13 Cruise Essentials You Should Pack

Minibee Women’s Cotton Linen Blouse

When I took my first cruise in 2008, life was different on board—and so were the contents of my suitcase. With no trackers to find bags and smartphones just rolling out, the focus was more on clothing than technology. I’ve been cruising for 18 years now, sailing in the Caribbean, along the coasts of Mexico, in Alaska, and in Europe. These days, you have a choice of travel-friendly gadgets that help make the cruise sail smoothly, most of which are available with the click of a button at Amazon. 

Even though cruising is an ever-changing landscape, several things remain true at sea, including needing comfy shoes for the thousands of steps you’ll log on the ship, a scarf or shawl for when you get chilly, and packing cubes to help you fit more outfits into your bag. Below, I’ve rounded up the tried-and-true cruise essentials I never leave port without that every traveler should pack. 

Top Cruise Packing Essentials

American Trends Waterproof Packable Rain Jacket

A waterproof rain jacket is one of the first items I always pack before a cruise. I’ve taken it on cruises to Alaska, Italy, and even the Caribbean because, yes, nights can get chilly. I’ve had a J.crew jacket for years, but this American Trends coat is an excellent similar find for less than $50. Its day-to-night look isn’t too sporty or flashy, and I like how it doesn’t stop at the waist (nobody wants a soaked butt during a rainfall).  It also blocks the wind, therefore keeping me warm while in port. Two large front pockets keep my phone and wallet handy and dry—a must for walking around in inclement weather.

Apple AirTag

Although I’m nearly always Team Carry-on, if sailing for more than seven nights or from a cold-weather climate where you need to layer up on layovers, you’re probably going to check a bag. There’s also a handy perk with cruising: drop off your bag in the terminal when embarking, no matter what size, and it’s delivered to your cabin by that evening. However, what if the crew places it in the wrong room? Or it gets left behind? An Apple AirTag takes the guesswork out of reuniting you with your bags. 

Owala Freesip Sway 30-ounce Water Bottle

When you’re shoving things in a daypack to take into port, there’s nothing worse than reaching for that first sip of water later and finding your belongings soaking wet due to a water bottle that sweats. In addition to a bottle like this Owala that’s leak-free and sweat-proof, you also want one with a stainless-steel interior, so the water stays cold and doesn’t warm up to the outdoor temperature.

Crocs Women’s Getaway Flip Sandal

I swore I was never going to own a pair of Crocs. Then I tried on a pair of these black sandals that are perfect for the pool or walking around the ship during the day. They’re so comfy, provide good arch support, and don’t wear out over time. Now’s a great time to grab a pair while they’re nearly half off. 

Bagail 8-piece Packing Cube Set

While dress codes during the day skew casual on board a ship, passengers do like to dress up at night, which means the pressure is on to pull together a classy outfit that’s not on repeat. Bagail’s set of packing cubes allows you to bring more while staying organized. By separating dresses, tops, and accessories, you can see exactly what you packed and rotate looks more intentionally, which means less overpacking stress and more outfit confidence once you’re onboard.

Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan

After an employee on the French-owned Club Med’s yacht gifted me this mini fan, I now take mine on Caribbean cruises year-round. I like that it doesn’t require batteries—you just charge it up again using a USB cord and take it with you for an on-the-go breeze. But don’t just believe me: more than 74,000 reviews at Amazon give this mini fan rave reviews for its convenience and power. 

Evian 1.7-ounce Facial Spray

While at a luxury resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, a few years ago in sweltering July, the attendant was handing these mini Evian facial sprays to guests, and now I swear by them. I now use this hydrating mist not just on a cruise, but back at home to survive humid temperatures in the summer. Sometimes all you need is a little spritz on your face and neck to cool down. Plus, the TSA-friendly size means you don’t have to check a bag to tote it along.

Cruise attire can be all over the place, so versatile clothing is key. I always pack a white, loose-fitting cotton shirt like this blouse, because it quickly dresses up a casual outfit when dining out. Without a stiff collar, it’s exactly the look I want both on and off the ship. White can glam up an outfit very easily and also help you rock a nautical vibe. Practically speaking, white also helps reflect heat, keeping your body cool in the sun. 

Wellhouse Waterproof Phone Pouch

Should you find yourself in a kayak or on a catamaran, or even on a sandy shoreline, protecting your smartphone is important—it’s not like there’s an Apple store or tech help at sea or in some of the smaller ports. If you want your phone with you, this $10 phone pouch is a wise buy. More than 5,000 people have bought it at Amazon and given it high ratings. Once you snap your phone into this case, you don’t need to remove it again, as you can swipe and click from the outside, using your fingers like you normally would.

Tanming Linen Pants

After a few days of travel and long hours spent sitting, squeezing into a pair of jeans can feel like an Olympic event. Not to mention that unless you’re on an Alaskan or Antarctic cruise, the outdoor temps are probably warm, so you want pants that actually breathe. Instead of defaulting to sweatpants or yoga pants, I always pack a solid-color pair of elastic-waist pants, like this navy pair. The darker shade looks a bit more polished, making them easy to wear anywhere on board.

Woogwin Light Cotton Scarf

I’ve yet to be on a cruise ship where I didn’t feel a little chilled—nothing puffer-jacket worthy, just enough to want something around my neck. That’s why I always pack a lightweight scarf. Skip busy patterns, which inevitably clash with at least one outfit, and opt for a solid color instead. This cotton scarf comes in a range of neutrals and has more than 6,500 rave reviews. I wore it on a recent river cruise through Bordeaux, where it kept me comfortably warm and looked polished enough for visits to local wine châteaux.

Anker Portable Charger

Port days can easily stretch to 10 hours or more, which means your phone battery doesn’t always make it back to the ship. A portable charger is essential for keeping your phone powered for maps, photos, rideshares, and boarding passes. This Anker power bank is barely larger than a lipstick, so it slips easily into a daypack or purse without adding bulk. It’s also a popular pick—more than 10,000 shoppers purchased it at Amazon in the last month, which speaks to its reliability.

Lovimag Strong Magnetic Hooks 12-pack

On a cruise, paper seems to multiply overnight—from daily activity schedules to reservation slips and excursion details. Letting it all pile up on the desk is an easy way to lose track of something important. That’s where magnetic hooks come in. Most cabin walls are metal, making these strong hooks perfect for keeping key papers visible and organized. They also pull double duty as extra hanging space, giving you a spot to dry a swimsuit, hang a hat, or stash a lightweight bag without taking up precious cabin space.

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