30 Household Items You Should Be Packing for a Cruise

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If you’re packing & getting ready for a cruise, be sure to look around your house for some everyday items you’ll want to bring on a cruise. These household items are often overlooked, but are handy things to have when traveling!

Packing for a cruise can be a bit tricky due to limited cabin space and unique onboard needs. However, there are many genius items that will be perfect to use in your cruise cabin & even make great cruise packing hacks!

Here are 30 household items you should consider bringing along to enhance your cruise experience.

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Everyday Household Items to Bring on a Cruise

1. Ziplock Bags

Ziplock bags are incredibly versatile. Use them to store snacks, keep wet clothes separate, or protect your phone and other electronics from water. They’re also handy for packing toiletries or keeping small items organized.

2. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

This isn’t just for shoes! Use a hanging over the door shoe organizer it to store toiletries, snacks, or any small items that might otherwise clutter your cabin. It’s a great way to maximize space and keep everything easily accessible.

Recommended: Hanging over the door organizer (check price & over 2300 4.5* Amazon reviews here)

3. Collapsible Hamper

Keep your cabin tidy by using a collapsible hamper to store dirty laundry. It’s easy to pack, saves space, and helps keep your room organized.

Recommended: Pop up hamper

4. Disinfectant Wipes

As part of your embarkation day cabin prep, wipe down frequently-touched surfaces in your cabin, like door handles and remote controls, to stay healthy. It’s a simple precaution to keep germs at bay.

5. Highlighter

Use a highlighter to mark activities in the daily cruise newsletter that you don’t want to miss. It’s a simple way to keep track of events and ensure you don’t overlook any fun opportunities.

6. Insulated Travel Mug

Great for keeping coffee hot during early morning excursions or for bringing a cold drink up to the deck. An insulated travel mug is versatile and can be used throughout the day.

7. Non-Surge Protected Power Bar or Cube

Cruise cabins often have limited power outlets. Bringing a non-surge protected power bar or cube can help keep all your devices charged and ready to use.

It’s important to note that surge protected power strips, which are often used at home, are prohibited on most cruise ships for safety reasons.

Recommended: Non-surge protected power cube with USB-C & A(check price & 5* reviews on amazon)

8. Magnetic Hooks

Cabin walls are usually metal, making magnetic hooks perfect for hanging hats, jackets, or even your daily itinerary. These hooks can help keep your cabin organized and free up space by providing extra hanging spots for various items.

Tip: Be sure that they are heavy duty magnetic hooks. I like 75 lbs or more, which can usually hold a beach bag or backpack.

Recommended: Magnet hooks (check price & amazon reviews here)

9. Laundry Travel Kit

Hand washing a few items in your cabin can save you from overpacking. Pack a DIY or travel-sized laundry detergent kit for dealing with unexpected spills and stains, ensuring you always have something clean to wear.

10. Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent

Hand washing a few items in your cabin can save you from overpacking. Travel-sized laundry detergent is also handy for dealing with unexpected spills and stains, ensuring you always have something clean to wear.

11. Wrinkle Release Spray

There’s limited room for ironing in a cabin. Wrinkle release spray can keep your clothes looking fresh and wrinkle-free, saving you time and effort.

12. Small Portable Fan

Cabins can sometimes get stuffy. A small portable fan can make your cabin much more comfortable, providing a refreshing breeze and improving air circulation.

Recommended: Small portable fan (see price & reviews on amazon)

13. Portable Charger

Keep your devices powered up during long excursions or while relaxing by the pool. A portable charger ensures you never run out of battery when you need it most.

Don’t forget to pack your charger cables as well!

Recommended: Portable charger (with built in cables)

14. Duct Tape

I used to wonder what people would really do with duct tape while they traveled. That is until my son’s luggage zipper broke a few years ago while we were at a hotel the day before we boarded a cruise.

You can pick up a small roll of duct tape at the dollar store and pack it just in case.

15. Safety Pins

Safety pins can save you from a potential wardrobe malfunction, if you know what I mean. Why not bring along a mini sewing kit for any clothing emergencies during your cruise.

16. Binoculars

Perfect for spotting distant wildlife or enjoying the coastal views from the ship. Binoculars are a must for Alaska cruises, but are great to have on any itinerary to check out marine life.

Recommended: Compact binoculars

17. Small Backpack

A small backpack is ideal for shore excursions, carrying essentials like sunscreen, water, and a camera. It’s convenient and keeps your hands free while you explore new places.

Recommended: Small foldable Backpack

18. Sunscreen

This is a must to protect your skin from the harsh sun, whether you’re on the ship’s deck or exploring a sunny port. Don’t forget to reapply regularly!

19. Aloe Vera Gel

In case you do get a bit too much sun, aloe vera gel can help soothe and heal sunburned skin. It’s a comforting remedy to have on hand.

Since it’s pretty expensive to purchase on a cruise ship, Aloe Vera gel is a good item to bring from home.

Recommended: Aloe Vera Gel (organic & non-sticky)

20. Reading Material

Whether it’s a book or a kindle, having something to read can be perfect for those relaxing sea days. It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy your downtime.

Related 15 Genius Travel Gadgets & Tech Items to Bring on a Cruise

21. Earplugs

Block out noise from neighboring cabins or the ship’s engines for a better night’s sleep. Earplugs can make a big difference in your ability to rest well.

As an alternative, some cruisers like to bring a small white noise machine.

22. Lanyard

Many cruisers use a lanyard to keep their room key card handy. It’s also useful for holding small cash, ensuring you always have your essentials within reach.

Recommended: Cruise lanyard with detachable clip

23. Night Light

Cruise cabins can be dark, especially at night. A small night light can help you navigate your way to the bathroom without disturbing others. It’s a simple addition that can make your stay more comfortable.

Bring a small battery operated tea light or a motion sensor nightlight, a popular cruise essential.

Recommended: Motion sensor nightlight (magnetic)

24. First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications can be a lifesaver. It’s always good to be prepared for minor injuries or ailments, especially when you’re far from home.

25. Seasickness Remedies

Even if you’re not prone to seasickness, it’s better to be prepared. Bring ginger candies, acupressure wristbands, or motion sickness patches to ensure you can enjoy the cruise without discomfort.

Related: How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise: 10 Effective Remedies

26. Pen & Sticky Notes

These basic items are probably in your home office or kitchen drawer. However as basic as they are, having a pen and sticky notes on a cruise will prove useful.

I use sticky notes to write a short note to my cabin attendant or even a reminder to myself or family members sharing the cabin.

27. Snacks

There’s no shortage of food on a cruise. However, snacks like chips and candy aren’t going to be found in the cruise ship buffet. Even if you want granola bars to bring on excursions, you’re best off bringing them from home.

28. Playing Cards

Many cruisers bring playing cards or even a favorite board game to pass the time on sea days.

29. Shower Caps

Plastic shower caps make a great inexpensive packing hack when packing shoes for your cruise!

30. Extra Pair of Reading Glasses

If you have a old pair of reading glasses (or any others) hanging around at home, consider bringing them along. Many cruise travelers share that they have broken or lost glasses while on vacation.

A glasses repair kit, dental repair kit and other “just in case” items can be lifesavers as well!

Related: What to Pack for Your First Cruise (Packing List & Tips)

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What household items do you bring on a cruise or when you’re traveling? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana

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