Cruise vacations are known for convenience, but forgetting key items can lead to unexpected charges once you’re on the ship. Whether it’s overpriced toiletries, electronics, or even clothing, small mistakes in your packing strategy can quickly add up. Planning ahead—and packing smart—can help you avoid the inflated prices of onboard shops and services.
Here’s what to bring to save money and stress while sailing.
- Power Strips (Cruise-Approved)
Cruise ship cabins usually have very few outlets. Since surge-protected strips are prohibited, pack a non-surge-protected power strip or USB hub. Buying one onboard can cost two to three times more than on land.
- Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee Mugs
Staying hydrated is free—if you bring your own reusable bottle. Buying bottled water or coffee drinks repeatedly can be expensive. Some cruise lines let you bring limited bottled water onboard, but a refillable container is more flexible and eco-friendly.
- Over-the-Counter Medications
Common medications like seasickness pills, pain relievers, or allergy meds are often sold onboard—but at a markup of 200–300%. Pack a small pharmacy kit with:
- Seasickness remedies (Bonine or Dramamine)
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Antacids and antihistamines
- Motion sickness wristbands
- Travel-Size Laundry Supplies
Many cruise lines offer laundry services at a premium. For minor clothing refreshes, bring:
- Travel detergent packets
- A sink stopper or collapsible basin
- A portable clothesline (hung in your bathroom)
Tip: Some ships offer laundry rooms with coin machines—still cheaper than per-item pricing.
- Cruise-Friendly Attire
Theme nights and formal dinners often catch first-time cruisers off guard. Buying clothing or accessories on the ship is costly. Check your itinerary and pack:
- Formalwear (if your cruise has elegant nights)
- Closed-toe shoes for specialty restaurants
- Theme-specific outfits (e.g., white night, tropical night)
- Snorkel Gear and Water Shoes
If you plan on beach excursions or water sports, packing your own equipment can save rental fees in port. Essential items:
- Snorkel mask and fins
- Aqua shoes
- Dry bag for electronics
- Lanyards and Card Holders
Cruise cards are your room keys, payment method, and ID while onboard. A lanyard or waterproof card holder makes it easier to keep track—and costs less when purchased ahead of time.
- Sunscreen and Toiletries
Sunscreen prices on ships can be double or triple what you’d pay at a drugstore. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, travel-sized toiletries, and any essentials you can’t afford to forget.
Use cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta to save when buying these pre-cruise. You can also earn cashback with a Carnival gift card using Fluz to offset onboard purchases that allow gift card payments.
- Tech Accessories
Forgot your phone charger? You’ll likely pay double in the onboard shop. Essential tech to pack:
- Charging cables and portable battery packs
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Headphones for quiet time on deck
- Printed Documents and Offline Apps
Internet at sea can be expensive and slow. To avoid paying for Wi-Fi just to check your itinerary:
- Download boarding passes, excursion details, and maps in advance
- Use offline travel apps like Maps.me or Google Maps offline areas
The Bottom Line
Packing wisely isn’t just about convenience—it’s about avoiding the high cost of cruise ship purchases. By thinking ahead and using cashback apps to buy your essentials, you can keep more money for experiences, not emergencies. Your luggage could be the most underrated tool for staying on budget at sea.
