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. 

BUY: Amazon Colorsoft Kindle

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

There might be a good reason to buy a Royal Caribbean gift certificate now. 

Royal Caribbean sent an email update advertising its gift cards, which now offer easier ways to redeem the cards.

Traditionally, Royal Caribbean's gift cards/certificates had stringent redemption rules that made that impractical.

With the old cards, you had to redeem them many weeks before your cruise began, and couldn't be redeemed onboard the ship.

With the new change, the Royal Caribbean Gift Card is a pre-paid gift card similar to a gift certificate. It is valid for both Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.

There are four ways to redeem them:

• On the Royal Caribbean website
• By calling the cruise line at 866-562-7625
• Through your travel agent
• On sailings where the onboard currency is USD (most sailings except China), gift cards can be used onboard as payment toward your onboard expense account. 

At this time, gift cards cannot be used towards pre-cruise purchases such as shore excursions, beverage packages, internet, etc.

Gift Cards cannot be redeemed for cash or quasi-cash (for example, gaming chips, money orders, deposits, wire transfers, traveler’s checks, foreign currency, and similar items).

The funds on these gift cards don’t expire, but if the card’s full value hasn’t been used within nine years from the date of purchase, you will need to contact customer service to transfer the remaining funds to a new gift card number.

Anyone can use the card because your name does not appear on the card. You may use it yourself or give it to anyone you choose. It's imperative you guard the number, as anyone can use it.

How to buy a Royal Caribbean gift card

The can buy purchased online at the Royal Caribbean website, as low as $50 and up to $2,000.

When purchasing the card, you have the option of buying it for yourself or for someone else.

Currently, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay and PayPal are accepted. Checks are not acceptable for the purchase of gift cards.

International purchases for gift cards are not available at this time. Gift card currency is restricted to USD.

Your gift card will be sent to the recipient via email on the delivery date you choose at the time of purchase. For same-day delivery, most gift cards are sent within an hour of your purchase. 

The recipient will receive a message on the delivery date you chose informing them of your gift, with a link to retrieve it online.

The link in the email leads to a page that shows the gift card you created — complete with the design you selected, the recipient’s name, the card’s value, card number and your personalized message. 

What can you buy with a gift card?

Royal Caribbean allows you to use its gift cards towards the balance of your cruise fare, or onboard the ship as a kind of onboard credit.

Read more: Royal Caribbean onboard credit

If you use it pre-cruise, then it goes towards your cruise fare.

However, if you wait to use it onboard, then it will be used as a credit against your onboard charges.

Is a gift card worth it?

With the simpler redemption rules, this makes a Royal Caribbean gift card more attractive as a way to help someone taking a cruise have some extra money to spend.

Under the old redemption rules, it made using the certificates cumbersome.

Given that the card can be used towards cruise fare or onboard purchases, it gives a great deal of flexibility with no fine print to hold you back.

Another advantage of a gift card is it makes it far easier for the recipient to use, and ensures the funds are used for a cruise vacation.  A cash gift could be used for anything.

Royal Caribbean's online destination for purchasing gifts, decorations and everything that can be delivered to your cruise ship, Gifts and Gears, has gotten a new web site design.

As part of Royal Caribbean's overall redesign of their web site, the Royal Gifts section of the site now has a new look to go with the new name.

From here, guests can 

• Rent tuxedos
• Order gifts to their home
• Order gifts and products to their stateroom
• Purchase items from the bedding collection
• Purchase gift certificates
• Shop Royal Weddings
• Shop Royal Celebrations

Over the last few months, Royal Caribbean has been updating the look and feel of its website and the Royal Gifts section is the latest section to receive the update.

Orders for ship delivery are accepted up to 48 business hours before debarkation (with the exception of flowers and packages containing flowers).

If someone you know is going on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it can be a fun surprise to buy them a gift that will be delivered to them in the stateroom during their cruise.  Royal Caribbean offers a means of purchasing a wide variety of gifts for someone going on an upcoming cruise.

In fact, you can buy it for yourself for your cruise or someone you're cruising with.

What you need

In order to purchase a gift for someone cruising on Royal Caribbean, all you need is

• Ship they are sailing on
• Sail date
• Reservation number

Royal Caribbean will not provide reservation information to anyone other than a guest listed in the reservation (for security purposes).  However, if you do not know the reservation number, you can call Royal Caribean at 1-800-722-5443 and they can look up the information to place the order without divulging it to you.

What you can buy

Royal Caribbean offers quite a bit to choose from their Gifts & Gears program

• Celebrations: Cakes, decorations and packages.
• Culinary Collection: Varity of tasty culinary favorites from chocolate covered strawberries to wine and cheese baskets.
• Scrumptious Treats: Great treats to enjoy during the cruise.
• Floral Expressions: Beautiful flowers delivered to the stateroom for all occasions.
• Romance Packages: Packages to make a cruise with the special someone even more special.
• Wine Cellar: Collection of wines (750ml bottles) for guests to enjoy in their stateroom to relax or get ready for dinner and a show.

When can you order

For cruises to leave on a weekend, orders must be placed by 7:00pm EST the Friday before sailing.

However, you can still place an order past that time but there till be a $10 late order fee.

Gifts can generally be ordered up until the second day of sailing, with the exception of floral arrangements.

How to order

There are two ways to order gifts for someone sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Online

You can order gifts through Royal Caribbean's website at http://www.royalcaribbean.com/giftcatalog/home.do.

As stated earlier, you will need to know all the reservation details in order to order this for someone.

Phone

You may also contact the Gifts & Gear Department at 1-800-722-5443 and an agent can assist you. This is the best option if you do not know all the information.

With Hanukkah beginning tonight and Christmas around the corner, you may be in the market for the perfect gift for that Royal Caribbean super fan on your list.  Sure a cruise is always the best gift, but if you're looking for something less expensive, then how about a taste of Royal Caribbean at home?

Over the years Royal Caribbean has released a number of books as well as paved the way for others in the company to write books.  These are fun looks at the cruise line and a great way to get your Royal Caribbean "fix" if you going on a cruise right now isn't in the cards.

Royal Caribbean International Cookbook

Written by Rudi Sodamin, this first edition is from 2001 and is a collection of recipes from Sodamin's collection.  There are recipes for dishes like osso buco, grilled island strip steak with caramelized onion and rum glaze, the pasta, shrimp, and salmon salad, and the rigatoni pesto.

It's organized to help you put together a whole meal - it goes from appetizers, soups and salads and follows through with pastas, entrees, and desserts.

Buy it on Amazon

SAVOR: The Royal Caribbean International Cookbook (Volume 2)

The next cookbook Royal Caribbean put out was in 2008 and this book is a complilation of recipes from 30 chefs across Royal Caribbean's fleet.  

Like volume one, this book includes 110 recipes for appetizes, main courses and desserts.  In addition, each recipe has a wine recommendation for each dish from the chef.  There's shrimp udon, asian duck, grilled vegetable antipasti and dolcetti alla portofino.

But it on Amazon

Savor; the Royal Caribbean International Cookbook Volume 3

The last cookbook was published in 2010 and is an update to volume two. A little more than half of the recipes in volume three and carry overs from volume two, but there's new recipes with great photos to show you what it will look like.

Buy it on Amazon

Carte du Jour The Restaurants of Royal Caribbean International

This recipe book is more of a coffee table book give its size and great photos of each recipe. Like the other books, it features recipes from across Royal Caribbean's fleet.

Buy it on Amazon

The Captain : Johnny Faevelen : The Fisherman Who Became Captain of the World's Largest Cruise Ship

This book is the story of "Captain Johnny", who lived his dream of becoming the captain of the world's largest cruise ship and his time from a boy in a small fishing village in Norway to achieving his dream.

Having sailed with Captain Johnny on Mariner of the Seas, I know first hand what a great guy he is and his book is an inspiring read about the challenges he faced, as well as the importance of family, and how values like treating others as you wish to be treated.

Buy it on Amazon