Every cruise, I watch passengers get stopped before boarding at security for items they had no idea were banned.

Most people make an honest mistake by bringing things that aren't allowed onboard because they're a fire or security hazard. Most of these confiscated items don't get them in trouble, but it does result in a frustrating start to their vacation and the loss of the item until they return.

I know when I pack something for a cruise, I'm counting on having that item.  So getting to taken away would put a dent in my plans.

While Royal Caribbean has a lengthy list of things you can't bring on a cruise, four are clearly the top items that seem to be accidentally brought onboard the most.

The most commonly confiscated item are irons and steamers

If you ever pass by the table of confiscated items to be picked up after a cruise is over, I can pretty much guarantee you'll see mostly clothing irons and steamers.

So many people mistakenly believe they can bring them on a cruise, but they'll be taken away as soon as they're spotted in your bags.

The reason why you can't bring clothing irons or steamers on a cruise is they are a fire hazard.  If left unattended, they could start a fire and that's a risk Royal Caribbean won't take.

Fire is the most dangerous scenario for a cruise ship, so the ship's crew are extra vigilant when it comes to preventing fires.

Since irons and steamers aren't allowed, you'll have to figure out an alternative to getting wrinkles and creases out of your clothes.

There are a few options people rely on as a backup:

• Sending clothes out to be pressed onboard (extra cost)
• Bringing wrinkle release spray
• Leaving clothes in the bathroom while the shower runs to absorb the steam
• Rolling clothes in their suitcase

Each idea has its pros and cons, so you'll need to find the one that works best for your needs.

Beer or liquor isn't allowed to be brought onboard

A few cruise lines allow you to bring beer on embarkation day, but not Royal Caribbean. You cannot bring beer or liquor on your cruise.

In fact, the cruise line has gotten more stringent with checking for these items because people try to sneak it onboard.

You are allowed to bring wine or non-alcoholic drinks on your cruise. However, they might still search your bag if they see something in the bag scan that even resembles booze.

This rule is also enforced when you come back on the ship in a port of call. Cruisers like to buy bottles of liquor to bring home, but it will be taken from you until the cruise is over.

Power strips and other unapproved power adaptors are commonly taken from people

If clothing irons are the most confiscated item, then power strips are probably number two on the list.

You cannot bring a power strip or surge protector on a cruise. That's been a rule for many years, and it's because it's also a fire hazard.

But Royal Caribbean also prohibits bringing multi-plug outlets, which is a more recent change in policy.

The simplest way to know if your power adaptor is allowed on a Royal Caribbean ship is to make sure it only has one A/C outlet. The amount of USB outlets is irrelevant.

I recommend this universal power adaptor that works well for cruise ships and will help you if you end up traveling elsewhere around the world (Link contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use).

Appliances

As a general rule, you can't bring kitchen appliances on your ship either.  

I've seen rice cookers, electric kettles, and coffee machines on the confiscated items table because people think they can save money and make certain foods in their cabin.

"Electrical items and electronic equipment not designed for personal grooming" aren't allowed.

If your ship sails from the UK, you can expect an electric tea kettle in your cabin. 

Otherwise, you'll need to book a suite in order to have a coffee machine or electric kettle ready to use in your cabin that has been provided by the cruise line.

Luggage tags are a small but essential part of Royal Caribbean’s embarkation process. If you’re looking for a way to keep your tags secure, protected, and easy to attach, luggage tag holders are a simple solution.

When you arrive for embarkation day, you will send off your checked bags with the cruise porters at the terminal. Every checked bag must be clearly tagged so it can be routed through the ship’s luggage system and delivered to the correct stateroom. After your luggage is whisked off by the porters, you won’t see it again until it’s delivered to your stateroom later that day.

In this way, your printed luggage tag is pretty crucial, as it's the only way the cruise line knows where to deliver luggage. Your luggage tag is essentially the only thing tying your suitcase to your stateroom. If it gets lost or damaged along the way, your bag can be delayed while crew members work to track it down. And you definitely don't want to add unnecessary stress to embarkation day by wondering where your suitcase ended up.

Even after years of cruising, I still find myself printing luggage tags at the last minute. This often involves a quick stop at the hotel concierge to print the tags and hunt down a stapler before heading to the cruise port. In fact, I’ve even arrived at the cruise terminal without printed luggage tags after completely forgetting them.

For many years, I never saw the value of luggage tags for a cruise. I would simply print my luggage tag and either tape or staple it to my suitcase. I never really thought twice about it, until one rainy embarkation changed my entire perspective.

While boarding our cruise in Sydney, Australia last fall, it was pouring rain all morning. Luckily, my dad had packed extra luggage tag holders that I borrowed before heading to the port. As we made our way through the terminal, I was relieved that my luggage tags were secure and protected from the rain. Other passengers had damaged luggage tags that weren’t legible because they were so soaked!

After this experience, I have continued to use luggage tag holders for my Royal Caribbean cruises. They provide me with peace of mind that my luggage tag will remain intact during embarkation. Also, they hardly take up any space for packing.

How Royal Caribbean’s luggage tags work

Royal Caribbean provides luggage tags in your pre-cruise electronic documents after your online check-in is complete. Luggage tags can be found in your eDocs, which are specific to your ship, sailing date, and stateroom. 

Guests are encouraged to print multiple copies of their luggage tags in case of damage or last-minute changes. You’ll fill in your name on each tag as well.

If a luggage tag is forgotten at home, porters at the terminal can still provide generic tags on embarkation day. However, Royal Caribbean recommends printing and securing your tags in advance to avoid delays. Generic tags also lack the color coding and location information crew members rely on, which can slow down how quickly your luggage makes its way to your stateroom.

Royal Caribbean’s luggage tags are printed on paper and designed to be attached to bags before boarding. This allows luggage handlers to sort thousands of bags efficiently and deliver them throughout the ship within hours of embarkation.

When a luggage tag is damaged, illegible, or torn off, this system can fail. Suitcases and bags without readable tags may be delayed, manually inspected, or temporarily set aside until crew members can identify the owner. While most bags eventually arrive, the process can take significantly longer, sometimes well into the evening on embarkation day.

Although Royal Caribbean doesn’t require any luggage tag holders, they are extremely useful. For this reason, you’re likely to see many other passengers at the cruise terminal utilizing them. And after years of cruising, I would consider them a cruise essential.

A protective luggage tag holder keeps the paper tag sealed and securely fastened to the bag handle. They also reduce the risk of tearing or loss from the baggage handlers. More importantly, it helps ensure your luggage moves smoothly through the system and arrives at your stateroom as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking to invest in luggage tags for your Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled our top choices for Royal Caribbean luggage tags and holders that you must have for your next cruise.

Note: Affiliate links are used throughout this article. If you purchase using the links provided in our article, we receive a small commission. This helps support our website and doesn’t cost you anything extra! You can also check out our Amazon Storefront for all of our cruise essentials and favorites.

1. Highwind 4-Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holder

Link: Highwind 4 Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Suitcases - Compatible with Celebrity 2025 Royal Caribbean Luggage Tag Holders Travel Essentials Cruise Lanyard

Price: $6.99

This is one of the best-selling cruise essentials from our Amazon Storefront. Cruisers love how easy and convenient these are to use, and they have thousands of 5-star reviews!

Cruisers describe these luggage tag holders as well-constructed and secure, with strong cables that stay in place. Many people also mention their durability, ease of use, and snug fit for Royal Caribbean's printed luggage tags. This makes them a reliable option for embarkation day and luggage handling.

In addition, these tags can apparently be used for other cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. If you’re wanting a versatile luggage tag holder, this is a great option to consider! Also, there are multiple options for purchasing, including 4-packs and 8-packs. Some options also include ID lanyards — another cruise staple for many!

Cruise On: 4-Pack Luggage Tag Holders

Link: Cruise On Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tag Holder (4 Pack) – Fits All Royal Caribbean Ships, Durable Travel ID Holders for 2026-2027 Cruises, Clear Waterproof Cruise Essentials

Price: $12.99

Another great option is this 4-pack of luggage tag holders from Cruise On. Customers consistently describe these luggage tag holders as high quality and perfect for Royal Caribbean cruises. Reviews note the sturdy plastic construction and heavy-duty cables, which keep their Royal Caribbean luggage tags secure and protected throughout embarkation.

In addition, people also appreciate how easily Royal Caribbean's printed tags fit inside the holders and report that they hold up well over multiple cruises.

6-Pack Royal Caribbean Luggage Tag Holders

Link: Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Royal Caribbean Ships & Celebrity, 6Pack Clear Tags Cruise Travel Essentials for 2025-2026

Price: $6.99

If you're wanting a pop of color on your luggage tag holders, look no further! Cruisers describe this 6-pack of Royal Caribbean luggage tag holders as durable and easy to use. Many also note that they hold up well over multiple cruises with little visible wear.

Reviews also highlight the luggage tag’s secure, well-fitting design for Royal Caribbean's printed luggage tags. Many reviewers mention how these tags are consistently useful and functional during embarkation. Moreover, most travelers consider them a worthwhile purchase and recommend them for cruisers. However, these tags will not work with other cruise lines, so you'll only want them for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises.

Seavilla 8-Pack of Luggage Tags

Link: 8 Pack Luggage Tags Travel Essentials & Cruise Essentials for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruise Ships by SEAVILIA

Price: $6.99

Those wanting a few additional luggage tag holders should consider this 8-pack from Seavilia. Cruisers frequently describe these luggage tags as well made, including the sturdy wire fasteners and durable plastic construction. Reviews also note that the tags stay securely attached throughout the cruise and hold up well during embarkation.

Many travelers appreciate how Royal Caribbean's luggage tags fit neatly inside. Also, several mention that they show little to no wear by the end of their cruise, even after multiple sailings. The brand also offers multi-pack options, with quantities ranging from 8 to 40 holders.

6-Pack Luggage Tag Holders + 3 Lanyards

Link: Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Luggage Tag Holders With Cruise Lanyards - Zip Seal Clear Holders and Badge Holders for Ship Cards (6 Tag Holders + 3 Lanyards)

Price: $8.99

This bundle includes two cruise essentials: Royal Caribbean luggage tag holders and three matching cruise lanyards. This makes it a convenient option for both embarkation day and onboard use!

The clear tag holders fit Royal Caribbean’s printable tags perfectly and attach securely with braided steel rings. In addition, the lightweight lanyards include detachable clips for easy access to your SeaPass card. Both pieces are water-resistant, helping protect printed luggage tags and cruise cards throughout your vacation.

Cruisers describe these luggage tag holders as both practical and reliable during their vacation. Many mention the durable vinyl sleeves, which help protect printed tags and keep them neatly in place. Reviewers also mention the ease of use and secure attachment, noting that the holders stay put while still being simple to remove when needed. Several reviewers also note that they feel the quality justifies the price, especially for frequent cruisers.

4-Pack Colored Luggage Tag Holders and Lanyards

Link: 4 Pack Clear Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Ships, 2 Pack Cruise Lanyards and Waterproof ID Badge Holder Suitable for Cruise Card, Cruise Essential Travel Accessories

Price: $9.99

This is another bundled option if you're looking to invest in luggage tags and cruise lanyards for your vacation. These luggage tags are made from durable PVC that holds up well in the wet, unpredictable weather. The water-resistant material helps protect printed information from moisture during transit. These luggage tags are sized specifically for Royal Caribbean printable luggage tags, along with Celebrity Cruises’ luggage tags. Some reviewers also mentioned these tags worked for their Norwegian cruise.

Finally, the set also includes tropical-themed cruise lanyards with a waterproof ID holder. This will keep your SeaPass card dry and easily accessible throughout your entire vacation. 

6-Pack Luggage Tag Holders, Lanyards, and Magnetic Hooks

Link: Cruise Accessories Works with All Cruise Lines Cruise Travel Essentials Cruise Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean Ships and Celebrity, Cruise Luggage Tags for Carnival Cruise Ship (12)

Price: $13.99

This is the ultimate cruise-essentials purchase with luggage tag holders, lanyards, and magnetic hooks! Most cruisers describe these cruise accessories as very useful for their vacation. To start, magnetic hooks can be used in your Royal Caribbean cabin, as the walls are usually magnetic. These hooks allow you to hang small items directly on your wall, which can save space and keep your cabin organized.

Similarly, these luggage tag holders are designed to fit luggage tags for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. The zip-top seal helps keep paper tags from getting wet or tearing, and the thicker plastic feels sturdy enough for the way luggage is handled on embarkation day. 

Not to mention, many consider lanyards to be a must-have items for cruises to keep your card secure throughout the day. You'll be carrying your SeaPass everywhere you go, so it's important to have your card in a secure place.

14-Pack Colorful Luggage Tag Holders

Link: ME.FAN 14 Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity, Clear Cruise Tags Holder - Waterproof, Reusable, Zip Seal, Cruise Essentials

Price: $9.99

If you’re looking for a larger set of luggage tags for your Royal Caribbean cruise, this is a great option. These are highly rated with reviewers stating these tags are well-made and reliable. Many note how they like the colorful design!

Reviews also highlight the overall build quality, including screw-on enclosures that keep tags securely in place. Many travelers note that their luggage tags remain protected and intact throughout embarkation. Royal Caribbean cruisers add that printed tags fit well inside the holders and appreciate how easy they are to attach, remove, and reuse on future trips.

The list of things you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise has been revised with a new look to it and a focus on certain policies.

The policy governing what you cannot bring on a cruise has been a "living document" that has updated to reflect trends.  Some of the items have been prohibited for decades, while others are new.

This week, the prohibited item list got an overhaul and a new look.  Instead of it being a simple list, there's more context and even a few changes.

This is a good reminder to check up on what's been revised to prevent bringing the wrong things on vacation that could get you in trouble.

A new look

The first thing you'll notice about this list of items that are prohibited on a Royal Caribbean cruise is the format.

You can find the list on Royal Caribbean's website, and it's a page that gets regular updates. We monitor it closely to look for policy changes.

Compared to a copy of the webpage from January 31, 2026, the list has undergone an update to flesh out select areas and rearrange others.

Revised prohibited items list

Old list format

Certain prohibited items now have their own section with explanations, likely to further elaborate on what's not allowed.

In fact, Royal Caribbean even goes as far as to add what's included on your cruise to give reassurance that not being allowed to bring an item won't ruin your vacation. As an example, the list of which drinks you cannot bring now includes the free drinks that come with your cruise fare.

Ironically, the banned item list now includes many things you can bring.  

For example, the entire toiletries section talks about you're allowed to bring them, with no restrictions mentioned. The same is true for most of the baby things section.

This is likely to clear up any confusion if something not mentioned, but frequently asked about, is permissible to bring onboard.

The list also says there's a hair dryer included in every stateroom, even though hair curling irons, straighteners and hair dryers are permitted

At the bottom of the page is the traditional format of a list of banned items.

New banned items and policy adjustments

Snacks have been added to the prohibited item list, although there isn't an actual allotment defined.

"You can bring on a sensible amount of your favorite pre-packaged sealed snacks. Keep in mind there are lots of complimentary grab and go items and food all around the ship."

Previously, there was no mention of snacks on the banned item list.  Perhaps this change reflects a change in the amount of food guests are attempting to bring on a cruise.

Similarly, luggage is now included on the list with an explanation there is no limit, but their bags will be scanned.

Royal Caribbean also added a section that pets are not allowed on its cruise ships, with the exception of service animals.

This is an important step as our team has witnessed an increase in the amount of passengers who bring their pets onboard while trying to pass them off as service animals. Perhaps our anecdotal data is reflected in calling out the ban now on the full list.

Lastly, the recent addition of smart glasses has gotten an update. 

In February 2026, Royal Caribbean added smart glasses to its banned list, but restricted them from being worn in certain areas.

The verbiage is now more plain spoken and explains the restriction on where you can and cannot wear them.

"There are limits to where smart glasses can be worn onboard. Smart glasses cannot be worn in the casino, spa service areas, restrooms, locker rooms, medical facilities, security screening locations, youth facilities, during back-of-house tours, in crew areas, or anywhere there is a reasonable expectation of guest and crew privacy."

Guests violating the rule will have them taken away, "Smart glasses users who are seen violating this policy will have the glasses confiscated."

New ban on smoking in Mexico

Smokers should be aware that Royal Caribbean has updated its policy regarding smoking to match Mexico's new rules.

Mexico has a total ban on smoking in public places that has been in place since 2023.

This includes beaches, parks, hotels, restaurants, and workplaces. 

Nothing has changed with where and when you can smoke onboard, but there's a warning to passengers to be aware you could face jail time if you try to smoke while ashore.

"In Mexico, vapes and e-cigarettes of any kind are banned and cannot be brought ashore. Regular cigarettes cannot be smoked in public places including at beaches, hotels, restaurants and parks. Violators face fines or even jail time."

Weeks after Royal Caribbean quietly updated its prohibited items list to tighten onboard safety and cybersecurity, the cruise line clarified that certain smart glasses are now restricted in specific areas of its ships.

Like other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has a long list of prohibited items that aren't allowed aboard its fleet of ships. Many of the items, including illegal drugs and explosives, are common sense. 

Sometimes, however, the line between what's banned and what guests consider harmless isn't very clear. For instance, many passengers assume they can bring extension cords and steamers, but they are actually banned on Royal Caribbean ships. 

Recently, Royal Caribbean updated the verbiage on its prohibited items list to read: "'Smart' glasses from any of several manufacturers that can record video and audio are not allowed to be used in certain areas onboard the ship, including, but not limited to, public restrooms, Youth Program areas, medical areas, as well as the casino."

While the change was only recently made official on Royal Caribbean's website, passengers began noticing the updated policy online in late January. 

"Now RCL is apparently not allowing smart glasses even if just used as prescription glasses or sunglasses," catlovingcryptofella posted on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread, along with a screenshot from the Cruise Compass on Royal Caribbean's mobile app. 

"Smart glasses with video and audio recording capabilities are not permitted onboard. If a guest fails to abide by this policy, the chief security officer and captain are authorized to confiscate the smart glasses," the discreet notice reads. 

(Credit: @catlovingcryptofella/Reddit)

Since smart glasses can discreetly record video and audio, the devices invade the privacy of passengers and crew in public areas on its ships, particularly in spaces where individuals may not realize they are being filmed.

The prohibited items list continues to specify that guests who have prescription smart glasses should bring a backup pair that isn't smart-enabled. 

Royal Caribbean tightened the rules on cybersecurity and electronic interference equipment

Sometime after December 10, 2025, Royal Caribbean updated its previously vague "cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment" clause to include "satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, any other deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity."

Because cruise ships rely on high-tech digital systems for navigation, communication, and entertainment, the clarification ensures that the critical systems are protected from unintended (or intended) interference. 

For example, the precise wording explicitly targets devices intended to hack, disrupt, or manipulate the onboard systems. These include signal jammers, hacking toolkits, and unauthorized travel Wi-Fi routers.

While some devices, such as satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, were previously listed on the banned items list, the recent addition zeros in on the purpose of the item. 

Travel routers, for instance, were once used to save money by extending the connectivity of one internet package to multiple devices. Though seemingly harmless, they can also be used to create rogue networks that interfere with the ship’s Wi‑Fi system or even bypass security controls.

According to a survey released by the consulting firm Protiviti, cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses. 

Cybersecurity Drive reported that corporate leaders, including board members, chief financial officers, and chief operating officers, are "increasingly aware that cyber resilience must be embedded into enterprise strategy."

"This widespread prioritization underscores the almost universal recognition that cybersecurity is no longer a siloed IT issue but rather a strategic enterprise risk with implications for brand reputation, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance," Protiviti said.

As such, Royal Caribbean’s updated policy highlights the company's recognition that cybersecurity at sea is equally important as on land.

Read more: Royal Caribbean adds cyber threat equipment to its list of banned items on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean isn't the first cruise line to ban smart glasses

In December, MSC Cruises confirmed that smart glasses were banned from its ships, with its website saying, "devices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data (e.g. smart glasses) are not allowed in [the ship's] public areas."

The news did not exactly come as a surprise, given MSC's reputation for being strict about filming on board its ships. In 2024, popular YouTubers Ben & David were banned from filming during a cruise on the MSC World Europa. The trip wasn't sponsored by the cruise line, as the couple had paid for the sailing themselves. 

While MSC eventually apologized to Ben & David, the incident highlighted just how seriously the cruise line takes privacy and why smart glasses, including Meta Ray-Bans or Google Glasses, suddenly appeared on the prohibited list.

Read more: MSC Cruises' unexpected ban angers passengers

What you bring on a cruise ship is so important because you don't have access to stores or online shopping to pickup something you need later.

We have our ultimate cruise packing list that has every basic you'll need, but what about the things that go beyond the obvious. What are the sort of things you could bring on a cruise that would be useful and a neat idea too?

I'm a sucker for finding new trends in cruise packing. Often, I'll walk down the Royal Promenade and notice another guest holding something I've never seen before and it piques my interest.

After all, who doesn't want to make their cruise easier or better? 

Over the last few cruises I've taken, I started looking for the best new ideas for cool gadgets you could bring on a cruise too.

There are affiliate links, which cost you nothing but I make a small commission if you click on them and order it.

Magnetic ceiling fan

Bringing a rechargeable fan on a cruise isn't a new idea, but having it mounted on the ceiling is a new twist.

The reason to bring a fan is to not only cool yourself off while in bed, but also to provide white noise. A lot of people are used to sleeping with a fan on at home, and cruise ship cabins don't have fans of any kind.

It's not practical to bring a standard fan, but a battery operated fan isn't a fire hazard. Plus, this one can magnetically stick to the wall or ceiling of your cruise ship cabin.

The advantage of this kind of a fan is you position it exactly where you need it so that it cools you down in bed without taking up valuable counter top or nightstand space. And this one won't fall over because it's attached to the wall or ceiling.

It provides air flow, which can be very useful if you're staying in an inside cabin that has no windows. 

Drink cup sling

If you bought a Royal Caribbean drink package, you get a souvenir cup. But how about a better way to haul it around?

I spotted a few people with a Drink Cup Sling and thought that's actually a smart idea.

The souvenir cup can be used at the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines onboard or brought to any bar or restaurant to be refilled. They're not cumbersome, but you'll need to hold it as you go around.

The smart idea about having a sling is it frees up your hands, which could be very helpful for parents who already have their hands full. It's also useful to free your hands if you're taking the cup off the ship with you, like to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Plus, there's a pocket to stick your SeaPass card in it. They added a carabiner for attaching your key or other tiny must-haves.

Bluetooth speaker for the shower

While a Bluetooth speaker isn't a new idea for something to bring on a cruise, I think the JBL Go 4 Eco is a revelation.

This speaker is small, waterproof, and hangable. This means you can not only bring it on the ship to use at the beach or on your balcony, but also in your shower (and always at a reasonable volume).

It's ultra-portable and advertises up to 7 hours of playtime. 

Because this it's waterproof, this would be a good speaker to have so you can have tunes while you get ready in the morning, take a shower, or enjoy a bath in suite bathtub.

To be clear, you should always keep the volume at a low level so it doesn't disturb anyone else. It's a great idea for a convenient way to enjoy a cruise podcast!

Travel clothesline

Whether you're looking to reuse clothing or just dry out bathing suits, having a clothesline helps a lot.

While there is a clothesline in your bathroom shower, that can be an issue if someone wants to use the shower or if you think the clothes would dry quicker elsewhere.

The Flexo-Line Travel Clothesline offers a simple way to set up a clothesline almost anywhere you need it. Heck, you could bring it on a shore excursion if you needed to.

Neck fan

This is a no judgement zone, and I'll do just about anything to cool off on a hot summer day.

The Gulaki Neck Fan claims to be quieter than most models, even at higher speeds. It comes in four colors and has a battery life of just over five hours.

Neck fans may look strange, but they really do work. They have multiple speeds to help keep the air around you moving, and they come in different colors so they can be somewhat fashionable.

Plus, I'm always a fan of gadgets that are useful both on a cruise ship and at home.

For reviving a dying phone while traveling light

I thought a smart idea for those that prefer to travel light without a giant power brick is the TravelCard Plus.

It's a super lightweight and small portable charger that fits in your front jeans pocket. It could even fit into a wallet.

There are two built-in charging cords that work with both iPhone and Android devices and has a 3000 mAh battery.

It might be the perfect solution to being on a shore excursion and your phone running dangerously low on power.

Royal Caribbean has quietly updated its prohibited items list to tighten onboard safety and cybersecurity. 

Previously, "Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment" was listed under "Prohibited Items: What can’t you bring onboard?" 

However, the verbiage was recently updated to read: "Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment (included satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, any other deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity)." The change was made sometime after December 10, 2025. 

Ships rely on digital systems for navigation, communication, and entertainment. As such, the clarification helps protect the critical systems from interference. 

Additionally, the new wording is much more precise and explicitly targets devices intended to hack, disrupt, or manipulate the onboard systems, including signal jammers, hacking toolkits, and unauthorized travel Wi-Fi routers. 

This means that ordinary electronics — think laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches — are still allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. 

Satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment were previously listed on the prohibited items list. However, the recent addition hones in on the purpose of the device.

While many passengers used travel routers to save money by extending one internet package's connectivity to multiple devices, they can also be used to create rogue networks that interfere with the ship’s Wi‑Fi system or even bypass security controls.

Royal Caribbean wasn't the first cruise line to ban travel routers, either. For example, Carnival's prohibited items list clearly states that "satellite dish[es], routers and other internet related equipment" are not allowed onboard.

Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise

Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses

A new survey released by the consulting firm Protiviti found that cybersecurity is a top concern across organizations of all sizes, as reported by Cybersecurity Drive. 

According to the report, corporate leaders, including board members, chief financial officers, and chief operating officers, are "increasingly aware that cyber resilience must be embedded into enterprise strategy."

"This widespread prioritization underscores the almost universal recognition that cybersecurity is no longer a siloed IT issue but rather a strategic enterprise risk with implications for brand reputation, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance," Protiviti said. 

Following cybersecurity, third-party risks, or threats from outside vendors or partners that an organization works with, ranked second on the executives’ list of concerns. 

Royal Caribbean’s updated policy reflects a recognition that cybersecurity at sea is equally important as on land. 

By banning devices that could cause "deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity," the cruise line is ensuring that its digital infrastructure, along with the safety of guests and crew, remains secure. 

Packing for a cruise is a more intentional endeavor than packing for a weekend trip to New York City or Walt Disney World. 

When traveling on a cruise, you must pack the essentials carefully, considering both the onboard activities and shore excursions in port. 

That said, cruise cabins have limited storage. It's easier to pack more than you think you'll need, just to run out of space when settling into your stateroom. 

One user asked what experienced travelers regretted packing for their cruise on Reddit. The post received over 200 comments, with many saying that they had second thoughts about how much clothing they brought. 

Other answers ranged from common household items like steamers to lanyards and soda. Here's a round-up of the most regretted items packed for a cruise vacation. 

Too many clothes

Many cruisers shared that they regretted bringing too many clothes. While planning vacation outfits is fun, trying to pack multiple outfits for each day can be stressful. 

"I packed ~12 outfits and 4 swimsuits + coverups for a 7night/8day cruise and I could have packed less than half of that," wrote ResolutionStunning42. 

Instead, they wished they had focused on bringing a few nicer outfits, a few comfortable outfits, swimsuits, and a single cover-up. 

luckyvacaythrowaway added that they would not have brought clothes they felt insecure in at home, since they didn't end up wearing any of them. 

If you bring too many clothes, your cabin can quickly become a cluttered nightmare, making it harder to find the shirt you really want to wear for White Night. 

Shoes

On a similar note, a lot of travelers thought they had packed too many shoes. Not only do shoes take up a lot of valuable luggage space, but it's harder to organize them in the stateroom. 

"[I] now try to only pack two pairs and I wear my bulkiest pair on the plane/ship (sneakers). I then pack a pair of flip flops or water shoes for the pool and spa areas," shared 317ant. 

They also bring a pair of sandals that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. 

Uncomfortable shoes are also a no-go. Although you might be okay running back to the room mid-evening to change, your feet will thank you for bringing footwear that can handle long days ashore and evenings running from activity to activity. 

Box of tissues

Cruise cabins are stocked with the basics, including hand soap and tissues. As such, one traveler regretted bringing their own box of tissues. 

HawaiianShirtsOR wrote, "It just took up suitcase space unnecessarily. I have no idea why I thought there wouldn't be tissues in my cabin."

Typically, the tissues can be found tucked into one of the dressers or vanity drawers. You can also ask your cabin steward if you can't find them or need extras. 

Body wash and shampoo

Cruise cabins are equipped with basic toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and body wash. On Royal Caribbean ships, standard staterooms have a shampoo-body wash hybrid. 

As such, Intelligent_Ad_1385 argues that travelers do not have to pack body wash or shampoo.

Bringing your own bottles takes up luggage space and adds unnecessary weight, especially if you pack full-sized products. 

That said, many cruisers disagree with them, saying that personal hygiene products are essential. 

"I would recommend bringing shampoo and conditioner 100%, that soap is super harsh, it works [perfectly] on the body but it will strip all the moisture out of your hair," wrote iamadesert. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean cabins do not have any conditioner. If you forget, you'll have to visit the onboard shops and pay for an overpriced travel bottle. 

Haircare products

On a similar note, one passenger shared that they regretted bringing their haircare products. 

"My hair was never done. I did need my [leave-in] conditioner so I could get the brush through my hair, but a curling iron and other products were laughable to me! It's so windy and humid sometimes! I'll never bring them again," stated GoldengirlSkye. 

This comes down to personal preference, though. Some cruisers enjoy styling their hair on vacation and couldn't imagine leaving home without important products or tools, especially those with textured hair. 

Steamer

Cruise lines have a long list of prohibited items that guests are not permitted to bring aboard their ships. Many items are common sense, like firearms, explosives, and illegal drugs. Others, however, can be easily overlooked during the packing process. 

Unfortunately, one cruiser learned the hard way that everyday household items can be flagged during the check-in process. 

No-Tank-1826 said, "We packed a travel steamer and got a note in our checked luggage that it was confiscated, 🤪 and we could pick it up from security after the cruise."

Read more: 5 things you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025

Wrinkle-release spray

Since steamers (and irons) aren't allowed on Royal Caribbean ships, many cruisers opt to bring wrinkle-release spray. As popular as it may be, maestra612 claimed that they ended up leaving it untouched in their cabin during their sailing. 

If you don't want to worry about finding wrinkle-release spray before your cruise, I've found that hanging the wrinkled garment in question to hang in the bathroom while showering works pretty well. 

The steam from the shower relaxes the fibers. Generally speaking, many wrinkles will smooth out by the time you're clean, but it isn't a fool-proof replacement for an iron or steamer. 

Pop-up laundry hamper

Many cruise content creators recommend bringing a pop-up laundry hamper. However, several cruisers regret listening to that advice. 

little_blu_eyez is one of them. In their eyes, the pop-up hamper took up too much floor space. Instead, they started using packing cubes. 

"I fully unpack when I get onboard," they said, "As I wear clothes I pack them back into the cube."

By the last night, they're already halfway packed and can spend more time enjoying the ship, rather than scrambling to fold everything neatly back into their suitcase. 

Alternatively, Due_Warthog725 suggests bringing a trash bag for dirty clothes.

Books

Many passengers love finding a comfortable lounge chair and diving into their newest book. Others, however, would rather spend their vacation taking advantage of the ship's amenities. 

East_Celebration6706 commented that they took a book on their cruise, but they did not open it once — there were too many other activities on the ship!

On a similar note, if you are planning on bringing books on board, you may want to invest in a Kindle. Rather than bringing bulky hardcover or paperback books with you, you can download multiple titles onto a single, lightweight device. 

Pro tip: download a variety of books before you board, especially if you aren't planning on purchasing Royal's Wi-Fi package. 

"Make sure you download any books you think you might like to read before you go since I think it would be very hard to do on board," advised tylersmom1919. 

Laptop

Vacation is a time to kick back and relax. However, if you bring a laptop with you, you may feel obligated to check in on how things are going at the office. 

That's what happened to thinkdeep. Bringing a laptop meant that they weren't able to fully disconnect during their hard-earned vacation. 

Magnetic hooks

There are tons of articles out there about how to maximize cabin storage (Royal Caribbean Blog is guilty of having a few). While we're big fans of magnetic hooks, they haven't been a home run for everyone. 

According to zzrryll, they never needed the hooks that "people insist on shilling." To be fair, newer ships tend to have smarter storage options, from extra hooks to clever shelving. 

As such, the takeaway from zrryll's comment is that before packing recommended storage accessories, research your cruise cabin. You may find that your specific stateroom has more than enough storage without needing to bring extra hooks. 

Over-the-door shoe organizer

Like magnetic hooks, some travelers have found the over-the-door shoe organizer hack to be overrated. 

"It all seems so excessive. Never once I have needed an over the door hanging organizer with 3 million pockets," said dawson33944, a Diamond cruiser within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society. 

IslandGyrl2 added, "The shoe organizer is a hint you've over-packed; it just brings your clutter out into the open, and it makes a clunk-clunk every time you open the door."

Read more: 30 cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Fan

Fans can be great accessories in the warm Caribbean or Mediterranean — nobody wants to overheat while trying to enjoy one of the ports of call. Sometimes, they can be useful in the staterooms, too. 

However, MyRunningAcct did not find their cabin hot or stuffy. As such, they ended up not needing the portable fan that they had brought.

RochR0k agreed, adding that their stateroom was so cold they had to turn off the air conditioning. 

Formal attire

It is no surprise that cruises are not as formal as they used to be. In fact, many modern-day cruisers elect not to participate in formal night. Some cruise lines, including Norwegian, have effectively gone away with traditional formal nights entirely. 

SeaSpeakToMe wrote, "Our first cruise we brought [one] nicer outfit (not super formal) for formal night and learned it’s not our style. Now we hit up the buffet or some other included food on formal nights. I can see the appeal, it’s fun to dress up sometimes, but it’s not my vacation style."

Unless formal nights are a must for you, you may be happier packing casual dinner outfits and skipping the dining room altogether. 

Telescope

If you are cruising to Alaska, binoculars are a must. You don't want to miss the dramatic landscapes or impromptu wildlife sightings. However, telescopes are generally considered overkill on a cruise. 

"I wanted to take in the sights of the ports from the top deck and see things up close and personal. Results were....okay," shared tubbis9001. 

It also didn't work well for stargazing. They could not keep the telescope stable enough to see the moon or stars while on the bow. 

Case of water

Royal Caribbean's base fare includes select beverages, such as tap water, drip coffee, lemonade, hot chocolate, and juice. However, bottled water costs extra, along with soda, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, and more. 

Many cruisers who decide to forego Royal's pricey drink package bring on limited quantities of non-alcoholic beverages, including one case of water or soda. While it can help save money, some cruisers think hauling on beverages isn't worth the effort. 

"[The water we brought] didn't get drunk and I dont think that terrible in room fridge could even catch up over the whole 5 day cruise so they were still barely chilled," said icebox_Lew. 

Another guest shared a story about having their carry-on soda bottles burst open in their bag:

"The soda we bought was in bottles and I thought that I had them well-packed to be safe. I was wrong. A couple clinked together and one broke. At least it was in our carry-on that contained mostly swimwear which was really easy to clean."

The moral of the story is that if you're going to bring drinks on your Royal Caribbean cruise, make sure that they are securely sealed and well-cushioned — the same goes for wine. 

Lanyards

You're either Team Lanyard or Team Anti-Lanyard. Personally, I think lanyards make cruising easier. However, they aren't the most fashionable accessories, so I understand why some may prefer to find more creative ways to keep their cruise card safe. 

One passenger said that they ditched their lanyard after it kept getting tangled. Instead, they preferred using a fanny pack. 

TollerLuvLJP added, "I discovered I hate the feeling of having something hanging around my neck. My clothes all have pockets, or I bring a bag."

Not enough over-the-counter medications

Just like you can regret packing too many clothes or pairs of shoes, you can also regret not packing enough of something. 

Being stuck in the middle of the ocean for days on end means you should come prepared with basic, over-the-counter medications. 

Cruise ships have medical facilities onboard, but they lack a full-size pharmacy. Moreover, while the onboard shops have a limited supply of medication, they are more overpriced than at your local drugstore. 

goinhungryyeah shared that they wish they had packed more random over-the-counter medication for stuff they never expected. 

Start with pain relievers, cold & flu meds, antacids, cough drops, seasickness medication, Band-Aids, toothache gel, and eye drops. You may find that you want to add more to your list. 

I tried buying everything I needed to make my cruise ship cabin better by shopping exclusively at a dollar store to see if I could save money.

Whether it's your first cruise or not, I think a lot of people do pre-cruise shopping before any voyage to ensure they have everything they need before they get onboard.

Not only can you not run out to the store once you're on the ship, but most people want to be prepared.  Typically, I'd buy these items on Amazon or at a big box store.  There's nothing wrong with those places, but I was curious if a dollar store would do the trick while also saving money.

Prior to a recent cruise, I went to a Dollar Store with a list of the best things to buy for a cruise to make your cabin experience better.

I spent just $21.94 for 13 of the things on my list, and I was surprised how cheap everything was, even if tracking down everything wasn't easy.

Tissues

There is a tissue box in your Royal Caribbean stateroom, but I find them to be harsh to the touch. They work, but if you had a runny nose it would get uncomfortable quickly.

I recommend bringing your own tissues that will feel much softer.

I found a box of of tissues, along with travel size tissues.  The travel size is perfect for packing, so I went with those instead.

Dry erase board

A fun and popular way to stay in contact with people in your room is to get a dry erase board with a magnetic back to it.

The idea is to put the board on your door and leave messages to let cabin mates (or friends) know what you're up to. 

Since I was solo, I used the board to leave fun messages for others, like what drink they found that's really good.

It worked well until the (presumably) teenagers nearby discovered it and then started writing the "6 7 meme" all over it.  

In the future, I'd leave the dry erase board on the inside of the door as a way to leave messages for cabin mates. That or just stick with a WiFi package so we can text.

It was fun before the teens got to it, but live and learn.

Pencil case

Families traveling with various forms of paperwork and identification might find buying a pencil case a neat idea.

I got this idea from Life Well Cruised to use a pencil case as a convenient way to keep your passports, paperwork, and any other important documents in one place.  Zip it up and you're good to go so you're not digging through pockets to find it all.

I think it worked well, although some other cruisers suggested using a gallon size zip lock bag instead. That would probably work too.

Travel size toothbrush and toothpaste

I've been traveling with a spare toothbrush and toothpaste for years, and that's because when you forget your good toothbrush on a trip, it stinks.

For about $2 I can get essentially a disposable set to use on a cruise and then throw away when I'm done.

The downside to buying at the Dollar Store is you're going to find generic brands, which means it's not the flavor I'm used to. Nor will it have a specialty type of toothbrush or toothpaste that you may prefer.

Shower travel kit

Royal Caribbean provides a 2-in-1 mystery liquid in your stateroom shower, but I think a lot of people prefer the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash they're used to.

A more economical idea than finding travel versions of your preferred brand is to get a shower travel kit.

You get 3 mini bottles that you can fill with your favorite shampoo and body wash, and if you bought a giant size, then you can get more value out of it.

Medicine

No one thinks they'll get sick on a cruise, but it's really smart to travel with common over the counter medications, just in case.

Royal Caribbean sells some medicine onboard, but you'll pay top dollar for it.  And they don't include every kind of medicine.

One woman went down to the ship's medical center to get Benadryl but was charged $390. 

The Dollar Store had plenty of generic drugs to get, including meds for a headache, diarrhea, nausea, and basic cold symptoms.

Disinfecting wipes

I'm not one to wipe down every surface I encounter, but it's not a bad idea either.

I found they had a few kinds of wipes to choose from, but I wanted a disinfectant wipe that I could use on any surface.

Just be sure not to flush these wipes down the toilet (or any wipe, even ones claiming to be "flushable").

Odor control spray

Real talk: cruise ship bathrooms don't have fans and there's really no air flow in there.  So you can imagine what could happen in there after being used.

The Dollar Store had an off brand toilet spray, which is exactly what I needed.  It wasn't a travel size, so those flying would have to put it in their checked luggage as it wouldn't adhere to TSA carry-on liquid size regulations.

Collapsible storage container

Another smart hack I ran across was to buy a storage container for keeping shoes organized.

Usually I just pile up all my shoes in a corner, but they easily get thrown around the cabin.

A collapsible storage container makes it easy to pack and then use as a designated shoe box.

You probably need more than one for more than two people, but it was nice having my shoes in one spot.

Liquid hand soap

Ever since I started bringing liquid hand soap with me, it's been a gamechanger.

We started bringing liquid hand soap to make it easier for my kids to wash their hands on a cruise when they were young.  Royal Caribbean provides bar soap in the cabin, but it's inconvenient and they always leave my hands feeling dried out.

A cheap liquid hand soap dispenser makes a big difference and I always bring it on my cruises going forward.

Deodorant

Consider this a public service announcement: in case there was any doubt, everyone should be wearing deodorant every day of their cruise.

Similar to the toothpaste idea, buying a travel size version makes it easy to pack.  

Sunscreen

No matter how many times you think you won't get sunburned, it happens to the best of us.

Ordinarily I'd put sunscreen in the same category as medicine, but it's really important to have so it gets its own call out.

The only catch might be the time of year you shop, because the Dollar Store in Redding, PA might not carry sunscreen in February. 

Since I live in Florida, there was plenty of it.  So be sure to do your shopping to leave enough time to get some online if necessary.

Stain wipes

I went into the store looking for a stain pen that you can easily blot out stains from clothes, but they had wipes instead.

I never cease to be amazed how I can still spill spaghetti sauce, soy sauce, or curry on my shirt or pants. I probably need to wear my napkin as a bib, but since I won't do that, having stain wipes handy is a good idea.

Using these can easily blot out a stain before it sets and ensure you don't have a permanent reminder of that spaghetti bolognese.

I tried to buy magnets but they didn't have the right kind

The one thing they didn't have were heavy duty magnets to buy.

A set of heavy duty magnets is one of the best cabin hacks out there because they're so versatile. You can use them to hang clothes, decorations, hats, and more.

The only magnets my store had were magnets for holding up papers, so I skipped it.  Looks like I'll have to rely on Amazon for finding the right kind of magnets.

I wouldn't buy an outlet extender at a Dollar Tree

Another great idea for almost any cruise room is to bring an outlet extender because there are so few power outlets.

The problem is nearly all the outlet extenders my store had were the kind that are banned by Royal Caribbean because they have more than one electrical outlet.

You can bring an outlet extender that has one electrical outlet and as many USB outlets as you can fit.  Whether it's wired or not is irrelevant.

I recommend picking up this outlet extender because it's not only cruise line approved, but works well when traveling overseas.

I'd also skip the over the door shoe organizer

One of the oldest cruise cabin tricks in the book is to buy an over the door shoe organizers. While they were available to buy at my Dollar Store, I'd recommend skipping it.

You put them on your bathroom door but I find they are very shallow, limiting what you can really use it for to store things. Plus, it always gets caught in the door when the door is opened or closed.

While it's only a dollar, I'd still skip it because I don't think it adds as much value to your life as it does become a nuisance.

I can't say I love packing for a cruise, but I do find great joy in discovering something cool to bring with me.

Over the many years of cruising, I've seen other cruisers bring lots of things onboard the ship. Some stuck with me as really neat ideas that I never considered, and I adopted it into my cruise habit.

Other ideas I've recognized work for specific cruisers, but I think they add value to sharing them too.

Here's my list of cool things to bring on a cruise, plus a few to skip. There are affiliate links in this article to some of the products referenced.  Affiliate links generate a small commission if you buy it, but it costs you nothing extra!

Pop-up laundry hamper

One of the best cabin hacks I ever tried was to bring a laundry hamper to keep the dirty laundry organized.

For so many years I just threw all my dirty laundry in a corner somewhere, but a hamper really helps keep it from sprawling all over.

While some cruisers say to just put dirty laundry in the empty suitcase, that's far more effort than I'm willing to commit to.

Plus, the hamper is cheap and can fold down so it can fit in that large mesh part of the inside of the suitcase no one ever uses.

Amazon link

Magnetic night light

When my kids were really young, we had to make using the bathroom as easy as possible, especially at night.

Having a nightlight is great for ensuring you know where to go in a very dark cabin, as well as keeping the boogeyman away.

My kids are older, but a good nightlight is still useful to save the structural integrity of my shins.  It never ceases to amaze me how often I run into the coffee table in the stateroom.

Rather than a traditional plug-in light, I'd recommend getting a re-chargeable light that is magnetic so you can stick it anywhere in your room!

Giant pool hat

I started bringing a wide brimmed straw hat to keep me from getting sunburned and because it's kind of fun.

I never want to get sunburned, but remembering to re-apply sunscreen isn't as easy as it sounds. Wearing a hat with a very wide brim greatly reduces the chances I'll get burned on my head, neck, or shoulders.

They're a pain to pack, but when I wear it around the pool or beach, I'm always glad I brought it.

Leakproof bottle protector

One of my favorite money saving tips is to bring your own wine on a cruise, but spend a few bucks to make sure the wine doesn't spill.

You're allowed to bring one bottle of wine per adult in the stateroom on embarkation day (champagne too). Just be sure to pack it in your carry-on luggage and not the luggage you give to the porters.

Will that bottle of wine break in your bag? Probably not. But it's not a risk worth taking.

For a few bucks, you can buy a re-useable wine protector and ensure any leaks don't ruin your clothes.

Bag to bring to the pool or beach

Dear men reading this article: you cannot carry everything you need for the beach in your cargo short pockets.

Having a small, yet practical bag to carry the essentials while going ashore (or to the pool deck) is really useful.

I like this Adidas drawstring bag because it's useful for cruises and at home. I'm all for things I can use in my everyday life, plus a cruise vacation.

Inflatable seat

On a trip to St. John I saw someone with inflatable hammock chairs and thought it was genius.

If you're in the ocean and enjoying a picturesque place, I want to enjoy time in the water.  But wading isn't fun.  

These inflatable chairs can be used to sit, hang on, or drift. And since they're inflatable, they collapse easily too.

Sunrise alarm clock

Inside rooms are pitch black when you turn off all the lights, and it makes knowing if it's 3am or 3pm really difficult.

A sunrise alarm clock will slowly illuminate the cabin to match the outside daylight, so you have that sense if it's morning without fully opening your eyes and checking your phone.

I like this a lot because opening my eyes to check the time makes it more difficult to fall back asleep again.

The sunrise alarm clock has a gradual light, with two alarms and even has noise you can sleep to: birds, running water, white noise, and more.

Desktop thermometer

I recently saw in a Facebook group people that bring a digital thermometer and I couldn't understand why until they explained it.

Royal Caribbean's cabin thermostats, especially on old ships, have no indication what temperature you're setting it to.  Nor do you know what the temperature is in your cabin.

Having a digital thermostat means you can better fine tune the room temperature to what you like having normally at home.

Lanyard

Cruise lanyards are a really smart way to keep your Seapass card handy.

There's a reason so many people that cruise a lot rely on lanyards: it's easier than digging in a pocket to find your Seapass card and less likely to accidently leave it behind.

They're re-usable and seem to last forever. Try a retractable, detachable lanyard to make it easy to use it in the casino or when ordering a drink.

Luggage tag holders

Probably the first thing I ever bought specifically for a cruise were luggage tag holders and they're still so good.

Royal Caribbean provides printable luggage tags, but they can so easily rip off.  

A plastic holder ensures they don't go anywhere and reduces the risk of your luggage going lost because they aren't sure where it's supposed to go.

It's another cheap item to pick up and they last a few years before needing to be replaced.

Magnetic hooks

Can I really do a packing article without talking about how useful magnetic hooks are?

I know magnetic hooks are probably the most cliched packing tip, but truly they make a difference.

You want to get heavy duty magnetic hooks so you can stick them on any of your walls and keep all your junk off the couch, floor, and bed.  Plus, it frees up space in drawers.

They're great for bathing suits, hats, jackets, and more

Hammock

I haven't actually done this one yet, but I had to include it in a list of cool things to bring because I've been jealous of everyone that has.

If you have a balcony cabin with the right set up, it's possible to have a hammock set up.

The hammock costs $20 and the person that did it says it took him just a couple minutes to set-up.  Ideally, you'll be booked in a bigger balcony cabin and have access to beams where you can attach it.  

It may not be possible on all balcony cabins, so this might be a hack to try after you go back on the same ship.

Fuzzy blanket

I asked my wife what's something she loves to bring on a cruise that isn't typical, and she said a fuzzy blanket.

Just like at home, having a comfortable blanket is great for lounging.  You could use it on the bed, couch, or even on your balcony.

Or bring it off the ship if you're cruising in the winter and have an activity on the water.

I'd recommend getting a travel blanket so it's a bit more compact.

Your own pillow

No matter which ship or cabin category you pick, your own pillow is always going to be better than what's there.

I don't hate the pillows on a ship, but I rarely ever find one that I love as much as my own pillow.

Insulated water bottle

A trend in cruising today is more people bringing a water bottle with them and it makes sense now that I understand it better.

There are water stations around your ship that cost nothing to use.

Royal Caribbean provides plastic cups for water, but they're small and certainly not insulated. Bringing your own bottle means you can have much more water available without making return trips to the dispenser.  Plus, it stays colder longer.

I'd recommend Stanley Cups, Yeti Cups, or Hydroflask.

I never pack a few things because they aren't necessary

New cruisers think they need to pack towels, specifically for shore excursions, but the truth is you don't need to bring any with you from home.

Royal Caribbean will let you take its towels off the ship for a shore excursion, and they're certainly good enough for a day at the beach.

You can get towels at the pool deck, although I almost always find them available to borrow at the gangway too.

I tried bringing an over the door organizer because it's a very popular travel hack, but the I've never found it nearly as helpful as people claim.

The issue for me is the shoe organizers don't have much capacity in each little holder. Plus, it tends to get caught in the bathroom door when I open and close it.

Some cruisers swear by these shoe organizers as a great cubby system, but I stopped bringing mine.

I firmly believe walkie talkies are not only unnecessary, they're also annoying to everyone else.

Royal Caribbean offers a free chat feature in its app to use, or you could just get a WiFi package for everyone and use an app or text feature.

I'll also never bring a drone with me on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean allows you to take a drone onboard, but you can't use it on its ships or private island. Theoretically you can fly them in one of the ports of call you visit, but digging up local regulations on where you can and cannot fly it is a bridge too far for me.

Not to mention the drone and all of the accessories take up too much room in my backpack.  I'll just rely on others to fly them and admire their work.

Packing regret is real, and cruisers have all sorts of things they regretted not bringing on a cruise ship.

I've had my fair share of realizations onboard that I wish I had brought something to improve my cruise, as well as simply forgotten an essential.

While remembering to pack pants should be an easy item for your cruise packing checklist, there are other things that may not be as obvious to bring but really do make a difference.

I asked our readers to share one thing they really wish they had packed for a cruise, and a few them truly surprised me.

Less clothes

A number of our readers started off by saying they wish they had packed less clothes.

Overpacking for a cruise is an easy mistake to make, although I tend to overpack many times.

The issue with overpacking is you're lugging around clothes you never actually use. With so many theme nights, shore excursions, and plans for around the ship, it seems like you will need more clothes than you actually need.

I understand why some people feel "less is more" when it comes to packing for a cruise.  The experience is far less elegant than you might think.  A lot of new cruisers assume the dress code is more enforced and people dress up more than they actually do.

Ultimately, overpacking is only an issue in the sense it contributes to the heft of carrying luggage around, as well as airline luggage fees.

A pillow

I never thought to bring my own pillow, but some readers say they wish they had brought one along.

Just like a hotel room on land, you never know how comfortable or compatible a pillow will be with your head. But in most cases, pillows are just never going to measure up to your favorite pillow from home.

There's certainly no rule against bringing your own pillow, and if that's what it takes to get a great night sleep, it might be a good idea.

I brought my own pillow on a cruise for a few years until I accidently left it behind at a hotel in Newark Airport and never got it back. As long as you're less forgetful than me, this might be a great tip.

Medicine

When we cruise, my wife travels with what seems like a portable pharmacy with her, and it's actually quite helpful when we need something.

Readers mentioned wishing they had brough various medications with them to use during the cruise, such as Motrin, Miralax, or even Covid tests.

Bringing your own meds means it's quite convenient and you don't have to leave your cabin when you need it.  If you've ever had a hangover, you know how much just getting out of bed is a trek.

While there are some medications you can buy on the ship at the convenience store, there's a limited supply of what's available and the prices will be much higher than you can get at home.

I remember a woman last year that had an allergic reaction but balked when the ship's medical facility wanted to charge her $390 for Benadryl.

Many people commented she should have been traveling with some basic medicine for common situations, and it's great advice.

Comfortable shoes

I read Melissa Inzerillo's comment that she wish she had packed sandals that didn't give her feet blisters, and I think it's a good reminder for us all.

It's tempting to go buy new shoes for your cruise, whether to match your new outfit or more purpose based for an excursion.

Of course, you should go ahead and buy those shoes, but first break them in before your trip!

Wear them around the house, on errands to the store, or generally in short bursts so you can avoid trying to break them in on long days around the ship or in port.

If you're looking for a recommendation for comfy shoes, the Skechers Women's Summits Torre Trainers are highly rated and should blend well with most outfits. (This link contains an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use)

Jeans and socks to ice skate

If you want to participate in the ice skating onboard, you'll want to pack pants and socks.

It's easy to overlook packing these things if you're headed to a warm destination, but you can't ice skate without them.

Cruise ships with an ice skating rink allow open skating for passengers at certain times, but you absolutely need to have long pants and socks.

Ships with an ice rink include: Icon Class, Oasis Class, Voyager Class, and Freedom Class ships.

A pair of jeans and regular socks should do the trick. 

Snacks

I used to question why anyone would bring food on a cruise ship, but snacks are actually a genius hack.

While there is plenty of food onboard, there is a compelling need to have snacks in your stateroom.  I'm talking pretzels, chips, or crackers, and these items aren't generally available around the ship.

Our family will pack Goldfish crackers or Pringles potato chips to have in the room for my kids to nosh on at random times. If you're a fan of protein bars, nuts, or other healthy snacks, these are other good ideas to bring.

It's really a matter of convenience, as well as ensuring you have the kind of quick snack you prefer the most.

The only rule is it has to be prepackaged, so you can't bring mom's meatloaf with you.

Bathing suit

If your cruise is headed to Alaska or Norway, you might think it's crazy to pack a bathing suit.

Believe it or not, it can get quite warm in both destinations, and there will be people swimming.

Even if it's not warm enough for the main pool, the hot tubs are always the perfect temperature.

It's a good idea to pack a bathing suit, just in case. Otherwise, you'll have to pay for an expensive new one, or simply fold your arms in disgust that you didn't think to bring it.

Considering how you can shove bathing suits into any corner of your suitcase easily, they are worth bringing no matter how little chance you think there is to use them.