Still need to find the perfect gift for someone who's always looking to book the next cruise? Here are 10 ideas — from high-tech splurges to handy stocking stuffers — you should consider:
Share the Fun
Tablets and other smart devices are great for watching or listening to whatever, whenever: a movie on the flight to your cruise or your favorite tunes by the ship’s pool. With the elegant MoMA Store’s Branch Earphone Splitter ($10), your traveling companions can listen along with you.
It’s a Wrap … and So Much More
The perfect travel sweater is worth waiting for, and Betabrand's Red-Eye Wrap with built-in eye mask ($115.20) looks like it will be awesome for flights. The hitch: It’s only available on preorder for spring delivery — but that’s perfect timing for cruises to cool-weather destinations such as Alaska and the Arctic, as well as for those overnight flights to Mediterranean itineraries.
Smart Splurge
If you feel the urge to splurge on a tech geek, what could be better than a smart suitcase? The new Bluesmart 22-inch carry-on ($399.99 and available at Brookstone), not only charges your phone, tablet, or other device, but also has an app that lets you track the suitcase’s location — plus a built-in scale to alert you if all those souvenirs you bought put your bag over your airline’s weight limit.
Handy Packets and Wipes
If your cruiser is headed to a sunny, tropical locale and prefers a carry-on only travel style, stuff his or her stocking with sunscreen packets and insect repellent wipes. These towelettes are great because there are no messy liquids to spill in your suitcase, and no need to worry about 3-ounce fluid limits at security. Both Banana Boat Sport SPF 30 Travel Packets ($7.13) and Off! Deep Woods Towelettes ($11) are available at amazon.com.
Cancel the Noise
Face it: Flying is noisy, and if your stateroom is located near a well-trafficked elevator or above the disco, cruising can be, too. If a traveler you know is sensitive to sound, compact noise-canceling headphones — such as this Bose QuietComfort 25 model, available for Apple or Android/Samsung devices ($269.95) — will up the relaxation quotient.
Unbeatable, Portable Sound
Cambridge SoundWorks' baseball-size OontZ Curve weighs 9 ounces but delivers wireless Bluetooth sound from your playlist on a smartphone or tablet — for those in-cabin travel moments that demand a little background music ($29.99).
Unbreakable Sunglasses
How many times has someone you know returned from a cruise minus his or her favorite sunglasses? These sporty, lightweight JiMarti JM22 Sport Wrap Sunglasses Mirror Lens TR90 ($29.95) are both affordable and unbreakable.
SPF-Savvy Fashion
Looking great at the pool or beach and avoiding a burn at the same time just got a little easier with the Oceanside Tunic Dress by Coolibar ($98), made from breathable fabric designed to block 98 percent of the sun’s harmful rays.
Tropical Totes
Envirosax's lightweight, foldable Omnisax pouches make great beach, pool, or port totes — and at just $10.50 each, they're the perfect stocking stuffer.
Cool Sips
With this colorful, made-in-the-USA “Flower Candy” Ergo thermal water bottle from Polar Bottle ($14.99), your cruiser can fill up on the free onboard water, iced tea, or lemonade and enjoy it poolside.
