Planning a cruise is exciting, but making sure you’re fully prepared can make the difference between a good trip and a great one. Beyond just clothes and your passport, certain cruise-specific essentials can enhance your comfort, convenience, and peace of mind while at sea. Whether you’re heading on your first voyage or you’re a seasoned traveler, this curated list of Amazon travel must-haves will help you pack smart and stress-free.
From waterproof phone cases to motion sickness bands, and from compact power strips to hanging toiletry bags, these cruise-friendly items are designed to save space and solve common travel challenges. Each product has been chosen for practicality, portability, and top-rated performance.
So grab your checklist and let’s get you ready for smooth sailing with the best Amazon essentials for your next cruise adventure!
1. Travel Power Strip
Cabin outlets on cruise ships are notoriously limited, and with today’s tech-heavy travel habits, one or two outlets just won’t cut it. Whether you’re charging your phone, camera, smartwatch, or even a fan, a compact travel power strip is a game-changer. It’s a small but mighty item that keeps all your devices charged without the hassle of outlet-hopping or unplugging one thing to power another.
When shopping for a power strip for your cruise, make sure you choose one that is non-surge protected, as surge protectors are typically not allowed on cruise ships. Look for a model that includes multiple USB ports — they’re perfect for charging phones and tablets without needing to pack multiple bulky adapters. Slim designs also fit nicely on a small nightstand or vanity, keeping your cabin clutter-free and your devices ready to go.
It’s one of those items that doesn’t take up much space but makes a huge difference, especially if you’re traveling with a partner or family who also need to stay connected and powered up.
2. Travel-size Toiletries Kit
Ensure you comply with TSA regulations by opting for a travel-size toiletries kit. It’s convenient for packing and includes essentials like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion in TSA-approved sizes.
3. Waterproof Phone Case
Protect your phone from water damage during water activities or unexpected splashes. A reliable waterproof phone case ensures you can capture memorable moments worry-free.
4. Sunscreen
Cruises often mean spending extended periods under the sun. Pack enough sunscreen to last your trip and choose one that’s water-resistant with broad-spectrum SPF protection to keep your skin safe while enjoying the outdoors.
6. Motion Sickness Bands
If you’re prone to seasickness, motion sickness bands can provide natural relief without the side effects of medication. These bands apply gentle acupressure to specific points on your wrist, helping reduce nausea and discomfort during rough seas or long days onboard.
7. Collapsible Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your cruise with a collapsible water bottle. These bottles save space by folding or rolling up when empty, making them perfect for travel. Made from durable, BPA-free materials, they’re eco-friendly and easy to refill on the ship or during excursions.
8. Travel Organizer
Keep all your important documents like passports, boarding passes, cruise itineraries, and tickets neatly organized with a travel organizer. These wallets or folios often come with multiple compartments and RFID protection to keep your personal information safe and easily accessible throughout your trip.
9. Hanging Toiletry Bag
A hanging toiletry bag helps keep your bathroom essentials organized and easily accessible in your cabin. With multiple compartments and a hook for hanging, it saves counter space and makes your toiletries easy to find, especially in small cruise ship bathrooms.
10. Deck of Cards
Pack a deck of cards to enjoy simple, versatile entertainment during downtime on your cruise. Cards are lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for socializing with family, friends, or fellow travelers while onboard or during shore excursions.
11. Travel Pillow
For added comfort during your cruise travel and while relaxing onboard, a quality travel pillow is essential. It supports your neck and helps you rest better on long journeys, whether you’re flying to your cruise departure city or lounging on the ship’s deck.
12. Snorkel Gear
13. Swimwear
Pack swimwear suitable for a variety of activities onboard your cruise ship. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying water sports, or taking part in excursions, having comfortable and stylish swimwear is essential. Choose quick-drying fabrics and styles that fit your personal preference and travel needs.
14. First Aid Kit
Even on a cruise, unexpected bumps and scrapes can happen—especially with kids. A compact first aid kit gives you quick access to essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, pain relievers, and motion sickness tablets. It’s a smart way to avoid minor injuries becoming major inconveniences.
Choose a kit that’s travel-size yet comprehensive, so it’s easy to pack and doesn’t take up much space in your luggage or daypack. Having it handy means you’re prepared for little emergencies wherever your adventure takes you.
15. Travel Laundry Bag
Keep your cabin neat and your clean clothes fresh by bringing a dedicated travel laundry bag. It helps separate worn clothes from clean ones, making packing and unpacking more organized. Plus, it prevents odors from mixing with fresh outfits.
Choose a lightweight, foldable option that’s easy to store when not in use. It’s a small item that makes a big difference during and after your trip—especially on longer cruises or when traveling with kids.
16. Travel-size Laundry Detergent Packets
For longer cruises or if you prefer to pack light, travel-size laundry detergent packets are a lifesaver. They allow you to wash clothes in your cabin’s sink or in the ship’s laundry room, keeping your wardrobe fresh without overpacking.
Choose options that are biodegradable and safe for hand washing. These little packets take up almost no space in your luggage and help extend your outfit choices throughout the trip.
Recommended Product: Tide Travel Sink Packets
17. Nightlight
A compact nightlight can make a big difference during your cruise. Cabins can be very dark at night, and turning on the main lights might disturb your sleeping family or friends. A plug-in nightlight provides just enough glow to safely navigate without causing a disruption.
It’s especially helpful for nighttime bathroom trips or if you’re traveling with children. Opt for a motion-activated or low-energy LED nightlight that fits easily in your travel bag.
Recommended Product: Cruise On Motion-Activated Battery LED Light
18. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Bring along a compact portable Bluetooth speaker to enjoy your favorite music in your cabin or on the balcony. It adds a personal touch to your cruise experience, whether you’re relaxing in the room, getting ready for dinner, or having a family sing-along.
Choose a speaker that’s water-resistant, lightweight, and has decent battery life. Just be mindful of volume to avoid disturbing neighbors, especially in shared spaces.
Recommended Product: JBL Go 4 – Ultra-Portable, Waterproof and Dustproof Bluetooth Speaker
19. Cruise Luggage Tags
Properly tagging your luggage is essential for a smooth embarkation process. Cruise lines often require specific tags for your bags to ensure they are delivered to your cabin correctly. Investing in durable, reusable cruise luggage tags protects your printed tags from tearing or getting lost in transit.
These tags usually come with sturdy loops and are waterproof, helping your information stay visible even in rough handling. They’re a small but smart addition that can save you stress on embarkation day.
Recommended Product: 6 Pack Luggage Tags for Cruise Ship Essentials for NCL
20. Magnetic Hooks
Maximize your small cruise cabin space with heavy-duty magnetic hooks. Since most cruise cabin walls and ceilings are metal, these hooks give you an instant and damage-free way to hang towels, hats, swimwear, bags, or even decorations.
They’re compact, strong, and incredibly versatile—making your cabin feel less cluttered and more organized throughout your cruise.
