Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This post contains affiliate links, and I only recommend products I genuinely think will make your cruise easier and more enjoyable.
Cruising is one of the easiest ways to see the world without the daily packing-and-unpacking hassle of a multi-stop trip — but cabins are small, outlets are scarce, and seas aren’t always smooth. After years of cruise planning (and plenty of trial and error on my own sailings), here are the 12 cruise travel essentials I recommend to every client and friend before they set sail.
1. Travel Power Strip
Cruise cabins are notorious for having only one or two outlets — and you’ll need to charge phones, cameras, CPAP machines, and curling irons all at once. A compact, cruise-friendly power strip (without a surge protector, which most lines don’t allow) solves this instantly.
2. Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack)
Whether you’re at the pool deck, a beach excursion, or a water park stop in port, a waterproof phone pouch keeps your phone safe from splashes, sand, and the occasional rogue wave — and you still get to take photos.
🛒 Shop the Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack)
3. 3-in-1 Charging Cable
One cable, every device. This braided 3-in-1 cable charges your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other devices, so you’re not digging through a tangle of cords for the right one.
🛒 Shop the 3-in-1 Charging Cable
4. Bonine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Tablets (48 ct)
Even seasoned cruisers can get caught off guard by rough seas. Bonine’s non-drowsy chewable tablets are a go-to for preventing seasickness without knocking you out for the day — and the raspberry flavor is easy to take.
🛒 Shop Bonine Motion Sickness Tablets
5. Magnetic Cabin Hooks (6-Pack)
Cruise cabin walls are steel, which means magnetic hooks are one of the best storage hacks out there. Hang hats, bags, lanyards, or even your “Door Decoration” for hallway fun — no nails, no sticky residue.
🛒 Shop the Magnetic Cabin Hooks (6-Pack)
6. Motion Sickness Relief Wristbands
If you’d rather skip medication, acupressure wristbands are a drug-free backup for rough sea days, offering relief from nausea, queasiness, and the headaches that can come with it.
🛒 Shop Motion Sickness Wristbands
7. Towel Crabber Silicone Towel Bands (6-Pack)
Anyone who’s chased a towel across the pool deck in the wind knows why this one made the list. These silicone bands clip your towel securely to a lounge chair without the bulk (or snap) of traditional towel clips.
🛒 Shop Towel Crabber Bands (6-Pack)
8. Magnetic Door Organizer with Shoe Rack
Cabin storage is tight, and floor space is tighter. A magnetic over-the-door organizer with large pockets keeps shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and small essentials off the floor and within reach.
🛒 Shop the Magnetic Door Organizer
9. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders (5-Pack)
Every cruise line requires their own luggage tags, and the paper ones tear easily in transit. These clear, waterproof holders with zip seals keep your tags intact and readable, whether you’re sailing Carnival, NCL, Princess, or MSC.
🛒 Shop Cruise Luggage Tag Holders (5-Pack)
10. Compression Packing Cubes (10-Pack)
If you want to fit more in your suitcase (or finally pack a carry-on only), compression packing cubes are non-negotiable. This 10-pack keeps clothes organized by category and compresses them down to free up serious space.
🛒 Shop Compression Packing Cubes (10-Pack)
11. Magnetic Hat Clip for Travel
Hats never seem to have a home while traveling — they get crushed in luggage or left behind in a cabin. This magnetic clip attaches your hat securely to your bag so it travels with you, not without you.
12. Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Travel Spray (3-Pack)
A small but mighty addition to any cruise bag — especially when you’re sharing a bathroom down the hall from your cabin neighbors. TSA-approved and available in a spring variety 3-pack, each bottle offers up to 50 uses.
🛒 Shop Poo-Pourri Travel Spray (3-Pack)
Final Thoughts
Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. A little preparation with the right gear — from motion sickness backup plans to smart cabin storage — can make the difference between a trip you’re constantly adjusting to and one you can simply relax into.
Have a cruise essential you swear by that’s not on this list? Let me know in the comments — I’m always adding to my own packing list too!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the publish date but may change.