We often get asked for advice on the best needlework tools for cruising, as well as for our tips about useful items for cruising in general. These are some products we’ve used or that have been recommended by other Stitchers’ Escapes attendees.
For Use in Class
Cordless Lights
We require task lights used in class to be cordless, for a variety of reasons. Here are some items we suggest to check one of the most important needlework tools for cruising off your list – good light!
Daylight Company Halo Go Magnifier Lamp – This lamp has become very popular among our cruisers and retreat-goers in general. It has both light and magnification in one, and is rechargeable. We suggest pairing it with a power bank (see some options below) to keep it running during class. While it doesn’t come with a carrying case, many stitchers have discovered that it fits nicely in any protective carrying case designed for a keyboard, such as this one.
Daylight Company Smart Clip-on Lamp – This is a smaller lamp from the Daylight Company, without magnification. Like the Halo Go is rechargeable using the included USB cable, and we suggest pairing it with a power bank to keep it running during class.
Jean comments: “it’s not perfect. . . it’s very easy to turn the on-off switch to “on” accidentally. . . like when it’s in your tote bag. The neck of the light is very flexible, so I sort of bend it in a circle down toward the base when I put it in a bag or suitcase and that helps avoid accidentally turning it on.
OttLite Battery-Operated LED Mobile Task Lamp this is a battery-operated option that uses 4 AA batteries.
LED Neck Reading Light – Another idea from our Facebook group, there are lots of different brands available. This one has a USB charging cable included.
LED Headlamp – Some stitchers have also suggested a headlamp such as this one, which runs on 3 AAA batteries.
Daylight YoYo Magnifier – While this lamp does require 3 AAA batteries, it folds up nicely and also includes a magnifier.
Power Banks
If you choose a lamp that uses a USB power/charging cable, you can keep it running throughout a class by using a power bank to keep it plugged in. Then, recharge the power bank in your cabin overnight!
Power Banks can also be useful in your cabin. If the ship does not have USB plugs or outlets near the bed, you can use it to charge your phone on the bedside table at night, then recharge the power bank during the day when you are out around the ship.
Be aware that FAA and TSA regulations currently prohibit lithium batteries in your checked luggage. The items recommended here are allowed in carry-on baggage based on guidance as of August 29, 2025. More information is available on the FAA website or TSA website.
Halo Bolt – Recommended on our Facebook group, there are multiple versions available. Their larger option includes both USB and AC plugs. It even includes a built-in flashlight and you can use it to jump start your car! They also have a slightly smaller option that doesn’t include the AC plug.
Anker PowerCore Slim – This small option from Anker is a nice size to keep in your purse or tote.
Anker Portable Charger – Another option from Anker, this version has 2 USB ports, so it might be useful if you want to power your light and charge your phone at the same time.
For Use in Your Cabin or Around the Ship
Now that we’ve covered some of our favorite needlework tools for cruising, here are some other items you might find handy in your cabin or around the ship.
Keeping your devices charged
We all have so many devices these days that charge via USB, and the options in your cabin for plugging things in will vary depending on the ship and stateroom category. The members of the Stitchers’ Escapes Crew travel with a variety of items so they can be prepared for almost any configuration.
Charging Cables – be sure to pack a variety of charging cables for your devices! It can be helpful to pack extra-long versions for anything you want to charge next to your bed. If there are outlets or USB ports next to the bed, sometimes they are only one one side, but if you have a 10-foot cable, you can run it along the top of the bed to charge on the other side. Keep in mind that USB-C technology is fairly new, and many ships that have USB ports only have USB-A. I can be worth investing in some cables that have USB-A on one end and whatever you need for your device on the other. We don’t have specific recommendations because there are so many options, but if you’re shopping for new ones, we find the Anker brand to be reliable.
Power Banks – in case there are no outlets or USB ports next to the bed, bring a power bank that will charge your phone overnight. If you have any apps, such as white noise, that you run all night, make sure it’s powerful enough to run the app and get your phone fully charged. We have some suggestions above. Catherine uses the Anker Portable Charger at night next to the bed, then charges it during the day.
Multi-port Charging Station – It can be helpful to have a multiport charger so that you can charge multiple devices at one time.
- Click here for one example, which comes in several different configurations depending on your needs. When you’re shopping, be sure to look for a device that has a two-prong plug. Devices with a 3-prong plug may be identified as surge protectors and be confiscated by the ship’s staff, since devices with surge protection are not allowed.
- Your cabin will typically have at least one European or UK outlet, so a charging station like this one, that comes with a couple of adaptors, can be useful so you can use that outlet for charging while using the American outlets for other things.
Other Useful Stuff
Luggage Tag Holder – These luggage tag holders fit Celebrity & Royal Caribbean luggage tags perfectly and keep the paper intact. They come in packs of 4 or 8, so they are great for sharing with your cabin mate.
Battery Operated Light – We usually recommend bringing a battery operated tea light to act as a nightlight in your cabin bathroom, but a cruiser on a recent Escape found lights like these at her local hardware store and they are another great option! This link leads to a 4-pack, so share with a friend, or look around for something similar in a smaller set.
Magnetic Hooks – Most cabins have metal walls, so magnetic hooks can be useful for holding things like your purse, lanyards with your seapass cards, hats, raincoats, etc. This is just one example.
Stitchers Escapes participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, and will earn a small commission for orders placed using these links.