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Magnetic Hooks: The Cruiser’s ‘Swiss Army Knife’
The majority of cruise cabins are constructed with metal walls. And most cabins are notorious for being…shall we say, compact? Magnetic hooks offer a sanity-saving array of organizational solutions. Use them to hang backpacks, sunhats, or those fluffy bathrobes that take up all your closet space. Look for a heavy-duty set rated for 80-100+ pounds. Cheaper hooks will just slide down the wall like a drunken sailor on formal night.
Bonus Tip #1: Magnetizing to the ceiling vs. the wall will give you a little more oomph for hanging heavier gear like backpacks.
Bonus Tip #2: If you get earplugs that come in a case with a loop – like these – you can use one of your magnetic hooks to hang them. They’ll be right by your bedside when you need them and you won’t have to go digging through a drawer to find them.
A Lanyard/Medallion Holder: The ‘Identity Keeper’
Stop digging through your pockets, beach bag or purse every time you want to get on or off the ship, have a cocktail or splurge on that massage. I always bring my ‘cruise card archive’ – a collection of every card since my honeymoon sailing, pictured here – on a lanyard. Then I add in my current cruise card and port-day ID to keep them handy and secure. If you’re cruising Princess, don’t let the Medallion fool you into thinking you’re ‘hands-free’. You still need a way to keep that disc from becoming a permanent resident of the sea floor!
Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody: The ‘Port Day Peace of Mind’
I bought this small but mighty shoulder bag on Amazon two cruises ago and now it’s a must-pack for any trips I take, not just cruising. It’s loaded with compartments – and features – and comes in 8 lovely colors. I chose black because, well, it goes with everything. But the real win is the RFID blocking. It’s like a vault for your faux-jito money while you’re exploring port.
Non-Surge Protected Power Strip: With Great Power Comes…
Most new (and some seasoned) cruisers don’t know that surge protectors are often confiscated at the pier. Look for a power strip that’s cruise line approved. Royal Caribbean is notoriously strict; they essentially ban anything with a cord that looks like it could be a fire hazard. However, if you look for a fully cordless power cube like this one, you can usually bypass the ‘gangway jail’ and keep your devices charged all cruise long.
Stateroom Door Decor: The ‘Find My Cabin’ Hack
Not gonna lie. Even after 6,000 miles, I still walk the wrong way trying to get back to my cabin sometimes. That’s why I created the ‘Not All Who Wander’ Door Magnet. It’s the ultimate ‘You Are Here’ marker that saves me from the ‘wrong door’ walk of shame. 😄