Can’t think what to buy your loved one for their upcoming birthday? Want to send a ‘thinking of you’ gift to a friend who’s struggling at the moment, or who is perhaps meant to be on a cruise right now and needs some cheering up?
Check out these 25 Best Cruise Gifts to bring a bit of love to their day!
I’ve included two sections, one containing essential items every cruiser should take on board with them, and one which is purely for fun – cos we all need some of that, right?!
Read on…and remember there’s nothing wrong with buying yourself gifts too 😉
Please note that some of these are affiliate links and you clicking on them may make me a small commission at absolutely no extra charge to yourself.
Best Cruise Gifts to Use on Board
1. Humidifier
We always cruise with a humidifier and essential oils. The air conditioning on a ship can be brutal on your voice and lungs, so having this to put some humidity back into the air is really helpful. It’s also soothing to sleep with lavender oils, if you are a light sleeper. These make a great gift as they are portable and can be used anywhere – camping, hotel rooms, your bedroom or even on your desk at work (maybe don’t use the oils for sleeping there!).
Something else I can’t travel without! We love to have music playing, especially when relaxing in the cabin, or when enjoying a drink. This is the Bose we have, which is fairly lightweight to travel with, but gives excellent quality sound. Again, this makes a fab present because it’s portable and can be used on the beach, camping, hotel rooms or at home or the office.
3. Carry-on Bag
I love to travel with a carry-on bag which doubles as a beach bag or day bag – and some of my fave bags were gifts from friends! A good quality bag which can withstand a bit of bashing around is ideal, so this isn’t the time you want to be picking up a cheap hold-all from a market.
This is a great unisex bag with a shoulder strap and space for a laptop too. A good all-rounder which can double as a weekender bag.
This one has a pull-out handle to be wheeled which is always great to save the weight on your shoulders, especially after a long day travelling with suitcases too.
I love this blue and white waterproof tote bag. Spacious, loads of pockets, perfect for a carry-on as well as for the beach. 
4. Wash Bag
I can’t remember the last time I bought a wash bag, my sister buys me a new one every few years and I have absolutely loved them all! As a regular traveller herself, she understands the requirements, being spacious with lots of compartments, but also compact enough to not take up half the bathroom bench!
This one below is large enough to take everything I need with me – I’m not great at travelling light when it comes to toiletries and meds and this has a section for everything!
This is a great one for men too, my husband’s is very similar, he’s had it for years and loves it! The hook is great for hanging over the bathroom door and it’s super slim so doesn’t take up much space.
5. Lanyards
Lanyards are so popular with cruisers because you need to have your key card on you at all times, so having it around your neck just makes sense. If you have booked through a travel agent, they may have some they can give you, but if not, there are lots of cruise-themed lanyards you can buy cheaply.
This pack of 2, red and blue are great as they have a clip to snap off the card when you need to use them, rather than fishing it out of the wallet or pulling it over your head each time (can’t mess up the hair darling.!).
These are the best space-saver for your cabin. Wardrobes generally aren’t the biggest, and having your dresses scrunched up over your shoes is never ideal! So, place all your shoes in this holder over the door, and problem solved! This is a great gift for any cruiser, especially if they’ve not thought of it before! It’s was a top tip in my post Best Cruise Packing Tips – Expert Advice.
So, I have to admit, I’ve not yet used these, but I keep being told how life-changing they are…so if anyone wants to buy me one for a gift, please feel free!
8. Fan
This mini fan is an essential item for many cruisers. Not only to control the temperature, but also for some white noise in the cabin if you have noisy neighbours or are in a loud location (tip – try not to book a cabin above the nightclub!).
9. Shawl
Every woman needs a shawl on a cruise in my opinion! I personally find the evenings quite chilly with the air conditioning, and when you’re in your fancy evening wear, you will need something to cover your shoulders.
These are great because they’re lightweight to travel with, but a good size, look classy and come in a ton of colours to match any outfit. You can also take it out on an excursion for cover if you are visiting mosques or places of worship. A perfect gift for any woman, even if they don’t cruise.
10. Thermal Coffee Cup / Bottle
I always take these on cruises with me because I hate using single-use plastics, and I like to wander with a drink in hand, not just sit and drink. There are lots of options you can purchase, I like the pattern and size of this one. It keeps drinks hot for up to 12hrs, perfect for the tea or coffee addict.
I absolutely love this product! So many times my phone has adjusted to the GPS time zone, when the ship is operating on a different time, and I’ve missed meetings (uhum, I hope my boss never reads this! Haha!) This alarm clock can be adjusted to stay on ship time, but also acts as a bedside lamp, which is great especially when you’re in an inside cabin. It’s slim and lightweight, so perfect to travel with – this is an awesome gift!
This is an essential for all travellers, not just cruisers. I always keep one in my car as well as taking it on holiday. Remember that the Medical Centres on board are very expensive (don’t forget your travel insurance!) so having some basics with you is always handy!
Best Cruise Gifts Just for Fun!
Ok, so these are certainly not essentials, but they are my favourite kind of gifts because they’re just fun and will bring a smile to their recipient! Check them out…
13. Mugs
A classic gift anyone will love and it will always come in handy!
Eat, Sleep, Cruise, Repeat! How cute is this?
What Happens On the Cruise mug
14. T-Shirts
Perfect for men or women, lightweight to travel with and always a fun gift!
15. Bracelets
My parents gave me this Pandora cruise charm for getting my job with Royal Caribbean Australia – I absolutely love it! Pandora have lots of travel related charms, they’re a great present for someone who has everything, or for a really thoughtful gift.
For the men in your life, these stainless steel bracelets are great, and come in a few different colours and styles.
16. Necklace
This cruise ship pendant is really cute for the cruise loving female in your life!
This necklace comes with a heartfelt card, which would be a lovely gift for a younger female in your life.
17. Caps
Everyone loves a cap! This On Cruise Control is a great unisex one perfect for anyone of any age!
This Captain and First Mate cap combo is super cute for couples! The pack comes with matching beer holders too!
This adult baseball Seas The Day cap is just adorable for any female cruiser!
Looking for a novelty cruise hat, just for a laugh or for a fancy dress party? Here you go!
18. Cabin Decorations/Porthole Decal
If you want to pretend you’re on a ship, or maybe your friends have just booked their first cruise and they’re in an interior room? This is the perfect gift for them!
19. Baggo (Cornhole)
If you’re a regular cruiser with Viking, you’ll know that Baggo gets extremely competitive! Give someone a head start by practicing at home before their next cruise…any family will absolutely love this as a gift!!
20. Cruise Cuff Links
These ship cuff links are so gorgeous, I think I need to get some for my husband…!! Any guy would love to receive these unique cuff links, and they’d be perfect for any ship formal night!
21. Cruise Themed Bedding
Why not pretend you’re on a cruise all year round? These are really awesome gifts for any cruise addict to make their bedroom feel holiday-inspired!
These are so cute for a serious cruise lover! It will brighten up any bathroom and make the bather dream they’re back on a ship!
23. Cruise Ship Hand Towel
A subtle nod to a cruise addiction! These tasteful white hand towels will look great in any guest bathroom. A fabulous gift! 
24. Cruise Jigsaw
During these interesting Covid-19 times, I think jigsaws have become most people’s new-found hobby! What better than a cruise ship jigsaw to commiserate those cancelled cruise vacations?!
25. Selfie stick
Did you even go on holiday if you don’t have photos up on social media to prove it?! This is a fabulous selfie stick/tripod combo which is everything you need to take awesome photos to make your friends jealous! I’m often exploring on my own and love my tripod to capture those moments down picturesque lane ways or on a beach when I don’t have a photographer buddy with me! All your friends will love this gift, even if they don’t cruise!
Wrap Up!
So there you have it, my 25 best cruise gifts! I hope you found something you liked in there, I know there are plenty on my wishlist at the moment!
Do you have anything else you love to give to a cruise lover? Let me know your thoughts on my suggestions.
Also, please do share this if you have friends who may want ideas of what to get you for your next birthday or Christmas present!
Thanks for reading, see you next time 🙂
Wendy A x
Did you see my article, cruising after Coronavirus, are you prepared?
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Great advice. Love your blogs…
Thank you so much Peggy! Hope you’re both doing well, we miss you! x
So many great gifts! The over the shoulder shoe holder is great for bras, undies, jewelry, workout gear too. It’s a total space saver!
Yes, they’re awesome aren’t they! Absolutely brilliant for home and travelling!