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 the most important needlework tools for cruising off your list – good light!
Daylight Company Smart Clip-on Lamp – Jean and Catherine both use this lamp. It’s rechargeable using the included USB cable. 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.
These two options were suggested in our Facebook group. Both run on 4 AA batteries. Beam n Read LED 6 Hands-Free Task Light, OttLite Battery-Operated LED Mobile Task Lamp
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!
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 – Catherine uses as similar device to this one from Anker – it’s small enough to fit in her purse, but has enough “juice” to power her white noise app all night and still have enough charging cycles to use it during the day. She recharges the battery pack in the evenings while she’s out and about on the ship.
Anker PowerCore 20K – 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.
Aduro 6-Port USB Charging Station –
We all have so many devices these days that charge via USB. This handy tower charges 6 items at a time! However, it doesn’t have a USB-c port, so if you have a device that needs one, shop around for a different option! 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.
Stainless Steel Straws – Royal Caribbean has phased out plastic straws on board their ships, so if you must have a straw, these are a great item to have! We’ve tested them with the soda cups that come with Royal’s beverage packages, and they fit perfectly. They are slim, though, and might not work for smoothies and frozen cocktails.
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.
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