Packing for a cruise can be stressful. Not only do you need resort wear and swimsuits, but depending on what type of cruise you’re on and your ports of call, you may also need some specialized equipment and clothing. As someone who has sailed around the world on over 50 river, expedition, and ocean cruises, I’ve got my cruise ship packing list down to a science—and I’ve learned plenty of expert tips along the way.
Below, I’m sharing the nine essentials I never set sail without, from organization hacks that help keep your cabin neat and tidy to pool day must-haves you’ll thank me later for. My cruise ship essentials go far beyond packing basics and what to wear; these are the things that truly make a trip at sea a smoother and more comfortable experience every time. Read on before your next vacation on the high seas.
My must-haves:
Hanging shoe organizer
The number one thing I always make sure I pack in my suitcase is an over-the-door hanging shoe organizer—but I don’t use it for my sandals. I put this to work keeping small things like hair brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and Band-Aids off the bathroom counters and in a set spot in the room. If I’m cruising with other people, everyone gets a row or two to use for their things. I always make sure that I bring strong magnetic hooks to hang this up with too, because most cruise lines will not let you put tape on the walls or use the hooks that come with the organizer since it could damage the door frame and/or paint.
.jpg)
Amazon Basics
24-pocket over-the-door hanging shoe organizer
Similar options I love:
Crossbody phone bag
Whether you’re taking family photos on a shore excursion or checking the ship’s app for a list of daily activities, you’ll need your phone handy on a cruise. One of the best ways to keep your device easily accessible is by wearing a crossbody phone bag, like this one from Bandolier. The secure crossbody strap ensures your phone is always within reach, and the small attached wallet is the perfect size for your cruise card, ID, and a credit card (though you won’t need the latter on the ship, so be sure to put it in your cabin safe).
Bandolier
Hailey crossbody phone case
Similar options I love:
Collapsible mesh laundry hamper
I hate seeing dirty laundry around my room, but I also don’t want to pull my suitcase out every night to load in clothes that I’m done wearing for the cruise. That’s why I always pack a collapsible mesh laundry hamper. After I unpack my suitcase and hang all of my clothes up in the closet or place things into drawers, I find a spot in the closet where the hamper can stay without being in the way of the doors closing. Each night I toss my worn clothes into the basket; after a few days, when the basket is full, I take a few minutes to fold and place dirty clothes back into my suitcase. The best part about this hamper is that it folds flat and is super lightweight, so it doesn’t add any bulk to my suitcase while in transit.
.jpeg)
Handy Laundry
Collapsible mesh pop up hamper
Similar options I love:
Handheld fan
Many of the destinations that cruise ships visit, especially from the US, tend to be pretty warm. That’s why I always travel with a handheld fan in my cruise bag. On a recent MSC cruise, I carried the Blueair Always Cool portable fan with me everywhere, from a food tour around San Juan, Puerto Rico, to my lounge chair on MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The lightweight fan has a long battery life of 32 hours and is rechargeable via USB-C. I also love the easy-to-read display, which shows the fan speed and battery life. Plus, the tilting head means I can angle it exactly how I want for maximum cooling.
.jpeg)
Blueair
AlwaysCool Portable handheld fan
Similar options I love:
Dry bags
I always bring a few dry bags with me on a cruise. These reusable waterproof bags come in multiple sizes, prints, and styles, but I prefer the large size for beach and pool days. They’re ideal for keeping damp bathing suits separate from clean clothes, and also for packing an extra outfit in my beach bag. I put my phone, e-reader, and any other electronics in a dry bag for excursions and any water-based activities. They ensure my devices are safe from accidental spills or splashes, and keep me more organized.
Babygoal
Waterproof reusable travel bags
Similar options I love:
Foldable charging station
Whether you’re sailing solo or with a group, there never seems to be enough charging ports in a cruise ship cabin. That’s why I always travel with this foldable charging station. If you prefer a different style or size, just be sure to look for an option with a spot for charging your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds (or whatever your preferred devices may be). Not only does this mean you use one charging port for three things, but it also eliminates chaotic cords lying around every tabletop in your cabin.
.jpeg)
UEQ
Foldable 3-in-1 wireless charging station
Similar options I love:
Towel bands
If you’ve been on a cruise, an all-inclusive resort, or even to your community pool, you may have noticed towel-laden beach chairs with brightly colored bands at the top. These towel bands are another cruise ship essential that you’ll want to snag before your next voyage. Essentially, these are oversized rubber bands that can hold your towel in place, whether you’re on a pool deck or a private island. My favorite towel bands always stay in place, even when it’s windy, and take up next to no room in a small carry-on or beach tote.
Towel Crabber
Crabber Towel Bands
Similar options I love:
Night light
No matter what type of stateroom you have on your cruise, from cozy interior cabins to spacious suites, once the sun goes down and the lights go off in your room, it gets very dark. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack a night light in your bag. These are great for families traveling with kids to put in the main living space. It’s also a nice thing to have for the bathroom so you can avoid turning on the big bright light in the middle of the night.
Auvon
Magnetic rechargeable night light
Similar options I love:
Travel blanket
I recently brought the Rifle Paper Co. travel blanket with me on a cruise to Alaska and the Eastern Caribbean, and it was a complete game changer. Not only was it ideal for chilly mornings on my balcony, but it was also nice to have for afternoon naps without messing up the freshly made bed. Travel blankets are also great for kids who like to have a cozy, familiar blanket from home with them on vacation.
.jpeg)
Rifle Paper
Travel fleece blanket
Similar options I love:
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.