35+ Best Gifts for Cruisers 2024

35+ Best Gifts for Cruisers 2024 (that they’ll actually use)

35 Clever Cruise Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

Maybe you’re planning a cruise with a group of friends or family, or you know someone who is going on their FIRST cruise, and you want to help them to be more prepared; this gifts for cruisers guide will help get you started. Cruise is such a unique form of travel, and it gives you the chance to surprise friends and family with unique and clever gifts that they’ll appreciate and USE to make their cruise experience a little more comfortable. 

This gifts for cruisers guide can be used year-round, and we’ve incorporated a variety of items for different budgets and interests. We’ll share some packing essentials, some “just for fun” travel gifts, budget-friendly gifts under $15.00, and even some beauty and toiletry items. If you want to shop these items on our Amazon store, you can browse this article for individual links, or check out our last “gifts for cruisers” gift guide, curated with the latest finds!

Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, this list has something for everyone. From practical essentials to fun and unique finds, these 35 gift ideas are sure to provide you with some inspiration! You might even find a few items for yourself along the way! 

All of these “gift-worthy” travel and cruise items can be found in our Amazon store (except one!), but we’ll link to each item individually for ease of reference!

Please note: This “gifts for Cruisers” post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our blog.

Tech & Gear Gifts for Cruisers

• Chargers: Give the gift of power with a variety of chargers, including phone chargers, tablet chargers, and laptop chargers (hopefully, a laptop won’t be needed on a cruise, but a spare charger is always nice! A versatile charging hub can also be a thoughtful gift. Pro tip: power strips are being banned more and more on cruises, so sick with simple charging solutions like cables that plug directly into the in room USB plugs, as well as portable chargers and charging pads. Not sure what type of gadget would make the best gift? Here’s a gadget idea list to get you started!
• Headphones: Help them escape the noise on the flight to the cruise, and enjoy their favorite music or movies with a pair of noise-canceling or basic headphones. Look for headphones that are comfortable, easy to recharge, and have long battery life.
• Kindle or E-reader: Help your loved one enjoy their favorite books on the go with a Kindle or other e-reader. Consider a model with a waterproof feature for added peace of mind.  E-readers are also EXCELLENT for flights, and take up very little space. 
• Tech organizer bag: Keep cables, chargers, SD cards and other tech accessories organized and easily accessible with a stylish tech organizer bag. Choose a bag with compartments and pockets to keep everything in its place.
• Cameras: Capture those cruise memories with a high-quality camera. Whether they prefer a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a simple point-and-shoot, there’s a camera to suit every budget and preference. Sometimes, a newer phone is ALL you need for fabulous photos on a cruise, but an action camera, like a GoPro can be a lot of fun for beach days, and high adventure activities on a cruise where you need something more rugged. 
• Binoculars: Spot wildlife, landmarks, and distant cruise ships (I love looking at other ships in the distance!) with a pair of binoculars. Go high-end and choose a pair with a waterproof and fogproof design for durability and clarity. Or, opt for compact, budget pair. 
• Travel adapters: Ensure they can charge their devices anywhere in the world with a travel adapter set. Optional: Look for a set that includes adapters for multiple countries. This universal adapter works in 160 countries!
• Travel fan: Keep them cool and comfortable during their cruise with a portable travel fan. Choose a fan with multiple speed settings and a chargeable battery for convenience. Travel fans come in neck fan, handheld, desktop and even clip-on, portable styles. 

Essential Packing Gifts for Cruisers

• Packing cubes: I’ve been touting the benefits of packing cubes for over 10 years, and I don’t plan to stop soon! Join the packing cube club and help your friends and family organize their luggage and maximize space with a set of packing cubes. Choose cubes in different sizes to accommodate various items. Here’s a full idea list of our favorites, in every style and color we’ve tried! Pro tip: Cruising somewhere cold, where bulky clothes are required? Choose compression packing cubes, which remove excess air from the cubes, allowing you to maximize suitcase space. 
• Suitcases: Give them a durable and stylish rolling suitcase, in any size to transport their belongings. Consider factors like size, weight, and features such as wheels and compartments. There are LOTS of choices on Amazon, and many of these go on sale now and then! Our favorite brand is Level8 – they simply can’t be beat for durability, wheel quality and overall value. We even have a DISCOUNT for their suitcases. Just use code: CruiseTipsTV10 at checkout HERE.
• Personal item bag: A personal item bag is essential for carrying smaller items like electronics, toiletries, and snacks. Look for a bag with multiple compartments and pockets for organization. It’s also smart to pack a small bag or purse. Here’s a selection of smaller bags and crossbody options. Pro tip: Be aware of restrictions on personal-size items for your flight to the cruise. 
• Backpack: A versatile backpack can be used for excursions, shopping, or carrying extra layers. Choose a backpack with comfortable straps and plenty of pockets. Headed to a rainy destination, grab one that is water resistant. I’ve used this one for years, and while it’s not fully waterproof, it handles a bit of drizzle well. This is a great gift for cruisers, and won’t break the bank! If you’re traveling with a laptop or tablet, buy one with a special padded compartment. Looking for something more fashionable? This leather-look backpack holds more than you’d think, and is stylish! Pro tip: If you’re buying a gift for someone who LOVES souvenirs, gifting them a packable backpack to fill with goodies and bring home is an awesome way to help them prepare! They can also use the backpack for shore excursions, trips to the beach, and even on their flight.
• Beach bag: A spacious beach bag is perfect for carrying towels, sunscreen, and other beach essentials. Look for a bag made from durable materials that can withstand sand and water. This bag meets those requirements and zips closed. Win, win! Want more selection? We put together an entire selection of shore day bags for you to peruse!

Budget & Practical – Gifts for Cruisers Under $15

• Luggage tags: Keep their luggage easily identifiable with colorful and durable luggage tags. Choose tags with a sturdy strap and plenty of space to write their name and contact information. You can also gift someone the appropriate cruise luggage tag based on the cruise line they’ve chosen (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America, MSC) . These prevent the luggage tags provided by the cruise line from getting damaged or wet! Pro-tip: Hidden name/address luggage tags are now available if you’re concerned about privacy. 
• Waterproof phone & “stuff” holders: Protect their phone and other valuables from water damage with a waterproof phone case or holder. Look for a case that is waterproof in case it gets dropped (it won’t sink). Personally, I used these for things OTHER than my phone- like my key card, credit cards and cash. That way, I can go for a swim, rather than “babysit the valuables” on my cruise beach day!
• Snack holders/pouches: These handy containers keep your favorite snacks organized and easily accessible during your flight or cruise. They come in various sizes and materials, perfect for storing chips, energy bars, crackers, nuts, and more. I particularly love these for a flight! 
• Wet swimsuit bag: Keep their wet swimsuit and towels separate from their dry clothes with a wet swimsuit bag, which can also store essentials like sunscreen, and bug spray (a hot tip from our follower, Elizabeth!). Choose a bag with a waterproof lining. These have gotten SO much more affordable in the last few years, and come in GREAT colors. 
• Magnets: Most first time cruisers have no idea that cruise stateroom walls are magnetic! Help them decorate their metal cruise stateroom walls with fun and practical magnets from their cruise destination. Choose magnets that have hooks and clips for a variety of uses. At the end of this article, you’ll find a discount code for custom magnets that won’t break the bank!
• Sunglasses: Protect their eyes from the sun with a stylish pair of sunglasses. Choose sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare and improve visibility. There’s some great value sunglasses for men and women on amazon these days, and many are polarized too!
• Sleep mask: Ensure they get a good night’s sleep on the ship with a comfortable sleep mask. Look for a mask that is soft, adjustable, and blocks out light.
• Towel bands: Keep their towels in place by the pool deck when it gets windy with towel bands. Choose bands in different colors to easily identify their towels.

Beauty & Toiletry Gifts for Cruisers

• Hanging Toiletry Bag: Keep their toiletries organized and easily accessible with a hanging toiletry bag. Look for a bag with a hook as well as multiple compartments and pockets to store everything neatly.
• Travel Size Makeup: Pack light and look your best with travel-sized makeup essentials. From travel-sized eyeshadow compacts to mini-mascaras and concealers, these compact products fit perfectly in your carry-on bag.
• TSA-Friendly Toiletry & Liquid Bags: These clear bags are typically approved for flights within the US (when packed appropriately). Be sure to stick to 3.4 ounces of liquid per item that you tuck inside these cute bags, and don’t over pack them. Here’s a wide selection of affordable ones!
• Makeup Remover Wipes: Make removing makeup on the go easy with a pack of travel size mini makeup remover wipes. These wipes are gentle on the skin and effective at removing makeup. I use them almost every day when I cruise or stay at hotels, and they take up very little space! 
• Water Activated Face Cleansing Wipes: Keep their skin clean and refreshed with face cleansing wipes. Look for wipes that are suitable for their skin, and can be activated with water once they reach their destination. They last longer and replace the need to travel with liquid face soap. 
• Travel-Size Toiletry Kits: Like the one pictured above, Travel-size toiletries make GREAT gifts, especially if you’re putting together a gift bag to include little, helpful items. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and price points. I usually buy mine in the travel aisle at stores like Walmart, Target, or a dollar store, but there are some awesome finds on Amazon too. Here’s a collection of my favorite travel size toiletries that would make great gifts for cruisers. Choose a kit that contains items under the TSA liquid allowance of 3.4 ounces if your friends or family are driving to port. Pro tip: don’t overlook motion sickness remedies. Here’s a guide for dealing with and preventing motion sickness, too!
• Lip Care Essentials: nobody is immune from the dry lips that come with air travel, and the winter months. Pack a small amount of unscented lip care into your loved ones’ stocking, OR go for a fun, scented version like this Laneige lip balm. This stuff goes viral every year on amazon! 

Just for Fun Gifts for Cruisers

• Nautical Jewelry: Add a touch of the sea to their wardrobe with nautical jewelry, such as a necklace with an anchor pendant or nautical earrings (shown above). This gold and aqua bracelet pairs nicely with other gold pieces!
• Travel Pouches: Keep their small items organized and easily accessible with travel pouches. Choose pouches in different sizes and materials to suit their needs. This 6 piece set (pictured above) is cute, and great for TSA approved liquids! Pro tip: Gift one of these as an “airplane survival kit”, complete with a charger, lip balm, and hand wipes! 
• New Pajamas: Ensure they have comfortable and cozy pajamas for their cruise. Choose pajamas that match the vibe of the season or their destination. Cruising over Christmas or Thanksgiving? Grab some matching jammies– embrace the corny matchy matchy fun! Going somewhere tropical? This shorts set is so cute (size up one) and comes in lots of prints. Pro tip: Cruising with Virgin Voyages? They have a pajama party on every cruise, so pack something fun!
• Travel-Size Slippers: Keep their feet warm and comfortable with travel-size slippers. Look for slippers that are lightweight and easy to pack.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and save money on drinks onboard and at the airport with a reusable water bottle. Choose a bottle that is durable and easy to carry. This one is a best seller on amazon for good reason!
• Wild Printed Shirts: Add a touch of personality to their cruise wardrobe with wild printed shirts. Choose shirts with bold patterns and bright colors. Amazon has an amazing selection!
• Funny T-Shirts: Let them have some fun with funny t-shirts that feature cruise-themed jokes or puns, like “BEWARE: I bought the drink package”. We found some fun ones and added them to our holiday gift guide!
• Custom Magnets: Create personalized magnets with their favorite cruise photos or memories. Choose magnets that are unique and representative of their cruise experience. Use code CTT10 for 10% off your custom magnet order at Magical Day Creations. 

Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, there’s a perfect gift out there for every cruise lover. From practical essentials to unique and fun finds, this list of gifts for cruisers has something for everyone. Remember, the best travel gifts are those that are thoughtful, personalized, and reflect your loved one’s interests. So, start your shopping early and find the perfect gifts for cruise lovers in your life. Didn’t find what you were looking for in this article? Check out our cruise store for more gifts for cruisers and thousands of cruise and travel-related finds, specially curated for value, quality, and “cruise-worthiness.” 

If you want to shop these items on our Amazon store, you can browse this article for individual links, or check out our last “gifts for cruisers” gift guide, curated with the latest finds!

Happy shopping!

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