From Our Sailings
Cruise Gear We Actually Pack
Every group we sail with packs the same things: theme-night outfits, ducks to hide, magnets for a steel cabin door. This is that packing list, with the strongest current option linked for each item.
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The categories come straight from what our own groups bring on board; the specific picks are the strongest options we can find today.
Theme Night Outfits
Most sailings run at least one theme night: 80s, pirate, white night, tropical. One accessory set per person covers it without costing a suitcase.
80s Accessories Set (Women)
Leggings, leg warmers, headband, neon jewelry, and gloves in one set, the whole look from a single package.
$20–25 · See on Amazon
80s/90s Kit (Men)
Chain, glasses, hat, and the pieces that read 'decade night' from across the deck.
$13–18 · See on Amazon
Pirate Accessories Set (Women)
Hat, eye patch, sash, and jewelry for pirate night, no full costume required.
$18–22 · See on Amazon
Pirate Set (Men)
Tricorn hat, bandana, sash, eye patch, and necklace in one five-piece set.
$15–18 · See on Amazon
White Feather Boa
Two yards of white chandelle feathers, the white night piece that photographs best.
$8–12 · See on Amazon
Hawaiian Leis, 100-Pack
One bag covers the whole group for tropical night, with spares for the people you meet.
$15–18 · See on Amazon
Ducks, Doors & Cabin Games
The hide-and-seek ducks, the door that finds your group in a hallway of identical doors, and the message board that replaces twelve group texts.
Rubber Ducks, 100-Pack
The cruising-ducks tradition: hide them around the ship, make a stranger's day. A hundred lasts the whole sailing.
$18–22 · See on Amazon
Heavy-Duty Magnetic Hooks
Cabin doors and walls are steel. Strong magnet hooks hold hats, bags, and lanyards without leaving a mark.
$15–20 · See on Amazon
Magnetic Door Whiteboard Set
Board, magnets, markers, and eraser: 'meet at the pool bar at 4' works better on the door than in the group chat at sea.
$20–25 · See on Amazon
Party Supplies
Deck parties run late and dark, glow accordingly.
Cabin Practical
One outlet per cabin is the rule, not the exception. Note: surge protectors are prohibited on ships, and lines differ on power strips entirely, so check your cruise line's policy before packing one.
The Gear Is the Easy Part
Cabins, group rates, dining times, and the theme-night schedule are the hard part, that's what we do. Ocean, river, and expedition, for groups of every size.
Plan a Group CruiseMore From Our Cruise Corner
Cruise Answers
Drink packages, drinking age, gratuities, formal night: the questions every cruiser asks, answered honestly.
Printable Kits & Planners
Party kits, planners, games, and a murder mystery at sea, instant downloads we make for our own groups.
How Group Cruise Booking Works
Dates, deposit, the app, excursions, matching shirts: the order we plan in, and how the agent gets paid.
Drink Package Calculator
Package vs. paying by the glass for your whole cabin, gratuity included: free, no email.
Interactive Cruise Checklist
Tap to check off packing and documents: free, and it remembers your progress on your device.
Actually sailing with a group? Group cruises are what we do : ocean, river, and expedition.