What technology can you buy for your cruise vacation that will enhance your trip?
When I tried Apple AirTags on a recent cruise in the Royal Caribbean, it opened my eyes to how certain tools can make the experience even better. Whether it’s peace of mind like baggage tracking or just completing the fun you enjoy, there are plenty of tools and add-ons to help.
Despite my general skill, I’m the first person to be afraid of bringing in more technology for the sake of technology on a cruise. I try to keep the bulk amount, so if something requires extra baggage or a little more effort to bring on the plane, it better makes a real difference.
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With all that in mind, here are my top picks for the best tech travel gear you should consider bringing on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
portable charger
For years, I brought a portable charger with me on a cruise to make sure my phone didn’t run out of power.
With a greater need to use phones on a cruise, battery drain seems to be happening more quickly than ever. Even compared to home, I find myself using my phone a lot.
Part of the reason is that Royal Caribbean has turned to make its app a lot more important than it was before 2020. The other side is simply enjoying the internet while lounging in the pool, or staying in touch with friends and family.
With my oldest daughter reaching an age where she has limited “free roaming” during the day, staying in touch with her via text messages also affects my phone’s battery usage.
I’ve always been a fan of the Anker line for its sleek design, affordable prices, and lasting quality.
The Anker PowerCore 20 External Battery Pack provides enough power to charge the iPhone several times before it needs to be charged.
noise canceling headphones
Before I got the noise-canceling headphones, I foolishly thought there wasn’t much difference compared to regular headphones. I don’t particularly think it’s important to be on a cruise ship.
I was so wrong.
Noise-cancelling headphones are not only useful outside of the plane, but they make a huge difference in being able to enjoy my “time” on the ship.
I really like to wear it when I’m on the pool deck so I can enjoy the breeze and the sun while lying in a chair, without all the conversations, music and noise that you have to put up with around you.
Then of course there is a benefit to these headphones while traveling to and from your cruise. I can’t imagine not having them these days.
For years I have used and recommended the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones for their over-ear comfort and unmatched noise cancellation.
I know a lot of other people who prefer the Apple AirPods Pro because they offer noise cancellation without the heft and bulk.
e-reader
When my wife told me she needed an e-reader in addition to an iPad, I didn’t understand why until I saw the difference when we were on the pool deck.
If you’re a reader, Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is the best option for taking a cruise so you can read outdoors when the sun is shining in the sky.
port extender
I can’t imagine going on a cruise today without a port extender.
Even if you are traveling alone, the lack of ports in the cabin is very annoying. I recently tried the aptly named “Cruise Ship Power Strip” by Cruise On and was very happy with how well it worked.
Read more: I’ve tried the best inside the cruise ship cabin to see how well they work
It occupies 1 port space and provides 3 new ports with USB sockets.
A few readers recommended getting a European travel plug adapter instead or as well, since your cabin has these ports as well.
AirTags or bluetooth trackers
Another item that I converted to use was AirTags in my luggage.
AirTag is a small button-shaped tracking device that can be tracked using Bluetooth along with Apple devices in the Find My app.
One AirTag will cost $29 and 4 packs $99. If you have an Android phone, the Tile Pro costs $92.99.
Although AirTags are not GPS trackers that provide accurate location information, they work well enough to get an idea of where your luggage is, especially if you’re playing the “Is My Luggage on the Cruise Ship so far” game.
Just like noise canceling headphones, AirTags will benefit you beyond just the cruise. The peace of mind that comes with being able to have an idea of where your luggage is is well worth it.