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Must Haves: Cruise Edition
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items I have cruised extensively on MANY different cruise lines over the past twenty years, and these are some of my absolute must-haves when preparing for a cruise vacation! If you are taking an Alaskan cruise, make sure you jump over to my Cruising Must ...benable.com/jaime_with_magical_travel/cruising-must-haves-alaska-edition
Sections
8
Electronics
Cruise-Specific Items
Shoes and Water Shoes and Water Equipment
Things to Drink With
Luggage, Bags, and Organization
Toiletries and Medication
Electronics
The Kindle Paperwhite is hands-down the e-reader you need in your life. Being able to read in the sun while you're on vacation is a must! It's water resistant, has Audible and GoodReads built in, and has a long battery life! What more could you need?...
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Denim
My favorite earbuds! Great battery life, water and sweat resistant, and stays in my ears when other types do not!
Raycon Everyday Earbuds (2024) - Carbon Black
An absolute must-have for cruise ship travel. With the few number of plugs in a stateroom, this helps to increase your ability to charge your devices! Don't forget that surge protectors are NOT allowed on a cruise ship and will be confiscated. **Royal Caribbean has just recently added these to their banned list.**
Cruise Approved Power Strip with USB-C & USB
This portable charger has made it onto my favorites' list for a long time. What's worse than needing to charge your devices but you forgot your cord? No worries with this! It has your cord adapters built into the charger! Lightning cable, micro USB, ...
VEGER 10000mAh Portable Charger with Built-in Cables
This wearable neck fan is GREAT for those super hot locations. It puts out a lot of air and comes in a lot of great colors. Grab two so that you can use one while charging the other!
FrSara Neck Fan, Portable, 360° Cooling, Quiet
If you like less air around your neck and more air around your face, this is a great option. The completely flexible neck fan allows you to put the fan blades exactly where you want them, and it charges quickly and easily.
Portable Neck Fan, 2600mAh Battery, 3 Speeds, Cyan
Where have these been all my life? Put one in your suitcase, one in your backpack, one in your day bag, and in anything else that is of the utmost importance. Being able to track down your important items is one of the best things technology has offe...
Apple AirTag 4 pack
You need some way to attach your Air Tags to your bags. These are keychain-style Air Tag holders so that you can secure your Air Tag to anything important.
ThingsBag Airtags 4 Pack Holder Keychain
I cannot function without a fan. I especially cannot sleep without one. So, when I'm on a cruise—which doesn't have fans—I struggle to sleep. I love these so much, they are constantly in use. I have one in my office, one that stays in my suitcase, an...
Primevolve Battery Operated Portable Fan, Black
For European cruisers who are extending their stay in Europe, you will need a power converter and a power adapter in most cases. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHICH TYPE OF PLUG YOU NEED FOR THE COUNTRY YOU ARE VISITING! Type F and Type L are used in Spain and ...
FOVAL 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter
This is a European plug ADAPTER! NOT a converter! For cruising, we all know there are never enough outlets! Make use of the European plug by grabbing these adapters! Yay! No more fighting over whose phone gets to charge!
2 Pack EU Travel Plug Adapter with USB Ports
Cruise-Specific Items
For Carnival, Princess, NCL, and MSC cruises. These are the luggage tag holders that will hold your paper luggage tags from the cruise line that show where you bag is to go!
Premium Cruise Luggage Tags Holder (4 Pack)
For Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises. These are the luggage tag holders that hold the paper luggage tags used by the cruise line to let workers know where your bag is supposed to go!
Meedo Royal Caribbean Luggage Tag Holders, 5 Pack
This is a great bang for your buck! It has 17 cruise essentials bundled together that everyone needs on their cruise: luggage tag holders (the wide holders, not narrow), cruise card lanyards, waterproof phone pouches, towel clips and towel bands, pas...
17 Pcs Cruise Essentials Kit with Passport Holder
Did you know that every inch of your cruise cabin walls are magnetic? With the small space that you have in a cruise stateroom, making the most of your storage options is key. These hooks are great for hanging anything from nightgowns, bathing suits,...
Neosmuk Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks, Pack of 10
If you don't want a full bundle of cruise essentials, you still need a cruise card lanyard! These are great because they have the detachable buckle for easy on and off.
Cruise Lanyards, 3 Pack Waterproof with ID Holder
Rubber Ducky, you're the one! Have you been lucky enough to have found a duck on a cruise ship? Or have you pixie dusted someone's cabin door with a duck? Hiding and finding ducks is all the rage on cruise ships. Just don't hide them in places that c...
Lenwen 60 Pcs Duck Tag Cruise Kit Colorful
Shoes and Water Shoes and Water Equipment
These women's water shoes are amazing for going between water activities and land activities. They are quick drying and comfortable. Perfect for excursions!
Zhuanglin Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
This is the men's version of the best water shoes!
Zhuanglin Men's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Ahhhh Oofos. These are the most comfortable flip-flops I have ever owned. You can stand and walk in these, and your feet won't hurt! However, caution when wet! These are not for the water. You feet will slip. But for a lot of walking? Yes, please!
OOFOS OOriginal Sandal - Lightweight Recovery
Reef flip-flops. Like the name implies, these are great flip-flops for getting wet. Beach, sand, water, they are great for each situation. They have a slightly wider foot bed, which for me is great. The strap on one side is a bit wider, which makes m...
Reef Womens Fanning Bottle Opener Flip Flops
Want to snorkle, but your excursions doesn't provide the equipment? Maybe you want to snorkle without breaking the bank. Enter these travel-ready snokel sets! It includes an adjustable ankle strap on the short fins (perfect for traveling), along with...
CAPAS Travel Snorkel Mask Fins Set for Adults
Floating waterproof phone pouch XL is the best! Make sure to grab the high-visabiity yellow so that you can better find your phone should it become lost in the water. Did I mention it floats?
Pelican 2 Pack Marine - IP68 Waterproof Pouch
Tired of your goggles or scuba mask fogging up? Spray this before you go in the water. Nothing will make it go completely away, but this does help! And it's reef-safe!
STREAM 2 SEA Antifog Spray for Goggles
Things to Drink With
Finally! A leakproof tumbler with built-in straw! My absolute favorite tumbler!
40 oz Tumbler With Straw and Handle - Era Series - BruMate
Cruise lines and all-inclusive resorts have mostly gone to paper straws. While good for the environment, your drink? Not so much. These are easily portable, reusable, collapsible metal straws that are perfect to take on the go! HIGHLY recommend!
Kynup Reusable Collapsible Metal Straws, 4Pack
While you're on the ship, having stainless steel straws WITH the silicone tips are great. Having multiple sizes for the cup you are drinking out of is even better. But trust me, you WANT the silicone tip if you want your front teeth.
20 Pack Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws
I'm not generally a fan of water bottles that don't keep your drinks ice cold, but even I can attest to the need to have a water bottle handy, and your stainless steel options aren't always “handy.” These are great for excursions when you don't have ...
BEAUTAIL Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle 610ml
My favorite stainless steel water bottle. It has to have the straw lid for me, but I'm picky like that. This is great for those excursions where you desperately need cold water to drink.
YETI Rambler 26 oz Vacuum Insulated Bottle
Luggage, Bags, and Organization
The best traveling backback! It counts as your personal item and fits under the airplane seats.There are so many compartments!
coowoz Travel Backpack Carry On Beige Brown
If you've never used compression packing cubes before, you are missing out! I can't believe I ever traveled without them! Still be mindful of your suitcase weight. You don't want to get hit with those fees at the airport. OUCH!
Cambond Compression Packing Cubes for Travel
Away Luggage. If you travel more than once a year, you need high-quality luggage. Your suitcase goes through A LOT, between airport handlers and cruise ship handlers. Your suitcase can come back looking like it has been through its own tornado, missi...
The Medium Flex | Away: Built for Modern Travel
Do you prefer the softside suitcases over the hardside? This Away option is perfect for you! And yes, it has the same limited LIFETIME warranty that the original hardside suitcases have.
Shop The Softside Large suitcase | Away: Built for modern travel
If you need a lower price point but still want quality luggage, I've had great luck with Samantha Brown luggage that I bought on HSN. I have a matching set with both a large and a medium-sized suitcase, and they roll really well. I LOVE the plastic z...
Samantha Brown Croco 30" Spinner - 21070189 | HSN
Don't underestimate the need for a simple track bag to carry around items for your family or kids. Rainy day? Want to play a card game? Does your family take a lot of medicine that you don't want to constantly have to go back to the room for? Put all...
Drawstring Backpack Sports Gym Bag Large
Another organization hack for you is this hanging toiletry bag. It serves many purposes: toiletries, makeup, hair products, jewelry, etc. Hang it up on a hook in your stateroom and save more space!
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook
Another great storage option for your cruise stateroom is an over-the-door-organizer. If you would prefer, you can use magnetic hooks and hook directly to your cabin wall. These do more than just hold shoes. They can hold jewelry, sunglasses, card ga...
MISSLO Over The Door Shoe Organizer, 24 Pockets
Adjustable Belt Bag with an additional extender! Hallelujah! Something that is more inclusive of size! I'm not a person who would wear this as a fanny back, but a cross-body shoulder bag, yes. It's super handy to have. But remember, when traveling, b...
Belt Bag with Extender Strap, Fanny Pack (Black)
The Foldie bag is perfect for travel! It folds up to a very small pouch, making it ideal for packing, but it expands to hold a ton! This bag can definitely be used as a carryon, as it also has the luggage strap on the back, but I like it for a beach ...
Foldie® Foldable Travel Tote Bag for Women
The Wander + Bag is a crossbody anti-theft bag that is great for travel. It's not a bulky backpack or a shoulder strap purse. It's great for keeping your phone, money, documents, and valuables while traveling. It's meant to be worn tight to your body...
Anti-Theft Travel Bag
Organization just makes travel less stressful. And nothing is worse than needing a charger for your phone but you can't find it. Introducing the electronics organizer. Keep all your cords, cubes, portable chargers, and even your phone when necessary....
FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch - Black
Toiletries and Medication
Liquid IV can come in clutch when you're dehydrated, whether that be from imbibing or from the heat. And let's face it, sometimes water alone isn't enough to replace the electrolytes you've lost. Enter Liquid IV. Just pour a packet into a bottle of w...
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier® Best Sellers
Motion sickness? Take one of these before you leave, and one every day of your cruise. It's less drowsy than Original Dramamine, but it's the MAX strength. Regular strength is available, too.
Bonine MAX Chewable for Motion Sickness Relief
Don't ask me how SeaBands work. I've got nothing. But they sure do help, especially when used concurrently with Bonine. Morning Sickness, motion sickness, whatever, it does help. Don't forget that if you are super susceptible to motion sickness, spea...
Sea-band Anti-Nausea Wristband, 1 Pair, Black
Another option for those prone to seasickness is seasick patches. Again, I don't get how they work, but they do. And that's good enough for me. ;)
MQ Motion Sickness Patch, 20 Count, Non Drowsy
This pill organizer is awesome! I used to have one that was very difficult to open, requiring a guitar-like pick to open the containers. This is super easy to open, especially for those whose finger dexterity isn't what it once was. The magnetic fold...
FYY Daily Pill Organizer, 7 Compartments, Pink
You need it. Trust me. Apply between your thighs to avoid the dreaded chub rub.
Gold Bond Friction Defense Anti Chafe Stick with Aloe, Chafing Cream Alternative, 1.75 oz
Nobody wants to talk about it, but it's a reality. We all do it. And if you've ever been on a cruise, you know that you need this. Just trust me. :)
Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray Bundle, Citrus, 2 & 1 Fl Oz
This reef-safe sunscreen is a must for anyone who wants to swim or snorkel in natural bodies of water, especially around a coral reef. Did you know that chemical sunscreens are banned for use when swimming or snorkeling near coral reefs? This is a mi...
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray, 6 oz
Dime Beauty Tinted Wonderscreen is by far my favorite beauty product. When I'm on vacation, I'm not all about that makeup life. However, this is perfect for light coverage, PLUS, it has 30 SPF, so it essentially takes the place of your sunscreen. It ...
Tinted Glow Wonderscreen® SPF 30
Games
This is hands-down my favorite game to play! This is perfect for those in between times on a cruise ship or a rainy sea day. Easy to play for most all ages and quick to learn.
Grandpa Beck's Games Cover Your Assets
I love Yahtzee. This is a convient travel-sized game (with score pads) that you can throw into your day bag. It even comes with a canister for storage, which doubles as a canister for shaking!
Hasbro Gaming Yahtzee Board Game, Ages 8 and Up
This is a classic! But I love that this version comes in a storage tin rather than a box, especially for travel.
Mattel Games Phase 10 Card Game in Storage Tin
These mini notebooks and pens are perfect for keeping score for all those card games!
EOOUT 2 Pack Pocket Notebook A6 with Pens, Black
Miscellaneous
This is for us girlies with a lot of hair. FINALLY, someone got the memo that we can't wear sunhats with a huge ponytail, and who wants sweaty hair hanging on their neck? I wear my ponytails and messy buns high on my head, and this sun hat accommodat...
Sun Hat with High Ponytail Hole, UPF 50+
Want to sleep on the plane, but there is a baby screaming or someone snoring? You need these earplugs. They have multiple size ear pieces so that they stay in your ears, unlike the traditional foam ones.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs for Noise Reduction - Black
These are your traditional, moldable foam earplugs, but they have a handy dandy little case that you can easily slip into your pocket for easy use. These work just fine if you don't fancy.
Flents Foam Ear Plugs, 10 Pair with Case, NRR 33
The passport neck wallet is a must for travel days. This is what my family and I use while traveling. It can be worn under your shirt, around the neck like a lanyard, and even as a crossbody. You never want to wear it over one arm like a purse becaus...
Peak Gear RFID Travel Pouch with Theft Protection
This lanyard-style coin purse/minimalist wallet is perfect for port days when you don't want to bring your passport ashore. This will carry your seapass card, your driver's license, credit cards, and cash. Just keep your passport pouch locked up in y...
TOKXTIK RFID Blocking Neck Wallet, Black
Ahhh. The Del-Sol sunglasses. These are a cruiser's favorite. They change colors in the sun, AND they have an amazing lifetime warranty. They even cover loss and theft! Just make sure you keep the box so you can have the numbers off of it!
Del Sol Color-Changing Sunglasses