Donald BucoloThe holidays are right around the corner. This means it is time to start looking for cruise gifts. So, whether you or someone you know will be going on a cruise next year, we’re here to help you find the ideal present for those sailors in your life. We scoured the internet and found the gifts we know we would want to take with us on our next voyage. Not to mention, we share several of our cruise essentials we already take on every trip.
This comprehensive list includes all of the travel accessories, onboard must-haves, and the latest tech. These Christmas gifts for cruisers will ensure that special someone’s next trip is smooth sailing.
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Cruise Gifts Under $25
Air Tags – Honestly, how did we ever travel without these tracking devices? Now, we can know exactly where our luggage is at all times with Apple’s Air Tags. Further, travelers can easily locate tagged items with the Find My app. You can add air tags to a number of items with one-tap setup. These are especially important nowadays with airport baggage delays and lost luggage. In the event of these unfortunate circumstances, you might know where your bag is faster than your airline. Starting prices for Air Tags are $24.99.
Cruise Keycard Holder – Your cruise keycard is the one accessory you will need at all times during your voyage. We ensure our cruise cards are always within arms reach with these MagSafe cellphone card holders, starting at $9.99 You don’t need a MagSafe holder to get the same convenience, starting at $8.95. Or, if you’d like to go old-school, you can opt for a cruise keycard lanyard.
Cruise Magnets – Personalize your cruise ship door with these customizable cruise magnets. There are a variety of packets to choose. Yes, even Heidi and I are jumping on the cruise magnet craze. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, it’s your first cruise, or you’re planning a holiday cruise, these magnets are a fun way to let others onboard know a little bit more about you. These magnet sets start at $9.99.
Cruise Luggage Tag Holders – Don’t waste time folding and stapling your cruise tags to your luggage. In fact, we never go on a cruise without these holders for suitcases. Firstly, these cruise tag holders are perfect for Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Correspondingly, these luggage tag holders work for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises’ passengers. Either way, they are the perfect little gift for the cruiser in your life. These items start at just $11.99 for a 4-pack.
Lounge Chair Towel Clips – Don’t let the wind stop you from enjoying the Caribbean sun. Accordingly, we always pack these decorative towel clips to fasten to any lounge chair in a snap. From animal designs to flip-flops, why not grab a couple for all your family members? In contrast, you can opt for Towel Bands which offer the same benefits. These inexpensive gifts fit easily into your carry-on and are a must for any cruiser. These items start at $11.99 a pair.
Cruise T-Shirts – Show the world your love for the ocean with a fun cruise t-shirt. We are partial to certain sayings and graphics, but there are plenty to choose. They are perfect for mom, dad, the kids, and even the grandparents. Honestly, everyone will love to wear one of these t-shirts on their next cruise vacation. You might even want to purchase matching ones for the whole family.
TSA Approved Pouches – For those minimalist cruisers that pack a week’s worth of clothes and gear in a carry-on, these TSA Approved travel pouches are the perfect fit. Quite literally, these clear, 3-1-1 compliant bags will ensure you can fit everything, and still whisk through airport security with no issues. Prices start at $7.99.
RFID Passport Wallet – Keep your passport, credit cards, and other travel documents handy with added protection. This RFID Passport Wallet helps protect you from digital thieves, while also assisting you to locate lost items using the included ReturnMe tags. These wallets start at $19.99.
Travel Phone Mount – Free up space and ensure your phone isn’t damaged during your flight. This flexible Airplane Phone Holder can mount to the back of a seat for optimal comfort and viewing angles. Watch movies, play games, or post on social media without being hunched over on the airplane tray. This nifty device starts at $11.99.
Cruise Ducks – Don’t ask us how this became a thing, but you can leave your mark on your next trip with cruise ducks. Some love this passenger-initiated scavenger hunt, others hate it. But, if you do want to join in on the fun during your next cruise, you can start with this Cruise Duck starter pack. Prices start at $9.99.
Sea-Bands – For cruisers who might need some help getting their sea legs, these easy to use bands offer relief from motion sickness. Sea-Bands utilize acupressure to help alleviate nausea and other symptoms associated with the movement of the ship. As a matter of fact, these bands are a non-invasive, non-medication method for preventing seasickness that our family swears by.
Motion Sensor Night Light – Easily find your way around your cabin at night without waking up other members of your travel party. This motion-sensor night light offers just enough illumination to guide your way. Plus, it is magnetic so you can adhere it to your cabin walls at just the right angle to ensure the ideal lighting conditions. This light starts at $17.99.
Packable Luggage Scale – If you are married to an over-packer like I am, then you need a durable travel luggage scale. We have one and have yet to pay for luggage overage charges. Accurate and easy to use, you can quickly determine the weight of your bag with this device. Avoid frantically emptying your suitcase at the ticket counter of the airport to get it under the allowable weight limits. Prices start from $12.99.
Magnetic Hooks – While cruise door magnets are for fun, these magnetic hooks are all about function. We use them to hang bags, hats, accessories, and other cruise essentials. Small yet strong, these hooks provide extra storage in your cruise cabin. We suggest 50 lb. (or greater) magnets if you plan on hanging anything with a little weight to it.
Hand Sanitizer Holders (and Gel) – Yes, cruise ships do have hand sanitizer and hand washing stations throughout the vessel. Still, it can’t hurt to have extra readily accessible on your beach bag. With these small portable holders, you will always have hand sanitizer at your finger tips, whether onboard or ashore. An 8-pack, with holders and gel, starts at $13.99.
Beach Bag/Tote Bag – Whether you plan to hit the beach, or remain on the pool deck, this versatile ETidy Foldable Tote Bag offers all the features and room for your entire family. This sand-proof bag has several compartments for neatly storing and organizing everyone’s gear. It can even fit a 15.6″ laptop in case you need to do some work by the shoreline. Prices start at just $20.99 for these bags.
Mobile Power Charger – Power outlets are a premium in a cruise cabin. That is why this conveniently shaped and cruise-friendly charging station tops our list of the best gifts for cruisers. While several chargers on Amazon claim to be cruise ship approved, don’t be fooled. This is the charger we take on EVERY TRIP to power up our phones, cameras, computers, and up to 5 devices. These handy gadgets start at $17.99.
Insulated Wine Holders – Most cruise lines allow cruisers to bring two bottles of wine in a carry-on bag. So, protect that investment with these easy to carry insulated wine coolers. They are just the right size for two bottles, fold flat after use, and come in a variety of patterns and colors. Prices start at $19.14.
Waterproof Phone Holder – Ensure your memories aren’t washed away on your phone. These top-rated waterproof phone holders help protect your phone when on the lido deck or strolling the beach. Designed to fit most phones, they offer adjustable straps and three layers of waterproof protection. A two-pack has a starting price of $15.99.
Portable Fan – Stay cool and keep your devices charged while onboard or ashore. Heidi makes sure she always has her JISULIFE Portable Fan which fits in her day bag. With three speeds, the fan runs up to 46 hours on one charge, meaning it can last all day or even all cruise. Further, it comes with a convenient wrist strap and flashlight, with prices starting at $19.99.
Over-the-Door Organizer – Cabin space is limited even in the most luxurious suites. That is why we always bring this handy over-the-door hanging organizer. Save counter space by storing toiletries, small electronics, sunglasses, jewelry, and other accessories. Believe us, once you try it, you won’t know how you cruised without one. Prices start at $17.99.
The Joy of Cruising – Give some travel inspiration this year! Choose 1 or all of the award-winning author Paul C. Thornton’s cruise memoirs, including the original The Joy of Cruising. We might be biased towards his second book, Cruising Interrupted, as it features yours truly. You also can’t go wrong with his latest book, The Joy of Cruising Again which celebrates the cruise restart! These books are available starting at $9.99 on Kindle.
Airplane Foot Rest – My wife swears by this compact carry-on footrest for planes. For the vertically challenged traveler, the Sleepy Ride Airplane Foot Rest helps align your back and legs. It helps prevent soreness and swelling during long flights as well. Easy to install and fully adjustable, it might be the perfect flight companion. This foot rest starts at $21.99.
Portable Power Bank – These are the power packs we take with us for those long days ashore. These popular portable power banks are lightweight, hold hours of battery power, and will quickly charge your devices. They include both USB and USB-C charging capabilities. Thus, they will work with virtually any device. Prices for these portable power banks start at $19.99.
Belt Bag – This versatile and trendy belt bag holds the right combination of necessities including your mobile phone, keycard, and the few other accessories you might need for a day ashore in your ports of call. They come in a variety of colors, but whatever you do, don’t call it a fanny pack. These bags start at $12.98.
Travel Pillow – Getting comfortable on a long flight or bus ride is never easy. Luckily, this lightweight, 360-degree support travel pillow offers support regardless of how you rest your head. It comes in various colors with a blackout eye mask! Prices start at $22.99.
Compact Toiletry Bag – Help that cruiser in your life organize all his or her necessities in one place. These lightweight, hanging toiletry bags have a water-resistant exterior with premium waterproof zippers and several uniquely designed compartments to house all your toiletries. Prices start at $21.99.
Travel Games – Frequent cruisers know to pack a few games for when they want to take a break from the sun. For family-friendly fun, our new addiction is the dice game Quixx. You can also consider a simple deck of cards or the dice game Left Center Right. Or, for those cruisers who aren’t “easily offended”, a few decks of Cards Against Humanity is sure to spice up your trip. These games start at just $9.49.
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Cruise Gifts Under $50
Travel Adapter – When traveling overseas, you want to make sure all of your devices can stay powered up. That is why we travel with this Ceptics World Travel Adapter. With several interchangeable plugs, it works virtually anywhere you want to cruise. It includes two 110V outlets, as well as one USB and USB-C. That way you can charge multiple devices at once. The price for this adapter starts at $35.99.
Water Shoes – If you are cruising to a warm location, you may be partaking in some water-related activities. These premium water shoes from WateLves feature thick rubber soles with arch support, anti-slip outsole, and a quick-dry design. Designed for both men and women, there are a variety of colors and designs in all sizes. Prices start at $29.99.
Packing Cubes – While it took us a while to finally catch on, now we can’t go ANYWHERE without first organizing our clothes in these classic packing cubes. Packing, and unpacking, has become a whole lot easier. With a variety of sizes and options, we still might be over-packers, but at least everything is neatly stored and organized. These packing cubes start at $31.99.
PopSocket – Now, we can take perfect selfies and store our room key cards safely with one simple accessory. This MagSafe wallet and expandable grip holds up to 3 cards, is magnetically mountable, and both Heidi and I have one on our iPhone. Or, you can opt for a classic PopSocket to give you just the right leverage to take photos and prop your phone if you don’t need the storage. Both can easily be swapped on and off for other MagSafe accessories. This wallet starts at $39.99.
Cruise Gift Cards – Not exactly sure what to get that cruiser in life? While Heidi thinks they are a bit impersonal, I think a cruise gift card is a great gift choice. Many lines offer cards including Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line. Others, like Celebrity Cruises, let you add onboard credit to guests that are already booked for a cruise. You can gift amounts starting at $25. Local stores like Target sometimes sell these gift cards as well.
Washable Laundry Bag – Keep those bathing suits, workout gear, and hiking shorts neatly separated with these washable laundry bags. Designed to lock in odor and prevent the spread of bacteria, they are ideal for cruises in any climate. Accordingly, you might want to grab a couple for the whole family. Prices start at $28.
Reusable Water Bottles – Staying hydrated while onboard or exploring a port of call is crucial. That is why we invested in an over-sized Yeti Rambler to fill with water. It really does keep beverages cold for the entire day. Or, you can upgrade to a Stanley IceFlow for those frozen drinks or iced coffees on the ship. After all, no one likes a watered-down drink! These thermoses also work great for keeping coffee warm if you are cruising to a colder locale. Prices start at $35.00.
Packable Rain Coat – While we hope your cruise is sunny, you can’t always escape the liquid sunshine. So, having a packable raincoat that fits in your day bag is a must, especially in regions like Alaska or the Caribbean during the rainy season. If you know us, then you know we are fans of his and her matching sets! Prices start at $31.99.
Retractable Walking Poles – Heading to Alaska, or perhaps trekking Antarctica or the Norwegian Fjords? If your next big cruise adventure is off the beaten path, you may want these packable but rugged, retractable hiking poles. These ultra-lightweight aluminum poles are adjustable and fit in your day bag. So, you can decide once you hit the trails if you need some support or not. Prices start at $43.99
Cruise Gifts Under $100
Comfortable Shoes – You will likely clock thousands of steps on your cruise. So, make sure your feet are well taken care of during your trip. We are partial to Birkenstock sandals for warmer climates, with their distinct style and molding comfort. They are great for both men and woman with prices starting at $99. Or, you can opt for classic boat shoes from Sperry. They are always a great look for day or night, with prices starting at $91.00.
Travel Messenger Bag – When heading ashore, you want to ensure all your valuables are safe. One of these classic Travel On Messenger Bags is our go-to option on a cruise. These bags offer plenty of pockets for your cell phone and other items, even a pocket for a water bottle. These bags feature RFID protection and locking zippered compartments as well to combat the cyber thieves and pickpockets. Prices start at $75.00 for this style bag.
Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter– Now we can use wireless headphones on a plane, fitness equipment, television, tablet, or even a whisper device on those river cruises with the Twelve South AirFly Pro. Our wireless headphones easily sync to essentially any device that plugs into a standard 3.5mm jack, and you can say good bye to all the wires for good. Prices starting at $54.
Sunglasses – Protect your eyes and look fabulous in all those cruise photos with a new pair of sunglasses. There are several styles and brands to choose at varying price points. We are partial to Ray-Ban, with a classic design, they look good no matter the ship or itinerary. Prices start at $99.00.
Fitness Tracker (or Smart Watch)– Track those steps you clock walking around the ship and keep up with your fitness goals while on vacation. The Fitbit Inspire 3 tracks steps, activity zone minutes, and even provides a stress management score. These devices start at $99.95. Or, you can go big and upgrade to the brand new Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the next level adventure.
Lightweight Packable Jacket – Destinations like Alaska, Northern Europe, and the Arctic are amazing to see via a cruise ship. So, ensure you stay warm, and don’t take up much luggage space with a lightweight packable jacket. It makes for the perfect his and her gift for couples! Starting prices are $59.99.
Slim Line Travel Wallet – For the male cruiser on your list, you can’t go wrong with a Ridge Slim Wallet. This is my go-to for easily organizing money, credit cards, ID, and more. Coupled with RFID blocking technology and a creative design, this front-pocket wallet is perfect for touring a port of call. This wallet starts at $95.
Osmo Mobile SE Gimbal – It seems like everyone is posting to Instagram, TikTok, or the newest social media platform. To help with selfies, videos, and capturing your trip, the lightweight Osmo Mobile SE smartphone gimbal is the perfect packable accessory. For those who rather use their phones, this device can help ensure professional videos and photos with seamless controls. Prices start at $99.99. DJI also offers more expensive gimbal options like our Osmo Mobile 6.
Cruise Gifts Under $250
Carry-On Luggage – Some cruisers can pack an entire week’s worth of clothes into a carry-on. We are not one of them! But either way, this sturdy 20″ hardside carry-on offers plenty of storage. It boasts a TSA-approved lock, an easy-access laptop sleeve, 360-degree spinner wheels, and a 3-layer micro-diamond textured surface for durability. Prices start at $139.99. Of course, thousands of different styles and designs fit all your travel needs.
Checked Luggage – Or if you are like us and need some extra room, even for a 3-day cruise, then this Level 8 24″ inch checked luggage provides all the space you will need for those cruise outfits and accessories. Likewise, it is made with the same durable materials, 8 silent universal spinner wheels, and telescoping ergonomic handle with 4 levels. This hardside suitcase consists of two large lined compartments. Prices start at $209.
AirPods – Get crystal clear wireless sound with the latest generation of AirPods. With best-in-class noise canceling technology, a richer audio experience, and a customized fit, these are the ideal travel companion. As a matter of fact, the newest models charge with USB-C, meaning one less cord you need to pack. Prices start at $179. Or, you can go all in and upgrade to the latest Beats Studio Pro wireless headphones, an industry leader.
Portable Hotspot – For those looking to work remotely and travel the world, a personal hotspot is a must. Instead of wracking up crazy cell phone bills, you can invest in the SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE Portable WiFi Mobile Hotspot. It works in over 100 countries, can connect up to 10 devices at once, and offers flexible plans to meet everyone’s needs. Prices starting at $139. You can also upgrade to the new 5G model with prices starting at $399.
Cruise Gifts Under $600
360 Camera – Get a whole new perspective of your digital content with the new Insta360 X4. It shoots in 8K offering active HDR for rich, accurate color and details. Further, the intuitive design and simple-to-use app makes shooting and editing 360 videos easier than ever. It might just be your favorite new camera. Prices start at $479.
Pocket Camera – We get asked all the time what we use to capture video for our vlogs and social media. While we have a variety of devices, our go-to camera is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. This small camera packs a might punch with a 1″ CMOS sensor shooting up to 4K60FPS, pro-level 3-axis stabilization, and extra large display screen. Moreover, this camera offers several shooting modes that let you switch seamlessly from horizontal to vertical shooting to capture the right shot for all platforms. Prices start at $519.
Tablet Computer – You could pack some paperback books, crossword puzzles, a computer, a camera, and other devices to enjoy on your vacation. Or, you could put all of those items at your fingertips with a small tablet computer. You can’t go wrong with a new iPad, with the new Apple AI assistant. iPad prices start at $547.
Action Camera – Capturing every moment of your cruise in crisp 5.3K Ultra HD quality just got a lot easier with the new GoPro Hero 13. This is the go-to action camera for those looking for high-quality videos and photos. Further, this brand-new version includes exchangeable lenses, a new magnetic grip, award-winning stabilization, and a new vertical capture mode perfect for social media. The price for this new GoPro camera starts at $399.
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And For That Someone Special…
A Cruise – Yes, if you are willing to splurge this year, you can get that special someone the ultimate cruise gift– a cruise! Surprise him or her with a brand new trip to plan.
Or, if you can’t swing a new reservation, perhaps you can upgrade that inside cabin for a balcony or go all out with a suite. If you time it right with some of the cruise deals happening now, the upgrade may not be as costly as you think.
If you need help planning your next cruise, MEI-Travel is our trusted travel partner. MEI-Travel can provide free, no-oligation quotes for your next trip to a variety of destinations including cruises, Disney, and more.
Comments
Did you find any new items to add to your cruise packing list? Did we miss any cruise gifts that you have on your list? Drop us an anchor below with the must-have gifts for cruisers you are hoping to receive this holiday season!
1 comment
Melanie Durham
Thank you so much for all of this information! I’ve been following you this year because I am going on my very first cruise with my family. November 5-13, Wonder if the Seas, and I didn’t know where to start! You have helped guide my way! I feel pretty confident for my cruise!