Here at Cruise Blog, our team of editors hit the high seas more often than most people could imagine. With our obsessive cruising habits, we are always on the hunt for the best cruise gear to make our travels more convenient and functional. If a cruise product simplified life, it was well worth the investment.
With the holiday season already here, it’s the perfect time to shop for thoughtful cruising gifts. You’ll be able to take advantage of the best deals of the year with most retailers having massive sales on their most popular items.
It’s hard to know which cruise products are worth the hype, especially with so many recommendations given across social media. Some raved-about products fell flat for us (I’m looking at you, viral travel backpack from TikTok), while others exceeded expectations. After all, no one wants to waste money on splurging for travel products that lead to disappointment.
We tested everything from packing essentials to tech gadgets over the last year across dozens of cruises on many different cruise lines. Whether our editors set sail to Alaska, Norway, Africa, Canada, Australia, or the Caribbean, we were testing out new travel gear that promised to elevate our cruise experiences.
Last year alone, I sailed on eight different cruises across four continents! Although I have my go-to travel products, I love to try new products when I cruise. With so much time on the road, one product can change the game! If you’re looking for inspiration this holiday season for the cruise enthusiasts in your life, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve compiled a list of the best cruise products that were not only purchased by our editors but also loved and continuously packed for every cruise adventure. Seasoned cruise pros and first-timers should check out our list of tried-and-true travel products before embarking on their next sailing.
If you end up purchasing the products below that are linked to Amazon, we receive a small commission. This costs you nothing extra but helps support our site.
High Capacity Portable Charger
- Buy now: $39.98, amazon.com
Packing a portable charger for your cruise is a no-brainer, especially when cabins onboard lack outlets for charging. Portable chargers allow you to keep your devices powered throughout the day. There are a variety of portable chargers available for purchase. Some smaller chargers might only charge your device once or twice before needing to be recharged.
On the other hand, higher-capacity portable chargers can be used for hours to recharge your devices. I splurged on a higher-capacity portable charger this year for my cruises, as I found my phone battery dying quicker. When sailing on older ships with limited outlets, I was able to use the higher-capacity charger to charge my devices overnight in the cabin.
Travel Wedding Ring
- Buy now: $16.99, amazon.com
I cruised to some off-the-beaten-path destinations this year, including destinations across Africa and Asia. Traveling with my real jewelry makes me nervous, as I would never forgive myself if I lost my wedding ring! Sentimental jewelry like this cannot be replaced, so I invested in a cheap ring to wear during my travels.
If you’re looking to invest in a fake, cheap ring for your cruise, consider shopping on Amazon. I’ve been wearing this fake wedding ring for over one year during my cruises and am still impressed with the quality. I haven’t experienced any tarnishing, either. You could even purchase a ring that looks similar to your real jewelry.
This was one of the best purchases I made for my cruises in 2024! No one can tell the ring is fake, but I know the jewelry is only worth $16.99. If the ring ended up stolen, lost, or forgotten, then it’s no skin off my back.
Away Bigger Carry-On Luggage
- Buy now: $221, awaytravel.com
Our editors love luggage from Away, myself included! Between multiple staff members, we have traveled around the world with Away suitcases, and we can confirm the investment is absolutely worth it.
I never understood the purpose of splurging on expensive luggage when the airlines are so rough handling bags. I used to drag janky suitcases around airports and cruise terminals because I refused to spend more than $50 on any single suitcase. Eventually, I grew tired of having bags that couldn’t keep up with my travels.
One of my fellow travel-obsessed friends convinced me to purchase a carry-on suitcase from Away Travel. After purchasing bags from the brand for years, she raved about the quality. I decided to try out the Bigger Carry-On, although it pained me to spend $295 on a suitcase. While undeniably pricey, each purchase receives a limited lifetime warranty, which the company stands behind.
The quality of the suitcase blew me away with how easily it rolled around. The wheels were buttery smooth, and the trolly handle seamlessly expanded. I loved the sleek design as well.
I could also fit so much in the durable hardshell, which is somehow slightly flexible to fit everything. As someone who travels almost exclusively with carry-on suitcases, I was impressed with how much I could fit in the carry-on suitcase. I was able to bring the suitcase on a variety of planes and airlines, as well.
I was completely sold and convinced my husband and sister to invest in Away suitcases. I also purchased “The Large Flex,” “The Medium,” and “The Bigger Carry-On Flex” to complete my set. Even when I had a small crack in my shell after more than 20 cruises and upwards of 100 flights, the company replaced my suitcase without question.
Compression Packing Cubes
- Buy now: $31.99, amazon.com
Our editors are obsessed with packing cubes for their cruises! After discovering the versatility and functionality of standard packing cubes last year, our editors upgraded to compression packing cubes this year - and they were a hit!
Packing cubes allow you to segment your wardrobe in your luggage. This is great for cruising because it helps you stay organized in your suitcase, whether driving to the cruise port or heading to the airport first. In addition, you can simply place the packing cubes in your cruise cabin’s closet or drawers when getting settled in your stateroom. This makes unpacking and repacking a breeze!
Compression packing cubes are game changers, as they include a second zipper to tightly compress your clothing items. You can save so much space with these compression cubes, which provide more room in your luggage for cruise souvenirs.
Magnetic Hooks
- Buy now: $7.99, amazon.com
Although seasoned cruisers rave about magnetic hooks, many of our editors had not purchased their own set until this year. Because cruise cabin walls are magnetic, these hooks allow you to hang up smaller items directly on your stateroom wall. After trying these for ourselves, we can confirm the hooks lived up to their hype!
These magnetic hooks would make the perfect stocking stuffer for the cruise enthusiast in your life. Regardless of which cruise line or ship you sail on, these magnetic hooks will enhance the cabin experience by providing more space to hang belongings. This keeps the room feeling less cluttered and more organized. Because space is small, this is crucial!
Apple AirPods
- Buy now: $159.99, amazon.com
Having a reliable pair of headphones when traveling is essential. For this reason, our editors rave about Apple AirPods for cruises. Instead of fumbling around with tangled cords, these Bluetooth headphones are so easy to travel with. The compact design makes them travel-friendly, fitting perfectly in your carry-on or personal item without taking up too much space.
AirPods provide seamless entertainment for Apple users, connecting flawlessly to your phone, tablet, or computer. The noise-canceling effect is also useful if you want to drown out excessive noise, such as rowdy neighbors near your cabin or a crowded pool deck.
Portable White Noise Machine
- Buy now: $19.99, amazon.com
Speaking of noisy neighbors, our blog’s editors loved this portable white noise machine for cruising. Whether you’re traveling with a baby and need to keep your room quiet or prefer white noise while sleeping, this portable white noise machine is perfect for your cruise cabin.
In fact, I purchased this gadget to bring on my first cruise of the year back in January. I was impressed by the simple and compact design, as it hardly took up space in my luggage. Although small, this machine is mighty with a loudspeaker to drown out excessive noise.
Phone Wristband
- Buy now: $11.95, amazon.com
Before my last cruise to Australia and Indonesia, I wanted to invest in a wrist strap that I could use to keep my phone secure while traveling. Phone thieves are everywhere, so I wanted to ensure my phone wouldn’t be easily snatched from my hands. In addition, taking photos on the top deck of a cruise ship or tender boat always makes me nervous about dropping my phone into the water. Not with this purchase, though!
This wristband was convenient to use - and also very stylish and comfortable. With a small tether tab that fits under your phone case, the wrist strap was a cheap investment for the peace of mind. I plan to use this purchase for all future cruises, and I’ve inspired other editors on the staff to try it for themselves!
Hoka Bondi 8 Sneakers
- Buy now: $135, hoka.com
Similar to luggage, I never wanted to splurge on high-quality sneakers. Instead, I opted for cheaper shoes from the outlet mall or Target that would only last a few months. With so much time spent traveling the last year, I was ready to invest in higher-quality sneakers. I wanted to ensure I was comfortable walking, hiking, or exercising during my cruises.
One of my friends recommended Hoka sneakers, particularly the Bondi 8 model. I purchased a pair of white sneakers to ensure versatility, and I will never go back! I packed these sneakers for all of my travels over the last year and walked hundreds of miles.
Read more: I spent 7 days cruising through Europe. Here are the items I couldn't have done without
Luggage Tags
- Buy now: $12.99, amazon.com
Luggage tags are popular in the cruising community, but many of our editors didn’t invest in these cruise essentials until this year. Although not necessary, cruise luggage tags provide a protective covering for your printed baggage tags for boarding. Our editors were impressed with the functionality and quality of these tags.
Instead of taping or stapling your printed cruise tag to your bag, these will ensure your tag is not damaged or ripped off. For instance, if you’re boarding on a rainy day, your bag tag might get water damage, making it difficult for the crew members to determine where your luggage should go. The small price for this long-term investment, especially for cruise enthusiasts, is worthwhile.
Compression Socks
- Buy now: $11.39, amazon.com
While not necessarily glamorous or stylish, our editors raved about wearing compression socks in 2024! Our team traveled to far-flung destinations around the world this year, from Africa to Asia, Australia, Alaska, and the Arctic.
For long-haul flights to cruise ports, compression socks are often recommended for health reasons. They can help improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and prevent fatigue. Staying healthy on your cruise is a top priority, as no one wants to get sick during their much-awaited vacation.
Our editors invested in compression socks this year to see if they noticed a difference during their travels. Multiple people were impressed by the impact of wearing compression socks during travels to prevent swelling and help with leg fatigue during long flights.
Travel Shoe Bag
- Buy now: $15.99, amazon.com
Frequent cruisers find the best packing essentials for traveling, such as this travel shoe bag. A couple of our editors purchased this travel shoe bag for their cruises in 2024, and they loved it! In particular, this travel shoe bag can hold up to three pairs of shoes securely and fits perfectly in a suitcase.
Putting your shoes in your luggage next to clean clothes always feels dirty. This travel bag helps you not only stay organized but also provides a designated space in your luggage for shoes to keep other packed items clean and separate. After exploring many different ports of call during your cruise, you won’t need to worry about how to pack your dirty shoes back in your suitcase, either.
Packable Luggage Scale
- Buy now: $11.98, amazon.com
Our editors love to shop for souvenirs and treasures while cruising. From local trinkets to onboard merchandise, it seems there are constantly opportunities to shop while you cruise. However, if you need to fly to and from your cruise port, you need to consider how much your luggage weighs to comply with airline requirements.
This luggage scale is portable, compact, and accurate for weighing suitcases. Our editors consider this one of their cruise essentials when flying to a cruise, especially if they are planning to shop during the itinerary. Instead of worrying about how much your luggage weighs when you arrive at the airport, you can plan accordingly by packing this digital scale.
Open Story Signature Day Trip Backpack
- Buy now: $79.99, target.com
One of the best purchases I made for my 2024 cruises was this backpack from Target. I was looking for a backpack designed for travel without being too big and bulky. In addition, I wanted something higher quality to ensure it could withstand all of my travels. Finally, I didn’t want to break the bank on a backpack considering I already splurged on more expensive luggage.
This backpack from Target was a worthwhile investment. Used as my personal item for many trips over the year, it was durable and thoughtfully designed for travel. I loved the chic design and the trolley strap on the back, as it fit perfectly on top of my carry-on luggage. There is ample storage space and plenty of padding on the shoulders for comfortable wear as well.
Hanging toiletry organizer
- Buy now: $16.99, amazon.com
Hanging toiletry organizers are a game-changer when it comes to cruising, especially on ships where bathroom space can be limited. They also eliminate the need to unpack your products on embarkation day, keeping everything organized and easily accessible.
When disembarkation rolls around, hanging toiletry organizers are a breeze to fold up and place in your suitcase. Plus, many are lightweight and compact, so they do not take up precious space in your luggage.
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.
