Cruise Port Essentials

Make every Port day the best day

Ship Essentials

Traveling on a cruise is an adventure like no other, but packing the right items can make all the difference in your experience. From staying organized to ensuring your cabin is as comfortable as possible, here are the top essentials you should bring along. For added convenience, we’ve included links to these must-have items, so you can purchase them easily before your trip.

Traveling with Kids? Make sure to check out our list of essential items for toddlers/kids

14 Cruise Packing Essentials: Must-Have Items for a Smooth Voyage

  1. Travel Umbrella
    • Why It’s Essential: Unexpected rain showers can happen anywhere. Don’t let it ruin your port day! Travel like a pro and pack a compact umbrella that will keeps you dry and comfortable, whether exploring a new city or waiting for public transport.
    • Pro Tip: Combine this with a rain poncho and never worry about missing a destination due to weather again.
    • Shop Travel Umbrellas Here
  2. Portable Luggage Scale
    • Why It’s Essential: Sure you used your scale at home for packing but that’s only half the battle. A portable luggage scale is compact, cheap, and will save the day later on when your packing to return home! Avoid overweight luggage fees by checking your bag’s weight before heading to off the boat.
    • Pro Tip: Look for a digital scale with a backlit display for easy reading in low-light conditions.
    • Find Portable Luggage Scales Here
  3. International Phone SIM Card
    • Why it’s Essential: An international SIM card ensures you stay connected without incurring hefty roaming charges. It’s particularly useful for navigation, communication, and emergencies. Having google maps on the go is a game changer in countries.
    • Pro Tip: Download google translate with country specific languages for help in emergency situations.
    • Shop International SIM Cards on Amazon
  4. Motion Sensor Plug-In Lights
    • Why It’s Essential: If you’ve booked an interior room without windows, you’ll quickly discover how pitch-black your cabin can get. Motion sensor lights provide gentle illumination, making it easy to navigate at night without disturbing others.
    • Pro Tip: Opt for rechargeable versions so you can use your plugs to charge other devices overnight.
    • Purchase Motion Sensor Lights
  5. Magnetic Hooks
    • Why It’s Essential: Cruise ship cabins are notoriously short on storage space. Magnetic hooks attach to the metal walls, offering extra spots to hang jackets, hats, or even towels.
    • Pro Tip: Use them to hang up lanyards with keycards or wet swimsuits for faster drying.
    • Shop Magnetic Hooks Here
  6. Collapsible Laundry Basket
    • Why It’s Essential: Keeping dirty clothes organized in a small cabin can be a challenge. A collapsible laundry basket helps you manage your laundry without taking up too much space.
    • Pro Tip: Choose a breathable mesh option to avoid odors.
    • Shop for Travel Laundry Bags
  7. Laundry Detergent Sheets
    • Why It’s Essential: Cruise ships with self-service laundry facilities are amazing for extended trips. Laundry detergent sheets are a mess-free solution for washing clothes on the go. They’re lightweight, compact, and TSA-compliant, making them perfect for cruises you need to fly to.
    • Pro Tip: Pack a few in a zip lock bag for convenience.
    • Find Laundry Detergent Sheets on Amazon
  8. Portable Charging Hub
    • Why It’s Essential: Cruise cabins often have limited outlets, which can be frustrating when traveling with multiple devices. A portable Charging hub ensures you can charge your phone, camera, and other gadgets simultaneously.
    • Pro Tip: Combine this with a Universal Travel Adapter and never worry about charging your devices again!
    • Buy USB Charging Hubs Here
  9. Waterproof Phone Pouch
    • Why It’s Essential: Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a beach excursion, or dealing with unexpected rain, a waterproof phone pouch protects your device from water damage.
    • Pro Tip: Choose a pouch with a clear front for taking photos underwater.
    • Shop Waterproof Phone Pouches on Amazon
  10. Over-the-Door Organizer
    • Why It’s Essential: Maximize the vertical space in your cabin by using an over-the-door organizer for toiletries, shoes, and miscellaneous items.
    • Pro Tip: Select one with clear pockets so you can see items at a glance.
    • Find Over-the-Door Organizers Here
  11. Sea Sickness Bands
    • Why It’s Essential: Even if you don’t think you’ll get seasick, it’s better to be prepared. Sea sickness bands use acupressure to help alleviate nausea without medication.
    • Pro Tip: Combine with ginger chews or tablets for extra relief.
    • Shop Sea Sickness Bands Here
  12. Travel-Sized First Aid Kit
    • Why It’s Essential: Accidents and minor injuries can happen anywhere. A travel-sized first aid kit ensures you have bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other essentials on hand.
    • Pro Tip: Include extras like blister pads and motion sickness tablets.
    • Shop for Travel First Aid Kits
  13. Ultra Lightweight Travel Backpack
    • Why It’s Essential: A lightweight, foldable backpack is great for day trips and excursions. It’s easy to pack in your luggage and provides ample space for essentials like water bottles, snacks, and maps.
    • Pro Tip: Look for a water-resistant model to protect your belongings in unexpected rain.
    • Shop Lightweight Travel Backpacks Here
  14. Packing Cubes
    • Why It’s Essential: Keeping your belongings organized in a small cabin can be a challenge. Packing cubes allow you to separate clothing and accessories, making it easy to find what you need.
    • Pro Tip: Compress cubes to save space in your luggage.
    • Shop for Packing Cubes

Packing these essentials will ensure your cruise is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. With the right tools and a few pro tips, you’ll be ready to sail the seas in style and comfort. Happy cruising!