12 of the Best Gift Ideas for Someone Working on a Cruise Ship

seafaring

18 Sept

As you might expect from this blog, I know cruise ship life inside out. I’ve lived in the tiny cabins, learnt to pack light, and discovered just how much the small comforts matter at sea.

I’ve previously shared my guide for passengers choosing gifts for cruise ship crew. This time, I’m focusing on something different: the best ideas if you’re looking for a gift for someone working on a cruise ship – whether it’s a loved one already at sea, someone about to join their first contract, or even a treat for yourself as crew.

Many of these are gifts I’d be delighted to receive, while others are items I’ve seen fellow crew use or know would be especially meaningful.

The Best Gifts for Someone Working on a Cruise Ship

Quality water bottle or insulated flask

For something that’s practical yet feels like a constant companion, I always think of a good water bottle. I once received one as a gift before I ever started working, and it ended up travelling with me through all my contracts at sea.

A sturdy insulated flask keeps coffee hot (or water cold) during long shifts, and it’s the sort of thing that becomes part of your daily rhythm on board. Among the small comforts of ship life, having your own bottle – one that you actually like using – makes a surprising difference.

Skincare set

A skincare set is one of those small luxuries that can make life on board feel a little brighter. With air-conditioning running non-stop, dry skin becomes almost unavoidable after weeks at sea. A moisturiser, serum, or nourishing hand cream feels like comfort in a jar when you’re far from the convenience of shopping on land, making skincare both practical and indulgent.

Aroma diffuser

Before I ever thought of getting one myself, I didn’t realise how much difference an aroma diffuser could make in a small space. Cruise ship cabins can feel plain and impersonal, and a diffuser brings an instant sense of calm.

With just a few drops of essential oil, the air shifts – citrus for an energy boost, eucalyptus when you need a breath of freshness, or cedarwood for a warm, grounding scent that feels like home. It’s a small item, but it transforms a cabin into a space that feels softer, more personal, and just a little more like home.

Kindle or e-reader

A Kindle or e-reader is one of the most practical gifts for someone working on a cruise ship. Cabin and luggage space are limited, and carrying stacks of books simply isn’t an option. With a slim device, hundreds of titles fit easily into a pocket or small drawer, ready for quiet evenings at sea.

The built-in lighting makes reading comfortable even in dim cabins, and the ability to download new books on the go turns an e-reader into a portable library that fits perfectly into seafaring life.

For those who prefer something more versatile, a tablet can be an alternative. It doubles as a screen for watching movies or storing music, and works well for reading too. The compromise is shorter battery life and more distractions compared to an e-reader, but for some crew it’s worth having one device that can do a little bit of everything.

Streaming gift cards (or subscriptions)

Few gifts are as universally appreciated as streaming gift cards or subscriptions. Most crew spend their downtime watching Netflix, and a prepaid card is a practical way to cover a few months without cutting into their salary. It’s the kind of gift that always gets used – after all, movies and series are the most popular way to unwind after long hours on board.

For music lovers, Spotify gift cards are another thoughtful option, while YouTube Premium allows videos and playlists to be downloaded for offline use. Audiobook subscriptions are another way to pass time at sea and make reading more accessible.

Digital entertainment might not take up space in a suitcase, but it fills the hours at sea in a way that feels personal, useful, and endlessly appreciated.

Vitamins & supplements

While not the most glamorous gift, vitamins and supplements are among the most practical gifts for someone working on a cruise ship. Long hours indoors, recycled air, and meals grabbed in a hurry don’t always provide everything a body needs. A simple daily multivitamin, vitamin C for immunity, or vitamin D for those weeks without sunlight can help maintain energy and overall wellbeing.

Personalised mug or tumbler

Where a flask great for portability, but a mug or tumbler works well in the office or cabin, especially for those in desk-based roles. Beyond practicality, having a dedicated cup on board adds a touch of comfort in a shared environment where so much feels temporary. Add a name, a favourite quote, or even a design tied to ship life, and it becomes something unique that stands out from the usual paper cups in the workplace. And if it comes with a lid, all the better – less risk of spills when the ship moves.

Hobby supplies

I’ve always thought small creative hobbies are a quiet luxury on board, and a few well-chosen supplies can make ship life feel more balanced. Adult colouring books are perfect for winding down, while puzzle or crossword books keep the mind engaged during breaks. A simple journal and pen can be both an outlet and a companion, and even a Rubik’s cube has its charm as a pocket-sized challenge.

These kinds of hobbies aren’t just a way to pass the time. They bring calm, a sense of accomplishment, and a touch of self-expression into the routine of ship life. A gift that encourages creativity is really a gift of comfort and spark during long stretches at sea.

Customised jewellery

Jewellery is always a gift with a little extra meaning, and a customised piece makes it even more special. A necklace with initials, a bracelet engraved with coordinates, or even matching pieces shared between friends or partners can feel like a reminder of connection across the miles.

Because it’s small and easy to carry, it fits neatly into ship life without taking up precious space. More than just an accessory, it becomes a keepsake – something to hold onto when the days feel long or when distance makes you miss home a little more.

Photo magnet

Cabin walls on cruise ships are made of metal, which makes photo magnets a perfect little gift. Unlike framed pictures that take up space, magnets are light, practical, and easy to move around. A favourite photo turned into a magnet adds a touch of home to an otherwise plain wall, and it stays put no matter how much the ship sways.

It’s a simple but thoughtful way to brighten a cabin. A daily reminder of the people or memories that matter most, in a form that fits seamlessly into seafaring life.

Portable instant photo printer

I think a portable photo printer is one of the most practical and thoughtful gifts for someone going to work on a cruise ship. Crew take countless photos on their phones, and being able to print those memories instantly makes them feel even more special. A few small prints can brighten a cabin wall, or slip into a journal as keepsakes.

An instant camera is another fun option if you love the retro vibe of Polaroids. It’s less versatile than a printer but more playful, turning picture-taking into a shared activity with friends on board.

Handwritten letters or postcards

In an age of instant messages and fleeting notifications, few things feel as lasting as something written by hand. A handwritten letter or postcard delivered to the ship in the middle of a contract feels almost extraordinary.

For crew spending months at sea, a handwritten note is a tangible reminder of home, something to read and reread on harder days. It doesn’t take up space in a cabin, but the feeling it brings can stay with someone for weeks.

If you’re choosing a gift for someone you know working on a cruise ship, I hope this list gave you ideas that feel both practical and personal.

If instead you’re a cruiser wanting to surprise the crew who look after you on board, you might like my separate guide: the best gifts for cruise ship crew.