Cruise Essentials

Luggage Tag Holders

These are a must-have for cruisers! The tags are designed to fit the boarding passes perfectly — no folding, no stapling, no worrying about them tearing off before your bags reach your stateroom. They’re clear, waterproof, and reusable — so even if your bag sits outside in the rain at the port, your information stays protected. The holders are built with sturdy metal rings, so they’ll last for multiple sailings. I love them because they save so much time and stress during embarkation day. Make sure you use the correct link for your cruise line.

Purchase Azamara, Carnival, Costa, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O, Princess and Viking here.

Purchase Celebrity and Royal Caribbean here.

Apple Air Tags

I use Apple AirTags to keep track of my belongings while traveling. I put one in my purse for excursions off the ship, and the others go in my luggage as a safety net in case it gets lost. These compact trackers work with the Find My app, giving peace of mind whether you’re navigating ports, airports, or excursions.

You can purchase them here.

Apple Air Tag Holders

To keep my AirTags securely attached to my belongings, I use these holders. They make it easy to clip an AirTag to my purse, backpack, or luggage, ensuring I can always track my items. While I don’t use them on the ship, I find them invaluable during travel to keep track of my belongings.

You can purchase them here.

Travel Jewelry Box

I use this compact, leather travel jewelry box to keep my jewelry organized and protected. Its sturdy exterior ensures necklaces, rings, and bracelets don’t get crushed or damaged during transport. The multiple compartments, plus a small mirror, make it easy to organize and access my pieces. The box is small enough to fit in the cabin safe for peace of mind.

You can purchase it here.

Velvet Jewelry Pouches

I use these velvet pouches to keep earrings, bracelets, and Apple Watch bands organized within my travel jewelry box. They help prevent tangling or scratching and make it easy to separate smaller items. While I don’t use them directly on the ship, they’re perfect for keeping my accessories neatly packed and ready to go.

You can purchase them here.

Water Resistant Watches (Men’s & Women’s)

One of our favorite cruise hacks is bringing along simple water resistant watches. My husband and I first bought them for the thermal spa when we were going onboard the Princess Discovery because there isn’t a clock inside, and we didn’t want to risk ruining our smart watches with the heat and steam. These little watches are perfect for keeping track of time in the spa, sauna, or steam room without worry.

They’ve also come in handy on snorkeling excursions and beach days — anywhere you want to know the time but don’t want to carry your phone or wear something expensive. They’re lightweight, reliable, and if they get scratched or lost, it’s no big deal. An easy, affordable essential for cruisers who like both relaxation and adventure.

You can purchase the men’s one that my husband uses here and the women’s one that I use here.

Princess Medallion Clip-On Holders

If you are cruising on Princess Medallion ships, these handy clip-on holders are a game-changer for keeping your Ocean Medallion secure and accessible without the need for a lanyard or wristband. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring the ship, or enjoying the thermal spa, these clips allow you to attach your medallion to your shirt, purse strap, or belt loop—keeping it within easy reach and reducing the risk of loss.

My husband prefers clipping his to his shirt or watch, while I attach mine to my purse strap. They’re lightweight, durable, and come in various colors to match your style. Plus, they’re waterproof, making them ideal for excursions like snorkeling or spa days.

You can purchase them here.

DANCE SOCKS®

Slip these over your shoes for smooth turns and easy pivots during onboard dance classes. Lightweight, stretchy, and easy to pack in a small purse or bag—perfect for cruise activities.

You can purchase them here.

Binoculars

These binoculars are a must-have for certain destinations, especially for spotting wildlife from your balcony or on deck. We’ve used them in Glacier Bay, Alaska to see otters on the ice, in Cabo San Lucas to view humpback whales and dolphins, and in Ensenada to watch sea lions and dolphins. They’re high-quality, easy to use, and add a whole new dimension to your sightseeing experience.

You can purchase a pair here.

Full-Face Snorkel Mask — Comfort on the Surface

My husband swears by his full-face snorkel mask for small boat excursions and snorkeling near the surface. He hates how water seeps into a regular mask or having to hold a snorkel in his mouth, and this setup keeps him comfortable and dry.

I usually use the rental gear included with excursions — it works, but often smells of bleach and doesn’t always fit well. I’m curious to try a full-face mask myself, though I worry about losing some control underwater since I like to dive below the surface.

You can purchase this full-face snorkel set here.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Sun Care

I always use reef-safe mineral sunscreen because it protects both your skin and coral reefs. These are free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals found in many traditional sunscreens that can harm marine life and irritate sensitive skin. I use the regular lotion and my husband prefers the spray, and they also offer a tinted version for faces.

They also make reef-safe baby and kids sunscreens, and I use their Aloe Vera gel to soothe skin after sun exposure.

You can purchase the sunscreen cream here.

You can purchase the spray here. 

You can purchase the tinted facial sunscreen here. 

You can purchase the baby sunscreen here. 

You can purchase the kids sunscreen here.

You can purchase the Aloe Vera sun care here.

TABITORA Hanging Packing Cubes – A Week’s Worth of Clothing in One Organizer

My husband and I each use an extra large TABITORA Hanging Packing Cube for our cruises. These organizers are perfect for packing a week’s worth of clothing, including gym clothes, swimsuits, pajamas, and undergarments. The only items that might not fit are formal wear and theme night outfits.

Packing is a breeze—simply hang the organizer in your closet while you pack, and it takes mere seconds to unpack once you arrive.

You can purchase them here.

Magnetic Hooks-Maximize Your Cabin Space

Cruise cabin walls are metal, and these magnetic hooks are a game-changer for keeping your space organized. We use them for purses, jackets, hats, belts, and more — anything that needs a convenient spot without cluttering counters or drawers.

They’re strong, easy to move, and help keep your cabin tidy, making your cruise experience more comfortable and stress-free.

You can purchase them here.

70’s Theme Nights (Royal Caribbean)

Men’s

For 70s night, my husband embraced the era with a sequins disco button-up shirt. To complete the look, you can add bell-bottom jeans, platform shoes, a wide belt and round sunglasses.

You can purchase the shirt here.

White Night (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) hosts a White Night, where guests dress all in white. While I haven’t purchased any of these items myself, here are some items for general inspiration for men’s and women’s looks. Lightweight fabrics and simple accessories make the night even more fun!

You can purchase women’s attire here.

You can purchase men’s attire here.

Ballroom Shoes

While this is a personal preference, I always bring my ballroom dance shoes instead of heels or traditional dress shoes. They’re stylish but so much more comfortable for long evenings and hitting the dance floor after dinner. (If they have suede soles—as most do—just avoid wearing them on the pool deck since water will ruin them.) Shoe bags shown in this photo are not included. Below are some links to my favorite pairs:

Rhinestone Ballroom Dance Shoes Latin

Black Latin Cuban Heel

Beige Latin Cuban Heel

Apple Watch Bands

I like to swap out my everyday band for a dressier option on formal nights. Sleek leather, metal mesh, or jeweled styles instantly elevate the look of your smartwatch for dinner and formal photos, making it feel more like a true accessory rather than just a fitness tracker.

While Amazon doesn’t currently have the exact bands I use, the options below are comparable alternatives that give a similar look and style for your Apple Watch.

Coach Apple Watch Strap

Tory Burch Women’s Eleanor Designer Band

Motion Sensor Light

While I don’t use this light on the ship, as my balcony room provides ample natural light, it’s a great option for those in interior cabins or who prefer a bit more illumination at night. This motion-activated light can help you navigate the cabin without disturbing your roommate.

You can purchase one here.