Amazon Prime Big Deal Days – We Found the Best Deals on Cruise Essentials
It’s time for another Amazon Prime Day, the favorite commercial-based holiday of many (or at least that’s what Amazon wants you to think). Honestly, it’s funny that a quasi-holiday is made up just to increase sales and drive consumer spending. And this year, it has expanded into an absurd 4-day event.
That being said, if you were going to buy a product anyway, why not get it while it’s on sale? I always make a list of things I’ve been waiting to purchase, and then if they go on sale on Prime Day, buy them at that time. That way, I’m not spending needlessly but saving money instead.
Are you looking for discounts on cruise-related stuff? Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are October 6th and 7th. Here are the best cruise-related deals we see so far. We’ll keep updating this page as the event goes on, so refresh the page when you visit.
Ship Card Holder
On a cruise, your room key is everything; your ID to get off the ship, your room card, and how you make purchases on the ship. You’re constantly taking it out and using it, which makes it easy to loose it. While you can get it replaced, it’s such a hassle.
Here are 3 great options for keeping track of your card. All work for all kinds of cards, whether it’s the older magnetic strip cards that need to be hole punched, or the newer RFID cards (they can go in the clear plastic protector).
Lanyard
Probably the most popular option is a lanyard you can keep around your neck.
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Retractable Card Holder
Some people prefer lanyard you can put around your neck, but I prefer a retractable tether. I can easily attach the clip to my shorts and keep my card in my pocket. When I use it as a room key, I just pull it out and swipe it and stick it right back in. When I use it to buy a drink, I just unclip it from my belt and hand it over.
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Magsafe Card Holder
I just tried this method on my cruise last week and it’s my new favorite. With a MagSafe wallet, you can just clip it to the back on your phone. When you’re back in the cabin, just take it off and stick it on the door to remind you to grab it on your way out.
I tried a few cases and this ended up being my favorite. It was thin (holding only one card) and surprisingly strong. MagSafe wallets are compatible with iPhones 12 and newer as well as Google Pixel 10 and some Samsung phones with magnetic cases.
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Luggage Tag Holders
Most cruise lines ask you to print your luggage tags before arriving at the port and attach them to your suitcases you’ll be checking. While you can have the porters on site tag your bag, printing and attaching your own tags saves you time when dropping off your bags. If you’re flying in though, it can be hard to attach them once at the destination unless you bring a stapler. These luggage tag holders will do the trick, and since they’re plastic sleeves, you don’t have to worry about water making the ink run if it’s raining. The size can depend on cruise line so we have different options below.
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USB Charger (instead of extension cord)
Most cruise cabins only have one or two power outlets available. With the number of devices we have now-a-days (your phone, Apple Watch, Kindle, fitbit), it can lead to a fight over the available outlets.
Most cruise lines do NOT allow surge protectors because of fire issues that may occur with cruise ship wiring. There a lot of stories of confused gate agents not knowing the difference and confiscating them anyway. Other cruise lines have banned any extension cord or device that adds additional 120V outlets.
Also, there is no such thing as a cruise-line approved charger, don’t believe the hype you see on Amazon. Cruise lines don’t endorse any brand or specific type of charger. They do have guidelines though.
A safest option is to bring a USB hub. This one specifically will let you charge up to 3 devices at once. What makes this different than some of the cheaper ones out there, is it has two USB-C ports on it. That means this device can high speed charge several devices (the average iPhone caps out at 20W charging). These port can be used to fast charge many devices like iPhones, Android Phones, Nintendo Switches, Tablets, Chromebooks, and even Laptops.
The charger is also 65W which means it can simultaneously charge several devices at their max wattage (an average iPhone maxes out at 20W). It’s really useful when you need a quick top-up to your battery while back in the cabin.
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Bluetooth Trackers
Bluetooth trackers have become as necessity in recent days as airlines have gotten awful at keeping track of Bluetooth trackers have become a necessity in recent days as airlines have gotten worse at keeping track of luggage. Just drop one of these tags in your luggage, and you’ll be able to see where it is if it gets lost. On my last flight, the airline didn’t load my luggage onto the plane. As soon as I landed at home, I could see my bags were still in Seattle, and I was able to go file the necessary paperwork before luggage even started coming out on the belt.
These trackers have no ongoing fees and have no data connection themselves. Instead, they connect to phones nearby and relay the information through them. They’re not very useful on the ship, and don’t even think about trying to track children onboard with them, because of all the metal and the lack of cell phone connections.
There are basically three location-finding networks:
- Apple’s Find My network: Apple devices only
- Life360 / Tile: Phones with the Life360 app installed, plus Amazon/Ring devices
- Google’s Find My network: Android devices only.
Typically, in the U.S., the AirTag has the best coverage because every iPhone acts as a receiver. Internationally, the iPhone doesn’t have as much market share, so it’s more of an even playing field. I use Tile with my Android phone and have no issues.
These aren’t just for traveling. When you’re home, you can attach one to your keys, briefcase, or purse and continue using it on a daily basis.
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Packing Cubes
I wouldn’t say packing cubes are “essential” but they make unpacking in the cabin so much easier. I’ll put my socks in one, tshirts in another, underwear in another. Then when I’m in my room, I just grab the bag from my suitcase and throw it in a drawer. They also add some compression so you can squeeze more into your luggage.
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Portable Luggage Scale
Cruise lines don’t have hard limits on the weight on your luggage, but airlines sure do. Your suitcase might have been under the limit when you left, but what about after you added all our souvenirs? This portable scale lets you weigh your bags so you’re not hit with those insane overage fees.
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Kids Toys
If you’re traveling with small kids, finding stuff to keep them entertained while in the cabin in a chore. Space is limited, but in the cabin and when packing. These toys are great though. We brought them on our last cruise and kids love them.
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Portable Fan
Some people need to have a fan while they sleep, either because of the noise, or they sleep hot. This 7″ fan is mid-size, and still under the limits (Carnival limits fans to 12″ in diameter or less). It’s super thin though which makes it easy for packing. It’s also battery powered, so great for old cabins that don’t have outlets near the bed.
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Sun Protection Shirt
Did you know that a white t-shirt only provides the equivalent of an SPF protection of 7 and when it’s wet, only 3! That’s nothing. If you’re going to be spending at day at the beach or outside, and you have fair skin, a sun protection shirt can be a life saver. When clothing provides sun protection, it is UPF rated (rather then SPF which is for skin products). The technology has come a long way, and UPF shirts no longer feel like wet suits of vinyl. Some are just as soft as a regular t-shirt. They’re great for kids who forget to re-apply sunscreen or protecting your back’s hard to reach spots.
Also, some destinations. like the national parks in Mexico, no longer allow any chemical sunscreen to protect the reefs. Because of this regulation, a UPF rated sun shirt is your only option.
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Kids’ Cruise Coloring and Activity Books
Recently, we created two books for the younger cruisers in your life. Both were created to help new cruisers who might be anxious to sail, or to keep kids busy while onboard. We have versions for both Royal Caribbean and Carnival featuring Studio B, Sorrento’s, and Pizza Pirate featured.
$9.99 each.
Magnetic Hooks
Even on the best and newest cruise ships, storage is at a premium. Because cruise cabins are all made from metal, you can use magnetic hooks to increase your storage space. I bring two types of hooks with me, heavy-duty and standard.
Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks
These hooks say they’ll hold up to 80 pounds. I can’t vouch for that, but they are pretty strong. I’ve used them to hold up binoculars, wet swim suits, baseball caps, and soda cups.
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Waterproof Phone Case
On a vacation, your phone needs to be protected, whether its on the beach, in a pool or on the ocean. While many phones have water resistance ratings, they are not supposed to be exposed to salt water, sand, or chlorine. These inexpensive cases will provide your with the extra protection you need.
I purchased this set in 2018 and have used them all over the world; on water slides, lazy rivers, and waterfalls. They’ve always worked perfectly. I highly recommend them.
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Nightlight for Bathroom
This light is a must-have if you’ll be sailing with kids or are known to have to make a trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The bathrooms on cruise ships are notoriously small and pitch dark. For most ships, if you’re using the bathroom at night, the only option is to turn on the bathroom light, blinding yourself (and potentially others through the crack in the door).
This night light is perfect for a cruise ship. It’s magnetic, so it just clings to the bathroom wall. You can always leave it on or use the motion sensor so it only activates when you step into the bathroom. It also offers varying levels of brightness (the lowest level is fine for me).
This unit is rechargeable using a micro-USB port and needs no batteries. One charge is more than enough to last an entire cruise if you use it on the motion sensor setting.
What I also love about this light is that it’s not just a purchase for a cruise. Each light comes with a metal plate with a sticker that you can use to mount it at home. I put one light in my front closet to light up whenever I open it. Then when I go on a cruise, I just grab it and put it in my bag.
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Kindle E-reader
Personally, one of my favorite things to do on a sea day is sit down on the deck and read a good book. It’s hard for me to get through a book in the normal hustle and bustle of every day life, but on a cruise I have no problem. I hate having to carry books though, they’re heavy and take up packing space. Instead, opt for an E-reader.
The Kindle holds thousands of books so you can easily bring a variety of books to choose from. Trying to read a normal tablet or phone screen while in direct Caribbean sun is difficult, but the Kindle uses an e-Ink screen that looks just like paper. You’ll have no problem reading in the sun.
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This version is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about splashes from a pool, hot tub, or a little sea mist.
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Snorkel Set
If you’re going to be visiting a cruise line’s private island, save some money and bring your own snorkel. For close to the price they’d charge you, you can have a snorkel you can use over and over again. Even better, you don’t have to worry about someone else’s germs on it.
I purchased this snorkel in 2018 and have used it at Half Moon Cay and while traveling in Bali. I highly recommend it. Some people prefer the full face shield snorkels, but I just don’t like the look of them.
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Water Shoes
When cruising, you may visit some of the most pristine white sand beaches in the world. But you also may end up on a rocky or rough beach where you’d want water shoes You may also be on an excursion where you’re swimming in rivers or waterfalls where you need protection for your feet. Even just walking around a water park, having these shoes protect your feet from the hot pavement.
A lightweight pair of water shoes in invaluable. You can buy really thin water shoes, also called water socks sometimes, but I recommend more sturdy ones so they’ll be good for all kinds of excursions.
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Seasickness Medicine
Personally, in all my cruises, I’ve never gotten seasick, but I have been on cruises with people that were. For those who don’t mind medication Bonine is an inexpensive solution. It works similarly to Dramamine, but because it’s taken only once per day, users report feeling less drowsy.
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