Recommendations for Smooth Sailing

Suggestions for Stress-Free Travel

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Cabin Comfort & Organization

Hanging Jewelry Organizer for Toiletries

A cruise hack I use to maximize limited space in a cruise ship bathroom is a hanging jewelry organizer.

This organizer is ideal for small spaces and holds the travel-sized toiletries and essentials I use every day within easy reach, without taking up as much space as a traditional shoe organizer. This space-saving organizer easily attaches to the wall using strong magnets, making it perfect for cruise cabin walls, which are often metal.

The back of the organizer also has pockets. I placed dime-sized magnets from the Dollar Tree (Crafter's Square Magnetic Buttons) into each of those pockets, allowing it to stick securely to the wall.

Depending on the cruise ship and bathroom layout, I can stick this directly onto the wall (MSC Meraviglia) or adjust as needed. On the Carnival Venezia, which doesn’t have metal walls in the bathroom, I hung it from the hook on the door, and the magnets on the back kept it from sliding around.

I found my organizer at a thrift store. This one from Amazon is the most comparable one I've found. It's just slightly larger which is even more beneficial making it a great option for your next cruise.

I have a couple of cabin tour videos where you can see how I've used this organizer.

The MSC Meraviglia tour can be seen by clicking HERE

The Carnival Venezia tour can be seen by clicking HERE

Battery-Powered Warm White LED Motion Sensor Night Light

I absolutely love this motion-activated soft white light. I will never travel again without this little travel essential.

Measuring 2-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 1 inches, it's small enough to fit into a cosmetic bag, making it perfect for travel. Some cruise cabins, the overhead light and bathroom light switches are side by side, making it hard to flip the correct switch in the night. Often, the bright bathroom light wakes everyone in the cabin.

This soft white light only comes on when the door opens, providing plenty of soft illumination. It stays on long enough to finish your task, if not, simply swing your arm to reactivate it.

It doesn’t come with magnets, but I glued the same Dollar Tree magnets I use on my hanging jewelry organizer onto the back (check out my organizer hack). Most cruise bathroom walls are metal, so it sticks securely, and for cabins without metal walls, there’s usually a high shelf to place it on, as shown in the photo.

When I’m not using it, I flip one of the three AAA batteries it uses around to prevent it from lighting up while traveling, making it efficient and convenient for any trip.

Click HERE to see a video I made, in the dark, that shows how awesome this night light works.

Magnetic Dry-Erase Wall Calendar with Pens

These magnetic dry erase wall calendars stick right to the metal walls of cruise cabins, making them a perfect addition for staying organized at sea.

I first started using these calendars on a two-week transatlantic cruise, and they’ve been a lifesaver ever since. Being retired, we already have enough trouble keeping track of what day it is—add vacation into the mix, and it’s even more challenging! These calendars serve as a clear visual reminder of sea days, port days, and the specific ports we’re visiting. They’re also great for tracking slot pulls, show schedules, dinner reservations, and more.

The photo here is from a seven-day cruise, where one calendar was sufficient, but for longer cruises, I bring two to ensure every day is covered.

Each set includes seven different colored pens with erasers on the caps, making it easy to color-code activities. To keep things neat, I use my magnetic wall clips to hold the pens securely in place.

I have a couple of cabin tour videos where you can see how I've used this organizer.

The MSC Meraviglia tour can be seen by clicking HERE

The Carnival Venezia tour can be seen by clicking HERE

Magnetic Hooks

Though we've been cruising for many years, it's only in the last year that I discovered the game-changing benefits of magnetic hooks for cruise cabins.

This particular image is from a two-week transatlantic cruise, where we needed warm clothing. While I usually prefer a clutter-free stateroom, the closet wasn’t large enough for all our clothes and jackets. To solve this, we used strong 150-pound magnetic hooks, which worked perfectly for heavier items like coats. You can find them HERE.

Typically, I use magnetic hooks for smaller items near the door that we might grab on our way out, such as lanyards or hats. This Carnival Venezia cabin tour shows how we’ve utilized lighter-weight 30-pound hooks for smaller items . You can watch it by clicking HERE.

Another video hows how to use the smaller hooks for the cord to the CPAP machine. You can watch that by clicking HERE.

One important tip: the stated weight capacity of these hooks refers to their strength when attached to the ceiling. When placed on the wall, the capacity may be reduced, so keep that in mind when planning your setup.

Inflatable Pool-Baby Bathtub

I'm sharing this idea as I have with a lot of other people as well. We don't have a need for this set up, but I can see how this could be useful if you're traveling with small children.

I honestly have no idea how parents face the challenge of bathing little ones in a cruise ship. Here's a simple, budget-friendly hack: bring along an inflatable swimming pool to transform the shower into a makeshift bathtub!

Cruising with kids doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comforts of home. Using an inflatable pool as a bathtub is a creative, space-saving solution that ensures your little ones enjoy their time onboard. It's just one more way to make your family cruise experience smoother and more enjoyable. magnetic dry erase wall calendars stick right to the metal walls of cruise cabins, making them a perfect addition for staying organized at sea.

Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray,

Those cruise ship cabins are really small and the ventilation is not that great. :-)

For me, Poo-Pourri is a Cruise Bathroom Essential. Cruise ship cabins are known for their efficient yet compact bathrooms, which can sometimes leave little room for privacy. That’s where Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray comes to the rescue! This travel-friendly product is a must-have for maintaining a fresh and pleasant atmosphere in your cabin..

Adding Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Spray to your cruise packing essentials helps ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. From odor control to creating a more enjoyable environment, this simple product makes a big difference on the high seas.

Digital Travel Alarm Clock

I have countless stories of mishaps due to time changes on a cruise. As a result, I won't cruise again without a travel clock.

Without going too much into detail on these sad stories, I will share when we were on a 14 day transatlantic we changed the clocks 7 times. Sometimes forward, sometimes backwards. Even with the Internet package it was super confusing trying to use the phone as a clock and especially as an alarm. One morning after staying up much too late we inadvertently set our alarm an hour before we needed to get up. An hour of sleep I certainly could have benefited from.

That’s when I decided a simple travel clock was worth every penny. Now, I pack one for every cruise. It’s dependable and doesn’t rely on internet access or ship Wi-Fi to stay accurate. When the ship changes time zones, I can quickly adjust the clock manually, and I know it’s showing the correct ship time—no second-guessing or worrying about missing an excursion or a dinner reservation. The best part? It’s compact and easy to stash in my bag, so it doesn’t take up precious packing space.

Another thing I love about having a travel clock is how it simplifies the cabin experience. With my little travel clock on the nightstand I know the time at a glance, even in the dark, without fumbling for my phone, which usually is correct when there's been a time change. . It’s just one less thing to stress over, especially on longer voyages or when I want to savor every minute of my cruise.

4-Shelf Hanging 4- shelf Closet Organizer

When we cruise I like things neat, organized, easy to find and easy to put away. This photo on the left is our closet on Carnival Paradise. I had to throw half my clothes on the floor. There was only one drawer. And lets admit it, somethings, you just don't hang up. :-) I ended up throwing half of my clothes on the floor because there was just no good place to put them. It was such a mess and made getting ready every day more stressful than it needed to be.

Since that cruise I've always brought a hanging organizer with me. It’s such a simple solution that makes a world of difference.

I learned this lesson the hard way again on our recent cruise aboard the Carnival Venezia. For some reason, I didn't pack a hanging organizer and I regretted it. I even mention it and show you why in our cabin tour video you can see by clicking HERE.

If you're sailing MSC or Norwegian, you'll find their closets are designed differently and you probably won't need a hanging organizer. Their closets are much more compact and not nearly as spacious. You can see the difference in closet design on MSC in my cabin tour video by clicking HERE.

In my experience, having a hanging closet organizer is one of the best hacks for staying organized on a cruise. It helps you make the most of the limited storage, saves you from digging through piles of clothes, and just makes the cabin feel more like home. Once you start using one, I promise you’ll never want to cruise without it!

Electronics

Travel Power Strip Non Surge Protector for Cruises

Cruise ships are getting better at accommodating modern travelers, but let’s face it—there are still never enough outlets in a cabin.

I learned early on that a non-surge-protected power strip is an absolute must-have for any cruise. Not only does it give you more outlets to work with, but it also keeps you from having to swap out cords constantly, which can get really frustrating.

I love the convenience it adds to our cabin routine. I can charge multiple devices at once, keep everything in one central location, and avoid the frustration of limited outlets. If you’re new to cruising or just looking for a way to make your trip smoother, trust me—a cruise-friendly non-surge power strip will make your life so much easier.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT POWER STRIPS:

Cruise ships require non-surge-protected power strips. It might seem like a small detail, but it’s actually really important for both safety and practicality.

Surge protectors, which are great on land to protect your devices from voltage spikes, can actually interfere with the ship’s electrical system. That interference isn’t just an inconvenience—it can create a safety risk, including the potential for fires. The components in surge protectors can overheat on the ship's electrical system, and nobody wants to risk something like that.

Because of these risks, cruise lines don’t allow surge protectors onboard. It’s a pretty common policy across all the major cruise lines, like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. If you bring one, chances are it’ll be confiscated, or you’ll have to check it with security—definitely not worth the hassle.

Non-surge-protected power strips, on the other hand, are totally cruise-friendly. They’re safe to use with the ship’s electrical system and a great way to expand the limited number of outlets in your cabin.

Trust me on this one—leave the surge protector at home and bring a cruise-approved non-surge power strip.

Cell Phone Strap Clip and Go Crossbody

When my daughter mentioned getting a cell phone strap for our Alaska cruise, I kind of blew it off. I honestly didn’t understand how it worked or why it would be useful. I saw how convenient it was for her and wished I'd had one when we went whale watching or dog sledding. I borrowed hers for our 11-day Carnival Venezia cruise. I haven't returned it yet and can’t imagine cruising without one.

One of the biggest reasons I love this cell phone strap is the peace of mind it gives me. I’m always nervous about losing or dropping my phone, especially when I’m on the balcony holding my phone out over nothing but the big blue ocean. I get so nervous—what if I drop it? With this strap, I don’t have to worry about that. My phone is secure, and I don't have to give it a second thought.

Another reason I love it is the convenience. When we’re out and about exploring the ship or ports, I love having my phone close by and ready to take pictures. In the past, I’ve missed so many great shots because my phone was tucked away somewhere safe to avoid the risk of losing it. With the strap, my phone is always within reach, and I can take photos quickly and easily without fumbling.

I also appreciate the adjustable nylon strap. It’s super versatile—you can wear it at whatever length feels comfortable. I personally like mine to hang closer to my chest, but I know others prefer it to sit down by their hip. It’s nice to have the option to adjust it to fit your style.

This simple accessory is a small but mighty addition to your cruise packing list. Whether you’re enjoying a balcony view, navigating a busy port, or just exploring the ship, a cell phone strap keeps your phone secure, accessible, and ready for all those unforgettable moments.

European Travel Plug Adapter

When we first started cruising, I didn’t even think about using a 110 to 220-volt adapter. In fact, it was a mistake we even had one. My husband ordered an adapter for our transatlantic cruise to use while we were in London. What a happy surprise that it also worked on the ship. What an inconvenience that it didn't work at all in London. :-)

I've brought this adapter with me on every cruise since then. Most cruise cabins don’t have nearly enough outlets to begin with, and this adapter lets you double your charging options.

The beauty of bringing a 110 to 220-volt adapter is that it’s compact, lightweight, and easy to pack. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, it’s one of those things you’ll be glad to have just in case. The one we have comes with USB ports, which add even more functionality for charging smaller devices like smartwatches or headphones.

Click HERE to watch a video on how we used the adapter to hook up the CPAP machine on the Carnival Venezia.

Do yourself a favor and toss a 110 to 220-volt adapter into your bag. It’s a simple way to make sure you’re powered up and ready to enjoy every moment of your vacation!

Keep in mind: This is not a voltage converter. This adapter only changes the shape of the plug to fit into a different outlet it does not modify or convert the voltage. A European Travel Plug Adapter allows you to plug your standard American electrical devices into European outlets, which have a different plug shape. You can use a European travel adapter if the ship's European style outlets, enabling you to plug in your US devices.

Apple AirTags

I think I've probably already mentioned, sometimes I worry. These tiny gadgets give me a little peace of mind when it comes to keeping track of my things, especially when we're on a cruise vacation.

First of all, embarkation day. You hand over your bags at the port and hope they show up later at your cabin. Mine always have, but sometimes I worry - what if they don't? With an AirTag tucked into my luggage, I can see exactly where my bags are. Still on the pier? Stuck in a holding area? Headed in the wrong direction? Adding a little bit of peace of mind is priceless, especially if you sometimes worry, like I do :-).

AirTags offer extra security with carry-on items as well. Not that they had them back then, but about 10 year ago I left my purse on the Amtrak train when we got off in New York City. Everything turned out okay, minus the $100 cash I had in my bag. It might have been a bit less stressful if I'd had a tag back then.

And here’s a pro tip: if you’re traveling with kids, or a spouse, toss an AirTag into their backpack or pocket so you can keep track of them too. :-)

AirTags add a level of convenience and security that I didn’t know I needed until I tried them. If you're cruising I recommend bringing a few along. They’re small, affordable, and one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary travel worry.

External Charger / Power Bank

This mini portable charger with built-in cables adds a little peace of mind when we're venturing out and about off the ship in the ports or on excursions.

This power bank has 4 built-in cables (iOS, Type C, USB A, Micro) and 3 Charging ports (USB A 1/2, Type C). It's compatible with almost all types smart devices on market such as iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 Series, XR, XS Max, Samsung S24, S23, S22, S21, S20, A52, A32, Z fold series, Z flip series, and Google Pixel series, and other Android phones, iPad, tablets.

I usually charge my phone overnight, but sometimes when I'm shooting a lot of videos, making calls, or FaceTiming from cruise ports, my phone battery drains faster than I'd like.

It's small enough (6" x 3: x 1"), and light enough (12 oz) I can easily throw it in my bag just in case. Having this power bank keeps me from feeling like I have to ration my phone use.

Waterproof Cell Phone Case

Personally, I don't use the lanyard feature on this waterproof, floatable cellphone case, but it has become an essential travel accessory for me. The main reason I love it is that it keeps my phone safe and protected inside my bag when we're at the beach, or on the boat when we're not on a cruise.

As I’ve mentioned before, I worry about my phone getting wet, sandy, or lost at the bottom of the ocean. This case acts as a bag within my bag, offering an extra layer of security. What I really appreciate is how easy it is to locate my phone when it’s in this case—it doesn’t get lost among towels, sunscreen, and other beach essentials. Plus, I can still use my phone’s touchscreen without taking it out of the case, keeping it completely free from sand and water.

If you prefer using it as a carrying case, it has clips at the top that keep it securely closed, giving it the waterproof protection. It also has little airbags along the edges to keep it afloat if my greatest fear comes true and the phone accidentally falls into the water.

Even though I mostly use it as extra protection inside my bag, it’s comforting to know that it doubles as a handy, floatable case if I need it.

Excursions & On Shore

Portable Compact Folding Chair

When we cruise we like to find private beaches that aren't filled with tourists. These chairs are perfect for that, since rentals aren't available..

At the private islands, like Half Moon Cay, we planned to spend the day relaxing on the beach. Renting a $49 clamshell beach setup through Carnival (two chairs and a clamshell-shaped canopy) seemed like the simplest solution. Unfortunately, by the time I booked it, they were sold out.

Beach chairs on the island are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but since we’re not the type to wake up early to claim chairs, we decided that wasn’t the best option. We've been on other cruises where we wished we had our own chairs, we decided to get these portable, lightweight beach chairs.

These chairs have dimensions of 27.5"D x 23.2"W x 35.8"H and can hold up to 330 pounds, making them sturdy yet lightweight at just 3.5 pounds. They fold neatly into a bag measuring 16.3" x 5.9" x 5", which is easy to carry to any cruise beach excursion. The elastic cord design makes them simple to assemble and pack up.

My favorite feature is the high backrest, which provides excellent support and lets you comfortably lean back and rest your head. These chairs are perfect for a full day of relaxation on beautiful Caribbean beaches, whether at Half Moon Cay, Bermuda or any other cruise destinations. Plus, with four color options, there’s something for everyone.

Sandproof Beach Blanket w/Corner Stakes

I absolutely cannot stand having sand all over everything during a beach day, which is why this sand-proof beach blanket has become an essential for me.

I hadn’t even thought of bringing one on our cruise until someone kindly loaned me theirs—and now, I wouldn’t go to the beach without it. This blanket was perfect for keeping our chairs, shoes, and bags sand-free and organized.

What's really nice is it has corner loops and stakes so you don't have to use your things to try and keep in from blowing away.

While it’s ideal for protecting belongings, if I were sunbathing, I’d probably still lay down a cozy beach towel on top of this blanket since the polyester material isn’t as soft as a traditional towel.

This blanket comes in different colors and designs, so you can choose one that suits your style.

The one I have measures 79"x83". It's the perfect size for two of us. It also comes in larger sizes, , 79"x110", and 108"x120"

Regardless of what size you get they fold into a compact 5"x7" carrying bag. It's lightweight and easy to pack in your beach bag and your luggage.

Mesh Beach Bag

My daily bag choice totally depends on what we’re doing.

For the beach I love this lightweight mesh beach bag. We have two. One for me, one for my husband. He carries his beach chair, towel, and snorkel gear in his bag, and I carry mine in my own.

I chose a fun leopard print bag for myself and got him a solid black one. This makes it easy to tell them apart. What I didn’t realize until they arrived was that only the black one has a zipper. My leopard print bag doesn’t, but I decided to keep them both anyway because it makes it super convenient to know whose bag is whose at a glance.

One of my favorite features is that it's made of mesh, so any sand we pick up during the day falls right through. They’re roomy enough to carry everything we need. Each bag measures 17.9"L x 15.3"H x 9"W and can hold up to 160 pounds yet it weighs less than a pound itself. So it’s easy to carry, and pack without adding extra weight to our luggage.

This bag has nine pockets in to help keep things organized, including deep side pockets for flip-flops, sunglasses, water bottles, and sunscreen. There’s even a splash-proof, zippered pocket inside for our key cards, phones.

I really like this mesh bag. In fact when we were in Half Moon Cay we say another couple that also had this bag as well. Not that it was an issue, but we might want to include a name tag next time. :-)

Collapsible Portable Stool?

We've been really pleased with this stool.

We've been on cruises where the lines for embarkation were very long and the stool came in handy.

We went to Ellen's Stardust Diner the night before we ported out of New York City. My husband never would have been able to stand in that line for 15-30 minutes.

When we were in the port of La Harve, on a transatlantic cruise there was a long line for the shuttle back to the ship and there weren't enough benches. The same thing happened when we were in the Bruges in Belgium. I honestly don't know what we would have done had we not had this stool.

It holds a maximum 400 pounds and weights just 2.2 pounds.

It expands up to 18" tall. In collapsed closed position it's only 10" x 2". The case also comes with a strap so it's easy to carry over the shoulder and has a small side pocket to carry a few extra things.

This particular item is made in the US and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Packing & Luggage

Compression Packing Cubes

I first started using compression packing cubes when we went on a transatlantic cruise last May.

Now I can’t imagine traveling without them. I’d have to leave half my stuff at home.

Compression packing cubes are a game changer—they’re not just for organizing; they actually help you pack more in less space. Once you fold and neatly arrange your clothes inside the cube, the second zipper compresses everything, reducing the space your clothes take up.

And here’s a comforting thought: if my luggage ever accidentally popped open everything is neatly contained in the cubes, keeping my packing stress-free.

I love the nylon material of these cubes because they’re forgiving if I slightly overpack. I’ve tried sturdier, canvas-like options, but the zippers on those tend to break or rip if things get too tight. These are much more reliable.

The set I use comes in four pieces with three sizes:

1 Small: 11.5" x 8.6" x 3.7" (expanded height)

2 Medium: 13.8" x 9.5" x 3.7" (expanded height)

1 Large: 17.7" x 12.6" x 3.7" (expanded height)

Compression packing cubes have truly transformed the way I travel. If you haven’t tried them, I highly recommend giving them a shot for your next trip!

Cruise Luggage Tag Holder

When Facebook groups for specific sailings became a thing, I started reading horror stories about lost luggage. That’s when I decided to spend the $5 and upgrade to proper cruise luggage tags. .

We probably cruised ten times before we started using cruise luggage tags.

Before that we attached out tags with tape or a stapler. It worked fine. However, there were a few times our tags were pretty mangled when our luggage arrived to the room.

Once they started Facebook groups for specific sailings and I read so many horror stories of lost luggage, I decided to spend the $5 and upgrade to using cruise luggage tags. Not only did they offer peace of mind, but they also saved me the hassle of begging the hotel front desk for a stapler or running out to buy packing tape because I forgot to pack it.

These tags are super convenient and compatible with most major cruise lines. So far, I’ve used them on Norwegian, Carnival, and MSC—and I’m excited to test them on Royal Caribbean next month.

Having cruise luggage tags has been one of those small but mighty upgrades that’s made my cruise prep so much smoother. It’s one less thing to worry about, and for me, that’s priceless

Personal Wellbeing

Sea-band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband for Motion Sickness

Here’s the good news about these motion sickness wristbands: I can’t honestly say if they work because I’ve never experienced any symptoms of seasickness while wearing them. That’s good, right?

I usually wear a seasickness patch along with these bands and every cruise has been nothing but smooth sailing—even when the waters got rough. I have a video from our transatlantic cruise where the waves were so intense I get queasy watching it, but at the time, I was fine.

We sailed during Hurricane Milton. The hangers in our closet rattled so badly from the motion they kept waking us up, yet I still didn’t have any symptoms of seasickness. Was it the wristbands? The patch? A combination of both? I don’t know, but I’m glad I had them.

One feature I really appreciate about these wristbands is they come in a little plastic case, making them super easy to pack. I just toss them into my overnight bag without worrying about them getting separated or lost.

If you’re prone to motion sickness or worried about rough seas, I’d say give these wristbands a try. They’re compact, convenient, and might just make your cruise more enjoyable!

Diabetic Insulin Cooler Travel Case with Temperature Display & TSA Approved Ice Packs

This diabetic insulin cooler is a must have for the diabetic traveller.

It includes two TSA-approved ice packs that, when frozen for 5 to 8 hours, maintain a temperature of approximately 35-46 ℉ for up to eight hours, keeping your insulin safely chilled during travel or excursions.

One of my favorite features is the built-in outer temperature display, which lets you quickly check the cooler’s internal temperature for added peace of mind, especially when traveling to warm climates.

Compact and lightweight, this insulin travel cooler measures just 8.5" x 3.5" x 2.3" and weighs only 0.6 lb, making it easy to carry in a backpack, purse, or travel bag without adding bulk.

On the ship, we store insulin in the refrigerator and use this cooler for trips to and from the port or on excursion days. Pro tip: take the ice packs to Guest Services the night before you need them, and they’ll have them frozen and ready for you the next morning.

This portable cooler ensures your medication stays safe, no matter where your travels take you!

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