What is actually worth packing
The small, cheap things that make a cabin easier to live in and a port day easier to enjoy. Ten to start with — we add to the list as things earn their place.
These are the things we pack ourselves, and why. No gimmicks, no brands pushed — for most of them the cheap one does the job, so each link opens an Amazon search and you pick.As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Magnetic hooks
Hang everything off the steel walls
Cabin walls are steel. Half a dozen strong magnetic hooks give you somewhere to hang lanyards, hats, wet swimwear and the daily programme.
See options on Amazon →Non-surge power strip
Two sockets is never enough
Cabins have one or two sockets. Surge-protected strips are confiscated at security; a plain non-surge one with USB ports is allowed on most lines. Check your line's list.
See options on Amazon →Lanyard for your cruise card
Never leave your card on a sun lounger
Your card opens the cabin and pays for everything. A lanyard means it is never in a pocket you left behind.
See options on Amazon →Cabin door magnet
Find your door in a corridor of identical doors
Every corridor door looks the same. A door magnet finds your cabin after a long day and marks it for room service.
See options on Amazon →Ear plugs
The cheapest good night's sleep on board
Thin walls, early tender announcements, and the neighbour's balcony door. Foam ear plugs sort all three.
See options on Amazon →Seasickness bands
Drug-free, cheap, worth a try
Acupressure wristbands are drug-free and cheap. Some swear by them, some don't. Pack them alongside whatever tablets you would normally take.
See options on Amazon →Mosquito bands or spray
For evenings ashore
Caribbean and Mediterranean evenings ashore. A band or a small spray in the day bag saves an itchy week.
See options on Amazon →Small dry bag
Tender rides, beach days, sudden downpours
Phone, cash and cruise card stay dry whatever the day throws at you.
See options on Amazon →Refillable water bottle
The most avoidable spend of the day
Fill it on board before you go ashore. Buying water in port adds up fast.
See options on Amazon →Over-door organiser
Everything off the tiny desk
Not for shoes. Sun cream, chargers, tickets, cables — all in one place and off the desk.
See options on Amazon →Got your ports to plan as well?
Get a free day plan for one of them — ship times, what is walkable from the ship, and trips matched to your budget.
Prices and availability are Amazon’s and change. We only list things we have used on a ship ourselves.