If you’ve already seen a hundred cruise packing lists with magnetic hooks and over-the-door organizers — this one’s different. These are the less obvious items that end up being total lifesavers once you’re at sea.
Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifteenth, these small things can make your cabin feel cozier, your days smoother, and your vacation a little more stress-free.
1. Foaming Hand Soap
The tiny square bar soaps in cruise bathrooms melt into a soggy mess after a day or two. A small foaming hand soap makes your cabin bathroom feel fresher and cleaner.
🫧 Tip: If you’re flying in the night before, add one to your Instacart hotel order so it’s ready for embarkation morning.
2. Extra Prescription Glasses or Contacts
If your glasses break or go missing, there’s no easy fix onboard. Bring a backup pair so you’re not stuck squinting through dinner or unable to drive home.
👓 Bonus: Store your spare pair in a different bag than your main one — just in case luggage gets delayed.
3. Small Travel Clock or Digital Watch
Cabins don’t have clocks, and your phone doesn’t always match the ship’s time. A tiny travel clock (or even a digital watch) helps you stay on schedule for excursions and shows.
⏰ Tip: Choose one with a light-up display or a silent alarm if you don’t want to wake your cabin mates.
4. Zip Bags (Assorted Sizes)
A few gallon and sandwich-size bags will be the MVPs of your trip. Use them for:
- Wet swimsuits
- Packing snacks for port days
- Protecting travel documents from splashes
- Organizing receipts or souvenirs
They weigh nothing and get used every single time.
5. Portable Night-Light
Cruise cabins are pitch black at night. Bring a small battery or motion-sensor night-light to help you navigate quietly.
🌙 Tip: Some cruisers stick theirs to the bathroom wall so they don’t have to turn on the bright overhead light at 2 a.m.
6. Wrinkle Releaser or Fabric Spray
No irons allowed on ships! A travel-size Downy Wrinkle Releaser or fabric spray keeps your outfits fresh and smooth.
👗 Tip: Hang clothes in the bathroom while you shower — the steam plus a quick spray works wonders.
7. Mini First Aid Kit
A few basics — band-aids, pain relievers, seasickness tablets, aloe gel, and antibiotic ointment — will save you a trip to the pricey onboard shop.
🩹 Tip: Pack it in a clear zip bag so you can quickly grab what you need.
8. Stain Remover Pen
Formal night + buffet = potential disaster. A Tide To Go pen or Shout Wipe removes most small stains instantly.
💡 Tip: Keep it in your evening bag or pocket instead of your suitcase.
9. Notepad and Pen
It sounds simple, but it’s so useful. I like to jot down our day’s plans, show times, or small memories to remember later.
📝 Bonus: It’s also perfect for leaving thank-you notes for your stateroom attendant or a quick message for your travel partner.
10. USB Hub (No Surge Protector)
Cabins never have enough outlets. A cruise-approved USB hub lets you charge phones, watches, and tablets from one outlet.
⚡ Important: Avoid surge-protected power strips — they’re not allowed on cruise ships. Look for a plain USB hub instead.
FAQs
🧳 Can I bring a power strip instead of a USB hub?
No. Power strips with surge protectors are banned on most cruise lines because of fire-safety regulations. USB-only hubs are fine since they don’t surge-protect.
🧼 Is foaming soap allowed in carry-on luggage?
Yes — as long as it’s under 3.4 oz if you’re flying. If you’re checking a bag or ordering via Instacart to your hotel, full-size is fine.
🕐 Why doesn’t my phone show the correct time on the ship?
Phones sometimes stick to a nearby island’s time zone instead of the ship’s. That’s why a simple travel clock or watch helps you stay aligned with “ship time.”
💊 What if I forget medicine or a first-aid item?
Ships sell basic medications, but prices are high. Pack the essentials yourself, especially anything you might need in the middle of the night.
💻 How many USB ports can I bring?
Most cabins allow one small multi-port hub. Avoid cords that look heavy-duty or industrial — stick with simple USB charging hubs that don’t plug into multiple outlets.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to overpack for a cruise — but it’s the little things like foaming hand soap, a spare pair of glasses, and a notepad that make the week smoother. Toss these 10 items in your suitcase once, and you’ll pack them for every cruise after that.
Want to feel prepared for your cruise?
I pulled the most important Royal Caribbean prep steps into a printable checklist bundle that walks you through what to do before you leave, what to bring, how embarkation works, and what to expect on disembarkation day—so you’re prepared instead of guessing.
Products I Use and Recommend
I keep a list of cruise-approved items I personally use and recommend.
Charity Bradley 
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