Heading on a cruise and wondering what essentials to pack? Check out these must-have cruise essentials I bring with me on every cruise.
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Cruise Essentials
Preparing and packing for a cruise can be exciting but also very overwhelming. You don’t want to bring too much nor want to bring too little and feel unprepared. To help you get ready for you cruise, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of cruise essential items to bring or pack. Bringing these will ensure you have a smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable time onboard your cruise ship.
Convenient Holders
1. Card Holder and Lanyard
Your cruise may use a key card as the primary method of making purchases onboard as well as using to access your stateroom. Having it easily accessible will come in handy, so get a card holder and a lanyard so that you can wear it around your neck or easily find it in your bag.
[2-Pack] Cruise Lanyards with ID Holder, Key Card Retractable Badge & Waterproof Ship Card Holders
2. Waterproof Pouch Or Pack
The cruise will likely have a pool, or you may stop at destinations with beaches and water activities like snorkeling. To prepare for these water adventures, bring a waterproof phone case or carrier (like the ones below) to keep your belongings dry while you enjoy the waters.
Phone Pouch
These are perfect for holding your phone (hands-free) and keeps it perfectly dry. This pouch is on the flatter side so it can only hold additional items that are also flat like cards and cash.
Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone 15 14 13 12 Pro Max, IPX8 Cellphone Dry Bag Beach Cruise Ship Essentials 2Pack-8.3"
Large Phone Pouch
These are larger and will float on the surface of water! And are perfect if you have other items you’d like to keep dry in addition to your phone, such as cards, keys, lip balm, etc.
2 Pack Universal Floatable Water Proof Dry Bag Case - Float Clear Cell Holder with Lanyard for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Plus Samsung for Beach Swimming
Fanny Pack
I especially like to use these waterproof packs to hold heavier items and I could wear it across my body rather than having my belongings around my neck.
Waterproof Pouch for Phone Passport Wallet Purse with Waist Strap,Floating Waterproof Bags for Travel Beach Swimming Kayaking Boating Pool Accessories
Maximize Stateroom Space
3. Behind-the-Door Shoe Rack
To prevent your smaller items from taking up too much space on a limited-size desk/tabletop, utilize a door shoe rack! You can get small magnetic hooks to place on the door, and then hang the shoe rack right on them. You’ll be amazed with what you can fit in these; sunscreen bottles, sunglasses, and… shoes. This will open up the floor space in your stateroom and make it feel bigger than it really is. This is one of the cruise essentials I wish I knew earlier!
14 Pocket Organizer
Mesh pockets make for easy packing (as opposed to those with plastic), and these only have 2 columns so that it can easily fit in your luggage or bag. Or bring both if you want the additional storage of 28 total pockets!
Hanging Shoe Organizer 12 Mesh Pockets Shoe Organizer for Closet,Works Well for Men and Woman Kids Shoes Storage, 57.5×12.9inch
24 Pocket Organizer
Mesh pockets make for easy packing (as opposed to those with plastic), and these come with 24 pockets.
Hanging Shoe Organizer with 24 Mesh Large Pockets Door Shoe Rack Organizer for Men Women Kids Hanging Shoe Storage Bag
Magnetic Hooks
These are strong magnetic hooks that will hang the behind-the-door shoe rack with ease and any items you put in it!
30lb Heavy Duty Earth Magnets with Hook for Refrigerator, Extra Strong Cruise Hook for Hanging, Magnetic Hanger for Cabins, Grill (Silver White, Pack of 10)
4. Portable Hanging Shelves
Your Cruise stateroom might not have enough drawer space to fully unpack your luggage, so bring portable hanging shelves to hang in your stateroom’s closet. Having one will create extra shelving space and you can easily access your clothes.
These shelves are perfect for bringing onto your cruise to create more clothes storage. The mesh sides make it easy to fold and pack in your bag, and it has two inner pockets and a bottom larger compartment to hold additional smaller items.
Portable Travel Closet Collapsible Compression Clothes Organizer with Built in Shelves for Carry-on Luggage Suitcase Wardrobe Large_11.8 * 11.8 * 24 in
Electronics
5. Multi-plug Power Adapter / Outlet Extender
Most cruise ship staterooms have a limited amount of outlets so getting more is essential to charge all your electronics. However, most ships don’t accept extension cords and power strips, but having a multi-plug power adapter / outlet extender usually is. It will allow you to meet the ship’s rules and will also provide you extra outlets in your stateroom.
These worked great for my cruise! One outlet is transformed into four with this multi-plug adapter, and it also has 2 USB and 1 USB-C ports to charge my iPhone and other smaller devices. My most recent cruise on the Royal Caribbean also has European Type C outlets which this adapter is already made for.
European Travel Plug Adapter USB C, TESSAN US to Europe Plug Adapter with 4 Outlets 3 USB Charger (1 USB C Port), Type C Power Adaptor to Italy Spain France Portugal Iceland Germany
6. Portable Charger/ Power Bank
Having a portable charger/power bank will ensure you stay charged while you’re enjoying your cruise ship or while exploring a port of call.
7. Camera
A camera can capture all your amazing cruise memories and snapshot beautiful landscapes and sunsets. Be sure to bring chargers, batteries and memory cards to capture it all.
RELATED: Top 9 Must-Have Electronic Devices
Entertainment
8. Card Games / Playing Cards
In case your cruise ship doesn’t have an endless amount of activities (or even if it does), bring your own games that you can play with your group or with new friends. Card games like Monopoly Deal, Phase 10, Uno, Spot It, or a deck of playing cards can bring fun and friendly competition.
9. Binoculars
Bring a pair of binoculars so you can scan the waters while on your cruise. You may spot whales and dolphins breaching, or other marine life. These would be especially useful if you’re going on a cruise where wildlife spotting is popular, such as in Alaska.
Day Bag & Accessories
10. Day Bag or Tote
Bring a beach tote to bring with you to the pool or to the beach, or a day bag or backpack to your shore excursions. Carry all your personal and cruise essentials everywhere you go.
11. Personal Fan
If you’re taking a cruise in a destination with warmer climates, bring a personal fan to combat the warmth and keep you cool. It will make the difference when you’re exploring a warm port of call.
RELATED: Top 4 Items to Keep You Cool!
12. Hat & Sunglasses
When out on open waters or lazing by the beach or pool, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and face from the harsh sun.
Toiletries & Personal Care
13. Sunscreen
Regardless if you’re cruising in warm or cold climates, bringing sunscreen is a must. Protect your skin from the sun and opt for sunscreens with high SPF.
14. Aloe Vera / After-Sun Lotion
In case you do get sunburned while on your cruise, the last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable and itchy. So bring some aloe vera or after-sun lotion to soothe your burns and heal them faster than they would without aid.
15. Insect Repellant
Depending on where your cruise is traveling to, you may go to a region with insects and mosquitos. TO be prepared and prevent from bug bites, bring some insect repellant. You won’t be sorry!
16. Medications
Bring any necessary prescription medications you need, or some helpful over-the-counter medications. Medications such as Dramamine to combat seasickness/motion sickness, Advil for unwarranted headaches, and Tums or Pepto Bismol for any unexpected upset stomachs you may experience onboard,
17. Basic Toiletries
Cruises may have some basic toiletry items such as shampoo and soap, but bringing your own preferred brands is always nice too. Bring toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, body/wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, and a hair brush.
RELATED: Toiletry Essentials for Travel: Your Comprehensive Packing Guide
Appropriate Clothing & Footwear
18. Clothing
What you bring on your cruise will be dependent to what destinations you’re stopping at and the general weather of the region. If you’re cruising in the Caribbean then the weather will generally be warmer. Alternately, if you’re cruising in colder regions such as Alaska, then bring clothing to keep you warm in these chilly climates. Regardless, you should bring the below:
- Casual Wear: for daytime activities
- Swimwear: For the pool and beach activities
- Evening Attire: a mix of formal, semi-formal, and smart casual attire for dining and evening events
- Activewear or Athleisure: In case you want to hit the gym or spa, or just want to roam the cruise ship in leisure
- Light Jacket or Sweater: In can get a bit chilly indoor or at night
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: In case of rain or unexpected showers
19. Footwear
Similarly to bringing appropriate clothing, always bring appropriate footwear such as:
- Comfortable walking shoes: For shore excursions and exploring ports of call
- Sandals: Roaming the cruise ship or going to the pool and beach
- Dress shoes: To go with evening attire
Travel Documents & Identification
It’s always a great idea to bring important documentation so this had to be added to the list. Important documents includes:
- Passport (or Birth Certificate for non-passport holders)
- Boarding Pass and Cruise Documents
- Driver’s License / ID Card
- Travel Insurance Documents
Final Words
Be well-prepared to enjoy all the excitement and relaxation that a cruise offers, and bring these essential cruise items with you! Bon Voyage!
