Sharing is caring!

If you’re cruising in the near future, you may be creating a list of Amazon cruise essentials to bring on your cruise. These cruise accessories and travel gadgets can be really useful for space-saving and more!

Cruising is the type of travel experience, where you want to be prepared with everything you need in advance. I’ve learned from experience, if you think you might need it, you better bring it from home. 

In this post, I share some of the most useful things to bring on a cruise, from things that help with packing for a cruise to genius items that will organize your cruise cabin space.

In addition, I’ll include a few items you may not have thought of bringing on a cruise, but really should be on your cruise packing list! You may even have some of these things at home already.

Cruise Essentials Packing List – Amazon Must-haves

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Amazon Prime Free Trial

Amazon Prime comes with many benefits, including faster, free delivery, movies and TV shows (Prime TV) and even borrowing Kindle books. If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, check out the FREE 30 day trial.

Here are some of Amazon’s most popular cruise travel essentials and accessories that pro cruisers swear by!

Before we get started, you might be wondering if you need all 50 items on this list. Of course, you’ll want to pick and choose. Not every travel item needs to be packed for every cruise!

However, the items that are included, are some of the most popular and well reviewed cruise essentials sold on Amazon.

As well, this post has been updated to include some new cruising essentials for 2023.

Many of these items are things that I bring and use on my own cruises. I’ve included a couple YouTube videos below, if you’d like to see the items and have more information.

Recommended Cruise Accessories to Pack for a Cruise

These items are useful to organize your cruise stateroom, for packing and to use onboard your cruise ship.

1. Cruise Approved Power Bar

It’s surprising, but most cruise ship cabins have only 1 or 2 electric plugs. If you’re bringing electronic items like phones, pads, speakers, go-pros and anything else, you’ll really want more plugs, and even USB’s.

Very important – Cruise lines don’t allow you to bring a regular surge-protected power bar from home (they will confiscate). It’s very important to have a non-surge protected one that is “cruise approved”.

Recommended: Cruise Power Strip with USB Outlets – Non Surge Protection & Ship Approved (verify price here)

2. Non-Surge Power Cubes with USB-C

A new cruise accessory I’ve found is smaller travel size power cube which includes a USB-C plug.

Recommended: No-surge power bar cube with 6 outlets (check 5* amazon reviews)

3. Over the Door Hanging Organizer 

Cruisers are masters at using small cruise cabin space efficiently. An over the door organizer is very practical to store items you and your family will use often. You can hang this on your bathroom door or even use magnet hooks to hang on a cabin wall.

Pro tip: Pack your over the door organizer at home and place it in your suitcase, ready to hang. It will save so much time on your embarkation day.

Recommended: This OVER THE DOOR ORGANIZER is a favorite due to it’s mesh pockets rather than plastic

4. Magnetic Cabin Hooks

One of the best ways to add storage space to your cruise stateroom is to use magnet hooks to hang backpacks, sunhats and bathing suits to dry. Cruise cabin walls are metal, so using magnets is an awesome cruise cabin hack!

Recommended: 6 pack Magnetic Hooks (these are “heavy duty”)

5. Magnetic Clips

Another cruise essential that really won’t be on other types of travel packing lists, are magnetic wall clips. Funny but cool cruise fact – cruise cabin walls are metal.

Why bring magnet clips? On a cruise, you’ll have some paper cruise planners, shore excursion tickets, and invitations to events on your cruise that tend to clutter up your desk and counter space. Use some magnetic clips to hang these items on the wall.

Recommended: Magnetic clips (see 4.5* Amazon reviews)

6. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

Plastic reusable luggage tags holders are so practical. If you get nothing else, buy luggage tag holders! Not only are they reasonably priced, but they can be reused again and again.

In the past, I’d print out my paper cruise luggage tags. Then, I’d spend 45 minutes on the morning of the cruise stapling and then taping everyone’s luggage tags. When I finally bought a set of luggage tag holders, I really wondered why I’d waited so long!

Recommended: Plastic Sleeve luggage tags (check for specific cruiseline)

Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders

• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity
• Norwegian
• Princess
• Carnival
• Holland America
• MSC Cruises

7. Packing Cubes

It’s official. I’m a packing cube convert. While I wrote a blog post about the pros and cons of packing cubes, the fact is, there are very few cons.

In fact, I’ve now found even more cruise packing hacks and ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. I recommend getting at least 2 packs of these packing cubes, with the various sizes, in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family.

Recommended: 5 star rated Packing Cubes

Read more: The Pros and Cons of Packing Cubes for Cruise Vacations

8. Luggage Set with Spinner Wheels

If you’re anything like me, you might be due for some new luggage. Make sure it’s lightweight and has 4 spinner wheels so that it’s easy to board your cruise ship and disembark (even if you do self-disembarkation).

Recently, I got new hard side luggage and I’m loving it!

Pro tip – If you have a neutral or common color suitcase, like black, blue or grey, make sure to tie some colored yarn or ribbon around a handle so that it stands out and you can find it easily at the airport or cruise terminal.

Recommended: 2 Piece Luggage Set (check price & reviews on Amazon here)

9. Portable Luggage Scale

Make sure to bring along a portable digital luggage scale when you’re flying to and from your cruise. This handheld digital scale includes batteries and is a customer favorite.

Recommended: Handheld digital luggage scale (see product details & Amazon reviews here)

10. Lanyard and Keycard Holder

Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port.

Recommended: Cruise Lanyard and Cruise Card Holder (waterproof)

11. Cruise Card Holder Phone Pouch

This new cruise accessory, a cruise card holder, is now my husband’s favorite! He used this to hold his cruise key card on our last cruise, and has raved about it ever since.

Recommended: Cruise car holder phone pouch wallet (stays on cell phone case)

12. Refillable (and collapsible) Water Bottles

I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles. While obviously convenient on the cruise ship, more than that I love how they don’t take room in my luggage or beach bag when not being used.

Recommended: Collapsible 20 ounce water bottles (check price & 1000+ Amazon reviews here)

13. Insulated Tumbler Travel Mug

If you’re a coffee lover, you know why you need a quality thermal travel mug. These are fabulous for keeping cold drinks cold as well.

Recommended: Thermal Hot & Cold Travel Mug

14. Towel Clips

It’s very hard for me to hold in my enthusiasm for pool and beach towel clips. The ship is so breezy and towels would never stay put for me. It used to drive me crazy as I would try to read or relax.

This is honestly an item I’m so happy we bring on our cruises! We bought some towel clips with different styles (flamingo, margaritas, flip flops) and they’re adorable!

Recommended: Beach Towel Clips (check price & 5* reviews on Amazon)

15. Adjustable Towel Bands for Beach Chairs

Some cruisers prefer towel bands to clips, as they’re easier to pack and take up less room. I love these, as they are adjustable and have a convenient clip cruisers are loving.

Recommended: Towel bands with clips

16. Poo-Pourri Bathroom Spray

Poo-Pourri bathroom spray is a cruising essential that may not be talked about much, but it works. Cruise cabins and bathrooms are small, and the space is tight. A useful bathroom hack is to spray a little Poo-Pourri before you go. 

Recommended:   Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray Bottle (see 5* Amazon reviews & price here)

17. Cabin Alarm Clock

If you like to know the time during the night or don’t want to rely on your cell phone, consider a simple travel battery operated clock. A lot of cruisers swear this is one of their favorite cruise accessories.

Recommended: Digital Travel Alarm Clock (battery powered)

18. Motion Sensor Nightlight

This portable nightlight gets great reviews by cruisers and is one of the best-selling Amazon cruise accessories.

If you’re in an inside cabin especially, it will be pitch black. So having a touch of light for when someone has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night will be appreciated!

Recommended: Cruise Cabin nightlight (best-seller)

19. Portable Fan

If you’re someone who finds that small spaces can get hot and stuffy, consider bringing a small fan  to make your cabin more comfortable. I like this one as it’s battery operated, but rechargeable  – plus it’s quiet.

Recommended: Portable Travel Mini Fan

20. Ladies Carry-on Bag

I love the size and practicality of his weekender style carry-on bag. It’s perfect to carry over your shoulder, but also fits right over the handles of your luggage.

Recommended: Carry-on bag with nautical stripe (see details & style options on Amazon here)

21. Hanging Toiletry Bag

These hanging toiletry bags are so practical to keep you organized in a tight cruise cabin bathroom, so it makes sense that this is quickly becoming one of the popular items to bring on a cruise.

This one in particular is my favorite and has over 35,000 5* reviews (you can see it in my video at the bottom of this post).

Recommended: Hanging toiletry/cosmestic bag (different colors available – read 35,000+ 5 star reviews)

22. Travel Laundry Hamper (pop up mesh)

A great way to keep your cabin organized, is by placing all dirty clothing in a mesh laundry hamper (so useful!). 

Recommended: Travel laundry hamper (check price and see Amazon reviews here)

Related: Do Cruise Ships Provide Irons and Ironing Boards to Guests?

23. Downy Wrinkle Release Spray

Make sure to bring along a travel size Downy Wrinkle Release spray to get any wrinkles out of your cruise wear.

Recommended: Downy Wrinkle Release Spray (travel size available on Amazon)

Read more: How to Pack Wrinkle Free for a Cruise

24. Tide to Go Stain Remover Stick

Tide to Go instant stain remover sticks will save your cruise outfits! Make sure to pack one or more for your cruise.

Recommended: Tide To Go stain remover stick (verify price on Amazon)

25. Jewelry Organizer Travel Bag

If you like to pack jewelry for your cruise, this jewelry organizer bag keeps necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets separated so they won’t tangle. The clear pouches make it a cruise essential favorite! 

I have the small size, and find it perfect, however it’s available in 3 different sizes so it can suit your needs.

 Recommended: Jewelry organizer travel bag (see sizes and color options)

Cruise Shore Excursion Must-haves

26. Beach Bag

I love a good beach bag on a cruise. You can use this one as a carry on bag on embarkation day, as well as on shore excursions.

This one is large with a zipper closure, and looks great too.

Recommended: Beach Bag (see price & different colors on Amazon here)

27. Mesh Tote Bag

This mesh tote bag is one of my favorite cruise essentials. I love to use it to keep my sunscreen, book and other items both on the cruise ship and off.

Recommended: Mesh tote bag (check price & 5000+ Amazon reviews here)

28. Trendy Knit Beach Bag

This stylish knit beach bag is super cute for the lido deck or to use in cruise ports of call.

Recommended: Large mesh knit beach bag (3 colors – check excellent reviews)

29. Magnetic Sunhat Clip

One of the best inventions ever is the magnetic hat clip! Never lose or squish your sunhat again.

Recommended: Magnetic hat clip (check price & different colors on Amazon)

30. Sunhat

This wide brim beach hat is great for Bahamas, Caribbean or even Mediterranean cruises!

Recommended: Wide brim sun hat (see over 13,000 Amazon reviews here)

31. Waterproof Drybag

If you plan on doing any kayaking or other water excursions, you’ll get good use out of this waterproof drybag.

Recommended: Waterproof Dry Bag (see reviews & recommendations here)

32. Portable Lock Box

This portable lock box safe is great for placing your id, phones, cash and other valuables and keeping them secure while on an excursion.

Recommended:  Portable lock box for beach and pool

33. Water Shoes

Water shoes will be useful if you’re going to a rocky beach or an excursion where water shoes are recommended. We made the mistake several years ago of going to Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica and needing to buy the shoes on site.

In fact on a recent cruise, we brought some new water shoes for an excursion to Virgin Gorda. These were awesome, and I’ll be bringing my water shoes on all future Caribbean cruises!

Recommended: Water Shoes (men & women all sizes)

34. Snorkel and Mask

If you’re going to be snorkeling more than once, it really pays to buy your own snorkel gear. These are two Amazon cruise items that are both recommended, but really depend on your preferences.

Check out the Amazon review for this full face mask style snorkel set (to see why people are loving it).

Recommended: Snorkel Set with Snorkel full face MASK and swim fins (check price & over 5000 4.5* Amazon reviews)

This snorkel set is more traditional, but also very popular with cruisers.

Recommended: Snorkel Set – Panoramic Wide View

35. Reef Safe Sunscreen

If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise, it’s really important to pack reef friendly sunscreen, as this is safer for the coral reefs. Many Caribbean islands (such as St. Thomas), have laws against using chemical sunscreen, and can issue fines.

It’s best bring the reef friendly sunscreen from home, as it will be less expensive than buying it on site.

Recommended: Reef friendly sunscreen (see price & Amazon reviews here)

36. Aloe Vera After-Sun Gel

Always be prepared in case you get too much sun. A good quality pure aloe vera gel will actually be able to be worn under your clothes, as it won’t be sticky like some gels with fillers.

Recommended: Pure Aloe Vera Gel (see over 60,000 reviews on Amazon)

37. Lip Balm with SPF

So many people forget to bring lip balm with SPF on a cruise. However, if your lips swell up like you had bad lip injections, you’ll regret not packing lip balm (ideally in your cruise carry on bag).

 Recommended: Sun Bum Lip balm with SPF

Tech Items & Electronics Accessories to Bring on a Cruise

38. Portable Phone Charger

one While a cruise power bar might be the most important tech item to have on a cruise, a portable phone charger is super practical.

We used this one on our last cruise to charge two phones at a time! It was awesome and long lasting!

Recommended: INIU Portable Charger – compatible with most phones (but do verify)

39. IWalk Portable Phone Charger

Convenient on the go Iwalk portable chargers are great when traveling! I always have one in my purse, even for everyday use.

Recommended: Iwalk phone charger (check price & amazon reviews here)

40. Waterproof Phone Case

These waterproof phone cases with lanyards are great to keep your phone dry, and keep the sand out when you’re at the beach. I love these in particular as these also have a touch screen (so important when cruising and traveling).

Recommended: Waterproof Phone Case with Cruise Lanyards

41. Electronics Organizer Case

Stay organized by keeping your chargers, cables and plugs, and phone accessories together in one electronics bag. I love the Bagmart products – they are well made and sections are well thought out.

Recommended: Electronics organizer bag (see color options)

42. Apple Airtags

If you are taking a flight to your cruise, get a set of Apple AirTags (if you have an iphone). If not, a tile or another similar product can work well for you.

Recommended: Apple AirTags (check price & 40,000+ 5* Amazon reviews)

43. Folding Travel Mirror LED

A best seller, this folding travel mirror ia a favorite Amazon find.

Recommended: Folding LED travel mirror (see price & almost 5000 reviews on Amazon)

44. Kindle

These days, many cruise travelers are leaving their books at home and opting for a space saving Kindle. When we asked cruisers for their top cruise must-haves, the Kindle made the top 10!

Recommended: Kindle Paperwhite (check price & over 20,000 4.5* reviews on Amazon here)

45. Sunrise Alarm Clock

A cruise essential that’s gaining popularity this year is the sunrise alarm clock. This is one of the most useful cruise accessories for anyone cruising in a windowless inside cabin.

Recommended: Sunrise alarm clock

Wellness Items to Pack for a Cruise

46. Cruise First-aid kit

Having a travel first aid kit is one of the most important things you can pack for your cruise. Whether you use this one below, or put together your own, do make sure you bring the medications and general first-aid items with you on your cruise.

Recommended: Cruisepaks Cruise Essentials First Aid Travel Kit – 150 Pieces

For more cruise first-aid travel information, I recommended reading: 31 Cruise First Aid Kit Essentials You Need to Have

47. Seabands

If you’re worried about getting seasick on a cruise, Seabands are a great, natural product that many frequent cruisers love.

Recommended: Seabands (available for adults and children)

48. Bonine Motion Sickness Tablets

Please don’t make this common first time cruiser mistake. Even if you’ve cruised before, you can still be affected by the “motion of the ocean”. Bonine really works well for my husband and I, without drowsy side effects.

Recommended: Bonine seasickness tablets 

Read more: Cruise Toiletries Packing List

49. Ginger Candies

Ginger candies are a natural remedy for motion sickness. If you have a touch of queasiness on a cruise, a ginger tummydrop can really help.

Recommended: Ginger candies (organic)

50. Disinfecting Wipes for Travel

It’s a good idea to bring disinfecting wipes for your travels – in the airplane or even for the car ride if you’re driving to the cruise ship.

Once on the ship, you may find having these healthy cruise essentials useful as well.

Recommended: Disinfecting wipes (check reviews on Amazon)

51. Liquid IV

Liquid IV hydration multiplier and immune support is on the cruise packing list of many! It’s easy to get dehydrated and even a little worn down during a cruise, from the sun and fun ;-).

Liquid IV is a good item to have handy just in case.

Recommended: Liquid IV (see variety of flavors on Amazon here)

Cruise Items You Didn’t Know You Needed

52. Binoculars

If you’re cruising to Alaska, bringing a set of binoculars is a must! Whether on the cruise ship or on a whale watching tour, travel binoculars should be on your Alaska cruise packing list.

However, we’ve cruised in the Caribbean and have actually seen whales and even dolphins a couple of times from afar. Of course flying fish are more common – but there’s a lot you can see and appreciate sitting at a quiet spot on deck or on your balcony with your binoculars.

Recommended: Travel Folding Binoculars (see over 20,000 reviews & price on amazon)

53. Travel Corkscrew

Are you bringing wine bottles on your cruise? If so, make sure to pack a small affordable travel corkscrew to bring on your cruise vacation.

Recommended: Small travel corkscrew (see Amazon reviews)

54. Stainless Steel straws

In an attempt to use less plastic, most cruise lines have eliminated plastic straws on board. This means that either the drinks are served “strawless”, or you may get a paper straw.

If you think a soggy paper straw will bother you, consider bringing along a set of your own reusable straws.

Recommended: Stainless Steel Reusable straws (this one has over 50000 5* reviews – Amazon)

55. Highlighter and post its

Bringing simple items from home like a highlighter and post it’s can be useful. You can leave notes for your cabin steward or highlight activities on your cruise planner.

56. Cruise Staff  Thank-you Cards

Even if you’ve never used thank you cards before, this may be the time to say a very big thank you to your favorite crew members!

Recommended: Cruise staff thank you cards 

Video: The Most Popular Cruise Essentials Cruisers Love

57. Extra Reading Glasses

If you wear reading glasses, make sure to bring along an extra pair , in case they break or get lost.

Recommended: Reading glasses (set including blue light)

58. Emergency Dental Repair Kit

I’ve actually heard this tip from another cruiser, who pointed out that there aren’t any dentists on board a cruise, and how handy an emergency dental repair kit could be.

Recommended: Temporary dental repair kit 

59. Convertible Garment Duffel

If you’re packing a suit and/or cocktail dress for your cruise, the best way to pack them, wrinkle-free for a cruise, is by using a garment bag. This convertible duffle style garment bag is perfect!

Recommended: convertible duffle style garment bag (see pricing & Amazon reviews here)

60. Travel Hairdryer

The hairdryers in cruise ship cabins aren’t very powerful. This small travel hairdryer was recommended to me by my hairdresser. It’s the best travel hairdryer I’ve ever had!

Recommended: BaByLiss travel hairdryer

61. Water Bottle Tote Pouch

For the cruiser who has every cruise accessory, this is something new. How convenient is this water bottle tote pouch? Finally, a place to put that refillable water bottle while walking around on the cruise ship on a sea day, or even on an excursion.

Recommended: Water bottle tote pouch (verify pricing on Amazon)

YouTube video: 30 Amazon Cruise Essentials (and new finds!)

 

Recap: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

These are the some of the most popular and best-selling cruise essentials that cruisers buy for their cruise. I hope this has been helpful as you plan and prepare for your cruise.

While you may not need all the items, consider which cruise gadgets and accessories would make things most convenient while you’re cruising.

Amazon Prime Free Trial

Do you have Amazon Prime? Amazon Prime comes with many benefits, including faster, free delivery, movies and TV shows (Prime TV) and even borrowing Kindle books. If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, check out the FREE 30 day trial.

CRUISE PLANNING & PACKING LISTS

The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Do you need cruise packing lists, to-checklists, shore excursion forms and more? Check out the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner.

See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -What’s Included

Need more cruise packing tips?

Here are 5 of the most useful cruise packing posts so you’ll be sure to have all the essential things you need for your cruise.

• What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
• What to Pack for Your First Cruise (Packing List & Tips)
• 23 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag
• 21 Best Cruise Luggage and Packing Accessories
• Cruise Wear over 50: Flattering Cruise Outfits for Women (plus packing list)
• Cruise Toiletries Packing List

Note: Keep in mind that you cannot bring your own power bar from home, as it must be a cruise approved, non-surge protected power bar.

I recommend one with 2 USB outlets – click HERE to verify price on Amazon.

Are you a new or seasoned cruiser? What items do you most recommend people bring on a cruise? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana

P.S. If you’ve found this post helpful, please share it with others on Facebook or save it for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top).