Packing for a cruise is a little different from packing for a regular vacation.
You are not just packing for a hotel stay. You are packing for sea days, port days, formal nights, pool time, changing weather, small cabin storage, shore excursions, and sometimes even different countries in one single trip.
After more than 30 cruises, I have learned that the best cruise packing essentials are not always the most expensive or complicated items. Most of the time, they are the simple things that make your cabin more organized, your embarkation day easier, your port days smoother, and your cruise more comfortable overall.
I have also learned something just as important: not everything people recommend online is really necessary.
There are items I used to pack on almost every cruise that I no longer bring. Some were useful once or twice. Some took up too much space. Some sounded clever but were not worth the trouble. And some are only worth packing for very specific types of cruises.
So this is not just a generic cruise packing list. This is my real cruise packing essentials guide, based on what I actually pack, what I sometimes pack, and what I have stopped bringing after many cruises around the world.
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Quick Cruise Packing Essentials Checklist
If you are in a hurry, here is a quick overview of the main cruise essentials I recommend packing:
- Passport, cruise documents, travel insurance, and printed confirmations
- Carry-on bag for embarkation day
- Packing cubes or compression packing bags
- Magnetic hooks for the cabin walls
- Non-surge-protected cruise-safe power adapter
- Reusable water bottle
- Lanyard or cruise card holder
- Small first-aid and medication kit
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket or sweater
- Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
- Day bag for shore excursions
- Toiletry bag with hanging hook
- Wrinkle release spray
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Before You Start Packing
The biggest mistake many cruisers make is packing as if they are going to a normal resort.
On a cruise, your checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin until later on embarkation day. Your cabin storage can be limited. Some items are not allowed onboard. And once the ship leaves port, replacing forgotten essentials can be expensive or difficult.
That is why I like to divide my cruise packing into three simple groups:
- Things I need before my cabin is ready
- Things that make the cabin more comfortable
- Things I will need for port days and excursions
This simple approach makes packing much easier and helps avoid that feeling of bringing too much but still forgetting something important.
It also helps me avoid packing things just because they appear on every cruise packing list online. After many cruises, I now try to pack smarter, not heavier.
Embarkation Day Essentials
Embarkation day is exciting, but it can also be a bit chaotic. You may arrive at the terminal early, go through security, check in, board the ship, explore, have lunch, and wait for your cabin to be ready.
That is why your embarkation day carry-on is one of the most important parts of your cruise packing plan.
Carry-On Bag for Embarkation Day
Your carry-on bag should include anything you may need before your checked luggage arrives at your cabin.
Why I Recommend It
A good carry-on bag makes embarkation day much easier. I like to keep my documents, medication, camera gear, chargers, swimwear, sunscreen, and any valuables with me rather than put them in my checked luggage.
This is especially useful if you want to enjoy the pool, take photos around the ship, or freshen up before your suitcase arrives.
Tip: Pack your first afternoon onboard as if your checked suitcase will arrive late. It usually arrives without issues, but having your essentials with you makes the first day much more relaxed.
Cruise Document Folder
Even though most things are digital now, I still like having my important cruise documents organized in one place.
Why I Recommend It
A document folder keeps your passport, boarding pass, luggage tags, travel insurance, hotel confirmations, excursion bookings, and transport details together.
This is especially helpful when you are traveling internationally or when your cruise includes flights, hotels, trains, or transfers before and after the sailing.
Tip: I always recommend keeping printed copies of key documents, even if everything is on your phone. Phones can run out of battery, apps can log you out, and terminal Wi-Fi is not always reliable.
Lanyard or Cruise Card Holder
Your cruise card becomes one of the most important items onboard. It works as your room key, onboard payment card, and sometimes your identification when getting on and off the ship.
Why I Recommend It
A lanyard or card holder makes it easier to keep your cruise card handy, especially during the first few days when you are constantly using it for your cabin, drinks, purchases, and getting around the ship.
I know some cruisers love lanyards and some do not. I have used them before, but these days I do not always wear one around my neck. Still, I do think having a dedicated place for your cruise card is useful, especially for first-time cruisers.
Tip: If you do not like wearing a lanyard, choose a small card holder that fits easily in your pocket or day bag. The goal is simply to avoid constantly searching for your cruise card.
Luggage and Packing Organization
Cruise cabins are usually well designed, but they are still compact. Staying organized makes a big difference, especially if you are sharing the cabin or going on a longer sailing.
These are the packing items I find most useful before the cruise even begins.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are one of those travel items that sound unnecessary until you actually start using them.
Why I Recommend It
Packing cubes make it much easier to separate clothes by category, person, or part of the trip. You can have one cube for shirts, one for underwear, one for swimwear, and one for evening outfits.
On a cruise, they are especially useful because you can unpack quickly by placing the cubes directly into drawers or shelves.
I did not use packing cubes on my first cruises, but now I find them especially helpful on longer trips, back-to-back cruises, or itineraries that require different types of clothes.
Tip: I like using packing cubes not just for organization, but also to keep clean and worn clothes separate during the cruise.
Compression Packing Bags
If you are packing bulky items or traveling with limited luggage space, compression bags can help reduce your luggage volume.
Why I Recommend It
Compression bags are useful for jackets, sweaters, casual clothes, and items that take up more space than they should. They can be especially helpful for Alaska cruises, longer voyages, or cruises where you need clothes for different climates.
That said, I do not think everyone needs them for every cruise. For a short warm-weather cruise, packing cubes may be enough. But for Alaska, Europe in shoulder season, or a longer cruise with flights, compression bags can be very useful.
Tip: Be careful not to use compression bags as an excuse to overpack. They save space, but your suitcase can still become too heavy.
Luggage Tag Holders
Cruise luggage tags are usually printed at home and attached before arriving at the port.
Why I Recommend It
Luggage tag holders protect your printed cruise tags from tearing, bending, or getting wet. This helps make sure your bags are delivered to the correct cabin.
They are inexpensive, reusable, and especially helpful if you cruise more than once.
Tip: Make sure you choose luggage tag holders that match your cruise line, as tag sizes can vary by company.
Cruise Cabin Essentials
Your cruise cabin is your home at sea. It may be small, but with a few simple items, it can feel much more organized and practical.
These are some of the cabin essentials I think make the biggest difference.
Magnetic Hooks
Cruise cabin walls are usually magnetic, and that makes magnetic hooks one of the most useful cruise accessories you can bring.
Why I Recommend It
Magnetic hooks give you extra hanging space without damaging the cabin. You can use them for hats, lanyards, bags, light jackets, swimwear, or daily planners.
They are especially helpful in interior cabins or smaller rooms where counter and closet space can disappear quickly.
This is one of those cruise accessories I still think are worth packing because they are small, light, and genuinely useful.
Tip: Bring stronger magnetic hooks than you think you need. Cruise cabin walls can hold them well, but weaker hooks may slide down when holding heavier items.
Hanging Toiletry Bag or Organizer
A hanging toiletry bag or small organizer can help keep little items off the desk, bathroom counter, and bedside tables.
Why I Recommend It
This is useful for toiletries, sunscreen, chargers, sunglasses, accessories, hair products, and other small items that tend to clutter the cabin.
For families or longer cruises, it can make the cabin feel much more manageable.
I used to be more tempted by larger over-the-door organizers, but I do not think they are always necessary. They can be bulky, and some cruise lines may not like anything that could damage doors. These days, I prefer smaller organizers or hanging toiletry bags that do the job without taking over the cabin.
Tip: If you are cruising with several people in one cabin, an organizer can be very helpful. If you are cruising solo or as a couple on a shorter trip, a good hanging toiletry bag may be enough.
Cruise-Safe Power Adapter
Modern cruisers travel with phones, cameras, watches, tablets, headphones, and other electronics, but cruise cabins do not always have enough outlets.
Why I Recommend It
A cruise-safe power adapter gives you extra charging options without taking up much space. The most important thing is to choose one that is non-surge-protected, as surge-protected power strips are usually not allowed on cruise ships.
This is one of the first items I check before packing my tech bag.
Tip: Always check that your power adapter is cruise-compliant and does not have surge protection. If security removes it, you may not get it back until the end of the cruise.
Night Light
Cruise cabins can get very dark at night, especially interior cabins.
Why I Recommend It
A small night light can make it easier to move around the cabin at night without turning on the main lights and waking everyone up.
This is especially helpful if you are in an inside cabin, traveling with kids, or sharing the room with someone else.
I would not say this is essential for every cruiser, but if you are staying in an interior cabin, it can make a real difference.
Tip: Battery-operated or USB night lights are usually the easiest option for cruise cabins.
Small Laundry Bag
A laundry bag helps keep worn clothes separate from clean clothes during the cruise.
Why I Recommend It
This is one of those small things that makes the cabin feel much more organized. Instead of having worn clothes mixed into your suitcase or placed in random corners of the cabin, you can keep everything together.
It also makes packing at the end of the cruise much easier.
Tip: A simple foldable laundry bag works better than using random plastic bags during the cruise.
Clothing Essentials for a Cruise
What you pack for clothing depends on your destination, cruise line, and itinerary, but there are a few categories that work for most cruises.
The goal is to pack outfits that can be mixed and matched, rather than bringing a completely different outfit for every moment.
This is something I have changed a lot over the years. I used to pack too many clothes, especially for evening outfits. Now I try to bring pieces that work in different situations and can be reused in different combinations.
Comfortable Daywear
Most cruise days are casual, especially during the day.
Why I Recommend It
Pack comfortable clothes for breakfast, walking around the ship, joining activities, relaxing on deck, and exploring ports.
Think breathable tops, shorts, casual pants, sundresses, or light layers depending on the destination.
Tip: Choose clothes that can work both onboard and in port. This helps reduce how much you need to pack.
Evening Outfits
Evening dress codes vary by cruise line, but most cruises include casual nights and at least one dressier night.
Why I Recommend It
You do not need to overpack formal clothing unless you enjoy dressing up. For many cruises, one or two smart-casual outfits are enough.
A nice shirt, dress, blouse, trousers, or smart shoes can usually cover most evening situations.
I used to pack more formal clothing than I needed. Now I prefer bringing versatile outfits that look nice but do not take too much suitcase space.
Tip: Check your cruise line’s dress code before packing. Some ships are very relaxed, while others still have formal, elegant, or dress-your-best nights.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Even warm-weather cruises can feel cool indoors or on deck at night.
Why I Recommend It
Air conditioning in theaters, restaurants, lounges, and cabins can feel cold, especially after a day in the sun.
A light jacket, cardigan, or sweater is one of those simple items I almost always recommend packing.
Tip: For Alaska, Northern Europe, or repositioning cruises, think in layers instead of one heavy coat.
Swimwear
Even if you are not planning a beach cruise, swimwear is usually worth packing.
Why I Recommend It
You may want to use the pool, hot tubs, spa area, thermal suite, or enjoy a beach stop during the cruise.
I recommend packing at least two swimsuits if you plan to use the pool often. That way, one can dry while you wear the other.
Tip: Pack swimwear in your embarkation day carry-on if you want to enjoy the pool before your cabin or suitcase is ready.
Shoes to Pack for a Cruise
Shoes can take up a lot of space in a suitcase, so it is important to choose carefully.
For most cruises, I recommend packing fewer shoes, but making sure each pair has a real purpose.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Port days often involve more walking than people expect.
Why I Recommend It
Whether you are exploring European cities, walking through cruise terminals, visiting historic sites, or joining an excursion, comfortable shoes can make or break your day.
This is especially important in destinations with cobblestones, hills, uneven paths, or long walks from the ship.
Tip: Never bring brand-new shoes as your main walking shoes. Break them in before the cruise.
Pool Slides or Flip-Flops
You will want something easy to wear around the pool deck, spa, beach, or cabin.
Why I Recommend It
Pool slides or flip-flops are lightweight, easy to pack, and useful throughout the cruise.
They are also helpful when walking to the pool, using public showers near the gym or spa, or heading to a beach excursion.
Tip: Choose a pair with decent grip. Pool decks can get slippery.
Smart Casual Shoes
If your cruise includes dressier dinners, specialty restaurants, or formal nights, you may want one pair of smart shoes.
Why I Recommend It
Instead of packing several dress shoes, choose one versatile pair that works with multiple outfits.
This helps save space in your suitcase while still keeping you prepared for nicer evenings onboard.
Tip: If you are trying to pack light, choose evening outfits that work with the same shoes.
Toiletries and Health Essentials
Cruise ships sell basic toiletries, but they are usually more expensive onboard and the selection can be limited.
I prefer packing a small but practical toiletry and health kit so I do not need to spend cruise time hunting for basic items.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Cruise bathrooms are compact, and counter space is limited.
Why I Recommend It
A hanging toiletry bag keeps your bathroom items organized and easy to access. It also helps keep the sink area clear.
This is one of the easiest ways to make a small cruise bathroom feel more functional.
Tip: Look for a toiletry bag with a strong hook and transparent compartments so you can find things quickly.
Small First-Aid and Medication Kit
You do not need to bring a full pharmacy, but a small health kit is very useful.
Why I Recommend It
I recommend packing basic pain relief, seasickness remedies, allergy tablets, stomach medication, bandages, and any personal medication you need.
Onboard medical centers are available, but basic items can be expensive or inconvenient to get once the ship has sailed.
This is one of those things I hope I do not need, but I am always happy to have it when I do.
Tip: Always keep prescription medication in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage.
Sunscreen and After-Sun Lotion
Even if you are not going on a tropical cruise, you may spend more time outside than usual.
Why I Recommend It
Sun exposure can be stronger than expected on open decks, beaches, tenders, excursions, and scenic sailaways.
Sunscreen is one of those items that are easy to forget and expensive to buy on board.
Tip: For beach destinations, consider reef-safe sunscreen, especially if you plan to swim or snorkel.
Wrinkle Release Spray
Most cruise cabins do not have irons, and irons are usually not allowed in cabins for safety reasons.
Why I Recommend It
Wrinkle release spray can help freshen clothes and reduce wrinkles after your outfits have been packed in a suitcase.
It is not the same as ironing, but it can make casual shirts, dresses, and travel clothes look much better.
I do not bring many clothes that need special care anymore, but wrinkle-release spray is still a simple item that can help you look a bit more put together without much effort.
Tip: Hang clothes in the bathroom while taking a warm shower, then use a wrinkle-release spray for better results.
Electronics and Camera Gear Essentials
Cruises are full of moments you will want to capture, from sailaways and sunsets to ports, ship interiors, shows, and food.
You do not need to bring too much gear, but a few electronic essentials can make your cruise smoother.
As someone who films cruise content, I travel with more camera gear than most cruisers. But for this list, I am focusing on the items that are useful for regular travelers too.
Portable Charger
A portable charger is useful both onboard and during shore excursions.
Why I Recommend It
Between taking photos, using maps, checking excursion details, scanning QR codes, and staying connected, your phone battery can drain quickly.
A portable charger is especially useful on long port days when you may be away from the ship for hours.
Tip: Charge your portable battery overnight before port days so it is ready before you leave the ship.
Universal Travel Adapter
Depending on your ship and itinerary, you may find different types of outlets in your cabin.
Why I Recommend It
A universal adapter is helpful if you cruise internationally or stay in hotels before and after the cruise.
It is also useful on ships that include a mix of outlet types, such as US, European, or Australian plugs.
Tip: A travel adapter is different from a voltage converter. Always check your devices before plugging them in.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
A waterproof phone pouch is useful for beach days, pool areas, tenders, kayaking, boat excursions, and rainy port days.
Why I Recommend It
It helps protect your phone from water, sand, and splashes while still allowing you to keep it with you.
This is especially helpful if you want to take photos near the water or keep your cruise card and a little cash safe during beach excursions.
Tip: Test the pouch at home with a piece of tissue inside before trusting it with your phone.
Pool and Beach Essentials
Whether you are sailing in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, or enjoying a sunny sea day, pool and beach items are cruise packing must-haves.
Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is useful from embarkation day to the final morning.
Why I Recommend It
You can use it around the ship, at the gym, on excursions, and during long port days.
It is also a simple way to stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled water.
Tip: Fill your bottle before leaving the ship, especially if your excursion involves walking, beaches, or hot weather.
Dry Bag
A dry bag is one of the best items to pack for water-based excursions.
Why I Recommend It
It helps protect your phone, wallet, towel, camera, and dry clothes from splashes, rain, or sand.
This is especially useful for beach days, boat tours, kayaking, snorkeling trips, or tender ports.
I would not call this essential for every single cruise, but if your itinerary includes beaches, small boats, or water activities, it is absolutely worth considering.
Tip: Even if you are not planning to swim, a dry bag can be useful on rainy port days or small boat transfers.
Beach Bag or Foldable Day Bag
A lightweight beach bag or foldable day bag is useful for carrying towels, sunscreen, water, snacks, and personal items.
Why I Recommend It
It gives you a dedicated bag for pool days and excursions without taking up much space in your suitcase.
A foldable option is especially good because it can be packed flat and used only when needed.
Tip: Choose a lightweight yet durable bag that can carry towels, water bottles, and sunscreen.
Shore Excursion Essentials
Port days can be the highlight of a cruise, but they also require a little planning.
You may be walking long distances, joining tours, visiting beaches, taking tenders, or spending hours away from the ship.
Small Day Backpack
A small backpack is one of the most practical things to bring for excursions.
Why I Recommend It
It gives you enough space for water, sunscreen, a light jacket, camera gear, documents, snacks, and souvenirs without being too bulky.
This is especially useful for city exploring, scenic walks, hiking, or full-day excursions.
Tip: For busy ports, choose a backpack with secure zippers or hidden pockets.
Light Rain Jacket or Poncho
Weather can change quickly, especially in Alaska, Northern Europe, New Zealand, or tropical destinations.
Why I Recommend It
A compact rain jacket or poncho takes up little space and can save a port day if the weather turns.
It is also useful on windy decks, scenic sailaways, and excursions where umbrellas are not practical.
For Alaska cruises, this is one item I would not skip. I would rather bring layers and a waterproof shell than one big bulky coat.
Tip: For Alaska cruises, a light waterproof layer is more useful than a bulky jacket because you can layer underneath it.
Travel Umbrella
A small travel umbrella can be useful for both rain and sun protection.
Why I Recommend It
It is helpful for city walks, unexpected showers, and hot sunny ports where shade is limited.
That said, I do not always bring one anymore. In windy destinations, I usually prefer a rain jacket. But for city-heavy itineraries, especially in Europe, a compact umbrella can still be useful.
Tip: In windy destinations, a rain jacket is usually more practical than an umbrella.
Things I Used to Pack But Don’t Always Bring Anymore
This is the part that many cruise packing lists skip.
There are plenty of items that sound useful, and sometimes they are. But after many cruises, I have learned that not every popular cruise accessory deserves space in my suitcase.
Towel Clips
Towel clips are often recommended for cruises because they can hold your towel in place on a windy pool deck or balcony chair.
Why I Do Not Always Pack Them
I used to think towel clips were a must-have, but I no longer bring them on every cruise. They can be useful, but they are also one more thing to pack, carry, and remember.
If you spend a lot of time by the pool or on beach days, they may still be worth packing. But for me, they have moved from “essential” to “optional.”
Tip: Towel clips are useful if you spend a lot of time on loungers, but they are not essential for every cruiser.
Door Decorations
Some cruisers love decorating their cabin doors, especially for birthdays, group cruises, holidays, or family trips.
Why I Usually Skip Them
Door decorations can be fun, but I do not usually bring them anymore. They take up extra space, and for most cruises, I prefer to keep things simple.
That said, they can be great if you are celebrating something special or traveling with a group and want to find your cabin more easily.
Tip: If you bring door decorations, check your cruise line’s rules first. Some lines have restrictions on the use of adhesives, magnets, or decorations in hallways.
Too Many Formal Clothes
This is one of the biggest changes in the way I pack.
Why I Pack Less Now
On my earlier cruises, I packed more formal clothing than I really needed. These days, many cruise lines are more relaxed, and I prefer outfits that can be dressed up or down.
I still like looking nice for dinner, but I no longer feel the need to pack several formal outfits unless the cruise line or itinerary really calls for it.
Tip: Pack for the cruise you are actually taking, not for an imaginary version of cruising where every night is formal.
Bulky Guidebooks and Paperwork
I still believe in keeping printed copies of important documents, but I no longer bring piles of paperwork.
Why I Pack Less Paper Now
Most confirmations, maps, guides, and tickets can be stored digitally. I still print the essentials, but I try not to bring unnecessary paper that I will never look at again.
Tip: Print the documents that matter most, and save the rest offline on your phone.
Things You Should Not Pack for a Cruise
Just as important as knowing what to pack is knowing what not to bring.
Cruise lines have safety rules, and some items are not allowed onboard.
- Irons or steamers
- Surge-protected power strips
- Candles or incense
- Weapons or sharp restricted items
- Illegal substances
- Too much alcohol or drinks beyond your cruise line’s allowance
- Large appliances
- Anything that creates heat and is not cruise-approved
Rules vary by cruise line, so always check your cruise line’s prohibited items list before packing.
Tip: If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, check before you pack it. Security may hold prohibited items until the end of the cruise.
Final Cruise Packing Checklist
Before closing your suitcase, use this final checklist or download my free packing list using the link below to make sure you have the essentials covered.
Download your copy of my Free Cruise & Travel Packing Checklist now!
I’ll also send you some of my best cruise and travel tips. You can easily unsubscribe at any time
Documents
- Passport or required ID
- Cruise boarding pass
- Luggage tags
- Travel insurance
- Hotel and transfer confirmations
- Excursion confirmations
- Emergency contact details
Carry-On Bag
- Medication
- Valuables
- Phone and charger
- Portable charger
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Travel documents
Cabin Essentials
- Magnetic hooks
- Cruise-safe power adapter
- Hanging toiletry bag
- Night light
- Laundry bag
- Reusable shopping bag
Clothing
- Casual daywear
- Evening outfits
- Swimwear
- Light jacket or sweater
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Pool shoes or flip-flops
- Sleepwear
- Workout clothes if needed
Port Day Essentials
- Small day bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Dry bag
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Local currency or card
Final Thoughts
You do not need to pack everything on every cruise.
The best cruise packing list depends on your destination, cruise line, cabin type, itinerary, and personal travel style.
But after more than 30 cruises, I have found that the items in this guide consistently make cruising easier, more organized, and more comfortable.
I have also learned that packing well is not just about bringing more things. Sometimes it is about knowing what to leave behind.
Start with the essentials, avoid overpacking, and focus on what will actually improve your time onboard and in port.
And remember, the goal is not to bring your whole house with you. The goal is to pack smart so you can relax, explore, and enjoy the cruise.
Looking for more essentials for your next cruise or trip? Check out my lists at: https://amzn.to/4h0ZMqu
FAQ
What should I pack in my cruise carry-on bag?
Your cruise carry-on should include travel documents, passport or ID, medication, valuables, phone charger, portable charger, swimwear, sunscreen, and anything you may need before your checked luggage arrives at your cabin.
Are magnetic hooks allowed on cruise ships?
Magnetic hooks are generally allowed and are very popular with cruisers because most cruise cabin walls are magnetic. They are useful for hanging hats, bags, lanyards, jackets, and other lightweight items.
Can I bring a power strip on a cruise?
You should not bring a surge-protected power strip on a cruise. Most cruise lines do not allow them. Instead, choose a cruise-safe, non-surge-protected power adapter.
Do I need packing cubes for a cruise?
Packing cubes are not required, but they are very helpful. They make it easier to organize your suitcase and unpack quickly into your cruise cabin drawers and shelves.
What should I not pack for a cruise?
Common prohibited items include irons, steamers, candles, incense, surge-protected power strips, weapons, illegal substances, and heat-generating appliances. Always check your cruise line’s official prohibited items list before packing.
How many outfits should I pack for a cruise?
It depends on the length of your cruise, but it is usually best to pack mix-and-match outfits instead of a separate outfit for every day. Include casual daywear, evening outfits, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and at least one light layer.
Do I need formal clothes on a cruise?
Some cruise lines still have formal, elegant, or dress-your-best nights, while others are more casual. Check your cruise line’s dress code before packing. In many cases, smart-casual outfits are enough.
Should I bring a reusable water bottle on a cruise?
Yes, a reusable water bottle is very useful onboard and during port days. It helps you stay hydrated and is especially handy for excursions, walks, beach days, and hot-weather destinations.
Do I need towel clips for a cruise?
Towel clips can be useful if you spend a lot of time by the pool or on beach loungers, especially on windy days. However, they are not essential for every cruiser, and I no longer pack them for every cruise.
What cruise packing items are overrated?
Some cruise packing items can be useful but are not essential for everyone. Towel clips, door decorations, large over-the-door organizers, too many formal outfits, and bulky guidebooks are items I would consider optional rather than must-haves.
