The Cruise
Packing List

Cruise cabin storage is notoriously limited. This is the single best solution we've found. Hangs on any cabin door in seconds with three steel hooks and gives you uniform pockets for toiletries, sunscreen, goggles, shoes, and anything else you reach for daily. Flame retardant and approved by all major cruise lines. When available we hang ours on the adjoining cabin door so it stays accessible without swinging every time someone uses the bathroom. When there's no adjoining door the bathroom door works perfectly well. Folds down to roughly the size of a polo shirt when not in use.

Cruise ship cabin walls, doors, and ceilings are all metal. Magnetic hooks take full advantage of that. Snap them anywhere in seconds with no tools and no damage, instantly creating extra hanging storage for hats, towels, lanyards, and bags. Pack down to almost nothing and come off just as easily at the end of the trip.

Cruise cabin outlets are limited. The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter charges up to 6 devices simultaneously and works worldwide. No tangle of cubes and wires, just one compact adapter keeping everything charged throughout the sailing.

My go-to bag for port days, pool days, and beach trips. Large enough to hold everything for the whole family, with four exterior pockets and an interior zippered compartment so everything has a place. The breakaway zipper zips fully shut to keep things contained. Water-resistant, wipes clean easily, and holds its shape even when fully loaded.

Essential for port days with water excursions, rocky beaches, or anywhere you're moving between wet and dry surfaces. Merrell water shoes are durable, quick-drying, and grippy on wet surfaces. We have a pick for every member of the family.

Toddlers: Merrell Bare Steps H2O: Extra wide toe box, barefoot-feel sole, velcro closure for easy on/off.

Bigger Kids: Merrell Hydro Moc: Easy slip-on with heel strap, lightweight EVA construction, and built for a full day of activity.

Women: Merrell Hydro Moc: Easy slip-on with heel strap, lightweight EVA, comfortable all day.

Men: Merrell Hydro Moc: Same slip-on design as the women's, built to last through a full season.

My go-to sunscreen for any day outside. It leaves a slight white cast but works so well we genuinely don't get burned. Unlike most sunscreens it doesn't sting your eyes when you sweat. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Works for the whole family. Available in a lotion or a convenient stick that glides on smoothly for mess-free coverage on faces, ears, and noses without stinging eyes. Great for quick reapplication on kids throughout the day.

Worth noting: many ports require guests to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs. This recommendation qualifies since its active ingredient is zinc oxide, a mineral-based formula that is reef safe.

IPX8 certified waterproof with a dual-lock seal. Full touchscreen use and camera access through the clear TPU material. Adjustable lanyard keeps it around your neck on water excursions. Comes in a 2-pack and fits virtually any phone including large models with cases on.

When you check in online your cruise line sends luggage tags to print at home. Getting them securely attached can be a challenge. These waterproof clear plastic holders solve that. On embarkation day, slide your tag inside, zip it shut, and attach to your luggage handle with the included steel wire. Waterproof, secure, and reusable.

Cruise ship hallways all look identical. Door magnets make your cabin easy to spot from down the hall and let other guests know at a glance that it's not their room. For families with young children they're especially helpful. Kids can find the door on their own.

We use door decorating as a built-in embarkation activity. Kids decorate the door while adults unpack. Everyone has a job, the cabin gets organized, and the cruise begins smoothly. We use the 12-piece gnome beach set. If you have more kids to keep busy the 27-piece nautical set gives you more to work with.

If you've never heard of cruising ducks, the tradition is simple: bring small rubber ducks, attach a tag with your name and sailing details, and hide them around the ship for other passengers to find. When someone finds your duck they can keep it or hide it somewhere new. One of those cruise traditions that brings strangers together in the most joyful way. This kit comes with everything you need: ducks, tags, and rubber bands, all ready to go.