The holiday season is among us, and it’s the busiest time of the year! As the holidays quickly approach, you might be looking for unique gift ideas, especially for those tough-to-shop-for loved ones in your life. Cruisers and travelers alike will always appreciate travel-savvy gear for the beginning of a new travel year.
What better way to spread joy to your favorite cruisers than with a thoughtful and practical gift this holiday season? Whether your loved one is planning their first cruise in the upcoming year or they’re a seasoned cruiser, there is sure to be something on this list that would make the perfect stocking stuffer.
Take a look at our list below for clever gadgets and travel-friendly gifts that can be found on Amazon this holiday season. Even better, all of the stocking stuffers on our list are under $20, so you won’t need to break your budget.
As someone who sailed on more than 10 cruises in the last year, I’ve found a few must-have items that make my life easier while cruising. From packing cubes to an electronics organizer, many of these items on this list have changed the way I cruise and travel!
As a note, Cruise.Blog makes a small commission when you choose to purchase any of these items from the links below. This costs you nothing extra but provides some support to our site!
Read more: 20 best things to bring on a cruise that cost less than $10
Electronics Organizer
One of the best purchases I made last year was an electronics organizer. Between my laptop, iPad, phone, camera, wireless headphones, and smartwatch, I travel with many cords and chargers. I was getting overwhelmed with how many cords I had in my backpack when cruising. This organizer keeps everything in one handy place with multiple places for cords and chargers.
Here are two different options with excellent ratings on Amazon:
Link: BAGSMART Electronics Organizer Travel Case, Small Travel Cord Bag for Travel Essentials, Tech Organizer as Travel Accessories for Men Women, Cable Organizer for Phone, SD Card, Black
Price: $19.99
Link: Electronic Accessories Case, Universal Cable Cord Holder Organizer / Electronic Case, Waterproof Portable Cable Organizer Bag, USB Flash Drives Bag, Cable case Bag, USB Case Organizer, USB Charger Bag
Price: $6.65
Packing Cubes
Cruisers have been quick to praise packing cubes for simplifying their packing experiences. With packing cubes, you can stay organized and also save space in your luggage. Once onboard a cruise ship, you can simply unload the packing cubes directly into the cabin’s drawers or shelving. Here’s one of our favorite sets of packing cubes, along with a popular set of compression packing cubes.
Packing Cube Link: Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Travel Essentials for Carry on, Luggage Organizer Bags Set for Travel Accessories in 4 Sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small), Black
Price: $16.98
Compression Packing Cube Link: BAGAIL 4 Set/5 Set/6 Set Compression Packing Cubes Travel Accessories Expandable. Packing Organizers
Price: $19.99
Magnetic Hooks
One of the top items that cruisers rave about is this set of magnetic hooks. Cruisers can use these in their stateroom thanks to magnetic walls. The hooks are heavy-duty and can hold up to 27 pounds. Since cabins are very small on a cruise ship, it’s important to stay organized and optimize the tiny space. You can hang hats, coats, bags, and more.
Link: Neosmuk Magnetic Hooks, 27 lb+ Heavy Duty Earth Magnets with Hook for Refrigerator, Extra Strong Cruise Hook for Hanging, Magnetic Hanger for Cabins, Grill (Silver White, Pack of 10)
Price: $7.80
Read more: A cruise hack turns any cabin into a private area, which is perfect for light sleepers
Luggage Tags
Another cruising essential is a set of reusable luggage tag holders. With these tag holders, cruisers can print their luggage tags and place the printed tags into these plastic holders directly on their suitcases.
This ensures the luggage tags do not get damaged or ripped off by the porters at the cruise terminal. Each cruise line has different luggage tag sizes, so we've included a few options based on the major cruise lines.
Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, MSC and Costa: Cruise Luggage Tags for Carnival, MSC, Costa, NCL & Princess Cruise Ships, 6Pack Clear Tags Zip Seal Reusable Cruise Travel Essentials for 2023-2024
Price: $6.69
Royal Caribbean/Celebrity Cruises: Cruise Luggage Tag Holder Zip Seal & Steel Loops for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruise | ID Badge | Waterproof, Clear Cruise Luggage Tags | Royal Caribbean Cruise Travel Accessories (4PK+ 2 ID)
Price: $8.99
Norwegian Cruise Line: NCL Luggage Tag Holders by Cruise On [4 Pack] Fits Printed (Not Mailed) Norwegian Cruise Line Ships & Tags for Cruises in 2023, 2024 & 2025
Price: $12.99
Cruise Power Strip USB Outlets - No Surge Protector
Cruise ship cabins tend to have only a few outlets available for guests to use. In fact, older cruise ships will likely only have one or two outlets for guests to use within one stateroom. With so many devices that probably need to be charged between everyone in the stateroom, having a cruise-approved power strip is a must to charge multiple devices at once.
However, it's important to note that cruise lines are very strict about prohibiting power strips and extension cords, so these approved USB outlet extenders are great to have. These are two great options that are loved by many cruisers.
Foldable Power Strip Link: Cruise Power Strip Foldable Non Surge Protector with USB C Outlets 3.4A Total, Multi Plug Wall Socket, Cruise Essentials Accessories Must-Haves for Travel Ship, Home, Japan Applicable:
Price: $9.99
Power Strip Link: Cruise Power Strip No Surge Protector with USB Outlets - Ship Approved (Non Surge Protection) Cruise Essentials in 2023, 2024 & 2025
Price: $17.99
European Travel Adapter
Another very popular travel gadget is a European adapter, as many cruise ships have both US and EU plugs in the cabins. Taking advantage of the European outlet in your cruise cabin helps utilize as many outlets as possible. Those taking a cruise to Europe will also want to make sure these are packed in their suitcase for any hotel stays before or after a cruise.
Link: TESSAN European Travel Plug Adapter, International Power Plug with 4 AC Outlets 3 USB Ports, US to Most of Europe Euro EU Italy Spain France Iceland Germany Greece Portugal Charger Adaptor, Type C
Price: $12.74
Beach Towel Clips
It’s a quintessential cruising activity to sit on the pool deck with a cocktail in hand, especially on sailings that are heading to the Caribbean where the most popular activity is heading to the beach.
Whether you're lounging on the cruise ship or ashore at the beach, you will appreciate these handy towel slips. There’s nothing worse than your towel constantly falling or blowing in the wind! Cruisers love these beach towel clips that are easy to pack.
Link: Danmu Beach Towel Clips, Beach Clips, Towel Clips for Beach Chairs Cruise, Heavy Duty Clothes Pins-Keep Your Towel from Blowing Away, Beach Accessories for Vacation Must Haves (Multicolor-8pcs)
Price: $5.55
Mini First Aid Kit
No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario when on vacation, but, unfortunately, accidents can happen. While you can access a full medical clinic onboard every cruise ship, you might find yourself in a sticky situation if you encounter a minor emergency ashore.
In addition, it can be expensive to visit the doctor onboard your cruise if you simply need a first aid kit. Here’s one that our readers love; it’s affordable and easy to pack!
Link: General Medi Mini First Aid Kit, 110 Piece Small First Aid Kit - Includes Emergency Foil Blanket, Scissors for Travel, Home, Office, Vehicle, Camping, Workplace & Outdoor (Red)
Price: $13.88
Passport Case
Most cruisers will probably board their cruise ship with a passport. Some itineraries only require a birth certificate for sailing, but we always recommend all cruisers travel internationally with a passport. Having a passport case is crucial to keeping your passport safe from damage while traveling.
Link: labato Passport Holder Women, Passport Wallet Travel Document Organizer, Waterproof Cruise Accessories Must Haves, Travel Essentials PU Leather Passport Cover for Women Men, Mint
Price: $3.99
Motion Sickness Bands
Similar to having a first aid kit, one of the biggest fears for first-time cruisers is getting seasick. While this might not be as common as one might think, any ship can encounter rough seas or bad weather.
Those who are prone to motion sickness might want to consider these motion sickness bands, which can be worn throughout a cruise to help with motion sickness using Acupressure techniques.
Link: LYJEE 5 Pairs Motion Sickness Bands, Nausea Wristbands for Car Sickness, Relief Wristband for Motionsickness. Sea Flying Travel
Price: $7.05
Travel Binoculars
Those planning to take a scenic cruise, such as an Alaskan or Norwegian fjord itinerary, will definitely appreciate receiving this travel-sized set of binoculars for the holidays this year. Being able to see the wildlife from a cruise ship’s top deck can be difficult with the naked eye, so a set of binoculars is a must. These are small enough to easily pack in a suitcase.
Link: WRNRN 12X25 Mini Pocket Binoculars Compact, Small Lightweight Foldable for Adults Kids Bird Watching, Travel, Opera Concert, Hiking, Cruise, Football Game Green
Price: $19.99
Wrinkle Release Spray
Fire is the biggest hazard for a cruise ship. Because of this, cruisers are prohibited from bringing an iron or steamer onboard. Unfortunately, this can lead to some very wrinkly clothes throughout the sailing. One way that cruisers deal with wrinkles is by packing travel-sized wrinkle release spray to keep their clothes free of wrinkles.
Link: Downy Wrinkle Releaser, Odor Eliminator and Fabric Refresher, Crisp Linen Scent, Travel Essential, 3 Fl OZ (Pack of 2)
Price: $7.99
Portable Charger
Any traveler will tell you that having a portable charger is an essential item to pack, especially while cruising. With limited charging ports in the cruise cabin and busy days ashore, it’s not uncommon to find yourself with devices that need to be charged on the go. Here’s one of the most popular portable chargers with thousands of glowing reviews.
Link: INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc
Price: $17.99
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Spray
No one wants a stinky cruise cabin, especially when the space is very small. Sharing a tiny bathroom can be less than pleasant, especially with all that cruise food! Many cruisers find it necessary to bring some of this poo-pourri spray that you can ‘use before you go’. This travel-sized bathroom spray has great reviews from many travelers, and the 3-pack makes the perfect stocking stuffer.
Link: Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, On-The-Go, Travel Size Variety 10 mL - Original Citrus, Lavender Vanilla and Fresh Air 0.34 Fl Oz (Pack of 3)
Price: $9.97
Cruise Lanyard
Many cruisers choose to pack a lanyard for their sailing because it allows for easy access to their onboard ship card. Since the ship card acts as your identification, room card, and credit card, you need to have it on hand at all times. Having the card safely secured on a lanyard ensures that you won't lose track of it.
Link: cruise lanyard for Ship Cards | 2 Pack with ID holder, Key Card Retractable Badge & Waterproof
Price: $10.99
Read more: Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory
Travel Jewelry Case
In case it needs to be emphasized again, organization is key in your small cruise cabin! For women, having a traveling case for jewelry is very helpful in keeping jewelry both safe and organized. I love having a small jewelry case when traveling so I know exactly where I can find my earrings, necklaces, and rings.
Link: ProCase Travel Size Jewelry Box, Small Portable Seashell-Shaped Jewelry Case, 2 Layer Mini Jewelry Organizer in PU Leather, Earring Necklace Bracelet Ring Holder Box for Women Girl -Black
Price: $9.89
Read more: Top 25 cruise cabin hacks to improve your stateroom's functionality
Allie Hubers
Allie Hubers has been cruising since she was a tiny toddler. What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising and adventure. Allie's been on over 45 cruises all over the world. She even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents.
