Cruise Like a Pro: Must-Have Gear for Your Next Voyage
- Darian Abraham
- Sep 20, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 15
Cruises offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. But before you set sail, it’s essential to pack wisely! From soaking up the sun on deck to exploring vibrant ports, the right gear ensures that you make the most of every moment. Whether you're organizing your compact cabin or safeguarding your skin during island excursions, this guide will equip you with the must-haves for smooth sailing. Let’s get started on packing for an unforgettable cruise!
Top 10 Must-Have Cruise Items
1. Portable Battery Pack
Why it’s essential: Imagine you’re halfway through an amazing shore excursion, snapping photos of everything... until your phone dies! A portable battery pack saves you from missing out on capturing memories or getting lost without navigation.
Top Pick: INIU 140W Power Bank 27000mAh – $72 to $100
With a high capacity, this power bank is perfect for keeping your laptop, tablet, and phone fully charged, even on long excursions. Plus, its compact design won’t weigh down your beach bag.
Budget Pick: INIU Portable Charger 10000mAh – $20 to $25
Small but mighty, this budget-friendly option will keep your phone alive for those “must-snap” moments, without the bulk.
2. Waterproof Phone Case
Why it’s essential: Trust me, your phone will thank you! Even if it's water-resistant, beach waves, pool splashes, or an unexpected rainstorm can still spell disaster.
Top Pick: Ghostek Nautical Phone Case – $30 to $60
Waterproof and drop-proof, this case is your best friend for snorkeling adventures or even just hanging out by the pool. It ensures your phone stays protected in up to 20 feet of water.
Budget Pick: JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch – $7 to $13
Affordable, simple, and versatile, this pouch is the perfect quick fix for keeping your phone dry during water activities, without the high price tag.
3. Magnetic Hooks
Why it’s essential: Cruise cabins are small, and organization is key to avoiding clutter. Magnetic hooks make the most of vertical space for hanging towels, hats, or anything else you need easy access to.
Top Pick: LOVIMAG Black Magnetic Hooks (110 lbs) – $7 (4-Pack)
These strong hooks attach easily to the metal walls of your cabin, giving you much-needed extra space for hanging clothes or accessories.
4. Collapsible Water Bottle
Why it’s essential: You don’t want to be caught without water on a long day exploring new places. A collapsible water bottle saves space in your bag while keeping you hydrated.
Top Pick: Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle – $25 to $30
This bottle collapses down to just over an inch, making it easy to carry when empty. It’s durable and holds both hot and cold liquids.
Budget Pick: Mefold Store Collapsible Water Bottle (610mL/20oz) – $10
Lightweight, leak-proof, and budget-friendly, this water bottle is a great companion for any shore excursion.
5. Sunscreen and Aloe Vera Gel
Why it’s essential: Sunburns can quickly ruin your vacation. A good sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, while aloe vera gel soothes any burns you might get along the way.
Top Pick (Sunscreen): EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 – $30 to $36
This lightweight sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin and provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. Since it's clear, it works well on all shades of skin without leaving a white cast.
Top Pick (Reef-Safe Sunscreen): Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen – $17 to $22
Reef-safe and highly effective, this sunscreen not only protects your skin but also helps preserve the environment. Though the formula is thicker, it rubs in smoothly and leaves minimal to no white residue, ensuring a clear finish.
Top Pick (Aloe Vera Gel): Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel – $9 - $12
This gel is well-known for its soothing and cooling properties, making it great for sunburns or irritated skin. It's lightweight, absorbs quickly, and contains vitamin E and tea tree oil for added relief
6. Motion Sickness Remedies
Why it’s essential: Nothing spoils a cruise faster than seasickness. Having remedies on hand will ensure you’re ready for any rough seas.
Top Pick (Best Overall): Bonine– $5 to $10
A non-drowsy, fast-acting option that helps prevent nausea and dizziness caused by motion sickness.
Top Pick (Best Natural): Ginger Chews (Gin Gins or Dramamine Ginger Chews) – $5 to $8
For those who prefer natural remedies (or plan to enjoy cocktails), ginger chews are a great, non-medicated option for keeping nausea at bay.
7. Backpack for Shore Excursions
Why it’s essential: From water to snacks to souvenirs, you need a reliable backpack to carry your essentials during shore excursions.
Top Pick: Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack - $70 - 80
Lightweight and durable, this pack has padded straps and plenty of compartments to keep your items organized and accessible throughout your adventures.
Budget Pick: VPBAGE Highly Water-resistant Hiking Daypack (15L) - $20 - 29
A simple, no-fuss water-resistant backpack that’s budget-friendly but still holds everything you’ll need for a day exploring.
8. USB Ports Hub (Cruise-Approved)
Why it’s essential: With limited outlets in cruise cabins, a USB hub ensures you can keep all your devices charged without breaking cruise regulations.
Top Pick: IEFUU 100W USB C Charger Block – $45 to $55
A high-powered hub with multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, this is ideal for keeping your devices charged and surge-protection-free.
Top Pick (with a cable): TOPADRE 160W USB C Charging Station – $25 to $50
With fast-charging ports and a detachable cable, this charging station is perfect for ensuring all your devices stay powered up.
9. Lanyard with Key Holder
Why it’s essential: Keep your SeaPass card and other essentials close with a lanyard, making it easy to navigate the ship and embark on shore excursions.
Top Pick: DELSWIN Heavy Duty Retractable Lanyard – $9 to $12
A durable retractable lanyard with a high-strength steel cord designed to last longer than cheaper alternatives. Its metal casing ensures your SeaPass card and other essentials are always within easy reach.
Budget Pick: Any basic lanyard from Amazon – $5 to $7
Simple and effective, this lanyard does the job without breaking the bank.
10. Laundry Bags
Why it’s essential: Keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones is especially important on longer cruises. A foldable laundry bag keeps things organized.
Top Pick: Miamica Travel Laundry Bag – $13 to $16
Compact and easy to pack, this laundry bag is designed for travel and keeps dirty clothes neatly stored.
Budget Pick: Any basic laundry bag from Amazon – $5 to $10
You could just grab any cheaper bag off of Amazon or one that you have lying around the house already!
Looking to make your cruise planning even smoother? Check out our free printable cruise planner in our store to help you stay organized before and during your trip. Grab your copy here and start your adventure stress-free!
Conclusion:
As the waves carry you to new horizons, you’re not just prepared—you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime. With these essential items packed, you'll be organized, sun-safe, and fully prepared to explore every corner of the ship and every destination ashore. So raise a toast, embrace the freedom of the open seas, and create memories that will last long after you return to shore. Bon voyage and happy cruising!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is based on personal experiences and research. Please consult official sources for the most accurate and updated details regarding cruise regulations and packing recommendations.
Additionally, this post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support the blog and allow me to continue providing valuable content. I only recommend products that I personally use or trust. Thank you for your support!
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