Gifts for Cruise Lovers: 25+ Ideas They’ll Actually Use
Buying for a cruise lover is a bit of a mixed bag: they either already own every nautical-print mug going, or they’re about to set sail for the very first time and have no idea what they actually need. Either way, you’ve landed in the right place.
Below is a proper mix of gifts for cruise lovers, from daft cruise-themed novelties to genuinely useful cabin essentials, whether you’re shopping for a seasoned cruiser clocking up their tenth trip or someone booking their very first cruise holiday in 2027.
A quick note: this post contains some affiliate links, which I’ve hand-picked because I genuinely rate them. If you buy something through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Cruise-themed gifts and keepsakes
If you have friends who love cruising, consider picking up some cruise-related gifts that they can enjoy both on board and on land. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Cruise Murder Mystery Game
Now they can bring the cruise home with them. This kit comes with invitations, character profiles, name badges and six different whodunnit plots, so it’s ready to go straight out of the box
World map and pins
With its detailed design, you can proudly mark all the places you’ve visited on your cruising adventures.
This one is a scratch off one as well!
Personalised Cruise ship
Well not an actual Cruise ship, but a sign or an ornament like this one!
A bit of light holiday reading for the sun lounger, or something to keep them going between cruises. This one’s had a lot of laughs from readers
You will probably visit loads of exciting new places, have adventures, meet new people, try out new foods etc, etc – you will want a journal to remember all this. Theses ones from Etsy are great because they are personalised and are a great planner too.
Cruise apparel
There is loads of fantastic Cruise themed apparel available, you should find something that suits the personality of whom you are giving the gift to.
Practical gifts for a cruise
Choosing a practical gift can enhance their experience. Ideas include:
- Travel Adapter and Power Strip
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Portable Charger
- Sunscreen and Aloe Vera Gel
- Lightweight Backpack or Tote Bag
- E-Reader or Travel Books
- Quick-Dry Towel
Sea Sickness Remedies
Unfortunately a lot of us can get seasick, but I find it is temporary and goes away pretty quickly – but if it does come it is good to be ready with some remedies, or prevention.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes are great! Not only can you fit more in, (you’ll be amazed), they keep you organised and make unpacking so much easier.
Waterproof phone case
These are useful for any holiday around water! Instead of a boring one, I’ve found these colourful personalised ones here.
Lanyard with ID Holder
If you haven’t been on a cruise before, basically you must carry around a cruise ID card at all times, you must become attached to it, because without it you are stuffed – this is where the lanyard and ID holder come in handy!
Travel-Sized Toiletries Set
This is what I use. Instead of buying mini versions of toiletries, (which can be more expensive than the full size versions!) – I just decant my favourites into these – it works out perfectly.
Cruise greetings cards
If your buying a gift you may want a card as well, so here are a few of my favourite cruise ones.
Print out my free cruise packing checklist here.
Cruise gifts for Children
Kids love cruise too, so here are some gifts specifically for them.
Cruise keepsakes
Some more sentimental type Cruise related gifts.
Things You Might Not Think You Need… Until You Do
Magnetic hooks
One of those “Why didn’t I pack these?” items. They give you extra hanging space without taking up precious suitcase room.
Small torch/night light
Because finding your way around an unfamiliar cabin in complete darkness isn’t quite as easy as it sounds!
Ziplock bags
Boring? Yes. Useful? Absolutely. Great for snacks, wet swimwear, small items, toiletries and all sorts of little holiday emergencies.
Over-door hooks
A simple way to create extra hanging space for lightweight items. Just check your cruise line’s rules before using anything on the cabin door.
Binoculars
You might be surprised how much there is to spot from a ship — coastline, wildlife and other ships can all look very different through binoculars.
Foldable tote
It weighs almost nothing and can become your shopping bag, beach bag, excursion bag or “I’ve somehow acquired too much stuff” bag.
Stain remover pen
Because somehow the one time you wear your favourite white top is the exact moment you drop dinner on it. A tiny emergency stain remover can be worth its weight in gold.
Small first-aid/travel kit
Useful for dealing with those minor holiday annoyances without having to hunt around for something you need. Keep it small and practical rather than packing an entire pharmacy.
Earplugs
Useful for sleeping, travelling or simply creating a little peace and quiet when you need it. Small enough to throw into your bag and forget about until they’re needed.
Travel laundry bags
Handy for separating dirty laundry from clean clothes and keeping everything a little more organised. They take up almost no space when empty.
What’s a good gift for someone going on their first cruise?
Practical extras tend to go down best for first-timers: a lanyard for their cruise card, motion sickness bands, a portable charger and a printed packing checklist. They’ll appreciate not having to think of everything themselves.
What do you get a cruise lover who already has everything?
Go for something personalised or sentimental rather than another practical item — a personalised map to track where they’ve been, a keepsake journal, or a photo album for the trip they’ve just come back from.
Are cruise-themed novelty gifts worth buying?
If you know the person well, yes — a cruise-themed mug, T-shirt or card adds a bit of fun to the gift without costing much, and tends to get more of a laugh than a purely practical present.
