My Mom is the queen of the sea — after more than a decade of sailing, she’s pretty much perfected her cruise must-haves packing list.
She goes on three to four cruises every year and, having been on many ships with her, I can personally attest to her expertise. She shared her favorite budget-friendly cruise essentials, and you might be surprised by her non-negotiable: these $12 metal hooks, which she says are a “must” for keeping cabins tidy.
Before you leave the dock on your next adventure, check out her packing and on-board organization cruise must-haves — they’re all under $50.
My Mom’s Cruise Ship Must-Haves
Packing Essentials
On-Board Organization
Vlando Travel Jewelry Case Organizer
There are very few occasions when my Mom isn’t wearing a piece of bright, colorful jewelry — so, of course, she always packs lots of options for dinners on the ship. This zippered case comes with small bags that makes it easy for her to store pieces together: “I put a matching necklace, earrings, and bracelet in a single pouch.”
She also uses the pouches without the organizer since they’re “a nice small size to tuck in a carry-on or in your purse.”
The Sak Vita Crochet P Wristlet
Rather than schlep around a bulky purse on board, she uses this little woven wristlet that’s big enough for her iPhone, ship ID, and a lipstick — it’s “perfect for around the ship.” And because she loves a pop of color, she adds one of these $7 layered tassels to it to match her outfits.
Mikede Black Magnetic Hooks
Since all walls on a ship are metal, my Mom brings these magnetic hooks to “keep the cabin room organized.” They can hold up to 85 pounds and “don’t slide on the wall,” which makes them great for hanging her purses, hats, beach cover-ups, and even wet bathing suits.
Travelon Currency and Passport Organizers, Set of 2
“I convert my bulky regular wallet to this pouch every time we travel,” she says. It can hold two passports — since she’s usually carrying hers and my Dad’s together — cash, credit cards, and IDs.
Leudes Travel Pill Bottle Organizer
Pro tip: Pack your own over the counter medicine, because it can be expensive to get it from the boat’s medical infirmary. This newer version of the bag she owns is “a perfect size and has a waterproof pocket for liquid medicines that won’t leak.”
Bovicas 6 Port Wall Charger
In case you didn’t know (I didn’t!), most cruise ships don’t allow power strips with surge protection since they’re a fire hazard. So instead, she brings this charging block with six ports to easily plug in multiple devices at the same time.
Owala FreeSip Twist Water Bottle
The Owala water bottle is a recent addition to her travel must-haves. She appreciates that it fits in the side pocket of a backpack or underseat luggage and that the carrying strap “could easily loop into a belt loop on a pair of pants.”
Embla Clear Zippered Pouch
These clear pouches are another “must-have” for any kind of traveling in her book. “I use them for organization in my carry-on bag so I have quick access to the things I need while on the plane.”
Right Away Travel Toiletry
My mom’s newest toiletry bag gives her “more options for packing and transporting,” depending on the trip, since some of the pouches are removable.
Uxcell Tri-Layered Tassels
“These colorful tassels, added to the wristlet, make it fun. I try to match my outfits each night with the tassels.”
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