Get ready to set sail for smooth seas and sun-soaked days with this list of cruise cabin packing list of 5 Must-Have Items! As a seasoned cruiser, I’ve learned that packing for a cruise vacation takes some extra preparation. Yes, you need your swimsuit, sunscreen and flip flops, but there are some not-so-obvious items that can make your cruise experience so much better.
We’re talking clever organizational tools and gadgets to make your ship cabin feel more homey. These must-have items are easy to pack but will definitely elevate your cruise from basic to luxurious. So before you shove your suitcase to the curb, make sure to check out these game-changing cruise trip accessories. Your sea legs (and sanity!) will thank you. In this post, I’ll share my can’t-sail-without-them cruise items that most travelers don’t even think about. Get ready to cruise like a pro!
Before we dive into this must-have list, I want to note that these items are not ranked in any particular order of importance. They’re all clever solutions I’ve discovered from experience, so use your own judgement about what’s most useful for your upcoming voyage.
You may notice affiliate links to certain products – using these won’t cost you anything extra but they do help support the work that goes into running this travel blog. I only recommend items I would use myself on a cruise. Okay, now let’s get to those can’t-live-without cruise must-have items!
1. Power Strip with USB Charging Station
One of my absolute essential cruise trip accessories is a power strip with USB charging ports. Cruise ship cabins simply do not have enough outlets for all your devices and electronics. A compact power strip solves this issue so you can keep your phone, camera, laptop and more juiced up. Opt for one without surge protection – otherwise the crew may confiscate it.
I’ve had great success with this Anker PowerPort Cube power strip on my last few cruises. The 3 outlets and 3 USB ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C) allow us to keep all our devices charged without fighting over the cabin outlet. It’s ultra compact so it is easy to pack in your luggage.
I also really like the One Beat Power Strip. It has one additional USB-A port and I love the flat design, but that doesn’t always work so well with power cords that have bigger plugs. We chose the cube design because we typically plug in two computers, cameras, and iPads and we need the extra room.
Having a power strip makes it so much easier to power and use all our electronics onboard, especially important when I am blogging for this site and vlogging for my Travel with Traci Jo YouTube channel about our cruise adventures.
Both plug styles work well for cruises and provide ample charging capability for your devices. They’re slim enough to pack yet sturdy for daily use. Choose the size and port configuration that best fits your needs – either version will be a lifesaver for powering gadgets in your cruise cabin!
2. Magnetic Hooks
Another must-have item that has been a total game-changer for me on cruises are small magnetic hooks. The walls in cruise cabins are metal, so you can use sturdy magnetic hooks to hang and organize items. I recommend getting a set of these swivel hooks on Amazon. They’ll hold up to 20 pounds on a wall so you can hang jackets, robes, and tote bags. Now I realize those are probably bigger than needed, but I always like to err on the side of caution and have too much rather than not enough. They have even stronger ones if you want them. But, if you want smaller ones, we use these – both in our cruise cabin and on our fridge at home to hold all my measuring cups. They are perfect for smaller items like lanyards, hats, etc.
Possible ways to use magnetic hooks
- Hang hats, visors, sunglasses on the wall by the door to easily grab before going on deck or shore excursions.
- Use hooks in the closet to hang belts, scarves, or jewelry to free up rod space for clothes.
- Hang jackets, robes, or coverups by the bed for easy access when getting ready.
- Hang shower essentials like loofahs or razors on the bathroom wall for quick reach.
- Hang wet swimwear on the bathroom wall or closet to dry after shore time.
- Attach hooks inside the cabin door to hang lanyards, water bottles or small bags.
- Hang towels on hooks near the shower rather than taking up towel bar space.
- Use in kids’ cabin area to hang backpacks, toys, or games to organize.
- Hang toiletry/cosmetic bags on hooks near the mirror rather than cluttering the vanity.
- Attach bag hooks to hang day packs or purses neatly in the cabin.
Don’t underestimate the usefulness of packing a few magnetic hooks for your cruise! Just be mindful of placing electronics or magnetic-sensitive items next to them. These magnetic hooks have been a total sanity saver for me, keeping our cabin from becoming a disorganized mess on cruises. They instantly create extra storage and easy access to the items you use most.
These magnetic hooks have freed up so much space and stopped my items from getting jumbled in tight cruise quarters. Highly recommend them for your next sailing!
3. Over the Door Hanging Organizer (aka Shoe Organizer)
Speaking of organizing, this item is a true must-have. An over the door organizer is a cruise cabin essential for maximizing your storage space. With tight quarters and limited closet rods, you need all the extra storage help you can get. An organizer that hangs on the back of the cabin door is perfect for corralling all those small items that can get scattered about.
I know you have seen the traditional plastic shoe organizers that have 24 compartments like this one. However, I prefer this large 15-pocket mesh organizer. I like the bigger pockets. Let’s face it, some of us have bigger feet which means bigger shoes. What also makes this one great is that it is made with fire retardant material and is approved by all cruise lines and it is easier to pack than the plastic ones.
Use the pockets to store medications, sunscreens, camera batteries, chargers, cables, and other essentials you need daily access to. Keep your wallet, keys, or ID in the organizer’s pockets as well when getting ready to disembark. Install it in seconds to gain hanging space for all those items that would otherwise clutter up the cabin. It’s an easy way to organize essentials and keep them right at your fingertips in that snug cruise room.
4. Air Purifier
Do you need a fan or other form of white noise to sleep? Well, we do and this must-have item that has become an indispensable travel companion for us. The Westinghouse Portable Air Purifier is a life saver. In addition to providing the white noise we need, this compact unit uses a true HEPA filter to remove airborne particles like bacteria, viruses, dust, pet dander, and smoke that can aggravate allergies or illnesses. The activated carbon pre-filter also helps eliminate odors, VOCs, and fumes. It can clean the air of 99% of air pollutants in any space for up to 8 hours on a single charge.
We keep it running in our cruise cabin at night – the fan provides soothing white noise for sleeping while ensuring we breathe cleaner air. I really notice a difference in air quality and sleep better when using it. We also take this air purifier with us to hotel rooms and cabins. We seriously do not travel anywhere without this if we will be spending the night. It weighs only 2 pounds so it is so easy to pack.
I highly recommend packing this portable air purifier to improve air quality and sleep no matter where your travels take you. It’s a must-have wellness item for us on every trip!
5. Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Spray
Let’s address the elephant in the room, or shall I say the smells that linger in cruise bathrooms! Using the bathroom in a small enclosed space like an onboard bathroom can get stinky fast. So I recommend getting some Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go spray! Just a couple spritzes in the bowl before you sit creates a barrier that traps those unpleasant potty odors from spreading through the cabin.
Plus, it leaves behind a light lavender vanilla or citrus scent for a little aromatherapy on the seas. This bottle takes up barely any space in your luggage but makes a huge difference in keeping your cruise bathroom smells pleasant. Don’t sail without it – your travel companions will thank you!
Poo-Pourri sprays create a barrier that traps unpleasant bathroom odors so they don’t spread through your tight cruise quarters.
And there you have it – my can’t-live-without picks for maximizing even the tightest cruise ship cabins. With space at a premium, items like power strips, magnetic hooks, and odor-eliminating sprays make all the difference in keeping organized, devices charged, and your quarters smelling fresh.
Pack a few of these clever cabin must-have items and you’ll be set up for an easy breezy, stress-free cruise experience. No need to feel confined to cramped quarters! Hopefully these tips give you the tools and confidence to settle in and make that little cruise cabin feel like home. Let me know if you have any other space-saving gems for small ship accommodations. Bon voyage and happy sailing!
Visit my YouTube channel, Travel with Traci Jo, channel to watch videos of my personal travels and for more tips.
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