Cruise Must-Haves: The Gear Actually Worth Packing
Not nice-to-haves, the genuine must-haves. The short list of cruise gear I would not sail without, and why each one earns its spot.
7 min read
There is a lot of cruise gear out there, and plenty of it is filler. This is the opposite: the short list of things I genuinely would not sail without.
Every one of these earns its place in the suitcase by either saving money, saving space, or saving a bad moment. If you only pack from one list, make it this one.
A few links below are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only point to gear I'd actually pack. How this works
The cabin essentials
Magnetic hooks and a non-surge power strip do the most to make a tiny cabin work. The hooks give you hanging space on the steel walls, the strip ends the nightly fight over the single outlet.
Kate's picks: Magnetic cabin hooks, Cruise-approved power strip (no surge)Affiliate link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The money-savers
Reef-safe sunscreen and a lanyard for your room card are tiny things that save you from gift-shop prices and a lost-card headache. Bring them from home and forget about it.
Kate's picks: Reef-safe sunscreen, Cruise lanyard with card holderAffiliate link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The just-in-case heroes
Motion sickness bands and a mini first-aid kit are the things you hope to never need and are very glad to have when a sea day turns rough or someone needs a bandage at midnight.
Kate's picks: Motion sickness relief bands, Mini first-aid and meds kitAffiliate link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The space-saver
Compression packing cubes are how all of the above fits without checking a second bag. They keep the suitcase organized and squeeze a week of outfits into a carry-on.
Kate's pick: Compression packing cubesAffiliate link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked
What is the number one cruise must-have?
Magnetic hooks for the cabin walls. They are cheap, weightless, and they fix the biggest problem with a small cabin, which is nowhere to put anything.
Are cruise gear kits worth buying?
Sometimes, but they often pad the price with filler you will never use. You usually do better picking a handful of genuine essentials yourself, which is exactly what this list is.
- Magnetic cabin hooks· The first thing I unpack every single sailing.
- Cruise-approved power strip (no surge)· Cabins have one or two outlets, and you have five things to charge.
- Reef-safe sunscreen· Buying it onboard costs a small fortune, so pack your own.
- Compression packing cubes· The reason I can fit a week of outfits in a carry-on.
Keep reading
GuideJuneau, Alaska Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do
A friendly Juneau, Alaska cruise port guide: where you dock, the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching, the tram, food, and how to plan your day.
GuideKey West Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do
A warm, honest Key West cruise port guide: where you dock, walking Duval Street, beaches, sunset, food, and how to plan a relaxed day ashore.
GuideSan Juan, Puerto Rico Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do
Your friendly guide to the San Juan, Puerto Rico cruise port: where you dock, walking Old San Juan, beaches, food, and how to plan a great day.
Get my free cruise packing checklist
The printable list I actually pack from, cabin gear, port-day kit, formal night, all of it. Plus the occasional honest cruise tip. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.