Here are 17 items that will make your next cruise a bon voyage.
When it comes to cruisers, there are two types of packers. Some bring less than they need, opting to do laundry on the ship or wear clothes more than once. Others undertake the task as if they’re permanently relocating. Whatever your packing style, there are certain items everyone should make sure to bring. Here are the 17 must-haves for your next voyage.
1. Magnetic hooks ($5)
The walls in cruise ship cabins are made of metal, so most are magnet-friendly. Bring a set of small magnets with you to keep track of everything from daily schedules to shore excursion tickets to dinner invitations. For additional functionality, toss a set of magnets with hooks into your bag for hanging up robes, sweaty gym clothes, and wet bathing suits.
2. Shoe organizer ($10)
If you’re someone who has trouble staying organized when you travel or are planning to share a cabin with more than one other person, consider packing a set of over-the-door shoe pouches. They’re terrific for storing everything (in an easy-to-view way) from actual shoes to jewelry, toiletries, and hairstyling tools in one spot, plus keeps the room tidier, too.
3. European plug adapters ($5)
Cruise cabins can be short on outlets. As they usually feature a mixture of US- as well as Euro-style plugs, bring a couple of plug adapters for European outlets to increase your available plug total.
4. Ginger candy ($12)
In addition to patches or pills like Bonine or Dramamine, ginger candies can help settle your stomach if you become seasick . They also double as lozenges if you find your mouth getting dry on your pre-cruise flight. These Gin Gins come in both hard and chewable varieties.
5. Air freshener ($10)
Traveling with a friend or family member? If you’re sharing close quarters and a bathroom, the last thing you want to do is share odors from the latter, too. Enter Poo-Pourri, which comes in travel-size bottles. Enough said.
6. Night light ($19)
Want to avoid stubbing a toe or running into a wall when you get up at night to use the bathroom? If a soft glow doesn’t bother you, consider packing a night light. This one by Casper detects both movement and light, so it gradually brightens when someone gets out of bed in the middle of the night and shuts off during the day or when the lights are turned on.
7. Thank-you cards ($10)
A pack of thank-you cards or blank notecards always comes in handy on board. You can use one to leave a cash tip for your room steward at the end of each voyage; if you’re not a fan of additional tipping, you can still leave a nice note of thanks.
8. Wired headphones ($20)
Yes, I love my AirPods. But I recommend bringing a pair of wired headphones, too; my pick are the JBL Endurance RUN Sports. Although some newer aircraft allow for Bluetooth headphone use, most don’t, and the pairs the airlines sell/giveaway on board are terrible. Plus, you won’t have to worry about remembering to charge them before you travel or accidentally dropping or misplacing a single bud.
At less than $20 per pair, JBL’s earbuds are a steal. They have great sound quality and last for years. Drawbacks? Wires, of course, plus the fact they aren’t noise-canceling and need an adapter for newer smartphones.
9. Highlighters ($6)
Most travelers bring a pen, but highlighters often don’t make the pack list. They are handy for marking each day’s the activities of interest on your paper copy of the schedule (if your cruise line offers paper schedules). This Bic highlighter set comes in five colors and includes comfort grips. Just be sure to pack them in a baggie in case they leak; you don’t want neon streaks all over your cruise wardrobe.
10. Duct tape ($9)
A roll of duct tape has a hundred uses, including patching damaged luggage, working as a lint roller, and mending torn clothing hems. Go for a fun print, like this one of fun prints like mermaid scales.
11. Waterproof bags ($13)
Whether they’re zip-top style, grocery bags, or a reusable, waterproof option like this one, waterproof bags are perfect for storing laundry or packing wet shoes, bottles of wine, and other potentially wet items I don’t want near my clothes on the trip home.
12. Packing cubes (various prices)
As a carry-on-only traveler, I love packing cubes. Just when I think I can’t fit one more thing, I find there’s just a tiny bit more space. Any brand will do, but I prefer the Eagle Creek’s Specter line for its variety of sizes, water-resistant fabric, and light weight.
13. Document holder ($18)
Cruising requires carrying documentation. Not only will you need your passport (or birth certificate and ID), you may also have to carry your vaccination card, Covid test results, and other COVID-19-related paperwork, such as a letter of recovery from a doctor. This unisex cruise document holder, easily holds your paperwork, plus credit cards and cash if you’re looking to streamline further. The wrist strap means you can keep it handy at the terminal without having to rummage through your shoulder bag.
14. HDMI cable ($9)
In the event you feel like a lazy day of lounging in your cabin, use an HDMI cable to plug your laptop or tablet (the latter needs and HDMI adapter) into your cabin’s television to watch shows or movies. (If you’re not planning to purchase an internet package onboard, remember to download content to watch before you leave home.)
15. Reusable water bottle ($35)
With many cruise lines cutting back on single-use plastics, including water bottles, it’s a good idea to bring your own reusable water bottle, especially if your destination is someplace warm. This durable silicone Nomader bottle holds nearly 22 ounces of liquid and rolls up when not in use for easy packing in your suitcase or backpack.
16. AirTags (4/$95)
With so many horror stories about lost luggage lately, Apple AirTags are a must-have for any traveler, including cruisers who are flying to their ports of embarkation. Simply pop one into each piece of luggage, then track their whereabouts using your iPhone and a Bluetooth connection. With a pack of these handy gadgets, you’ll be better equipped to find your missing bags than the airlines themselves.
17. Small bills
Even though cruising is decidedly cashless, still bring some small bills. Sure, you can pay for everything from drinks to shore excursions to onboard shopping with your cruise charge account, but you might wish to tip helpful folks along the way—like the porters who care for your bags at embarkation, the crew members who deliver your room service order, or the tour guide or bus driver who makes your time in port special. US dollars are fine for onboard tipping, but local currency is best in port.
Twist’s Take: Bring these 17 items on your next cruise for a bon voyage!
