115+ Best Gifts for Cruise Lovers: Practical Ideas from a Crew Member

Looking for the best gifts for cruise lovers but not sure what to get?

As a former Royal Caribbean crew member turned regular cruise guest, I know what gifts are practical for cruisers.

Drawing from my years of experience at sea, I’ve curated this list of the top cruise gift ideas for everyone from seasoned seafarers to first-time cruisers.

Anchors away!

🏆 Buy the best gifts for cruise lovers here

Top Picks: Best Gifts for Cruise Lovers

Best Practical Gift for Cruises

Best Cruise Gift for Her

Best Cruise Gift for Him

Best Christmas Cruise Gift

Practical Gifts to Give Someone Going on a Cruise

Luggage and Bags

Having the right luggage and bags is crucial for any cruise adventure.

They make the journey to and from the airport and cruise terminal a breeze, and help keep everything organized throughout the trip.

1. Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes are the single travel item that has most improved my nomadic life in the last decade– from teaching English in Japan to working on cruise ships, and even living at the South Pole, Antarctica.

These cubes keep clothing organized and compressed so they take up less space in your luggage.

🎁 PURCHASE COMPRESSION PACKING CUBES HERE

2. Spinner Suitcase

A spinner suitcase makes life 10x easier for any cruiser.

Not only will it be easier to travel to and from the airport and cruise terminals, but it also gives cruisers the ability to carry their luggage on and off the ship without assistance.

This ensures that they’ll have all of their things when they step onto the ship instead of waiting hours for luggage to be delivered to staterooms and that they’ll also be first off the ship on disembarkation day.

🎁 PURCHASE SPINNER SUITCASE HERE

3. Carry On Backpack

A large carry on backpack is key for those looking to pack carry-on only for a cruise.

These clutch travel backpacks have just the right amount of room for a few packing cubes as well as any accessories, toiletries, and even shoes.

The best part of these bags is the versatility.

You can carry it like a backpack, sideways like a duffel, or utilizing the luggage strap to secure the bag to a suitcase handle.

🎁 PURCHASE CARRY ON BACKPACK HERE

4. Packable Day Bag

This packable day bag compresses down to nothing, making it so easy to bring along for any trip.

They’re great for exploring ports, shore excursions, or just using around the ship.

🎁 PURCHASE PACKABLE DAY BAG HERE

5. Hanging Toiletry Bag

A hanging toiletry bag keeps your favorite cruiser organized in the compact cruise restrooms.

With limited space, particularly on the counters in cabin bathrooms, these bags offer convenient access to your toiletries without occupying any counter space.

Additionally, they prevent items from sliding around during rough waves.

🎁 PURCHASE HANGING TOILETRY BAG HERE

6. Reusable Grocery Bag

A reusable grocery bag goes a long way for any traveler.

I always carry one with me because they fold up compactly and are versatile for various needs, whether it’s carrying souvenirs from a port or bringing wet beach clothes back to the ship.

🎁 PURCHASE REUSABLE GROCERY BAG HERE

7. Shoe Bag

Shoe bags protect clothing and other luggage.

Trust me, the last thing a cruiser wants is to pack a nice dress for formal night only to find it’s been stained by the heels they packed– especially when laundry services are limited onboard.

🎁 PURCHASE SHOE BAGS HERE

8. Travel Laundry Bags

Laundry bags help you stay organized as well as making sure clean clothes don’t get confused for dirty ones!

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL LAUNDRY BAGS HERE

Electronics

Electronics are always a practical gift for someone going on a cruise.

In an age with so many cool tech gadgets, use this section to find the best ones to gift to cruisers in your life.

9. Travel Power Strip

A travel power strip is a game changer on cruises.

While newer ships have gotten better about the placement and number of outlets to charge electronics, older ships are still notorious for being very limited in this department.

A charger with multiple ports ensures that everyone can keep their tech fully charged throughout the vacation.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL POWER STRIP HERE

10. Foldable Wireless Charging Dock

This foldable wireless charging dock does it all while taking up hardly any space.

Forget about dealing with a different cord for each gadget; this dock allows you to charge multiple things wirelessly.

🎁 PURCHASE WIRELESS CHARGING DOCK HERE

11. Power Bank

A power bank gives you peace of mind when you’re out in port or on an all day excursion.

Ensure that your phone, cameras, and more are always charged and ready for any adventure.

🎁 PURCHASE POWER BANK HERE

12. Electronics Organizer

An electronics organizer keeps all those cords and cables from getting tangled.

Plus, it simplifies your travel experience by ensuring everything is easily accessible when you need it, so you can focus on your adventures without the hassle of searching for misplaced items.

🎁 PURCHASE ELECTRONICS ORGANIZER HERE

13. Selfie Stick with Tripod

A sleek selfie stick and tripod combo takes up hardly any luggage space, and is one of those items you’re so thankful to have once you need it.

With this stick that also expands into a phone tripod, you never have to worry about asking a stranger to take your photo.

And an added bonus– this comes with a Bluetooth remote, so you can snap as many pics as you want without dealing with a self-timer.

🎁 PURCHASE SELFIE STICK TRIPOD HERE

14. Personal Neck Fan

This rechargeable personal neck fan is for those cruisers in your life who run hot.

Especially when cruising in hot, tropical destinations, there’s nothing you want more than to feel a bit of cool breeze.

🎁 PURCHASE PERSONAL NECK FAN HERE

15. Apple AirTags

Airtags are a nice gift to ensure that you always know where your bags are.

This can be particularly useful if you plan on dropping off your luggage to be brought either on or offboard.

🎁 PURCHASE APPLE AIRTAGS HERE

16. GoPro

A GoPro is perfect for capturing every thrilling cruise moment, from snorkeling in clear waters to zip-lining through lush landscapes.

Its durable design and high-quality video make reliving your adventures easy, a must-have for any adventurous traveler.

The waterproof GoPro HERO12 includes records in Ultra HD and comes with live streaming and stabilization features.

🎁 PURCHASE GOPRO HERO12 HERE

17. GoPro Dome Port

A GoPro dome port is a great accessory for GoPro users.

This tool makes capturing those half-underwater, half-out-of-water shots possible– perfect to accompany those Instagram cruise captions.

🎁 PURCHASE GOPRO DOME PORT HERE

11. Kindle

A Kindle reader gives you the ability to travel with an entire library.

It’s perfect for immersing in stories on the pool deck without adding extra weight to your luggage.

🎁 PURCHASE KINDLE HERE

Medication and First Aid

While basic medication like pain relievers and motion sickness tablets are available on cruise ships, sometimes you can’t even leave your stateroom to get them when illnesses hit.

By having travel doses of the most important medication on hand, your favorite cruiser will be prepared for anything the seas throw at them.

19. Travel Medicine Kit

A travel medication kit ensures your cruiser is ready to deal with any aches and pains that might occur while away from home.

Whether it’s a migraine or gastrointestinal issue, every traveler will be thankful for this nifty set of remedies.

It includes:

• Acetaminophen: Treats pain, fever, headaches
• Diphenhydramine: Treats allergies and itchiness
• Meclizine: Treats motion sickness and dizziness
• Loperamide: Treats severe diarrhea
• Bismuth Subsalicylate: Treats heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and gas
• Electrolyte Tablets: Treats dehydration and muscle cramps

This set features individually labeled dose packs, making them easy to identify and hassle-free for customs and immigration clearance.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL MEDICINE KIT HERE

20. Dramamine

A travel-sized tube of Dramamine is easy to pack, small enough to bring in daybags, and a lifesaver for those of us who suffer from seasickness.

🎁 PURCHASE DRAMAMINE HERE

21. Anti-Nausea Wristband

Anti-nausea wristbands are a gentle, drug-free way to keep your equilibrium steady so you can fully embrace every moment of your cruise adventure.

🎁 PURCHASE ANTI-NAUSEA WRISTBANDS HERE

22. Motion Sickness Patches

Motion sickness patches are one of the most effective anti-nausea remedies.

These patches can be used alone or in conjunction with the wristbands for a more pleasant time at sea.

🎁 PURCHASE MOTION SICKNESS PATCHES HERE

23. Ginger Chews

Ginger chews are another natural way to keep queasiness at bay.

Its natural soothing properties are perfect for easing an uneasy stomach, especially for younger cruisers.

🎁 PURCHASE GINGER CHEWS HERE

24. Melatonin

Melatonin may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a cruise, but if you have trouble sleeping away from home, it can be a helpful aid.

After all, the last thing you want is to not feel rested on your special vacation!

🎁 PURCHASE MELATONIN HERE

25. Travel First Aid Kit

Having a mini travel first aid kit on your cruise ensures you’re prepared for any minor scrapes so you can focus on getting back to the adventures, not wandering the port for the nearest pharmacy.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL FIRST AID KIT HERE

Miscellaneous Cruise Accessories

26. Travel Toiletry Bottles

A set of travel toiletry bottles allows you to bring all of your necessary liquids with you on the ship.

While many cruise lines provide their own shampoo and shower gel, the quality is usually pretty basic.

If you’re like me and can’t live without certain hair or face products, these refillable toiletry sets are essential.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL TOILETRY BOTTLES HERE

27. Packable Poncho

A packable poncho will keep your cruiser dry, whether they’re on an excursion to a nearby waterfall or cruising during rainy season.

This is particularly useful in the Caribbean where showers, while short, can be unexpected.

🎁 PURCHASE PACKABLE PONCHO HERE

28. Water Shoes

Water shoes are definitely something that should be on every cruiser’s packing list if they’re planning on going into the ocean.

These protect your feet from sharp rocks and coral hidden beneath the water.

🎁 PURCHASE WATER SHOES HERE

29. Snorkel Gear

Snorkel gear is something a lot of people forget to pack for cruises, thinking they’ll just rent it at the port.

But there’s a chance your size might not be available, especially if it’s a busy day.

Plus, renting gear in tourist areas can be pricey, which is why bringing your own snorkel set is super handy for a cruise.

🎁 PURCHASE SNORKEL SET HERE

30. Portable Wash Bag

The Scrubba portable wash bag has become one of my favorite travel items recently.

In situations where you don’t have access to a washing machine– like cruises– this nifty bag allows you to get your clothes clean on the go.

🎁 PURCHASE THE SCRUBBA WASH BAG HERE

31. Detergent Sheets

Detergent sheets always accompany my Scrubba wash bag as it takes up little space.

The concentrated sheets can be cut to any size for different laundry loads which then dissolve in water.

They can also be placed in suitcases to keep clothes smelling fresh.

🎁 PURCHASE DETERGENT SHEETS HERE

32. Tide Sink Packets

Tide sink packets are another way to keep clothing fresh while on a cruise.

The detergent can be added to water in a sink and it also comes in TSA-friendly quantities.

🎁 PURCHASE TIDE SINK PACKETS HERE

33. Wrinkle Release Spray

Wrinkle release spray comes in handy for those nicer clothes that might get scrunched up during your travels.

Simply spray it onto your clothing to smooth it out and make it smell better.

🎁 PURCHASE WRINKLE RELEASE SPRAY HERE

34. Waterproof Phone Pouch

A waterproof phone pouch is something no cruiser should travel without.

Whether you’re on a tender boat or just enjoying one of the best Caribbean walking beaches, ensure that your phone stays safe from water and sand damage.

🎁 PURCHASE WATERPROOF PHONE POUCH HERE

35. Binoculars

Binoculars are one of those gifts for cruisers that they wouldn’t have thought of but will be happy to have when the moment strikes.

They’ll be able to catch better glimpses of whales, dolphins, or other wildlife (especially on a cheap Antarctica cruise!)

🎁 PURCHASE BINOCULARS HERE

36. Sun Hat Clip

Sun hat clips allow you to bring your favorite sunhat onto the cruise without having to risk crushing it in your luggage.

Easily clip your hat onto the outside of your tote or backpack.

You can also check out these foldable sunhats if you prefer to keep it packed.

🎁 PURCHASE SUN HAT CLIPS HERE

37. Cruise Essentials Kit

A cruise essentials kit has all of the key cruise accessories in one bundle, making gift giving a breeze.

🎁 PURCHASE CRUISE ESSENTIALS KIT HERE

38. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is something every cruiser should have!

Getting this as a gift for cruise lovers gives them one less thing to pack and worry about.

Just make sure it’s at least SPF 50 as the sun tends to be stronger in many cruise destinations.

🎁 PURCHASE SPF 50 SUNSCREEN HERE

39. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is expensive to buy in port and on the ship in the shops because they know how many people need it and didn’t bring any.

Help your loved ones get ahead of it by ensuring they don’t cruise without it!

🎁 PURCHASE ALOE VERA HERE

40. Lip Balm with SPF

Lip Balm with SPF is a great stocking stuffer for cruise lovers.

I can’t tell you how many times I managed to pay careful attention to applying sunblock all over myself but missed protecting my lips and what do you know– I ended up with burned lips 🙃

Friends don’t let friends have sunburned lips on cruises!

🎁 PURCHASE LIP BALM WITH SPF HERE

41. Lanyards for Ship Cards

Lanyards for ship cards ensure you don’t accidentally forget your key card at the bar or leave it in the stateroom.

🎁 PURCHASE SHIP CARD LANYARDS HERE

42. Family Passport Holder

A family passport holder keeps all of everyone’s passports together in one place that’s simple to retrieve for immigration and cruise terminals.

🎁 PURCHASE FAMILY PASSPORT HOLDER HERE

43. Luggage Tags

These waterproof cruise luggage tags are compatible with most cruise lines.

🎁 PURCHASE LUGGAGE TAGS HERE

44. Towel Clips

Towel clips keep your towels from flying away.

The clips also come in fun shapes and cruise themes!

🎁 PURCHASE TOWEL CLIPS HERE

45. Towel Bands

Towel bands are equally as useful for keeping your beach and lounge towels secure.

If you’re tight on space, these are a better option than the clips to pack.

🎁 PURCHASE TOWEL BANDS HERE

46. Magnet Hooks

Magnet hooks are another simple organizational tool for cruises that’s small enough to pack.

Because the doors and some walls are metal, these hooks provide additional storage solutions in cabins.

🎁 PURCHASE MAGNET HOOKS HERE

47. S Hooks

S hooks are a game changer– something I discovered when I first got a job on cruise ships.

Because quarters are tight for both guests and crew, these s hooks hang over doors and give you extra options for hanging up clothing, toiletry bags, and more.

An added bonus: they hardly take up any space to pack!

🎁 PURCHASE S HOOKS HERE

48. Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle keeps your favorite cruiser hydrated and happy at sea.

Ones with a filter also make water in cities or airports much more manageable for travelers like me who are sensitive to the taste of tap water.

🎁 PURCHASE WATER BOTTLE HERE

49. Reusable Silicone Bags

Reusable silicone bags ensure that everything stays dry and sand-free when you’re out and about.

These are also great for stashing away snacks or cookies in your room for later.

🎁 PURCHASE SILICONE BAGS HERE

50. Travel Umbrella

A travel umbrella that’s small and easy to pack is a great cruise gift for those going to wetter climates.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL UMBRELLA HERE

Unique Gifts for Cruise Lovers

Practical cruise gifts are great, but sometimes you want some different ideas or unique gifts for cruise lovers.

This former cruise crew member has you covered to think outside of the box!

51. A Cruise

Let’s be real, the only thing better than a cruise is a free cruise.

If you want to surprise a friend or family member who loves vacations at sea, a cruise is the perfect gift for a honeymoon, anniversary, or any special occasion!

🎁 FIND CRUISE DEALS HERE

52. Uber Gift Card

An Uber gift card can be used to get to and from the airport, hotel, cruise terminal, or even around the port city.

While it might seem like a small gift, I can attest to how useful a direct, on-demand ride is when you’re short on time or running late.

This is especially the case when you’re rushing to make it back to the ship before all onboard time!

🎁 PURCHASE UBER GIFT CARD HERE

53. Pre or Post-Cruise Hotel Stay

Covering hotel accommodations for the night before or after the cruise is something you won’t see on other cruise gift lists, but makes such a difference in my opinion.

I’ve heard countless stories of people missing their entire cruise because they tried to cut costs on a hotel before the trip.

They chose to fly in the morning of the cruise, only to have their flight delayed or miss a connection.

What could have been just a couple of hundred additional dollars for a hotel the night before turns into thousands lost (plus time off work).

Gifting a night at a hotel ensures that your loved ones make it to their cruise on time, but also gives them a chance to relax the night before.

A post-cruise hotel stay is another generous option that allows cruisers the opportunity to unwind and explore the city before heading home.

🎁 FIND HOTEL DEALS HERE

54. Airline Miles

Flights are an expensive part of cruise travel, but a practical cruise gift is airline miles.

If you’ve got extra points from credit card rewards or a particular airline and aren’t planning to travel soon, consider gifting them to a loved one who needs to fly to the cruise embarkation port.

55. Prepaid Visa Gift Cards

Prepaid Visa gift cards are an easy way to ensure your favorite cruiser has a better time on their adventure.

They can use it for TSA Pre-Check, airfare, pre-cruise hotel accommodations, and port excursions– the options are endless.

🎁 PURCHASE VISA GIFT CARD HERE

56. Travel Journal

A travel journal makes sure that you don’t miss recording any moment on the cruise, whether it’s on the ship or in port.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL JOURNAL HERE

57. Waterproof Playing Cards

Waterproof playing cards are a great small gift for cruisers that’s easy to pack and fun for playing with friends on the pool deck.

🎁 PURCHASE WATERPROOF PLAYING CARDS HERE

58. Wet Bags

Wet bags ensure that wet beach clothing doesn’t seep into other items in your tote bag.

🎁 PURCHASE WET BAGS HERE

59. Motion Sensor Night Light

Motion sensor night lights are especially useful on ships because of how dark the cabins are with the lights off.

Placing these on the wall or by the bathroom helps you get around in the middle of the night without disturbing others in your stateroom.

🎁 PURCHASE MOTION SENSOR NIGHT LIGHT HERE

60. Over Door Hanging Organizer

These large over door organizers are a staple among us crew members.

Without taking up much space, you have a dozen more storage solutions for everything from shoes, toiletries, and more.

🎁 PURCHASE OVER DOOR ORGANIZER HERE

61. Poo-Pourri

Poo-Pourri keeps the stateroom smelling fresh, especially if you’re sharing the bathroom with others!

🎁 PURCHASE POO-POURRI HERE

62. Sand Remover Mitt

A sand remover mitt is a genius item to pack for cruises to beachy destinations.

We all know how difficult getting sand off your body is after a day in the sun, with your skin sticky from sweat, salt water, and sunscreen.

These mitts make brushing off the sand a breeze so you don’t have to worry about bringing the entire beach back into your cabin.

🎁 PURCHASE SAND REMOVER MITT HERE

Cruise Gift Ideas for Her

Whether you’re looking for women’s clothing for cruises or beauty items, this list of the best cruise gift ideas for her will help you find the perfect gift.

63. Travel Jewelry Organizer

A travel jewelry organizer keeps everything untangled and safe together.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL JEWELRY ORGANIZER HERE

64. Cruise Bracelet Charms

Cruise-themed bracelet charms are a chic way to commemorate a cruise, for girls, teens, and adults.

🎁 PURCHASE BRACELET CHARMS HERE

65. Anchor Earrings

Stainless steel anchor earrings give you a chance to bring the ship life to real life.

🎁 PURCHASE ANCHOR EARRINGS HERE

66. Compass Necklace

A dainty compass necklace adds a beautiful detail and touch of personality to your outfit.

🎁 PURCHASE COMPASS NECKLACE HERE

67. Travel Size Perfume

Travel size perfume is the best way to bring your favorite scent with you on a ship.

It’s compact and within the TSA limits for carry-on liquids.

I brought my Lancome rollerball with me on Symphony of the Seas and now everytime I wear it, the scent reminds me of this amazing cruise!

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL SIZE LANCOME PERFUME HERE

68. All-In-One Makeup Palette

An all-in-one makeup palette is great for cruisers who like to wear makeup but don’t want to bother with packing all their full-sized items.

This palette gives you everything you need for everything from subtle coverage to a glam look for formal nights.

🎁 PURCHASE ALL-IN-ONE MAKEUP PALETTE HERE

69. Sheet Masks

Sheet masks bring the spa to your stateroom with the onboard treatments are too expensive.

Especially with the dry ship air, having sheet masks to pamper yourself with at the end of a busy port day out in the sun all day is super refreshing.

🎁 PURCHASE SHEET MASKS HERE

70. Shower Steamers

Shower steamers add a little luxury to the tiny cabin bathrooms.

These are easy to pack and yet take a simple shower to the next level.

🎁 PURCHASE SHOWER STEAMERS HERE

71. Travel Skincare Set

A travel skincare set ensures that your skin stays hydrated and is well cared for throughout the cruise.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL SKINCARE SET HERE

72. Makeup Bag

These cute makeup bags keep all your powders, brushes, and creams in one organized place with a bit of sass.

🎁 PURCHASE MAKEUP BAG HERE

73. Travel LED Makeup Mirror

A travel LED makeup mirror helps when the lighting in the cabin or bathroom isn’t the best for getting ready for the day.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL MAKEUP MIRROR HERE

74. Auto Hair Curler

An auto hair curler ensures your hair looks styled and fresh within minutes, and you don’t have to worry about cords or outlets in the bathroom.

🎁 PURCHASE AUTO HAIR CURLER HERE

75. Mini Handheld Fan

A mini handheld fan keeps you cool while in port as well as helps dry your serums and makeup between applications.

🎁 PURCHASE MINI HANDHELD FAN HERE

76. Convertible Heels

Convertible heels might be the most genius thing to happen to women who travel.

These heels come with a variety of heel heights, colors, and styles so that you can have multiple looks without the bulk of packing a handful of shoes.

🎁 PURCHASE CONVERTIBLE HEELS HERE

77. Merino Wool Travel Dress

A Merino wool travel dress is easy to pack, can be dressed up or down, and regulates your temperature.

I did a two-week one-bag trip with almost exclusively Merino wool items in my Unbound Merino review and loved how versatile and timeless their pieces are.

Even in warmer climates, Merino wool is breathable and keeps you feeling cool.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL DRESS HERE

78. Sarong

A sarong is a must-have when covering up swimsuits for cruises.

They can be worn as a dress, skirt, scarf, and even used as a beach towel.

🎁 PURCHASE SARONG HERE

79. Small Crossbody Bag

A small crossbody keeps all of your essentials by your side in one stylish place.

🎁 PURCHASE SMALL CROSSBODY BAG HERE

80. Beach Tote

A beach tote makes life in ports so much easier.

I always look for ones that are easy to shake sand out of (like crochet or canvas totes) or easy to wash.

🎁 PURCHASE BEACH TOTE HERE

Cruise Gifts for Him

Getting cruise gifts for him doesn’t have to be difficult.

I asked my partner what items he would enjoy as an avid cruiser and here are his recommendations:

81. Suit Bag + Duffel

These suit bag duffels are genius.

You can pack a suit and then the bag folds up into a duffel so that you can store all of your other clothing and shoes in the same bag.

🎁 PURCHASE SUIT BAG+ DUFFEL HERE

82. Hawaiian Shirt

Hawaiian/Aloha shirts and cruises go together like turkey and Thanksgiving!

They bring a tropical flair to any outfit and can be worn for themed Caribbean nights.

🎁 PURCHASE HAWAIIAN SHIRT HERE

83. Tri-Fold Garment Bag

A travel garment bag is key if you plan on bringing suits onto the ship for formal nights.

🎁 PURCHASE TRI-FOLD GARMENT BAG HERE

84. Anchor Tie Clip

An anchor tie clip adds a bit of flair to your smarter outfits, whether on or off the ship.

🎁 PURCHASE ANCHOR TIE CLIP HERE

85. Nautical Tie

A nautical tie is a subtle way to bring your love of the sea with you back on land.

🎁 PURCHASE NAUTICAL TIE HERE

86. Anchor Cuff Links

Cuff links are a great gift for those who like dressing up and adding small details to their looks.

🎁 PURCHASE CUFF LINKS HERE

87. Merino Wool T-Shirt

A Merino wool t-shirt will keep him fresh and cool throughout the cruise.

Whether you’re on a walking tour of Old San Juan or hanging out on the ship, Merino wool clothing is a great item to pack due to its antimicrobial properties.

🎁 PURCHASE MERINO WOOL T-SHIRT HERE

88. Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise canceling headphones ensure you stay calm, cool, collected– and sane– when flying to and from the cruise port.

🎁 PURCHASE NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES HERE

89. Airplane Phone Holder Mount

An airplane phone holder mount lets you watch all of your favorite content from your phone on the flight handsfree.

🎁 PURCHASE AIRPLANE PHONE HOLDER HERE

90. Cologne Sample Spray

Cologne sample spray vials keeps you smelling great on the cruise without taking up much luggage space.

🎁 PURCHASE COLOGNE SAMPLE SPRAY HERE

91. Toiletry Bag

A nice toiletry bag brings a small touch of luxury to ship staterooms.

This also keeps everything together in one place.

🎁 PURCHASE TOILETRY BAG HERE

92. Men’s Convenience Travel Kit

A travel convenience kit with all of the essential toiletries is a wonderful gift that makes it so much easier for cruisers to pack.

🎁 PURCHASE CONVENIENCE KIT HERE

93. Anti Chafing Powder

Anti-chafing powder might be a weird one to think about bringing onto a cruise, but just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your body will cooperate!

If chafing is of concern, don’t forget to bring some powder with you so that you’re as comfortable as possible on your trip.

🎁 PURCHASE ANTI CHAFING POWDER HERE

94. Hat Case

A hard hat case keeps your guy’s baseball caps in good shape and free from getting squished among other luggage.

🎁 PURCHASE HAT CASE HERE

95. Coffee Tea Bags

Single serve coffee bags have become my partner’s favorite things to pack on trips.

We discovered it after getting a job in Antarctica and wanted better coffee that was easy to prepare in our dorm rooms when the kitchen was far away.

These allow you to have amazing coffee in your stateroom whenever you want.

🎁 PURCHASE COFFEE TEA BAGS HERE

96. Nautical Whiskey Glasses

A nice whiskey glass set with maritime motifs will always be a winner.

🎁 PURCHASE NAUTICAL WHISKEY GLASSES HERE

Christmas Gifts for Cruise Lovers

I’m all about using my expertise as someone who’s been in the cruise industry– both as a crew member and now a frequent cruiser– since 2017 to make your holiday shopping easier.

So I compiled a list of the best Christmas gifts for cruise lovers in your life here.

From travel mementos and nautical-themed gifts, these items and stocking stuffers are sure to be a hit with all cruise fans.

97. Travel Shadow Box

A travel shadow box is a great way to turn small odds and ends from a trip into a piece of art.

Print out a few photos and include boarding passes, ship cards, and other tickets from in-port excursions to the box and you’ve got the perfect cruise memory to keep on display.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL SHADOW BOX HERE

98. Cruise Ship Ornament

A cruise ship ornament is a fun way to add personality to a Christmas tree.

🎁 PURCHASE CRUISE SHIP ORNAMENT HERE

99. Magnets

Nautical magnets are a simple stocking stuffer that’s also practical.

🎁 PURCHASE MAGNETS HERE

100. Throw Blanket

Stay cozy with a ship-themed throw blanket.

🎁 PURCHASE THROW BLANKET HERE

101. Cruise Minnie Ears

Cruise Minnie ears are perfect for Disney fans– whether you’re going on a Disney cruise or Disneyworld.

🎁 PURCHASE CRUISE MINNIE EARS HERE

102. Travel Scrapbook

A travel scrapbook is another great option for combining tickets, documents, and other travel print outs to commemorate the trip.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL SCRAPBOOK HERE

103. Life is Better on a Cruise Wood Sign

This “Life is Better on a Cruise” wood sign is the perfect addition to any maritime lover’s home decor.

🎁 PURCHASE LIFE IS BETTER ON A CRUISE SIGN HERE

104. Picture Frame

A mosaic pearl picture frame is a nice way to add a subtle touch of the beach to the room while accompanying your favorite snapshots from the ship.

🎁 PURCHASE PICTURE FRAME HERE

105. Beach Tapestry

A beach tapestry brings the ocean, beach, and tropics to your home.

This gift is particularly great for teens or college students who want something temporary to spruce up their room.

🎁 PURCHASE BEACH TAPESTRY HERE

106. Adult Coloring Book

A nautical adult coloring book is great for the artsy ones in your life.

🎁 PURCHASE ADULT COLORING BOOK HERE

107. Ocean-Themed Coffee Table Book

This ocean-themed coffee table book is a perfect conversation starter that lets cruise lovers relive their ocean adventures with every page turn.

🎁 PURCHASE COFFEE TABLE BOOK HERE

108. Bathroom Wall Art

If your cruise friends are like me and like little nods to our time at sea throughout the home, beach-themed wall art is a nice touch to bring into the bathroom.

🎁 PURCHASE BATHROOM WALL ART HERE

109. Pop Up Greeting Card

This fun pop up greeting card is the perfect cherry to add on top of another cruise gift from this list.

🎁 PURCHASE POP UP GREETING CARD HERE

Funny Cruise Gifts & Novelty Items

Need some fun cruise gag gifts or novelty items?

Look no further!

These are sure to bring a smile to your friends and family.

110. Rubber Ducks

Can you even cruise without rubber ducks?

🎁 PURCHASE RUBBER DUCKS HERE

111. T-Shirt

Say it with your chest– or on a shirt, we’re all thinking it anyway: Life is better on a cruise.

🎁 PURCHASE T-SHIRT HERE

112. Koozie

These fun koozies keep your drinks cold as you lay out poolside.

🎁 PURCHASE KOOZIE HERE

113. Passport Holder

This travel-themed passport holder comes with a stylish cover as well as RFID blocking technology.

🎁 PURCHASE PASSPORT HOLDER HERE

114. Socks

Nautical socks are always a good gift, especially if you have a restricted work dress code.

These allow you to add a touch of personality to your outfit, even if you’re the only one who gets to see it.

🎁 PURCHASE SOCKS HERE

115. Cruise Hair, Don’t Care Hat

There are no bad hair days at sea, especially not with this hat!

🎁 PURCHASE CRUISE HAIR DON’T CARE HAT HERE

116. Travel Fund Piggy Bank

Give your cruise friends a fun way for them to save for their next cruise with this adventure fund box.

🎁 PURCHASE TRAVEL FUND BOX HERE

117. Coffee Mug

A maritime mug brings the sea to you even if you’re far from the ocean.

🎁 PURCHASE COFFEE MUG HERE

118. Captain’s Hat

“I’m the captain now.”

🎁 PURCHASE CAPTAIN’S HAT HERE

FAQ: Cruise Gift Ideas

Find the top answers for questions about cruise gift ideas here.

What do people want on a cruise?

On a cruise, most people just want to enjoy themselves.

This is obviously subjective, but this could be anything and everything from just lounging poolside to trying out every onboard activity.

Some cruisers go for the carefree vacation where everything is taken care of.

Some people go for the entertainment, and others go for the ports.

Understanding what type of cruiser your loved one is will help you find the best cruise gift for them.

Can you send something to someone on a cruise?

Not really.

The best you can do is get a cruise gift card that they can use onboard at venues such as the spa or specialty restaurants.

For crew members, there are ways to send something to the ship but it usually takes more time than it’s worth in my experience.

Do cruises have gift shops?

Yes, cruises have gift shops though the type of products may vary.

Cruise gift shops include: souvenirs and cruise line-branded items, perfume, jewelry and watches, alcohol, and more.

Some ships have a small section of everyday pharmacy items but it’s best not to rely on these for essentials.

Bottom line: bring any toiletries you might need.

Final Thoughts: Best Gifts for Cruise Lovers

The best gifts for cruise lovers can be practical, thoughtful, unique, or just plain funny.

Regardless of what type of present you get from this list of cruise gifts, your friends and family are sure to enjoy it!

🏆 Buy the best gifts for cruise lovers here

Read More of My Best Cruise Tips

• Top 35 Practical Travel Gift Ideas For Every Budget in 2024
• Women’s Clothing for Cruises: Simple and Affordable Outfit Ideas
• 25+ Best Swimsuits for Cruises to Look Your Best
• How to Pack for a 7-Day Caribbean Cruise in a Carry On
• 220+ Best Cruise Quotes for Instagram to Level Up Your Feed
• Top 10 BEST Cheap Antarctica Cruises
• How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship: Step by Step Tips from a Crew Member
• What Working on Cruise Ships is Really Like: Pros & Cons

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