Cruise ships are made for relaxing – which is exactly why so many people forget things when they leave.

More than one in five cruise passengers say they’ve lost something on board. And it’s usually not expensive items. It’s everyday stuff.

Research shows that things like sunglasses, prescription glasses and phone chargers are the most commonly lost items on cruises. This happens all the time, even to experienced cruisers who think they’re well organised.

With unpacking, moving around the ship, sea days and port stops, it’s easy to lose track of what you brought. Most people don’t realise how common these losses are or how easy they are to prevent.

There’s also one item on the list that almost everyone forgets…

Top 10 most commonly lost items on cruise ships

Based on traveller responses, these are the items most often left behind:

1. Sunglasses or prescription glasses – 30%
2. Chargers or power banks – 30%
3. Clothing – 28%
4. Jewellery (including watches) – 27%
5. Headphones or earbuds – 25%
6. Toiletries or cosmetics – 23%
7. Toys or stuffed animals – 17%
8. Wallet or purse – 17%
9. Camera – 15%
10. Books or e-readers – 14%

How to avoid losing things on a cruise

Here are five simple tips to help you keep track of your belongings:

1. Take an arrival photo

Once you’ve unpacked, take a photo of important items like chargers, sunglasses, jewellery and passports. Use it as a checklist when packing to leave.

2. Keep small items in one place

Choose one spot – such as the room safe or inside your shoes – to store small essentials every day. This helps stop things getting scattered around the cabin.

3. Use Bluetooth trackers

Attach trackers to items like wallets, sunglasses cases or electronics. You can check their last location using your phone.

4. Leave yourself a reminder

Put a sticky note on the inside of your cabin door the night before you leave that says “CHECK EVERYTHING”. Simple, but effective.

5. Label your valuables

Use a waterproof label or UV marker to add your contact details to valuables. If a crew member finds them, it’s easier to return them.

What to do if you lost something

If you lose an item on board, report it straight away to Guest Services or the ship’s Lost & Found desk.

If it isn’t found immediately, you can usually fill out a form so the cruise line can contact you if the item turns up later. Acting quickly improves your chances.

For high-value items, check your travel insurance. You may be covered, but you’ll usually need proof of ownership (like a receipt or photo) and a report from the cruise line. If theft is suspected, some insurers may also ask for a police report.

Final thoughts

Losing something on a cruise is very common – and it doesn’t mean you’ve been careless. With so much moving around, even organised travellers forget things.

The good news is that most losses can be avoided with a few simple habits: keeping items in the same place, doing a visual check, and not rushing on disembarkation day.

And if something does go missing, acting fast gives you the best chance of getting it back.

After all, the worst part of a cruise shouldn’t be realising your sunglasses are still somewhere between the pool deck and your cabin.