I'VE BEEN CRUISING 20+ YEARS — HERE ARE 17 ITEMS I'M SHOPPING FOR MY NEXT TRIP WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN, FROM $6
They’ll come in handy whether it’s your first cruise or your hundredth.
Growing up in a cruise family, I never thought about catching my next flight. Instead, I looked to the sea, dreaming of destinations I could reach by boat. I went on my first cruise when I was 9 years old and for the last 23 years since then, I’ve set sail countless times, cruising everywhere from the Bahamas to Europe. Sure, my family did take some shorter trips by plane, but my most unique travel experiences growing up all happened because of a cruise. I’ve island-hopped in the Caribbean, marveled at the Hubbard Glacier off the side of a ship in Alaska, and sailed down the Mediterranean from Spain.
As I’ve gotten older, my family trips have become more rare, and I’ve found different methods to travel across the world. However, my family decided to book a five-night cruise to Bermuda with Royal Caribbean this summer to celebrate my brother finishing his fellowship, the last step in his medical training. I pride myself on my ability to thoroughly prepare for a trip without overpacking, which means I’ve already started on my packing list. After all, in my two decades of cruising, I’ve learned a thing or two about what you’ll need once aboard the ship. From comfortable shoes to a waterproof phone case, here are 17 cruise essentials in my Amazon cart that would come in handy on your next trip, too.
Related: I Used to Work on a Cruise Ship, and These Are the 13 Things You Should Never Leave Port Without
Seavilia Luggage Tag Holder
$6
Cruises have a very particular system for boarding luggage, starting with emailing you your luggage tags, which you’re then expected to secure around your bags before boarding the ship. My dad has traditionally been in charge of this process on our family trips, but this time I’m taking over and ordering us these luggage tag holders. We’ve been left rushing to find a stapler or tape at the last minute too many times to not show up prepared. The best-selling luggage tag holders include steel rings that can easily be attached to your suitcase. Plus, they are made with a waterproof material and sealed at the top so you won’t have to worry about your luggage tag getting wet.
Depending on your cruise line, the brand offers two different size options and packs of four, six, eight, or 20 holders. The narrow option is suitable for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines while the wide option can be used for Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, MSC, Holland America, Viking, Azamara, and Costa Cruises. Shoppers say the luggage tag holders, which have over 1,600 five-star ratings, feel sturdy on their bags and save them time at check-in. “The braided steel rings secure the tags to the bags much better than staples,” said one cruiser.
Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch
$14
Cruises may be known for relaxation, but depending on where you’re sailing to, you’ll likely have the option to go on an adventurous water sports excursion. I have a tendency to sign up for jet skiing whenever it’s offered. In the past, I’ve purchased a waterproof phone pouch like this one while on my trip — but buying one in advance can help you save money and ensure you show up prepared.
These Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches, which have 71,000 five-star ratings, were designed to protect your phone from the ocean. They’re sold in packs of two or three, and you can choose from 18 different colors. They are compatible with all smartphones up to 8.3 inches, including the most recent iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. You can wear the lanyard around your neck during water sports or toss it in your bag for safekeeping at the beach. You’ll be able to use your phone’s touchscreen and face recognition features through the pouch as well.
“I bought this for a Caribbean vacation,” said one reviewer who used this pouch on a few different water excursions and while swimming in the ocean. “It kept my phone completely dry,” they said noting that they had space to store a small wallet in the pouch as well.
Beshon Flat Plug Power Strip
$10
If you haven’t discovered the joy of packing an extension cord yet, trust me it’ll feel like an unexpected luxury on your next trip. Cruise ship staterooms are often smaller than traditional hotel rooms, so you’ll be thankful for extra outlets when it comes time to charge multiple devices or while getting ready at the same time as your cabinmate. My brother and I will be sharing a room on our upcoming trip, so an extension cord is especially vital to lessen sibling bickering (yes, even as grown adults). And of course, my brother would want me to tell you this was his idea originally.
This Beshon power strip features a flat design and wrap-around cord that makes it easy to pack without taking up too much space in your suitcase. It has three AC outlets, two USB-C Ports, and one USB-A, to ensure you won’t find yourself battling for outlet space on your next cruise. Plus, this power strip has 1,800 five-star reviews with multiple shoppers praising it for being “perfect for travel” and “space saving” since you can opt to leave your charging cubes at home. A fellow cruiser who said “outlets were not easily accessible” on a recent trip agreed that this was a great solution “for storage and packing.” It’s safe to say my brother will support my decision to upgrade us to this packable extension cord.
Anrabess Crochet Swim Cover-Up
$30
I’m usually not an outfit repeater when I travel, but you will see me wear this cover-up all over the ship. The dress style offers both enough breathability to wear it outside and enough coverage to walk around inside as well. Just throw it over your swimsuit and you won’t have to worry about changing outfits before heading to the all-inclusive buffet. Cruises usually have air conditioning inside, and this long-sleeved dress will keep you comfortable as you go about different activities.
This Amazon best-seller comes in 22 different colors and the brand also sells a short sleeve and tank top version of the dress if you prefer. I’m currently eying the black-white colorway which features a black scalloped trim.
Dolce Vita Women's Starla Sandal
$120
My goal when packing shoes for a cruise is to limit myself to just a few comfortable pairs, which means versatility is key. While these sandals are a newer style, Dolce Vita is one of my go-to brands for cute but comfortable footwear, so I feel confident ordering them for my trip. Plus, these sandals feature a cushioned platform bottom for added support and a strap on the back, meaning my feet won’t slide around while walking around the ship.
The Dolce Vita Starla Sandals come in 7 different colors, but I think the tan woven style will be a perfect match for all of my daytime outfits — and yes, my accessories really will have an island theme on this trip. Since the buckles have gold hardware, they can easily be dressed up as well. I plan on wearing them with everything from shorts and a tee shirt to flowy maxi dresses. Want to keep things waterproof? Try the uber-popular Crocs Women’s Brooklyn Low Wedges.
BTFBM Summer Bohemian Floral Casual Wrap Dress
$38
If there’s one thing I’m going to do on a tropical vacation, it’s use it as a reason to wear a flirty dress. Cruisewear has gotten more casual over the years, but I prefer to dress up for dinners — especially when I opt to go to the ship’s specialty restaurants — and most cruises have one or two formal nights included in their itineraries. This ASTR the Label midi dress features a corset-style bust, a flowy skirt with a leg slit, and a pretty floral pattern — what more could I ask for? But, if you’re looking for a similar style for less, you can’t go wrong with this flattering wrap dress that could just as easily pair with white sneakers as gold wedges for just $38.
Voilipex Packable Floppy Straw Sun Hat
$18
A cruise isn’t just about your destination — it’s about the amenities you’ll experience once aboard. Traveling by plane means sitting in a cramped row, but on a cruise you’ll be sailing to different stops while sitting poolside. A hat is essential to protect your scalp from strong UV rays and shield your eyes from the sun. I prefer to pack a straw hat that feels stylish in addition to functional like this one from Volilipex.
The Floppy Straw Sun Hat is a lightweight material that makes it breathable on hot days. It comes in one size but features an interior drawstring that can easily be adjusted for a snug fit. Most importantly, it’s unstructured so you can fold it to pack without worrying about losing its shape. I know I’ll be wearing this straw bucket hat on both the boat and around Bermuda since I can easily throw it into my day bag. The hat comes in 12 different solid colors, including match-everything neutrals like beige and khaki. However, there are also seven crochet-style patterns available, which I’m tempted to grab as well. A tropical vacation is the perfect time to experiment with bright colors and fun accessories, after all.
Skays Reversible Floral One Piece Bathing Suit
$37
I’ll be driving to the cruise port for my trip this summer, which means I don’t have to worry about suitcase restrictions or weight limits. Yet, I’m still a sucker for a space-saving solution. This reversible swimsuit is the perfect multitasking piece for your next vacation. Once you wear it to the pool or beach, you can hand wash it in your shower and turn it around the other way — no one will suspect you’re actually re-wearing the same suit.
Another perk of this swimsuit is that it provides good coverage on the stomach and back, making it a great option for a family trip. While it’s a more conservative style in my opinion, the tie sleeves and square neckline are on-trend, and it comes in eight pretty floral prints (yes, all of which are reversible as well.) Reviewers found this swimsuit to be good-quality and say you won’t have to worry about see-through fabric. One traveler who wore the suit while hiking to a swimming spot in Croatia said it was “very comfortable.”
Sojos Retro Oval Sunglasses
$16
Okay, these best-selling sunglasses aren’t technically in my shopping cart — they’re in my purse because I couldn’t wait any longer to buy them. I started ordering sunglasses from Amazon years ago after losing one too many pairs of more expensive shades, and I haven’t looked back since. Amazon sunglasses feel just as high-quality as any other brands I’ve tried, and this pair, which has over 23,900 five-star ratings, is no exception. The polarized lenses will protect your eyes from UV rays — plus, the hexagonal design is unexpectedly flattering.
I purchased the Sojos glasses in the black colorway but they also come in five different stylish options. My Amazon sunnies collection also includes the brand’s Retro Round Polarized Sunglasses and my brother is a fan of their Retro Aviator Sunglasses.
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle
$30
Cruises are known for their all-inclusive atmosphere, and they really do a good job of providing anything you could need aboard the ship in my experience. However, that doesn’t mean you should leave your reusable water bottle behind. You’ll still need it when you deport the ship for an excursion, and trust me you’ll be thanking yourself for bringing it with you to the cruise ship’s pool. Water may be readily available on the boat, but an insulated tumbler will do a better job at keeping your drink cold than a glass, and you’ll be refilling it less often. I’ve been loyal to my Hydro Flask water bottle for about five years now and can attest to its ability to keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours.
The Hydro Flask water bottle comes in 14 colors, each available in either 18 ounces, 21 ounces, or 24 ounces. I find the 21-ounce size to be the most versatile — it’s large enough that I don’t have to refill it too often without being too heavy to carry around with me. Plus, I love that the cover has a handle to make it easily transportable. It’s even dishwasher safe (which will be important once you return home from your trip). It should come as no surprise that this water bottle has over 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
Kindle Paperwhite
$150
Planning to relax and unwind aboard your cruise ship? A good book can help you leave behind the pressures of work and everyday responsibilities. While scrolling social media recently, I ended up on #BookTok and heard multiple readers call Magnolia Parks the “London version of Gossip Girl,” since it follows the love life of a socialite. The Magnolia Parks Universe is a series, meaning you can bring multiple books with you depending on the length of your trip. You can grab the paperback books or download them all on your Kindle before you set sail on your voyage.
Velvet Caviar iPhone Case & Battery Pack
$40
$60
Despite working in social media for my entire 10-year career, I have a tendency to let my phone battery run out. This isn’t the best habit to have while traveling, especially if you are going on a European cruise with 10-plus hour excursions. However, ever since I received this Velvet Caviar iPhone Case and Battery Pack, my phone hasn’t died once. This charger is lightweight and thin, making it easy to take on the go. It uses MagSafe technology to attach to the case and charge your phone.
The case and matching charger come in an assortment of different patterns ranging from checkered print to marble. There’s just something so satisfying to me about how they were designed to match each other. However, I will note that the charger can generally only be used to charge your phone once before needing to be recharged. (Of course, if you’ve already ordered an extension cord for your stateroom, you’ll have the space to do so.)
Vooray 22L Zoey Tote Bag
$55
I gifted this tote bag to my mom a few months ago, and I’ve rarely spotted her without it ever since. I was tempted to buy one for myself the last time she packed in it to visit me, and I think my upcoming trip is the perfect excuse to finally add it to my cart. This might not seem like your typical beach bag, but I prefer to pack a tote that can have multiple functions for a cruise: I’ll be able to use it to carry my pool essentials on the ship and as a day bag on excursions. It would even make the perfect gym bag if you plan to work out on your trip.
As someone who has tried a ton of tote bags, I have very specific criteria of what I look for: Interior pockets and a comfortable strap that can easily rest on your shoulder are at the top of my list. The Zoey Tote bag has an interior water bottle sleeve and an enclosed pocket for zipping up anything you want to keep out of the sun. The magnetic snap closure makes it easy to open and close and the inner liner is water resistant. It features both top handles and a removable longer strap, so you can carry it however is most comfortable for you.
You might be thinking this tote could make a good personal item or carry-on as well, and you’d be correct. Personally, I prefer to bring a larger duffle and tuck a tote like this inside it for even more space. This bag is easy to compress because it’s made of a soft cotton material. But my favorite packing hack is to stuff a tote with clothes before putting it into your suitcase to really save space.
Havaianas Women's Slide Classic Metallic Sandal
$40
Another important shoe to have on a cruise is a pool slide that will take you from the outer deck to the buffet. Have I mentioned yet that cruises have all-you-can-eat buffets? And that you’re always a few steps away from your next snack while aboard the ship? You just need a shoe that will take you there.
I’ve never been a big fan of flip-flops and other popular slide styles I’ve tried are so chunky that they feel heavy. Enter, Havaianas Slide Sandals. This style is waterproof and offers a platform that’s thick but not too bulky so that you feel comfortable walking around in them beyond the pool deck. The footbed is textured so that your foot stays in place. Plus, the metallic design is fun while still being neutral enough to go with all of your swimsuits. I may have to pick them up in both the rose gold and the silver colorways.
Dramamine
$6
Too often I hear people say that they don’t go on cruises because they’re prone to motion sickness. And I have to be honest, even aboard a larger ship, you’ll likely be able to feel the boat rocking at times. However, as someone who is sensitive to sea sickness myself, I can assure you this shouldn’t deter you from setting sail and there’s a solution that will keep you feeling your best.
Dramamine is the first thing I buy for all of my trips and the only reason I’m able to keep up with my cruising habit. I even once found myself buying a German version of this pill when I didn’t bring enough on a Europe trip (though it did make for one of my all-time most interesting souvenirs). While I’ve tried nonoral remedies for motion sickness, such as patches and wristbands, I find that these pills are the only thing that ward off my nausea completely. If you’re prone to motion sickness too, I suggest taking the pills preemptively, at a specified time each day. They last for 24 hours and the less drowsy formula doesn’t cause any tiredness for me.
Kopari SPF 50 Sun Shield Body Glow
$42
A sunburn can quickly turn a relaxing vacation into a painful experience. During my decade of working at beauty publications, I’ve heard multiple dermatologists say that the best sunscreen is one you’ll actually use. For me, that generally means avoiding anything too sticky or with a strong synthetic smell. I’ve been wanting to try this Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow since seeing it on social media because it goes beyond just your typical SPF formula.
The lightweight gel formula glides on easily and offers SPF 50 protection. It’s infused with macadamia and hibiscus oils to ward off UV ray damage and Vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental stressors. But what really caught my attention about this product is that it leaves a shimmery shine on your skin that will make you look sunkissed — even if you spent all day lounging in the shade. You can choose between three colors, each leaving a different metallic shimmer on the skin. I will definitely be covering myself in this sunscreen before heading to the pool.
Kerastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Hair Serum
$60
I tend to be a minimalist when it comes to packing beauty products for a cruise, but this Kerastase serum is the one product I won’t set sail without. The ship deck can get windy, which causes my hair to frizz, while going in the pool and the ocean makes it even drier than usual. However, this serum truly does work magic on my strands, just like its name implies.
While this serum can be used as a leave-in-treatment, I find that it instantly smoothes any frizz as well. I simply put one drop of the product into my hand, then run it down my hair, massaging it into any unruly curls. Within minutes, my hair looks shinier with no signs of frizz. It’s a major time-saver when I’m going straight from dinner to a show and don’t want to worry about redoing my hair. I like to take advantage of packing full-size products when I’m not flying to my cruise, but if you do need a TSA-approved product, this spray bottle would work well to dispense the serum — and you’ll be able to relax on deck frizz-free.
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