35 Cruise Essentials You Might Forget to Pack
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One of the questions I get asked most when friends plan a trip? What should I pack?! That’s why I’m launching this travel packing list series—your go-to guide for what to bring (and what to leave behind) for every kind of adventure. First up: cruises! Whether you’re setting sail for the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, this cruise packing list covers everything beyond the basics you’ll need for smooth sailing! Turn your cabin into a romantic party pad, maximize storage space, and tackle excursions like a pro.
In our cruise packing list, we go beyond the basics to highlight those often-overlooked items that can make a big difference: from magnetic hooks (yes, the walls are metal!) to over-the-door organizers for keeping your small essentials tidy, to battery-powered night lights for navigating your dark cabin at night. We’re also sharing some fun extras like waterproof playing cards, mini fans, and even a highlighter for marking off daily cruise activities.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a frequent sailor, these are the little things I’ve found genuinely useful after cruising around the world. Some make a tiny cabin more comfortable, some make packing easier, and some are simply things I’m really glad I had with me.
I’ve cruised on/around 4 continents- Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. For some inspiration, check out my blog posts from previous cruises: Cruises- Jennifer’s Path.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I use, like, or think are genuinely useful for travelers.
Want something you can actually check off while you pack? Download my free one-page printable with 35 cruise essentials you don’t want to forget.
Packing and Organization
- Luggage Tag Holders– These are great for the luggage tags that the cruise line issues ahead of time. These tags will prevent your tags from ripping off in transport, and ensure that your bags find you onboard the ship.
- Over-the-Door Organizers– Staterooms are notoriously small and short on storage, so these over-the-door organizers designed for shoes come in handy for all sorts of items beyond shoes. I put toiletries, water bottles, swimsuits, etc in these pockets to keep things accessible and organized.
- Wrinkle Release Spray– I picked this one because it works and it comes with 2 full sized bottles and one travel size, so you get more for your money and can refill and reuse your travel sized bottle.
- Hanging Toiletry Bag– You can hang this space saver on a hook in the bathroom to make unpacking and packing a breeze, and to keep your stuff visible and accessible.
- Jewelry Organizer– Don’t spend half your vacation untangling knotted necklaces. Keep everything organized and accessible with this foldable jewelry organizer.
- Passport Holder– I bought these in the time of COVID to hold my credit cards, passport, and COVID vaccination card. I loved it so much, I bought them for my mom and my in-laws for a family cruise. They come in a variety of cute colors.
- Luggage– Maybe not “unexpected,” but you’ll need something to carry all your gear in. Samsonite is a reliable, well-known brand that comes in at a more affordable price point. These hard side suitcases are stylish and practical. Hint- choose a color other than black so you can identify your bags easily.
- Packing Cubes- I am a believer! Packing cubes keep your clothes organized and make packing and unpacking a breeze! You can pull out the cubes and place them right into your drawers. I like these. Amazon says they are frequently returned, and after years of use and many trips, I do see a few rips and they are thin- this is great for me and they are lightweight. The small size works for me, and I like the color coding. you prefer sturdier ones, these gray ones are nice too (they come in other colors and are compressible).
- Packable Clothes Hamper-It doesn’t take up much space in your bag but really adds to your organization. This is nice to put in your closet for dirty clothes.
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Shore Excursion Essentials
- Lanyards– Some cruise lines still use plastic cards as your room key and onboard currency, so you’ll need it with you at all times. These can be helpful to keep your card at hand and avoid losing it.
- Beach Towel Clips- These little guys will hold your towel and prevent it from blowing away, also making it easy to spot your chair in a sea of identical loungers.
- Water Bottle– it is so important to stay hydrated, and the Caribbean sun can be brutal. Other destinations like the Mediterranean can also be very hot. Plastic water bottles are polluting our oceans. Reusable water bottles are the way to go, and I never leave home without my Iron Flask.
- Water Bottle Holder– This is perfect for carrying the Iron Flask, and it also has a pocket for your phone and one for cards like your key card, ID, and credit cards.
Water Bottle Holder
- Packable Beach Bag– Perfect for shore excursions as well as for schlepping your gear to the pool.
- Packable Beach Hat– This is a cute, stylish, packable essential to protect that pretty face from the sun!
- Sand Remover– This little mitt will remove sticky sand from body parts and belongings, and has a keychain for easy carrying.
- Packable sand-free beach towel– This towel is thin, super absorbent, repels sand, and comes in gorgeous patterns!
Cruise Comfort and Wellness
- Eye Mask– If you are in an interior room, you won’t have much light pollution, but some cruise lines have motion sensor night lights that may disturb you if you are a light sleeper. If you are in a room with a window and/or balcony, light always seems to seep through. For me, it always shoots laser beams right at my eyes! I’ve been using these sleep masks for years, while traveling and at home. They come 2 to a pack and the pack includes ear plugs. They don’t squish your eyeballs, and the bands are so thin you cannot feel them if you sleep on your back.
- Motion Sickness Bands– While it is true that many of the ships are so big you barely feel the motion of the ocean, we have had more rough sea days over the past couple of years. Climate change is causing warmer ocean temperatures, and the warmer water fuels stronger storms. If you travel during shoulder season, you are more likely to encounter variable weather, and travel to areas like Alaska and Antarctica often take you through more turbulent seas. Be prepared with these motion sensor pressure-point bands. I also recommend taking bonine and ginger candies
3. Reef Safe Sunscreen– Some places require reef-safe sunscreen by law, while others strongly recommend it. Be a good global citizen and steward of the environment and use reef-safe sunscreen! This one is great and, because it is a solid, it doesn’t count against your liquids if you carry it on.
4. Liquid IV– This stuff adds flavor to your H2O and contains essential electrolytes to keep you hydrated in the hot sun! 
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Cruise Cabin Essentials
- Portable Makeup Mirror– Most cabins have a little vanity where you can sit and apply your makeup and fix your hair, but it’s nice to have some flexibility. It’s also nice to have a handheld mirror so you can see the back your head!
- Diffuser Sock– For all you curly girls out there- cruise cabin hair dryers never have diffusers, which could mean a frizzy mess for us… These ingenious little things take up practically no space and have a huge impact.
- Portable Speaker– Speaking of atmosphere and ambience, how better to get in the mood to party, play, or just explore? Music is a must! Just be respectful of your neighbors and keep the volume reasonable.
- Coffee Cup– This can cut down on trips to the coffee station, and will keep your coffee warm enough to take it back to the cabin and sit on your balcony while watching the sea go by!
35. Clothesline- This stretchy, durable clothesline comes with clothes pins and you can hang it anywhere! 
- Magnetic Hooks– the walls of cabins on the major cruise lines are metal, which opens up a whole lot of options for storage and decoration. These magnetic hooks hold up to 30 pounds and provide a place to hang hats, lanyards, purses, towels, wet swimsuits, and even string lights! There are sturdier ones if you need them! I never cruise without them.
- Portable Fan– It can get warm in those cabins, and we like to sleep in a cool room. These fans are perfect for the job!
- Plug Extender– most cabins only have a few plug ins, and cruise lines don’t allow extension cords or power strips. These little guys are allowed and are lifesavers!
Plug Extender
Fun Extras You Didn’t Know You Needed
- Light Projector– This galaxy sky-cloud light projector is an alternative or addition to the string lights to add a cool vibe to your cabin!
- Magnetic LED String Lights– I LOVE these! They are magnetic and rechargeable, so you can put them anywhere. They add a fun, festive atmosphere to your room and can heighten the romantic ambience.
- White Board/Door Magnets– if you are traveling with a group or family, white boards can be great for communication! You can leave a little note letting people know where you are and when you’ll be back. As a bonus, last time we used this on a family trip, we got lots of random fun anonymous messages that made us laugh every time we went back to our cabin! Add some whimsical magnets for a little extra fun- as a bonus, this helps you find your cabin more easily!
- These rechargeable night lights are magnetic and motion sensing! No more stubbing your toe on those bathroom thresholds or tripping over your roommate’s shoes!
6. These waterproof playing cards have a cool, unique design and come with a QR code for game instructions!
These waterproof playing cards will spice up your pool and beach time!
7. Highlighters– Some cruise lines are still printing daily schedules. I like to use a magnet to put the daily schedule on the wall and highlight activities I am interested in.
Perfect for highlighting activities on your daily cruise schedule.
*Jennifer’s Tip*
Don’t buy everything on this list just because someone on the internet says you “need” it. Pack for your cruise, your cabin and the way you travel. These are the extras I’ve found genuinely useful—not requirements for having a great cruise.
Want to see the products I actually recommend?
→ Shop My Cruise Packing Essentials
Save this checklist for later: Pin it to your Cruise Planning board so you can find it when it’s time to pack.
Want something you can actually check off while you pack? Download my free one-page printable with 35 cruise essentials you don’t want to forget.
Screenshot this list of 35 things you might forget for your cruise:
| Cruise Cabin Essentials | Packing, Pool & Shore | Comfort, Fun & Extras |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ Magnetic hooks | ☐ Packing cubes | ☐ Sleep mask |
| ☐ Over-the-door organizer | ☐ Hanging toiletry bag | ☐ Motion-sickness remedies |
| ☐ Outlet/USB extender | ☐ Jewelry organizer | ☐ Electrolyte drink mix |
| ☐ Small travel fan | ☐ Cruise luggage tags | ☐ Basic first-aid supplies |
| ☐ Night light | ☐ Passport/document holder | ☐ Medications |
| ☐ Magnetic string lights | ☐ Luggage scale | ☐ Magnetic whiteboard & marker |
| ☐ Portable clothesline | ☐ Day bag/backpack | ☐ Waterproof playing cards |
| ☐ Collapsible laundry hamper | ☐ Reusable water bottle | ☐ Highlighters |
| ☐ Water bottle carrier | ☐ Small Bluetooth speaker | |
| ☐ Beach/pool bag | ☐ Cabin light/projector | |
| ☐ Towel clips/bands | ☐ Zip-top bags | |
| ☐ Sun hat | ☐ Wet bag | |
| ☐ Sunscreen | ||
| ☐ Waterproof phone pouch | ||
| ☐ Quick-dry beach towel | ||
| ☐ Sand remover |
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