Vacationing on a cruise can be so much fun, but buying anything extra costs a pretty penny. So, you need to make sure you pack all the necessities. I’m preparing for my first cruise, so I have done all the research and am sharing the top cruise essentials I have found with you.
You’ll learn all about cruise must-haves, like a cruise essentials packing list, cruise essentials for first timers, Dollar Tree cruise essentials, and cool things to bring on a cruise.
After reading this post, you will know what to pack for a cruise vacation and enjoy your experience on and off the ship!
This post is all about the best cruise essentials you need for your next vacation!
The Best Cruise Essentials
Insulated water bottle with a handle.
Hydration is extremely important, especially if you are going to scorching places like the Caribbean. It is essential to make drinking water convenient and enjoyable. This insulated water bottle does just that. It has two different lid options with handles and stays cold for 48 hours. They are durable and cute!
When searching for an insulated water bottle, ensure they are 100% BPA-free and double-vacuum insulated to keep things cold and hot for longer. They should also be leakproof and easy to carry.
Best Places to Get Insulated Water Bottles:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
Electrolyte Powder is Cruise Essential
Let’s be honest: when people are on all-inclusive vacations, they tend to drink A LOT! Adult beverages and heat don’t mix well, so it is vital to prevent dehydration by drinking electrolytes. These Liquid I.V. packets multiply hydration with their cellular transport technology and taste great!
If you are looking for an electrolyte powder, consider these factors: ingredients, health benefits, taste, ease of making, and price. I also suggest that the electrolyte powder be third-party tested.
Best Places to Get Electrolyte Powder:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
Motion Sickness Prevention
Motion sickness prevention is one of the most important cruise essentials, especially if you have never been on a ship. These two motion sickness products have good reviews on Amazon and help people on cruises. I recommend taking both because one might work better for you than the other. It’s better to be over-prepared for motion sickness!
If you buy motion sickness products, look for something fast-acting and long-lasting. I also suggest using bands that target your pressure points.
This is not medical advice, so I highly recommend talking to your doctor about any medical needs you have before going on a cruise. These things may help you, but only a doctor can guide you.
Best Places to Get Motion Sickness Prevention:
- Amazon- MQ Motion Patch
- Amazon- Acupressure Wristband
- Walmart
- Target
Sunscreen for the Body, Face, and Lips
Sun protection is vital to life but essential for warm-weather cruises! You will be spending a lot of time outside doing excursions or hanging out on deck, so you must wear coral reef-safe sunscreen. These three Sun Bum sunscreens are excellent for a cruise; they protect you from UVA and UVB rays and feel great on your skin.
When searching for quality sunscreens, look for a broad spectrum, which means it protects from UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen should also be moisturizing—no one wants dry skin! It must also comply with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act, which means it is Octinoxate and oxybenzone-free.
Best Places to Get Sunscreen:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
Waterproof Pouch is a Cruise Essential
There are so many things to do on and off the cruise ship, and most of them involve water. These highly-rated waterproof pouches are cruise essentials. They will ensure your valuables are kept safe from water and theft because you don’t have to leave them behind during water activities. Regardless of the pouch you choose, these two will fit your phone, I.D., and money.
When looking for a waterproof pouch, ensure it is large enough to carry your phone, identification, and cards. The most important feature is the ability attached to your body, whether around your neck or waist.
Best Places to Get Waterproof Pouch:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
Beach Bag is a Cruise Essential
Having a beach bag to bring stuff with you ashore and to the pool is important. This top-rated beach bag is perfect for a cruise because it is large enough to fit towels, headphones, sunglasses, and anything else you may need. It also comes with a waterproof case for your valuables.
If you plan to purchase a beach bag, it should have lots of pockets and zippers. The bag should also be water-repellent and big enough to carry towels, a bottle, and snacks.
Best Places to Get Beach Bag:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
Packing Cubes are Cruise Essential
The organization makes you happy if you’re anything like me, so these packing cubes are essential! This Veken packing set has 8 unique cubes for cosmetics, shoes, underwear, and laundry. They are perfect for saving space in your luggage and fit a lot of stuff.
When searching for packing cubes, make sure they are lightweight with zippers. They need to have wide openings so that you can fill them up to capacity.
Best Places to Get Packing Cubes:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Dollar Tree
Silicone Bottle Covers are Essential For Cruises
Bottle covers are one of my go-to when traveling anywhere. These silicone bottle covers are top-rated on Amazon because of their convenience. They are perfect for cruises because they fit full-size bottoms so you can put them over your sunscreen or soap bottles. They are easy to use and prevent messes; stretch them over the bottle.
When purchasing bottle covers, make sure they can fit a variety of sizes of bottles. The covers should be made from easy-to-clean materials, like silicone or rubber.
Best Places to Get Silicone Bottle Covers:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
Magnetic Hooks Are Cruise Must Have
You will have limited space in your cabin, so utilizing the walls is super helpful for organizing and staying clutter-free. Most walls on a cruise are magnetic, so top-rated heavy-duty magnetic hooks are the perfect addition to your cruise vacation. They carry up to 105 lbs but keep in mind that is when they are upside down.
If you plan on purchasing magnetic hooks, make sure they can hold over 50 lbs, and there are several in a pack.
Best Places to Get Magnetic Hooks:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Dollar Tree
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Door Hanging Organizer for Cruise Essential
If you’re anything like me, disorganization gives you anxiety and small spaces like cruise cabins are prone to clutter. That’s where a door-hanging organizer comes in handy on a cruise! You can either hang it on the bathroom door or on your magnet hooks. This large mesh organizer has 15 large pockets holding shoes, bottles, clothes, books, or anything else.
When looking for an organizer for a cruise, make sure it is lightweight and made of durable material like nylon. It should also have a lot of large pockets to store our items.
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Dollar Tree
Poo-Pouriri is a Cruise Must-have
Cruise cabins are not well-ventilated, so the smell can linger, and no one wants that. Poo-Pouriri will save the day! It smells great and truly deodorizes the space. This high-rated Poo-Pouriri set has three original scents and is great for travel.
Although I recommend Poo-Pouriri, you can buy any deodorizer you prefer. Just ensure it deodorizes the space, not just mask the smell like some sprays.
Best Places to Get Poo-Pouriri:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
Small Night Light is a Cruise Essential
Cruise ships are in the middle of the ocean, so it’s pitch black at night, especially if you’re in the interior cabins! This travel light is perfect for cruises because it’s a small magnetic motion sensor light. The motion sensor is so convenient when you wake up and can’t find the light switch in your dark stateroom.
When purchasing a night light for your cruise, I recommend using a small one with a motion sensor. It should be rechargeable or battery-operated because your room will have limited outlets, so you don’t want to waste it on a light.
Best Places to Get Small Night Lights:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Best Buy
Electronic Finder is Essential For Cruises
One of the most important travel essentials is an electronic finder. The Tile Mate can be used with IOS and Android phones. This item finder is highly rated because of its convenience and wide range, which works up to 250 ft. I recommend putting one in your suitcase, wallet, and purse. I also suggest attaching one to your keys.
If you plan on buying an electronic finder, it must be compatible with your phone. It should be water resistant and have a wide range.
Best Places to Get Electronic Finder:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Best Buy
Outlet Extenders are Cruise Essential
When vacationing on a cruise ship, you will notice limited outlets. So, you should pack an outlet extender that is cruise-approved. The outlet extenders or power strips mustn’t have a surge protector. This top-rated outlet extender has USB-C, regular U.S. outlets, and three extra outlets.
When buying an outlet extender for your cruise, ensure it does not have a surge protector. The wiring on a ship is different than on land, so a surge protector increases the risk of fires on cruises. It should also have a minimum of three outlets.
Best Places to Outlet Extender:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Best Buy
Portable Charger is Cruise Essential
You never want your phone to die on vacation, so using a portable charger is vital. This top-rated portable charger is conveniently slim and powerful. It quickly charges your device, whether a cell phone or tablet.
When purchasing a portable charger, it should have a USB C in/out for high-speed charging. The charger should also be small enough to fit in your pocket.
Best Places to Get Portable Chargers:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Best Buy
Water Shoes are Essential for Cruises
Whether you hang out by the pool or go snorkeling, water shoes are essential for your cruise experience. They will comfortably protect your feet so you can have fun outdoors. These highly-rated water shoes are great for everyone. They are anti-slip and quick-drying.
If you plan to buy water shoes, they should be snug enough to prevent blisters but still comfortable enough to enjoy all day. They should also be made with breathable, anti-slip, and quick-drying material.
Best Places to Get Swimwear:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
Swimwear is Essential for Cruises
Last but certainly not least on our cruise essentials list is swimwear! If you plan to go to the pool or the beach during your vacation, pack 2 or 3 swimsuits. Yes, you can leave them out to dry, but the lack of ventilation in your cabin can leave your bathing suit damp.
It can be difficult to buy swimwear online. Look at the size chart!! It gives you specific measurements for their garment. Then, measure your bust, waist, and hips and select the size that best fits you. If you need help choosing a swimsuit, check out Jillian Viera’s post, where she gives you all the tips and tricks to selecting your perfect swimwear online.
Best Places to Get Swimwear:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Shein