Hands on Review: Auvon Rechargeable Night Lights + The Problem with Cruise Ship Bathrooms at Night

A lot of cruise packing lists, blogs and videos recommend packing a night light for your next cruise vacation and for good reason cabins can get dark at night, especially interior cabins. A night light can help prevent you from bumping into things.

What About the Lack of Outlets?

The problem is… Traditional night lights take up an outlet. Outlets can be a precious commodity in your cruise ship cabin with some cabins having as little as… 1 outlet. This has generally gotten better with newer ships, but can still be an issue. Even newer ships that have more cabin outlets, the outlets can be placed in such a way as to limit their usability. If two outlets are too close together… you can only use one.

One potential solution to this problem is a 220v night light. These utilize an often ignored and unused 220v outlet that is present in many cabins.

Another solution is a rechargeable night light. Since they’re rechargeable they don’t take up an outlet after they’ve been charged.

This is particularly helpful when it comes to cabin bathrooms. Very often these have 0 usable outlets.

The problem with cruise ship bathrooms at night

A rechargeable night light is also great for one particular trouble spot in your cabin… your cabin bathroom. Some cabin bathrooms are completely dark. Like… completely dark. Also a lot of times the light switch is on on the outside of the bathroom. To avoid being trapped in a small dark box you need to turn on the light before entering and potentially disturb your cabin mate. Also that much light can have a tendency to wake a person up. Okay, so… plug in a night light? Think again, most cabin bathrooms don’t have an outlet. 

An illustration of the dark cruise ship cabin bathroom

This is a video of me going from my bed into the bathroom with no lights on. There’s not much to the video, except for sound as it’s completely black because the room is so dark. The video was taken on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas in a Jr Suite.

A picture to illustrate. This is the bathroom on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas with no lights on.

This is the door to the bathroom. As you can see, the light switch is on the outside of the door. That’s the case with most/all cruise ship cabins we’ve been in. So, let’s say you get up in the middle of the night and stumble your way over to this bathroom door. In order to have any amount of light in the bathroom you need to turn on the switch before entering. That means you’ve flooded your cabin with light and potentially woken someone up. Beyond that, when you get in the bathroom you’ll be in a completely lit room and that can make it more difficult to fall back asleep.

This is a video of me going from my bed into the bathroom with this rechargeable night light on. As you can see… this is a MUCH better experience. The video was taken on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas in a Jr Suite.

A photo with the night light on. This is a much better experience all around. No fumbling for the switch, no flooding the cabin with light. Just a small amount of always on light .

Hands on Review Auvon Rechargeable Night Lights

Front of the box

Check Current Price, Availability and Specs:

AUVON Rechargeable Battery Night Light, Mini Motion Sensor Night Light, Warm White LED Stick-On Closet Light with Dusk to Dawn Sensor, Adjustable Brightness for Wall, Stairs, Hallway, Cabinet (2 Pack) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Back of the box

It came with a manual and charging cable. I did not receiving a charging box. This can be used with any standard USB charging box.

Auvon USB rechargeable night light

A look at the back. These are magnetic. They also come with an installable base so they can be mounted on non magnetic surfaces. For cruise ship cabins, walls are generally made of metal, so no base is needed.

A look at the controls. The switch on the left let’s you choose between auto, on and off. The button on the right changes the light’s brightness. For the bathroom I set it to on and low light level. Mine easily lasted a week on one charge, leaving it on every night.

Charging the night light

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Turned on

All cruise ship cabin walls are generally made of metal. Here’s the Auvon rechargeable night light above the bathroom light switch on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

Installed on the bathroom door frame on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

Sitting below the sink on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

Conclusions

These are a must-pack item when we travel, especially when we cruise. They are small, have a long battery life and are easy to charge. For cruises in particular these are an easy solution to two problems. First, outlets are generally in short supply. These don’t need an outlet. Second, some cruise ship cabins can be a little hazardous at night. Having these to add a little bit of light to dark spots is a huge help. Especially when it comes to the bathroom.

Check Current Price, Availability and Specs:

AUVON Rechargeable Battery Night Light, Mini Motion Sensor Night Light, Warm White LED Stick-On Closet Light with Dusk to Dawn Sensor, Adjustable Brightness for Wall, Stairs, Hallway, Cabinet (2 Pack) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

What Are Other’s Saying?

Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

Related:

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. review:auvonnightlight tag:tpru

Hands on Review: GigSky World Mobile Data eSIM – works on cruise ships!

First… What’s a SIM Card?

SIM is an acronym stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It’s small card that fits in select phones that’s basically the digital identification for the phone. You can theoretically quickly change phones by swapping out your physical SIM card.

What’s an eSIM Card?

Fast forward to eSIM cards. eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.  Instead of a physical SIM card an eSIM is a logical identity for select phones. No need for a physical SIM card.

The part where the magic comes in… Some phones also allow you to have multiple eSIM cards. So you can actually have multiple phone numbers on a single phone.

If you’re an avid reader you’ll have read my Airalo review. Airalo is an an app that allows international cell phone use throughout the world via their app and eSIM cards.

GigSky is in international coverage eSIM provider with a twist… keep reading.

Coupon Code!

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

What makes GigSky revolutionary for cruise travelers?…

Most larger cruise ships have cellular capabilities. Ships have the equivalent of their own cell phone towers that provide service to people onboard and nearby. This is separate and different from Wi-Fi.  See Wil my phone work onboard? for more on this subject

Cruise ships are considered countries when it comes to coverage from your cell phone company. If you look under international coverage at your carrier you’ll often time see cruise ship names listed in the mix.

Here’s the thing… to my knowledge no carrier provides favorable rates or packaged data deals for ANY cruise ship. Beyond that no eSIM provider (again to my knowledge) provides coverage on a cruise ship.

GigSky…. DOES offer coverage on over 200 cruise ships!  That’s along with coverage in many foreign countries.

This means you can access the internet on ships in their network as part of their reasonable eSIM data bundles! They also offer tethering so you can use purchased data on your laptop with the aid of a compatible smart phone.

A compatible phone is required.

If you’re a light to moderate internet user when cruising a GigSky eSIM could save you a substantial amount of money compared to onboard internet. I’ll be trying this out on our next cruise. Some questions I’m going to get answered are what is the coverage like onboard and what internet speeds can we expect.

Coupon Code!

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

Hands on Review GigSky World Mobile Data!

The first step to getting going with GigSky is to install the app on your iPhone or Android and purchase a plan. If you’re planning to use GigSky on a cruise make sure to choose a Cruise+ plan that fits your needs.

GigSky Smartphone Apps

Tip: your plan becomes active as soon as you activate your eSIM in a covered country. Since my plan included the US GigSky nicely reminded me that my 15 days would start right away when I activated the card. Wait until just before your trip to activate your eSIM.

I tapped continue to activate my eSIM

Whammo!

After installing the eSIM this is how my Cellular settings looked. Verizon is my primary US carrier. I can toggle additional carriers on and off. The Curacao and Aruba eSIMs are from my Airalo Review.

Using GigSky onboard a Cruise Ship!

Once onboard I activated the GigSky eSIM card in Cellular Settings. It’s very important that you disable your primary US carrier when you do this. If you don’t you could incur extra charges. See: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling for more about that.

Coverage onboard Celebrity Ascent

At times it took a few minutes to get GigSky coverage onboard. I’m going to theorize how this all works so if that sounds boring, just keep reading. Modern cruise ships have many WiFi access points. I can confidently say hundreds, potentially thousands of access points. Those constantly serve a WiFi signal. My theory is that these access points also have cell phone capabilities. They each can act as a mini cell phone tower. But cell phone use is much less common. What I think happens is that these access points periodically start the cell phone signal to see if any clients are looking for a signal. If one is, the cell phone signal stays on as long as it’s needed. That way, they ship isn’t one massive cell phone tower consuming energy and whatever else a cell phone signal does. It’s only on in select areas as needed. Again, a theory.

Yes… you can tether your laptop with GigSky!

GigSky allows you to use personal hotspot to tether your laptop and other devices to your GigSky connection! I just enabled Personal Hotspot on my iPhone and connected my laptop.

Connecting on the laptop

And whammo, I can get to one of my favorite websites. Take a second to realize what’s happening here… I am accessing the Internet onboard a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean with zero cost for WiFi from the cruise ship. This is amazing!

Speed Testing GigSky on a cruise ship

First a look at Celebrity’s WiFi. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean both use SpaceX Starlink to power their WiFi networks. Everyone raves about SpaceX and it is revolutionary. But here’s a fact… When you buy a WiFi package you’re subject to a bandwidth cap. I had the premium WiFi and that pretty regularly came in under 5 megabits per second. Here it’s showing 4.77 megabits per second.

This is a test tethered to my iPhone using the GigSky connection. I got… 10.61 megabits per second well over double what I got with the Starlink connection! That’s amazing.

Using GigSky vs Cruise Line WiFi

If you’re a light to moderate Internet user onboard, GigSky is a great option and could potentially save you a lot of money. If you’re a heavy user that needs to do a lot of video conferencing or streaming cruise ship WiFi may be a better option.

As of this option GigSky offers plans up to 30 days in length so could easily use one plan on back to back cruises.

Speed Testing in the Dominican Republic

GigSky World Data provides… world data, so it works in many foreign countries as well. This is based on which plan you choose. I chose Cruise+ Americas/Caribbean.

As of this writing the following countries are included in that plan (subject to change, check GigSky for current plans)…

  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Aruba
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Bolivia
  • Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Curaçao
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Grenada
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guatemala
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Martinique
  • Mexico
  • Montserrat
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Puerto Rico
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sint Maarten
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • United States of America
  • Uruguay

All that to say, I had GigSky coverage on all of our ports for this particular cruise.

Here’s a speed test in Puerto Plato Dominican Republic. 53.8 megabits download speed. That’s pretty good!

As a backup for your primary provider

As of  this writing my current primary cell phone plan is Verizon’s MyPlan Unlimited Ultimate. That plan includes international talk, text and data is 210+ countries. The list includes St Martin.

This screenshot was taken while I was in St Martin a country that is included in my Verizon plan and a country that should have coverage. I had no data coverage at all with my Verizon plan. I was supposed to, but I didn’t. That’s just how things work sometimes.

If international coverage is important to you, my recommendation is to have a backup eSIM plan. In my case, I just switched over to GigSky and I was up and going. We are planning to go to Europe this summer where Internet will be a necessity for walking directions and such. I’ll have a backup eSIM plan at the ready.

Conclusions

I am no stranger to eSIM plans. I’ve used multiple providers over the course of years. They are very helpful when it comes to international travel, giving you the capability to communicate at generally reasonable prices. GigSky takes this all to a whole new level by adding cruise ships to the mix. Using GigSky vs actually using a cruise ship cell connection could save you thousands of dollars. Using GigSky vs purchasing a Wi-Fi package could save you a considerable amount of money as well.  Simply put… GigSky is revolutionary.

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

Smartphone Apps

FREE Trial

GigSky also offers a free 100 MB plan so you can try out their services! Note that the free trial plans does not include cruise ship coverage. However, it’s a great chance to see how GigSky works and especially helpful if you’ve never used an eSIM plan on your phone.

Related: Hands on Review Airalo eSIM

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: Waterproof Phone Case

Pelican Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch / Case (Regular Size) - Floating Waterproof Phone Case For iPhone 15 Pro Max/ 14 Pro Max/13 Pro Max/12/S24 Ultra - Detachable Lanyard - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow Related: Pelican’s IP68 Waterproof Phone Case – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. top:gigskyreview tag:tpru

8 Tips to Make the Most Of Limited Outlets On Your Next Cruise

Pictured: European Travel Plug Adapter, TESSAN International Power Plug with 2 USB, Type C Outlet Adaptor Charger for US to Most of Europe EU Iceland Spain Italy France Germany – See: Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB

Lack of power solutions in cruise ship cabins

Many cruise cabins have a common problem… lack of outlets. This has generally gotten better with newer ships, but can still be an issue. Even newer ships that have more cabin outlets, the outlets can be placed in such a way as to limit their usability. If two outlets are too close together… you can only use one.

This article outlines some ways to stretch the power resources that are available in your next cruise ship cabin.

Related: Important Information for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruisers

Royal Caribbean Bans Multi-Plug Adapters and Extension Cords!

#1 Use the 220 Outlet(s)

To accommodate European travelers cruise lines will often include one or more 220 volt outlets. If you’re used to using three prong 120 volt electronics this outlet will most likely go unused.

One way to stretch out the outlets on your next cruise is to… use the 220 volt outlet.

What style is the 220 volt outlet on cruise ships?

European Type C seems to be the standard style on cruise ships. This may vary, but it seems to be fairly standard.

Some Adapters and Devices to Consider:

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB… Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise!

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

#2 Use An Approved Power Strip

Cruise Essentials Power Strip USB - Flat Plug Power Strip with 3 Outlets 3 USB Ports(1 USB C PD20W), 5ft Braided Extension Cord, Compact for Cruise Ship, Travel, Home and DormPictured: Cruise Essentials Power Strip USB – Flat Plug Power Strip with 3 Outlets 3 USB Ports(1 USB C PD20W), 5ft Braided Extension Cord, Compact for Cruise Ship, Travel, Home and Dorm

Most cruise lines allow the use of certain power strips. Generally speaking one thing you want to look for is a power strip that DOES NOT offer surge protection. Double check with your cruise line for specifics on what’s allowed on your ship.

#3 Use an Outlet Extender

Multi Plug Outlet Extender with USB Outlets, Power Strip Non Surge Protector Electric Outlet Splitter with 3 USB Wall Charger (1 USB C), Multiple Outlet Expander for Cruise, Dorm, Travel, Home, Office

Pictured: Multi Plug Outlet Extender with USB Outlets, Power Strip Non Surge Protector Electric Outlet Splitter with 3 USB Wall Charger (1 USB C), Multiple Outlet Expander for Cruise, Dorm, Travel, Home, Office  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

A similar solution as using a power strip, but more compact and outlet extender to split one power outlet into multiple outlets. Some include USB outlets.

#4 Use a Rechargeable Night Light

Using a rechargeable night light means no outlet is taken up most of the time. This is particularly helpful for bathrooms as those usually have 0 outlets.

Hands on Review: Auvon Rechargeable Night Lights + The Problem with Cruise Ship Bathrooms at Night

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

#5 Use a USB Night Light

USB night lights plug into a USB port. That means no outlet taken up. They could go on a laptop, USB wall charger or power bank.

#6 Check the Phone

Many newer or remodeled cruise ships offer a USB charging port on the phone. This is the phone that was in our cabin on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas.

#7 Use Rechargeable… Everything

Cruise Ship Approved Travel FanPictured: Cruise Ship Approved Travel Fan

When you’re making decisions on cruise gear considering opting for rechargeable items. These don’t constantly take up an outlet or USB port and when charged, they aren’t tethered to wherever an outlet happens to be.

#8 Use a Rechargeable Power Bank

Pictured: Anker Portable Charger

Using a rechargeable power bank gives you a de facto outlet (at least for USB devices) anywhere in your cabin. Beyond charging you can power loads of other USB compatible gear anywhere in your cabin.

Related… Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB

Product specifications can change. Double check your product before use.

For lots more about cruise packing including some solutions for the outlet problem check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. top:outlets tag:tpru

Gluten Free on a Celebrity Cruises!

This review and guide is written by Will. Will is a Cruise Packing List Contributor and has Celiac Disease.

A bit about me:

I have cruised extensively since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease nearly 10 years ago. I’ve found it a generally easy way to travel considering my dietary limitations. Cruise lines that I’ve sailed on have generally done a fantastic job accommodating me and I’ve felt safe and healthy.

I have most sailed on Royal Caribbean since needing to become strictly gluten free, but I have ventured out.

This write up is about my experiences on Celebrity Cruises. It’s offered as a guide to help you have a smoother and safer vacation if you need to eat gluten free on vacation. Note that this written from a sensitive Celiac point of view. If you aren’t susceptible to issues from cross contamination, adjust accordingly.

Gluten Free on Celebrity Cruises

Before your cruise

  1. Contact Celebrity and let them know you need to eat gluten free. They will notate your reservation. When being seated staff will generally read that note and anticipate your needs, however… always let your server know.
  2. Choose a set dining time. It is possible to choose anytime dining and eat gluten free, however it’s a lot more difficult in my opinion. Having the same staff means they’ll know what you need. You’ll also have a point person in the form of a head waiter or maître d’ that can not only help you in the main dining room, but serve as your guide and help for the entire ship. This was a conclusion I came to early on, on my own and now as of this writing has become an official recommendation of both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

During the Cruise

  1. Head to the dining room to talk to the maître d’ on duty and look at the menu, it’s possible some items can be made gluten free if you pre-order.
  2. Talk to a manager, supervisor, maître d’. Always let staff know what you need and ask for options. It’s important to talk to a supervisor, I’ve gotten conflicting information from first tier staff.
  3. Pre-order, pre-order… pre-order. This seems to vary  by ship and by line but in my experience Celebrity really wants you to pre-order as much as possible. Some things were not available to me when I just walked up, but could be pre-ordered. Talk to your maître d’ each evening and look at the next day’s menu. Pre-order for every meal that you’re able to.

Places to eat

  1. Main dining room. This is the location that’s most well equipped to handle dietary issues. On Celebrity many gluten free items are marked on the menu. Speak with your maître d’ to pre-order the next day’s meals.
  2. Buffet – Oceanview Cafe. According to the manager I worked with in the Oceanview cafe, a high percentage of the dishes are gluten free. However… he made it clear to me that they do not consider food on the buffet to be Celiac-safe. This ironically includes the entire gluten free section when it’s in operation. If you have Celiac disease ask a manager for help. They will usually walk around with you, tell you what you can have an get the food from untouched trays in the back.
  3. Pizza – available in the Oceanview Cafe can be made gluten free. I was pleased that all available toppings are typically available gluten free. This is in contrast to other lines where pepperoni seems to be the most common option. They have a separate prep area and cook the pizza in it’s own aluminum pan. Tip: Getting an undercooked gluten free pizza seems to be pretty common. I think these take a little longer because of the aluminum tray. Maybe you like that, if not… ask for your pizza crispy and it’s much, much better.
  4. Most specialty restaurants. I’ve found that most specialty restaurants can accommodate Celiac disease. I highly recommend going to the restaurant the day before and asking to speak with a manager to pre-order. This simple step can make a potentially expensive meal at lot more enjoyable and smooth. It can mean the difference between a special order gluten free cheesecake and… a fruit cup. Fine Cut Steakhouse, Raw on 5, Eden (not Eden Cafe), Rooftop Garden Grill, Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and Blu should all generally be able to accommodate gluten free eaters.
  5. Not… Eden Cafe. Eden Cafe was one location that I was told had 0 gluten free offerings. Eden Cafe is the quick service venue that’s open for breakfast and lunch. Eden on the other hand does have gluten free options.

A special order gluten free cheesecake that I received in Fine Cut Steakhouse. This is a picture of just the back of it, because I instantly dug into it before thinking to take a picture. This illustrates the magic of pre-ordering.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Check out this review, guide continues below

Hands on Review: Top Magnets Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks… These actually hold something!

Avoiding… Two Days of Tumult

I’ve settled on the term “Two Days of Tumult” to describe the first two days of eating gluten free on a cruise. There’s a learning curve between you and the ship. Learning how things work, getting to know your staff and communicating what you need and want. As an example. On one Celebrity Cruise I special ordered gluten free chocolate cake. First night, I got nothing, second night I got chocolate ice cream. I finally received something I wanted the third night.

In my opinion, the key to minimizing this is getting a set dining time and speaking with your maître d’ or head water. Tell them your situation, nicely and respectfully let them know about challenges you’ve had in the past and ask for what you want. You’re certainly not going to get everything you want, but you may get a lot closer by connecting with a maître d’ or head waiter.

Some pictures and thoughts

According to every menu I saw the ice cream and the signage in Oceanview Cafe, the ice cream is not gluten free. Well… it was gluten free. Speaking to a manager they make all the ice cream in house and it’s all gluten free. If you have Celiac disease they will get you some from a fresh tub in the back, but you need to work with a manager. The one pain point here is that some days a garnish will have gluten. Again, the manager can help you.

Café al Bacio

Café al Bacio is a delightful coffee shop on board most Celebrity ships. They have pastries and sandwiches as well as specialty coffees.

For breakfast they typically have a gluten free danish option. That was kept in the back and there was no indication it was available. Other than asking… do you have any gluten free options. They had two gluten free danish options each day.

See the case of beautiful mostly gluten laded pastries and baked goods

If you look closely the top shelf has two gluten free options. They have rightly placed these on the top so no crumbs should fall on them and if you look on the right of this picture there’s a plexiglass wall that separates gluten free from gluten containing. I don’t think it’s risk free but it’s a pretty good attempt and minimizing cross contamination. This is a rotating selection that changes daily.

Check out this review, guide continues below

Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB… Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise!

Gluten Free Matcha Cake

Gluten free Raspberry Chiffon Cake.

The first morning that I ordered gluten free pancakes, they looked spectacular. However, they were horrible. They seemed to be cooked on only one side. The underside was raw with a horrible consistency. Understandably these fell apart. I kindly and respectfully asked to speak to a maître d’ and explained my issue.

The next day the problem was resolved and I received some of the best gluten free pancakes I’ve ever had on a cruise ship.

Gluten free french toast. Pretty good.

Gluten free eggs benedict. This is another example of taking some time to get things working right. The first time I received this I had no Canadian bacon and very little Hollandaise. I brough the to a supervisors attention and received ham instead of Canadian bacon (there was obviously an issue with the Canadian bacon, but hey, ham works) and a side of Hollandaise. Really good.  A good question that I’m getting in the habit of asking is… will the gluten free version of this be a complete dish?  Will it have x, y and z?  If not what options are available?

Beer options… No, there are no beer options

Unfortunately much like their sister brand Royal Caribbean, the “gluten free” beer they carry is Daura Damm. Daura Damm is not gluten free. It’s gluten removed. In fact, it cannot be labeled as gluten free in the US.  With as many great truly gluten free beers that are available it’s mind boggling to me that they offer exactly zero options. Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity should do better here. Wine, seltzers, ciders and mixed drinks are all avaiable.

The Problem with Pre-Ordering… 2025 edition

In years past cruise lines where much more accommodating when it came to pre-ordering.

The pre-order could be a modification to an existing menu item OR a special request. I have had head waiters completely disregard the menu and ask me… what would you like to eat? This offered a lot of flexibility.

This was actually also true for guests without special dietary needs. You could request something and generally they would make it for you the following day.

The tide has changed on pre-ordering. With cost cutting measures and staffing issues they are not as apt to take a pre-order.

That’s okay when you have a lot of options but how about if you have dietary issues. As an example the desserts on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity basically boil down to different forms of… pudding. Not much else is on offer for gluten free folk.

It is still possible to get a pre-order. See my cheesecake above. Talk to your headwaiter or maître d’ and nicely tell them… Hey, I know you can do this and it would make my vacation more enjoyable. Can you please talk with the chef and ask them to make xyz gluten free? If you’re having trouble you can take this to the next level by kindly and respectfully asking to talk to the restaurant manager or the chef in charge.

Keep Reading for Tips and Conclusions…

Related: Gluten Free Translation Card

Gluten Free Translation Card

Celebrity Cruises Gluten Free Quick Tips

  • Make sure and request a gluten free meal 90 days prior to your cruise. Also let reservations know of any other food allergies or requirements.
  • Email [email protected] with special requests or questions.
  • Choose a set dining time for the best experience.
  • Talk to your maître d’ about options and to pre-order meals for the following day.
  • Pre-order, pre-order, pre-order. Pre-order everything you’re able to including visiting specialty dining venues the day before your reservation.
  • Always speak with a supervisor when ordering outside the main dining room/MDR

General Thoughts on Cruising Gluten Free on Celebrity Cruises

Negative first… My experience was not as smooth as I thought it would be. There was a learning curve coming from mostly Royal Caribbean. The food was a little hit or miss. Follow my quick tips for a smoother experience.

Overall I had a great experience. Celebrity Apex is a stunning ship. Although I struggled at times with some of the food, overall I had some amazing food, some of the best I’ve had at sea and in some cases some of the best I’ve had ever. The staff was fantastic and I really felt like people were well trained and were concerned about my health and well being. I wouldn’t hesitate to sail Celebrity again, in fact, we have our next cruise booked! 🙂

A Great Resource For Gluten Free Cruisers…

Cruising Gluten Free is a great resource for gluten free cruising. Lots of helpful members that can answer questions and help.

What Else?

Let’s make this the best guide for cruising gluten free on Celebrity Cruises!  Leave a comment on this post with your tips, tricks and experiences.

About me: I have Celiac Disease and as such I must eat a strictly gluten free diet. Not by choice but by medical necessity.

This write up will focus primarily on the food and service we experienced not so much the ship itself or the ports we visited.  However, I would like to briefly say that The Allure of the Seas is beautiful.  It’s a massive ship (one of the largest in the world), modern, very well maintained and offers diverse dining and entertainment options.  Even though the ship accommodates 5,000 or 6,000, we very rarely felt cramped.  There is ample room to move around and it was always easy to find a lounging chair.  We’ve taken a good number of cruises, although this was our first Royal Caribbean cruise.  We were very, very impressed.  Overall, this was our best cruise experience ever.  On to the food…

Related:

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!
This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

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Royal Caribbean Bans Multi-Plug Adapters and Extension Cords!

Original Publication: September 23, 2024

Updated: May 21, 2025

With their most reason banned items list Royal Caribbean has added multi-plug adapters and extension cords to the items you cannot bring on board. Full list link below.

As a frequent Royal Caribbean cruiser this… rocks my world. I regularly bring one or more multi plug adapters when I cruise.

I’ve been a big advocate of using the 220 European Type C adapter on board this change makes that even more important. It allows you to squeeze out another adapter. This used to be more important on older ships and less important on newer ships but… This changes all that. With multi-plug adapters being banned a Type C adapter makes more sense than ever.

A few other thoughts…

  • The way I read it multi USB outlet blocks are NOT banned. Since a lot of the gear we take on board is USB this could be a good work around.
  • As stated previously using the 220 European style outlet is more important than ever.
  • A USB charging bank is another potential way to decrease the impact of this change. Charge during the day, unplug at night to free up an outlet and use the battery bank to charge USB devices.

Update 9/30/2024:

@NiceCarFather reached out to Royal Caribbean on X (connect to cruise packing list on x) to ask if a plug + USB outlets would be allowed. It looks like he references this Anker Travel Plug in the back and forth. The Royal Caribbean rep surprisingly (at least to me!) says that this would not be allowed because it has an outlet and additional USB ports. Earlier in the conversation he says a multi USB block is allowed.

So, at this point my understanding is that if an adapter has an AC outlet, that’s all that’s allowed. One single AC outlet. An adapter can have multiple USB ports as long as no AC outlet is present.

Update 10/7/2024:

Royal has updated their prohibited items policy to include some additional clarification. As of today this section reads:

Electrical Extension Cords – including power strips/surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets.
We do allow consumer type power conversion device USB charger (multi-plug blocks on which the outputs are for USB cables). Note: Devices must be stamped with US/Europe recognized Conformance Marking to demonstrate compliance with Electrical Safety standards.

So, there previous communication on social media seems to be correct. If it has an AC outlet, that’s all it can have a single AC outlet. Multi outlet USB only charger blocks are allowed.

Some options to consider:

These are affiliate links, note that multiple variations of these products may be available, as such a different version may appear at these links

Also: What items are prohibited onboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship?

Update 5/21/2025: A complicating factor

Pictured: TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter, International Power Adapter

I just realized a complicating factor in all of this that many of you may have already realized. We have our first European cruise booked for this summer. Yay!

In planning I picked up the pictured international adapter. Like many we’re going to do additional vacationing in Europe in addition to the cruise. In the interest of packing as light as possible I landed on this multi country, multi outlet multi plug adapter. But… we’re sailing on Royal Caribbean and it’s solidly banned.

I’m not going to take a bag of wires and adapters to do all the work this thing will do so my only choice is to take it and get it confiscated, hoping that it isn’t lost in the process.

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Related: Hands on Review: European Type C Fast USB Charger by LiFiYiRc… Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise!

Related… Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 9.23.24 top:rcmultiplug tag:tpru

Four Apple AirTags + track your luggage on your next cruise!

Photo from: Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?

4 x Apple AirTags

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app
  • Simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad
  • Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help
  • Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband technology leads you right to your nearby AirTag (on select iPhone models)
  • Find items further away with the help of hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network

 

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

We use AirTags on our travel backpacks, carry ons and checked bags and love them. It’s really nice to tell where your bag is and know that it’s made in on the plane or ship.  Note that these (at least AirTags) don’t work perfectly at sea. If you see that your bags are 20 miles behind you in the middle of the ocean… don’t worry they’re probably still in your cabin.  If you’re not an Apple user, consider Tile Trackers

See: Do AirTags work on Cruise Ships? – for more infuriation

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Apple AirTag 4 Pack  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

Related: Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?

Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?

What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

Apple AirTag for cruise ships

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

24 x Travel Roll Up Compression Bags, Assorted Sizes… get ready for your next cruise!

Compression Bags for Travel - Travel Essentials - 24 Pack Space Saver Bags - No Vacuum Needed - Compression Packing Bags for Cruise Accessories

24 Travel Compression Bags Vacuum Packing, Roll Up Travel Space Saver Bags for Luggage, Cruise Ship Essentials (9 Large Roll/9 Medium Roll/6 Small Roll)

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Travel must have essential: Our compression bags for travel save your storage space by up to 80% with no vacuum needed. Just roll up these space saving bags, functioning as powerful storage solution for travel, trips and home.
  • Various sizes: 24 travel combo includes 9pcs Large roll size-27.5×19.5” (70×50 cm), 9pcs Medium roll size -23.5×15.7” (60×40 cm) and 6pcs Small roll size-19.5×13.8” (50×35 cm). Sized right for your closet, suitcases and boarding bags.
  • Easy to use: All you need to do is to seal the zipper, roll out the air from the zipper side to the bottom vent side and our travel roll up bags will stay compressed without any other equipment needed.
  • Secure packing travel gear: Our compression travel bags use extra thick PA+PE to secure your clothes from dirt, dust and other damages. The double layer design ensures long term storage. Our travel roll up bags can be reused multiple times.

 

24 Travel Compression Bags Vacuum Packing, Roll Up Travel Space Saver Bags for Luggage, Cruise Ship Essentials (9 Large Roll/9 Medium Roll/6 Small Roll) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

LEVEL8 Grace Carry-On Luggage: Expandable Hardside Suitcase with Front Laptop Pocket

LEVEL8 Grace Hardside Carry On Luggage with Front Compartment, 20 Inch Expandable Suitcases with Wheels, Lightweight Carry On Suitcase for Airplane, Tsa Lock Approved, Black, 20-Inch

LEVEL8 Grace Carry-On Luggage: Expandable Hardside Suitcase with Front Laptop Pocket

The LEVEL8 Grace Carry-On Luggage is an expandable hardside suitcase with one feature that makes it stand out: a front laptop compartment. Most hardside carry-ons require you to open the entire suitcase to reach anything inside. This one gives you quicker access to a laptop, tablet, documents, boarding passes and other travel essentials.

That makes it an interesting option for business travel, weekend trips, flights to cruise ports and travelers who like the structure of hardside luggage but still want easier access to important items.

This is the 20-inch expandable version in black. The Amazon listing describes it as a carry-on suitcase with a PC+ABS hardside shell, 360-degree spinner wheels, aluminum telescoping handle, built-in TSA lock and front zippered laptop compartment.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

In This Post

Why This Carry-On Is Interesting

Hardside carry-ons are popular because they offer structure, protection and a clean look. The downside is that many of them do not have easy-access exterior pockets. If you need your laptop, passport, paperwork, headphones or charging cable, you may have to open the entire suitcase.

The LEVEL8 Grace carry-on solves that problem with a front compartment built into the hardside design. That gives it some of the convenience of softside luggage while keeping the harder shell format many travelers prefer.

If you travel with a laptop or tablet, that front access section is the main reason to consider this bag over a basic hardside spinner.

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Specs at a Glance

Here are the key specs from the Amazon listing for this LEVEL8 Grace expandable carry-on:

  • Brand: LEVEL8
  • Model: Grace Carry-On Luggage, 20 Inch – EXT
  • Color: Black
  • Overall dimensions: 21.8” x 14.5” x 9.8” including wheels and handles
  • Expanded dimensions: 21.8” x 14.5” x 11.3”
  • Weight: 9 lbs
  • Packing capacity: 36L, expands to 42L
  • Shell material: PC+ABS
  • Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels
  • Handle: Aluminum telescoping handle
  • Lock: Built-in TSA combination lock
  • Front compartment: Designed for up to a 15.6-inch laptop, tablet, documents and other quick-access travel items

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

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Front Laptop Compartment

The front compartment is the big selling point here. It gives you a place for a laptop, tablet, documents and small travel items without opening the main suitcase.

That can be helpful at the airport, during a layover, at a hotel or any time you want quick access to electronics and paperwork. It also may let you keep your personal item smaller since some of your tech gear can ride in the suitcase instead.

The tradeoff is that a front laptop compartment uses some of the overall suitcase space. That is normal for this style of bag. The benefit is easier access; the downside is a slightly different packing layout compared with a basic open-shell carry-on.

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Expandable Hardside Design

This is the expandable version of the LEVEL8 Grace carry-on. The listed packing volume is 36L and expands to 42L. That extra room can be useful on the return trip when your packing is less tidy or when you pick up a few extras.

The important detail is size. Once expanded, the depth increases from 9.8 inches to 11.3 inches. That may push the bag beyond some airline carry-on limits, so I would treat expansion as a useful bonus rather than something to rely on for every flight.

Expanded mode makes the most sense for road trips, hotel stays, cruise travel where you are not flying, or situations where you are okay checking the bag if needed.

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Good Travel Uses

This suitcase is a good fit for short trips where organization and quick access matter. The hardside shell gives the bag structure, while the front pocket makes it more practical than a completely closed hardside design.

  • Business trips: The front laptop compartment is useful for work travel.
  • Weekend trips: The 36L to 42L capacity range works well for shorter travel.
  • Airport travel: Keep tech and documents easier to reach.
  • Hotel stays: The structured design helps keep items organized.
  • Road trips: The expandable design is handy when airline sizing is not a concern.
  • Hardside luggage fans: You get a hard shell with better quick-access storage.

The spinner wheels and telescoping handle are also practical for airports, hotel lobbies, parking garages and cruise terminals.

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Cruise Travel Angle

For cruising, this could work well as an embarkation day carry-on, especially if you fly to your cruise port. You can use it for the items you want with you before checked luggage reaches your cabin.

That could include a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, travel documents, electronics, chargers, swimsuit, sunscreen and other first-day essentials. The front compartment is especially useful for passports, boarding documents, tablets and small electronics.

I would see this as a personal carry-on, short-cruise suitcase or pre-cruise hotel bag rather than a replacement for a checked bag on longer trips.

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Important Carry-On Size Note

The Amazon listing gives the overall dimensions as 21.8” x 14.5” x 9.8” including wheels and handles. That is close to many common carry-on limits, but airline rules vary.

The expanded depth is listed at 11.3 inches. That is the dimension I would watch most carefully. Expansion is useful, but an expanded carry-on may not fit every airline’s published carry-on size rules or every overhead bin situation.

Before flying, compare the suitcase dimensions to your airline’s current carry-on rules, especially if you are flying a budget airline, international carrier or small regional aircraft.

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Things to Consider

This suitcase has a lot going for it, but it is not the right carry-on for every traveler. The front laptop pocket is the standout feature, but it also changes how the bag packs.

  • Weight: At 9 lbs, this is not the lightest carry-on option.
  • Expanded size: The expanded depth may be too large for some carry-on rules.
  • Front pocket tradeoff: Easy tech access can reduce or reshape the main packing space.
  • Hardside structure: Hardside luggage protects and organizes well, but it does not flex like softside luggage.
  • Airline rules vary: Always check the airline you are actually flying.

For the right traveler, those tradeoffs may be reasonable. The key question is whether the front compartment is a feature you will actually use.

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Final Thoughts

The LEVEL8 Grace Carry-On Luggage is worth a look if you want a hardside carry-on with easier access to your laptop, tablet and travel documents. The front compartment is the main reason to consider this suitcase over a basic hardside spinner.

I especially like the idea of this for business travel, flights to cruise ports, short trips and travelers who want electronics accessible without carrying a large separate laptop bag. The expandable design adds flexibility, but I would be careful about using expanded mode when airline carry-on sizing matters.

Bottom line: if you like hardside luggage but miss the convenience of an outside pocket, this LEVEL8 Grace expandable carry-on is a practical option to compare against more traditional carry-on suitcases.

LEVEL8 Grace Hardside Carry On Luggage with Front Compartment, 20 Inch Expandable Suitcases with Wheels, Lightweight Carry On Suitcase for Airplane, Tsa Lock Approved, Black, 20-Inch – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Related: ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium Luggage Review: A Rare In-Between Checked Bag

What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Why a Power Bank is a must pack item for trips to Europe

Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger (MagGo), 5,000mAh Wireless Power Bank with USB-C Cable, Magsafe-Compatible Battery Pack for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series

Pictured: Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger (MagGo), 5,000mAh Wireless Power Bank

We just returned for our first European cruise.  It was… fabulous. We spent several days in London ahead of the cruise. Visited Hamburg Germany, Bruges Belgium, Copenhagen Denmark and Oslo Norway on the cruise. Finally we spent two days in Paris prior to coming home. It was amazing!

In our extensive preparations for this trip we spent a lot of time deciding what to pack. We wanted to keep the size and weight of our luggage down to make the trip easier. We cut deep leaving a lot of things behind that we would normally take for something like a Caribbean cruise.

When we got to the subject of a power bank I said to my wife… we don’t need it. My laptop functions as a power bank. The plane will have outlets and everyplace we go will have outlets. Let’s save the weight and leave it behind.

She (very wisely) said… no, I’m taking it.

Fast forward to day one of our time in London and it’s very clear my phone is not going to make it through the day. I switched to low power mode and eventually moved to her phone for directions, trying to saving the last bits of battery on my phone to be able to access tickets and our itinerary.

We were constantly using phones for directions, to view our itinerary and to access tickets. I think there’s something else at play too. Something about a US phone being in Europe. I think my phone was constantly looking for Verizon towers to save Verizon roaming fees. That’s a theory, but whatever was happening, I went through battery at an astounding rate.

After the first day, I carried out battery bank every single day and used it every single day. I’m going to call a power bank a must have for European trips.

Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger (MagGo), 5,000mAh Wireless Power Bank with USB-C Cable, Magsafe-Compatible Battery Pack for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. review:pbeurope tag:tpr

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes: Easier, More Organized Travel Packing, 4-Pack

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, 4pcs Expandable Storage Travel Luggage Bags Organizers(Black)

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes: Easier, More Organized Travel Packing

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes help separate clothing while also squeezing down soft items to make better use of the space inside your suitcase.

They are useful for all kinds of travel, including flights, road trips, hotel stays, weekend getaways and cruise vacations. With four different cube sizes, the set makes it easier to organize clothing by type, traveler or outfit instead of letting everything become one large pile.

How the Compression Design Works

Each cube has a main zipper that closes the storage compartment and a second zipper around the outside. Once the cube is packed, closing the outer zipper pulls the sides closer together and reduces its overall depth.

This is different from a vacuum storage bag. The cubes do not remove all the air from your clothing, but they can compress soft items and create a more compact, structured bundle.

They work especially well for items such as:

  • T-shirts and casual shirts
  • Shorts and lightweight pants
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sleepwear
  • Swimwear
  • Light sweaters and jackets

You can also leave the outer zipper open and use them like standard packing cubes when organization is more important than compression.

Four Sizes for Different Types of Clothing

The set includes four progressively sized packing cubes. This gives you more flexibility than trying to fit every item into cubes of the same size.

The larger cubes can be used for pants, shirts, sweaters and other bulky clothing. Medium and smaller cubes are useful for underwear, socks, swimwear, accessories or a complete change of clothes.

The different sizes can also help when two people share a suitcase. Each traveler can have designated cubes, or the set can be divided by clothing category.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

Compression Cubes vs. Regular Packing Cubes

Regular packing cubes are primarily designed to organize a suitcase. Compression packing cubes add the option of pulling the packed clothing into a thinner bundle.

That additional compression can be helpful when packing a carry-on or trying to fit bulky clothing into a limited amount of space. The tradeoff is that an overfilled compression cube can be harder to close than a standard cube.

Compression also does not make your luggage lighter. It may create room for additional items, but airline baggage weight limits still apply.

Useful for Flights, Hotels, Road Trips and Cruises

Packing cubes are useful in both carry-on and checked luggage. In a carry-on, they help keep small items contained and make it easier to find clothing without digging through the entire bag.

For road trips or vacations with several hotel stops, you can remove only the cube you need instead of completely unpacking at every destination. A smaller cube can also be packed with one complete outfit for an overnight stop.

They can be particularly convenient on cruise vacations, where travelers often pack casual clothes, swimwear, dinner outfits and sleepwear for the same trip. Once you reach your cabin, the cubes can be moved directly into drawers or placed on closet shelves for quicker unpacking.

The cruise application is useful, but these are versatile travel organizers rather than a cruise-specific product.

Lightweight and Easy to Handle

The cubes are made from lightweight fabric so they add relatively little weight to your luggage. Each cube also includes a carrying handle, making it easier to lift a tightly packed cube out of a suitcase, backpack or hotel drawer.

The structured shape can also help keep clothing contained if a suitcase is opened during travel or inspected at the airport.

Things to Keep in Mind

Compression works best when clothing is distributed evenly throughout the cube. A large lump on one side can make the outer zipper difficult to close and place unnecessary strain on the fabric.

Pressing down gently while working the compression zipper around the cube is generally better than pulling forcefully. Rigid items and very bulky clothing may not compress much and are often better packed separately.

Compression can also wrinkle some clothing more than loose packing. Items that need to remain crisp may be better placed in a regular packing cube, garment folder or separate section of the suitcase.

Bottom Line

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes combine the organization of traditional packing cubes with the option to reduce the space taken up by softer clothing.

The four sizes make the set adaptable to carry-ons, checked luggage, backpacks and shared suitcases. They are a practical option for flights, hotel stays, road trips, cruises and other vacations where organized packing can make the entire trip easier.

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, 4pcs Expandable Storage Travel Luggage Bags Organizers – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Packing Compression Bags, Assorted Sizes, 12 Count

HIBAG 12 Compression Bags for Travel, Travel Essentials Compression Bags, Vacuum Packing Space Saver Zipper Bags for Cruise Travel Accessories (12-Travel)

HIBAG 12 Compression Bags for Travel, Travel Essentials Compression Bags, Vacuum Packing Space Saver Zipper Bags for Cruise Travel Accessories

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Travel Essentials: the combo includes 12 bags (6 M size & 6 L size), saving up to 80% space no vacuum needed, providing a perfect storage solution for travel and home.
  • Compression bags: the dual zippers has one lower side and one higher side, easy to close and re-open, separating the zipper when opening the bag is not a challenge any more!
  • Travel Accessories: the unique Double-Zip design has separated yellow and blue lines on each sides. Better visualize full sealing of the zipper closure.
  • Vacuum Packing Bags: the bags are manufactured under the strictest quality control standards using premium material, ensure long-term storage in the compression bags.

 

HIBAG 12 Compression Bags for Travel, Travel Essentials Compression Bags, Vacuum Packing Space Saver Zipper Bags for Cruise Travel Accessories (12-Travel) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

Unidapt European Travel Plug Adapter: Unlock the 220V Outlet on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean cruise 220v plug adapter

Unidapt European Travel Plug Adapter: Unlock the 220V Outlet on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises

I’ve been a big proponent of using the 220-volt outlet in cruise cabins. A small European plug adapter is cheap, takes up almost no room and can magically give you access to another outlet that might otherwise go unused.

The Unidapt European travel plug adapter is especially interesting for Royal Caribbean cruisers because it provides one North American-style AC receptacle without adding a cord, USB ports or multiple AC outlets.

Important: This is a plug adapter, not a voltage converter. Only connect devices specifically rated to operate at the voltage supplied by the cruise ship outlet.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

In This Post

Why Use the 220V Cruise Cabin Outlet?

Many cruise cabins have a limited number of conveniently placed outlets. Newer ships have generally improved in this area, but older ships and some cabin layouts can still leave several travelers competing for the same plugs.

To accommodate international passengers, many cruise cabins also have a European-style outlet. For North American travelers, that outlet may sit unused for the entire cruise.

A compact Type C adapter can turn it into a usable North American-style receptacle for a compatible charger or electronic device. That does not increase the number of devices one circuit can safely power, but it can make an otherwise unusable outlet available.

Cabin outlet types and voltages can vary by ship and stateroom. Check the outlet and your device before connecting anything.

For a complete explanation, see: Cruise Ship Power Solutions: Making Use of the 220-Volt Cabin Outlet

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This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Royal Caribbean’s Multi-Plug Rule

Royal Caribbean currently prohibits electrical extension cords, power strips and multi-plug outlets. That makes many popular cruise power adapters problematic, including compact adapters that combine several AC outlets with USB charging ports.

The Unidapt adapter has a much simpler design:

  • One European Type C plug
  • One North American-style AC receptacle
  • No extension cord
  • No additional AC outlets
  • No built-in USB ports

Because it provides only a single AC receptacle, it does not appear to be a multi-plug outlet. That makes it a much better match for Royal Caribbean’s current wording than adapters that split one outlet into several AC receptacles.

However, no third-party product can be guaranteed admission onboard. Royal Caribbean states that questionable items remain subject to inspection and that ship security has the final say.

Review the cruise line’s current rules before packing: Royal Caribbean Prohibited Items Policy

Also see our complete writeup: Royal Caribbean Bans Multi-Plug Adapters and Extension Cords

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What About Celebrity Cruises?

Celebrity Cruises’ published prohibited-items information specifically lists electrical extension cords. It does not currently provide the same detailed multi-plug language found in Royal Caribbean’s policy.

The Unidapt adapter remains a simple option for Celebrity cabins equipped with a compatible European-style outlet. It has no cord and does not split the outlet into multiple receptacles.

Policies and their onboard interpretation can change, so check Celebrity’s current prohibited-items information before sailing.

Celebrity Cruises Preparing for Your Cruise FAQs

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Adapter vs. Voltage Converter

This distinction is extremely important: The Unidapt does not convert 220 or 230 volts into 120 volts. It only changes the physical plug configuration.

Many phone, tablet, camera and laptop chargers are designed for worldwide use. Look for wording similar to this on the charger:

Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz

A charger with that input range is generally designed to accept both North American and European voltages. Do not assume that every electronic device is dual voltage.

Be especially careful with hair dryers, curling tools and other high-wattage appliances. A device marked only for 110 or 120 volts should not be connected directly to a 220 or 230-volt outlet through this adapter.

Check the label, product specifications or manufacturer documentation for every device you plan to connect.

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Why This Unidapt Adapter Makes Sense

The Unidapt package currently includes four individual adapters. That gives you extras for other luggage, international travel or future cruises without requiring much packing space.

According to the manufacturer, these adapters:

  • Use the common European Type C plug configuration
  • Provide one North American-style receptacle
  • Are also compatible with many Type E and Type F outlets
  • Work only as plug adapters and do not convert voltage
  • Should be used only with devices rated for the available voltage

The lack of extra features is the main attraction here. On another cruise line, a multi-outlet adapter with USB ports may be more convenient. For Royal Caribbean, the Unidapt’s basic one-plug-to-one-outlet design may be exactly what makes it useful.

It is also handy for regular international travel. Just remember that Type C is not the outlet used everywhere. For example, the United Kingdom and Ireland generally use Type G outlets.

Check Current Price & Availability: ✅Check Current Price & Availability →

4-Pack Unidapt European Type C Travel Plug Adapters – affiliate link; multiple variations may be available, so a different version may appear at this link.

What Are Others Saying?

Search Amazon reviews for mentions of “cruise” – results may include reviews for other sizes, packages or product variations.

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Another Option: A USB-Only Charger

A lot of the electronics we bring on cruises charge through USB. Royal Caribbean’s current rules make an exception for qualifying device and USB chargers carrying recognized U.S. or European conformity markings.

A European USB charging block can therefore be another useful way to take advantage of the cabin’s Type C outlet. Because it has USB outputs but no AC receptacle, it avoids the multi-plug AC outlet issue.

European USB-C Charger Block with Multiple USB Charging Ports – affiliate link; multiple variations may be available, so a different version may appear at this link.

Related Review: European Type C Fast USB Charger by LiFiYiRc

European Type C USB charger installed for cruise travel

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Product specifications, ship outlets and cruise-line policies can change. Verify the specifications of your adapter, connected device and cruise ship outlet before use. Always follow manufacturer instructions and the directions of the cruise line and onboard security.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Blackpongo 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack: A Tiny Travel Daypack

Blackpongo Packable Backpack

Blackpongo 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack: A Tiny Travel Daypack

A small extra backpack can be surprisingly useful on a cruise or other vacation. The Blackpongo 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack takes up very little luggage space and unfolds into a useful travel daypack when you need it.

My Experience with the Blackpongo Packable Backpack

I have this exact bag. This packable bag takes up very little room and unpacks to a lightweight 18L backpack. It is great for use as a daypack, for the beach or as a backup.

That makes it particularly useful for cruises, shore excursions and other trips where you may want an extra backpack without dedicating much suitcase space to a traditional daypack.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

Good for Lightweight Travel Gear

The Blackpongo is a lightweight, minimally structured backpack. It works best for relatively light items such as sunscreen, a water bottle, travel documents, a light jacket and other daily essentials.

Because the bag has very little padding or structure, hard and oddly shaped items may press against your back. It would not be my first choice for carrying heavy loads over long distances, but that is not really its intended purpose.

Its main advantage is convenience. You can keep it packed inside your luggage and pull it out when you need an extra bag for sightseeing, the beach, the pool or a shore excursion.

Bottom Line

The Blackpongo 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack is a simple and useful addition to a cruise packing list. It takes up very little room and provides a lightweight daypack, beach bag or backup backpack when you need one.

Small Backpack 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel, Airplane Travel Hiking Daypack – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Small Backpack 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel, Airplane Travel Hiking Daypack(Black)

A Higher-Quality Packable Backpack Option

Travelers looking for a more premium version of the same basic idea should consider the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack.

The Osprey is also an 18L packable backpack. Its premium features include padded mesh shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap and recycled 40D high-tenacity nylon construction. It costs more, but the upgraded materials, additional strap padding and sternum strap may be worthwhile for travelers who expect to use their packable backpack regularly.

Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

Travel Containers for Toiletries, TSA Approved Size

Travel Containers for Toiletries, Silicone Cream Jars, TSA Approved Travel Size Containers, Leak-proof Travel Essentials/Accessories with Lid for Cosmetic Face Body Cream(4 Pack)

Travel Containers for Toiletries, Silicone Cream Jars, TSA Approved Travel Size Containers, Leak-proof Travel Essentials/Accessories with Lid for Cosmetic Face Body Cream(4 Pack)

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • ?Travel Essentials Kit: The containers for toiletries includes 4 travel silicone cream jars are made of BPA-free silicone, this means that your liquids will not be contaminated with any toxins. And the travel toiletry jars with a high-quality zipper transparent wash bag! Ideal gift for happy travel!
  • ?Widely Use: Mutiple uses for these silicone cosmetic containers. The travel silicone cream jars with lids can store creams, lotions, cosmetics, scrubs, salves, charms, beads, small jewelry and more.
  • ?Leakproof Travel Jars: The cream jars are designed with a round sealed screw outer lid to prevent leak and spill, have a good sealing, without worry about spillage and dirty luggage.
  • ✈TSA Approval and Easy to Carry: TSA-approved, no check-in directly on the plane. And small size fit in your pocket, purse, handbag, back pack and luggage. You can carry them go to the travel, gym, camping, beach, etc.
  • ?Useful Travel Accessories: 4 pieces come with different color, you can easily identify what each one contains by read the color. And you can easily clean these silicone makeup containers by warm soapy water.

 

Travel Containers for Toiletries, Silicone Cream Jars, TSA Approved Travel Size Containers, Leak-proof Travel Essentials/Accessories with Lid for Cosmetic Face Body Cream(4 Pack) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

MagSafe Wallets, 2 Pack + Why are these so great for cruising?

Pack of 2 - Magnetic Wallet Compatible with MagSafe for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Plus Model, None-Cutout Mag 3 Safe Card Holder Stick on for Apple Cell Phone, Black Blue

Pack of 2 – Magnetic Wallet Compatible with MagSafe for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Plus Model, None-Cutout Mag 3 Safe Card Holder Stick on for Apple Cell Phone, Black Blue

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Compatibility: Our magnetic wallet is compatible with iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini. It also works with MagSafe cases
  • Strong magnet: Effortlessly snap the wallet into place on the back of your iPhone with its strong magnet feature. It’s compatible with MagSafe and allows for easy attachment and faster wireless charging
  • Premium workmanship: Crafted with excellent workmanship, the wallet boasts a premium synthetic leather exterior and anti-slip interior lining. It maintains its shape and ensures cards won’t slip out
  • Minimalistic design: Our wallet is designed with both style and function in mind. Slim fit allows your iPhone and wallet to slide in or out of pockets easily, eliminating the need for a bulky wallet

 

If you have a MagSafe compatible phone these are super duper helpful when cruising.

Pack of 2 – Magnetic Wallet Compatible with MagSafe for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Plus Model, None-Cutout Mag 3 Safe Card Holder Stick on for Apple Cell Phone, Black Blue – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

See: Problem Solved… MagSafe Wallet for Your Ship Card!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

Samsonite UpLIFT 25″ Expandable Softside Luggage

Samsonite UpLIFT 25" Lightweight Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels - Expandable, Medium Checked - Airline-Approved, Polyester Soft Suitcase for Ultra Light Travel - Black

Samsonite UpLIFT 25″ Lightweight Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels – Expandable, Medium Checked – Airline-Approved, Polyester Soft Suitcase for Ultra Light Travel – Black

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Versatile & Lightweight Luggage – Body fabric is created using 100% post-consumer recycled PET bottles with a weight of only 7.5 lbs
  • UpLIFT Design – RightHeight handle system with multi-stop adjustments allow you to extend the handle to a height that’s customized to you. Mesh-dual access pocket that’s also accessible from the exterior face panel pocket – gives quick on-the-go access to items packed away Seatbelt Webbing Cross Straps maximizes packing space by compressing your clothes. Removable 3-1-1 Wet Pouch keeps all your liquids safe from your clothing
  • Effortless Mobility – Samsonite patented wheels are optimized for shock absorption and noise reduction
  • Retractable ID Tag & Expandable Carry-on Luggage – Retractable Identification Tag and Expansion zipper for additional packing capacity. Expands additional 0.75 inches
  • 10 Year Limited Warranty – Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This Medium Luggage comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship

 

Samsonite UpLIFT 25″ Lightweight Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels – Expandable, Medium Checked – Airline-Approved, Polyester Soft Suitcase for Ultra Light Travel – Black – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Blackpongo 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack: A Tiny Travel Daypack

Blackpongo Packable Backpack

Blackpongo 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack: A Tiny Travel Daypack

A small extra backpack can be surprisingly useful on a cruise or other vacation. The Blackpongo 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack takes up very little luggage space and unfolds into a useful travel daypack when you need it.

My Experience with the Blackpongo Packable Backpack

I have this exact bag. This packable bag takes up very little room and unpacks to a lightweight 18L backpack. It is great for use as a daypack, for the beach or as a backup.

That makes it particularly useful for cruises, shore excursions and other trips where you may want an extra backpack without dedicating much suitcase space to a traditional daypack.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

Good for Lightweight Travel Gear

The Blackpongo is a lightweight, minimally structured backpack. It works best for relatively light items such as sunscreen, a water bottle, travel documents, a light jacket and other daily essentials.

Because the bag has very little padding or structure, hard and oddly shaped items may press against your back. It would not be my first choice for carrying heavy loads over long distances, but that is not really its intended purpose.

Its main advantage is convenience. You can keep it packed inside your luggage and pull it out when you need an extra bag for sightseeing, the beach, the pool or a shore excursion.

Bottom Line

The Blackpongo 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack is a simple and useful addition to a cruise packing list. It takes up very little room and provides a lightweight daypack, beach bag or backup backpack when you need one.

Small Backpack 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel, Airplane Travel Hiking Daypack – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Small Backpack 18L Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel, Airplane Travel Hiking Daypack(Black)

A Higher-Quality Packable Backpack Option

Travelers looking for a more premium version of the same basic idea should consider the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack.

The Osprey is also an 18L packable backpack. Its premium features include padded mesh shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap and recycled 40D high-tenacity nylon construction. It costs more, but the upgraded materials, additional strap padding and sternum strap may be worthwhile for travelers who expect to use their packable backpack regularly.

Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

AiRunTech Waterproof Waist Pouch: Keep Valuables Dry on Vacation, 2-Pack

 

AiRunTech waterproof waist pouch two-pack for travel and water activities

AiRunTech Waterproof Waist Pouch: Keep Valuables Dry on Vacation

The AiRunTech waterproof waist pouch offers a convenient way to keep your phone, wallet, cards and keys with you while helping protect them from water. It is a practical option for beaches, pools, water parks, cruises and water-based excursions.

This set includes two roomy waterproof pouches with adjustable straps. The AiRunTech waterproof waist pouch can be worn around your waist, across your body or over your shoulder, making it more versatile than a standard waterproof phone case.

AiRunTech Waterproof Waist Pouch Features

Each AiRunTech pouch uses a triple-seal closure designed to protect its contents from splashes and immersion. According to the manufacturer, the pouches can provide waterproof protection at depths of up to 32 feet.

The adjustable strap fits waist sizes from approximately 33.5 to 42.5 inches. It also gives you the flexibility to wear the pouch as a crossbody or shoulder bag when that is more comfortable.

✅ Check Current Price & Availability →

What Can You Carry?

Each pouch measures approximately 8.5 by 5.8 inches. That provides considerably more space than a typical waterproof phone case.

Potential items to carry include:

  • A smartphone measuring less than 7 inches
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Identification
  • A hotel room or cruise cabin key card
  • Car keys
  • Small wallets
  • Earbuds and charging cables
  • Other small travel essentials

The manufacturer says the pouches can float when enough air is trapped inside. Leave some room rather than tightly packing the pouch if floating is an important feature for your planned activity.

Two Different Pouches

This particular set includes one translucent gray pouch and one opaque black pouch. The translucent pouch allows you to see the contents and is designed to provide touchscreen access through the material.

The black pouch provides more privacy for items such as cash, cards and identification. Because it is opaque, it is not intended for touchscreen use.

Having two pouches also makes it easier to divide valuables between travelers or separate frequently used items from things that should remain tucked away.

Great for Beaches, Cruises and Water Activities

A waterproof waist pouch can be helpful anywhere you want to keep valuables close without leaving them unattended on a chair or beach towel.

  • Beach days: Keep your phone, cash and room key with you while walking along the shore or entering the water.
  • Cruise excursions: Protect cards, identification and other essentials during snorkeling, kayaking or boating excursions.
  • Water parks: Carry small necessities without repeatedly returning to a locker.
  • Pool visits: Keep a phone and hotel key nearby rather than leaving it unattended.
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding: Add water protection for items that would otherwise be carried in a pocket or open bag.
  • Boating: Help protect important belongings from spray, splashes and accidental drops into the water.

Test the Pouch Before Your Trip

Waterproof gear should always be tested before trusting it with a phone, passport or other difficult-to-replace item. Place a dry paper towel inside the pouch, carefully close all three seals and submerge it in water. Check the paper afterward for any signs of moisture.

Repeat this test periodically and inspect the pouch for punctures, worn seams or damaged closures. When using it, remove excess material from the sealing area and make sure every closure is completely secured.

Final Thoughts

The AiRunTech waterproof waist pouch offers a practical combination of water protection, carrying capacity and hands-free convenience. It is large enough for more than just a phone, yet compact enough to wear while swimming, walking around a water park or heading out on a beach excursion.

The two-pouch set is especially useful for couples, families or travelers who want separate pouches for visible and private items. For vacations involving beaches, pools, boats or other water activities, this is a simple accessory that can help keep important belongings close, organized and dry.

AiRunTech Waterproof Waist Pouch Two-Pack – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

Gorilla Grip Packing Cubes, 6 Piece Set

GORILLA GRIP 6 Set Packing Cubes, Travel Essentials for Suitcase, Mesh Organizer Bags for Clothes Toiletries Shoes and Laundry, Luggage and Carry On Airplane Accessories, Traveling Must Haves Black

GORILLA GRIP 6 Set Packing Cubes, Travel Essentials for Suitcase, Mesh Organizer Bags for Clothes Toiletries Shoes and Laundry, Luggage and Carry On Airplane Accessories, Traveling Must Haves Black

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • SAVE MORE SPACE IN YOUR SUITCASE: make travel easier than ever; the Gorilla Grip Packing Cubes let you easily and effectively organize and separate each type of clothing together; neatly pack a suitcase without worry of items not fitting in your carryon or suitcase; make full use of your suitcase space; plus, the flexible material lets you fit them into any suitcase without taking up too much space, even in carry-ons
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION WITH GRIPPY ZIPPERS: packing cubes are meant to last trip after trip; durable 210T polyester material is tear resistant; also features 2 way, slip resistant easy pull zippers that make zipping the bags seamless; drawstring closure for the laundry bag
  • BREATHABLE MESH WINDOW: each packing cube features a mesh window that allows you easy visibility into your items; allows your clothing to breathe to help reduce odors and keep your clothing staying fresh
  • 6 PIECE SET: this 6 piece set features cubes for heavy items like jackets and sweaters, but also cubes for smaller lightweight items like shirts and undergarments; a laundry bag and shoe bag are also included to keep dirty items away from the clean; medium 9.75 x 13.75, large 13.7 x 12.75 inches, extra large 12 x 17.5 inches, shoe bag 9 x 17 inches, and laundry bag 14 x 20 inches
  • HELP REDUCE WRINKLES: not just designed to help organize your clothing, the packing cubes also help protect items from wrinkles; keep items organized and looking great; clothing will come out just as perfectly as it goes in; also a great option to store your clothing in drawers

 

Packing cubes are a staple for more easily organizing, packing and un-packing. For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

GORILLA GRIP 6 Set Packing Cubes, Travel Essentials for Suitcase, Mesh Organizer Bags for Clothes Toiletries Shoes and Laundry, Luggage and Carry On Airplane Accessories, Traveling Must Haves Black – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Danmu Beach Towel Clips: Handy Cruise Chair Clips for Towels & Swimwear

Danmu Beach Towel Clips

Danmu Beach Towel Clips: Simple Cruise Chair Clips for Towels, Swimsuits and More

The Danmu Beach Towel Clips are a simple but useful cruise packing list item for keeping your towel in place on deck chairs, beach loungers, pool chairs and resort seating. If you have ever had a towel slide down a chair, blow away in the breeze or bunch up every time you move, a small set of towel clips can make pool and beach time easier.

These clips are also useful beyond the lounge chair. Pack them for cruises, beach vacations, resort stays, pool days and warm-weather trips where you may need to secure towels, hang damp swimsuits, clip hand-washed clothing or hold small items in place while they dry.

✅ Check Price on Danmu Beach Towel Clips at Amazon

In This Post

Why Pack Danmu Beach Towel Clips?

Cruise packing is all about small items that solve annoying problems without taking up much room. Danmu Beach Towel Clips fit that category well. They are small, lightweight clips designed to help hold a towel in place on a chair, which can be especially helpful when you are on a breezy cruise deck, at the beach or by the pool.

Instead of constantly readjusting your towel, you can clip it to the top of the chair and relax. That makes these useful for sea days, pool decks, private islands, beach excursions, resort stays and hotel pools.

Why They Make Sense for Cruises

Cruise pool decks can be windy, crowded and full of identical-looking lounge chairs. A bright set of towel clips can help keep your towel secured and may also make your chair a little easier to spot when you come back from the pool, hot tub, bar or buffet.

They can also be useful in the cabin. If you rinse out swimsuits, socks, undergarments or lightweight clothing, clips can help hang damp items in the shower or bathroom area. That makes them a practical add-on for anyone trying to pack lighter, re-wear clothing or manage wet swimwear during a cruise.

Ways to Use Danmu Beach Towel Clips

  • Clip towels to lounge chairs on cruise decks, pool decks, beaches and resort chairs.
  • Help keep towels from blowing away on windy sea days or breezy beach stops.
  • Hang wet swimsuits after the pool, hot tub, beach or water excursion.
  • Clip hand-washed clothing while it dries in the cabin bathroom or shower area.
  • Secure a picnic tablecloth during beach days, camping trips or outdoor meals.
  • Hold open a book or small item while relaxing outside.

Packing Tips

Because towel clips are small and lightweight, they are easy to add to a cruise packing list. Store them in a beach bag, pool bag, packing cube or outer suitcase pocket so they are easy to find on embarkation day or your first sea day.

For cruises, consider keeping a few clips with your swimwear or beach-day gear. That way you can grab your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, cruise card and clips together before heading to the pool deck or leaving for a beach excursion.

Who Should Pack These?

The Danmu Beach Towel Clips make the most sense for cruisers, beach travelers, resort guests, pool users and anyone who likes practical packing accessories. They are especially useful for families, frequent cruisers, beach-day planners and travelers who want a simple way to manage towels and wet swimwear.

They are not a must-have for every traveler, but they are one of those inexpensive cruise accessories that can be surprisingly handy once you start using them.

Final Thoughts

The Danmu Beach Towel Clips are a simple cruise packing accessory with multiple uses. They can help keep towels in place on lounge chairs, make pool and beach days more comfortable, and provide an easy way to hang damp swimsuits or hand-washed clothing in your cabin.

For a small item that takes up very little space, these are worth considering for cruises, beach vacations, resort stays and pool-focused trips.

✅ Check Price on Danmu Beach Towel Clips at Amazon

In my opinion these (or towel bands) are a must have for any cruise or beach vacation. They don’t take up a lot of room and save a lot of frustration by keeping beach towels in place.

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Danmu Beach Towel Clips, Beach Clips, Towel Clips for Beach Chairs Cruise, Heavy Duty Clothes Pins-Keep Your Towel from Blowing Away, Beach Accessories for Vacation Must Haves (Multicolor-8pcs) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Cruise On Towel Bands: A Simple Way to Keep Towels in Place, 4-Pack

cruise on towel bands

Cruise On Towel Bands: A Simple Way to Keep Towels in Place

Cruise On Towel Bands are one of those small cruise packing items that can make a surprisingly big difference once you are actually on the ship, by the pool or at the beach. We use these exact towel bands and they work great. They help keep your beach towel in place on a lounge chair instead of sliding down, bunching up or blowing around in the wind.

In my opinion, these or beach towel clips are a must-have for any cruise or beach location. They do not take up much room in your bag, but they can save a lot of frustration when you are trying to relax and your towel will not stay put.

✅Check Current Price & Availability on Amazon →

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Why Towel Bands Are Great for Cruises

Pool decks and beach days are a big part of many cruise vacations, but lounge chair towels can be annoying. They slide down when you sit up. They blow around when it is breezy. They can also make it harder to spot your chair if everything around you looks the same.

Cruise On Towel Bands solve that problem in a very simple way. Stretch the band around the top of the chair and towel, and it helps hold the towel in place. That is it. There is no complicated setup, no batteries, no moving parts and no bulky item to pack.

Our Personal Take

We use these exact towel bands, and they have earned a place in our cruise gear. They are small enough to toss into a beach bag, cruise tote or suitcase pocket, and they are easy to use once you get to the pool deck or beach.

The big win is convenience. You are not constantly readjusting your towel or trying to tuck it into the chair. Once the towel band is on, the towel tends to stay where you want it. That makes lounging, reading, napping or watching the ocean a lot more relaxing.

Cruise On Towel Bands vs Beach Towel Clips

We have used both towel bands and beach towel clips extensively on cruises and beach vacations. In my opinion, having one or the other is a must-have. Either option can help keep your towel in place on a lounge chair, which saves a lot of frustration by the pool, on the beach or on a windy cruise ship deck.

As to the question of which works better, we have landed on towel bands. They take up less room, are easier to pack and seem to be more secure once installed. Towel clips still work, but for us, bands have become the easier and more packable option.

  • Towel bands wrap around the chair and towel to help hold the towel in place.
  • Towel clips clip the towel to the chair, usually near the top corners.
  • Towel bands are compact, simple and easy to pack.
  • Towel clips can still be a good option, especially for certain chair styles.

Good Uses for Cruise On Towel Bands

  • Holding a towel on a cruise ship lounge chair
  • Keeping a beach towel in place at a resort
  • Using at the pool on sea days
  • Helping identify your chair among rows of similar loungers
  • Packing in a beach bag, cruise tote or shore excursion bag

Why This Is an Easy Cruise Packing Win

Some cruise accessories are useful but bulky. Others sound clever but never actually get used. Cruise On Towel Bands fall into the sweet spot: small, inexpensive, easy to pack and genuinely useful.

They are the kind of item you may not think about until you are on a windy pool deck trying to keep your towel from sliding down your chair. Once you have them, they are easy to keep packed with your other cruise and beach gear.

Bottom Line

Cruise On Towel Bands are a small cruise accessory that can make pool and beach days easier. We use these exact towel bands, they work great for us, and I think towel bands or beach towel clips belong on just about every cruise packing list.

Towel Bands (4 Pack) – The Better Towel Chair Clips Option for Beach, Pool & Cruise Chairs – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Luggage Tags

Cruise Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruise Essentials in 2023-2024

I highly recommend cruise luggage tag holders. These are sturdier and more secure than tape or staples. Having these also means you don’t need to carry along… tape or staples. These also keep your tags dry (and readable) in the event of rain. Because your tags are more likely to stay on, you’re less likely to have delayed luggage on the ship. Size of these varies based on cruise line. Look for one that’s compatible with your cruise line.

If you’re flying to your embarkation port I don’t recommend putting cruise tags on your luggage until after your flight. That’s especially true if you’re taping and stapling vs using luggage tags. Luggage tag holders would probably make the flight okay, but, to me, there’s no sense subjecting these to the wear and tear of airline luggage handling.

Print and fold (or cut) your printable luggage tags at home, put them in holders and pack. Put on the night before you cruise and you’ll all set.

Cruise Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruise Essentials in 2023-2024 – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Cruise Luggage Tag Options

Related... Recommendation: Get Luggage Tags for Your Next Cruise (smoother embarkation, less chance of delayed luggage!)

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Apple AirTags – track your luggage on your next cruise!

Photo from: Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?

Apple AirTag by Apple

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app
  • Simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad
  • Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help
  • Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband technology leads you right to your nearby AirTag (on select iPhone models)
  • Find items further away with the help of hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network
  • Put AirTag into Lost Mode to be automatically notified when it’s detected in the Find My network
  • All communication with the Find My network is anonymous and encrypted for privacy, Location data and history are never stored on AirTag

 

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

We use AirTags on our travel backpacks, carry ons and checked bags and love them. It’s really nice to tell where your bag is and know that it’s made in on the plane or ship.  Note that these (at least AirTags) don’t work perfectly at sea. If you see that your bags are 20 miles behind you in the middle of the ocean… don’t worry they’re probably still in your cabin.  If you’re not an Apple user, consider Tile Trackers

See: Do AirTags work on Cruise Ships? – for more infuriation

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Apple AirTag – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also Available in a 4 Pack: Apple AirTag 4 Pack

What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

Related: Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?

Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?

What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

Apple AirTag for cruise ships

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

Airalo is app for iOS/iPhone and Android smart phones that makes it easy and inexpensive to use your compatible phone internationally. They partner with local and regional providers to provide short term coverage in many parts of the world.

First… What’s a SIM Card?

SIM is an acronym stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It’s small card that fits in select phones that’s basically the digital identification for the phone. You can theoretically quickly change phones by swapping out your physical SIM card.

What’s an eSIM Card?

Fast forward to eSIM cards. eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.  Instead of a physical SIM card an eSIM is a logical identity for select phones. No need for a physical SIM card.

The part where the magic comes in… Some phones also allow you to have multiple eSIM cards. So you can actually have multiple phone numbers on a single phone.

Get FREE Airalo Credit!

Use code CHRIS1167 when you make your eSIM purchase and you’ll get $3 in free credit to apply to your purchase!

What devices support Airalo eSIM?

To use an eSIM, your device must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

Airalo provides a regularly updated list of supported devices.

An eSIM example…

Here is a screenshot from my iPhone. On the top left you’ll see my primary carrier Verizon. Below that is my secondary carrier Tello. I use two carriers, one for business the other for personal. If you want to give Tello a try use referral code P3XR5K8D and earn Tello dollars.

Using Airalo for international coverage!…

We recently went on a cruise to Aruba, Curaçao and the Bahamas. I decided to give Airalo a try and purchased e-SIM cards for Aruba and Curaçao.

Purchasing an e-SIM card for Curaçao. I went with 1 GB of data. We were in Curaçao for about a day. The e-SIM I purchased was valid for up to 7 days. This was a data only e-SIM meaning I didn’t have a local phone number. I didn’t need to use the phone if I had to I could have used Google Voice, WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime. Of course there are other apps that can utilize a data connection for phone calls and video chat.

Purchasing an e-SIM card for Aruba. Also 1 GB data and 7 days.

Here’s my phone after purchasing and installing both e-SIM. As of this update iPhone 15 can handle up to eight e-SIM with a maximum of two active e-SIM cards at any one time. Note that my Verizon and Tello numbers have been redacted.

Using Airalo in Curaçao

I enabled my Curaçao e-SIM card and disabled all other e-SIMs installed on my phone

Whammo I’m connected

I fired up Google Maps for directions to the beach we wanted to go to.

We made it to Cas Abao beach!  It was beautiful!

I tried Blue Curaçao.  It was pretty good.

I tweeted from the beach to test the connection. It worked great. Connect with me on X!

Let's be friends! Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | RSS

When I bought the e-SIM card the carrier was named Dushi wireless. I had no idea what that meant, but learned when visiting. visitaruba.com says… “Dushi – This is such a dynamic Papiamento word. In Aruba, ‘dushi‘ is used to describe food as ‘sweet‘ or ‘yummy‘ tasting, or to indicate that a sensation is good (think of pleasant smells or nice music), but it is also used as a term of endearment for your lover, translated as ‘sweetheart‘ or ‘sweety‘.”

Speedtest. The connection was quite zippy. This test shows 58.4 megabits down and 46.6 megabits up.

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At the end of the day I still had 700 MB left. It’s worth noting that you can also buy longer eSIMs with more data AND you can purchase eSIMs for entire regions instead of a single country.

We had a wonderful time in Curaçao!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Using Airalo in Aruba

I tweeted from Eagle Beach to test the connection. It worked great. Connect with me on X!

Airalo’s partner in Aruba was blazing fast. Here’s a speed test.  This test shows 114 megabits down and 26.9 megabits up.

We had an amazing time in Aruba!  This was our first time doing a Southern Itinerary cruise and it was one of our favorites!

Conclusions

Airalo worked flawlessly! I paid $9.50 per eSIM card. Each card had 7 days of validity. That’s much cheaper than my carrier’s international coverage. Going forward Airalo will be a regular part of our international travel!

Get FREE Airalo Credit!

Use code CHRIS1167 when you make your eSIM purchase and you’ll get $3 in free credit to apply to your purchase!

Pelican Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch / Case (Regular Size) - Floating Waterproof Phone Case For iPhone 15 Pro Max/ 14 Pro Max/13 Pro Max/12/S24 Ultra - Detachable Lanyard - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow Related: Pelican’s IP68 Waterproof Phone Case – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: FREE… Royal Caribbean Perfect Day at CocoCay Phone Wallpaper

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 1.15.24 top:airaloreview tag:tpr

LiFiYiRc European USB Charger for Cruises: 5-Port Type C Charger (Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise)

LiFiYiRc European USB Charger for CruisesPicture from my Hands on Review of this great charging block

LiFiYiRc European USB Charger for Cruises: 5-Port Type C Charger

Cruise cabins can have a frustrating shortage of convenient power outlets. One of my favorite ways to add useful charging capacity is to take advantage of the European Type C outlet found in many cruise ship cabins.

The LiFiYiRc European USB Charger plugs directly into that outlet and gives you five USB charging ports without adding another AC outlet.

European USB charger for cruises

I’ve personally used and tested this exact charger aboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas. It worked well for turning the cabin’s European outlet into a convenient charging station for several devices.

For photos and more detailed testing, see my hands-on review of the LiFiYiRc European USB charger.

Five USB Charging Ports

The LiFiYiRc charger combines USB-C and USB-A charging in one compact device:

  • 2 USB-C ports
  • 3 USB-A ports
  • PD fast-charging support
  • QC 3.0 fast-charging support
  • European Type C plug
  • 100-240V AC input

The charger I tested is labeled as a 65W Fast Charger. Individual ports are marked PD20W, QC3.0, PD15W, 3.1A and 3.1A.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

Why I Like Type C USB Chargers for Cruises

Many cruise cabins include a European-style outlet that American travelers may otherwise leave completely unused.

A Type C USB charger turns that outlet into another dedicated charging location for phones, watches, tablets, headphones, power banks and other USB-powered travel gear.

That’s especially useful when several people are sharing a cabin or when you travel with a growing collection of rechargeable devices.

For more on this strategy, see my guide to making use of the 220V European outlet on a cruise ship.

A Must-Pack Charger for My Cruises

This has become one of my must-pack charging accessories for cruises. I’ve used this LiFiYiRc charger on multiple sailings to take advantage of the European-style outlet in the cabin and add a convenient charging location for several devices.

One of the ships where I specifically documented using it was Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas. I plugged it directly into the European cabin outlet, connected several charging cables and used it throughout the cruise.

I even used it to provide power to my Dell XPS laptop. My laptop normally uses a 130W charger, so charging was slower and this isn’t a replacement for its full-power factory charger. Still, it was able to provide power in a pinch.

For me, the biggest benefit is simply having another dependable place to charge devices. Instead of leaving the European outlet unused, this charger turns it into five USB ports and helps take some of the pressure off the other outlets in the cabin.

You can see photos and more detailed testing from one of my cruises in my full LiFiYiRc hands-on review.

USB-C and USB-A in the Same Charger

Another reason I like this configuration is that it includes both newer USB-C ports and traditional USB-A ports.

Most of us are gradually moving toward USB-C, but plenty of travel accessories still use USB-A charging cables.

With two USB-C and three USB-A ports, this charger works well with a mix of newer and older charging cables without requiring multiple charging blocks.

A Good Option for Royal Caribbean’s Current Outlet Rules

Royal Caribbean’s electrical-device rules are important when choosing a cruise charger. Multi-plug AC adapters and devices that add additional electrical outlets can be prohibited.

This LiFiYiRc charger is different because it does not provide an additional AC outlet. It plugs into the European Type C outlet and provides USB charging ports only.

That’s one reason I like this style of charger for Royal Caribbean cruises.

For the latest policy details and examples of chargers and adapters that may or may not qualify, see my guide to Royal Caribbean’s multi-plug adapter rules.

Cruise-line policies can change, and final approval of any electrical device is up to the cruise line and onboard security.

Using a 220V Cruise Cabin Outlet

One potential point of confusion when using a European cruise cabin outlet is voltage.

When you use a simple plug adapter to connect an AC-powered US device to a 220/240V outlet, you need to make sure the device itself supports that voltage.

The LiFiYiRc charger I tested is labeled for 100-240V AC input. Your phone, watch or other USB device connects to the charger’s USB output rather than directly to the ship’s AC power.

That makes a USB charger like this a simple way to put the European outlet to work.

For conventional plug adapters and AC-powered devices, always verify voltage compatibility before connecting anything to a 220/240V outlet.

Bottom Line

The LiFiYiRc European USB Charger is a simple way to get more usefulness out of the European outlet in a cruise cabin.

It provides two USB-C ports and three USB-A ports, doesn’t add another AC outlet and has worked well for me during actual onboard use.

If the European outlet in your cabin would otherwise go unused, a charger like this can turn it into a very useful multi-device charging location.

For onboard photos, additional testing and more observations from my experience using it, see the complete hands-on LiFiYiRc USB charger review.

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

European USB C Charger Block, PD20W QC3.0 Fast Charging Multi Ports, 2 USB C 3 USB A Europe Plug Compatible for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X SE Plus, Samsung S22 S21 A13, Phones  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

European USB C Charger Block, PD20W QC3.0 Fast Charging Multi Ports, 2 USB C 3 USB A Europe Plug Compatible for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X SE Plus, Samsung S22 S21 A13, Phones

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact the manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!