20 Cheap Cruise Essentials Under 20$

As you probably already know, cruise vacations are all about fun and relaxation, but packing the right essentials can make a world of difference on this kind of trip.

No matter the itinerary (whether it’s the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, or anywhere else), there are a few things that are truly essential.

After many cruises and many mistakes, I managed to make a list with 20 things that you really should always bring and that will cover your bases.

For each one of them, you will also find the Amazon button if you do not have it and want to purchase it easily for your next cruise.

1. Reef-Safe Sunscreen (SPF 50)

Sun protection is vital on any cruise. You’ll spend plenty of time on deck, at beaches, or exploring ports under strong sun, especially in the Caribbean.

A high-SPF, reef-friendly sunscreen (free of coral-harming chemicals) keeps your skin safe from burns and also protects marine life.

I always use and recommend Sun Bum. It’s a vegan and water-resistant broad-spectrum lotion compliant with the Hawaii 104 Act.

What I really like is that it doesn’t have the strong, artificial scent you often get with cheaper sunscreens, and it doesn’t leave behind that greasy, sticky feeling either.

2. Cruise-Approved Power Strip (Non-Surge)

If you’re like many modern travelers, you’ll probably carry multiple devices, but most ship cabins have about 2 outlets.

A compact, cruise-compliant power strip lets you charge your phone, camera, e-reader, etc., all at once, which is essential, especially if you’re a family traveling in the same cabin.

Remember that the power strip must be non-surge protected (cruise lines ban surge protectors and will confiscate them).

The Cruise On Power Strip (with 3 outlets + 2 USB ports) is lightweight, designed for cruises and fits all the requirements.

3. Cruise Lanyard for Key Card

On a cruise, your cabin key card doubles as your ID, room key, and onboard credit card so you’ll use it dozens of times a day.

A lanyard lets you wear your key card securely around your neck, so you don’t lose it or constantly fish it out of pockets.

Seasoned cruisers swear by them: cruise lanyards are “one of the most popular cruise essentials” and super practical for keeping your hands free.

4. Waterproof Phone Pouch

A waterproof phone case is a must if you plan to hit beaches, pools, waterparks, or rain-soaked excursions (Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica comes to mind).

It keeps your smartphone dry while letting you use the touchscreen and camera through the clear cover. No need to worry about splashes, and you can even take underwater pics!

I like the Hiearcool one because it’s universal, it’s not expensive, but at the same time very solid and safe.

5. Plastic Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

Before your cruise, you’ll print out paper luggage tags for your checked bags. Rather than taping or stapling those flimsy tags (and praying they don’t rip off), slide them into plastic holders that attach to your suitcase handles.

These holders cost only a few bucks and are game-changers for embarkation day.

They’re perfectly sized for cruise line tags, reusable, and save tons of time and stress.

6. Heavy-Duty Magnetic Hooks

If it’s your first cruise, you probably don’t know this, but cabin walls and ceilings are metal, which means you can use magnets.

Magnetic hooks let you utilize vertical space by hanging hats, jackets, swimsuits, backpacks, or even decorations on your cabin walls.

The only thing I recommend is to opt for heavy-duty ones to prevent them from falling off.

I use the Neosmuk 80 lb+, they’re a bit more expensive than others, but I’d say they’re worth it.

7. Packing Cubes (Luggage Organizers)

Keeping your clothes and gear organized in a tight cabin is crucial.

I don’t know if you’ve ever used them, but packing cubes are zippered fabric compartments that sort your luggage by outfit or item type, and they make unpacking in your cabin a breeze.

Use one cube for swimwear, one for shirts, one for socks/underwear, etc., then pop them into your drawers or closet. I guarantee that your cabin stays tidy and you can find things easily.

After I’ve tried them, I’d say that I won’t travel without cubes now, as they also save space by compressing clothing.

8. Insect Repellent

Mosquitoes and sand flies love warm, humid cruise destinations, and Alaska’s mosquitoes in particular are legendary (“the mosquito is the state bird,” someone says).

For your cruise, remember to pack a good insect repellent (spray or wipes) to keep pests away on shore excursions.

Products with DEET or Picaridin work well, buy if you prefer natural options, you can look for lemon eucalyptus oil formulas.

I use Repel 100. It’s a bit strong, but it’s good if you are planning to go on nature hikes, near streams, or if there is a chance that you will still be out and about at dusk

9. Lightweight Rain Poncho or Packable Jacket

Weather can be unpredictable at sea and on land. A sudden downpour or blustery wind is not that uncommon during shore excursions or on deck.

Having a compact, waterproof poncho or jacket ensures you won’t be stuck shivering or drenched.

In tropical climates, rain showers often pop up (the Caribbean’s summer has frequent short thunderstorms), and it’s best to plan ahead with rain gear.

A packable waterproof jacket is even more essential for Alaska cruises, given the likely drizzle and cooler temperatures.

I have this unisex one from Charles River. I bought it before the last cruise with my sister so that we could exchange it in case either of us got cold, and it was a great idea.

10. Towel Clips or Towel Bands

Ever returned to your lounge chair on deck only to find your towel crumpled on the floor or gone with the wind? That’s quite common on cruise ships, especially on top decks.

No problem, because there is a solution for this as well.

Some people love to use towel clips. Oversized, colorful clips designed to secure your beach towel to sun lounger chairs so that strong sea breezes don’t send them flying.

I personally prefer towel bands. The function is practically identical, but in my opinion, the bands are lighter and more convenient to carry.

11. Insulated Reusable Water Bottle

Especially if you book a summer cruise, staying hydrated is crucial.

For this reason, remember to bring an insulated stainless-steel water bottle that lets you bring along cold water (or any drink) and keep it cold for hours.

It’s great for shore excursions, gym time, or lounging by the pool. Ships provide cups, but having your own lidded bottle is more convenient and eco-friendly.

I like the KIVY one because it’s tall and slim so very easy to carry around.

12. Motion Sickness Remedies

Even if you think this doesn’t apply to you, it’s always wise to pack something for motion sickness just in case.

Weather and ship motion can be unpredictable. Sometimes you may be more prone to it and sometimes less, so it is always best to be prepared.

There are a few options, and I’ve tried them all. Wristbands use acupressure points to naturally relieve nausea, but they do nothing for me.

Natural remedies like ginger candies or patches seem to do something, but obviously in fairly mild cases.

In my opinion, the best solution for prevention and treatment is Bonine. But again, this can change from person to person, so it’s best to ask your pharmacist.

13. Portable Charger (Power Bank)

During long port days or lengthy flights to your cruise, you might find your phone battery running low, and unfortunately outlets aren’t always accessible.

A compact power bank lets you charge on the go, so you’re never without your maps, camera, Kindle, or any other electronic device you carry around.

A thing you have to consider is that the ideal travel charger is slim, lightweight, and holds at least one full phone charge (10,000 mAh is a common capacity).

There are many with these features for sale, and I own more than one. If you want a suggestion for traveling, I would opt for one with built-in cables like the one below.

14. Hanging Toiletry Organizer

Cruise bathroom counters are tiny. A hanging toiletry bag keeps all your toiletries organized and accessible without hogging counter space.

These kits have multiple compartments and a hook to hang on the bathroom door or towel rack.

Load it up with your shampoo, lotion, cosmetics, razor, etc., then simply hang it when you arrive and you’ll get instant extra shelf space!

15. Compact Binoculars

It’s not essential on every cruise, but if you’re cruising scenic destinations (Alaska, Norway, the Panama Canal, etc.), a pair of binoculars can seriously enhance your experience.

From your ship’s deck you might spot whales breaching, glaciers calving, or distant islands, but only if you can see them up close.

In Alaska, for example, binoculars are practically essential for viewing wildlife and majestic mountain vistas from afar. Even in the Caribbean, you might enjoy checking out islands on the horizon.

Choose travel-friendly binoculars that are lightweight and have at least 7x to 10x magnification.

I’m currently using the Flyant 12×25, which is small and light, so perfect for traveling. It’s not a professional one, but it’s very affordable, so it’s suitable for occasional uses such as cruising.

16. Over-the-Door Organizer

To maximize your small cabin space, you can also consider a foldable over-the-door organizer (the kind with pockets).

You can hang it on your cabin door or closet door and use the pockets to store shoes, toiletries, accessories, sunscreen, snacks, basically all the little odds and ends.

This helps keep your cabin from becoming a cluttered chaos as the days go on.

17. Pop-Up Laundry Hamper

I wanna put this in the list, but I guess it only applies to families. After a few days at sea, you’ll accumulate dirty clothes, but cruise cabins don’t really have a spot for a laundry pile.

A collapsible mesh laundry hamper lets you toss in used clothes and contain the mess.

Some of them are nice because they fold flat for packing, then spring open to hold your laundry during the trip. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, maybe a bag is enough, unless you are traveling with a lot of clothes or it’s a long cruise.

18. Passport Holder (Travel Wallet)

While not strictly a cruise-only item, a passport holder is highly convenient for cruise travel.

It protects your passport from damage and keeps your important documents together. Many holders have slots for your ID, credit cards, vaccination card, boarding passes, and even some cash (essentially acting as a travel wallet).

This can be especially handy when going through embarkation, customs, or airports on your way to the port. By having everything in one case, you won’t be frantically digging through bags.

The cool thing about the one below is that it even has a slot for an AirTag. So there’s no risk of losing it, because as you know, no passport means no cruise!

19. Water Shoes

If your cruise involves beach, snorkeling, or active water excursions, a pair of water shoes can be a foot-saver.

Water shoes are usually lightweight, quick-drying, and protect your feet from rocks, hot sand, coral, or slippery surfaces.

For Caribbean cruises, they’re great for pebbly beaches, reef areas, waterfalls (like climbing the Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica I already mentioned before), or even just walking on super-hot pool decks.

In Alaska or colder climates, you might use them for kayaking or river floats in the summer. They are also very cheap, so I don’t see any reason not to buy them.

20. Aloe Vera Gel

The last thing that should always be in your cruise bag is an aloe vera gel.

It’s a natural remedy to soothe sunburns, it provides a cooling sensation, reduces redness, and helps your skin heal faster.

Even aside from burns, it’s a great moisturizer for skin that’s been in the sun, salt, chlorine, and mosquito bites.