Looking to make your cruise cabin more comfortable and spacious? Here are 10 tips that will help you organize your stateroom! You can maximize your limited stateroom space and feel at home, even if you haven’t booked a suite. Use these tips to keep your cabin livable and enjoyable throughout your cruise. After all, you’re going to spend the next several days living there!
Do Not Overpack
It is often tempting to overpack for a cruise. After all, you will probably need more than one outfit per day. However, cabin space is limited. Bringing excessive belongings may result in insufficient room for storage, even if you attempt to optimize space.
Carefully plan your wardrobe in advance. Consider what attire will be appropriate for formal nights and whether you have suitable outfits for each themed event on the cruise. Taking the time to try on your clothing selections beforehand ensures that you are comfortable and confident in your appearance.
Another way to organize your luggage is to use packing cubes. They come in varying sizes and because each “cube” zips or fastens, it makes packing more efficient and overpacking less likely.
Traveling with a large family? Save yourself the frustration and book two cabins.
Adding a third and fourth person to a stateroom typically costs less than booking two separate rooms for a group or family. However, when considering this option, it is important to note that all occupants will share a limited space for the duration of the cruise. You don’t want to get on each other’s nerves, after all!
When choosing between one balcony room or two interior rooms, consider the benefit of having an additional bathroom with two rooms. Access to outdoor views is available by going to the top deck when desired. Consider how much time you will actually spend outside on your balcony.
Make Use of Available Drawer Space
Living out of a suitcase can detract from your vacation experience. Unpacking your suitcase at the beginning of your cruise can create a sense of excitement, besides helping with organization. The cabin desk provides ample drawer space to help organize your belongings efficiently and maximize space within your cabin. To avoid leaving items behind, ensure that you check every drawer thoroughly before departing at the end of your cruise. It’s a real hassle to try and retrieve something once you are home!
Store Suitcases under Your Bed
In the last few years, hotel and cruise stateroom beds have become more efficient regarding space and storage. When your luggage arrives, unpack right away to settle in quickly. Then, if possible, store your suitcases under your bed to open up space around your room. You don’t want to spend all week stumbling over your luggage!
Use a hanging toiletry bag
Cruise ship bathrooms are by necessity very small and countertop space is at a premium. To make everyone more comfortable, hang your toiletry bag from a towel rack or hook, saving counter space and simplifying packing when it’s time to depart for home. Once unfolded, all your toiletry items are visible and easily accessible to everyone, as needed.
Dirty Laundry
It’s not always on our mind when packing, as we are excited about our upcoming cruise vacation, but dirty laundry will pile up after a few days of fun in the sun. To manage dirty laundry, bring along a pop-up hamper or maybe even a few large trash bags to keep clothes in once worn. Both options help keep your space tidy and make packing easier when it’s time to go home. Many cruise ship cabins feature a small clothesline within the shower that can be used to dry towels and swimwear.
Find hidden storage spaces
Your stateroom likely has hidden storage areas, such as behind mirrors, inside footstools, or beside couches. Cruise cabins are designed to maximize space, so be sure to check for these extra spots. In addition, most staterooms come with a safe, usually in the closet. You can keep valuables and other small items in there.
Magnets
Bring a range of magnets to organize your cabin. Use clip magnets for important papers like schedules and tickets, and strong hooks for hats, lanyards, or even jackets. If you are cruising Alaska or other cold environments, you will need a warm jacket. Or perhaps you need a light jacket for the dining room and/or theaters. With a group of 4 or 5 in one stateroom, you may run out of closet space. Magnets can be helpful in adding storage space.
Some travelers use hook magnets and shower curtains as room dividers for added privacy. Magnets can also add decor: display themed magnets, hang signs, or let kids decorate the cabin door.
Bring your own pillow
A familiar pillow can help you sleep better, so consider packing yours if you’re sensitive to sleep changes. You can also ask your cabin steward for a different pillow if needed. You want to make sure you are well rested so you can enjoy your vacation!
Bring clothes pins or clips for the curtains
Cabin curtains can let in light, especially if your room faces east or you’re cruising in places with long daylight hours like Alaska or Norway. Pack clothes pins or towel clips to keep curtains closed and ensure a darker sleep environment.
Mini Fridge
Use the mini fridge for stashing some snacks you grabbed from the buffet up on the Lido deck. Enjoy those tasty treats later!
Bring a fan
Do you like to sleep with a fan on to stay cool at night? Whether battery powered or electric, fans can also function as sound machines. Ventilation in cruise cabins may be limited, so bringing a fan can address both issues, particularly for those staying in interior cabins.
Noise-canceling headphones
Some cruise lines do not allow Bluetooth speakers due to possible disturbance to others, so bringing headphones can be a practical alternative. While quiet spaces are generally available on the ship for relaxation, headphones allow you to listen to audiobooks or music privately while enjoying ocean views during sea days.
I hope these tips from a seasoned cruiser will help you have a great time on your next cruise vacation! Bon voyage! Contact The Magic for Less Travel for a no-obligation quote.
