The amazing travel accessory you can’t go on a cruise without

As a tough kid three years before I started driving legally, I asked my parents Landard. All teenagers – especially high school students – used them to store their car keys. Gone are the days when my bright orange adidas neckband was stylish. That said, unless I’m on a cruise, passengers often use a lanyard to secure their keycards. Key cards serve as both room keys and the only payment card accepted on cashless cruise ships, so wallets are unnecessary.

I’ve never carried my lanyard on a cruise, opting to carry my card in a pocket or the trusty little Kate Spade crossbody. But the cruise port is so popular with travelers at sea — especially kids who might lose them and casino regulars, who need quick access to those slot machines — that I’d be perfectly fine with if I decided to go “product” (read: tourist).

Although these accessories may not seem to require much thought, you may be surprised by the difference. Here are some great cruise lanyards and a few non-lanyard options, from simple nylon numbers and glitter studded with rhinestones for a casual night out to options that include protective plastic sleeves.

Note: For some of these you will need to punch a hole in your key card. Lines that don’t automatically issue punched cards can often accommodate a request at the front desk, but in that case you may want to pack your own hole puncher. However, sailors should note that some key cards contain RFID technology that can be damaged by a punch.

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Faux leather lanyards

For some classic flair, try a leather lanyard that can be worn for everyday use or worn with any dinner outfit during your outing. This option is made from faux leather, which means it’s vegan-friendly, and comes in a variety of colors to boot. Amazon sells this lanyard in a two-pack, complete with a card holder so you don’t have to punch a hole in your key card, unless you just want to use a trigger clip.

Retractable lanyard necklace

Necklaces are trinkets to wear your key card around your neck. I love this two-pack, with one silver and one rose gold lanyard, plus a detachable, removable clip so you don’t have to bend down for extra length. You can also choose to attach your card with a keychain-style snap ring, lobster clasp, or clear removable card pocket.

Shortcut phone holder

Personally, I’m always trying to ditch my phone. And My key card when I sail; I usually put them in a small crossbody bag that holds both without being too cumbersome. I have a Kate Spade, and I absolutely love it.

If that’s too big or you’re not someone who carries their phone around while on a cruise, I recommend a card holder. (I have the same one, by Kate Spade. The brand is the now-defunct Jack Spade, some of which are still available for sale. So are brands like Michael Kors, Herschel, and Timberland.) On the plus side, the card holder fits easily in a pocket, and both of these products are available at sea. Even if you are not on, they are suitable for daily use.

Reflective lanyards

For surfers with the brightest personalities, these sparkling rhinestone lanyards offer just the right amount of eye-catching sparkle and charm. Plus, they’re versatile. You can choose to attach a chain-type ring, a standard trigger clip, or a trigger clip to a reel for easy access to a stolen key card. This three-pack comes with one black, one silver and one pink lanyard.

Sealed palates

In my opinion, these silicone-bead types are the most stylish lanyard available if you’re going to wear one. They look like necklaces but without the metal or rhinestone touches. There are two ways to attach a punched card – with a metal trigger clip or a key chain type split ring, both of which can be detached. They are sold in packs of two or three, each with a different design. They are attached at the back and can be adjusted to the desired length.

Extendable wrists

If you can’t see yourself buying a lanyard for camping, these wrist wraps are trendy, stylish and comfortable, as well as durable. They make sure your cruise key card doesn’t get lost but isn’t as flimsy as a neck lanyard. This pack features six different colors so you and your travel buddies can quickly tell whose it is if you pick them up. Bonus: Use pre- or post-cruise for your locks, or ditch the detachable split rings, using the coils as hair ties.

Basic marine lenses

For those looking for a lanyard that really fits a cruise, nautical print is the way to go. This style is basic, featuring a metal trigger clip and a clear card protector, allowing you to choose whether you want to punch a hole in your card or insert it into a protective sleeve. The order contains two lands in reverse blue and white so you and your travel companion can tell whose card is whose card at a glance.

Detachable, retractable marine lenses

Similar to the basic nautical style above, this style features a plastic clip that converts to a small wrist size that won’t stick in a bag or pocket. There’s also an extra-length cable that allows you to extend your card to a cabin door card reader or nearby onboard register without removing the lanyard. This two-pack includes two identical clips, but unlike the ones above, they don’t offer a clip or clasp option, making a plastic card holder essential.

Ridge is the thinnest wallet

Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Any Card Holder by Ridge Slim Wallet is made of military-grade RFID-blocking material, fits easily in a pocket and has a lifetime warranty. With a card slot and money clip, this wallet not only holds your cruise key card and small bills for a tip, but is also useful for everyday use when you’re at home.

Basic strong lanyards

Whether you’re traveling with a large group or need multiple lanyard colors to match all the outfits in your cruise wardrobe, this pack of eight basic solid-colored lanyards comes with swivel J-hooks to keep your card secure and easily accessible. They are more traditional in that they are not detachable or reversible but come with plastic card sleeves.

Basic strong wrist strap lanyards

Looking for a less visible but equally effective way to hack your keycard? These basic solid-colored wristbands, designed to carry USB drives, double as great lanyards for feather-light sailing cards. They don’t have any extra bells or whistles, but they come in a big package of different colors. To use them, you need to poke holes in your cards to use the little nylon thread loops.

Retractable belt clip badge holder

If you’re in the market for a quick draw utilitarian style to pull your card, consider a reversible that clips to a belt, belt or purse with a carabiner clip. Attach your cruise key card to a slotted ring or punch hole or use the provided tab to connect a clear plastic card holder (not included). This product comes with a one-year warranty.

Woven wrist strap lanyards

Rugged and durable enough for cruises, these densely woven styles look like they’ll last for many voyages. They’re thinner than standard lanyards, come in many colors and styles, and include a genuine leather clasp that connects to a round lobster clasp perfect for key cards with holes. This wrist-style card holder is great for keeping your card safe without wearing it around your neck.

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