Is a friend or loved one planning a cruise? Have they already booked their cruise? Do they simply just love to cruise? Do they eat, breathe, sleep, cruise?
We've put together a list of our top cruise-related gifts for the lovers of cruising in your life. Most are helpful for cruise travelers, but they are practical for anyone with a passion for travel.
Make a fun a gift basket with a mix of items, or choose to buy a gift certificate for any of our 31 ideas. No matter what you decide, it is sure to be loved by the avid cruiser!
- Shipboard Credit. A universally welcomed gift, this credit can be used however they wish onboard; from pedicures to pina coladas. Shipboard credits are available for purchase through the cruise line's gift department or by contacting their travel agent.
- Bottle of Wine. Have a nice bottle of wine delivered to their stateroom upon embarkation (pleasant surprise!) or sent to their cabin on an evening they may be celebrating a special occasion. You may purchase through the cruise line's gift department or contact their travel agent. On most (but not all, so please confirm) cruise lines, guests may bring one bottle of wine per stateroom. In this case, you may purchase a nice bottle of wine and present it to them before sailing - then they are able to carry it onboard.
- Other Special Bon Voyage Gifts that may be ordered through the individual cruise line's gift department include: fresh flowers, fruit baskets, yummy snacks, spa gift certificates, stateroom decorations, cruise line logo apparel, beach towels, robes and more!
- Waterproof Pouch for storing credit cards, ID, money and other valuables.
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Travel-sized Toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, hair products, shaving cream, etc.
- Sunglasses
- Lanyards for keycards, tickets to shore excursions or any other important information.
- Highlighter. This is useful for planning and highlighting what daily activities they would like to enjoy onboard.
- Portable Alarm Clock. Staterooms are on vacation time, so no clocks are provided in the cabin. A battery-operated travel alarm clock can be invaluable in lieu of using a cell phone that constantly needs to be charged (and can incur roaming charges!).
- Nightlight or Mini Flashlight. Staterooms can be dark at night and in order to avoid stubbed toes, a small nightlight can come in very handy.
- iPod Speakers. A portable iPod dock, especially one operated by battery, can really set the vacation mood. Make them a vacation playlist with soothing tunes or something more upbeat like calypso music!
- Small, Flame-less Candle for the Balcony will add a little romantic ambiance.
- Plastic Refillable Water Bottles This saves them from paying a premium for bottled water while in port or lounging by the pool. They can refill on the ship as needed.
- Travel Coffee Mugs are a convenient way to drink coffee onboard.
- Hanging Shoe Organizer. This can be hung over the bathroom door and provides much needed storage space for the stateroom.
- Destination Travel Guide. They can research their cruise destinations, plan activities in advance and also have handy maps while in port.
- Cruise Ship Picture Frame or Photo Album. They will be able to cherish their favorite pictures of their cruising adventure once they get home.
- A set of small handheld Walkie Talkies allows for easier communication onboard.
- Pair of Binoculars
- Beach Towel. Something other than the cruise line provided beach towel will be easy to differentiate, and harder to misplace, when heading back to the ship after a day of beach bumming or hiking waterfalls.
- Compact Umbrella or Raincoat. Weather can be unpredictable, especially in tropical climates.
- Special Luggage tags
- Gift Certificate for New Vacation Wardrobe
- A Cruise Journal so they can document their travels each day. Inscribe a meaningful travel quote on the inside for inspiration.
- Snorkel Gear. A snorkel and mask can be very beneficial for those Caribbean cruises!
- Kindle. This will save them room in their luggage and provide hours of reading at the beach and by the pool.
- High Resolution Handheld Video Recorder. These inexpensive, easy-to-use compact video cameras can be the perfect solution if you want to catch life's memorable impromptu moments but don't want to lug around a larger dedicated camcorder or expensive smartphone.
- Underwater Digital Camera. Allow them to capture their expeditions underwater with the perfect companion, a camera that can be taken in the pool and ocean without the worry of it getting damaged or ruined. For something a little lighter on the wallet, spring for a few disposable cameras!
- Luggage. A new set of luggage or a single piece, like a rolling duffel bag, is a timeless gift.
Other general cruise enthusiast gift ideas are cruise line cookbooks (most lines have recipes published from their executive chefs), cruise ship ornaments, or personalized apparel with cute taglines like 'I love cruising!, 'I have no Cruise Control', or 'Hi, my name is ____ and I am a cruiseaholic.'