The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: Smart, Unique & Surprisingly Handy Items!
This is our go-to guide for what to pack for your next cruise—covering everything from practical essentials to clever, unique items you might not have thought about but that will definitely make your cruise easier, more comfortable, and way more fun. (Updated May 2025!)
We’re not just talking about the obvious stuff like clothes and toiletries—this list is about those quirky, interesting items we’ve picked up over years of cruising, the little things that make a big difference onboard. Some might sound a bit random, but trust us: they’re cruise-tested and truly useful.
We’ll keep updating this list based on your suggestions, too—so if you’ve found a game-changing cruise item, let us know in the comments below. We love discovering new gadgets and hacks to make life at sea even better!
👉 Heads up: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. But don’t worry—our recommendations are 100% honest. We only suggest things we use ourselves or that come highly recommended by fellow cruisers.
Alright, let’s dive in!
Getting some work done (or planning tomorrow’s adventures!) from our cabin’s little “office space.” A multi-USB charger and long USB wires make it possible.
Power & Tech Essentials
Multi-USB Wall Charger - Cabins usually only have a couple of outlets, and let’s face it—phones, cameras, tablets… they all need juice. Cruise lines have banned power extenders and surge-protected power strips, so a wall charger with multiple USB ports is essential. We swear by these because they let you charge everything from one outlet—no extension cords needed!
Charging Station - Sometimes the wall chargers don’t fit easily into the outlets, so we also like using the ship’s charging stations as an alternative when available.
Portable USB Charger - A must-have for port days. There’s nothing worse than running out of phone battery when you’re out exploring or capturing those sailaway shots!
Long USB Wires - Not all cruise cabins (or hotels!) have outlets near the bed. Long USB wires are lifesavers for charging your phone overnight or powering a fan.
Travel Power Adapters - Most cruise ships have more than one type of power outlet—usually a European one and an American one. A travel power adapter lets you make the most of both and charge even more devices at once. We love the multi-country adapters for extra flexibility—they’re super handy for cruises and beyond!
Cabin Comfort
Portable Fan for the Cabin - We never go anywhere without our fan. It’s great for white noise and creating airflow in the cabin. We love this one because you can hook it onto things, and it runs on USB—no extra cables needed! Pair it with a long USB wire for maximum comfort.
USB-Charging Portable Fan - Hot port days can be stifling, and even onboard it can get stuffy. A small, rechargeable fan is one of those things you don’t think you need… until you really do.
Ear Plugs - Ships creak. Elevators ding. Passengers party. If you’re a light sleeper, ear plugs can save your sanity (and your sleep).
Manta Sleep Mask - This is David’s go-to eye mask! It doesn’t fall off, doesn’t rub against your ears, and is so comfortable. A must-have if you’re sensitive to light or just want a better night’s sleep in your cabin.
Highlighter - Sounds a bit old-school, we know! With more cruise lines moving to digital daily planners in their apps, you might think you can skip this. But it’s still a secret weapon—especially if your ship still provides paper planners. Use it to mark your must-do activities and color-code everyone’s plans, so you never miss out on the fun.
Portable Night Light - Inside cabins can be pitch black at night. A little night light in the bathroom is a game changer—no more fumbling in the dark.
Room Freshener - Cruise cabins can get stuffy. A small room spray can work wonders—and each trip’s scent becomes a memory.
Small Roll of Black Electrical Tape - We like our cabin pitch black to sleep, and so many cabins—and hotels—now have annoying little lights. Electrical tape is small, keeps the light out, and doesn’t leave any residue.
Cabin Organisation
Hanging Toiletry Bag - Cruise bathrooms can be small, and these save so much counter space. Nearly every cabin has a hook behind the door—perfect for hanging your toiletry bag and making it super easy to find what you need without unpacking everything.
Magnetic Hooks - Cabin walls are metal—these are brilliant for hanging jackets, hats, decorations, drying swimsuits. Honestly, the uses are endless. We even use these at home they are so good.
Pop-Up Hamper - A simple way to keep dirty laundry from taking over your cabin.
Keeping hydrated on deck! Ben’s trusty BottleBottle water bottle means icy-cold drinks all day long.
Out and About Must-Haves
BottleBottle HydroX Reusable Water Bottle [Use code 15BENDAVID at checkout, to get 15% OFF.] - Keeps your drinks icy cold for 24 hours or your coffee hot for 12. The BottleBottle Hydro X even has a secret compartment for storing medication, money, or keys—perfect for the beach or pool!
BottleBottle Coffee Cup [Use code 15BENDAVID at checkout, to get 15% OFF.] - Refill your cup in the buffet and avoid spills when your hands are full. Keeps drinks hot or cold for hours!
Lanyards - Cruise ships sell them at a premium, but you can find them online for much less—perfect for holding your cruise card.
Travel Wallet - Keep passports, cards, and cash together and easy to find. These are small enough to stay out of the way, with easy access—especially on boarding day—and can be hidden under a jacket for extra security.
Waterproof Neck Wallet / Iphone Case - These are lifesavers when you’re heading to the beach, pool, or even on a water-based excursion. They keep your phone, cards, and other valuables dry and sand-free, so you can enjoy the water without worrying about your stuff. Buy them before because they are always very expensive in port.
Backpack / Small Daypack This bag is Lightweight and water-resistant—perfect for excursions or exploring ports. It folds down into nothing so you can easily throw it into your suitcase. \
Waterproof Watch - Sure, we love our Apple Watches, but sometimes we’d rather not get them sandy or risk losing them. Plus, your ship’s time may differ from land time, and smartwatches auto-adjust. A cheap waterproof watch like a Casio is perfect for pool, beach, and port days.
Exploring a new port with a backpack full of cruise essentials!
Travel Binoculars - Great for scenic cruises like Alaska, the Fjords, or Hawaii. We’ve definitely kicked ourselves for not packing them on past trips—they’re so useful for spotting whales or just soaking in the horizon views. We tend not to bother with them on Caribbean or Mediterranean sailings, though.
Swimsuit Wet Bag - We picked one of these up on a whim and didn’t think we’d use it—but honestly, it’s now one of our essential cruise gear items. It’s perfect for throwing your wet swimsuits in after a beach day so they don’t soak everything else in your bag. Super handy!
Water Shoes / Aqua Socks - Essential for rocky beaches, water parks, or just if you don’t like the feel of the ocean floor!
Rash Guard / Swim Top - We wear these for sun protection and comfort. They’re lightweight and cut down on the amount of sunscreen you’ll be slathering on.
Elastic Band Chair Clips & Sunbed Pegs - Keep your towels from flying away in the breeze—grab some with fun designs!
Laundry Pins / Pegs - Handy for drying things on the balcony or keeping curtains together when the ship is rocking.
Repel Travel Umbrella - Compact, windproof, and a lifesaver in sudden tropical downpours.
Reusable Straws - Many ships have ditched plastic straws—bring your own reusable ones.
Luggage and Packing
Packing Cubes - Help keep your suitcase organised and make packing (and unpacking) easier. We use them for loose items like underwear and socks—then just pop them in the closet to stay organised.
Cruise Luggage Tag Holders - Protect those paper tags from rain, rips, or fading.
Level8 Luggage - Our fave brand of suitcases. We’ve used our Level8 case for three years now—intensely!—and it’s still going strong.
Apple AirTags - Perfect for tracking your luggage (peace of mind!), valuables, or even family members who wander off in port. These have saved us so much anxiety over the years and even helped track down a lost bag—looking at you, Virgin Atlantic!
Apple Air Tag Holders - Attach these to your bags, keys, wallet or family members!
Portable Luggage Scales - Avoid those nasty surprises at the airport by weighing your bags before you fly. We’ve all been there—too many Starbucks mugs or that adorable beach hat, and suddenly your bag weighs twice as much when you disembark. These scales are small, easy to use, and a real stress-saver when it’s time to head home.
David in our well-organised cabin—magnetic hooks, hanging toiletry bags, and a pop-up hamper make all the difference!
Hygiene, Health & Laundry
Sea Sickness Medication - We swear by meclizine (Bonine). It’s fast-acting, long-lasting, and non-drowsy. That said, everyone’s different—so it’s worth chatting with your pharmacist to see what will work best for you. If you’d rather avoid medication altogether, sea sickness wristbands are a great non-medical alternative. You can also try ginger capsules—some people find them helpful for settling the stomach naturally.
Sanitizer Wipes - Perfect for wiping down surfaces and keeping germs at bay. We give every cabin—and even hotel room—a quick wipe down when we arrive.
Pepto Bismol / Tums - For when you’ve had one too many drinks or just too much buffet! We’ve all been there.
Bodyglide Anti-Chafing Stick - Not glamorous, but a lifesaver in humid weather.
Perperix Solution - For heavy sweaters—just be sure to test before your trip!
Laundry Detergent - If your ship has a launderette, bring your own so you don’t have to buy it onboard.
Tide pens - A quick and easy stain remover for clothes on the go. These little pens are incredibly helpful for those accidental spills or splashes—trust us, you’ll be glad to have one in your bag!
Wrinkle Release Spray - Ships often don’t have irons, so this helps release creases and freshen up clothes mid-trip.
Wet Wipes - Perfect for spills, quick freshen-ups, or cleaning your hands—more useful than you’d think!
Final Cruise Essentials Tips
One last thing: you don’t need to pack it all! This list isn’t about bringing everything and the kitchen sink—it’s about helping you find those clever, unique items that’ll make your cruise better. Go through it, see what jumps out at you, and build a packing list that’s right for your trip.
We’re always looking for new ideas to add here, so if there’s something you swear by that we haven’t covered, let us know in the comments below! Your feedback keeps this list fresh and helpful for everyone.
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Happy cruising!