It’s hard to pick just 10 items that are super useful to bring on a cruise. These aren’t necessarily the things on larger cruise essentials lists (I have those too). Rather, they’re unique and functional items that cruise travelers swear has enhanced their vacations!
By the way, if you’re reading this and wondering if these items could be handy for hotel stays and other vacations, most of them can! Thanks for members of the Life Well Cruised community for the awesome recommendations you’ll find below.
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1. Collapsible Portable Reusable Straws
The one item that was voted most “surprisingly” useful was collapsible reusable straws. Most cruise lines don’t use plastic straws anymore. So, you’re usually stuck with soggy paper straws or candy straws (on Carnival).
On my recent Carnival Celebration cruise I brought these little collapsible straws & used them a lot! They come with little brushes for cleaning.
Recommended: Collapsible portable reusable straws (check over 9000 4.5* amazon reviews here)
2. Hat Clip Holder for Sunhat
Keep your hat secure and hands-free with a cute and practical hat clip. Simply attach the clip to your hat and fasten it to your tote bag strap when traveling.
Recommended: Hat Cli
3. Foldable Travel Hangers
Many cruisers use these foldable travel hangers to hang clothing when the cabin closet doesn’t have many hangers.
However, some cruise travelers shared a great hack they found. They use the plastic foldable hangers to dry items they hand washed or swimsuits to dry. The wooden hangers aren’t great for this, but these lightweight hangers do the job!
Recommended: Foldable plastic travel hangers (I often use these in hotels)
4. Silicone Bottle Covers
These silicone bottle covers are one of my favorite tiny travel essentials. I do use small travel containers, but these work so well and make it faster to pack toiletries for a trip.
Recommended: Silicone bottle covers
5. Motion Sensor Night Light
Cruise cabins are very dark at night – in particular any inside cabins. A motion sensor night light is a very practical cruise cabin essential to pack for a cruise vacation.
Recommended: Motion sensor night light (magnetic so it sticks to the ceiling or wall)
6. IWalk Portable Phone Charger
This iWalk portable phone charger is great for when you’re on the go! I have 4 and the charging station, so we always have one charged and ready to use.
Recommended: iWalk portable phone charger (18,000
7. Airplane Pockets
I wish I would have seen this genius travel product earlier. Apparently the airplane pocket organizer has been a very popular item for travelers this year, with lots of rave reviews!
Recommended: Airplane pockets airplane tray cover & organizer (check price & over 2000 4.5* amazon reviews here)
8. Sand-Free Microfiber Towel
These microfiber towels are super thin and light, perfect for packing in a beach bag for shore excursions. While towels are provided on cruise ships, they are heavy and thick to lug around on port days. These dry quickly and don’t take up much space in your luggage
Amanda, who recently too her first cruise on Icon of the Seas, shared that a microfiber sand-free towel was one of her must have cruise essentials!
Recommended: Sand-Free Microfiber Towel (check price & over 5000 Amazon revie
9. Waterproof Waist Pouch
Better than a money belt, this waterproof waist pouch keeps your valuables safe and dry while enjoying water activities. Keep your passport, money, phone and other items secure while on the beach and on water excursions.
Recommended: Waterproof Waist Pouch
10. Inflatable Neck Pillow
One of the annoying things about most travel neck pillows is the extra space it takes. When I shared that in a recent YouTube video, many of my viewers shared that they loved this inflatable neck pillow.
It’s comfortable, doesn’t take up much room and can be stored easily after a flight.
Recommended: Inflatable neck pillow (comes with eye mask and ear plugs too)
11. Apple Airtags
Apple airtags have proven to be one of the most useful products for cruisers and travelers! This set of 4 airtags can be used for checked luggage, carry on, a personal bag and even a passport holder.
Recommended: Apple airtags
12. Magnet Hooks
This item isn’t new, but it remains one of the most useful things people bring on a cruise. Strong magnetic hooks can be used on cabin walls, that are usually metal. This adds extra storage to hang lanyards, jackets, bags, hats and more.
Recommended: Magnet hooks (heavy duty 80lb plus)
Bonus: Reusable Cruise Luggage Tag Holders by Cruise Line
Cruise Packing Lists & Travel Guides
- 75 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
- What to Pack in Your Cruise Shore Excursion Day Bag
- What to Pack for Your First Cruise (Packing List & Tips)
- What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (clothing, gear & essentials)
- 12 Things I Wish I Brought on My Caribbean Cruise (but didn’t)
- What to Pack for a Canada New England Cruise
- What to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise
- 25 Best Cruise Dresses: Amazon Ladies Resort Wear [Life Well Cruised]
- Cruise Luggage Tags and Holders