16 Unexpected Items to Bring on Every Cruise

April 18, 2023

Hello friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading today!

Today I am so excited to share with y'all 16 unexpected but necessary things to bring on every cruise that you go on. While a lot of packing tips and lists can be found on the internet that include the usual items you would think to bring (clothes, camera, passport/documents/toiletries/etc) I wanted to share a few things that you might forget and are unexpected but are must pack items. So in no particular order let's get started:

(1) Over the Door Shoe Hanger
On my very first cruise I didn't bring one and rectified that immediately for all future cruises! These are a great way to have dozens of small size compartments for a variety of different things and will help add extra storage to the small staterooms. 

The one that I originally used on my cruises is no longer in stock so THIS ONE from Amazon has replaced it and it has worked perfectly for all different cruises (including a European River Cruise (but if you want a different option see below**) and stateroom sizes that I have traveled in! For less than $11 it is a steal! You can find it HERE!

** if you are going on cruise that has sliding doors only- THIS closet shoe hanger (less than $15!) is a perfect solution! You can find it HERE!**


(2) White Noise Machine/Small Fan
For years I have been sleeping with fans and have loved the "white noise" that they provide as I am a very light sleeper. Depending on your cruise ship and stateroom the walls on a can be exceptionally thin (even more than a hotel room) and a small fan can be very helpful, to block out the noise. There are several different options and depending on where we are traveling I have used each of them:

Looking for a noise machine that is small and incredible? Choose this one...
*THIS ONE is great for louder noises, less than 2 pounds and is incredibly small and won't take up mush room at all! It is the only thing that I travel with now! You can find it HERE!

Looking for a fan and not a noise machine that is smaller and fits in your carry on? Choose this one...
*THIS ONE is a great size that easily fits into even a small carry on suitcase! It is not as loud as the other option, but is also less than $30 You can find it HERE!

(3) Laundry Bags
Throw in a couple of small (or large) laundry bags to make it easy to put in your dirty clothes at the end of the day. When you get home everything is already in the bag and can easily be cleaned. Another idea is to take three different laundry bags- one for whites, one for dark colors, and one for clothes that need to be dry cleaned. That way when you arrives home all she has to do is drop things off at the dry cleaners and through loads of laundry in the wash!

I personally love THIS set of laundry bags from Amazon. For less than $9 you receive 5 different bags and can separate things in a variety of ways making laundry incredibly easy when you return home from your vacation.Find them HERE!

(4) Thermal Coffee Mug
For the coffee and tea lovers out there this can be a great tip for a couple of reasons. First, many times room service is not offered on disembarkation days when people are hoping for coffee most. Second, this is an easy way to fill your mug up with coffee and take it anywhere on the ship without spilling things, especially in stormy weather. This is an extra great idea right now as many cruise ships are requiring payment for room service starting in 2019! Save some extra money by getting a good walk in to get your coffee or tea and then have it with you as you enjoy the ship! 

I love THIS ONE by Yeti in the seafoom green color (but there are tons of other colors to choose from!). You can find it HERE.

(5) Extra Hangers
Depending on who you are traveling with you might want to bring extra hangers. Many cruise ships will provide more if you request them, but if you are going on a long cruise or like to hang everything instead of using the drawers you might want to consider this tip!

Looking for some hangers that won't take up too much room in your suitcase? Check THESE out here! They are less than $11 and give you 12 hangers! Click HERE!

(6)Power Strip
I shared this in my  "10 Must Pack Items for a New England and Canada Cruise", but this suggestion is universally helpful for anyone cruising. There are a TON of different options depending on the size that you want to carry with you (including cubes that can fit easily into a suitcase!). Check out lots of different options by clicking HERE!

(7) Ginger
A lot of people use Dramamine (or the patch) for motion sickness on a cruise which is a wonderful option, but ginger can be a great natural resource to help with nausea. You can read more about ginger and its health benefits by clicking HERE. I have mentioned this in several posts but I swear by THIS ginger here.

Also, if you are wanting to use dramamine- did you know that there is now a non-drowsy version made with ginger? You can find it HERE!

(8) A Picture of Your Luggage
I learned this tip from a couple that goes on a cruise almost every week. The wife shared how her luggage was "lost" one time and couldn't be found on the cruise that they were on. She was trying to describe her luggage to the cruise staff but all of the bags that they presented her with (about 20!) were not hers. Eventually (two days into the cruise) her suitcase was found in staff quarters. From that point on she always takes a picture of her luggage on her phone and said that she can now easily show someone her luggage without trying to spend hours of precious cruise time explaining it! 

(9) Blank Cards
Y'all know how much I love letter writing and sending thank you cards to people and I highly suggest throwing a few cards into your luggage to have handy on the cruise. There are so many people that you can meet on a cruise and become friends with and so many people to thank. A handwritten, old fashioned card can always make a beautiful and long lasting impression! I love how pretty THESE Rifle Paper Co cards are!

(10) Towel Clip
If you plan to spend some time outside laying out and enjoying the ocean breezes at the ships pool, you will want to bring clips to hold your towels down. As the wind blows you don't want to be chasing the towel all over the ship (*smiles*) so bring a fastener to help hold down the towel.

There are special clips for deck chairs that you can find in a variety of places but THESE from Amazon are amazing and are less than $8!! Click HERE!

(11) Your Favorite Snacks
Before we left on our last cruise, my best friend and I headed to one of my favorite stores and stocked up on some healthy (and gluten free for me) snacks to bring on board. While there is SO much food to be found on cruise ships, you might find this suggestion helpful, especially if you have food allergies like me and will want a snack (or are opting out of wanting to pay for new room service fees).

(12) Bungee Cords
Bungee Cords can be a wonderful resource to use in a variety of different ways. You can use the bungee cords to hold a balcony door open, secure your luggage, or even make a temporary clothes line! The options are endless but this will help you as you cruise! Again, there are a TON of different options that you can find in relation to bungee cords, but HERE are some great ideas!

(13) Duct Tape
I have heard from several seasoned cruisers that they live and swear by using duct tape on the cruise so throw it in your suitcase! I personally haven't used it ever, but some people love it!

(14) Ear Plugs/Eye Masks
I am a huge believer in eye masks, but recently I have been using ear plugs when I travel. Even if you don't completely block the noise from your cruise mates on the ship, it can help dim it and this can help you sleep better! I love THESE ear plugs and THIS eye mask!

(15) Deck of Cards (or Dutch Blitz!)
Sometimes, even on a cruise there are periods of waiting or "down time" and having a deck of cards for when you are traveling to the cruise, or hanging out in line waiting to embark on the ship or disembark at the end of the cruise can be a fun way to connect with others and pass the time. While a regular deck of cards is wonderful, consider throwing in a card game like "Dutch Blitz" which is fun and a little unique! (You can purchase Dutch Blitz cards on Amazon HERE!) 

(16) **Clothes Steamer**
This is a suggestion that I learned from a fellow cruise mate on my last cruise after I waited for hours for laundry services to come and pick up some clothing that I needed ironed. They kept saying that they would be there "in a minute" and low and behold, almost 2 hours later they still had not come. The simple and easy solution to this would have been a clothes steamer that would help take out the wrinkles (just like a regular iron, which a lot of cruise lines do not allow you to bring on board). I have found THIS ONE to be great and pretty inexpensive!

**please note that different cruise lines have different restrictions and I would suggest contacting your specific cruise line BEFORE your trip to confirm that you can bring this specific steamer on board.**

Looking for additional cruising tips? You can find more on my travel page (by clicking HERE!) or click on some of the links below! 

38 comments

  1. This is a very inventive list, I would never thought to bring bungee cords, but when I think about it you are right. They are quite versatile. Thank you for the suggestions, I will keep them in mind for my next cruise.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Krystal for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment! :) I have to admit that as I shared above, a lot of the ideas came from others suggestions! :) I hope that these help you in your future adventures and travels!!
      Blessings, Rebecca :)
      p.s. I wanted to email you back but unfortunately you are a "no reply blogger". I hope to connect with you more in the future!

      Delete
  2. Great tips! I never would have thought to bring a thermal coffee mug, but that's brilliant! I like to have coffee available at all times. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :) Brittany, Yea!! I am so glad that this post was helpful and practical!! :) Yea for coffee!!! :)
      Blessings, Rebecca :)
      p.s. I wanted to email you back but unfortunately you are a "no reply blogger". I hope to connect with you more in the future!

      Delete
  3. Just went on a cruise this past spring and definitely wish I would have brought some extra hangers, a coffee travel mug, and a pack of cards!! This is a great list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Liz for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! As I am getting ready to head on a cruise you have encouraged me to throw in extra hangers!! Thank you so much for your thoughts!! Where did you cruise to? I would love to hear about your adventures!!
      :) Rebecca
      p.s. I wanted to email you back but unfortunately you are a "no reply blogger". I hope to connect with you more in the future!

      Delete
  4. Great list. I've started bringing a laundry bag on every trip and it's so convenient! And ginger is so helpful at sea too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becky, I have only been on one cruise but ginger for me was a lifesaver! :) So glad to hear that it helped you too! Definitely throwing in a laundry bag this time as last time I didn't do this! :) Where did you cruise to? I would love to read about your adventures!!
      Blessings, Rebecca
      p.s. I wanted to email you back but unfortunately you are a "no reply blogger". I hope to connect with you more in the future!

      Delete
  5. I've only been on one cruise so I am by no means an expert. So many things on this list I would have never thought of!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhh me too lady!! I am learning as this will only be my 2nd cruise the first one was truly a whirlwind!! :) So thankful for everyone who suggested these amazing ideas!! :) Happy Monday!!

      Delete
  6. We went on a cruise for our honeymoon and had several of these things. Some we hadn't thought about, I am saving this list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Macy for stopping by and leaving a comment!! Do you mind me asking which items you took that you found most helpful? Also where did y'all cruise to? Would love to read about it if you wrote about it on your blog? Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!!
      Blessings, Rebecca :)

      Delete
  7. Thanks for sharing your travel must-haves here. I always bring my handheld steamer wherever I go, too! I can't expect hotels to always have ironing facilities and shower steam is not too appealing to me, either!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you James for stopping by and for leaving a comment! I appreciate you taking the time to do so! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
      Blessings, Rebecca
      p.s. I wanted to email you back but unfortunately you are a "no reply blogger". I hope to connect with you more in the future!

      Delete
  8. Don’t forget magnetic hooks. They hold all kinds of stuff too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a great idea too Tracy! I do have a word of caution though- in my experience not all cruise ships have places for magnetic hooks to be used so you would definitely want to contact the cruise company ahead of time to ask them! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
      Blessings, Rebecca :)
      p.s. I wanted to email you back but unfortunately you are a "no reply blogger". I hope to connect with you more in the future!

      Delete
  9. Hubby and I have been on many cruises over the years, and have learned some good tips, both from other cruisers, and our own experience. Be sure to bring good quality, comfortable shoes to wear on the ship, and the excursions. This is a bad time to break in new shoes! Bring a light sweater or wrap. Some areas of the ship can get very chilly. If you have extra prescription glasses, or reading glasses, it’s a good idea to bring them, just in case. A small handheld, battery operated fan has saved me a lot of misery when the temperature and humidity is stifling!
    Your list is really good! I like the seasick wrist bands, because you just put them on and forget about them. They really work!
    Good cruising everyone! 😀

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
      :) Rebecca

      Delete
  10. 15 cruises down for us. May I add some more suggestions?
    A small lighted alarm clock
    Some clothespins for hanging wet clothing
    Some zip lock bags...so many uses!
    My sea sickness tip: Start taking a Bonine (or equivalent) 2 nights at bedtime before boarding ship and continue for 2 nights after. This has worked magic for me (I don't like the wrist bands). I find this approach stabilizes my equilibrium for the rest of the cruise.
    A small microfiber cloth in your day bag for hot/humid days that make you sweat.
    Colorful tape on your suitcase so you can spot it quickly. We use very long strips on both sides, top, and bottom.
    If you have fabric luggage, line inside top and bottom with garbage bags. In the event of rain in transit, your clothes will be protected and you can use the bags as laundry bags once on the ship, or even a makeshift rain poncho during the cruise!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
      :) Rebecca

      Delete
  11. Thank you so much for the essential travel tips! Definitely some I hadn't thought of on my own. I am getting ready for my first cruise so this is very helpful. Bungee cords, travel mug, ginger, safety pins & laundry bag added to my packing list. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad that you found it helpful! I hope that you have a wonderful time on your first cruise! :)

      Blessings, Rebecca :)

      Delete
  12. Please check with the cruiseline before packing the steamer. Most of them do not allow them onboard, as they pose a fire hazard.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely Martha! It is always good to check with the cruiseline that you are traveling with. The ones that I have traveled with before have allowed this specific steamer- but with the way that regulations are constantly changing it is always wise to double check! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment!

      Blessings, Rebecca :)

      Delete
    2. And thank you for your comment! I am glad that you found the tips helpful!! :)

      Delete
  13. AAAhhhh.... Dutch Blitz!! I thought I was the only human who knew about this game. Best. Game. EVA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer! I smiled so big when I read your comment!! AHHH - It is so fun to connect with someone else who loves Dutch Blitz!! I KNOW. SERIOUSLY the best game ever!! :) I love bringing it on cruises because it is so fun to connect with others who love it too!!! :) :) Thanks so much for stopping by, reading, and taking the time to comment today!!

      Have a wonderful Monday!
      Blessings, Rebecca :)

      Delete
  14. I always take an inflatable float. You can't use them in the pool, but they are great for beach excursions. I use the ones that are a hammock (2 small inflatable ends with a net in the middle.) They take up almost no room in your suitcase.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a great idea and such a wonderful thought! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this!! Have a wonderful day!
      Blessings, Rebecca :)

      Delete
    2. For those that might be interested in something similar mentioned in the above comment you can find this one on Amazon HERE: https://amzn.to/2W8IPRV

      Delete
  15. Are you honestly able to bring that clothes steamer on a Carnival cruise without it being confiscated?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Brandons Mom,

      Thanks for your message. To answer your question I was able to bring the exact steamer that I cite above on my carnival cruise in 2015. I am NOT a representative of Carnival nor do I know their exact policies for this year so I would highly encourage that you contact them and share the brand/kind with them as different steamers are different. You can find their contact phone number here: 1.800.764.7419

      I hope you have a wonderful time on your cruise!
      Warmly, Rebecca :)

      Delete
  16. I leave for a trip in a day. I've placed everything on hangers as the cruise I'm on doesn't allow you to have a steamer. Also, cruise ships are notoriously famous for bedbugs (or so I've been told). However, they supposedly hate the smell of lavender. I was going to purchase cleaning supplies, especially disinfectant and the natural Seven products has a disinfectant with lavender. Hopefully I won't need it for bedbugs but if I do, I will kill two birds with one stone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sorry I am just seeing this and don't have a way to respond directly as you are a "no reply blogger" but I do want to say that I have NEVER had an experience with bedbugs on Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, or Viking Cruises. I did have an experience and an issue with bugs on one cruise line that we traveled with and am happy to share this information if you would like to message me (caravansonnet@gmail.com) but there were still NO bedbugs on that cruise.

      As a travel blogger and a cruise blogger with a concentration on wellness and health due to my fight for my health I ALWAYS research ahead of time what type of cruise lines we are traveling with and what the CDC has reported in their health grades for the cruise and ship. I would DEFINITELY recommend this as there are cruise lines that do not match up and fail the health guidelines and I would not recommend you travel on those.

      There is absolutely NO reason that you should have to deal with that on a cruise that you are PAYING for.

      Warmly, Rebecca

      Delete
    2. PS- If there are bedbugs I would hate to even think about the unsanitary condition of the food and the ship in general. PLEASE investigate and take the time to research thoroughly before choosing a cruise line.

      Delete
  17. To confirm your partner's commmitment,or know if your partner is cheating on you, kindly reach out to cyber lord on 'hackingloop6@ g m a i l . com" also on + 1 (612) 502 - 3647, he's a legit and reliable hacker, he also improves credit score, his services are affordable,tell him I referred you.

    ReplyDelete