I’ve just been on my first cruise – these are the travel essentials I’ll definitely take next time
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
After two weeks at sea, I’ve learned the hard way what to bring and what to leave behind. From clever packing cubes to all-weather gear, these travel must-haves from SimplifyLiving will make any cruise smoother.
I’ve just been on my first cruise – these are the travel essentials I’d definitely take next time
I’ve just got back from my first ever cruise – two incredible weeks at sea – and after all the all-day cocktails, new friends and amazing places we visited, I’ve come back a convert. But I wish I’d known then what I know now.
There are a load of small hacks and travel products that make life on board so much easier, especially when you’re living in a compact cabin for a fortnight. I also wish I’d known about the SimplifyLiving site before I set off. This Australian company specialises in clever travel and organisation products, and it’s fast becoming a name to know in the UK – especially with its Black Friday sale now live.
Here are the six things from their site that I’ll definitely be packing next time I cruise. You can see the full range and deals here: SimplifyLiving Black Friday Travel Sale.
TidyTech Electronic Accessory Organiser
After two weeks juggling cameras, phones and chargers, my cabin desk looked like a nest of cables. The TidyTech Electronic Accessory Organiser from SimplifyLiving would have kept everything under control.
It’s a slim, waterproof case with padded compartments for cords, power banks and gadgets, so nothing gets tangled or damaged in your bag. It fits neatly in a backpack and saves endless rummaging when you just need the right charger. For anyone who works remotely or likes to edit photos while away, it’s a must. It’s £18 in the sale, down from £41, and feels like one of those simple products that just make travel calmer.
Pocket Pharmacy Organiser
Halfway through the trip, I realised how many small health bits I’d thrown in loose – sea-sickness tablets, painkillers, vitamins. The Pocket Pharmacy Organiser would have saved me a lot of searching.
It folds into a neat little wallet with ten labelled compartments for pills or supplements, small enough to slip into a wash bag. You can label each section and even track refill or expiry dates. When you’re at sea, being able to grab what you need quickly is surprisingly handy. It’s £16 in the sale, down from £39, and genuinely something I’ll use on every trip now.
Compression Packing Cubes
Cabin storage is tight, and two weeks of clothes for warm days, cool evenings and formal dinners can fill a suitcase fast. SimplifyLiving’s Compression Packing Cubes are the easiest way to fit more in.
They squeeze out air so you can pack up to 60% more, and everything stays organised instead of exploding across the room. I like that each cube has mesh panels so you can see what’s inside and quick-grab handles for lifting them straight into drawers. They’re £39 in the sale (down from £69) and the sort of product that makes you wonder how you ever travelled without them.
RFID Anti-Theft Travel Pouch
Port days are brilliant but chaotic. You’re constantly swapping between your passport, cabin card, phone and cash. The RFID Anti-Theft Travel Pouch would have made that so much easier.
It hangs flat under a shirt or jacket, keeping everything close to your body and safe from pickpockets. The RFID protection blocks digital skimming, and the waterproof fabric is ideal for humid days or boat transfers. At £18 (down from £46), it’s a simple way to keep valuables safe without lugging a heavy bag around.
RainBuddy Compact Portable Poncho
Tropical rain caught us out a few times – and there’s nothing like trying to shelter under a palm tree in your cruise-excursion clothes. The RainBuddy Compact Portable Poncho would have saved the day.
It folds down to pocket size and weighs next to nothing, so you can keep one in your day bag. You just pull it on when the rain hits and ditch it when the sun comes back out. It’s £18 in the sale (normally £34) and exactly the kind of practical little item that earns its place in your packing list.
Universal Travel Adapter
Two weeks at sea taught me that cruise cabins never have enough plug sockets, and they’re often the wrong type. The Universal Travel Adapter fixes that instantly.
It works in more than 150 countries, has USB-A, USB-C and AC outlets, and can charge up to five devices at once – ideal for phones, cameras and watches all competing for space. The built-in surge protection means you can plug in anywhere with confidence. It’s £26 in the sale, down from £51, and already top of my pre-departure checklist.
After two weeks of learning on the go, I’ll definitely travel lighter and smarter next time – and I’ll be loading up on SimplifyLiving essentials first. You can check out their full sale and bundle offers here: SimplifyLiving Black Friday Travel Sale.
Allica Bank is changing how UK businesses make their money work harder. Its Business Rewards Account offers high interest on idle cash and up to 1.5% cashback on everyday spending - without the need for risky investments or complex setups. With a fully digital platform, seamless integration with Sage or Xero, and dedicated relationship managers, it’s a smarter way to manage your funds and boost your bottom line.
Laithwaite’s wine subscriptions have become one of the more reliable Christmas gift options this year, offering a practical mix of quality, convenience and long-term value. 🎁🍷 The flagship choice is the Mixed Wine Subscription, which sends four £60 cases across the year, each containing six well-selected bottles covering reds, whites and seasonal picks. For those who prefer a more focused delivery, the Red Wine Subscription keeps to richer styles only. 🍇 A premium alternative is the Fine Wine Trios option, starting at £55, which delivers three higher-end bottles per shipment. These are thoughtful, repeat-arrival gifts that tend to land well with most recipients.
Explore Laithwaite’s wine subscription gifts from £55 here: Laithwaite’s Wine Subscriptions