Cruise gift bag ideas. 35 cruise gift bag fillers. Image is gift bags with a beach background and some of the cruise essentials.

35 Fantastic Cruise Gift Bag Ideas

Putting together a thoughtful gift bag for a cruise lover or someone heading out on their first cruise can be a fun and personal way to celebrate their adventure. From practical essentials to cute cruise-themed goodies, there are plenty of affordable items to choose from that will make their trip even more special.


Here are 35 simple and inexpensive cruise gift bag ideas. Then we will talk about a few ways to go about creating your gift bag or cruise gift basket.


35 Fantastic cruise gift bag filler ideas.  Create a gift bag they will love.  Image is cruise essentials I used for a gift bag.



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1. Beach towel clips

Towel clips are one of those cruise accessories that are both fun and practical.

They keep your beach towel in place on your lounger and stop the corner from blowing over on your shoulder. They also make a great seat identifier too. Especially on a cruise when 95% of the people are using the same towels.


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)



Beach Towel Clips, Sopito Jumbo Size Towel Clips for Beach Chairs Cruise Pool Patio or Daily Use-Secure Hang Seal, Set of 4 (Flamingo Parrot)






2. Cruise lanyard

I prefer this style as it can be used with our without the plastic sleeve. This can clip directly to your card. While some like the sleeve, it can be a pain taking your card out of the sleeve every time you purchase a drink, open your stateroom door or are playing at the slot machines.


Hovmwey Lanyards for Cruise Ship Cards, 3 Pack Adjustable Cruise Lanyard with Waterproof ID Badges and Detachable Buckle for Cruise Essentials, Cruises Ships Key Cards






3. Waterproof phone pouch

Here is another inexpensive cruise essential that is a perfect cruise gift bag filler. We bring our waterproof phone pouches with us on every cruise.

The main reason I bring it every cruise is not for the underwater photos. While it is great to have that option, the main reason I love it is that I can keep my phone, cruise card, ID and a small amount of cash with me at all times.

If I want to cool off in the ocean I don’t have to leave my valuables on the beach. It is safely kept on my body.


JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch Cellphone Dry Bag Case for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max 8 7, Galaxy S23 S22 S21, Pixel up to 7" -Black






4. Reef safe sunscreen


Sun Bum Original Spf 50 Sunscreen Lotion Vegan and Reef Friendly (octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Uva/uvb With Vitamin E 3 Ounce 2 Pack






5. Rubber ducks to hide

This might surprise some, but on many cruise lines hiding and looking for rubber ducks is a thing. Not on Disney Cruise Lines though, they have banned them.

It is a way to add a little extra fun to your cruise. When someone finds a duck, they can decide to keep it or to hide it again. The only real rules are not to hide them in stores, pools, or hot tubs.

You can hide the ducks as is or put a tag on it saying who it was hid by. Here is a great cruise duck set that includes the tags. You could add a few to a cruise gift bag.


H1vojoxo 60PCS Cruise Duck Tags Kits Multi-colored Rubber Ducks for Cruise Ships Cruise Ducks for Hiding with Tags Carnival Cruise Line Gold Sailing Card Cruising Ducks Passport Card Rubber Bands






6. Stanley cup

This item is a little more expensive than the others, but is something that would really make a cruise gift bag pop, and is something that can be used daily and not just on a cruise.

These are perfect to keep your cruise drinks colder longer or to take advantage of the free water and lemonade or other drinks the cruise line offers (differs by cruise line).


Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw for Water, Iced Tea or Coffee, Smoothie and More, Rose Quartz 2.0, 30 OZ / 0.89 L






7. Stanley cup holder

These cup and phone holders are a brilliant idea! These are perfect for a cruise as you can keep your Stanley cup, phone and cruise card all in the same place and be hands free.


JEBEALUO Water Bottle Carrier Bag with Phone Pocket for Stanley Cup 40/30 oz, Water Bottle Holder with Adjustable Strap& Straw Cover, Stanley Cup Accessories (Pink)






7. Passport holder (RFID Blocking)

Travel safer with a RFID blocking passport holder. This is an inexpensive yet very practical travel item perfect for a cruise or travel gift bag or as a stocking stuffer.

This comes in several different colors.


Eoehro Passport Holder for Travel Essentials, Passport Wallet Cover Case for Travel Must Haves Accessories,Passport Book Holders for Women and Men(gray)






8. Journal

A journal is a great gift for anyone who likes to travel. It can be used for the planning and preparing for travel stage and/or for recording their memories and favorite moments.


Lined Spiral Journal Notebook for Women & Men, 140 Pages, College Ruled Hardcover Notebook for Work & Note Taking, Journals for Writing, A5 - Green






10. Portable charger

A portable phone charger is a great addition to a cruise gift basket. With phones being used so much to take photos and videos, it is handy to have a portable charger with you.

I have even used mine to charge my phone by the bed on certain ships that don’t have plug-ins by the bed as I use my phone for an alarm.


INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc






11. Extra outlet power bank

Plug ins can be lacking on cruise ships, especially on the older ships. A power strip like this is a cruise essential I bring on every cruise.

It is important to note that not any power strip will do. It must have a NON surge protector. This one below is cruise approved (other than Royal Caribbean – see below) and is great as it has regular outlets, USB and USB-C outlets.

*NOTE: Royal Caribbean has just banned these. If you are planning a cruise on Royal Caribbean don’t buy this.


Cruise Approved Power Strip Foldable Non Surge Protector for Cruise Ship [2 USB-C, 2 USB, 3 AC Outlet Plugs] - Cruise Essentials for Carnival, Celebrity, Princess & Major Cruise Lines in 2024 & 2025






12. Book or magazine

A good or a magazine is a great gift bag filler.






13. Nail clipper set

A nail clipper set or manicure set is a great item for the cruise lovers on your list. There are travel nail kits that come in different colors making it a great small gift for men and women.


HANTEKAS Manicure Set 10 in 1 Stainless Steel, Nail Clippers Scissors Pedicure Tools Kit - Portable Travel Grooming Kit for Men and Women with Leather Case (Jade Green)






14. RFID blocking credit card holder

This isn’t just a great travel gift, it’s a great everyday gift. The RFID blocking technology makes it a smart and practical gift to help keep your personal information safe. The last thing you want to deal with on holidays is a compromised credit card.


Aiawoxc Credit Card Holder for Women, Small RFID Card Wallet Slim Leather Business Card Organizer Case with Zipper & Keychain(Green)



Here is a popular option for men.


RUNBOX Slim Wallets for Men - Leather Money Clip Mens Wallet - RFID Blocking Front Pocket Bifold Wallet - Thin Credit Card Holder with Gift Box






15. Travel first aid kit

A practical small gift that can be used for travel, kept in their vehicle or taken on camping or hiking trips.


Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit for Car, Travel & Home, Businesses - Bonus Mini Kit for Medical Emergency Aid, Survival, Camping - FSA & HSA Eligible - 64 Piece, 1 Pk - Red - Travel






16. Fillable travel sized perfume bottles

This is a great travel gift for those that wear perfume or cologne. Instead of bringing a big bottle or paying extra for a travel sized perfume try these refillable perfume atomizer bottles.

You fill these bottles with your favorite scent to make your own affordable travel size perfume.


obscyon 4 Pcs 5ml Portable Mini Refillable Perfume Atomizer Spray Bottle Scent Pump Case for Travel








17. Sea Bands

If you are putting together a cruise gift bag for a first time cruiser, consider adding a Sea Band. These are acupressure wristbands that can help with motion sickness.


Sea-Band Sea-Band Acupressure Wrist Bands, 3 Pairs







18. Travel games

Travel sized games are a great small gift idea. They are perfect to pass time at the airport, adding extra fun to a sea day or keeping you entertained on a rainy cruise day.

The bonus is that it can be used any day and not just while traveling, making it an extra valuable gift idea.


Mattel Games Set of 3 Games with UNO, Phase 10 & ONO 99, Travel Games for Kids & Family Night with Storage Tin Box (Amazon Exclusive)







19. Sand free beach towel

While the cruise ships do have beach towels that you can use while on the ship and for port days, if you have the luggage space, you might want to consider a sand free towel. It is a great cruise gift basket filler.

The quick dry sand free towels are smaller and lighter weight than most cruise towels.


2 Packs Cotton Turkish Beach Towels Quick Dry Sand Free Oversized Bath Pool Swim Towel Extra Large Xl Big Blanket Adult Travel Essentials Cruise Accessories Must Haves Clearance Vacation Stuff






20. Fanny pack

Fanny packs have become popular, especially worn cross body. This is a great travel gift that will get lots of use.


MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack Belt Bag for Women Men with 4-Zipper Pockets Gifts for Sports Yoga Festival Workout Running Wallets Waist Pack Hands-Free Travel Essentials Fits All Phones,Black







21. Travel mug

If you have a coffee or tea lover on your list, consider adding a travel mug to their cruise gift basket. The coffee mugs the ships usually provide with the free coffee are quite small. A travel mug will keep coffee hotter longer and save a couple trips to refill.

This is another one of those items that can be used in every day life and not just while traveling.


YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler, Stainless Steel, Vacuum Insulated with MagSlider Lid, Charcoal







22. Cruise luggage tag holders

Here are the ones that will fit Norwegian Cruise Line luggage tags.


NCL Luggage Tag Holders by Cruise On [4 Pack] Fits Printed (Not Mailed) Norwegian NCL Cruise Ships & Tags for Cruises in 2024 & 2025







23. Luggage tags

When cruising, you will need the luggage tags mentioned above. Those are needed for the crew to deliver your checked bags to your stateroom door. You should also have regular luggage tags with your contact information, especially if you are flying to your departure point.

Luggage tags are inexpensive and come in so many designs and colors, making them perfect for a cruise gift bag.

I recommend ones with privacy panels, so that your personal information isn’t easily shown to anyone around.


Luggage Tags for Suitcases, 2 Pack Cute PU Leather Suitcase Tag Identifiers TSA Approved with Stainless Steel Loop and Address Card for Baggage Tag for Cruise Airport Travel Essentials by Chelmon






24. Cruise nail decals

This is a fun and likely unexpected cruise gift bag filler idea. There are lots of cute nail decals or press on nails that you could include with your gift.


TailaiMei Summer Nail Decals Stickers, Self-Adhesive DIY Design Nail Art Decorations (12 Sheets)







25. Mini medicine

Packing a selection of travel sized medicines are important cruise essentials to pack. There is a limited selection onboard, the stores have very limited hours, and the prices are considerably higher than at home.

You could purchase a small make-up bag or toiletry bag and fill it with travel sized medicines.

You could include medication for headaches, a sore throat, stomach issues, ginger pills (sea sickness), etc.


BAGSMART Small Cosmetic Bag, Elegant Roomy Makeup Bags,lipstick pouch,Zipper Pouch,Great Gifts for Women,Travel Waterproof Toiletry Bag Accessories Organizer Gifts (Pink-1 pcs)







26. Travel laundry items

You could also include in your cruise gift bag some small laundry items.

These are items people often forget to pack for a cruise.


Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray All In One Wrinkle Release Spray Travel Size, Odor Eliminator, Static Remover Fabric Refresher & Ironing Aid for Clothes 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 2), Crisp Linen Scent





27. Sanitizer and holder

Pair a travel sized hand sanitizer and holder for an inexpensive yet useful cruise gift.


2nd Childhood Hand Sanitizer Holder Bag; Travel Size Empty 2 oz Refillable Bottle; Carabiner Clips on to Backpack or Purse


Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer Holder Hand Sanitizer Bottle - Many Styles! (Peach White Ombre)






28. Lip balm

A lip balm with SPF sun protection is a definite cruise must-have that makes for an inexpensive cruise gift bag filler.






29. After sun lotion

This is a cruise essential for any warm weather cruise vacation. With the ship moving, there is a constant breeze. This can make the amount of sun you are getting deceiving.


Burt's Bees Stocking Stuffers, After Sun Lotion with Hydrating Aloe Vera & Coconut Oil - Sunburn Relief, After Sun Soother, Natural Origin Skin Care Christmas Gifts, 6 oz






30. Travel containers

TSA approved travel bottles for toiletries are a great gift bag filler idea if the person you are buying for has to fly to their cruise and especially if they like to travel with just carry on.

This allows them to travel with their favorite hair products and lotions without taking up so much valuable luggage space.


18pack Travel Bottles for Toiletries,TSA Approved Silicone Travel Containers jar for Toiletries,Leak Proof Refillable Liqus Shampoo And Conditioner Travel Essentials toiletry Bottles






31. Electronics organizer

An electronics accessory travel organizer is a practical gift anyone will appreciate.


FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch Electronic Accessories Carry Case Portable Waterproof Double Layers All-in-One Storage Bag for Cord, Charger, Phone, Earphone Black






32. Jewelry travel case

A cruise gift idea for the jewelry wearers on your your list. Here is a cute and practical yet inexpensive jewelry travel case.

It comes in several different colors.


MFXIP Travel Jewelry Case Small Jewelry Box Jewelry Organizer Storage Case Portable PU Leather Mini Jewelry Travel Case for Girls Womens Earring, Necklace, Rings,Bracelets






33. Drawstring backpack

A drawstring backpack would be useful on a cruise as a pool bag or shore excursion bag.


HOLYLUCK Drawstring Backpack Bag Sport Gym Sackpack - black






34. Hanging toiletry bag

A hanging toiletry bag is a cruise essential as it helps keep the small cruise ship bathrooms organized. There isn’t much counter space or storage, so hanging all your toiletries on the back of the bathroom door is a great space saver.

hanging toiletry bag on the back of a cruise ship bathroom door.






35. Beach bag

A beach bag is a cruise essential that can be used either as a cruise gift basket filler or as the gift bag itself.

I use my beach bag as my airplane carry-on bag, my cruise carry on bag, and as my shore excursion bag.

My favorite beach bag for a cruise






Now that we have come up with some cruise gift bag filler ideas, here are some ways you can put it all together.

  • Fill a gift bag with the cruise items that fit your budget
  • Create a gift basket using a color theme
  • Fill a hanging toiletry bag with related items (travel sized meds, refillable bottles, first aid kit, landry items)
  • Fill a beach bag with related items (towel, towel clips, sunscreen, lip balm, after sun, book, etc.)
  • Use a drawstring backpack as your gift bag

Which ever items you choose or however you decide to put it all together I’m sure your gift will put a smile on someone’s face. It will help build excitement for an upcoming cruise.

Giving a cruise gift basket or gift bag is a great way reveal an upcoming family cruise or a surprise cruise vacation.


Here are some related articles you might find helpful:


35 Gift bag ideas. 3 different colored gift bags with tissue paper sticking out of the top.