When it comes to cruise ship cabins, most cruisers find that they are not particularly spacious or fashion-forward. The decor is designed to appeal to everyone, with mellow or nautical colors and nothing too distracting. Storage space is often limited, and the bathroom is likely smaller than what you have at home. However, there are ways to jazz up your space and make it more livable, personalized, and less cluttered. In this article, we will discuss some easy cruise cabin hacks to help you make the most of your onboard accommodations.
One of the first things you can do to personalize your cruise cabin is to bring some comfort objects from home. This could include your favorite pillow, a picture of your loved ones, a teddy bear, or a throw blanket. If you are traveling with kids, let them bring a few of their favorite toys as well. Another fun hack is to bring an erasable magnetic-backed whiteboard and washable markers. You can attach it to the cabin’s metal door and draw pictures or leave messages. Battery-operated flameless candles can also add a touch of romance to your room.
Don’t be afraid to move the furniture around in your cabin. Most standard cabins have twin beds that can be combined into a queen bed, side tables, a sofa or upholstered chair, a vanity or desk, and a coffee table. If you have a balcony, it will come with a pair of chairs or loungers and a drinks table. You can ask the crew to help you move the furniture into a configuration that works for you. Clear away any objects that are in your way and add any additional furniture that you might find more comfortable.
Most mainstream cruise ships now provide shampoo, conditioner, and liquid bath soap in pumps in the shower. However, the brands provided might not be what you are used to at home. If you are particular about your toiletries, it’s a good idea to bring your own. You can also bring your own bar of soap if you prefer it over shower gel. Another hack is to attach a hanging makeup or toiletry kit to the bathroom door. This will free up space around the sink and make it easier to keep track of your supplies. Bring a plug-in or battery-operated nightlight for navigating around the bathroom at night without waking your cabinmates.
When it comes to electronics, most people bring along a selection of devices such as tablets, phones, cameras, and electric shavers. However, there are usually limited outlets in the cabin. To accommodate all your cords, bring an outlet extender. Just make sure it doesn’t have a surge protector, as those are banned by cruise lines. If you’re a light sleeper, consider bringing a travel-sized sound machine or downloading a white noise app on your phone to mask any creaks or rattling noises on the ship. Binder clips or paper clips can be used to keep the curtains drawn tight if you plan to sleep in.
Cruise ship cabins usually come with a closet, drawers, and side tables for storage. However, there might not be enough space for everyone’s clothes and gear, especially for a week-long cruise. To improve the situation, ask your cabin steward for more hangers if needed. You can also double up clothes on hangers to save space. Bring some magnetic hooks to hang bathrobes, hats, snorkels, and other items on the walls. An over-the-door organizer can help you keep socks, underwear, and small items organized. A laundry bag on the floor of the closet can be used to corral dirty clothes and keep them separate from your clean clothing.
Lastly, make use of the space under the bed. Tuck your suitcases under the bed to save space in the cabin or closet. If you keep one suitcase open, it can be used as an additional drawer. Any items that you are not using, such as bathrobes, slippers, or decorative pillows, can also be stored under the bed.
In conclusion, while cruise ship cabins may not be the most spacious or stylish, there are plenty of hacks you can use to make them more comfortable, personalized, and organized. From bringing your own comfort objects to rearranging the furniture and maximizing storage space, these tips will help you make the most of your cruise cabin experience.