I admit that over the last 20+ years of cruising, my general packing list hasn’t changed much. However, I add and subtract a few things each year, fine-tuning my list as my needs change. In this post, I’ll share 15 Amazon cruise essentials I’m loving in 2025. All of these items have been personally tested on more than one cruise.
15 Game-Changing Cruise Essentials from Amazon You’ll Want in 2025
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1. The Best Travel Fan for Cruise Cabins in 2025
This item seems to have taken cruisers by storm. I used to think that bringing a fan was unnecessary—until I turned 50. 😅 Let’s just say… I understand it now. This one makes it so easy! Now, it’s definitely on my packing list. This fan is super lightweight, holds a great charge, and doesn’t require an outlet nearby. You can even hang it from a large magnetic hook!
Recommended – Rechargeable fan
2. Stay Cool on the Go: Mini Handheld Fan Must-Have
We always seem to board a flight and then sit without air for too long, and this little fan has saved us more than once. I’ve also pulled it out on hot buses during tours or while relaxing at the beach. It’s compact, rechargeable, and has soft fan blades. This little fan also has a built-in flashlight AND can be used as a portable charger.
Recommended: Handheld fan
3. Cruise Cabin Organization Hack: Valet Trays for Travel
This one surprised me. The set comes with three trays that snap together in seconds, and they take up no space in your suitcase. I use them as catch-alls in our cabin—for keycards, jewelry, sunglasses, and chapstick. I love the light-colored interior, which makes everything easy to spot. I’ve also used these trays in hotel rooms and in our guest room at home.
Recommended: Valet Tray set
4. Stronger, Smarter Cruise Cabin Hooks
I’ve packed magnetic hooks for years, but this newer version is much better. These screw together and come in a small pouch, which saves space in my luggage. They’re just as strong as the bulky ones I used to bring, but much easier to pack and store.
Recommended: Compact Magnetic Hooks
Related Post: Cruise Cabin Prep Kit
5–7. Power Up: Cruise-Friendly Charging Station Setup
For years, I ignored the European plug-in cruise cabins. Not anymore! Now I always pack a Euro adapter and use that outlet to create a compact charging station. I plug in my pink multi-port hub and add my multi-charging cable, and just like that, I can charge my Apple Watch, iPhone, laptop, and Kindle all at once. This combo keeps everything in one place and frees up the North American outlets for other items like the hair dryer.
Recommended:
Euro Adapter
Multi-Port hub
Multi-charging cable
Related Post: Tech Gear for Travel
8. Portable Charger for Shore Excursions
This little charger is perfect for on-the-go power. I’ll often use it while we’re walking around a port or on a plane, and I love that I can still use my phone while it charges. Sometimes I charge the iWALK during the day, then plug in my phone at bedtime and keep it on the nightstand—no awkward stretching to reach an outlet.
Recommended: iwalk charger (please note the variations for different phone charging systems)
9. Hanging Toiletry Bag with TSA Pouch
I’ve always used a hanging toiletry bag for cruises, but I was due for a refresh, and I love this one. It’s spacious without being bulky, and the compartments are thoughtfully designed. What sets it apart is the removable TSA-compliant pouch. If you’re traveling carry-on only, this feature is a major bonus. Pack it flat if that works best with your space, and your items remain secure.
Recommended: Hanging Toiletry Bag
10 and 11. Eco-Friendly Cruise Toiletries That Actually Work
I thoroughly tested these at home for months before committing them to my travel kit, and they’re my new daily products. They last a long time (I wash my hair daily) and pair perfectly with the Matador drying pouches, which allow them to dry even when sealed. These pouches are some crazy drying magic! No icky slimy bars!
Recommended: Kitsch Shampoo and Conditioner Bars PLUS Matador Soap Bar Case
12. Solve the Sink Splash Issue on Your Next Cruise
Thanks to my daughter, I finally tried these, and now I understand the popularity. Cruise cabin sinks are small and tight on space, and I hate water running down my arms when I wash my face. These little wristbands solve that problem completely. They’re such a simple upgrade, but I’m totally hooked.
Recommended: 2pcs Wrist Bands for Washing Face
13. Keep Your Drink Cold Longer with This Beach Day Favorite
Perfect for sipping drinks on the beach or a private island day. Keeps your beverages colder much longer than the disposable cups provided. It’s one of those items that I’d miss immediately if I forgot it. Yes, it’s a “nice to have” as many of these items are, but I think it adds to the experience. Here are a few great options from Amazon, but I also recommend the wonderful brand Pirani, which has many options.
Recommended: Insulated wine tumbler on Amazon and from Pirani
Bonus – DIY Mini Sponges with Soap
I’ve done this for years: drizzle Dawn dish soap on a sponge, let it dry, cut it into strips, and pack a couple in a ziplock. They’re perfect for cleaning your insulated cup or water bottles during your trip. They take up no space and always come in handy.
14. Cruise Laundry/Closet Solution: Compact Foldable Hangers
These foldable hangers are perfect for kids’ clothing or air-drying swimsuits and delicates. Of course, you can ask your room steward for extra hangers, but they don’t have kid-sized ones, which are especially useful when cruising with little ones. I also brought these along for a multi-cruise trip when I needed to do laundry in between sailings, and they worked beautifully in my hotel room.
15. Small Bluetooth Speaker for Cruise Cabins (Check Rules!)
There’s nothing like a little music while you’re getting ready for dinner! This little Bluetooth speaker has great sound and is easy to pack. We keep ours on low and play Spotify playlists—it’s way better than using a phone speaker and adds a nice touch of home.
Just a reminder: not all cruise lines allow Bluetooth speakers, so check their rules first. If it is allowed, go for it! Don’t be that person blaring their music on the pool deck or in another public area. Keep the speaker in your cabin so you do not disturb other cruisers.
Recommended: Tiny Bluetooth Speaker (with over 48k reviews!)
Bonus items for Pre-Cruise Air Travel
Two items added to my packing list this year for air travel are the AirFly Pro 2 Bluetooth adapter and the Airplane Pockets tray table cover. Both of these items significantly improved our flight experience. We could use our Bose Wireless headphones, which have much better noise cancelling than our AirPods, AND the tray table cover was perfect for snacks and drinks. The available pockets kept everything accessible and organized.
We had a connecting flight, so at the end of the first flight, I slid off the tray cover, rolled the organizer up with my items still inside, and tucked it in my backpack, ready for our next flight!
Recommended: AirFly Pro 2 and Airplane Pockets
Conclusion:
With every cruise, my packing list gets a little smarter. These 15 Amazon cruise essentials for 2025 might seem small, but they are making a big impact on my travel packing game. Whether it’s finding comfort, staying organized, or keeping your tech powered up, these little additions have genuinely upgraded my cruise experience.
If you’re planning a cruise in 2025, 2026 or beyond, I hope you find a few new favorites from this list. And if you’ve got your own “non-traditional” cruise essentials, drop them in the comments or send me a message. I’d love to hear what’s changed the game for you.
Happy cruising,
– Jill
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