Shop our favorite Cruise items
Whether we're heading to the Arctic on a cruise ship for 56 passengers to the Mediterranean on a cruise ship for 800 guests or 100 aboard a yacht, we are always prepared with our cruise favorites and packing essentials.
Check out the times we always travel and how we efficiently pack our bags with organization pieces. Our packing lists and must-haves will help you prepare for your next cruise vacation.
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Top Picks
Apple AirTags
Whether we are on a warm-weather cruise or a stuffy bus to head to an excursion destination, we cannot live without this electronic lifesaver when we travel.
STNKY Bag
You will inevitably have laundry. Use our favorite mesh-lined, zip-closure laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from your clean garments. Clothes can be washed in the bag.
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Thin Insulated Puffer Jacket
We both have a thin insulated puffer jacket, and it's our must-pack essential outwear item. It's incredibly thin but keeps you warm, and it's easy to layer in colder climates like Alaska, the Arctic, or Antarctica.
Invest in a puffer jacket that is thin so it's easier to pack and doesn't take up room in your luggage. Don't forget to pack carabiners if the jacket folds into itself, so you can easily clip it onto your day bag.
Meet Dan + Mikkel: Packing and Cruise Pros
We are the couple behind Sometimes Sailing and are so glad you're here to find out our favorite cruise items.
Our favorite way to travel is together and we always carry on our luggage when we can. The exception is if we're doing multiple trips back to back, or traveling for a few months at a time – then we may check one piece of rolling luggage.
We always pack within days (not weeks) of a trip) and pack light. We are grateful Amazon deliveries fast and free for Prime members to get more motion sickness patches last minute, for example, or whatever new item we need to test out.
packing Basics
If there is one thing that helps us stay sane when we pack for a cruise, it's staying organized. A variety of packing cubes and reusable containers help us keep our ducks in a row.
Passport Holder
Did you know that if your passport is damaged, Customs will not accept it? Protect one of your most valuable possessions when you're traveling on a cruise: your passport!
Stasher Bags
Stasher Bags of all sizes are a packing essential for us.
We use the half-gallon for liquids and the Stasher Go bag for a personal backpack or purse to organize knick-knacks.
Stain Remover
We use this stick on every trip! We prefer the OxiClean On the Go sticks to competitors – they have the best stain-removing formula and the best applicator design. It's a lifesaver.
Carabiners
We use these for all sorts of things, like clipping our reusable water bottle onto a backpack, clipping flip flops on a beach bag, or clipping our toiletry back on a towel rod.
Learn more about How We Use stasher bags
Stasher bags can be used in so many ways when you travel. We share 16 ways to use them from wet bathing suit storage to snack bags, keeping electronics organized and more.
Sea Sickness Remedies
Don't let the motion of the ocean (or river) ruin your vacation. Don't forget to pack these essential sea sickness remedies for your cruise.
Around the Cruise Ship
Ensure you're prepared for an enjoyable stay on the ship with everything you need to rest and relax, including a Kindle or audiobook, and a reusable bottle to stay hydrated (and be kind to the earth).
Magnetic Hooks
These hooks are handy for things like hanging up your STNKY bag, cruise key lanyards, and more if the ship's walls are magnetic. We recommend the 100 lb. weight-holding hooks.
Kindle Unlimited
Travel lighter with a Kindle (we recommended a waterproof one). Pre-load books using a Kindle Unlimited membership, which includes books to read and listen to for a low monthly price.
Audible Plus Free Trial
Not into reading but love books? Listen to stories on Audible. Join now for a free 30-day trial, then enjoy monthly credits and discounts. Don't forget to bring a pair of great headphones on your trip (for podcasts too).
Port Excursion Essentials
When you're off the shop, prepare for your excursions and exploration with our favorite items to pack in a day bag. Don't forget to pack the “top picks” we mentioned at the beginning of this page.
Sun protection
Protect your skin and eyes from the sun with items like sunscreen (we recommend reef-safe), SPF chapstick, sunglasses, hats, and swimming rash guards.
Bug Bite Thing
A must-have if you hate bug bites, like us. A Bug Bite Thing gets rid of the itch instead of masking it like anti-itch ointments.
The device really works! Try it.
Binoculars
These come in handy both on the ship and for excursions, especially if you are traveling to an area where wildlife or scenery, like waterfalls, are a highlight.
Travel Fan
Whether we are on a warm-weather cruise or a stuffy bus to head to an excursion destination, we cannot live without this electronic lifesaver when we travel.
Photo Gear Must-Haves
We always travel with the gear below when we go on a cruise. What's a cruise without the right gear to document it all and reminisce years later?
Wide Angle Lens
On the opposite side of your telephoto range is a wide-angle lens. We love our 20mm lens that allows us to capture gorgeous sweeping landscapes.
Try Before You Buy
If you want to test out a camera lens or body for your cruise vacation before buying, KEH Camera is our go-to rental resource. They make renting and returning gear easy. They even have multiple rental insurance.
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View Our Amazon Shop Videos
See our products being used and in action! View our videos in our Amazon shop.
Contact Our Recommended Travel Advisors
If you want to go on a cruise vacation but don't want the stress of the time and energy it takes to plan one, you need to contact our favorite travel advisor team. They will help make your cruise dreams come true!
Use Our additional Cruise Planning Resources
From booking pre or post-cruise hotels to flights, there is so much more to planning a cruise than packing. See who we recommend for travel insurance, get codes for discounts on additional products, and more.
