Travel writer urges cruisers to pack a lanyard and other small essentials
Daily Mail travel piece lists practical items — from lanyards and reusable bottles to power banks and travel adaptors — to keep belongings secure and comfortable on port calls
A travel writer for the Daily Mail has highlighted the humble lanyard as an essential item for cruise passengers, saying it helps keep ship cards secure and readily accessible amid the bustle of embarkation and port visits. The piece, published Sept. 17, 2025, also recommends a range of other compact, practical items suited to both warm- and cold-weather itineraries and to solo travellers.
The article emphasises that cruises involve varied environments — from formal evenings onboard to shore excursions in different climates — and that small items can reduce friction and stress. In addition to a lanyard, the writer advised packing a reusable insulated water bottle, a power bank, a universal travel adaptor, a modest day backpack, and tracking devices for luggage and valuables.
The Daily Mail item recommended specific products as examples. An Amazon two-pack of lanyards was cited as a way for travelling companions to match and keep ship cards handy. A 621ml Hydro Flask from John Lewis was noted for its insulated performance — the retailer advertises it as keeping drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12. Clothing suggestions included high-waist sweat shorts and half-zip sweatshirts from Wiskii for sea days, and a Barbour half-zip sweatshirt as a warmer option for itineraries such as fjord cruises. For footwear on warm-weather cruises, the writer mentioned embellished flip-flops from Marks & Spencer.
Electronic and organisational aids were also highlighted. The article named a Belkin portable power bank and a MyTravelPal 20W worldwide travel adaptor with USB-C as useful for recharging devices while ashore and on board. An OGIO Pace Pro 20L backpack was offered as a daypack option with multiple compartments and a hidden passport pocket. Tile Mate Bluetooth trackers were recommended for attaching to luggage or important items, and packing cubes were suggested to keep suitcases orderly. A small handheld fan was recommended for hot shore excursions and inexpensive cruise door magnets for personalising cabins were suggested as a low-cost convenience.
The piece framed several of these recommendations in practical terms: reusable bottles reduce reliance on single-use plastic during excursions, tracking devices can help locate bags when flying to or from a ship, and a lanyard reduces the risk of misplacing a ship card that is used for access and onboard purchases. The writer also noted that a compact bag makes it easier to carry essentials when exploring ports.
Daily Mail editorial notes accompanying the article said that journalists select and curate the products featured and that the site may earn commission on purchases made through embedded links. Prices and retailers were listed alongside product mentions in the original story.
Cruise passengers, particularly those new to cruising or travelling solo, commonly face logistical challenges such as differing electrical outlets, limited storage space in cabins and the need to move quickly between ship and shore. The article presented small, low-cost items as a way to address those recurring inconveniences without adding significant luggage bulk. The recommendations aim to balance comfort, convenience and readiness for a range of on- and offshore activities.