Top 15 Must Have Cruise Accessories

This list of must have cruise items will instantly upgrade your vacation. Each product was made specifically for cruisers to address the little nuances of cruise ship life. Can't find your sign & sail card? Does your towel keep blowing away on the Lido Deck? Care to take an underwater turtle selfie? We've got you covered below.

Best of all, these cruise essentials are all found on Amazon. So you're one click (and two days away) from a vacation upgrade.

Must-Have Cruise Items on Amazon

Key Card Wallet

The key card wallet is an excellent alternative to the commonly used cruise lanyard. If we wanted something hanging around our necks all day, we'd bring our kids on board...right?! The Cruise Key Card Phone Wallet is the newest product on our list of must have cruise items. It easily attaches to the back of any device and holds multiple cards. Your cruise ship ID will piggyback your phone all week for super easy access. What better way to keep your ship card safe than attach it to your most precious possession?

Click to see this Key Card Wallet on Amazon

Funny Cruise Shirts

Funny cruise shirts aren't for everyone. However, there's a subset of cruisers for whom this product is targeted. You could say it "floats their boat" to get the inevitable smirks and nods from like-minded shipmates as they parade around the ship. There are a variety of hilarious shirts to choose from for every sense of humor. Click below to find the perfect one for that special cruiser in your life.

Click to see all Funny Cruise Shirts on Amazon

Travel Shampoo Bottles

Cruise Ships provide shampoo and soap similar to that found at your local gym. These are acceptable to most men, but for female cruisers, you'll likely want conditioner at the least and possibly a suite of customized potions and lotions to assist with your beauty routine. These leak-proof travel bottles are the answer. They're FAA-compliant so you can travel with ease. In addition, the silicone material is food-grade, so you can take your favorite hot sauce on board if that's your fancy.

Click for these Travel Shampoo Bottles on Amazon

Cruise Door Decorations

These Cruise Door Decorations are a great way to separate your cabin from the sea of others lining those never-ending cruise hallways. They're also perfect for showcasing any message or event you might be celebrating. Or, easily post your Daily Ship Planner on your cabin wall, so you don't miss crocheting at sea, bingo, the belly flop contest, or any other must-see events. As an added bonus, these Sticky Frames let you quickly find your stateroom after a long day at the Lido Bar.

Click for your Cruise Door Decorations on Amazon

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Your Waterproof Phone Case keeps your device safe and easily accessible throughout your vacation. Cruise lines encourage more frequent use of smartphones for messaging, tracking, and booking incidentals while at sea. This item lets you access your touch-screen while it's fully protected and securely hanging from your neck. The quick-release buckle provides even easier access. It also works perfectly underwater, so you can lock in that dolphin selfie you've dreamed of for years.

Click for your Phone Pouch on Amazon

Cruise Tote Bag

The Cruise Tote Bag comes in extremely handy while at sea and port. You'll be surprised at the amount of stuff you carry throughout your ship and port. Daily pool trips require clothes, lotions, magazines, and other accessories. During port visits, you will likely come back with souvenirs, keepsakes, tchotchkes, and trinkets. You'll need a way to carry these items easily and without worry. Please note that this tote bag will hold a maximum of 27 Señor Frogs T-shirts.

Click for your Cruise Tote Bag on Amazon

Porthole Sticker

This Porthole Sticker is known as the "cheapest cruise cabin upgrade." Peel and stick to your Interior Stateroom Wall, and immediately transform to an Oceanview Cabin. We're sorry if you don't have a cruise planned; this is the next best thing to being at sea. Well, maybe not the next best thing. But, it is a thing that will remind you of cruising for a very reasonable price. So, decorate your office cubicle, bathroom, or anywhere you spend time and pretend you're cruising the high seas.

Click for your Porthole Sticker on Amazon

Thank You Cards

Cruise Crew Thank You Cards are the best way to show appreciation to the hard-working staff on your next sailing. Whether you plan to include a kind note or a few bills, the employees on your next cruise will be extremely appreciative. While we do it mainly for the "warm and fuzzies," the added level of service never goes unnoticed. You'll see "good service" quickly transform to "amazing service" once these are delivered! PRO TIP - include your favorite bartender on the list for extra stiff pours all week.

Click for your Cruise Thank You Cards on Amazon

Cruise Nails

Cruise Nails are a fun way to show off on your next sailing. They're so easy to apply; you can add them while waiting in line to embark. They'll last all week long and come off quickly when your vacation ends (sad face). The nautical designs are beautiful and vibrant patterns that guarantee shipmates' comments all week.

Click for your Cruise Nail Strips on Amazon

Cruise Night Light

The top of your Cruise Must Haves Packing List must include a motion sensor night light. Cruise cabin bathrooms are the black hole of any stateroom. After a long day at Carlos & Charlies, you don't want to be fumbling around for a light switch. Even if you find it, you're in for a rude awakening. The notoriously bright light will practically burn a hole through your tired retinas and wake any cabin mates within eyeshot of this near solar flare. Your motion-activated night light provides a dim glow to get you in and out of your bathroom with the fewest stubbed toes and angry roommates.

Click for your Cruise Night Light on Amazon

Towel Bands

Towel Bands are the newest, must have cruise item to hit the Lido Deck. Don't let your beach towel get lost at sea, along with your deposit. The towel will stay obedient, hugging your pool chair, and it will be easy to spot with these bright and attractive bands. As an added bonus, they take up much less luggage space than traditional Towel Clips. Use that extra packing space to include a couple more of these cruise essentials.

Click for your Towel Bands on Amazon

Cruise Lanyards

You'll notice most passengers wearing lanyards throughout your sailing. Unfortunately, this popular item is sold for a hefty price in your ship's shopping area. Instead, buy it now for way less on Amazon! The lanyard provides a convenient and attractive way to store your cruise key card throughout your vacation safely. You'll need to use your ID constantly, allowing easy access and assuring you'll never lose this essential cruise item. It comes with a retractable reel and a quick-release clasp for added convenience. Shave precious seconds off of bar visits. It also serves as a wonderful souvenir to remember your vacation.

Click for your Cruise Lanyards on Amazon

Cruise Luggage Tags

Cruise Luggage Tags might be the essential item on this list. They're the key to starting your vacation on the right foot. You'll want to start enjoying your ship as soon as you get on board. You'll need bathing suits and sandals immediately and your dining attire shortly after. To ensure these arrive safely, secure your bag tags properly. The cruise line will send printable e-tags in the days leading up to your cruise. They suggest that you fold and staple these onto your luggage. This one little staple has the sole responsibility of securing your bags' transportation across the crowded maze of the ship's treacherous underbelly. No, thank you. Ensure safe arrival of your luggage with a secure tag that holds the printable e-tag.

Click for your specific Cruise Line's Luggage Tags on Amazon

Cruise Hanging Organizer

This Cruise Cabin Hanging Organizer takes advantage of precious and otherwise unused vertical space. The 15 large mesh pockets fit almost anything you'd need to store. Organize lotions, wine bottles, sandals, reading material, belly-flop trophies, devices, and dozens of other cruise accessories that tend to pile up throughout the week. Remove all countertop clutter and the associated angst of a messy cruise cabin. This must have cruise item will ease the stress of any neat freak in your life. It easily hangs on interior cabin doors and collapses to the size of a shirt when packed. The product is also flame-retardant to comply with cruise line policies.

Click for your Hanging Organizer on Amazon

Cruise Power Strip

This Cruise Power Strip tops nearly every cruise essentials list for a good reason. Most cruise cabins have one accessible outlet in the main living area. Two plugs just won't cut it in this day and age. In addition, you'll have phones, iPads, laptops, cameras, gaming devices, Kindles, and other gadgets to keep charged up and ready to use. So don't get caught waiting in your stateroom for more bars while everyone else is at happy hour. Unfortunately, cruise ships don't allow any power strips; however, this item is fully compliant with all major cruise lines' policies.

Click for your Cruise Power Strip on Amazon

The items above will make a great cruise vacation even more enjoyable. Our cruising community tested them and absolutely passed "muster." If you have more to add to this list of must have cruise items, feel free to share those in the comments below.