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The Best Gifts for Cruise Lovers: 79 Perfect and Practical Ideas
Cruising is a popular vacation choice for many people, offering the chance to explore new destinations and enjoy various onboard amenities. If you know someone who loves to cruise, you might wonder what kind of gift to get them during the holiday season or anytime. Fortunately, plenty of options are sure to delight any cruise lover.
When it comes to gifts for cruise lovers, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to consider the practicality of the gift. Space on a cruise ship can be limited, so compact, easy-to-pack items are ideal. You’ll also want to think about the types of activities your gift recipient enjoys. For example, if they love spending time in the sun, a gift related to outdoor activities might be a good choice.
Considering those factors, we’ve scoured the market to find the best gifts for cruise fans. From practical items to fun accessories, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member, or significant other, you will find a gift that will make their next cruise even more enjoyable.
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Best Planning Gifts for Cruise Lovers
Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure with the promise of exotic destinations, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. However, careful planning is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable voyage. If you’re gifting a seasoned cruiser or it’s their first time setting sail, having the right items to start the planning can make a difference. Here’s a great list of things to help your cruising friend plan their trip!
A Cruise Fund Jar
If you’re looking for a fun and practical gift for a cruise lover, a cruise fund piggy bank is a great choice.
A cruise fund piggy bank is a great way to save up for an exciting cruise vacation. The ceramic construction is durable and built to last, while the removable lid makes it easy to access your savings when you’re ready to book your next trip. The fun design will surely make you smile every time you add to your savings.
Is your cruising friend a planner? Consider a planner to help them plan their next vacation. Look no further than this list of top-rated cruise planners on Amazon. These planners offer a variety of features and designs to suit your needs, whether you’re a first-timer or an avid cruiser.
From detailed itineraries to packing lists and budget trackers, these cruise planners have everything you need to make your next cruise successful.
When choosing the perfect gifts for someone preparing to embark on a cruise, the possibilities are as boundless as the open sea. From practical items that streamline their packing process to thoughtful touches that enhance their onboard experience, our list of cruise packing gift ideas has you covered.
Whether it’s their first cruise voyage or they’re a cruise fanatic, these suggestions will help them set sail in style and comfort. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this treasure trove of cruise-packing gift ideas and make their upcoming journey unforgettable.
Makeup Bags
A makeup bag gift is perfect for a friend about to embark on a cruise. Cruises offer endless opportunities for fun and adventure, and having a well-organized makeup bag ensures they can effortlessly transition from a day of exploring to an evening of elegant dining and entertainment.
Whether for touch-ups on the go, storing sunscreen, or keeping essential cosmetics at hand, a makeup bag is a thoughtful and practical gift that will make their cruise experience even more enjoyable. It’s a compact, travel-friendly way to bring a touch of luxury and convenience to their voyage, ensuring they look and feel their best throughout their journey on the high seas.
Here are some of my favorite gift bags with the perfect cruising sentiment printed on them!
Since we’re talking about makeup bags, let’s also talk about what will make your cruise easier when you get to your stateroom. Cruise ships aren’t known for their large cabin bathrooms, so any organizational tools you can have will make your cruise more enjoyable.
The next item on my list is this large-capacity, water-resistant shower caddy toiletry bag. It is a must-have for cruise lovers and offers ample space to store all your shower essentials and organize them in a portable shower shelf.
I recently used this Shower Caddy Portable on a cruise, and it was a game-changer. The large capacity easily held all my shower essentials, including full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner. The hanging hook was convenient in the shower, and the mesh pockets kept smaller items organized and within easy reach.
The water-resistant material was a great feature, keeping my items dry and clean. The transparent pocket for my phone was a bonus, as I could safely use it in the shower without worrying about it getting wet.
FREE Printable Cruise Door Decorations
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When selecting cruise luggage tags as a gift, you must consider style and functionality. Look for durable tags that can withstand the rigors of travel, as they’ll need to securely hold vital information about the traveler’s luggage.
Opt for easily identifiable tags with clear and visible spaces for the owner’s name and contact details. A touch of personalization or a unique design can also make the luggage tags stand out, making them much easier to locate when retrieving them from the airport and ship port luggage areas.
These tags are cute and have tons of personality. They say “Cruise Ship Vacation” with their sunny, tropical theme. They are flexible and strap on your suitcases quite easily. Your personal information goes on a small slip of paper that goes into the back of each tag. Prepare to write small to fit everything in the allotted space.
When the cruiser is ready to board the ship, these tags perfectly complement the existing luggage tags on the suitcases. The cruise line provides important boarding info for their bags. Slip that info right into these clear pocket tags and onto the suitcases, giving them worry-free assurance that those bags will find their way to the correct stateroom.
Travel Organization Gifts for Cruise Lovers
Organization when traveling is so important! Whether you are gifting a super-organizer or a train wreck of an organizer, these gifts will be well-received as a way to keep everything in order while traveling to and from their cruise and while they are on the ship and taking shore excursions.
Today’s traveler almost always needs a passport and a vaccination verification handy. This handy little booklet will do that, and in stylish color, too!
This super cute and handy sling backpack makes the perfect “personal bag” for air travel and comes in just as convenient when carrying your essentials ashore when your ship stops at each port. Small, lightweight, and tropical in design, this bag makes a perfect gift!
I love using packing cubes when I pack up my suitcase. Packing cubes make getting in and out of your suitcase to find that one item much easier and more efficient. And you can’t beat pink!
I have several versions of this bag in multiple colors. I love that the sand runs right through the mesh material. It’s also super lightweight and has plenty of pockets to separate and keep your accessories in order! The generous side pockets are big enough for a water bottle or two.
Hats, Tees, and Other Wearable Gifts for Cruise Lovers
Hats for the Cruise Ship Lover
A hat adorned with a clever cruise ship quote or saying makes the perfect gift for your cruise-loving friend because it combines style with sentiment. Not only does it provide sun protection during those sunny days on deck, but it also adds a touch of humor or nostalgia to their cruise experience.
It’s a wearable reminder of their passion for cruising, sparking conversations and camaraderie with fellow travelers who share the same love for life at sea. Whether they’re lounging on the pool deck or exploring new ports of call, this hat becomes a cherished accessory that enhances their cruise adventures with a dash of personality and fun.
Check out some of these fantastic choices for your cruise-loving friend!
Beware the upside pineapple! If you didn’t know, this is a sign for those who practice the swinging lifestyle. Wear this hat with caution! Need I say more?
FREE Printable Cruise Door Decorations
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T-Shirts for the Cruise Ship Lover
A clever t-shirt makes an excellent gift for your cruise-loving friend because it combines comfort with a personal touch. It allows them to proudly display their passion for cruising while adding humor or creativity to their wardrobe.
Whether adorned with witty cruise-related slogans, colorful ship graphics, or playful nautical themes, this gift showcases their enthusiasm and becomes a conversation starter on board. Plus, it’s a practical keepsake they can wear long after their cruise adventure, constantly reminding them of the joyful moments spent at sea and the thoughtful friend who gifted it.
Consider a pair of socks if you’re looking for a unique gift for your cruise-loving friend. Socks are handy when traveling to the cruise ship and lounging around your stateroom.
Long after the cruise has disembarked, your friend will love the reminder of her time on the ship and her fun adventures! Here are a couple of pairs for your consideration.
Once your cruise-loving friend arrives at their first adventure off the ship, they’ll realize how glad they are to have a sturdy pair of water shoes. The beach and the ocean floor can have plenty of small sticks and rubble that can make walking around in bare feet painful.
What I love about my water shoes is that I put them on in the morning, and I can make my way around an entire day of exploration, in and out of the water, with no worries about sore or wet feet.
Jewelry makes an exceptional gift for your cruise-loving friend because it’s a timeless and elegant way to commemorate their voyages. Nautical-themed pieces, such as anchor or compass designs, can be beautiful reminders of their love for the sea.
Jewelry is versatile and can be worn during and after the cruise, adding a touch of maritime charm to their everyday attire. Additionally, it carries sentimental value, reminding them of the memorable experiences and adventures they’ve had while traveling the world by sea.
Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, cruise-themed jewelry becomes a cherished keepsake that symbolizes their passion for exploration and the enduring bond you share as friends.
Look at some of these beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry that make great gifts!
Of course, a jewelry organizer always makes a great complement to a piece of jewelry. After all, your friend will need a way to get that jewelry on board and back home again safely!
Choosing a gift that makes a cruise ship stateroom more comfortable is a thoughtful and practical gesture. These items make great gifts for your cruise-loving friend because they ensure a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.
Here are some stateroom items that make great gifts for your cruise-loving friend!
Staterooms don’t have many outlets. Trust me on this. And since the modern traveler usually has items to charge, such as cameras and phones, along with necessities like a CPAP to plug in, you can’t go wrong with a few extra outlets.
But be aware – cruise ships do not allow Surge-protected power strips, so be sure you’re purchasing a “cruise safe” item when shopping for a power strip. Also, if your traveling friend needs a CPAP or other accessory near the bed, consider the power strip with a cord since the outlet in their cruise cabin may be nowhere near the bed.
While discussing electronics, charging, and cords, let’s talk about organizing all that! Traveling is so much easier when all of those cords are tucked into a bag made just for them.
Decorating your cruise ship door is a fun way to personalize your home away from home. I love to decorate my door when I cruise. I’ve created some printable door decorations to share with my readers. Click HERE for your copy.
Here are a couple of other options to go with the freebies if you like plenty of options!
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When your friend arrives aboard the ship, they’ll want to stake their claim on their cruise chair. These little gadgets are the perfect way to do it. They also come in handy for recognizing which chair to return to after a trip to the bar or the restroom.
And, of course, when the ship is moving, there is a bit of a breeze, so these clamps and clips will help keep your towel in place so it doesn’t blow away!
And since we’re talking towels, let’s talk about the small and ordinary towels provided on the ship. I prefer to bring my own when I cruise, but a towel takes up a lot of space in the luggage. Enter these handy Microfiber towels that are super thin and super absorbent!
They roll up to the size of a paper towel tube (without the paper towel) and fit right into your bag. And they absorb much more than a standard terrycloth towel! My favorite part is that they are big enough to be used as a sarong and can even wrap around my curvy frame!
Nothing feels as nice as a refreshing shower after a long, busy day in the sun and surf. A gift of these shower fizzes is the perfect way to personalize your friend’s shower and make their whole cabin fragrant!
I’ve been on several cruises, and although I’m not typically prone to seasickness, it has happened. A queasy tummy can happen to anyone and will often depend upon the size of the ship, the weather conditions, and the stateroom’s location. These tiny wristbands are the perfect reusable gift to ward off nausea. Trust me when I tell you – if your friend is queasy, they’ll be thrilled that you were thoughtful enough to send these with them.
A day lounging on the ship or beach is much better when enjoying a good book. But carrying a pile of paperbacks on board is cumbersome at best. A Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect solution. With the no-glare and bright white screens, it’s easy to see in the bright sun and can fit many books and magazines.
A Kindle is easy to use, making it the perfect gift for the technology-wary traveler.
If you’re gifting a friend who is already lucky enough to have a Kindle, consider a Kindle gift card. This simple gift lets your traveler load up on their favorite guilty-pleasure read. And even better – it is small and easily mailed!
Cruise travelers often spend whole days off the ship and in port. In today’s world, there’s nothing worse than a dead phone when traveling, especially when you’re off the ship. So, a small, portable charger like this one is perfect for keeping a cell phone charged. A charged phone means they can take all the photos they want and send all the social media updates they can while living it up!
Cruise ships are cash-free and require every passenger to use their cruise card all around the ship, off and on. A cute lanyard will hold that key handy for bellying up to the bar and returning to your room after a busy day of exploring.
Tech lovers will love this gift! How do I know? Dan purchased me one for Christmas last year, and the first thing I did with it was take it on my MSC Cruise. I captured video while swimming with sharks and did an entire tour of the ship in 360-degree video footage.
The GoPro takes up minimal space and can be used for any adventure your friend can cook up! I promise this is one gift they’ll love! And if they’re new to GoPro, consider an accessory kit that includes every mount a user could want and a case to pack it all in! Here’s my recommendation:
One of the most essential items a cruiser can have is a waterproof dry bag for their technology. This waterproof phone pouch closes with a simple magnetic clasp and is my favorite for beach visits, poolside splashes, and even swimming with the dolphins. With the handy neck strap, a traveler never has to worry about leaving the phone lying about. It’s also big enough to fit a couple of credit cards in along with your phone.
Cruise travelers have plenty of opportunities to snorkel and swim in the ocean. Although rental equipment is often available, I have encountered a few occasions when no equipment was available, and I had to wait for a snorkel to become available.
Of course, I also struggle with sticking a snorkel in my mouth after it’s been in someone else’s mouth. Even though the equipment is sanitized, I feel more comfortable with my own gear. So, consider a snorkeling set for your traveling friend. This set has everything they’ll need for a day in the water without worrying about rental or returning equipment!
Did you know about Reef Safe Sunscreen? I did not – the last cruise I was on required that all sunscreen be Reef Safe. Reef Safe sunscreen helps protect the sea life from chemicals that come in many standard sunscreens. This SunBum sunscreen meets that requirement and is reef-safe. Do your friend a favor and hook her up with the right stuff before she gets on the ship. Find more information on safe reef sunscreen by reading HAWAII ACT 104: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Wrapping it All Up
Gifting a cruise-friendly present to a cruise lover is a surefire way to bring joy and excitement to their sea-bound adventures. From practical essentials that enhance their onboard experience to whimsical keepsakes that capture the spirit of the open ocean, these thoughtful gifts not only cater to their unique interests but also demonstrate your understanding and appreciation of their passion.
Whether it’s a stylish nautical-themed accessory or eco-conscious sunscreen for their beachside escapades, these gifts are not just tokens but represent cherished memories waiting to be made. So, when you choose a cruise-friendly gift, you’re celebrating their love for cruising and creating lasting moments of happiness, making it a present that’s bound to be treasured and remembered for every voyage to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique gift ideas for someone going on a cruise?
If you’re looking for unique gift ideas for someone going on a cruise, consider getting them a personalized cruise ship model or a custom-made cruise-themed photo album. You could also get them a travel journal or a scratch-off world map to document their travels.
What are some practical gifts to give to a cruise lover?
Practical gifts for a cruise lover could include a waterproof phone case, a portable charger, or a packable rain jacket. You could also consider getting them packing cubes or a travel-sized toiletry kit.
Can you suggest some personalized gifts for someone who loves cruises?
For a personalized gift for someone who loves cruises, consider getting them a custom-made cruise itinerary or a personalized cruise-themed t-shirt. You could also get them a customized luggage tag or a cruise-themed photo frame.
What are some funny gift ideas for cruise enthusiasts?
If you’re looking for funny gift ideas for cruise enthusiasts, consider getting them a cruise-themed board game or a set of cruise ship-themed drink coasters. You could also get them a silly cruise-themed t-shirt or a novelty pool float.
What should you say to someone going on a cruise?
When someone is going on a cruise, it’s always nice to wish them a safe and enjoyable trip. You could say, “Have a great time on your cruise! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.”
What are some good ways to let someone know you’re going on a cruise?
If you’re excited to share the news that you’re going on a cruise, consider sending out a cruise-themed announcement card or posting a cruise-related meme on social media. You could also send a group text to your friends and family, letting them know about your upcoming adventure.
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