After dozens of sailings, I've bought a lot of cruise stuff. Some of it is genius. Some is a waste of cabin space. Here's the list that actually survived the cut.
Under $15
- Magnetic hooks (pack of 10) — Best $12 you'll spend. Hang lanyards, bags, hats, robes. Ships are metal cans.
- Sea-Band motion sickness bracelets — Wear them the first night just in case. They work.
- Collapsible water bottle — Takes zero space in luggage, fills at the buffet.
$15–$30
- Over-door shoe organizer — Not for shoes. For everything. Hang on bathroom door.
- Cruise lanyard with ID holder — Keep your card accessible all day. Get one for everyone in your group.
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (SPF 50) — Required in most Caribbean ports. Don't get turned away.
$30–$50
- Walkie-talkies (pair) — Lifesaver for large ships. Ship WiFi is expensive; walkie talkies are free after purchase.
- Packable waterproof day bag — For shore excursions. Leave the nice bag in the cabin.
- Portable fan for the cabin — Some cabins run hot. A small fan is cheap and makes a real difference.
Check out our full gear recommendations page for affiliate links and more picks.