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A cruise offers countless photo opportunities: sunsets over the ocean, colorful port towns, wildlife encounters, and shipboard moments with family and friends. The right tech makes the difference between cherished memories and missed opportunities.
This guide covers the essential tech gear for cruises — from protecting your phone at the beach to staying entertained on sea days.
Waterproof Protection
Water and electronics don't mix — until you add the right protection. Whether you're snorkeling in Cozumel or just lounging by the pool, waterproof cases are essential.
Waterproof Phone Cases
A quality waterproof case lets you take photos and videos underwater, at the beach, or in the rain without worry.
- UNBREAKcable Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-pack) — IPX8 rated, works with touchscreen, fits phones up to 7"
- Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Case — clear photos, lanyard included, budget-friendly
Pro tip: Test your waterproof case at home before your trip. Fill it with tissue paper and submerge it in the sink for 30 minutes. If the tissue stays dry, you're good to go.
Waterproof Pouches for Documents
Keep passports, ship cards, and cash safe from splashes during beach excursions.
Entertainment at Sea
Sea days are perfect for relaxing with a good book or catching up on podcasts. But cruise WiFi is often slow and expensive. The solution: download everything before you sail.
E-Readers
E-readers are ideal for cruises: lightweight, battery lasts weeks, and you can carry hundreds of books.
- Kindle Paperwhite (latest) — waterproof, glare-free, 6.8" display, best all-around choice
- Kindle Colorsoft — color e-ink display, great for magazines and comics
- Kobo Clara Colour — color e-ink, library integration, not tied to Amazon
Before you sail: Download books from your library app (Libby, OverDrive) or purchase from Amazon/Kobo. Most libraries offer free e-book loans.
Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Block out engine noise, chatty pool neighbors, and cabin hallway traffic. Essential for podcasts, music, and peace of mind.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 — best-in-class noise cancellation, comfortable fit
- AirPods Pro 3 — excellent for iPhone users, transparency mode for announcements
- Sony WF-1000XM5 — premium sound quality, customizable EQ
- EarFun Air Pro 4 — excellent noise cancellation at a budget-friendly price
Portable Power
Your phone is your camera, boarding pass, excursion tickets, and communication device. Don't let it die during a port day.
Portable Power Banks
A good power bank can charge your phone 3-5 times before needing a recharge itself.
- Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh — reliable, 3-4 phone charges, trusted brand
- INIU 65W Power Bank — fast charging, can charge laptops, compact design
Important for flights: Power banks with lithium batteries must go in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. TSA and airlines require this for safety.
Multi-Port USB Chargers
Cruise cabins typically have only 1-2 outlets. A multi-port USB charger lets you charge multiple devices from one outlet.
- Anker 6-Port USB Charger — charges 6 devices simultaneously
Photography Tips
You don't need expensive camera equipment for great cruise photos. Modern smartphones rival DSLRs for most situations. Here are tips for better shots.
Golden Hour is Your Friend
The hour after sunrise and before sunset provides the most flattering light. Schedule your deck time accordingly for stunning ocean photos.
Stabilize Your Shots
Ships move. Use these techniques for sharper photos:
- Brace your elbows against the railing
- Use burst mode and pick the sharpest frame
- Enable optical image stabilization (OIS) if your phone has it
Composition Tips
- Rule of thirds: Place your subject off-center for more interesting photos
- Leading lines: Use railings, decks, and walkways to draw the eye
- Include scale: Put a person in landscape shots to show how vast the ocean is
- Clean your lens: Seriously — salt spray and sunscreen smudges ruin photos
Port Day Photography
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds at popular spots
- Look up: Architecture and signs often tell the story of a place
- Capture details: Textures, food, street art, signage
- Respect locals: Ask permission before photographing people
Motion Sickness Relief
If you're prone to motion sickness, the right preparation makes all the difference.
- Bonine Motion Sickness Relief — less drowsy than Dramamine
- Sea-Bands — drug-free wristbands using acupressure
Tech Packing Checklist
- Waterproof phone case
- E-reader (loaded with books)
- Noise-canceling earbuds
- Portable power bank (in carry-on!)
- Multi-port USB charger
- Charging cables for all devices
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Microfiber towel (for camera/phone)