Recommended Gear For Cruise Travelers

Cruise-approved power strip

Most cruise cabins have only two outlets. Cruise lines require power strips with no surge protection — a standard home power strip will be confiscated at embarkation. The Cruise On power strip is specifically designed to meet cruise line requirements and works on all major lines.

Magnetic hooks

Cruise cabin walls and ceilings are magnetic — hooks are one of the best ways to add storage for bags, lanyards, hats, and anything else you need within reach.

Luggage tag holders

Cruise lines provide paper luggage tags that get wet, torn, and damaged on the way to your cabin. A hard plastic luggage tag holder keeps your tag protected and readable. Tag sizes vary between lines — shop by cruise line below.

Portable battery pack

A dead phone in port means no maps, no ship contact, no documentation. A portable charger is non-negotiable on any port day longer than a few hours.

GPS tracker

AirTags and similar trackers in your checked luggage let you confirm your bags made it to the ship — and track them if they don’t. Also useful in a day bag for port days.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses

Hands-free camera, open-ear speakers, and AI assistant built into a regular pair of Ray-Bans. Read signs in other languages, navigate ports, and stay situationally aware without looking at your phone. Connect to Claude or ChatGPT through your phone and ask what to watch for at your next port — the answer comes through your earpiece.

Pocket language translator

Works completely offline — real-time two-way translation with no data or signal required. You speak English, it outputs the local language. They respond, it translates back. Essential for non-English-speaking ports.

Bluetooth 3.5mm audio transmitter

In-flight entertainment systems still use wired 3.5mm jacks. This transmitter plugs into any 3.5mm jack and broadcasts audio wirelessly to your Bluetooth headphones. Works on planes and older ship entertainment systems.

High fidelity earplugs

Cruise ships are loud — pool decks, live music venues, and shore excursions can all hit damaging sound levels. High fidelity earplugs reduce volume without muffling sound quality, making them ideal for concerts, loud ports, and long flights. Two fit options below.

Noise canceling headphones

Two options depending on your budget — both handle ship engine hum and long flights effectively.

Insta360 camera

Captures 360 degrees simultaneously — every direction, every moment. Reframe the shot in editing afterward. Nothing from your port days or shore excursions gets missed.

Belkin 112W 4-port charging block

The modern replacement for cruise power strips — four ports, 112 watts total, fast charging for everything simultaneously. Universally accepted across all major cruise lines.

Magnetic LED motion sensor light

Cruise cabins are completely dark — designed to block all outside light. This magnetic LED light sticks directly to your cabin’s metal wall, activates automatically when you move, and costs under $20.

Magnetic rechargeable cabin fan

Cruise cabins have almost no air circulation — centrally controlled AC only goes so far. This compact fan sticks to your metal cabin wall, runs whisper-quiet, and recharges via USB-C.

RFID blocking money belt

In every high-volume tourist environment I worked during my NYPD career, the travelers who kept their valuables in a hidden money belt worn under their clothing were the ones who didn’t get pickpocketed.

Hidden travel security pouch

For emergency situations and port days where you need critical documents on your body — keeps your passport copy, insurance card, emergency cash, and contacts completely concealed under your clothing.

Waterproof phone and document holder

Fits your phone, passport copy, cash, and cards in one waterproof pouch — ideal for beach days, water excursions, and any port day where you want everything secure and dry.

Portable door stop alarm

Wedged under your cabin door — locks the door and sounds a loud alarm if anyone attempts to force entry. Inexpensive and takes up almost no space in your bag.

Motion sickness medicine

Even experienced cruisers can be caught off guard by rough seas. Bring motion sickness medication even if you’ve never experienced it before — conditions vary and being unprepared at sea is miserable.

Tooth and mouth pain reliever

The ship’s medical facility cannot perform dental work. Dental pain at sea is surprisingly common — a simple tube of Orajel takes up almost no space and can save a miserable situation.

Travel first aid kit

A compact 150-piece kit covers the basics — bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and more. First aid supplies are available on the ship but at significant markup.

TSA approved luggage locks

TSA agents can open and inspect your luggage without breaking the lock — a standard lock will be cut off. These Master Lock combination locks are TSA approved, set your own combination, and work on suitcases, bags, and backpacks. Four pack covers all your bags.

Digital luggage scale

Overweight bag fees at the airport can run $50-$100 or more each way. A portable digital luggage scale weighs your bag before you leave the hotel or ship — takes seconds and pays for itself on the first trip.

Compression packing cubes

Packing cubes keep your suitcase organized and compression cubes reduce bulk — fitting more into your bag without checking an extra piece of luggage. Two set options below depending on trip length.

Hanging toiletry bag

Cruise cabin bathrooms are small — a hanging toiletry bag hooks over the door or towel bar and keeps everything organized and accessible without taking up counter space. Two size options below.

RFID crossbody sling bag

A compact RFID-blocking crossbody bag worn in front of your body is one of the best ways to carry essentials in port — phone, cards, cash, and documents stay secure and accessible without a bulky backpack.