Cruising essentials

The must-haves for your voyage

Prepare for an unforgettable cruise vacation with a perfectly curated packing list! In addition to your usual clothes and toiletries, there are some essential items that will enhance your cruise experience. So, let's get you cruise-ready and ensure you have everything you need for a fabulous journey at sea!

Depending on how you are getting to your cruise or what else you may be doing during your vacation, you may also be interested in these items as well:

★ I personally own and highly recommend these items.

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HIGHLY SUGGESTED ITEMS

Luggage tag holder

Luggage tag holders securely attach your printed luggage tags from your cruise line. Rain and handling by personnel may otherwise make your luggage tag unreadable or even removed altogether. These are super easy to use!

Key card holder

Keep your room key easily with you throughout the cruise ship with either a lanyard or my favorite, a MagSafe wallet. It's so convenient for daily use too! (This is not needed for Virgin Voyages cruises as the room key is a bracelet.)

★ MagSafe wallet by Ciencimy: Adjustable dual mode stand, grip strap, holds 2 cards, RFID-blocking slim aluminum card holder for iPhone 15 14 13 Pro Max/Plus. I use this on a regular basis and it's especially convenient for on a cruise to hold your room key. (pictured)
Lanyard, 2-pack: Adjustable lanyard with retractable reel, waterproof ID badge holder, detachable buckle
Lanyard, 4-pack: Retractable reel, waterproof ID badge holder, detachable buckle
Additional phone wallet options
Additional lanyard options

Magnetic hooks

Magnetic hooks help keep your belongings organized in the room by hanging lanyards, to dry swim suits, etc. on the magnetic walls. They are even strong enough to hold a laptop bag.

Smart tags

Smart tags are a great way to track your luggage throughout your travels. If your luggage doesn't make it to baggage claim or to your stateroom, you can easily track it on your mobile device.

Beach/pool bag

Lightweight, easy-to-carry and versatile beach bags are helpful for your relaxing beach or pool days as well as for your excursions to carry towels, sunscreen, snorkel gear and other essentials.

★ Waterproof beach bag with zipper (pictured in blue white strips)
Beach bag with travel bag
Additional beach bag options

Toiletry bags

Hanging toiletry bags help save bathroom counter space, which tends to be limited on a ship. I use this for all of my travels.

★ Bosidu hanging travel toiletry bag: Large capacity cosmetic travel toiletry organizer, four compartments, sturdy hook, various colors available. (pictured in navy blue)
LOVEVOOK hanging travel toiletry bag: Four toiletry compartments, including a separate cosmetics compartment and a special jewelry compartment. Available in various sizes and colors.
Additional hanging travel toiletry bag options

Swimsuit cover ups

This fashionable cover up is perfect for the beach, pool and walking around on the ship; various colors available.

Motion sickness medication

Motion sickness is a common occurrence in the open ocean. It's advisable to be prepared and carry various types of medications.

Reef safe sunscreen

Help keep the reefs safe while protecting you and your children's skin from the intense sun. Some Caribbean locations prohibit the use of sunscreens that could harm the reefs. Broad spectrum and coral reef friendly.

All Good kid's mineral sunscreen: SPF 50 butter stick and SPF 30 lotion
Reef Repair sunscreen: SPF 50 lotion
Banana Boat Ultra Sport Reef Friendly sunscreen: SPF 50 spray
Sun Bum sunscreen: SPF 70 lotion
Additional reef safe sunscreen options

Stain remover

Remove those unexpected stains while cruising.

POPULAR OPTIONAL ITEMS

Underwater cameras

Capture the underwater beauty while swimming, snorkeling or scuba driving with this high quality underwater camera. Waterproof action camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD video, 27MP photos, HDR, 1/1.9" image sensor, live streaming, webcam and stabilization.

Snorkel gear

Most cruise line's private beaches offer snorkeling gear to rent. However, if you plan on snorkeling on multiple islands within one trip, or within many trips, it may be best to have your set.

★ Full face snorkel mask: Greatever G2 full face snorkel mask with the latest dry top system, foldable 180 degree panoramic view snorkeling mask with GoPro camera mount, safe breathing, anti-leak and anti-fog. (pictured)
Other snorkel mask sets

Pool floats

Enjoy a relaxing time on a pool float during your cruise beach days without the need to rent one. Opt for a collapsible float for convenient travel.

★ 2-Pack pool float: FindUWill two-pack inflatable fabric swimming pool/beach float, extra large, inflatable multi-purpose water hammock float. (pictured)
Additional pool floats

Binoculars

Binoculars enhances the overall cruise experience by providing a closer and more detailed view of scenic landscapes, wildlife and points of interest during the journey, especially for the Alaskan cruises.

★ 15x25 compact binoculars: with upgraded phone adapter to capture the moment
Additional binocular options

Anti-theft pouch

Safely lock your phone and other valuables you may have while swimming in the ocean or pool. Slash resistant. Locks securely to your beach chair, umbrella or any other fixed object. Various colors available.

Towel holders

Towel holders can help hold down your towel on a windy cruise deck or on the beach.

★ Towel bands
Towel clips
Mini therabands also work if you have any at home.
Additional towel holders

Travel fans

If you rely on a fan for better sleep or room comfort, consider bringing a portable one if the cabin gets too warm or stuffy. I personally haven't needed this on the cruises I've been on, but every ship and personal preferences vary.

Portable USB mini desk fan: rechargeable battery, 4.9", with LED light
Additional travel fan options

Power strips with USB

Extra outlets and USB ports can come in handy in your stateroom depending on how many devices you have. There is tight regulation on the power strips with most cruise lines. Most often, the outlet devices cannot have a surge protector. Sometimes, extension cords are not allowed. Check with your cruise line for specific regulations.

International Universal Travel Adapter: power strip, 3 ACs and 3 USBs, non-surge protector, can be converted from 2-prong to 3-prong, even suitable for traveling in Japan.
Travel adapter: 6 foot power strip with 3 outlets and 4 USB Ports (1 USB C), non-surge protector
Additional power strips with USB options

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