When I was in high school, three years before I could legally drive, I asked my parents for a rope. They were all the rage among teenagers — especially high schoolers who used them to insert their car keys. Gone are the days when my bright orange Adidas neck strap was stylish. That is, of course, unless I’m on a cruise where passengers often use ropes to secure their key cards. Key cards serve as room keys and are the only payment card accepted on cashless cruise ships, so wallets are not necessary.
I’ve never brought my lanyard with me on a cruise, opting instead to keep my card in a pocket or my trusty little Kate Spade body (see below). But cruise lines are so popular among travelers at sea — especially kids who might lose them and casino regulars who need quick access to those slots — that I’d fit right in if I decided to go “vintage” (read: touristic).
Although these accessories don’t seem like they would require much thought, you might be surprised by the variety available. From simple nylon numbers and dazzling rhinestone numbers for formal night out to options that include protective plastic sleeves, here are some of the best sailing ropes, along with some non-rope alternatives.
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Note: For some of these, you will need to punch a hole in the key card. Lines that don’t automatically offer punch cards can usually accommodate the request at the front desk, but you may want to pack your hole, just in case. However, travelers should be aware that some key cards contain RFID technology that can be damaged by the hole.
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Artificial leather ropes
For a classy style, try a leather thong, which can be dressed up for everyday use or worn with any dinner attire during your cruise. This option is made from faux leather, which means it’s vegan-friendly, and comes in a variety of colors to dazzle. Amazon sells this lanyard in a two-pack, complete with a clear card holder, so you won’t have to drill a hole in your key card unless you prefer to just use the trigger clip.
Necklace with retractable rope
Lanyards are a better way to keep the card around your neck. I love this two-pack, which comes with a silver and a rose gold lanyard, plus a removable, reversible clip that allows for extra length so you don’t have to bend down to open the cabin door. You can also choose to attach your card with a split keychain-style ring, a lobster clasp, or a clean, removable card pocket.
Cross phone holder
Personally, I always try to trick my phone AND my card when I travel; I usually put them in a small crossbody bag that holds both without being too heavy. I have a Kate Spade, and I absolutely love it.
If it’s too big or you’re not someone who carries their phone while cruising, I recommend a card holder. (I have a similar one, also from Kate Spade. The brand’s now-defunct counterpart, Jack Spade, still has some for sale there, too. So do brands like Michael Kors, Herschel, and Timberland.) The good thing about a card is that it fits easily in a pocket and both of these products are suitable for everyday use, even when you are not at sea.
Glitter ropes
For passengers with the brightest personalities, these sparkling diamond lanyards offer just the right amount of glitz and eye-catching glamour. Plus, they’re versatile. You can choose to attach your punched card via a key chain style ring, a standard trigger clip, or a trigger clip that is attached to a retractable sleeve for easier access. This three-pack comes with one black, one silver, and one pink lanyard.
Ropes with beads
In my opinion, these silicone beaded types are some of the most stylish thongs available if you insist on wearing one. They look like necklaces, but without the metallic or rhinestone touches. There are two ways to attach a punch card – with a metal trigger clip or a split key chain style ring, both of which can be detached. They are sold in packs of two or three, each with a different design. They fasten at the back and can be adjusted to the desired length.
Extendable wrist wraps
If you just can’t see yourself buying a rope for sailing use, these wrist wraps are fashionable, stylish and comfortable, as well as durable. They ensure your navigation card won’t get lost, but aren’t as annoying as a lanyard. This pack offers six different colors so you and your travel companions can quickly tell who it belongs to if you remove them. Bonus: Use them pre- or post-cruise for your keys, or remove the detachable split rings to use the wraps as hair ties.
Basic marine ropes
For those who want a true lanyard that suits a sailing experience, a 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 place it in a protective sleeve. The order contains two lanyards in contrasting blue and white color patterns, so you and your travel companion can tell who the card belongs to at a glance.
Detachable, retractable marine ropes
Similar to the basic nautical style above, this style offers a plastic clip that converts the lanyard to a smaller wrist size that won’t tangle in a purse or pocket. There’s also a retractable cord that provides extra length so you can extend your card to the cabin door card reader or nearest onboard register without removing the cord. This two-rope pack includes two identical ropes, but unlike the ones above, they don’t offer a snap or clip option, making the plastic card sleeve a must.
Slim Minimalist Ridge Wallet
For anyone looking for a strapless card holder, this slim, industrial-style wallet from Ridge is made from military-grade RFID-blocking materials, fits easily in a pocket, and comes with a lifetime warranty. With its card slot and money clip, this wallet will not only hold your cruise key card and small bills for tips, but it’s also great for everyday use when you’re at home.
Rigid basic ropes
Whether you’re traveling with a large group or need a few colors of rope to match all the outfits in your cruising wardrobe, this pack of eight solid-colored basic ropes comes with reversible J-hooks for keep your card safe and easily accessible. They are more traditional in that they are not detachable or reversible, but come with plastic card sleeves.
Rigid hand strap base ropes
Want a less obvious but equally effective way to charge your key card? Designed to hold USB drives, these solid color wristbands double as ideal lanyards for featherlight navigation cards. They don’t have the extra bells or whistles, but come in a great package with a variety of colors. To use them, you will need to punch holes in your cards to take advantage of small loops of nylon thread.
Retractable belt clip badge holder
If you’re in the market for a quick-draw, utilitarian-style way to carry your card, consider a draw that clips easily to a belt, belt or bag with a carabiner clip. Attach the navigation key card to it with a split ring by drilling a hole in it or use the provided tab to attach a clear plastic card holder (not included). This product also comes with a one-year warranty.
Woven ropes with wrist strap
Some of the strongest and most durable cruising ropes are these thick woven-style ones that look like they’ll hold up for many trips. They’re shorter than a standard lanyard, come in many colors and patterns, and include a genuine leather clasp that connects to a round lobster clasp that’s perfect for punched key cards. This handheld style card holder is great for keeping your card close without wearing it around your neck.
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