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50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials for 2023

Get that Amazon list cruise-ready


If you’re cruising in the near future, you may be creating a list of Amazon cruise essentials to bring on your cruise. These cruise accessories and travel gadgets can be really useful for space-saving and more!


Cruising is the type of travel experience, where you want to be prepared with everything you need in advance. I’ve learned from experience, if you think you might need it, you better bring it from home.


In this post, I share some of the most useful things to bring on a cruise, from things that help with packing for a cruise to genius items that will organize your cruise cabin space.

In addition, I’ll include a few items you may not have thought of bringing on a cruise, but really should be on your cruise packing list! You may even have some of these things at home already.


Cruise Essentials Packing List – Amazon Must-haves

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Here are some of Amazon’s most popular cruise travel essentials and accessories that pro cruisers swear by!

Before we get started, you might be wondering if you need all 50 items on this list. Of course, you’ll want to pick and choose, however, the items that are included, are some of the most popular and well-reviewed cruise essentials sold on Amazon.


As well, this post has been updated to include some new cruising essentials for 2023.

Many of these items are things that I bring and use on my own cruises.


Recommended Cruise Accessories to Pack for a Cruise

These items are useful to organize your cruise stateroom, for packing and to use onboard your cruise ship.



1. Cruise Approved Power Bar

It’s surprising, but most cruise ship cabins have only 1 or 2 electric plugs. If you’re bringing electronic items like phones, pads, speakers, go-pros and anything else, you’ll really want more plugs, and even USB’s.


Very important – Cruise lines don’t allow you to bring a regular surge-protected power bar from home (they will confiscate). It’s very important to have a non-surge protected one that is “cruise approved”.





2. Over the Door Hanging Organizer

Cruisers are masters at using small cruise cabin space efficiently. An over-the-door organizer is very practical to store items you and your family will use often. You can hang this on your bathroom door or even use magnet hooks to hang on a cabin wall.


Pro tip: Pack your over-the-door organizer at home and place it in your suitcase, ready to hang. It will save so much time on your embarkation day.


Recommended: This OVER THE DOOR ORGANIZER is a favorite due to it’s mesh pockets rather than plastic


3. Magnetic Cabin Hooks

One of the best ways to add storage space to your cruise stateroom is to use magnet hooks to hang backpacks, sunhats and bathing suits to dry. Cruise cabin walls are metal, so using magnets is an awesome cruise cabin hack!



4. Magnetic Clips

Another cruise essential that really won’t be on other types of travel packing lists, are magnetic wall clips. Funny but cool cruise fact – cruise cabin walls are metal.


Why bring magnet clips? On a cruise, you’ll have some paper cruise planners, shore excursion tickets, and invitations to events on your cruise that tend to clutter up your desk and counter space. Use some magnetic clips to hang these items on the wall.



5. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

Plastic reusable luggage tags holders are so practical. If you get nothing else, buy luggage tag holders! Not only are they reasonably priced, but they can be reused again and again.

In the past, I’d print out my paper cruise luggage tags. Then, I’d spend 45 minutes on the morning of the cruise stapling and then taping everyone’s luggage tags. When I finally bought a set of luggage tag holders, I really wondered why I’d waited so long!



Recommended: Plastic Sleeve luggage tags (these will fit all cruise lines)


6. Packing Cubes

It’s official. I’m a packing cube convert. While I wrote a blog post about the pros and cons of packing cubes, the fact is, there are very few cons.

In fact, I’ve now found even more cruise packing hacks and ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. I recommend getting at least 2 packs of these packing cubes, with the various sizes, in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family.




7. Luggage Set with Spinner Wheels

This is the carry on size of the luggage (very roomy)


If you’re anything like me, you might be due for some new luggage. Make sure it’s lightweight and has 4 spinner wheels so that it’s easy to board your cruise ship and disembark (even if you do self-disembarkation).

Recently, I got new hard side luggage and I’m loving it!


Pro tip – If you have a neutral or common color suitcase, like black, blue or grey, make sure to tie some colored yarn or ribbon around a handle so that it stands out and you can find it easily at the airport or cruise terminal.



8. Portable Luggage Scale

Make sure to bring along a portable digital luggage scale when you’re flying to and from your cruise. This handheld digital scale includes batteries and is a customer favorite.




9. Lanyard and Keycard Holder

Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port.






10. Cruise Card Holder Phone Pouch

This new cruise accessory, a cruise card holder, is now my husband’s favorite! He used this to hold his cruise key card on our last cruise, and has raved about it ever since.



11. Refillable (and collapsible) Water Bottles

I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles. While obviously convenient on the cruise ship, more than that I love how they don’t take room in my luggage or beach bag when not being used.




12. Insulated Tumbler Travel Mug

If you’re a coffee lover, you know why you need a quality thermal travel mug. These are fabulous for keeping cold drinks cold as well.



Recommended: Thermal Hot & Cold Travel Mug

Don’t forget to PIN this to your favorite Pinterest board to save for later


13. Towel Clips

It’s very hard for me to hold in my enthusiasm for pool and beach towel clips. The ship is so breezy and towels would never stay put for me. It used to drive me crazy as I would try to read or relax.


This is honestly an item I’m so happy we bring on our cruises! We bought some towel clips with different styles (flamingo, margaritas, flip flops) and they’re adorable!





14. Adjustable Towel Bands for Beach Chairs

Some cruisers prefer towel bands to clips, as they’re easier to pack and take up less room. I love these, as they are adjustable and have a convenient clip cruisers are loving.




15. Poo-Pourri Bathroom Spray

Poo-Pourri bathroom spray is a cruising essential that may not be talked about much, but it works. Cruise cabins and bathrooms are small, and the space is tight. A useful bathroom hack is to spray a little Poo-Pourri before you go. The Sea Sal, Bergamot and Eucalyptus is THE scent for cruising.




16. Cabin Alarm Clock

If you like to know the time during the night or don’t want to rely on your cell phone, consider a simple travel battery operated clock. A lot of cruisers swear this is one of their favorite cruise accessories.





17. Motion Sensor Nightlight

This portable nightlight gets great reviews by cruisers and is one of the best-selling Amazon cruise accessories.

If you’re in an inside cabin especially, it will be pitch black. So having a touch of light for when someone has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night will be appreciated!





18. Portable Fan

If you’re someone who finds that small spaces can get hot and stuffy, consider bringing a small fan to make your cabin more comfortable. I like this one as it’s battery operated, but rechargeable – plus it’s quiet.




19. Ladies Carry-on Bag

I love the size and practicality of his weekender style carry-on bag. It’s perfect to carry over your shoulder, but also fits right over the handles of your luggage.




20. Hanging Toiletry Bag

These hanging toiletry bags are so practical to keep you organized in a tight cruise cabin bathroom, so it makes sense that this is quickly becoming one of the popular items to bring on a cruise.



This one in particular is my favorite and has over 35,000 5* reviews (you can see it in my video at the bottom of this post).


21. Travel Laundry Hamper (mesh)

A great way to keep your cabin organized, is by placing all dirty clothing in a mesh laundry hamper (so useful!).




22. Downy Wrinkle Release Spray

Make sure to bring along a travel-size Downy Wrinkle Release spray to get any wrinkles out of your cruise wear.




23. Tide to Go Stain Remover Wipes

Tide to Go instant stain remover wipes will save your cruise outfits! Make sure to pack one or more for your cruise.




24. Jewelry Organizer Travel Bag

If you like to pack jewelry for your cruise, this jewelry organizer bag keeps necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets separated so they won’t tangle. The clear pouches make it a cruise essential favorite!


I have the small size in black and find it perfect for my cufflinks, studs, and accesories, however, it’s available in 2 different sizes so it can suit your needs.





Cruise Shore Excursion Must-haves

25. Beach Bag

I love a good beach bag on a cruise. You can use this one as a carry-on bag on embarkation day, as well as on shore excursions.


This one is large with a zipper closure, and looks great too.


26. Mesh Tote Bag

This mesh tote bag is one of my favorite cruise essentials. I love to use it to keep my sunscreen, book and other items both on the cruise ship and off. It comes in 13 different colors!




27. Waterproof Drybag

If you plan on doing any kayaking or other water excursions, you’ll get good use out of this waterproof drybag.





28. Portable Lock Box

This portable lock box safe is great for placing your id, phones, cash and other valuables and keeping them secure while on an excursion.



29. Water Shoes


Water shoes will be useful if you’re going to a rocky beach or on an excursion where water shoes are recommended. We made the mistake several years ago of going to Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica, and needing to buy the shoes on-site.


In fact on a recent cruise, we brought some new water shoes for an excursion to Belize. These were awesome, and I’ll be bringing my water shoes on all future Caribbean cruises!




30. Snorkel and Mask

If you’re going to be snorkeling more than once, it really pays to buy your own snorkel gear. These are two Amazon cruise items that are both recommended, but really depend on your preferences.

Check out the Amazon review for this full face mask style snorkel set (to see why people are loving it).




This snorkel set is more traditional, but also very popular with cruisers.


31. Reef Safe Sunscreen

If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise, it’s really important to pack reef friendly sunscreen, as this is safer for the coral reefs. Many Caribbean islands (such as St. Thomas), have laws against using chemical sunscreen, and can issue fines.


It’s best bring the reef friendly sunscreen from home, as it will be less expensive than buying it on site.




32. Aloe Vera After-Sun Gel

Always be prepared in case you get too much (see picture for what not to do)


A good quality pure aloe vera gel will actually be able to be worn under your clothes, as it won’t be sticky like some gels with fillers. What's better is that is made in my home-state of Texas!



33. Lip Balm with SPF

So many people forget to bring lip balm with SPF on a cruise. However, if your lips swell up like you had bad lip injections, you’ll regret not packing lip balm (ideally in your cruise carry on bag).





Tech Items & Electronics Accessories to Bring on a Cruise


34. Portable Phone Charger

one While a cruise power bar might be the most important tech item to have on a cruise, a portable phone charger is super practical.


We used this one on our last cruise to charge two phones at a time! It was awesome and long lasting! Plus as dog lovers, we love the little paw print.




35. Waterproof Phone Case

These waterproof phone cases with lanyards are great to keep your phone dry and keep the sand out when you’re at the beach. I love these in particular as they also have a touch screen (so important when cruising and traveling).




36. Electronics Organizer Case

Stay organized by keeping your chargers, cables and plugs, and phone accessories together in one electronics bag. I love the Bagmart products – they are well made and sections are well thought out.





37. Apple Airtags

If you are taking a flight to your cruise, get a set of Apple AirTags (if you have an iphone). If not, a tile or another similar product can work well for you.




38. Folding Travel Mirror LED

A best seller, this folding travel mirror ia a favorite Amazon find.




39. Kindle

These days, many cruise travelers are leaving their books at home and opting for a space saving Kindle. When we asked cruisers for their top cruise must-haves, the Kindle made the top 10!




40. Sunrise Alarm Clock

A cruise essential that’s gaining popularity this year is the sunrise alarm clock. This is one of the most useful cruise accessories for anyone cruising in a windowless inside cabin.



Recommended: Sunrise alarm clock


Wellness Items to Pack for a Cruise

41. Cruise First-aid kit

Having a travel first aid kit is one of the most important things you can pack for your cruise. Whether you use this one below, or put together your own, do make sure you bring the medications and general first-aid items with you on your cruise.




42. Seabands

If you’re worried about getting seasick on a cruise, Seabands are a great, natural product that many frequent cruisers love.




43. Bonine Motion Sickness Tablets

Please don’t make this common first time cruiser mistake. Even if you’ve cruised before, you can still be affected by the “motion of the ocean”. Bonine really works well for my husband and I, without drowsy side effects.




44. Ginger Candies

Ginger candies are a natural remedy for motion sickness. If you have a touch of queasiness on a cruise, a ginger tummydrop can really help. We really like the Pineapple and Yummyberry flavor.



Recommended: Ginger candies (organic)

Travel Disinfectants and Sanitizers (for safe and healthy cruising)


45. Disinfecting Wipes for Travel

It’s a good idea to bring disinfecting wipes for your travels – in the airplane or even for the car ride if you’re driving to the cruise ship.

Once on the ship, you may find having these healthy cruise essentials useful as well.




46. Liquid IV

Liquid IV hydration multiplier and immune support is on the cruise packing list of many! It’s easy to get dehydrated and even a little worn down during a cruise, from the sun and fun ;-).

Liquid IV is a good item to have handy just in case.




Cruise Items You Didn’t Know You Needed


47. Binoculars

If you’re cruising to Alaska, bringing a set of binoculars is a must! Whether on the cruise ship or on a whale watching tour, travel binoculars should be on your Alaska cruise packing list.

However, we’ve cruised in the Caribbean and have actually seen whales and even dolphins a couple of times from afar. Of course flying fish are more common – but there’s a lot you can see and appreciate sitting at a quiet spot on deck or on your balcony with your binoculars.




48. Travel Corkscrew

Are you bringing wine bottles on your cruise? If so, make sure to pack a small affordable travel corkscrew to bring on your cruise vacation.




49. Stainless Steel straws

In an attempt to use less plastic, most cruise lines have eliminated plastic straws on board. This means that either the drinks are served “strawless”, or you may get a paper straw.

If you think a soggy paper or worse candy straw will bother you, consider bringing along a set of your own reusable straws.




50. Highlighter and post its

Bringing simple items from home like a highlighter and post it’s can be useful. You can leave notes for your cabin steward or highlight activities on your cruise planner.


51. Cruise Staff Thank-you Cards

Even if you’ve never used thank you cards before, this may be the time to say a very big thank you to your favorite crew members!





52. Extra Reading Glasses

If you wear reading glasses, make sure to bring along an extra pair , in case they break or get lost. I personally love these as they offer blue light protection and comes in various powers and styles.




53. Emergency Dental Repair Kit

I’ve actually heard this tip from another cruiser, who pointed out that there aren’t any dentists on board a cruise, and how handy an emergency dental repair kit could be.




54. Convertible Garment Duffel

If you’re packing a suit and/or cocktail dress for your cruise, the best way to pack them, wrinkle-free for a cruise, is by using a garment bag. This convertible duffle style garment bag is perfect!




55. Travel Hairdryer

The hairdryers in cruise ship cabins aren’t very powerful. This small travel hairdryer was recommended to me by my hairdresser. It’s the best travel hairdryer I’ve ever had!




56. Water Bottle Tote Pouch

For the cruiser who has every cruise accessory, this is something new. How convenient is this water bottle tote pouch? Finally, a place to put that refillable water bottle while walking around on the cruise ship on a sea day, or even on an excursion.




Recap: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

These are the some of the most popular and best-selling cruise essentials that cruisers buy for their cruise. I hope this has been helpful as you plan and prepare for your cruise.


While you may not need all the items, consider which cruise gadgets and accessories would make things most convenient while you’re cruising.


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