if the seas get a little rough.
6. Portable Fan
Cruise cabins can sometimes feel a little warm, and my husband sleeps much better with a fan. A small rechargeable fan is perfect because it doesn’t need to stay plugged in and folds neatly into a small travel bag.
7. Beach Float & Mini Pump
If your cruise includes beach stops, a lightweight float can be a lot of fun in the ocean. Many travelers bring them because they fold up small and inflate quickly with a tiny USB pump.
Hammock Pool Float
Tiny Air Pump
8. Insulated Water Bottle
A good insulated water bottle is great for excursions, beach days, and walking around port towns. It keeps drinks cold for hours — and it’s perfect for keeping a frozen drink like a piña colada nice and chilly in the sun.
9. Packable Daypack
A lightweight daypack is one of the most useful items for excursions. It’s perfect for carrying sunscreen, a water bottle, a camera, and anything else you might need during the day. A packable one folds up small in your suitcase and is ready when you need it.
10. Digital Luggage Scale
A luggage scale is a must if you’re flying to your cruise port. It’s easy to overpack — especially on the way home with souvenirs. This small, lightweight tool can save you from overweight baggage fees at the airport.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our website at no additional cost to you.