15 Cruise Essentials for a Cruise Vacation

If you are wondering what are cruise essentials that you should pack for a cruise vacation, I can help! Last year I took the kids on a Disney Caribbean cruise and this summer we went on an Norwegian Alaskan cruise. After reading hundreds of Facebook cruise group posts + my own experiences, I learned what was best to pack. Here are 15 cruise essential items that I would recommend you bring – whether you are traveling north or south on a cruise.

Cruise essentials for Packing

1. Lanyards – You need these, period. You have to access your cruise card constantly on the ship and getting off the ship. The lanyard makes it so convenient. I love these with the different colors so that every person has their own color.
2. Magnetic Hooks – The walls of the rooms are magnetic and having some extra hooks really helps with the limited room space.
3. Laundry Hamper – I bought a cheap pop up hamper for the cruise and was glad I did. It was a helpful way to keep dirty clothes separated from the clean stuff!
4. Clothing line – This is more important for any cruise where you will have wet items.
5. Sound machine – I love this mini sound machine and the travel Snooz.
6. Chip clips – If you have a room with a window, you might find it handy to clip the curtains closed with chip clips.
7. Hanging toiletry bag – Counter space is very limited on a cruise, so you definitely want to have a hanging toiletry bag. Read this post for what to pack in your toiletry bag.
8. A tote bag – We found having a tote bag was really helpful for port days. In the Caribbean we used this bag for beach towels, etc. and in Alaska we liked this zippered Scout bag. This is also a great option for a small tote.
9. A Small Backpack – Likewise, a small backpack is also really nice to have. I like this one that folded super small, but held a lot. I used it both for off-shore excursions and on the boat.
10. An alarm clock – this is one thing I didn’t have that I wished I had brought. Much better than having to pick up your phone in the middle of the night.
11. A water bottle – The cups on cruise ships are small. Bring a water bottle and use it!
12. An extension cord – This is my favorite one for traveling. Outlets are very limited in cruise ship rooms and you will be glad to have a few extra spots to charge items, etc. Here’s a cheaper option that I also have and really like. Make sure that your extension cord is cruise compliant!
13. Snacks – Yes, cruise ships are known for the food, but you aren’t going to find trail mix, crackers, chips, granola bars, etc. Both cruises I regretted not packing more snacks!
14. Phone chargers with the right plugs – I have a lot of USB-C cords and my recent cruise only had USB plugs in the room. Be sure to research this so you have the right chargers for the room (having an extension cord saved us though!).
15. Playing cards – We played lots of small card games on our cruise. Be sure to pack some cards to enjoy.

These cruise essentials will make you feel right at home on your cruise ship.

What are your must-haves essentials for a cruise?