Heidi BucoloYou’ve spent hours packing for your upcoming vacation. You have made a list and checked it twice. Great! But, have you thought of everything? During our 17+ years of cruising, we have learned that there are some common household items that come in handy during a cruise. So, be sure to check our list of the 12 household items you need to pack for a cruise, and don’t leave home without them.
1. A highlighter or two
“Why would I need a highlighter?” you may be thinking. And with the rise of cruise line smartphone apps, it is fair that this isn’t as essential as it used to be. However, if you’re going to get paper daily newsletters on board, a highlighter can come in handy for highlighting important information to make note of, or activities and entertainment you’re interested in.
2. Shoe organizer
Storage space is limited in cruise ship cabins, which why an over-the-door shoe organizer can be very useful. And we’re talking about uses that go far beyond shoes (though you can obviously use it for those too!). Everything from toiletries, makeup, and hair accessories/tools to charging cords, travel games, and items on this list like wrinkle release spray and ziploc bags can be stored in an over-the-door shoe organizer.
3. Laundry bag (or clean trash bag)
We find bringing some sort of bag for dirty laundry is essential on most any vacations — including cruises. We prefer actual laundry bags because they can easily be hung in the closet to hide dirty clothes away (plus since they’re reusable, they’re not wasteful!). Having all of your dirty laundry all in one place also makes packing back up at the end of your cruise a breeze.
4. Travel surge protector
Power outlets are very limited in cruise ship cabins, especially on older ships. So having access to extra outlets is a must to allow for charging of phones, tablets, cameras, laptops, scooters, and more. We like this versatile and compact cruise ship-approved power strip, complete with three standard outlets and both USB-A and USB-C slots to charge all your devices.
5. Ziploc bags
A few Ziploc bags can come in handy for easily waterproofing items for a day at the beach or for transporting wet bathing suits in your beach bag. We also like to use Ziploc bags to pack our toiletries to avoid any potential leakage during travel.
6. Magnetic hooks
Since closet space is at a premium on a cruise, having extra spaces to hang items can create even more organization in your cabin. These heavy-duty magnetic hooks can be used to hang jackets, beach bags, hats, jewelry, and more. Be sure to purchase hooks that are strong enough to support the weight of your items.
7. Wrinkle release spray
Since you aren’t allowed to bring an iron or steamer of any sort on board a cruise ship, wrinkles in your clothes are inevitable. You may try all sorts of clever packing tricks, but we find wrinkle release spray is the best option. Our trick: spray the clothes with wrinkle release following the bottle’s directions, then hang them in the bathroom while showering for additional steaming. Of course, if formal attire is your concern, you can always pay to have the cruise line press your garments.
8. Collapsible tote bag
Tote bags are one of the most useful things one can have, whether at home just doing errands or on vacation. On a cruise, you’ll want to use a tote bag for a beach day to carry things like your sunglasses, water bottle, sunscreen, and towels. A collapsible tote bag is extra useful because it folds into such a small size that it’ll barely take up any room in your luggage.
9. Night-light
Since you will be sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, having some light to guide the way at night is a good idea. The last thing you want to do is trip and fall while attempting to get to the bathroom during the night. This rechargeable, wireless light is the perfect option for a cruise.
10. Hand sanitizer
Yes, you can never have enough hand sanitizer on a cruise. Pack a few small bottles to keep in your cruise cabin and to throw in your purse or backpack when going ashore. Your immune system will thank you later. Other first-aid items like band-aids and Tylenol should make your packing list as well, just in case.
11. Wine opener
Most cruise lines allow you to bring two bottles of wine onboard the ship. Many cruise lines also charge corkage fees — even if they’re your own bottles. So, we recommend bringing your own bottle opener to use in your stateroom. That way you can pour your own glass of wine before heading out for the evening and avoid the extra fees. Just be sure to pack it in your checked luggage if you’re flying to your cruise, as TSA likely won’t let you take it in your carry-on.
12. Small bills
Small bills such as $1s and $5s will come in handy for tipping. Even though gratuities are automatically added to your stateroom account while on the cruise, you will want to tip drivers, tour guides, and anyone else who has provided you with exceptional service. You might also opt to use cash while ashore at ports of call to purchase souvenirs.
Honorable Mention: Apple AirTags
We know not everyone has an iPhone or uses Apple products. Therefore, this is a bonus item for those who do have an iPhone, but also because AirTags aren’t exactly a household item. While personal-use GPS trackers have been around for a while, AirTags are unique. They don’t have a recurring charge like a satellite-based tracker, and don’t rely on your phone to be nearby through your personal phone’s Bluetooth signal. Instead, they rely on anyone’s nearby iPhone to relay location information back to your iPhone, iPad, and/or Mac computer.
AirTags cost $29 for one or $99 for a set of four and can easily be popped into your backpack and suitcase. They’re helpful for seeing where your checked luggage is at the airport and for locating your luggage at the cruise terminal at the end of the cruise. We also recommend putting one in any handbags or backpacks you bring into port for peace of mind.
Comments
Do you pack any of these common household items for your cruise vacations? What are your essential packing tips? Drop us an anchor below to share which items you can’t cruise without.
23 comments
Lynne Shapiro aka 'Grandma Lynsey' in Brea, CA.
With your post about the wine opener, I just thought of something…
I ordered champagne to be brought to the room. The corks are usually pretty big and can’t be fit back in.
I’m going to bring a ‘shaved’ cork (shaved on the sides) that I use when I have champagne at home.
It will fit into the top vs. having to make the existing one fit!
Love your posts! Even though this one was 3+ years ago, your great info and tips NEVER change. Maybe some tweaks here and there when the lightbulb goes off over my head, but the basics are always necessary to build on.
*Cruise coming up-Navigator of the Seas October 30. 2023 (HALLOWEEN CRUISE!!!).
Ricky Affron
We bring re-useable straws as you can no longer get plastic straws and i do not like cardboard straws .
Nancy pennington
I pack a few soap
Pods and dryer sheets to use for longer cruises when I have to wash clothes . I have to use unscented do
Makes it much easier than trying to hunt soap
Down at ports
Purple Dragon
I use packing cubes with dryer sheets (keeps odors down in dirty laundry) to keep my clothes separate and then I can use them for dirty clothes. It makes washing a breeze. I also pack extra medications in case of emergency, making sure to keep medications and jewelry etc. always stay in your possession.
I also bring a 24 oz. Contigo cold beverage cup. (I only have coffee with breakfast.) I fill it with iced tea or water and take it with me on excursions or off the ship.
Josephine
If you plan on going to the beach, take a travel size container of baby powder. Sprinkle on your sandy feet and the sand will brush right off. I also take a little case to put my ship card in. I found one at the dollar store with a zipper, so I can also have other things handy – like cough drops, “chapstick” type items, small tissue packs or a couple folded small.
Tracy
Great list! Thanks for sharing! We are heading on our first cruise for our honeymoon next week! Our RC info says power strips are not allowed… however, do you know if they will they accept the one you listed here?
Dg
I use my phone flashlight
Linda Wronski
Leaving balcony door open is not recommended. Creates a wind tunnel. Also, is a drain on the ship’s air handling system (a/c or heat).
Leslie Troutman
Some of us aren’t fortunate enough to afford the balcony rooms.
Cruiser Bill
Air freshener? Laundry bag? Just ope the balcony door regularly, wash regularly and throw dirty linen straight into the suitcase. And ENJOY your cruise!
Mrs lindstrom
WE always take a small flashlight on cruises. Comes in very handy in the middle of the night if you need to get up to use restroom
Ann Anderson
I always make sure to pack a few dryer sheets in a ziploc bag – they keep suitcases, closets, dirty laundry bags and shoes smelling fresh!
Trish
Post-it notes to leave messages in the room or on the door for family members or friends when texting doesn’t work!
Sharon
Dollar store umbrella raincoats leave them on the ship
DB
Thanks for the tip!
Colleen Garcia
Beach towel clips for the lounge chairs
DS
Always pack a pop-up hamper! Inexpensive, lightweight, fits perfectly in the closet.
Also keep all recipes together in a clear poly envelope. Makes filling out custom forms a breeze.
Olga
Hi, I’m leaving on a 7 day cruise in two days. Do you use the bags you release air with a vacuum?
DB
Hi Olga, we hope this gets to you in time. We personally do not use the vacuum seal bags when packing. Although, we do know several people who love to use them. Have a great cruise!
Cherie Millsaps
I pack my clothes in plastic bags or large cleaner plastic bags. It really helps with the wrinkles.
DB
Thanks Cherie for the suggestion. Yes, using plastic bags is a great idea for helping keep your clothes look crispy and wrinkle-free. Appreciate you reading and the comment. Happy Cruising.
Tracey Vee
Pegs! I always take a handful of clothes pegs to hang swimming stuff up with in the bathroom.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Yes, Tracey, Pegs are a great small item to pack to help dry those wet clothes. Thanks for reading and keep on cruising!