Best Cruise Gifts for Cruise Lovers: Thoughtful Ideas They Will Actually Use (and love!)

Buying a gift for someone who loves to cruise can feel surprisingly tricky. They already have the luggage tags, the lanyard and the beach towel clips. The best cruise gifts are the ones that make the trip itself better, or help them keep the memories afterward.

Here are gift ideas for cruise lovers, from practical to sentimental, and one keepsake we think belongs at the top of the list.

1. A cruise journal and scrapbook

If you are looking for books for cruises that people will use again and again, a cruise journal is hard to beat. The Cruise Book has 100 pages with room for 24 cruises, so it grows with a cruiser's travels. It has a fabric cover with gold foiling, high quality paper, a plethora of stickers and several sheets of photo corner stickers for mounting pictures.

It works for a first cruise, a honeymoon, an anniversary sailing or a lifetime of voyages, and it gives them a place for every story. It also lasts far longer than most travel accessories.

2. Travel accessories that make life aboard easier

Useful extras are always appreciated: a sturdy day bag for ports, a reusable water bottle, a lanyard or card holder for the cabin card, and a portable phone charger.

3. Comfort items for the cabin and the deck

A good sun hat, sunglasses and a light wrap or jacket for chilly ship interiors make a practical gift. Pair them with a cruise-themed tote and the present feels personal.

4. A framed photo or print from a past cruise

Choose a favorite picture from a sailing they loved and frame it. It is simple, sentimental and easy to personalize.

5. An experience or an onboard credit

If you want to help a loved one enjoy the trip, consider pitching in toward a shore excursion, a specialty dinner or a spa treatment. Check their cruise line's rules before you buy.

What to put in a cruise gift basket

A gift basket is a fun way to combine ideas. Try a cruise journal, a sun hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a handwritten note wishing them a smooth sailing. The journal is the centerpiece, because it is the only item they will still be enjoying years later.

Why the journal makes the best cruise gift

• It suits every cruiser, from first-timers to seasoned regulars
• It does not take much space in the luggage
• It turns photos and stories into something to keep and share
• It gives the gift a lasting place in their home

Every purchase of The Cruise Book also helps fund education costs, so your gift does a little good beyond the cabin door.

Give the gift of a cruise journal, ships within 3-5 days of your order, with returns accepted within 30 days if it is not the right fit.