The best tech items to pack for a cruise
While a lot of people believe that a cruise is a time to put your technology away, some items can really make your trip better.
Veteran cruisers know cabin space is limited – first-time cruisers might be surprised at just how limited. And even if you plan to book a larger suite, don’t expect a walk-in closet. Bottom line: efficient packing in the right luggage are essential. Still, in this day and age, it’s impossible to even imagine traveling without a cache of electronics. Some are essential, some are nice to have – this list includes some of each.
While we’re on the topic of what to pack, cruise ships also have a long list of items that are forbidden and will be confiscated upon boarding (don’t worry, though, any items that are removed from your bags will be returned at the end of your trip). Everything on our list below is compact and cruise-ship-approved.
Come Cruise with Me aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Image source: Daniel Kline/TheStreet
INIU High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, $18
Is there anything worse than realizing your phone (or tablet) is just about out of juice and there’s no outlet to be found? When traveling, you’re likely to be using battery-draining features like maps and video, so a portable battery charger like this one from INIU is a life-saver. This portable battery pack has more than 80,000 5-star ratings.
“We have now used this charger on a trip and it's worked pretty well. It came in handy for charging our two phones at the same time at cafes on vacation. In the evenings I'd plug it into the wall socket to recharge and it'd be ready for the next day. It came in handy more than once when we noticed our iPhones at ~11% charge while we were out and about. We just plugged in both phones and were up to ~50% charge in a matter of minutes,” wrote one buyer.
INIU High-Speed Charging Battery Pack
NEWVANGA Universal All-in-One Worldwide Travel Adapter Power, $17
On most ships, each stateroom has one electric outlet equipped with a 3-prong 110-volt (North America Grounded) and a 220-volt (Europe German-Style) so this is a nice to-have accessory but not necessary. This adaptor accepts plugs from more than 150 countries and also has one USB-C charging port.
NEWVANGA Universal All-in-One Worldwide Travel Adapter Power
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Case, $10 for 2
Got a snorkeling excursion planned? You’ll definitely want to snap some pics of the creatures you see underwater. A waterproof case provides complete protection against water (and, snow, dust, and sand).
Describing it as a “perfect phone pouch,” one enthusiastic buyer said, “Took it in the ocean and it worked great. This was my first time using something like this so I was a little apprehensive about taking my phone underwater with it but, after the first submersion I noticed no leaking and my phone was bone dry.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Case, $10 Image source: Amazon.
Polaroid Underwater 4K Camera, $50
If you’re reluctant to take your phone into the water, even secured inside a waterproof case, an affordable underwater camera will let you capture underwater images and give you peace of mind. This rechargeable underwater Polaroid camera takes clear and crisp photos and video and is waterproof up to 10 feet deep.
Then when you’re back on the ship, you can share photos on social media or transfer your shots to your computer via Wi-Fi. One reviewer says it “effectively captures stunningly detailed images and videos, bringing the vibrant underwater world to life in breathtaking 4K UHD quality. From documenting colorful coral reefs or elusive marine life, the camera guarantees your memories are preserved with exceptional clarity & richness.”
Polaroid Underwater 4K Camera, $50
GL.iNet Secure Travel WiFi Router VPN, $34
Most public Wi-Fi is not password protected and therefore puts you at risk of hackers getting a hold of passwords and even financial information. A virtual private network (VPN) will convert the ship’s public network to private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. It’s compatible with 30+ VPN service providers and features Cloudflare encryption supported to protect your privacy.
GL.iNet Secure Travel WiFi Router VPN, $34
Leshen Rechargeable Small Flashlight, $20
Inside cabins are dark as they have no window or other source of natural light and having a mini flashlight next to your bed will allow you to light the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night without having to flip on a light. Your partner will thank you. This waterproof mini rechargeable flashlight has 5 lighting modes: High/Medium/Low/Strobe/SOS for multifunctional use.
Leshen Rechargeable Small Flashlight, $20
NUOZHI Cruise Safe Power Strip With USB Ports, $13
Most power strips feature surge protection and surge protectors are not allowed on cruise ships so you’ll need a ship-approved device like this one if you want to charge multiple devices at once. The mini power strip has three AC outlets, three USB ports and one USB type C port. It can charge seven devices at the same time, including phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, headphones, etc.
NUOZHI Cruise Safe Power Strip With USB Ports, $13
SelfieShow Selfi Stick / Tripod With Wireless Remote, $11
You’ll never have to ask a stranger to take your photo again. This handy tool functions as both a selfie stick – extending our 40.6 inches and a tripod. Holds most iPhone and Android phones as long as they measure 65-95mm. It includes a wireless remote so you can take a photo when you’re ready rather than relying on your photo app’s timer.
SelfieShow Selfi Stick / Tripod With Wireless Remote, $11
Zuvas Portable Fan, $17
If you tend to run warm, especially at night, a portable fan placed next to your bedside might be just what you need to get a good night’s sleep without having to blast the AC. This folds-flat fan measures just 7.1” x 5.1” x 1.4 and features three speeds. One buyer describes the fan as quiet and powerful saying, “I used this fan on a recent cruise ship at night. It was quiet and was powerful. Highly recommend. Folds flat and easy to travel with.” It’s rechargeable or you can use it plugged into an outlet.
Zuvas Portable Fan, $17 Image source: Amazon
Bose Waterproof Speaker, $149
This speaker is definitely an investment but for a waterproof – it even floats! – and wireless speaker that sounds this good, it’s worth it. And of course it’s not just for travel. The speaker plays music for 12 hours when it’s fully charged and It has a microphone so you can use it for hands-free phone calls, too.
One reviewer gave it a glowing review, writing, “The bass is incredibly clear, with no horrible warbling and distortion that’s very common with dozens of other similar speakers. The audio playback is very crisp and clear, with no noticeable quality losses. I’m sure it’s not perfect, but it’s more than adequate for 95%+ of people. Even at low volumes, the quality is still extremely high. There is a usable, enjoyable sound at every volume level.”
CAOODKDK Electronic Gadget Organizer, $6
So how to keep all the cords for the devices on this list packed neatly and not all tangled up? With a gadget organizer of course. This one is padded to protect its cargo (it also has a sleeve for a tablet) and has multiple compartments for batteries, cords, mini router, and any other accessories you’re traveling with. Measuring 7.4” x 4.3" x 2.1" it should hold nearly every item on this list.
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