We want your cruise vacation to be as seamless as possible, so here's a list of our tried-and-true cruise essentials to help you make it the best it can be. You'll find items to help you optimize space in your cabin and make it feel like home, and those items you will be grateful you brought while out exploring portside. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Compression Packing Cubes
Optimize and organize the space in your suitcase with compression packing cubes. Easily check off your packing check list by keeping each item organized in its own cube. You'll also be able to save space with the compression offered by this set. Do still be mindful of weight limits imposed by airlines with all the space you'll be saving!
Collapsible Laundry Hamper
Keep your cabin clutter-free with a collapsible laundry hamper. Pack this essential in the bottom of your suitcase (you'll barely notice it's there) and pop it open when you unpack. Throughout your stay you can throw your dirty laundry into it to keep your cabin floor tidy. If you choose to use any onboard laundry services, you'll have a convenient bag to carry your laundry into the self-serve locations or already have your laundry accumulated to transfer to the laundry bags the cruise lines use. It's a win-win!
Magnetic Hooks
If you feel like the closet is too small and there aren't enough drawers to store things, use the walls! Your cabin walls and ceiling are made of metal, so you can stick these magnetic hooks to them to hang towels, bags, hats, jewelry, or whatever your heart desires.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Like many hotel bathrooms, your cabin's bathroom will have limited counter space and shelving. A hanging toiletry bag is the easiest way to keep things organized and clutter-free so you can easily find things. This also helps make it easier for your room steward to clean by keeping surfaces tidy.
Power Cube (Cruise Approved)
Outlets in your cabin are often in inconvenient locations, or there just aren't enough! Bring along a cruise approved power cube to make sure you're able to power and charge all of your necessary gadgets and gizmos while on vacation. Surge protectors are not allowed, so make sure you get one like this that is cruise approved.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important! A collapsible water bottle is easy to pack in your luggage without taking up too much space and will be your best friend whenever you are portside. Pack your own water bottle instead of hoping you'll be able to find water while exploring ports and spending extra money on bottled water. Simply fill this up at approved water stations before disembarking and you'll thank me later.
Liquid IV
While you're out sightseeing and having fun in port, you'll work up a sweat and be wishing you'd thought to bring something to quench your thirst and replenish those electrolytes. My go-to at home and while traveling is Liquid IV for it's convenient portability and delicious flavors! Simply throw a couple of to-go packs in your day pack with your water bottle, or pre-mix before setting off, and you'll be set for a day of exploring.
Portable Fan
If you're a hot sleeper and always like having the fan on or are not a fan of sweating, pack a portable fan to keep close by. This can be carried around the ship with you, sitting out on the deck or by the pool, and is conveniently recharged via USB.
Lanyards for Cruise Cards
If you're concerned about keeping up with your cruise card, a lanyard is the easiest way to keep it on your person. Since your cruise card is your key to everything on the ship it's very important to not leave it in your room, so if you're not confident in keeping it in your pocket or a wallet, go for a stylish lanyard!
Tide-To-Go Stain Remover Pen
Nothing ruins your day like immediately getting an embarrassing stain on your shirt at breakfast. Packing these will help keep your clothes stain-free and fresh, giving you the option to wear clothes multiple times and keep your packing light!
Wrinkle Release Spray
After being tucked away in your suitcase, your clothes may need a little help looking their best before you wear them out to dinner. While unpacking, spritz your clothes with wrinkle release spray and hang in the closet so they'll be good to go on the day you need them. If you need more hangers than are provided, just ask your cabin steward for more.
Bonine (Meclizine)
If you are prone to sea sickness or concerned about it, definitely pack some Bonine in your carry on when boarding the ship. Modern ships have stabilizers so that motion shouldn't be as much of an issue as it was decades ago, but some people are just more sensitive than others and it's better to be prepared. This will last you for 24 hours and is non-drowsy, so it won't take you away from the fun!
Sea-Band
If you prefer an all-natural route to motion sickness relief, try the Sea-Band and keep it in your carry on. It utilizes acupressure to provide relief to motion sickness symptoms.
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