For me, the best gift is a cruise line gift card or a cruise certificate, so I can set sail again with Heather somewhere fun. Small things are great too: guidebooks, fun t-shirts, and funky gear to dress up in and have fun on board. What works depends on who you're buying for and where they're booked to go next.
How To Pick A Gift For The Cruise Lover In Your Life Without Guessing
Buying for someone who loves to cruise gets complicated because they've often tried a lot already and know what they like. A few simple rules take most of the guesswork out.
Start With Where They're Sailing Next
An Alaska sailing and a Mexican Riviera sailing call for very different gear, so ask where they're headed before you buy. A guidebook for the ports on their itinerary is an easy win. Our 10 best gifts cruise lovers will actually want has more ideas by type of trip.
Choose A Gift Card Or Certificate When You Can't Pick For Them
A cruise line gift card or a cruise certificate lets them pick the sailing, the ship and the date. It's the gift I'd want myself. Check the cruise line's terms first so you know how it can be used.
Add Something Silly They Can Wear Onboard
Fun t-shirts and funky dress-up gear are cheap, easy to pack and good for ship theme nights. They work as a small extra next to a bigger gift, or on their own for someone who already has everything.
If you're still planning your own trip, see how other readers answered how many West Coast cruises they've taken. More ideas are in our cruise tips.