I just returned from a 14-night cruise on Celebrity Equinox to South America, and like always, I enjoyed some pre-vacation shopping for my cruise essentials. But let’s be honest, it’s getting more expensive than ever to prep for a cruise. This is exactly why I’ve started relying more on Dollar Tree cruise essentials over the last few years.
After discovering just how many useful items I could find there for only $1.25, it quickly became one of my go-to spots before every cruise. Now, It’s the first place I shop for cruise essentials to save money and stock up!
Everything I bought for this cruise was $1.25 at my local Dollar Tree (although some items can be slightly more than $1.25 now). The first time I shopped there, I was honestly shocked by how many useful travel items I found for cruise essentials. You can find everything from travel-sized cosmetics to makeup, hand sanitizers, packing cubes, and more.
For this cruise, here are the Dollar Tree cruise essentials I used and would definitely recommend bringing for your next cruise.
Liquid hand soap
This is a must-have cruise essential for me. Cruise ships typically only provide bar soap, and I really don’t love dealing with a soggy, mushy bar in the bathroom. Instead, I always bring a small bottle of liquid hand soap.
This makes washing your hands feel cleaner and more convenient, especially on a longer sailing. Plus, it’s one of those items you can easily leave behind at the end of the cruise to make room for all the souvenirs you want to buy!
Hand wipes and sanitizer
I used both of these constantly. Dollar Tree’s 40-count sanitizer wipes are perfect for travel, and I brought two packs for this longer itinerary. They have numerous different scents available, and I loved the Strawberry Shortcake ones!
I used these on the plane, before meals at the buffet, and anytime I wanted a quick refresh without visiting the bathroom. I kept a pack in my purse and daypack every single day and used almost both packs during my trip!
I also grabbed a hand sanitizer spray in a Brazil caramel scent (which felt very fitting for South America). I kept this in my bag the entire trip and reached for it daily too. The scent was lovely and it didn’t dry out my hands, which I appreciated. This is way cheaper than alternatives that you can find at other stores.
Shoe bag
This small packing cube-style bag was one of my favorite purchases from the Dollar Tree. It fit one pair of shoes perfectly and kept everything else in my suitcase clean.
After walking all over South America, including stepping in penguin poop in the Falkland Islands, I was very thankful to have a separate place to store my shoes on the way home. This was incredibly useful without taking up too much space in my suitcase.
Small travel containers
These little travel containers are surprisingly versatile. I picked up a couple of 3-packs and used them for vitamins and over-the-counter medications throughout my cruise.
I even kept one in my personal item on the plane with my nightly medication so it was easy to access. These are great for organizing small items and can be used in so many different ways.
Silicone travel bottle
I needed to bring a specific body wash for this trip, and this silicone bottle worked perfectly. It didn’t leak at all (unlike another one I tried), and it was easy to use. I also loved the pink color!
These are great for any liquids you want to bring from home, whether it’s shampoo, conditioner, or body wash. This can save you money from purchasing separate travel-sized products, too.
Face masks
Cruises are all about relaxing for me, and I love having a few face masks on hand. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars at the spa on overpriced treatment, I like to have a low-key self-care night in my cabin.
My skin was especially dry on this cold-weather itinerary, so I was glad I packed a few of these masks. This is an easy and affordable way to treat yourself onboard. My Dollar Tree had a huge selection of masks to choose from!
Travel-size toiletries
The Dollar Tree has an excellent selection of travel-sized products for only $1.25, so this is a great place to stock up! For instance, I prefer smaller toothpaste tubes for cruising, rather than a full-size, especially on longer trips. Having a full-size feels unnecessary, but some travel sizes are way too tiny for a longer trip.
These 3 oz options at Dollar Tree are perfect for cruising. They have a huge variety, and it was easy to find something that worked for my 2-week cruise!
Stain remover wipes
These were a lifesaver, and I always keep some in my cosmetic bag. Of course, I spilled olive oil on my dress at dinner one night. As such, I was so glad I had these in my bag for some quick stain lifting.
At the Dollar Tree, these come in a small pack of 10, so they’re easy to toss into your cosmetic bag or purse. It’s definitely one of those items you hope you won’t need, but you will be very thankful for if you do.
Stinky bowl spray
This tiny bottle might be small, but it was surprisingly powerful! It works just like Poo-Pourri, so it’s a spray before you go product. I wasn’t sure if I would like this, but it really helped keep our cabin bathroom smelling fresh.
Not to mention, cruise bathrooms are compact, so this makes a big difference. The small size also makes it super easy to pack!
Flosser pack
I loved that this came in its own little case. I hate having loose flossers floating around my bag, so this kept everything contained and organized.
It’s a small detail, but it made my routine easier throughout the trip. I couldn’t resist the watermelon theme or the pink color, I am a sucker!
Mesh packing cubes
I am a huge fan of packing cubes for travel to stay organized, including my suitcase and cruise cabin. Dollar Tree sells a 3-pack of small mesh bags that work great as lightweight packing cubes. I used mine for my scarf, hat, and gloves instead of using a slightly heavier packing cube.
They helped keep everything organized without adding bulk, which is ideal when you’re trying to maximize suitcase space. If you don’t want to splurge on higher-end packing cubes but want to stay organized, try picking up a few of these!
Additional Dollar Tree cruise essentials to grab
While these weren’t items I personally used on this sailing, there are plenty of other great Dollar Tree cruise essentials that I’ve purchased before. Here are some of my other favorite products!
Cruise Cabin Essentials
- Magnetic hooks: A cruise must-have since cabin walls are metal. These are perfect for hanging hats, lanyards, swimsuits, bags, or even wet items to dry without cluttering the room.
- Magnetic clips: Stronger than regular magnets and great for holding heavier items like bags, jackets, or multiple papers.
- Magnetic storage container: A small magnetic bin or box is surprisingly useful for organizing small items like earplugs, jewelry, or medications without cluttering your nightstand.
- Mesh laundry hamper: Lightweight and easy to pack, this is great for keeping dirty clothes contained and off the floor in your small cabin.
- Sandwich bags: These are surprisingly versatile, as you can use them for snacks, organizing small items, storing liquids, or protecting electronics and documents from moisture.
Stateroom Decor Essentials
- Whiteboard: Perfect for leaving notes in your cabin or communicating with your travel group, especially if you’re coming and going at different times.
- Sticky notes: Another easy way to leave messages for your travel group or stateroom attendant, especially if you don’t have WiFi or onboard messaging.
- Door decorations: A fun way to personalize your cabin door and make it easier to find in long hallways. So many people decorate their cabin doors on cruises, so don’t miss out!
- Cabin decorations: Great for birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions to make your stateroom feel more festive.
- Room spray: Helps keep your cabin smelling fresh, especially in a small space.
- Lip balm: Cruise cabins can be very dry, so this is a small but helpful comfort item to have on hand.
Travel Toiletries Essentials
- Travel shower kit: Helpful if you’re bringing multiple products from home and want everything in travel-size containers.
- Toothbrush cover: Simple but useful for keeping your toothbrush clean in your toiletry bag or shared bathroom space.
- Travel laundry detergent: Great for longer cruises if you want to wash a few items in your sink instead of paying for laundry service.
Health & Wellness Essentials
- OTC medicine: Stock up on basics like pain relievers, cold medicine, allergy pills, and motion sickness remedies before boarding. It’s cheaper to bring your own medication than overspending for onboard purchases!
- Supplements: An easy way to grab travel-sized vitamins or refill your own containers. I used my small travel containers for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc.
- Band-aids / first aid basics: Helpful for blisters, small cuts, or general travel mishaps.
