Going on a cruise is always an exciting experience! On a vacation where you can travel to multiple different countries and be entertained day and night, there's no reason to feel bored or stuck. With that in mind, there are a few items that can help make your trip easier AND have you feeling like a cruise pro!
Onboard there are tons of shops to find souveniers, candy, and essential items. But, it doesn't come without a higher pricetag. You don't want to find yourself in a situation of needing Ibuprofen from taking full advantage of the Deluxe Beverage Package and then discovering you'd be paying at least 2x more for it.
In this post you will find the TOP 10 Amazon Finds for Cruisers to prebuy so that you're not unprepared. So lets get started--
These clear, plastic luggage tags help to keep your luggage from getting lost in the shuffle. When you board the ship you have to pre-print your specific luggage tag which indicates what deck your stateroom is located on ot make sure that your luggage gets in the right place. Generally your luggage arrives in the hall around 2-6pm. Most people just staple or tape them on their luggage which can lead to them tearing and falling off and your left with trying to track down your luggage at customer service the next day.
These Tags are fool proof and stay on your luggage even through the hustle and bustle of boarding and de-boarding. Simply attach them to your handle of your luggage and slip the printed luggage tag inside.
They come in packs of 4-10 for only $6.00-$10.00 depending on the quantity. Click Here to view on Amazon.
On Sea Days there is nothing better than waking up to a beautiful, sunny day out on the water. The last thing you want is to nab that perfect lounger by the pool only to find someone else sitting in it after your towel blew off while grabbing an ice cream cone.
Not to mention losing or misplacing your towel can cost you $25.00 each if not returned to the towel station!
These towel clips are compact and easy to take along with you in your beach bag. Simply place your towel on the lounger or chair and use the clips to secure them at the top. They come in a variety of colors and shapes and can be easily personalized.
You can also opt for the chair bands. These are lightweight and less bulky but still secure your towel for the day. These can get even more creative with patterns and colors. Depending on the brand and amount they can be a little pricer but only by a few more dollars. These are great for those flying to port due to space saving in your luggage.
These range anywhere from $7.00-$10.00 and can have quantities of 4-10.
Anyone who has been on a cruise knows that your SeaPass is EVERYTHING! From the moment you board your ship, your SeaPass card becomes your life line. From opening your stateroom door, to purchasing items, to getting drinks, getting towels, and getting off and on the ship for port days you NEED your SeaPass.
Tiny and easy to loose, your SeaPass is something to hold near and close and the best way to do that is with a lanyard. Of course if you lose your SeaPass you can request a new one, but no one likes to stand in line at customer service- especially not while your on vacation.
Of course these are available for purchase on the ship, but not without a higher price tag of near $20.00 a piece.
You can purchase these in packs of 2-12 depending on the size of your party. With all colors and patterns these are really fun to customize and make you feel like a cruise pro! The best part is you save them and keep them for your next cruise vacation. Prices range from $8.00-$15.00 for a bundle. Click here to view the link on Amazon.
Documenting your amazing vacation isn't only important for social media, but also for generations to come. When taking a vacation that is surrounded by water (literally) it's important to make sure your cellphone is protected.
From the pool to the pink, sandy beaches of Bermuda, you want to make sure that your phone is protected from all the elements. These Waterproof Cellphone pouches are an inexpensive way to do just that and score that amazing underwater photo!
Simply place your phone in the pouch, release the air creating a tight seal, and then close the clip on the top. The lanyard also makes for easy swimming with your phone and you'll never lose it!
Coming in a variety of colors you can grab this bundle of 3 for just $8.00. Prices can range depnding on quantity and brand. Click here to view on Amazon.
You can also choose to get even more creative with a waterproof GoPro which is perfect for documenting and blogging your entire vacation. Click to view the low price on Amazon for your GoPro.
Depending on the type of cabin you book you may find that you are limited to only 2 electrical outlets. This is generally to conserve energy on a ship that holds at least 7k passengers.
While bringing a power strip is off limits- you can bring in a compact adapter that maximizes how many outlets you have use of. To avoid fighting over the outlets for phones, tablets, blow-dryers, straightners and the countless other electronics we have- bringing these adapters just makes life easier.
We recommend getting the adapter that allows for USB and USB-C compatibility to limit bulky charging blocks in your luggage. Not to mention this model is foldable which reduces space in your carry-on luggage or purse. You can also purchase one with a European adapter since the cabins also have these outlets!
Ranging from $10-$20 you can purchase this in multiple colors and sizes. Click here to view on Amazon.
No matter the stateroom you decide to book- space is limited when it comes to the bathroom. While there are shelves and cabinets, it is much easier to utilize vertical hanging space when you can.
A hanging tolietry bag is a must when it comes to storing all your personal and hygiene items. After all- you are on a ship that could sway at any given time sending all of your travel sized tolietries falling all over the shower.
Not only is it great for toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash- it's great for your jewelry and make up too!
This item is one of the pricier on this list. There are many different sizes, shapes, colors, and compatibility when it comes to a hanging organizer. I personally look for the ones with the clear pouches so I know exactly where everything is.
Ranging from $10.00-$40.00 you can choose this item based on your personal preference and need.
In speaking of space-saving, using this Over the Door Shoe Organizer will help keep your cabin cleaned and organized.
I can't count how many times I've searched the cruise cabin looking for a lost flip flip or kids Croc that somehow managed to slide under the bed or in the bottom of the closet. I must say that Royal Caribbean has amazing Stateroom Attendants and they generally find the lost shoe I was looking for when I return to a cleaned cabin with all of our shoes lined up!
Aside from the obvious shoe storage- these are perfect for sunblock, wet bathing suits, books, toys, and anything else you can think of to keep organized. Not to mention the magnetic hooks that can allow you to virtually hang these anywhere instead of jamming up a door.
FUN FACT: your entire cruise cabin is MAGNETIC! Choosing a magnetic door organizer also saves space from preventing using bulky over the door hangers.
Prices range from $8.00-$20.00 and come in all colors and sizes. Click here to view this link on Amazon.
When cruising it is important to alway keep your travel documents safe and secure. If you're anything like me it is easy to lose all of those card and documents in the bottom of a purse or back pack.
Having a designated Holder and Wallet for your Passport, ID, Birth Certificate, and all other travel documents that are seperate from your wallet is a great idea for easy recognition and access.
When travelling with my children on a cruise, they use their birth certificate on the close-looped cruises (cruises departing from the US and returning to the US). Instead of having them easily damaged in my wallet or in a folder I place them in these Passport Holders. The type of passport holder you purchase will also depend on the type of passport you have. Using a Card passport that allows you to drive or cruise to another country is different than using the Book passport which is larger and allows for international travel via Air.
You can also purchase holders that have more pockets and features like this one below that includes and pen and space for your ID or money if you didn't want to take your Wallet off the ship.
These Holders are probably the cheapest item on our list. Ranging from $4.00-$10.00 you can choose which Holder works best for your passport and storage needs. Click to view this item on Amazon.
No matter if you are cruising to the bahamas or on a short road trip, a first aid kit is a must. You never know when you'll need a band-aid, tylenol, or even a safety pin.
When travelling on the open seas, preparing for any situation is a key. While there are stores on board to help with immediate needs such as band-aids or Q-tips, when you need something more for a hurt ankle or headache it could cost hundreds with a visit to the Medical Team.
One of the biggest concerns my client's have with cruising is the question: "What if I get seasick or nauseous?" While purchasing Dramamine patches or medicine is always a great idea, this kit has absolutely everything you need.
With over 150 pieces, this kit comes out on top! With easy to grab pockets labeled for each ailment, this kit will save time and money. The different pockets include items for: First Aid/Emergency, Medicine, and Energy/Recovery.
The best part is you can purchase refill packs for when its time to replenish.
Although the intial price is $50.00, this kit can be used for many trips and years to come. The refill packs are only $13.00. Click to view this item on Amazon.
A family of 4 travelling for 7 days can really generate A LOT of laundry. No matter the size of the stateroom it is inevitable that piles of dirty laundry will find their way all over the room.
With this Hanging Laundry Hamper Bag, you are able to seperate the clean from the dirty. With suction cups it makes it easy to hang this bag anywhere in the room. Although I would recommend getting at least 2 for a family of 4.
This also makes for easy packing. Just simply roll up the bag with the dirty clothes in side and then you are able to easily transfer them to the washer when you return home.
Another recommendation from an avid cruiser is to bring along a second duffle bag for your dirty laundry. You can bring it easily in your luggage with it folded in the pouch and then place all of your dirty laundry in it. This allows for more space in your luggage for souveniers and gifts!
This Hanging Laundry Hamper is only $8.00. Click to view this item on Amazon. The Travel Duffle Bag can vary in price from $15.00-$30.00. Click to view this item on Amazon.
So now you're ready to cruise like a pro.
You now have all the essentials to make this the best vacation ever! But, you're missing one thing.
Using a Travel Agent can literally save you THOUSANDS of dollars. Not to mention stress and headache over all the tiny details.
Make sure to contact Living Adventures Travel Agency for your next Cruise Vacation so that all you have to do is choose which bathing suit to wear!
Follow us for more tips and tricks on our social media pages @livingadventuresta.
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