Some of my favorite vacations of all time have been cruises.
I’ve taken more than 26 of them and have spent years helping others arrange them in my work as a travel planner.
Over time, I’ve optimized my packing list to include the best things to bring on a cruise that can make a trip even better. If you’re looking to save space in your suitcase, I have suggestions for items you can leave behind, too.
A small portable fan can be a lifesaver at night.
Cruise-ship rooms are typically air-conditioned, but they can get a little warm when everyone’s in there sleeping.
So, I always bring a small portable fan to set up on my side table. It helps keep me cool at night and brings some white noise into the room.
Make sure it’s battery-operated, as there are usually limited outlets in a cabin.
Pro tip: Your local camping-goods store is a great place to find these fans.
A hanging toiletry bag is key when there’s limited counter space.
It’s no secret that most cruise-ship rooms are on the smaller side, especially the bathrooms.
To keep my things organized, I always bring a hanging toiletry bag.
I typically hang it on the back of the bathroom door or nearby for easy access. This way, I don’t need to use much counter space for all of my toiletries.
Outlet adapters with USB ports come in handy when everyone’s trying to charge their phone.
Cruise cabins typically have limited outlets and USB ports, which may not be enough to charge all of your family’s electronics.
Most cruise lines don’t allow travelers to bring power strips on board because they can pose a safety hazard. However, I like to bring a single outlet adapter with USB ports so I can charge everything we need without overloading the cabin’s electrical system.
It’s helpful to bring a lanyard for your room key.
You have to take your room key out quite a bit on a cruise, and I’ve found the easiest way to carry it is on a lanyard.
You can keep it around your neck or in your bag for easy access. If you forgot to bring a lanyard, you can always buy one on board.
Magnetic hooks can be helpful for organizing a room.
Magnetic hooks are one of my favorite ways to maximize space on a cruise.
Cabins typically have tons of magnetic surfaces where I can stick these hooks to hang bags, hats, and toiletry cases.
You can also use these to hang signs on your door, which is a great way to personalize your room so you can pick it out easily in a hallway full of identical doors.
Sunscreen and aloe are absolutely essential when you’re out on the water all day.
You’ll definitely need sunscreen on a cruise — especially if you’re going to the Caribbean or a sunny destination.
You can purchase it on board, but it’ll typically cost you much more on the ship than at your local drugstore.
Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, as you should be reapplying quite a bit. And when all else fails, bring some aloe for after-sun care.
Towel clips are super helpful for combating ocean breezes.
It can get a little breezy on the pool deck even on the calmest days at sea, so towel clips are my go-to for keeping my beach towels from blowing away.
It’s also a great way to remember where your lounge chair is when the deck gets crowded.
You probably won’t have access to an iron, so wrinkle-release spray is helpful.
Cruise-ship rooms don’t typically have irons, and travelers aren’t allowed to bring them on board.
You can usually pay to have your clothes ironed on board, but I find wrinkle-release spray is a cheaper, easier solution.
I simply spray my clothes with this as I unpack my suitcase, and the wrinkles disappear.
It’s helpful to have some cash with you.
I bring small bills with me on every cruise so I can tip anyone who I feel went above and beyond during my trip. It can also come in handy at ports — a lot of local markets and eateries can be cash-only.
Rooms usually have safes, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a lot of money with you all day.
Reusable water bottles help keep me hydrated.
Cruise lines typically offer complimentary water, tea, and juice to all travelers.
I like bringing my own reusable water bottle with me as the provided cups on board can be small. This keeps me from going back and forth a lot for refills, and I always know which drink is mine.
The sea air will also dry you out, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
Pro tip: If you forget your water bottle, you can usually buy a refillable drink cup on board.
On the other hand, I never pack my own towels.
You don’t need to bring beach towels on a cruise as they’re typically provided on the pool deck.
Generally, you can get fresh towels at any time and even take them off the ship when you visit islands — just don’t forget to return them.
Leave the blow dryer at home.
Like at a hotel, the hair dryers provided in each room are pretty basic, but they’ll get the job done.
If you want a full blowout, treat yourself in the onboard spa — after all, you’re on vacation.
This story was originally published on June 11, 2023, and most recently updated on May 19, 2026.
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