DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE RECEIVE A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. FIND MORE INFO IN OUR DISCLAIMER.
Our Pick of the Best Travel Gadgets and Accessories
Travel technology in the cruise industry is becoming the norm as we all become more tech-savvy. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred cruise lines to develop technology in more innovative ways and improve the overall guest cruise experience.
While technology is racing ahead, plenty of other cruise accessories and travel gadgets will be invaluable on your next cruise.
A smartphone and other cruise gear can enhance your cruise experience and in this article, you’ll find 21 cool travel gadgets and tech accessories that might be a great addition to your Cruise Packing list. A Free copy of ours is available to download HERE.
The Top 21 Best Travel Gadgets for Cruisers
1. Electronics & Cable Organizer Travel Case
This is one of our best-ever purchases. It is used not only on cruises but also for hotel stays and much more. It is a great little organizer for all those cables, phone boosters, adapters, and more. This electronics organizer case is a favourite packing accessory for cruisers. It keeps all your chargers, SIM cards, cables, and wires organized conveniently in one place.
Recommended: Electronics cable organizer case (see Amazon reviews here)
2. Hanging Door Organizer
Another of our top cruise accessories is perfect for those who love cruising. A top-notch cruise accessory and always included in our must-have cruise items, this Door Hanging Organizer goes a long way to helping keep your stateroom cabin clean and tidy. Invaluable for the savvy cruiser, the benefits of over-the-door hanging organizers are endless.
Easily stores shoes, trainers, books, magazines, electronics, purses, wallets, towels, beauty products, liquid containers, toys & games, hats, scarves, and all of the cruise essentials and accessories you’ll need for your trip! Using one of these cruise gadgets always makes you feel more organized.
3. Cruise Power Strip
Due to safety concerns, many cruise lines have introduced restrictions for power strips on cruise ships, and non-surge-protected devices are the only ones allowed onboard. Even modern cruise ship staterooms don’t have enough power outlets and USB points for all our devices. Many cruise companies approve this power strip and is one we recommend. Read our article “The End of Power Strips on Cruise Ships“
4. RFID Money Belt
Security is paramount when on your cruise – keeping your credit cards, passport and cash safe while travelling is very important. An RFID money belt or waist pack will not only hold your gear conveniently close but will also block potential “RFID Skimming” that could lead to identity theft or hacking. There are many options, but be sure to select a discreet option and one that fits properly around your waist or hips.
5. Cruise Lanyards
This is a trendy item and so many people have them. A best-seller on Amazon these Cruise Lanyards offer a simple way to keep your cruise key card and other valuables safe. The waterproof pocket assures you that your money, cards, and other documents are protected and easily accessible.
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of losing the cruise key card, you’ll know how difficult it is to get another one. If you lose it whilst ashore, it can be a nightmare. Don’t let it happen to you. Grab this inexpensive, cruise must-have item and you won’t regret it.
6. Bluetooth Earbuds
Whether you’re listening to music or a podcast on the pool deck, working out in the gym, or doing your daily walk or jog around the ship, make sure you have some Wireless Earbuds. These are of great value and work really well, perfect for taking on a cruise when exercising or on a shore excursion. If you are a fan of Apple products, you may also like Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation) with MagSafe Charging Case
You might like to try the Audible Plus Free Trial (30 days)? You can download thousands of audiobooks, documentaries and podcasts. You can find more info here
7. Waterproof Phone Case
A waterproof phone case is another must-have cruise travel gadget to keep your phone handy and dry! Great to use around the ship but even better for shore excursions where you can sometimes run into trouble.
This phone case seals at the top to keep moisture and sand out and protect your smartphone plus, you can also store your ID and cash in it. You can also use it while in the case, so your phone stays germ-free is a bonus!
8. Cruise Hook Magnets
You will love this little trick! As far as cruise gadgets are concerned, they may not be at the top of your list, but when you learn that cruise cabin walls are metal, it all changes. Being metal means they’re magnetic, and you can stick things to your walls with them.
These hooks will stick right to your cabin walls wherever you decide. Use them to pin your daily cruise program or reminders to the wall, add a picture of your favourite pet back home, and hang your cruise lanyard, hats, bathing suit, handbag, or whatever else you fancy. A simply fantastic cruise hack.
9. Pocket UV Sanitizer
During the pandemic, we learned that keeping things clean and virus-free is essential. Using hand gel isn’t always convenient. When we first discovered this UV device, we were intrigued by its effectiveness. At first, we were a bit sceptical, to say the least.
Is it true that UV light kills 99.9% of pathogens, leading to sickness? By doing some research, we confirmed that this technology has been used in hospitals for decades. This superlative technology is now available to travellers and cruisers to clean cruise cards, smartphones, and other necessities. We’ve tested this technology and never cruise without a UV light device. In addition, this handheld device cleans all kinds of other items. We even take one of these to use in our local restaurants when eating out.
10. Packing Cubes
You either love them or hate them! We love them as they make packing so much more organised. Nowadays, there is a wide choice available at very reasonable prices.This one is a quality and affordable option for organizing your luggage contents. We use them for all kinds of things, including clothes, underwear, electronics, goodies etc.
Everything is neatly packed away in colour-coded cubes, making cruise travel more organized and less cluttered. They’re great for saving space when packing your case, making unpacking in your stateroom much easier and faster. When storage space in your stateroom is restricted, packing cubes can be a great way of storing your clothes and staying organised. Related Article: Eagle Creek Packing System Review
11. Portable luggage scale
We have learned from experience! When taking a fly cruise, you must comply with your airline’s luggage weight limits. Going over can be very costly, which is why a portable luggage scale is worth its weight in gold!
Whether you’ve picked up gifts or souvenirs for friends and family back at home or knick-knacks, your suitcase may be heavier on your way home. A portable luggage scale will ensure you won’t be charged by the airline should this happen.
12 – Stateroom night light
A night light is a convenient and often overlooked travel gadget for your cruise. A cruise cabin is an unfamiliar space, and wandering around in the dark can be dangerous —a night light with a motion sensor will prevent you from fumbling around.
You might consider leaving the bathroom door ajar to allow some light into the room, but if the ship encounters rough seas, the door may loudly swing open and shut and disturb your sleep. Instead, consider bringing a battery-powered night light on your cruise to move around your cabin safely once the sun goes down.
13 – Pop-up laundry basket
Sometimes, you may pack light and wash your clothes during your cruise, which is fine as most cruise ships have laundry service or self-service laundry facilities. This pop-up laundry basket fits easily in your suitcase (it folds down to an eight-inch circle) and can hold a full load of laundry!
With handles, a detergent pouch, and a fabric softener, it’s easy to carry to the laundry room.
14 – Power Bank or Portable Charger
Our smartphones are in contact use and used for so many things, so it’s essential to keep them charged. We use our smartphones to take videos, photos, selfies, social media, and check our emails.
Some shore excursions can involve a lengthy coach ride, and you will likely want to read an ebook or play a game on your mobile device.
No wonder these devices use battery power quickly when we don’t have access to an electrical outlet!
A small but powerful power bank is necessary to ensure your devices stay charged and ready for action.
15 – Kindle Oasis
A gorgeous item to take on your cruise, this Kindle is waterproof, so you can read while relaxing in the pool or hot tub. With a 7″ glare-free display, the Kindle Oasis is like reading on paper—even in sunlight. It is much easier than carrying around heavy books. Plus, it is waterproof, and the battery lasts for hours. Load it with some of your favourite travel books and give this bestseller to the travel lover in your life.
Check out: Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans – First 30 days free
Recommended: Kindle Oasis (see Amazon reviews & check pricing here)
16 – Reusable luggage tags
Even though your cruise line may supply luggage tags, they may be simple paper ones that you need to print. We have found buying luggage tags before your cruise is a good idea. All you do is slip the printed luggage tags (from your cruise line) into the plastic sleeves and attach them to each suitcase. Make sure to check this link to find the tags for your specific cruise line.
17 – Water-Resistant Watch
From a security point of view, it is not a good idea to wear expensive jewellery and watches on cruise port days. It’s always a good idea to have an inexpensive digital watch to wear ashore. This bestseller is waterproof and perfect for all cruise activities.
18 – Waterproof Bluetooth speaker
If you are into your music, you will want to have your own music available in your stateroom. This waterproof Bluetooth speaker is the perfect travel gadget for the beach as well.
19 – Bluetooth Tripod Selfie Stick
A simple but effective device that helps you take brilliant photos and videos on your cruise. No more fiddling around trying to take selfies and wondering if you are in the picture. With this Bluetooth tripod and selfie stick you are in control. The Bluetooth remote lets you have complete control of your shots or videos.
20 – Waterproof Digital Underwater Camera
A less expensive alternative to a Go Pro, this waterproof underwater camera takes great photos and videos. Great for snorkelling excursions, it can also make an excellent gift for the cruiser in your life.
21 – Luggage Locks
Last but not least in our roundup of the best travel gadgets for cruising is this set of Luggage Locks. Having a lock for your luggage is essential when travelling and leaving your stuff in the hotel or cruise ship. It may sound a bit over the top, but locking your luggage is a simple way to protect your possessions. These are TSA approved as well.
Best Cruise Travel Gadgets – FAQ’s
What accessories do I need for a cruise?
- Document Holder. An organized document holder can keep all your important travel papers in one convenient place. …
- Collapsible Tote Bag. …
- RFID Money Belt. …
- Travel Mug. …
- Waterproof Phone Pouch. …
- Underwater Camera. …
- Alarm Clock. …
- Highlighter.
Should you bring a lanyard on a cruise?
Your cruise card is used as your stateroom key as well as your payment method on board, so it definitely gets a lot of use! To have easy access to your cruise card (and to make it less likely to be misplaced), a cruise card lanyard is a must-have accessory.
What should you not forget on a cruise?
- Adapter. If you’re travelling outside of the North American and Caribbean region and will be spending any time at a hotel, you’ll need to bring a power adapter with you. …
- Band-Aids. …
- Chargers. …
- Emergency contact list. …
- Hand sanitiser and wipes. …
- ID. …
- Masks. …
- Medications.
What should a first time cruiser know?
- Prebook activities before you leave home. …
- Plan to arrive at your departure city a day or more before the cruise. …
- Pack a carry-on bag. …
- Switch your cellphone to aeroplane mode. …
- Don’t assume the cruise is all-inclusive. …
- Pace yourself. …
- Understand automatic gratuities. …
- Watch the clock.
What should I pack for a 7 night cruise?
Travel Gadgets & Accessories – Final Thoughts
Well, that is our list of the best travel gadgets and accessories for cruising. We believe that if you’re going on a cruise, most of these travel gadgets and cruise accessories and will enhance your overall cruise experience to help you “Get More From Your Cruise”
Are there any items you think we have missed? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
0 Comments