Each year, travel evolves, with new trends coming into play. And, as travel evolves, so do the things we pack – especially our gadgets. Gone are the days when your cruise holiday packing list meant only deciding what to wear and ensuring you remember your passport (although both are still crucial!) Modern technology is a game changer, transforming a good holiday into an extraordinary adventure.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller looking to keep your finger on the pulse of the latest trends, in this article, we explore the most in-demand travel gadgets for your 2025 cruise.
The Best Travel Gadgets
- Smart Luggage
- Sleep Technology
- Wireless Headphones
- Charging Station
- Photography Equipment
Smart luggage
One area where technological advancements are becoming ever more popular is with your luggage. Most people have a seasoned suitcase that they rely on time and time again, but when you’re ready to upgrade, you’ll be looking at more than just capacity and whether it has wheels!
Today, smart luggage is a cool travel gadget that brings some incredible technology to simplify packing and travelling. Some of the features you can expect to see on your suitcase moving forward are:
- Built-in weight sensors – Going on a fly cruise? It’ll be easy to ensure you aren’t exceeding your weight limit with a built-in weight sensor in the handle of your suitcase.
- GPS tracking – Worry about your case going missing? You’ll be able to monitor your luggage’s location in real-time with GPS tracking.
- Charging ports – Need to charge your phone on the move? You can use your suitcase or even carry-on bag as a portable charger.
- Powered wheels – Some suitcases even come with powered wheels, meaning you don’t need to worry about pulling your suitcase; it’ll be able to keep up by itself!
READ MORE: The Best Cruises for Adventurers
Sleep Technology
As well as making it easier to pack, technology can help you sleep better on a cruise. Travel pillows have come a long way from the classic U-shaped pillow you expect. They’re now ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and fit. Many travel pillows and eye masks also contain built-in ear-level speakers, letting you discreetly listen to your favourite calming playlist or meditation app. For those who struggle to wind down after an exciting day in port, an advanced travel pillow or eye mask is a good gadget for travelling.
Discussing his love for a Bluetooth sleep mask, Wanderlust Photography blogger Joshua says: “I have seen a lot of great travel accessories in my time, so it is hard to get me really, really excited about something. That said, I was absolutely thrilled to see this Bluetooth sleep mask hit the market. If you have ever been on a long-haul flight, you know the two things that will often keep you from getting sleep are the noise and light on a plane. This mask takes care of both birds with one stone.”
Even if you are taking a no-fly cruise from Southampton or elsewhere in the UK and therefore not worrying about airports and flying, being able to plug in and switch off can be valuable and let you unwind with ease.
Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones are something that many people have in their technology arsenal, letting you listen to songs or podcasts whilst out and about or at home. However, they can also be a great travel gadget.
Wireless noise-cancelling earbuds are a great travel accessory for many reasons. Whether you want to relax by the pool with an audiobook or call home without others overhearing your conversation, they are a useful accessory.
If you’re looking for something more advanced, translator earbuds are a sophisticated device starting to hit the market. Able to provide real-time translation for multiple languages, you can keep up with local vendors and waitstaff in any port you visit. The natural-sounding translations will play through your earbuds, and some devices will even translate your speech and play a translation out loud.
Charging Station
Even if you don’t opt for luggage that includes a portable charger, packing a charging station is a great move in the modern day. Charging your devices on the go and not having to tether yourself to a plug can be a game changer. Many chargers have the capacity to charge multiple devices at once, meaning even if you’re travelling with a group, one can be sufficient.
Imagine this – you’re enjoying a day in port, snapping away and maybe using your phone GPS to navigate, and your battery hits 10%. However, with a portable charger, you can quickly plug in and ensure you can keep enjoying the day to the fullest.
Even moving around the ship, you’ll be able to charge your phone on the go, so whether you’re by the pool or enjoying a meal, you can stay connected.
Two Birds Breaking Free travel blog shares their tips for choosing the right power bank for you: “A good rule of thumb for travel is to buy a power bank with a stated capacity that’s 3-4 times that of your device’s battery. You will therefore need a power bank with a much greater capacity if you plan to use it to charge a tablet or other device with a larger battery.”
They continue: “The number and type of ports a power bank has is another factor to consider. Many power banks have a single output port, and with this kind of battery pack you will only be able to charge one device at a time. That’s fine of course if you only plan to use the power bank to charge one device. Other power banks, especially the high-capacity models, can have dual output ports, three ports, four ports or more.”
Photography Equipment
If you want to capture your cruises in the best way possible, investing in photography equipment can be a great way to do so. Unlike cameras of days gone by, you no longer have to compromise on portability for quality, with small handheld cameras being incredibly powerful.
A compact camera will allow you to level up from phone photography without having to worry about carrying heavy extra equipment. The latest models feature image stabilisation (perfect for when you’re on the move), advanced low-light performance (letting you snap the sunset even better) and AI-powered automated settings, letting your camera adjust to the scene you’re trying to capture.
If you prefer videography to capture your trip, you can get handheld video cameras that fit in your pocket and can be incredibly clever. Those on gimbals can capture cinematic shots with built-in stabilisers, meaning even ferocious rib rides or the pulsing Northern Lights can be documented with ease.
READ MORE: Discovering the Aurora Borealis
As we enter an era where technology and travel are more intertwined than ever, these innovative travel gadgets can enhance your cruise experience. From smart luggage that can weigh itself to translators breaking down language barriers, each device is designed to make your travel experience more seamless so you can focus on relaxation and exploration.
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