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Jennifer DiDonna

15 Cruise Essentials You Didn't Know You Needed!

Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, the key to a smooth and enjoyable trip is all in the details. Beyond the obvious packing list, there are ingenious essentials that can elevate your cruise experience to new heights. I have curated a list of 15 cruise essentials you didn't even know you needed. From clever organizational tools to innovative travel gadgets each item will ensure you are well-prepared for the unexpected and ready to make the most of every moment at sea.


  1. Lanyards for your cruise cards. These lanyards are waterproof, seal shut and the card portion is detachable. You can keep your card safe and easily accessible.

  2. Electronic Organizer Case. Keep all those wires, headphones and charging cables from getting tangled and ruined! Everything stays neat, organized and all within one easy to reach case.

  3. Waterproof Fanny Pack. What do you do with all your valuables when you want to go for a swim? This waterproof fanny pack is large enough to keep your phone, cruise card and other important items handy and safe.

  4. Elastic Towel Holder. There is nothing worse than enjoying the pool and watching your towel blow away. These colorful elastic towel holders are perfect to keep your towel in place and to also help you easily ID your chair in a sea of lounge chairs.

  5. Packable Laundry Detergent. These travel Tide packets are perfect for washing essentials in your cabin sink. One packet goes a long way.

  6. Fast Drying Microfiber Towel. Heading out at port to an excursion? Don't risk losing the cruise ship towel which can be a very costly mistake. These towels are compact and fast drying. They are perfect to take along on your excursions.

  7. Magnetic Hooks. My favorite cruise essential of all. Cruise ship cabin walls are metal and these magnetic hooks are perfect for keeping your small space organized. After cruising with magnetic hooks one time, you will be hooked (get it, hehe).

  8. Dramamine. If you're prone to sea sickness this is a must.

  9. Compression Bags. Worried about packing multiple outfits per day? Compression bags help you pack so much more in your luggage. These compression bags do not require vacuum, you only need to roll them to get the air out.

  10. Aqua Socks. Bare foot on the lido deck....yuck! Keep your feet safe and germ free. These aqua socks also have an amazing grip to prevent you from slipping on wet decks.

  11. Luggage Tags. Those printable paper cruise tags are prone to tearing and loss. Keep your luggage safe and easy to find with these tags. Just print out your tag and slide it into the plastic tag. Bonus, they're so much more visible than the paper tags taped around handles.

  12. Compact Binoculars. Whether you're cruising Alaska or the Caribbean binoculars are always amazing to have. You never know where sea life will pop up.

  13. Pill Organizer. Cruise ship pharmacies are expensive. Pack your own first aid kid and be prepared.

  14. Beach Bag. This foldable mesh beach bag is perfect for excursions or just heading to the pool on board. It folds easily for storage but is big enough to hold your entire family's essentials.

  15. Portable Clothesline. Perfect if you want to wash items on your cruise or even just hang your wet swimsuit. The clothesline attaches easily in the cruise ship bathroom.


These easily packable items will keep you safe, organized and looking like a cruise pro!

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