Cruising isn’t just about the destinations – it’s about enjoying a smooth, stress-free experience on the water.
But even experienced travelers can find themselves wishing they’d packed that one perfect item that could save the day at sea.
Here’s a list of 15 game-changing cruise accessories that most first-timers overlook – but will absolutely transform your voyage.
15 Cruise Essentials You Didn’t Think You Needed to Pack
Keep scrolling to discover the cruise must-haves that will change how you pack forever.
1. Magnetic Hooks and Magnetic Tape
Cruise cabin walls are typically made of metal, making magnetic hooks and tape incredibly useful.
Hooks can hold hats, lanyards, or wet swimwear, while magnetic tape can be cut to create custom solutions for areas that don’t have metal.
2. Cruise Card Lanyard
Your cruise card is your lifeline on the ship – it’s your room key, payment method, and ID all in one.
A lanyard keeps it accessible and prevents the panic of misplacing it while enjoying pool time or activities.
3. Portable Charger with Phone Flash Drive
Stay powered up during long shore excursions when outlets aren’t available, and back up all those vacation photos and videos without relying on ship’s Wi-Fi.
This combo device is perfect for freeing up phone storage space to capture even more cruise memories.
4. Hanging Shower Organizer
Cruise ship bathrooms offer minimal counter space.
A hanging shower organizer with multiple pockets keeps toiletries organized and within reach—simply hook it onto the shower curtain rod.
5. Cruise Approved Power Strip (Non-Surge Protected)
Cruise cabins notoriously lack sufficient outlets for today’s tech-dependent travelers.
Most ships prohibit surge protectors, so bring a cruise-approved power strip to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
6. Cabin Door Decorations
Cruise ship corridors have identical doors that can be confusing after a fun night out.
Personalized magnetic decorations make your door instantly recognizable among hundreds of others.
7. Dry Bags, Waterproof Phone Case, and Waterproof Waist Pouch
These are essential for beach excursions, keeping your valuables dry during water activities or unexpected rain showers while exploring ports.
A waterproof waist pouch is particularly handy for carrying your cruise card, cash, and phone during water-based activities.
8. Highlighter Pens
Each evening you’ll receive a printed schedule of the next day’s activities.
Highlighting what you want to attend helps you plan your day efficiently without missing anything important.
9. Wrinkle Release Spray
Formal nights are a cruise tradition, but tiny cabin bathrooms make ironing impossible, and ship services can be expensive.
This spray keeps your elegant attire looking fresh without hunting for an iron.
10. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders
Printed paper luggage tags from the cruise line can easily tear off or get destroyed in wet weather during the embarkation process.
Protective plastic holders keep your tags secure and ensure your luggage makes it safely to your cabin.
11. Portable Foldable Clothes Hangers
Cruise cabins never have enough hangers for all your outfits, especially if you’re dressing up for formal nights.
These space-saving hangers expand your closet capacity without taking up much room in your luggage.
12. Hanging Organizer
Hang it on the bathroom door to store toiletries, sunscreen, and small items that would otherwise clutter limited counter space in your cabin.
13. Collapsible Clothes Hamper
Keep your tiny cabin organized by separating clean clothes from dirty ones.
This foldable hamper takes up minimal space in your luggage but makes a huge difference in maintaining cabin order during your voyage.
14. Laundry Pegs
Essential for hanging wet swimwear or rinsed items in your cabin shower or on your balcony.
15. Towel Chair Clips or Towel Band/Crabber
No more chasing your towel across the deck on windy days!
These clever clips secure your towel to lounge chairs, preventing it from slipping or blowing away.
Final Thoughts on What You Forgot To Pack For the Cruise
These 15 items are your secret weapons for a stress-free sailing experience!
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Explore our blog for hundreds more insider travel tips and tricks to make every journey unforgettable!
