Whether you're ready or not, the holiday season has arrived — and it will be over before you know it. Now is the perfect time to start buying gifts, so you’re not running to the store at the last minute.
If you have a loved one going on a cruise next year, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to give them a present they'll actually use on their upcoming trip.
Don't worry, though — our round-up of the best cruise gifts can be used by sailors and jetsetters alike, making them ideal for anyone with wanderlust.
From practical travel essentials to fun gadgets, here's a list of 13 gifts that are perfect for cruisers, too.
Editor's note: We’ve included Amazon affiliate links in this article. Shopping through these links won’t cost you anything extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog may earn a small commission on your purchase. Thanks for your support!
Travelpro Maxlite Carry-On Luggage
A new suitcase is a great way to show the traveler in your life that you're thinking of them. You don't want to gift something that will fall apart after just one or two uses, though. You also don't want to purchase something that will be a nuisance to drag through airports and cruise terminals.
Enter the Travelpro Maxlite bags — they're lightweight, durable, and designed for easy maneuvering thanks to the smooth gliding spinner wheels and adjustable handle. The suitcase comes with a TSA-approved lock for added security, too.
The bags come in multiple sizes, so you get a single carry-on for quick trips or generously gift a full set for longer vacations.
BUY: Travelpro Maxlite Luggage
Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Bringing headphones on a cruise is more useful than people think. For example, noise-cancelling headphones can make long bus rides and flights more enjoyable, letting you listen to your favorite artists, watch a TV show, or catch up on a podcast without disturbing others.
They can also be used on the noisy pool deck to block out some of the chatter and background music, or in the gym during a mid-cruise workout.
Anker's Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are an affordable, high-quality option that doesn't break the bank, like Apple AirPods or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Highlights include a 2-in-1 charging case + phone stand, adaptive technology, transparency mode, and long-lasting convenience.
BUY: Anker Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Universal Travel Adapter
Universal travel adapters can be used on older cruise ships and international trips. They come with multiple USB ports or sockets, so phones, tablets, earbuds, and other electronics can be charged simultaneously — a luxury in cabins with two or three outlets.
Adapters are practical, compact, and travel-friendly, especially for wayfarers who find themselves in different countries every other month.
JFMONE's adapter will ensure that your loved one is always prepared and never scrambling to buy a charger abroad, with support for over 10 types of plugs that work in countries like the United States, France, Italy, Singapore, and more.
BUY: JMFONE Universal Travel Adapter
Anker MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Charger
Another option is a 3-in-1 charger that allows powering multiple devices at once, including iPhones, AirPods, and Apple Watches.
With just one cord, your gift recipient won't have to worry about wires cluttering the vanity space in their cruise cabin. Moreover, they're travel-friendly and ultra-portable, meaning they won't take up valuable luggage space.
Plus, with 15W charging, it can power an iPhone 15 up to 20% in just 15 minutes and charge an Apple Watch Series 9 to 30% in only 22 minutes.
BUY: Anker MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Charger
Phone Tripod Stand Selfie Stick
Some people like to be as tech-free as possible on vacation. Others like to capture their memories on camera.
Speaking from experience, it can be awkward to ask fellow guests to snap a photograph. Many are willing, but it's never a great feeling to have to rely on strangers to capture your family's vacation.
A tripod stand selfie stick helps ensure that your memories are just one click away.
BUY: MOFT Phone Tripod Stand Selfie Stick
Portable Vlogging Camera
Who said home videos are dead? While they might not be on VHS tapes anymore, you can still create quality memories of your family's vacation.
You don't need a YouTube channel to have a reason to record your trip — a high-quality vlogging camera is all you need to preserve your adventure for years to come.
They're a great tool beyond vacations, too. You can use your vlogging camera to capture your children's baseball game, graduation, and more.
BUY: Insta360 Portable Vlogging Camera
Hontry Compact Binoculars
Binoculars are useful on scenic cruises to destinations like Norway and Alaska, where the wildlife and scenery are abundant.
They can help make snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, bald eagles, and whales visible, whereas they might appear tiny and nearly invisible to the naked eye.
A good pair of binoculars doesn't have to cost a fortune, though. The Hontry binoculars are popular for their 10x magnification, BaK-4 prisms, and compact design — available for under $30.
BUY: Hontry Compact Binoculars
Amazon Colorsoft Kindle
Standard paperback and hardcover books are expensive and heavy. In other words, they aren't the most travel-friendly option.
This holiday season, consider giving the bookworm in your life a Colorsoft Kindle. The lightweight e-reader gives the owner access to thousands of books in a compact design that can be slipped into their carry-on.
The Colorsoft version is different from the Paperwhite; it's optimized for reading in color and even has a neat highlight feature that allows you to mark the pages in yellow, orange, blue, or pink.
Sunrise Alarm Clock and Sound Machine Nightlight
Inside cruise rooms can be jarring due to their lack of natural sunlight. Regardless of what time it is, it somehow always feels like the middle of the night, even if it's 1:00 p.m.
A sunrise alarm clock is a must-have for many choosing these cheap cabins, as it gradually simulates natural sunlight to gently wake the body up.
Sound machines are another helpful addition since they can drown out the sound of creaking cabinets, hangers, crying babies, and drunken passengers stumbling through the halls.
BUY: REACHER Wood Grain Sunrise Alarm Clock and Sound Machine Nightlight
Portable Charger with Built-In Cables, USB, USB-C
A portable charger is a great gift for anyone who’s always on the move. On cruises, they come in handy while ashore during lengthy shore excursions. However, they can also save an otherwise doomed phone during an unexpected travel delay.
The key is to find a charger that isn't too bulky. Otherwise, you may feel inclined to leave it behind. A compact model that already has built-in cords is ideal, so you can easily throw it into your daybag before leaving the ship or purse while running errands at home.
One with extra-fast charging capabilities is even better.
BUY: VRURC Portable Charger with Built-In Cables
Mini Portable Instant Photo Printer
Having a photo printer on hand means that you're seconds away from giving shareable keepsakes to your friends, family, or fellow travelers.
It also makes scrapbooking a breeze after your trip. Instead of making a trip to the local drugstore for prints, you can instantly print your photos from the comfort of your home.
Photo printers are a fun gift for all ages, too.
BUY: Liene Mini Portable Instant Photo Printer
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Waterproof speakers epitomize hands-free convenience. At home, they can be used in the shower, by the pool, kayaking on the lake, or even during mundane tasks like cooking in the kitchen (an accidental spill won't destroy it!).
While you shouldn't blare music from portable speakers on a cruise, they can be used in your stateroom (at a reasonable level) while getting ready for dinner or relaxing on your balcony.
BUY: HEYSONG Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Portable Handheld Fan
Finally, a portable handheld fan is useful for cruisers and anti-cruisers alike. They can make touring ancient ruins like the Acropolis or Chichen Itza far more bearable than without, especially during the peak summer months.
Portable fans are just as practical at home, too. Does your friend or family member spend a lot of time outside? Whether they're an avid gardener, love attending sporting events, or frequently walk their dog, a small fan ensures that they can continue enjoying their favorite activities comfortably.
The JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan stands out for several reasons, including its 10+ hour battery life, foldable design, and built-in portable power bank.
BUY: JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan With Rechargeable Battery
