The Overlooked Essentials You Need to Pack for Your Next Cruise

Published:  04/11/2025

Fresh off an incredible Caribbean cruise aboard the Celebrity Ascent, I'm already planning the next adventure on the new Xcel! 

As an avid cruiser, I've learned that having the right cruise essentials makes all the difference. Learn from my experience and discover those often-overlooked, handy items that will significantly improve your warm-weather cruise experience.

For my complete, ever-growing list of all the best cruise essentials and new ideas, check out my Amazon Storefront:

Find the FULL List of Recommended Items Here in My Amazon Cruise Store

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Items I Love and Items I Wish I'd Had

Lounge Chair Drink Holder: Keep your beverages within reach and prevent spills while relaxing by the pool. There were no tables in the Celebrity Ascent's pool area. 

Lounge Chair Towel Holder Bands: Secure your towel to your lounge chair, preventing it from slipping or blowing away.

Cross Body Sling Bag for men or women: This best-selling versatile bag is perfectly sized for shore excursions, featuring multiple compartments to organize your phone and essentials, a breathable back for all-day comfort, and a reversible, adjustable strap with a dedicated side mesh pocket for securely holding your water bottle during warm port days.

Magnetic Hooks: Utilize the metal walls of your cabin to hang bags, hats, or other items, maximizing storage space and keeping items off the floor. I put a couple of these by the door and used them to hang my hat and beach bag on.

Packing Cubes and these packing cubes and these compressible packing cubes:  Packing cubes help you organize and compress your clothes, maximizing the space in your luggage and making it easy to find exactly what you need without unpacking everything. 

Shoe Packing Cubes and Cubes Here and Shoe Packing Bags: Shoe packing cubes are a valuable addition to your cruise luggage as they help to keep dirty or bulky shoes separate from clean clothing, maximizing space and maintaining organization within your suitcase.

Electronics Travel Case Organizer: Keep all your cords neat. 

Bottles For Toiletries: 3 oz portable travel bottles, leak proof, squeezable silicone travel size containers. 

Clear Make Up Bag Organizer: Clear so you can easily see the contents.

Daily Pill Organizer: To pack your medication or vitamins. 

Travel Jewelry Box: To keep your jewelry organized. 

Wrinkle Release Spray: Cruise ships don't allow irons. So, keep your clothes looking fresh without the need for ironing.

Handwashing Bag: Useful for quickly washing small items, especially if you prefer not to use onboard laundry services. Probably not needed on a 7 day cruise but if you're on a long cruise you might enjoy having this. 

Liquid Soap in Travel Packs: Convenient for handwashing or if you prefer your own soap to the provided ones.

Hand Wipes: A must-have for quick cleanups, especially after shore excursions and the airport. 

Reusable Water Bottle with Handle and Straw or this waterbottle. Stay hydrated throughout your cruise and keep drinks cool. I filled mine with lots of ice and ice tea and took it to the pool. 

Extra Cloth Bag: Your suitcase will have to be in the hall by 10pm the last night to be collected by staff. A reusable cloth bag is a smart addition for your cruise, providing a convenient way to carry the clothes you'll need after your main luggage is collected the final night, until you're reunited with your suitcase upon disembarkation.  

Motion Sickness Relief: Be prepared with both anti-nausea medication and acupressure wristbands for a comfortable cruise. Medication targets the cause, while wristbands offer a drug-free option. Bonine   Anti-Nausea Bands   Dramamine NonDrowsy 

Luggage Tag for Printed Celebrity Cruise Tags: Protect your printed luggage tags from tearing and ensure they're easily visible. 

Clothespins with Hanger Hooks: Ideal for drying wet swimsuits or clothes in the bathroom or on the veranda.

Magnetic Ceiling or Wall Fan: This USB chargeable fan has a magnetic base and will attach to the cruise ship walls or the ceiling. 

USB Desk Fan: this one can sit on the desk or nightstand. Its only 5 x 6", packs well yet creates a nice gentle breeze. 

Rechargeable Fan: Stay cool during workouts in the gym or while lounging on deck. The Ascent's gym was sweltering! I ordered this fan while looking at the gym's equipment so I could ensure it would fit. 

Cruise Door Magnetic Decorations and More Here: Add a personal touch to your cabin door and makes it easy to find.

Binoculars: This compact and affordable pair of binoculars at 8 x 25 give a stable image which is ideal on a boat. Great for watching wildlife from the deck or on excursions. 

Magnetic Toothbrush Holder: The cruise ship walls are metal so give yourself more bathroom space with this.

Small Portable White Noise Machine: If you are a light sleeper and need some pleasant white noise this tiny machine does the trick. 

Motion Activated Magnetic Night Light: The cruise ship rooms are very dark and the step up into the bathroom is a tripping hazard. This night light is magnetic and motion activated. 

Lysol To-Go Travel Disinfectant Spray: easily sanitize your cabin. 

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes To Go Pack: easily sanitize your cabin or your airplane seat and tray. 

Sleep Eye Mask: This was nice to have for my afternoon naps.  

Cross Body Cell Phone Purse: When all I wanted to carry was my phone and my keycard. 

Laundry Hook Cloths Pin Hangers: These are helpful for drying wet clothing in the bathroom or veranda.  

Travel Size Laundry Detergent: For doing laundry or the sink or the washing bag. 

Mini Portable Stroller Fan for the Gym: For the gym or pool lounge chair. The gym was sweltering so I bought a stroller fan to attach to the elliptical. I considered one with a clip but none of the equipment would accommodate one. 

Travel Mini Umbrella: There was a day we went ashore and I wished I had an umbrella. This one would have been perfect.

EltaMD UV Sheer Face Sunscreen, SPF 50+ Sunscreen for Face and Body:  Elta MD is #1 dermatologist-recommended and trusted professional sunscreen brand.Is a great choice for cruises because its high SPF 50+ provides protection against the sun's intense rays encountered on deck and during excursions. Its sheer, non-greasy formula makes it comfortable for all-over use, ensuring comprehensive sun safety without feeling heavy or sticky in warm, humid climates. 

EltaMD UV AOX Elements Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 with Antioxidants: Its added antioxidants help to combat environmental stressors encountered during travel, while the tint offers light coverage for a more even complexion. 

Sun Bum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm: Sunscreen Lip Balm is crucial on a cruise to protect your lips from intense sun exposure and prevent sunburn, which can be particularly harsh at sea.

IT Cosmetics SPF50 with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides. This CC cream is widely hailed as a multitasking powerhouse, combining the full coverage of a foundation with color correction, anti-aging benefits from ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides, and broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sun protection. It is a favorite for those seeking an all-in-one product that achieves a natural, skin-but-better look while actively improving and protecting the skin.

This translucent mineral setting powder is perfect for mid-day sunscreen reapplication since you can dust it on right over your makeup without disturbing it. Not only does the broad-spectrum SPF 35 protect your skin while you relax poolside, but the lightweight formula also helps reduce shine for a fresh look. 

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The Ultimate Cruise Closet: Clothing & Footwear & Accessories

Evening Purse: Shine all night with this Rhinestone Sparkly Evening Purse with 4 colors to choose from. It is compact yet spacious perfectly fitting your phone, comb, and  lipstick. This bag was perfect for evenings. The shoulder strap is the perfect length and did not slip from my shoulders and kept my hands free for dancing. 

Comfortable Shoes: Vionic is known for their comfortable yet stylish shoes and these are a lovely pair of heeled sandals you can put on for dinner and then dance the night away or these slide ons or these with orthoptic insoles. 

Comfortable Sneakers or Walking Sandals: Taos shoes are also know for their comfort. The sneakers are in a gorgeous neutral so you can pair it with anything! Or these cute walking sandals. 

Cole Haan Sandals: Cole Haan has done it again. Stylish flat sandals that are comfortable. 

Sundress: Perfectly transition from daytime excursions to elegant evening dinners on your next cruise with this versatile dress.

Dressy Cardigan: You'll want a layer for cool evenings and this one has gone with me on many cruises! 

Straw Boho Tote: You will loook so stylish carrying this beautiful trendy tote to the pool or on your shore excursions. 

Waterproof Pouch Fanny Pack: Protect your valuables from water damage during shore excursions or poolside activities. 

Running Waist Belt: I wore this with my athletic shorts to the gym. Enough room for my phone and my keycard. It comes in a neutral black so good for men too. 

Cruise Garment Foundations: Pack the right foundation for ultimate cruise versatility. Our garment essentials—including discreet nipple covers (to wear with your evening dresses or other braless tops), comfortable thong underwear (order one size up for comfort), and reliable garment tape—provide the invisible support your vacation wardrobe needs.

Baseball Hat: Shield your face from the sun and add a stylish touch to your swimwear. I got this one to match my swimsuit. 

Stylish Brimmed Sun Hat or this straw hat or this one with a chin strap: Provides excellent sun protection and elevates your cruise attire. Get one with a chin strap for shore excursions. 

Flattering Swimsuits: After trying on dozens I found 3 that I love. And this black swimsuit and this pretty one. 

Crochet Maxi Swimsuit Cover Up: Perfect for transitioning from poolside to onboard casual dining. I packed two crochet cover ups, one long and one short sleeve. 

Mesh Beach Bag: I kept my pool/beach bag loaded with everything I needed: sunscreen, lip sunscreen, a white UV long sleeve shirt if I felt I was getting too much sun. 

White Sun Shirt: You WILL want one and the cruise ship charges premium for these. Buy now. Protect your skin from the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays with UPF fabric. Men's sun shirt.  

Favorite Workout Shorts with Tummy Control: Stay comfortable and confident during onboard workouts. I love the slightly longer length and flattering smooth tummy control. 

Cute Pajamas: For stylish, comfortable and relaxing mornings or evenings in your cabin. I LOVE these! 

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Shine the Night Outfit Ideas

If you're stressing about the metallic dress code, I've got you covered with low-stress, high-glam ideas!.

Check out my ultimate "Shine the Night" Packing Guide here. 

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SHINE THE NIGHT OUTFIT IDEAS CELEBRITY CRUISES