Planning a cruise? You might think you’ve got packing down to a science. But there’s more to it than swimsuits and sunscreen. This list of 25 surprising must-haves will change how you pack for your next ocean adventure. From gadgets that’ll make your cabin feel like home to items that’ll save you in a pinch, this guide has got you covered.
1. Magnetic Hooks
Your cruise cabin walls are metal, so magnetic hooks are super handy. You can hang up jackets, bags, or wet swimsuits to dry. They’re great for keeping things off the floor in small cabins. Bring a few different sizes for various items. These hooks are small, light, and easy to pack. They’re also perfect for hanging up your daily cruise schedule or important notices.
2. Power Strip
Cruise cabins often have limited outlets, so a power strip is a game-changer. You can charge multiple devices at once without fighting over plugs. Make sure to get a non-surge protector kind, as some ships don’t allow surge protectors. This will let you keep your phone, camera, and other gadgets charged. You’ll be glad you packed this when everyone’s scrambling for outlets. Remember to unplug it when you’re not in the cabin to save energy.
3. Wrinkle Release Spray
Most cruise ships don’t allow irons in cabins for safety reasons. Wrinkle release spray can save your clothes from looking messy. Just spray, hang, and let it work its magic. It’s much easier than trying to use the ship’s laundry services. Your photos will look better with wrinkle-free outfits. Plus, it’s a space-saving alternative to packing a travel steamer.
4. Dry Bags
Dry bags are perfect for beach excursions or pool days on the ship. They keep your phone, wallet, and other items safe from water. You can even use them as a makeshift beach bag. They come in different sizes for various needs. These bags are lightweight and easy to pack. They’re also great for keeping wet swimsuits separate from your dry clothes when returning to the ship.
5. Night Light
Cruise cabins can be very dark at night, which is great for sleeping. But it’s not so great when you need to get up. A small night light can help you avoid stumbling around. It’s especially useful if you’re in an inside cabin with no windows. Your cabin mates will thank you for not turning on the bright overhead lights. Look for one with a soft, warm glow that won’t disturb your sleep.
6. Seasickness Remedies
Even if you don’t usually get motion sickness, it’s good to be prepared. Pack some ginger candy, acupressure wristbands, or over-the-counter medicine. The ship’s store might have these, but they’ll be pricey. Having your own supply can save your trip if the seas get rough. You’ll be glad you have them if you need them. Consider bringing enough to share with fellow passengers who might not have packed their own.
7. Portable Fan
Some cruise cabins can get stuffy, especially if you’re in an inside room. A small, portable fan can make a big difference in comfort. It can also provide white noise to help you sleep better. Look for a rechargeable one to save on batteries. This little item can make your cabin feel much more comfortable. Some fans even come with built-in night lights, combining two useful items in one.
8. Lanyard
A lanyard might seem silly, but it’s super useful on a cruise. Your room key is also your ID and payment card on the ship. Wearing it around your neck means you’ll always have it handy. You won’t have to dig through your pockets or bag every time you need it. It’s especially useful for kids who might lose their cards. Choose a fun, colorful one to add a bit of personality to your cruise outfit.
9. Magnetic Whiteboard
A magnetic whiteboard is great for leaving notes for your cabin mates. You can write down meet-up times or plans for the day. Thanks to the metal walls, it sticks right to your cabin wall. This is much better than leaving paper notes that might get lost. It’s a simple way to keep everyone on the same page. You can also use it to keep track of your onboard spending or countdown the days of your cruise.
10. Insulated Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important, especially in warm cruise destinations. An insulated water bottle keeps your drinks cold all day. You can fill it up at the ship’s water stations and take it with you everywhere. This saves you money on buying bottled water. It’s also better for the environment than using disposable plastic bottles. Look for one with a wide mouth to easily add ice cubes for extra refreshment.
11. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer for organizing your suitcase. They help you fit more clothes in less space. You can use different colors for different types of clothes or family members. They make it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything. Packing cubes also help keep your cabin tidy during your trip. Some even come with compression zippers to squeeze out extra air and save even more space.
12. Door Decorations
Decorating your cabin door is a fun cruise tradition. It makes your door easy to find in long hallways of identical doors. You can use magnetic decorations or special cruise door markers. This is especially fun if you’re cruising for a special occasion. Just remember to take them down at the end of your trip. It’s also a great way to meet your cruise neighbors and start conversations.
13. Highlighters
Bring a few highlighters to mark up your daily cruise schedule. You can highlight activities you don’t want to miss. Different colors can be used for different family members’ activities. This makes it easy to plan your day at a glance. It’s a simple way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything fun. You can also use them to mark your favorite dishes on the dining room menu.
14. Sticky Notes
Sticky notes are surprisingly useful on a cruise. You can use them to leave reminders for yourself or notes for your cabin mates. They’re great for marking pages in the cruise schedule or shore excursion booklets. You can even use them to remember your cabin number at first. Pack a small pack and you’ll find plenty of uses for them. They’re also handy for jotting down new friends’ contact information or recommendations from fellow cruisers.
15. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
An over-the-door shoe organizer isn’t just for shoes on a cruise. You can use it to store all sorts of small items in your cabin. It’s great for toiletries, sunscreen, snacks, or electronics. This helps keep your limited counter space clear. It’s an easy way to add extra storage to your small cabin. Choose a clear plastic one so you can easily see what’s in each pocket.
16. Disposable Shower Caps
Shower caps aren’t just for protecting your hair. They’re great for covering the bottom of shoes in your suitcase. This keeps dirt and germs off your clean clothes. You can also use them to cover leftover food plates in your cabin. Pack a few extras for these unexpected uses. They’re also handy for covering your phone or camera in light rain during shore excursions.
17. Clothespins
Clothespins have many uses on a cruise. You can use them to keep your beach towel from blowing away on a windy deck. They’re great for closing snack bags or chip clips. You can even use them to hang up wet swimsuits to dry. These small items take up little space but can be very handy. They’re also useful for clipping together important papers or receipts during your trip.
18. Binoculars
Binoculars let you get a closer look at the beautiful scenery you’ll pass. You might spot wildlife or get a better view of distant islands. They’re also fun for people-watching on the ship. Look for a compact pair that’s easy to carry around. You’ll be glad you have them for those “wow” moments at sea. Some cruisers even use them to read signs or menus from a distance on the ship.
19. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many cruise destinations have banned regular sunscreen to protect coral reefs. Reef-safe sunscreen is better for the ocean and still protects your skin. Pack enough for your whole trip, as it might be expensive on the ship. Look for brands that don’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. This small change can help protect the beautiful places you’re visiting. Some reef-safe sunscreens even come in solid stick form, making them easy to pack and less likely to spill.
20. Portable Charger
A portable charger is a must for long days off the ship. You don’t want your phone to die when you’re trying to take photos or use maps. Look for one that can charge your phone at least twice. Make sure to charge it up each night in your cabin. This little device can save the day during shore excursions. Some newer models can even charge multiple devices at once, which is great for families or groups.
21. Zip-Lock Bags
Zip-lock bags have countless uses on a cruise. You can use them to protect your phone at the beach or pool. They’re great for packing toiletries or organizing small items. You can even use them to bring snacks off the ship for shore excursions. Pack a variety of sizes for different needs. They’re also perfect for collecting small souvenirs like seashells or sand from different beaches.
22. Wristwatch
You might not wear a watch usually, but it’s helpful on a cruise. Your phone might not always have service or the right time zone. A watch helps you keep track of time for activities and meetups. It’s especially useful for shore excursions when you need to be back to the ship on time. Choose a water-resistant one for beach and pool days. Some watches even have built-in compasses, which can be fun for navigation during port days.
23. Magnetic Clips
Like magnetic hooks, magnetic clips stick to your cabin walls. They’re great for holding papers like your daily schedule or shore excursion tickets. You can use them to close your curtains tightly for better sleep. They’re also handy for keeping bags of snacks closed. These small items can make your cabin more organized and comfortable. You can even use them to create a photo display of your cruise memories on your cabin wall.
24. Cash for Tipping
While most things on a cruise are cashless, cash is handy for tipping. You might want to tip tour guides or drivers on shore excursions. Some people like to leave cash tips for their cabin steward or favorite bartenders. Small bills are best for this. Having cash on hand gives you more tipping options. It’s also useful for small purchases in ports where credit cards might not be widely accepted.
25. Compression Bags
Compression bags can help you save space in your suitcase. You can fit more clothes in less space by squeezing out extra air. This is great if you’re flying to your cruise port and have luggage limits. They also help keep your clothes organized and wrinkle-free. Just be careful not to overpack and go over weight limits. These bags are also great for packing bulky items like jackets or sweaters for cooler evenings on deck.
America’s Smartest States: A Ranking of the Top 10
America’s Smartest States: A Ranking of the Top 10
The 15 Habits That Irritate Generation Z
