10 Best Gifts Cruise Lovers Will Actually Want For Their Next Alaska or Mexican Riviera Cruise

Shopping for someone with a cruise on the calendar? Whether they're headed to Alaska to spot humpback whales, the Mexican Riviera to explore historic ports, or Baja for sun-soaked relaxation, the right gear makes every day at sea and ashore more enjoyable. This collection focuses on practical items that actually get used, the kind of gifts that earn permanent spots in their cruise carry-on and come out trip after trip.

From Alaska's glacier-carved fjords to the sun-drenched beaches of Cabo, West Coast cruises offer some of the most spectacular experiences on the water. The gifts in this guide are chosen specifically for the unique demands of Pacific coastal voyages, whether that means whale watching in Juneau, snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez, or simply enjoying perfect sunsets from the pool deck.

Of course, the best gift someone special in your life can give you is the gift of a cruise itself. Heather Hills from Flow Voyages can help book a cruise for your loved one by putting money down and creating a custom itinerary to present as a surprise. If you're not sure which cruise line or destination to book right now, you can also purchase cruise gift cards or simply contact Heather directly. She can help you figure out how to make this extra special gift idea one that will truly make them smile.

• Princess Cruises Gift Card
• Carnival Cruise Lines Gift Card
• Holland America Gift Card

Solly and Rue Water Bottle Holder

Staying hydrated during shore excursions can be a challenge when you're juggling a camera, sunscreen, and souvenirs. This crossbody water bottle carrier from California-based family business Solly and Rue keeps your bottle accessible and hands-free. The design fits most popular bottles up to 32 oz, and the wide adjustable strap distributes weight comfortably even when full. A built-in pocket holds your phone, ID, and cruise card. Whether exploring the shops in Puerto Vallarta, hiking to El Faro lighthouse in Mazatlán, or walking the historic streets of Ketchikan, this keeps hydration within reach without the hassle. Shop now on Amazon.com

ZEISS SFL 10x50 Binoculars

An Alaska cruise without quality binoculars is a missed opportunity. Humpback whales breaching in the distance, bald eagles perched on shoreline pines, grizzly bears fishing for salmon: these moments happen fast and often far from the ship. The ZEISS SFL 50 represents a breakthrough in optical engineering, delivering the light-gathering power of a 50mm objective with the weight of a traditional 42mm binocular. That 42% larger exit pupil means brighter images in the low-light conditions common during Alaska's early mornings and late evenings when wildlife is most active. The SmartFocus system enables fast, precise focusing when a pod of orcas suddenly surfaces, and the hydrophobic LotuTec coating sheds the rain and sea spray that come with Pacific Northwest cruising. Available in 8x, 10x, and 12x magnifications. Shop now on ZEISS or buy it on Amazon

UGREEN MagFlow 10,000mAh Power Bank

Shore excursions drain phone batteries fast. GPS navigation, photos, videos, and translation apps in Mexican ports all take their toll. The UGREEN MagFlow solves this with Qi2-certified 25W wireless charging that runs about 30% faster than standard 15W MagSafe. Snap it magnetically to the back of your iPhone and keep shooting photos of Glacier Bay without worrying about battery life. The built-in USB-C cable provides 30W wired charging for laptops or a second phone, and doubles as a convenient carry strap. At 10,000mAh, it holds enough juice for multiple full charges, making it perfect for all-day excursions from Cabo to Skagway. Seventeen powerful magnets ensure secure alignment even when you're moving. Shop now on Amazon.com

Sonrei Sea Clearly Set

Pool deck days and beach excursions in the Mexican Riviera demand serious sun protection, but nobody wants that white, greasy sunscreen look in their vacation photos. The Sonrei Sea Clearly Set features clear gel formulas that vanish onto skin, providing broad-spectrum protection without the chalky residue. The SPF 35 face formula does double duty as a primer, with kinetin (a plant-based growth factor) offering anti-aging benefits without the irritation of retinol. The SPF 50 body gel handles everything from snorkeling in Cabo to lounging by the pool in Ensenada. Both are reef-safe with no octinoxate or oxybenzone, vegan, fragrance-free, and TSA-friendly. Everything a conscious cruiser needs for responsible sun protection. Shop now on Sonrei or buy it on Amazon

GigSky Cruise+ Gift Card

Sometimes you want to stay connected on a cruise without committing to a full WiFi package. Maybe you just need voice access for a quick call home, the ability to check emails, or a way to catch up on news headlines while relaxing by the pool. The GigSky Cruise+ eSIM is the perfect solution we've been using it on our most recent trips and it's a great option for staying connected on a cruise. It works great onboard through Cellular at Sea for light connectivity, then seamlessly keeps you connected during shore excursions without expensive international roaming through your carrier. Imagine joining a taco tour in Puerto Vallarta and being able to share a few photos, or pulling up a map in Victoria, British Columbia without the hassle of getting an international addon to your phone plan. A GigSky Cruise+ gift card lets your cruiser choose the plan that fits their itinerary, whether it's a quick Baja getaway or an extended Alaska voyage. Shop now on GigSky

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide 2026

Updated for 2026, this comprehensive guide helps cruisers get the most from their Alaska adventure. From choosing the right itinerary to maximizing time in port, it covers everything from whale watching hotspots to the best places to see glaciers calving. For someone with an Alaska cruise on the horizon, the planning phase is half the fun, and a dedicated guidebook delivers the kind of depth and detail that random internet searches can't match. It's the gift that extends the cruise experience from a week on the water to months of anticipation and preparation. Shop now on Amazon.com

Insta360 GO Ultra Creator Bundle

We love this tiny 4K action camera for its flexibility on cruise ships. The GO Ultra consists of two parts: a standalone camera about the size of a watch (just 53g) and an Action Pod with a flip touchscreen. Pop the standalone camera out of the Action Pod and clip it to your shirt with the magnetic mount for quick, discreet videos walking around the ship or recording at dinner. It sits naturally on a table without drawing attention. When you're heading out on an excursion, dock the camera back in the Action Pod for extended 200-minute battery life and use it as a full-featured action cam for snorkeling, hiking, or kayaking. The 4K60fps footage rivals much larger setups, and the waterproof design handles depths up to 33 feet. For cruisers who want to capture memories without constantly holding up a phone, this offers the best of both worlds. Shop now on Amazon.com

DJI Osmo Action 6

A great all-around action cam that excels where cruise memories happen. The low-light performance makes it ideal for capturing Scarlet Night parties on Virgin Voyages or evening entertainment on any cruise line. It's robust enough to take snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez, mount on a Jeep during a Baja excursion, or strap to a kayak in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. The stabilization handles the motion of a ship at sea, and the waterproof design means no worries when the weather turns or the adventure gets wet. For cruisers who want one camera that does everything, this delivers across every scenario. Shop now on DJI

SleepPhones Wireless Headband Headphones

Developed by a family doctor who needed a comfortable way to listen to soothing sounds while falling asleep, SleepPhones are perfect for cruise cabin life. The soft headband contains thin removable speakers that won't poke or prod, making them infinitely more comfortable than earbuds for watching YouTube videos in bed, listening to podcasts while planning tomorrow's excursion, or falling asleep to music without disturbing your cabin mate. Lower the headband over your eyes and it doubles as a sleep mask. Ideal for those afternoons when you want to nap while your partner heads to the pool. With 24 hours of Bluetooth battery life and easy packing, these are cruise cabin essentials. Shop now on SleepPhones or buy it on Amazon

JISULIFE Handheld Fan Ultra2

This unassuming device packs more functionality than seems possible. Yes, it's a handheld fan for keeping cool in your cabin on hot days or while waiting for tenders in tropical ports. But it's also a power bank for emergency phone charging, a flashlight for navigating the cabin at night, a blower for clearing sand from shoes after beach excursions, and even an air pump for inflating beach toys. The discreet design flies under the radar on cruise lines that prohibit traditional fans, and it's compact enough to toss in a day bag without a second thought. For the cruiser who appreciates clever multi-function gear, this is a stocking stuffer that delivers surprising value. Shop now on Amazon.com

Finding the Right Gift For That Special Cruiser in Your Life

Whether you're shopping for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, retirement, or holiday gift, the best cruise gifts solve problems most people don't think about until they're standing on the Lido deck wondering why their phone is dead or squinting at a distant whale they can barely see. Whether you're shopping for a first-timer headed to the Mexican Riviera or a seasoned cruiser planning their fifth Alaska voyage, these four approaches will help you find something that genuinely enhances their experience.

Consider the Ultimate Experiential Gift

While the gear in this guide makes a great impression on the day you give it, nothing compares to giving the gift of a cruise itself. A cruise delivers months of excitement as your loved one anticipates their sail date, researches ports, and plans shore excursions. Then comes the voyage itself, followed by a lifetime of happy memories. For a retirement gift, nothing says "enjoy this new chapter" like an Alaska voyage they've always dreamed about. Celebrating an anniversary? A cruise to the Mexican Riviera creates shared memories that deepen the bond. Heather Hills at Flow Voyages specializes in helping people give this extraordinary gift. She can put money down on a cruise and create a custom itinerary to present as a surprise, or simply help you figure out how to make this special gift idea come together perfectly.

Match the Gift to Their Itinerary

An Alaska cruise and a Mexican Riviera cruise call for very different gear. For Alaska-bound cruisers, quality binoculars like the ZEISS SFL 50 transform wildlife sightings from distant blurs to unforgettable moments. The guidebook helps them plan which excursions to book and what to look for in each port. For those heading to warmer waters, the Sonrei sunscreen set and JISULIFE fan address the practical realities of tropical cruising. Match the gift to where they're going, and it will see immediate use.

Solve the Power Problem

Cruise cabins have limited outlets, and shore excursions drain batteries fast. The UGREEN power bank with its wireless charging and built-in cable is the kind of practical gift cruisers use daily but rarely buy themselves. Pair it with a good quality multi-port charger, and you've solved one of cruising's most common frustrations. Anyone who's watched their phone die halfway through a glacier tour will appreciate this kind of thinking.

Enable Better Memories

Cruises create incredible moments, and gifts that help capture them have lasting value. Whether it's a milestone birthday trip or a graduation celebration cruise, the Insta360 GO Ultra and DJI Osmo both excel at documenting adventures in ways that phone cameras simply can't match. For more ideas on making the most of West Coast cruise itineraries, explore our guides to Alaska cruises and Mexican Riviera adventures worth booking.

Written by: James Hills

Pro-BloggerWest Coast Cruise ExpertThought Leader

James is an avid fan of all types of cruising but especially enjoys exploring the Pacific coastal regions since it perfectly captures the elements that he is passionate about, including natural beauty, conservation, opportunities to explore new cultures, and meeting some fantastic new people too.