There’s the obvious cruise stuff. Passport. Swimsuit. Toothbrush. Then there’s the sneaky stuff.
The little random things sitting around the house that end up saving the day on a ship.
After way too many cruises where I’ve said “ugh I should’ve brought that,” I started making a list of household items that just make cruise life smoother.
Here are the ones I swear by!
1. Binder clips
These are the kings of why didn’t I think of that.
Use them to clip curtains together so morning sun doesn’t blast the cabin at 6am.
Clip wet swimsuits to a hanger. Clip papers together. They weigh nothing, and they’re weirdly useful.
2. A night light
Cruise cabins can get dark, especially if you’re travelling in an interior one.
A tiny plug in night light makes those late night bathroom trips way less painful.
Especially if sharing a cabin. Nobody wants to get blinded by the main light at 2am.
3. A tote bag you already own
That random tote bag from a grocery store or a beach shop is perfect for a cruise
Use it for the pool deck. Shore excursions. Carrying sunscreen, a book, a hoodie, and souvenirs that you’ll definitely buy.
4. A travel-sized laundry detergent or soap sheets
Cruise laundry adds up fast, and sometimes it’s not even available.
If something gets spilled on, or socks mysteriously go missing and you need to re wear things, washing a couple items in the sink is a lifesaver.
Soap sheets are my favorite: extremely lightweight and compact.
5. Magnetic hooks
If the cabin walls are metal (on most ships they are), magnetic hooks can really help to keep everything organized.
Hang hats, lanyards, light jackets, tote bags, even a little laundry bag.
It’s like adding extra closet space out of thin air.
6. Zip-top bags (a few sizes)
Zip-top bags sound so boring, but I swear they’re not.
Wet swimsuits. Snacks from the buffet. Seasick meds. Your room key and cash on a beach day. Phone protection in a pinch.
I always pack a handful and always end up using them.
7. A couple of clothespins
Another thing we all have at home that can be handy on a cruise is a pair of clothespins.
They help hang wet swimwear on hangers or the shower line.
Also good for keeping curtains closed or clipping a towel to a chair.
8. A small spray bottle
I started bringing this after one cruise where everything smelled like pool water and sunscreen.
Fill it with wrinkle release spray, or even just water to tame wrinkly shirts.
Also handy for quick rinses or freshening up sandals. Tiny, but handy.
9. A mini first aid kit
Not the full pharmacy. Just the basics.
Band aids. Blister pads. Pain relievers. Motion sickness meds. Allergy tablets. A couple of antiseptic wipes.
Nothing ruins a shore day like a shoe rubbing your heel raw.
PRO TIP: Never bring a brand-new pair of shoes on a cruise. Bring shoes you’ve already worn and know for sure are comfortable.
10. Reusable water bottle
Many people love cruising to warm destinations, so drinking plenty of water is essential.
A water bottle makes it easier to stay hydrated without constantly hunting for cups.
Bonus points if it’s insulated to keep drinks cold and it fits in the tote bag.
11. A highlighter or marker
This is for the daily schedule. The app helps, sure, but I still like having the paper plan.
Highlight trivia. Shows. Theme nights. Excursion meeting times.
It feels a bit nerdy, but it saves the “wait, what time was that?” thing that always happens on cruises, especially on sea days.
12. A small pair of scissors
Many people don’t think about it, but sometimes a small pair of scissors can be really useful, especially when traveling.
Packages. Tags. Loose threads. Broken nail. Random plastic things that refuse to open.
Just make sure scissors are small and pack them in checked luggage if you’re flying and worried about airport rules.
13. A small power strip (cruise safe)
Cabins (especially on older ships) never have enough outlets. And if you’re traveling with your family, everyone suddenly has five things to charge.
Bring a non-surge-protected power strip or a simple USB charging hub.
Surge protection usually gets confiscated, so keep it basic. This one has saved me more arguments than I’d like to admit.
Don’t forget to check the list of things that are always confiscated on a cruise. Make sure to leave them at home.
14. A lint roller
Cruise photos are forever. And dark clothes attract lint just when they shouldn’t.
If bringing a nice outfit, a lint roller is an easy win. Also great for pet hair if you packed at home in a hurry and your clothes came with a “bonus souvenir.”
I know this well. I have a Chihuahua that somehow sheds like a Collie.
15. A few rubber bands or hair ties
You never think about these until something needs to be held together.
Roll up a charging cable. Keep a book closed in your bag. Tie up curtains. Bundle small items so they don’t scatter.
Simple, useful, but also easy to forget, along with the other things people always forget to bring on a cruise.
16. A small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
This one is “household” only if it’s already in a drawer somewhere, but a lot of people have one.
A small dry bag or a waterproof phone pouch are great for beach days, tender boats, splashy excursions, or just keeping your stuff safe around the pool.
It’s also a stress reducer if you have an expensive phone and want to keep it safe.
17. A couple of trash bags or a foldable laundry bag
I don’t know if it happens to you, too. Cabins stay tidy for a few hours and then look like a giant mess.
Trash bags are great for separating dirty clothes, packing wet stuff, or protecting items in your suitcase.
If you prefer, you can also bring a foldable laundry bag. They are designed specifically for travelers, I already mentioned them in the article with useful tips for saving space in every cabin.
