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29 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Traveler MUST-KNOW

Taking a cruise is an adventure in and of itself. Although most cruises are intended to be a relaxing occasion, unpacking in a cabin can be slightly frustrating.

If you’ve ever taken a cruise, you know the cabins can be pretty cozy and compact, so you have to be smart about how you organize your belongings.

Although cabins can be rather snug, they tend to be laid out in a way that takes advantage of all the space available.

So to make the best use of the area, we have compiled some tried-and-tested cruise cabin hacks to take full advantage of every crevice, transforming even the smallest space into a neatly organized haven.

Table of Contents

Cruise Cabin Hacks

Bring Only What You Need

Before we even get to the cabin, the biggest ‘hack’ is packing only what you’ll need and use.

The cabin space is tight, tight, tight. You don’t want to bring more than you’ll need.

Go through your wardrobe ahead of time and select outfits that suit both day and nighttime activities on the ship. Remember to factor in any special theme nights or dress codes .

Put Your Luggage Underneath The Bed

The first thing you’ll want to d when you get into your cabin is unpack and slide your luggage under the bed. This not only clears floor space but also helps to keep your cabin tidy and accessible.

If you have a carry-on and a larger luggage, you can store one inside the other making even more room.

Request Extra Hangers

Once on board, reach out to your cabin steward for extra hangers. This will let you maximize closet space and avoid wrinkled clothes.

Some people like to bring their own hangers. Don’t do that! It’ll be highly inconvenient and there are plenty onboard to request extra.

Packing Cubes, Packing Cubes, Packing Cubes!

Packing cubes are not just a cruise hack, but a life hack!

They turn the chaos of packing into a neatly organized ballet of belongings, each item in its designated place. Packing cubes keep your belongings sorted and easy to find, transforming your suitcase into a model of efficiency.

Designating a color for each family member can simplify the process even further, making unpacking and finding what you need a breeze, even in the most compact cruise cabin.

Desk = Vanity

Truth be told, the bathrooms can be as small as the cabins itself. Convert the desk in your cabin into a personal vanity area by organizing your beauty supplies neatly in the drawers.

There truly just isn’t enough space in the bathroom and the desk makes the perfect spot for all your makeup and skincare products.

Bring A Power Strip

Bring along a non-surge-protected power strip approved for cruise ships to accommodate your electronic devices and keep them all charged.

This simple addition to your packing list ensures that you can keep cameras, phones, and tablets fully powered, ready to capture every moment of your adventure.

Unfortunately, the cruises I;ve gone on didn’t have many outlets and we’d have to argue over who gets to charge and when.

Pack a Portable Charger

On a similar wavelength, pack a portable charger to make sure tyu always have enough juice.

A portable charger ensures your devices stay powered up while you’re on the move around the ship or ashore. It’s a travel MUST.

Magnetic Hooks and Clips

Your cabin’s walls are metal, which makes magnets your new best friend. Hang items like shore excursion tickets or wet swimsuits.

Make sure you get some heavy-duty magnetic hooks to make sure they stay on. This clever hack not only keeps your essentials within easy reach but also helps maintain a clutter-free and organized cabin.

Get An Over-The-Door Organizer

Using an over-the-door organizer in your bathroom can significantly maximize your space, offering a clever solution for the often cramped quarters.

Slip one over your bathroom door to store toiletries, keeping them off limited counter space.

Bring Air Freshener For The Bathroom

Bringing a small air freshener for the bathroom is a simple yet effective way to maintain a fresh and pleasant atmosphere in your compact cabin space.

Cruise ship bathrooms are notorious for being tight and lacking ventilation, so a discreet air freshener can make all the difference, keeping your personal retreat smelling clean and inviting throughout your voyage.

Whether it’s a spray, a plug-in, or a hanging freshener, this small addition makes a huge difference.

Packable Shelves And Hampers

Investing in packable shelves and hampers can revolutionize the way you organize and maintain your cruise cabin.

These ingenious items unfold to provide extra shelving for clothes and a designated spot for laundry, helping keep your living space tidy and sorted.

When not in use, they collapse flat, taking up minimal suitcase space. This hack is perfect for those looking to maintain a sense of order and cleanliness in their cozy sea-bound home.

Get A Motion Sensor Nightlight

Purchasing a motion sensor nightlight is a smart move for navigating your cabin in the dark.

These handy devices provide a soft, guiding light that automatically illuminates when you move, ensuring safe and gentle passage during late-night ventures.

It’s a small, thoughtful addition that enhances safety and comfort, allowing you to find your way without disturbing the peaceful ambiance of your stateroom.

Organize Your Papers

Maintaining a single, organized spot for all your essential documents, like excursion tickets, passports, and boarding passes, is crucial for a stress-free cruise experience.

Consider using a dedicated envelope or a travel document organizer where each vital paper has its place.

This method ensures that everything you need is readily accessible and secure, saving you from frantic searches and giving you more time to enjoy the adventures ahead.

Mesh Laundry Bags

Mesh laundry bags are perfect for keeping worn garments separate from the clean ones, simplifying the task of laundry once back home.

By designating these breathable bags for your used garments, you prevent the mix-up of clean and dirty items, making it easier to keep your living space organized and odor-free.

Once you return home, the task of doing laundry becomes a breeze, as you can directly transfer the contents of the bag into the wash

Utilize Shower Clips

Cabin showers are typically compact, and shower curtains can stick to you. Bring a few clothespins or magnetic clips to keep the shower curtain in place.

This simple hack enhances your shower experience, keeping the curtain contained and your bathroom floor dry.

Door Shoe Organizer for Snacks

Transform a clear shoe organizer into a snack station by hanging it over a door or on a wall. Fill it with your favorite treats, granola bars, or small packaged items.

This not only keeps your snacks organized but also saves precious drawer and counter space.

Suction Cup Baskets

Bring along a few suction cup baskets or caddies.

These can stick to the walls of your shower or bathroom, providing extra space to hold your toiletries, shower gels, and shampoos, keeping them within easy reach and off limited surfaces.

Curtain Rings for Scarves and Belts

Pack a few plastic curtain rings. They’re lightweight and can be used to hang scarves, belts, or even hats on closet rods or hooks, keeping them untangled and easy to access.

Dryer Sheets

Tuck a few dryer sheets in between your clothes and in your suitcase to keep everything smelling fresh throughout your journey.

They can also help reduce static and can be used to freshen up your cabin’s drawers and closet.

Clip-On Reading Light

If your cabin’s lighting is limited or you don’t want to disturb your roommate, a clip-on reading light can be a game-changer.

It provides just enough light for you to read or navigate the cabin without waking others.

Foldable Water Bottle

When cruising, every bit of space counts, making a collapsible water bottle an essential item for savvy travelers.

These innovative bottles are designed to shrink down to a fraction of their full size when not in use, easily fitting into a small purse, pocket, or compartment in your daypack.

This means more room for other essentials and souvenirs without the bulk of a traditional bottle.

Travel-Sized Humidifier

A travel-sized humidifier is an excellent solution for maintaining a comfortable cabin atmosphere, especially in the often dry environment of a cruise ship.

These compact devices are designed with portability in mind, easily fitting into your luggage without taking up much space.

Many models are ingeniously engineered to work with standard water bottles or have their own small reservoirs, making them convenient to set up and use.

Silk Sleeping Bag Line

A silk sleeping bag liner is a luxurious yet practical addition to your cruise cabin essentials.

This sleek, smooth material is known for its hypoallergenic properties and gentle touch on the skin, providing an extra layer of cleanliness and comfort.

Silk is also thermoregulating, keeping you cool in tropical climates and warm during cooler nights at sea, ensuring a restful sleep regardless of the destination.

Pack A Mini Electric Fan

A small, portable fan can improve air circulation and provide white noise if you’re a light sleeper. This is particularly helpful in inside cabins where air can feel stagnant.

Most travel fans are lightweight and compact, designed to fit easily into your luggage without taking up much space.

Highlighters for Daily Schedules

Bringing a set of different colored highlighters on your cruise is a small but strategic way to organize and enhance your onboard experience.

Cruise ships often provide a daily schedule of activities. Bring a few different colored highlighters to mark activities each family member is interested in.

Cord Organizer

In today’s digital age, you’re likely traveling with a variety of electronic devices, each with its own cords and chargers.

Keep your electronic cords and chargers tidy with a travel cord organizer. This prevents tangling and makes it easy to find what you need without rummaging through your bags.

Download All Your Entertainment Beforehand

Before embarking, download movies, books, or podcasts to your device.

While many ships offer entertainment, having your favorites on hand is perfect for downtime or while relaxing in your cabin.

Not to mention, the internet packages can get pricey onboard!

Glow-in-the-Dark Tape

Place a small piece of glow-in-the-dark tape on key items like your phone, light switches, or bathroom door.

It makes them easy to locate in a dark, unfamiliar room without turning on the lights.

Peppermint Oil or Ginger Candies

A small bottle of peppermint oil can do wonders.

It’s refreshing, can help alleviate seasickness , and a dab under your nose can mask less pleasant odors in tight quarters.

Another great way to avoid seasickness are with ginger candies. These ginger chews in particular have been a lifesaver for me when nausea hits!

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22 cruise cabin hacks that will transform your voyage

While some lavish and expensive suites on cruise ships are apartment-sized , most cruisers stay in cabins that are not particularly spacious or fashion-forward.

The decor is designed to appeal to everyone, no matter their personal tastes, with mellow or nautical colors and nothing too distracting. Storage space is often at a premium, and a cruise ship cabin's bathroom is likely far smaller than yours at home.

There are ways to jazz up your space, however. Here are some easy cruise cabin hacks to help make your onboard accommodations more livable, more personalized and less cluttered.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Add personalization to your cruise cabin

• You will be in your cruise ship cabin for several days, a week or more. So go ahead and bring your favorite pillow, a picture of your kids/dog/cat, a teddy bear, a throw blanket or any other comfort objects you cherish at home, keeping in mind luggage space if you are flying to reach the ship.
• When traveling with kids, let them bring a few of their favorite toys, along with a pillow and blanket.
• A fun cruise cabin hack is to bring an erasable magnetic-backed whiteboard (which will easily attach to the cabin's metal door) and washable markers so you can draw pictures and leave messages – whether you're with kids or being flirty with your soulmate.
• Real candles are banned on cruise ships , but battery-operated flameless candles can add a touch of romance to your room (and also serve as nightlights).

Don't be afraid to move the furniture around

• Standard cabins have twin beds that can be combined into a queen bed, next to two side tables. You might also have a sofa or upholstered chair, vanity or desk, and a coffee table. If you have a balcony, it will be equipped with a pair of chairs or loungers and a drinks table. Don't be afraid to move the furniture around — you can ask the crew to help — into a configuration that works for you.
• Ask that any objects in your way be removed. For instance, if you keep bumping into the coffee table, get it out of the room. Clearing away the ice bucket and wine glasses and anything else you're not using will add additional counter space.
• Furniture can also be added. For instance, a stool can be replaced with a chair that may be more comfortable for your back. Ask your cabin steward for assistance.
• If the mini-fridge is filled with soda and booze that you have no intention of buying, have it cleared away. You can use the space for any soda or water you brought from home and for snacks gathered at the buffet (which will also save you any room service charges).

RELATED: 7 reasons to splurge on a cruise ship suite

Beef up the bathroom supplies in your cabin

• Most mainstream ships now have shampoo, conditioner and liquid bath soap you pump from containers in the shower — an ecological and cost-saving measure that eliminates little plastic bottles. That's all fine and dandy, but what you get will likely be generic brands and not quite what you are used to at home. The same goes for any provided hand or body lotion. If you're fussy about products, bring your own.
• If you are not a shower gel fan, bring your own bar of soap. If your cabin includes a soap bar, it likely will be a tiny chunk of soap like you get at hotels. On the flip side, if you prefer liquid soap to wash your hands, bring a bottle so you don't have to reach into the shower every time you want to wash up.

• Another clever cruise cabin hack is to attach a hanging makeup or toiletry kit to the bathroom door. This will allow you to free up space around the sink and more easily keep track of your own supplies. The sink may or may not have drawers or shelves.
• The switch for bathroom lights is often outside the door, meaning you will beam light into the whole cabin as you enter the bathroom in the middle of the night. Bring a plug-in or battery-operated nightlight for navigating around the bathroom without waking your cabinmates.

Improve your cruise cabin with helpful gadgets

• You and your family will likely bring along a selection of electronics — tablets, phones, cameras, an electric shaver and maybe even a curling iron or other gizmos. That's a lot of stuff to plug into what's likely to be a limited number of outlets. Bring an outlet extender to accommodate all those cords. (Just make sure it's not one with a surge protector, as those are banned by cruise lines and will be confiscated.)
• If you're a light sleeper, you might want to bring a travel-sized sound machine, or get a white noise app on your phone. Cruise ships have lots of creaks, rattling and other noises that could keep you awake.
• If you plan to sleep in, pack some binder clips or even paper clips to keep the curtains drawn tight, which is especially useful in the sunny Caribbean. They're also useful in Alaska when it's light out at midnight when you're trying to go to bed.

Find clever hacks to create more storage space

Cruise ship cabins have a closet with hangers and shelves. There are also often drawers for clothes. Additional drawers for knickknacks might be located in the side tables near the bed or in the desk. When you're packing for a week — especially if you're packing for a family — there won't be enough closet and drawer space for everyone's clothes and gear, but there are ways to improve the situation.

• Ask your cabin steward for more hangers if your closet doesn't have enough to hang all your clothes.
• Alternatively, double up clothes on the hangers — a blouse or jacket on top of a sundress, for instance.
• On many ships, the walls are made of metal, and magnets will stick to them. Bring some of your own magnetic hooks in case the cabin is short on the built-in variety so you have room for bathrobes, hats, snorkels and other hangable paraphernalia.
• An over-the-door organizer can help you easily tuck away socks and undies or slot sunscreen and other small items into their own spaces.
• A laundry bag on the floor of the closet lets you corral dirty clothes and keep them from getting in the way or mixing with your clean, unworn clothing.

Make use of the space under the bed

• Your suitcases can be tucked under the bed so they don't take up space in your cabin or closet. If you keep one open, you can use it as an additional drawer.
• If you're not using the bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer or other items provided — including decorative pillows if they are in your way — they can go under the bed as well.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

32+ Savvy Cruise Cabin Hacks and Tips You Need to Know

Looking for effective cruise cabin tips and cruise cabin hacks to enhance your cruise experience? Embarkation day is filled with excitement: First, the awe-inspiring first sight of your cruise ship. Then, the rush of stepping on board signals the start of your vacation. Finally, enter your cabin—your home for the next several days.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in an interior room or spacious suite; even the nicest cabins can benefit from a few clever hacks. These tips, from magnetic hooks to extra power strips, will maximize your space and comfort.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

In this guide, I’ll share essential cruise cabin tips followed by transformative cruise ship room hacks. Whether it’s your first cruise or you’re an experienced cruiser, these strategies will help make your stateroom feel spacious and welcoming. Join the discussion and share your tips in the comments below!

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Table of Contents

1. Book the Right Cabin

Choose the right cabin after deciding on a cruise ship and itinerary. Select a cabin type that aligns with your needs, preferences, and budget. Cabin types vary widely in size, location, and amenities.

An inside cabin might be the most economical choice if you’re on a budget. But if you prefer natural light and fresh air, consider opting for an ocean view or balcony cabin. This decision depends largely on what’s most important to you during your cruise.

For those looking to save on a cruise , you might choose a ‘guaranteed cabin’ rate, which allows the cruise line to select your cabin, often at a lower cost. However, this can have downsides because you can’t pick your cabin location.

2. Choose the Right Location

Choosing the right cabin location on a cruise ship is essential for your comfort and convenience.

• Stability and Access Mid-ship cabins are often more stable, reducing the risk of seasickness. They also tend to be centrally located, making it easier to reach various ship amenities.
• Cabins far from elevators or stairs may require long walks.
• Those close to elevators or stairs can be noisy due to passenger traffic.
• Proximity to High-Traffic Areas Consider how close you are to the buffet, pool deck, or the engines. For instance, being under the pool deck might mean hearing noise from activities above.
• Surround Yourself With Cabins Ideally, you should choose a cabin surrounded by other staterooms rather than public areas to avoid excess noise.
• View or no view: If the view is important to you, book a cabin without obstructions, such as lifeboats.
• Decide if you prefer the starboard (right) or port (left) side based on desired views and sunlight.
• Consider whether you’d like to be in the aft (back), middle, or forward (front) sections of the ship.
• Think about how close you want to be to specific ship amenities or activities.

Studying the deck plans can greatly aid in selecting the perfect cabin location according to your preferences. A great cruise agent should be able to help you pick a cabin location.

3. Look for Reviews of the Cabin

Before finalizing your cabin selection, seeing what others have said about it is a good idea. Here’s how you can gather insights:

• YouTube : Search for videos by entering the specific cabin number. Reviewers often give detailed tours of the cabins and share their experiences.
• Cruise Forums and Facebook Groups : These platforms are treasure troves of user-generated content where you can find photos, videos, and discussions about specific cabins.
• Google Search : A quick search can also reveal images and reviews of the cabin from various travel and cruise sites.

This research can help you avoid surprises and ensure the cabin meets your expectations.

4. Check for Bedbugs

Before you settle into your cabin, take a moment to check for bedbugs , even in the cleanest-looking spaces. Start by inspecting the seams, creases, and folds of the mattress where bedbugs often hide. It’s a simple step that can prevent a lot of discomfort later.

You might have seen online videos of cruise passengers encountering bedbug infestations. While rare, these instances remind us that bedbugs can be found anywhere—even in luxurious environments. By checking your cabin first, you can enjoy your cruise more peacefully and avoid unwanted hitchhikers on your journey home.

Remember, this tip isn’t meant to deter you from cruising—we love to cruise ! It’s about being prepared and ensuring your comfort and safety.

5. Ask for a Mattress Topper, Extra Blanket and Towels

On embarkation day, as soon as we meet our cabin attendant, we ask them for a mattress topper, an extra blanket, and extra towels. The beds are usually too hard for me on cruises, and the mattress topper makes a difference. The extra blanket helps if it gets too cold at night for one of us, or if we are sailing to Alaska , we like to have it for when we sit on the balcony. The extra towels are necessary for us if they are only servicing the cabin once a day like a lot of cruise lines are now

6. Sanitize Highly Touched Items and Surfaces

One of the first things you should do upon entering your cabin is sanitize frequently touched items and surfaces. Including sanitizing wipes in your cruising packing list is a good practice.

While stateroom attendants are diligent in cleaning, they often have many rooms to attend to and might miss small but critical areas. Commonly overlooked items like the TV remote control are known to harbor germs, both in hotels and at home. A quick wipe-down can help ensure these surfaces are clean, giving you extra peace of mind during your cruise.

7. Unpack as Soon as You can

Your luggage usually arrives at your cabin before the ship sets sail. Another great tip for embarkation day is to unpack immediately. This gets the task out of the way early and helps you settle in and feel more at home in your stateroom.

If you can’t unpack before the ship departs, aim to do it before bedtime. This allows you to stow away your luggage and maximize your cabin space, making your stay more comfortable and organized.

8. Use Packing Cubes When You Pack

Packing cubes help keep your luggage organized and compact. They also simplify the unpacking process once you’re in your cabin. After hanging up any necessary items, you can directly transfer the cubes into drawers or shelves. This way, everything remains organized at home, making finding what you need throughout your cruise easier.

9. Store Your Luggage Under the Bed

After unpacking, make the most of your cabin space by storing your luggage under the bed. This area typically has ample space to accommodate two to three suitcases easily. Keeping your luggage tucked away helps maximize the available space in your cabin, allowing for a more organized and clutter-free environment.

10. Store Valuables and Passports in Cabin Safe

Although we’ve never experienced theft on a cruise, it’s wise to err on caution. Use the cabin safe to secure your valuables, cash, and passports. This simple step ensures that your important items are protected throughout your journey, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your vacation.

11. Bring a Power Outlet Extender

Cruise cabins often have limited power outlets and USB ports, which might not be sufficient for all your electronic devices. Packing a multi-plug power strip can be a game-changer, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. While newer ships typically include a few more outlets and USB ports, it’s best not to rely solely on these. Bringing your own ensures you’ll always have enough charging options, no matter the cabin.

12. Utilize Over-the-Door Organizers

This is the old toiletry bag we had for years hanging on the back of the bathroom door on our last cruise. We recently purchased this new toiletry bag and plan to use it the same way on future cruises.

An over-the-door toiletry bag is a top cruise cabin hack for keeping toiletries tidy and accessible. Hang it on the bathroom door or a hook, and grab what you need as you go. This setup keeps most items organized and saves valuable counter space. Many toiletries can remain in the bag even when you return home, making it easier to pack for your next adventure.

For families or groups of three or more, consider this over-the-door organizer . It’s perfect for separating and organizing everyone’s essentials. You can customize the arrangement to best suit your family’s needs, ensuring everything is easy to find and use.

13. Make Use of Magnetic Hooks

Magnetic hooks are an incredibly versatile cruise cabin hack that can transform your space. Since the walls and ceilings in staterooms are made of metal, these hooks can be placed almost anywhere, you need extra hanging space.

Here are a few ways we use them:

• Hang lanyards, purses, jackets, or sweaters by the cabin door to clear our seating areas.
• On the walls to hold important papers, preventing them from cluttering the vanity.
• Hang clothes to dry in the bathroom. You can also use it to help hang the portable clothesline we mention later in this list.

Investing in the right magnetic hooks can help you organize and use your cabin space more efficiently.

Tip: Buy magnetic hooks that say they can hold 100 lbs or more .

14. Use a Curtain to Divide a Cabin For Privacy

Privacy can be scarce in a standard cabin when cruising with family or a group unless you opt for a suite with separate sleeping areas. A clever solution many experienced cruisers use is hanging a curtain to create private sections within the cabin.

Some lines, like Disney Cruise Line, already incorporate privacy curtains between the bed and sofa areas. However, this feature isn’t standard across all ships. To overcome this, passengers often bring shower curtain or thick blackout curtains. Magnetic hooks can easily be hung, offering a simple yet effective way to make privacy during your cruise.

15. Bring a Laundry Bag

We’ve used a particular laundry bag that is ideal for travel for several years. It folds into a small cube, is lightweight, and fits perfectly into a carry-on suitcase when full. This makes it incredibly practical for managing laundry on a cruise. Whether you choose this type of laundry bag, a scented trash bag, or a compression bag, having a designated spot to store dirty clothes is essential. Keeping them in the corner of your cabin helps maintain organization and prevents your living space from becoming cluttered or odorous.

16. Take Advantage of Cruise Offers to Do Laundry Mid-Way

Many cruise ships do not have self-service laundry rooms. So cruise lines often offer a mid-week all-you-can-fit-in-a-bag laundry special for a flat rate. This is a great tip for longer cruises, allowing you to pack less and manage your laundry efficiently.

Though the provided laundry bag might look small, you can fit quite a bit by rolling your clothes tightly. The clothes come back clean and nicely folded—often better than one might manage at home. Using this service simplifies your trip and means you can return home with clean clothes, making post-vacation chores lighter.

17. Wash Clothes in Your Cabin Sink

We always pack a few travel-sized packets of our favorite laundry detergent for easy washing right in the cabin’s bathroom sink. This method is particularly useful for quickly cleaning undergarments, swimsuits, and light shirts. After washing, simply hang them to dry in your cabin. This can be a convenient way to keep your essentials fresh throughout the cruise without relying on full laundry services.

18. Bring a Portable Clothesline

Many cruise cabins come with a clothesline in the shower for drying wet garments like swimsuits. However, this might not always be the case, especially on older ships like the Celebrity Solstice , which we found the hard way lacked this feature. Also, the provided line may not suffice if more than two people are in the cabin.

Bringing a portable clothesline can be a great solution. It’s especially useful when you need extra space for drying clothes. You can easily set it up using magnetic hooks.

 Tip: Do not hang anything to dry on the balcony. It’s not allowed. There is a risk of it being blown away into the ocean.

19. Manage Wrinkled Clothes Without an Iron

Irons and steamers are typically not allowed on cruise ships due to safety concerns. Although you may sometimes borrow an iron or a steamer from the cabin steward, this isn’t always guaranteed.

However, some cruise lines, like Carnival and Disney, provide laundry rooms equipped with irons and ironing boards. Check this availability when planning your cruise.

An effective alternative is to hang wrinkled clothes in the bathroom while taking a hot shower. The steam can help smooth out the fabric. For even better results, spray the clothes with a wrinkle releaser before hanging them up.

20. You Can Request Extra Hangers

We typically find enough hangers in the cruise cabin closet for the items we need to hang. However, if you need more, a simple cruise cabin tip is to request extra hangers from your cabin steward. Buying or bringing your travel hangers is unnecessary, as your steward can usually provide additional ones upon request, saving you space and hassle in your luggage.

21. Bring a Hanging Shoe Rack to Create More Shelving

Cruise ship cabins often lack adequate closet, shelving, and drawer space. The limited storage was obvious during our recent 5-night cruise with Virgin Voyages. Fortunately, it was a short trip, and only two of us were there. Storage can become a significant issue for longer cruises or more passengers in a cabin. A hanging shoe rack can be a lifesaver in such situations. By hanging it in the closet, you instantly create additional shelving for clothes and other items, making the most of the available space.

22. Consider Bringing a Portable Fan

While we don’t typically bring a portable fan , many cruisers find them necessary for creating a comfortable cabin environment. A fan can help circulate air and keep your room cooler, especially in warmer climates. Additionally, the white noise from a fan can aid in more restful sleep.

23. Bring a Nightlight

Once all the lights are turned off, cruise cabins can become pitch dark. A nightlight is a valuable addition for those who frequently get up at night, like myself. I typically bring 2-3 LED tea lights and place them in different corners of the cabin to provide enough light to navigate safely.

Other options include a portable mini-light lamp , a plug-in wall nightlight , or a motion sensor nightlight . Each offers a unique convenience, so you can choose one that best suits your needs to ensure your nighttime movements are safe and easy.

24. Ask to Empty Out the Mini Fridge

Cruise cabin mini-fridges are often pre-stocked with extra-cost items. A useful cabin hack is to request that your stateroom attendant empty the fridge. This frees up space for you to store your own beverages.

You might want to use the mini-fridge if:

• Your cruise line permits bringing your own bottled water or sodas.
• You have a premium beverage package that includes canned sodas or bottled water. This way, you can stock up at the bar on your way back and keep them chilled in your cabin.

25. Request a Coffee Maker or a Tea Kettle 

Not many cruisers know this, but you can often request a coffee maker or tea kettle for your cabin. It’s best to ask your stateroom attendant on the first day, and a small tip is a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation. Depending on the ship, you might receive a Nespresso-like machine with coffee pods, a kettle with tea bags, and all the necessary supplies for your morning brew.

This service isn’t available on all cruise lines, but passengers have succeeded with certain Norwegian and Celebrity ships. It never hurts to ask and enjoy the convenience of making your coffee or tea right in your cabin.

26. Enjoy Complimentary Coffee and Breakfast Delivery

One of our cherished cruise cabin tips is to arrange for coffee and continental breakfast to be delivered to our cabin on early port mornings. This treat is often included in your cruise fare, but it’s a good idea to double-check with guest services or the room service menu to ensure no additional charges.

Be aware that some cruise lines, such as Norwegian, now charge a flat rate for breakfast delivery, covering both continental and hot options. This service is invaluable on early port days or special occasions despite the surcharge. For instance, we enjoyed room service while cruising Glacier Bay in Alaska , allowing us to savor the breathtaking scenery from our balcony. In our experience, the convenience and added enjoyment are often worth the extra cost.

27. Pack a Coffee Tumbler

Bringing a coffee tumbler on your cruise can be a smart hack if you love coffee and are not planning to use a specialty drink package for premium coffee. This is a favorite tip of my husband, a true caffeine enthusiast. He loves to fill his tumbler with coffee from the buffet and then relax on our balcony or out on the deck, enjoying extended time with his brew without needing refills. The mugs they provide in the buffet are tiny.

28. Bring a Small Alarm Clock

It’s common for cruise staterooms not to include alarm clocks. To ensure you don’t miss early port days or shore excursions, consider bringing a small alarm clock to keep track of ship time. While setting alarms on vacation might not be appealing, it helps you stay on schedule and make the most out of your cruise.

We adjust our mobile phones to the ship’s time as soon as any changes are announced and use them as alarm clocks. We also coordinate this with our morning coffee delivery to ensure we’re ready for the day’s activities.

29. Don’t Forget a Wine Opener

Many cruise lines permit passengers to bring 1-2 bottles of wine per guest onboard or per cabin, though a corkage fee may apply if you plan to drink it outside your cabin. Remember to pack a wine opener , if you intend to enjoy your wine in your stateroom. However, it’s crucial to check your cruise line’s policy first; while some allow wine openers, others may consider them a security risk and prefer you use their services to open bottles. Always verify what’s permitted to ensure a smooth boarding process and enjoyable cruise experience.

30. Refillable Water Bottle

Taking a refillable water bottle on your cruise is smart, especially if your drink package does not include bottled water. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay hydrated. You can fill it with iced water or even iced tea from the buffet, ensuring you have access to drinkable water in your cabin throughout the day and night. This simple tip can help you save money and reduce plastic use while keeping you hydrated as you enjoy your cruise.

Virgin Voyages highly suggests bringing a water bottle when you sail with them as they do not sell or provide bottled water on their Lady Ships.

31. Use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Make-Up Room’

Modern cruise ships and renovated older ones often feature buttons near the cabin door to signal “do not disturb” or “make-up room” preferences. These allow you to easily indicate whether you want your room serviced or prefer privacy.

If your ship doesn’t have these electronic options, use the traditional “do not disturb” and “make-up room” signs provided. The “do not disturb” sign on your door communicates that you do not want your room serviced. Conversely, the “make-up room” sign lets the cabin attendants know you’d like your room cleaned and serviced.

32. Decorate Your Door

While we don’t decorate our cabin door, we always enjoy seeing the creative decorations on other doors as we stroll through the ship. Adorning your cabin door can make it distinct and easily recognizable—a useful hack and activity when traveling with children. It adds a touch of fun to your cruise and helps everyone, especially young travelers, quickly identify their cabin.

Note: Some cruise lines have rules and do not allow it. While others ask that you use only magnetic decor so it leaves no marks on the doors.

Cruise Ship Stateroom: FAQs

Is it better to stay higher or lower on a cruise.

When picking a cabin on a cruise ship, think about what matters most to you. If you get seasick easily, choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship on one of the lower decks is best because there’s less rocking there. If you love great views and want to be near activities like the pool, a higher deck might be better for you. Higher decks offer amazing views and are closer to fun spots on the ship, but you might feel more movement.

Can you leave your balcony door open at night on a cruise?

While many cruisers do leave their balcony doors open to sleep, leaving your balcony doors open at night is generally not recommended for safety reasons. Besides, the AC does turn off when you leave your balcony door open.

How do you build privacy in a cruise cabin?

To make your cruise cabin more private, you can hang a curtain to split the room, set bathroom times, and keep everyone’s stuff in separate spots. Wearing headphones when listening to music or watching videos can also help keep things quiet. Try finding a quiet place to relax outside your cabin for more privacy. Before the cruise, chat with those you’ll be sharing a cabin with about privacy and what you can do for each other so everyone is more comfortable.

Why do people bring magnets on a cruise?

Cruise ship cabins are usually small, so people use magnets to help organize and save space. You can use magnets to hang things like wet swimsuits and towels on the walls or to decorate your cabin door. This makes it easier to keep your cabin tidy and personalized.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• Gratuities & Tipping on Cruise Ships
• First Time On a Cruise Tips
• Why Join a Cruise Roll Call

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips: Get Organized, Save Money, Cruise Better

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Going on a cruise and looking for the best cruise hacks, tips and tricks? Whether you’re a first time cruiser or seasoned veteran, we can always use more cruise hacks to get organized, save money and have a better cruise vacation!

In fact, after more than 25 cruises, I’m always learning new things from other cruisers and I’m so happy to pass these tips along to you. Consider this post the Ultimate Cruise Hacks Guide!

In this post I share 75 awesome cruise hacks that cover everything from packing for your cruise , saving money, cruise food, managing seasickness and more!

75 Cruise Hacks, Tips and Tricks – The Ultimate Guide

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cruise Packing Hacks

Here are some handy things to bring on your cruise to keep organized as well as some cruise packing tips.

1. Packing cubes

There are many ways to use packing cubes to be organized as you pack for your cruise.

• Use different colored packing cubes for each member of the family
• Use packing cubes to place outfits together, or organize by types of clothing (ie. t-shirts, shorts, bathing suits)
• Don’t unpack every packing cube. Some packing cubes can be unzipped and placed directly on a shelf or in a drawer in your cruise cabin

Recommended: Packing cubes (this set has over 9000 5* reviews on Amazon)

2. Travel luggage scale

If you’re flying to and from your cruise ship, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t go over your luggage weight allowance. Typically, we buy a few souvenirs or extra t-shirts and your suitcase may weigh more than you think. An electronic travel luggage scale is a useful travel gadget to pack.

Recommended: Travel luggage scale (check price & 25000+ Amazon reviews)

3. Luggage tag holders

Save time and add convenience by printing your cruise luggage tags and placing them in these plastic luggage tag holders. They’re reusable and inexpensive as well.

Recommended: Luggage tag holders (find your cruise line tags here)

4. Make your luggage stand out

So many of us have black or navy luggage, and this can make it hard for your luggage to stand out and for you to find it at the cruise terminal or airport. There are a few simple things you can do, to recognize your luggage quickly

• Add bright ribbon or yarn to the handles of your luggage
• Cover your luggage with a decorative sleeve

5. Mix your suitcase items

Worried about lost luggage? Unfortunately losing a piece of luggage can happen when flying. Even though it likely will be found and sent to you in a day or two, you won’t want to be stuck without clothing and your necessities.

To avoid this problem, make sure to pack a few items of clothing in your travel companion’s bag, and vice versa. This way, at least you and your spouse still have at least a couple of things to wear and you won’t be stuck.

6. Pack an embarkation day carry on bag

A very important tip for first time cruisers , make sure to pack a cruise carry on bag to bring on the ship on embarkation day . It will take a few hours for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin after boarding your cruise ship , and this way you’ll have your first day essentials.

Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit or even put it on under your clothes if you plan on hitting the pool as soon as possible!

Recommended: Carry on bag tote (see reviews & style options on Amazon here) 

7. Bring extra reading glasses and sunglasses

Many cruisers report losing their reading glasses or even their sunglasses . It’s a good idea to bring an inexpensive pair of each of these just in case.

Cruise Cabin Storage Hacks

8. bring magnets.

An awesome cruise hack you should know is that most cruise cabin walls are actually metal (covered of course). So, if you bring magnet hooks then you can actually add extra storage space to your cruise cabin. You can hang backpacks, bathing suits to dry, and more.

Make sure that the magnets are “heady duty” , as other ones won’t be strong enough. Small magnet clips can also be very convenient to organize your papers, tickets and invitations.

Recommended: Magnet hooks (see details & Amazon reviews here) 

9. Over the door organizer

Many cruisers like to use an over the door hanging organizer to place items such as sunscreen, bud spray, hair accessories, and more. This can be especially helpful if you’re on a family cruise and looking for ways to keep as organized as possible.

Recommended:   Hanging Over the door cabin organizer

10. Hanging toiletry bag

Keep your toiletries organized and out of the way by packing them in a hanging toiletry bag . Cruise bathroom space tends to be limited, so a hanging bag makes use of the vertical space on the bathroom door or cabin wall.

Recommended: Hanging toiletry bag (see 5 color options & Amazon 5* reviews here)

11. Request extra hangers

While you can put your clothes away on the shelves or in a drawer, you’ll minimize wrinkles on your clothing if you can hang as much as possible. When meeting your cabin steward on after boarding on the first day , make it a point to request several extra hangers.

12. Poo-Pourri

Cruise stateroom bathrooms are small and so are the cabins, so bathroom smells might be more obvious than you’d like. Many cruisers bring Poo-Pourri bathroom spray as part of their cruise essentials packing list .

Recommended: Poo-pourri bathroom spray

13. Portable fan

The temperature can be hard to regulate in your cabin, so if you tend to get warm, especially at night, you can bring along a small portable fan . This one is battery operated as well as by USB for convenience.

Recommended: Portable travel fan (rechargeable battery & USB)

14. Motion sensor nightlight

If you’re in an interior cabin or if you tend to sleep with the black out curtains at night, consider bringing a motion sensor nightlight or battery operated tea lights. This way, if you need to get up to go to the washroom during the night you won’t disturb your partner, nor will you stub your toe.

Recommended: Motion activated nightlight

15. Laundry tip

Bring a pop up laundry hamper or mesh bag to keep your dirty clothes stored away in your stateroom.

An extra hack I recently learned from other cruisers, is to bring along a scented kitchen bag. You can use this when you pack your laundry in your luggage, to keep things smelling fresher.

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

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Money Saving Cruise Hacks

16. book a guarantee cabin.

Did you know that cruise lines will often charge you a $100 plus per person for the privilege of choosing a cabin. If you aren’t too picky about your stateroom location, a great way to save hundreds per cruise is to opt for a guarantee cabin .

17. Cruise when it’s less crowded

Now who wouldn’t want to cruise when there are less people? Well, this is another way to say to cruise during the shoulder season for popular cruise itineraries like Alaska , the Mediterranean and Bermuda . You could save 50% or more!

18. Choose an interior cabin

The least expensive cabin for all cruise ships will be interior staterooms . If you don’t think you’ll be in your room much, skip an oceanview or balcony stateroom and stay in a cozy inside room.

Related:   15 Best Tips for Cruising in an Inside Cabin: cabin organization and more

Related:   7 Reasons Why You Should Book an Inside Cabin

19. Book your own shore excursions

Save money in cruise ports of call by booking your own shore excursions or even by touring on your own. This can work well when you can take a taxi to a local beach or in a city where it’s easy to do a Hop On Hop Off bus tour.

Cruise tip: Always be careful to make it back to the cruise ship on time. If you have any concerns then avoid potential mistakes by booking with the cruise line .

Related:   11 Cruise Shore Excursion Day Tips

20. Bring wine

Most cruise lines will allow you to bring a bottle of wine , per person, on a cruise. Unless you have a beverage package , bringing your own wine is an awesome money saving cruise hack .

21. Bring your own drinks

Many cruise lines allow you to bring on a case of water bottles or even a small case of soda on embarkation day.

Related:  What Food and Drinks Can You Bring on a Cruise ?

22. Level up your cruise knowledge

One of the best ways to save money on all aspects of cruising is through knowledge. Some people seem to find the best cruise deals and are cruising several times a year. However, they’ve learned a few things to make this possible.

Emma Cruises has an awesome course where she teaches this, and more. This is a great course for new and seasoned cruisers.

*Exclusive discount for our readers – use code LIFEWELLCRUISED for 10% off*

See details here: Emma Cruise Academy “How to Cruise for Less”

23. Monitor for price drops

While booking as early as possible is usually the best way to save money when booking a cruise , prices can actually come down after you book. To make sure you can take advantage of price drops, monitor the price of your cruise and cabin category. If the price has decreased before final payment, ask the cruise line or your travel agent for a price adjustment – in most cases they will do so.

Something to keep in mind, is that although a price may be lower, it may not include some of the extras or perks you had with your original price. Make sure you get the best deal by looking at the overall value. 

Related:  Best Way to Book a Cruise? Travel Agent, Direct or Online

24. Book a specialty restaurant the first night of your cruise

Cruisers have reported discounts and even a free bottle of wine given as a bonus if you book specialty dining the first night of your cruise. Readers have noted this on Carnival Cruises and Celebrity, but this may be possible on other cruise lines as well.

25. Book onboard

Plan on booking your next cruise while onboard. If you do need to sit down to go over options, make sure to make an appointment with the Future Cruise Desk early in the cruise.

The benefit is that you can get a nice on board credit to use on your next cruise, or sometimes on the cruise you’re on. If you aren’t sure of what cruise you want to take next, as if you can put a deposit on an open date instead so you can cruise shop when you get home.

Related:  Cruise On Board Credits (OBC): How Can You Use Them?

Cruise Food Tips and Hacks

26. avoid the buffet on embarkation day.

Cruise ship buffets are usually really good, but they get especially crowded on embarkation day. Head to the Main Dining Room instead for a quick sit down meal, or look for any of the amazing casual restaurants that might be open on boarding day .

If you’re heading on a Princess cruise, try the International Cafe or Alfredos (you won’t regret it).

Related:  Princess Cruises Alfredo’s Pizzeria Review (with photos) 

27. Order 2 main dishes

Did you know that on most cruises, you can order as many dishes as you like? So, if you love steak and also love shrimp, ask your waiter for both and make it “surf & turf”.  On some cruise lines they’ll combine the dishes on one plate, with only one serving of the sidedish.

28. Have appetizers on your balcony

If you’re going for a late dinner, consider heading up to the buffet and making a plate of cheese and crackers or charcuterie and bringing it back to your cabin. Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy pre-dinner appetizers on your private balcony.

29. Ask for off menu items

While you can’t do this each night, if you did really enjoy a dish, as your waiter if the chef may be able to prepare it another evening. There may be other items not on the menu that are easy to get. Ask for fresh fruit for dessert, gelato or even a cheese plate. You may even want to ask for an ice cream sundae, often available on the kid’s menu.

30. Get free room service

Have an early shore excursion? Consider ordering a free room service continental breakfast. While not every cruise line includes free room service at all hours (we love the ones that do!), many will have free room service for a simple breakfast.

31. Get free gourmet ice cream or sorbet

Many cruise ships have a specialty ice cream shop onboard, which is not included. However, it might surprise you to know that most cruise lines actually make their own delicious ice cream, gelato and sorbet to use in the main dining room for desserts.

If you don’t want to pay extra for name brand ice cream, go to the main dining room, even for lunch, and ask for the ice cream of the day. There may even be an included ice cream counter in the buffet area.

32. Get “free” candy

While you’d have to buy licorice and other candies in the convenience store or candy shop, you can actually get free candy, used as ice cream toppings, at the ice cream counter in the buffet.

Weight Management Tips

As much as we all love cruise food and tend to indulge, we all want to avoid too much weight gain on a cruise . Here are a few cruise hacks that can help.

33. Take the stairs

Cruise ships are big and have so many decks. By taking the stairs as much as possible, even part way, you’ll get those steps in balance out some of the extra indulgences.

34. Use the jogging track

There is usually no better view than from the jogging and walking tracks. They’re usually located at the top of the cruise ship and you can see the sea in every direction. Perhaps start the morning off with a 30 minute walk or head to the track later in the day.

35. Use the fitness centre

I love the gym on a cruise ship! It’s usually located in the front of the ship and I like going there much more than I enjoy the gym at home 😉

You may want to use some of the equipment or even try out some of the classes. Please note that some classes will be included on your cruise, while others will have an extra charge .

36. Get a low calorie dessert

If you feel that you are eating a bit too much rich and high calorie foods, order a low calorie dessert. Cruise lines have delicious lower fat and healthier food options available for all cruise passengers.

37. Skip the frozen cocktails

One of the best things you can do to avoid gaining weight on a cruise is to skip high calorie frozen drinks like Pina Coladas and BBC’s (Banana Baileys Colada). Instead, opt for refreshing drinks like a Mojito or even a diet soda and rum.

Related: How NOT to Gain Weight on a Cruise (and still eat)

Cruise Outfit Planning Hacks

Some of these cruise hacks and genius tips that come from readers and viewers. Many of these are simple things hat you can do that will make cruise packing and outfit planning easier.

38. Pin jewelry to clothing

This recent tip is brilliant. If you have a necklace or earrings that you plan on wearing with an outfit, simply pin it to the fabric or put it in a plastic baggie. A simple trick for necklaces that tend to get tangled is to use a straw. Pass it through and this really works!

39. Plan your cruise outfits for each night

Many ladies avoid overpacking by planning out their outfits for each night of the cruise. If you plan on mixing and matching and re-wearing some items, you can even take a photo with your phone as a reminder.

40. Use a cruise travel planner

Born out of necessity, as I have forgotten items more than once, I created a printable cruise planner that you may find useful. It covers everything from cruise planning, checklists for embarkation to disembarkation tips , packing checklists, a cruise outfit planner and more.

See what’s included and details here ($10 off for a limited time): Ultimate Cruise Planner

Cruise Wifi Hacks

Cruise ship internet just isn’t like on land, so you can expect it to be slower and more expensive on a cruise. However cruise lines have made great strides, and it’s significantly better now than only a few years ago.

41. Book a Wifi package online

If you need to work on the cruise or even keep in touch with people, consider an internet package. The best price you’ll get is by purchasing an internet package in your cruise planner online before your cruise.

We saved 35% on Voom , Royal Caribbean’s wifi package, by making a pre-cruise purchase. Princess Cruises MedallionNet is also often priced at a 50% discount if you purchase it early.

42. Receive messages and notifications

If you don’t plan to use the internet while on a cruise, but still want people to reach you just in case, let them know they can still send a message. Many people report receiving text messages, even when in airplane mode. However, make sure you don’t respond until you have free wifi.

43. Download the cruise line app

Nowadays it’s super important to download the cruise line app for online check in, emuster and more. However, there is often a messaging part of the app which is very useful to communicate with other people on the cruise.

44. Use Free Wifi in cruise ports of call

In most ports of call , there will be some free wifi in the cafes or even in an entire section of the cruise port. This is a good time to take a break and check your emails and social media if you haven’t been doing so on the cruise.

Tip: Ask the crew or simply watch where the crew go for free wifi. They know all the tips and tricks since they return to the port regularly.

Related:   27 Cruise Packing Mistakes You Might be Making

How to Get Free Stuff on a Cruise

45. join contests.

One of the best ways to get freebies on a cruise is to participate in different contests and raffles. Prizes for participating range from a keychain to a bottle of champagne. Every so often, you’ll see some cruise contests or games where jewelry is the prize as well.

46. Free massage

After you board your cruise , go ahead and check out the spa. In order to promote their services, it’s common for the spa staff to be doing mini massages. You’ll often find embarkation day promotions if you book an appointment for later in the week.

47. Free On Board Credit (OBC)

Get additional on board credit by booking the cruise during a promotion. This may be with the cruise line, however a few times a year, travel agencies specializing in cruise travel will run additional sales and the value of the OBC can be double or more.

Related:  50 Must-Have Cruise Essentials to Bring on a Cruise

Get Free or Cheap Drinks

48. go to the champagne art auction.

Most cruise ships will have 1 or 2 Champagne Art Auctions during a sailing. There’s no purchase necessary and it can be a fun way to learn about some interesting established and up and coming artists.

49. Past passengers cocktail party

If you’re a return passenger, you’ll likely receive an invitation to a past passenger cocktail party or event. Most of the time, wine, cocktails and canapes are served.

Make sure to arrive early as the drinks do tend to stop being served after about 30 minutes.

50. Join a drink making contest

On some fun loving cruise lines, one of the activities will be a drink making competition of sorts. When you participate, you’ll likely get a free drink.

51. Drink of the Day

Most cruise lines have a special drink of the day offered at a reduced price. While not free, it will likely be a few dollars less than other similar drinks on the menu. Look for happy hours and 2 for 1 specials as well.

52. Liquor tasting

Make sure to check the cruise activities daily schedule and watch out for the free liquor tasting. This is often done to promote some of the duty-free liquor sold on the cruise , where they’ll be giving out samples you may enjoy.

Related:   20 Ways to Save on Your Family Cruise

Cabin Upgrade Tips

Book early for the best cabin choice. However, if you want to snag a cabin upgrade, there are a few tips to try.

53. Guarantee cabin

Although you won’t choose a specific cabin, a  guarantee cabin is usually the best priced cabin in the cabin type. Often the price will be discounted by $100 or more per person, and you’re guaranteed that category or higher.

Most of the time, you’ll get at least 1 category upgrade, and if you’re lucky, you may get a much better cabin than you paid for.

54. Bid for an upgrade

Once you book your cruise and choose a cabin, if there’s availability, the cruise line will send you an email offering you a chance to bid for an upgrade. While there’s a minimum bid set, you can choose with category to bid on, including suites. You may just get a major upgrade for a minimum price.

55. Call and ask

If you’ve made your final payment on your cruise, but you see that cabins are still available on your sailing, call your cruise line or travel agent and ask if it’s possible to get an upgrade. You just never know, however I’ve seen it happen from time to time.

Related:  10 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Seasickness Tips

56. green apples.

Want a cruise hack that really works to ease motion sickness ? Green apples actually help to ease queasiness and mild seasickness. In fact, we first learned about green apples from crew members who use green apples as a natural remedy for motion sickness.

Since green apples will usually be available in the buffet, take one or two back to your cabin ready to slice up and eat if you need them at any time.

57. Ginger candies

Another natural remedy for seasickness is ginger. While you can eat small pieces of ginger, and this may be given out on some cruise lines, it’s easier to pack ginger candies and bring them onto your cruise. I love ginger candies and bring them on every cruise, just in case.

Recommended:   Ginger Candies (check price & see Amazon reviews here)

58. Seabands and medication

Many veteran cruisers use seabands and swear by them. If you’re sensitive to motion and may get seasick, make sure to pack seabands and even some Bonine motion sickness medication just in case.

Recommended: Seabands (see Amazon reviews) & Bonine (my favorite)

59. Plan for boats and tenders

One thing many people don’t think about, is that even if they don’t get seasick on a cruise, small boats and tenders to get off the ship may be a different story. I have a friend who did a whale watching excursion and instead of enjoying it, she was so sick. A good tip is to take Bonine or another non-drowsy seasickness medication, use seabands or even a motion sickness patch behind your ear.

Related:   10 effective Ways to Prevent & Deal with Seasickness on a Cruise

Cruise Booking Tips

60. use a travel agent for extra perks.

Travel agents often have extra perks that they can give you when you book with them. When using a travel agent, whether local or online, make sure that they have experience and specialize in selling cruises.

Related:  Best Way to Book a Cruise: Travel Agent or Direct with the Cruise Line?

61. Book onboard

Booking a cruise while you’re on a cruise is often a great way to save money and get extra on board credits . Sometimes, you can make an open booking, which is great of you aren’t 100% sure which cruise you’d like to so next.

62. Arrive a day before your cruise

This tip is often repeated, but for good reason. Anything can happen, especially if you’re flying into your cruise port. Always plan to arrive at least one day before your cruise for peace of mind, plus you can visit your embarkation port city and extend your vacation .

63. Book excursions online (pre-cruise)

Along with online check in, it’s a good idea to pre-plan cruise excursions by booking them in advance. Often, the price will be less expensive than booking on the cruise ship and you’ll avoid disappointment of an excursion selling out.

64. Research your cruise ports

While you can book cruise line shore excursions, in some cases it can be easy and give you more freedom to head to a beach or do a walking tour on your own. Of course, you always want to be safe and never miss the cruise ship so research is key.

Find out info on specific cruise ports by reading reviews on Cruise Critic and other review sites and consider joining facebook groups and roll calls for your sailing. You may even find some fellow cruise passengers who want to organize a private tour together, which is common on some cruise itineraries.

We did this on our Mediterranean cruise and it worked very well.

65. Get travel insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance for your cruise . Often, the cruise line’s insurance has limitations on medical coverage, so it’s a good idea to research and buy cruise travel insurance that will fit your needs.

Related:  What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Cruise Shore Excursion Tips

66. when to book excursions with the cruise line.

While you might save money by doing excursions on your own or booking privately, there are times when booking with the cruise line is your best bet.

If the activity or excursion is a full day or very far away, booking with the cruise line is a safer option.

Why? When you book with the cruise line it comes with an assurance that the ship won’t leave without you if your excursion is late. Unfortunately, anything can happen – there may be traffic or a taxi or bus may break down. It’s not as rare as you’d think (just google the YouTube videos).

67. DIY your shore excursion

Research your cruise port and see if you can visit easily on your own. Many cruise ports have beaches or attractions that are close by and easily accessible by taxi or walking.

For example, when we visit the island of St. Thomas on a cruise , we love to go to Magens Bay Beach on our own . When in Bermuda we head over to Horseshoe Bay Beach by shuttle.

It’s less expensive and we get more time at the beach.

68. Ask the crew for suggestions

This tip is not used nearly enough to get some great advice for visiting the cruise ports. The crew return to the ports almost every week, so they often know some of the best places to visit, as well as how to do it economically and safely. After all, they need to return to the ship even more than passengers!

I usually ask the people who work in the shops, because we’ve learned that they have more time off during the day than the waiters and cabin stewards. We’ve gotten great beach, restaurant and bar suggestions in the past. Of course the shore excursion desk staff are super helpful, and will often give you a map and some tips and recommendations.

69. Port lectures

Most cruise lines will have port lectures or port shopping talks . While in some destinations, the focus is on steering you to buy watches and jewelry or locally made items, which may or may not be your interest, we’ve found some talks to be very informative.

When in Europe, our experience was that the lectures were full of information about the sights and culture, as well as what to expect.

Important Cruise Tips & Reminders

70. put your phone on airplane mode.

When you sail in international waters, your mobile phone plan won’t usually cover. It can be common for people who forget to put their phone in airplane mode to have huge, unexpected cell phone charges. Put your phone in airplane mode before Sailaway to avoid this rookie cruiser mistake .

71. Bring refillable water bottles

Water is safe to drink on the ship, however many people like to have refillable water bottles to keep hydrated throughout the day. This is especially important when leaving the ship on cruise port days and excursions.

Make sure to pack a refillable water bottle as part of your cruise essentials packing list .

72. Bring plastic bags

Perhaps bringing plastic ziploc style baggies aren’t the most important thing in the world, but they sure are handy. You can use large ziplocks to place wet bathing suits after an excursion and smaller ziplocks to take snacks or a muffin from the buffet.

If you’re cruising with kids , you’ll see some pretty good tips in this post:  10 Cruise Experts Share Their Best Tips for Cruising with Kids

73. Check your passport

Friendly reminder – it’s been a while that many of us have traveled out of our country. Check your passport for the expiry date and make sure to renew way in advance. This is taking much longer than usual, and passports need to be valid for at least 6 months before you travel in many countries.

74. Get organized

I’ve heard so many people say that they’re finding it “harder” to travel these days, and this is true, but in most cases not as hard as it seems. Being organized and having everything in one place is more important than ever, and will be so helpful.

A) Proof of Vaccine

Keep your vaccine card and information in the same place as your passport. We’re using a passport wallet for this and will bring it on our cruise.

Here’s what we’re using: passport wallet (RFID)

B) Group booking emails

Group your cruise booking or reservation, flights, hotels, excursions and other emails pertaining to your cruise in an email file folder. It will be much easier to look things up and reference when everything is in one place.

C) Use a printable cruise travel planner

I like to have everything in one place and really like to write things down. If you’re the same, you’ll love the Ultimate Cruise Planner .

This is a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with several packing checklists, cruise port planning forms, payment trackers and more. The nice thing is that you can print out as many pages as you need, helpful as plans sometimes change.

Here are the details & what’s included: Ultimate Cruise Planner ($10 off for a limited time)

Things Not to Forget on Your Cruise

75. make your cruise easier with these cruise travel accessories.

“Cruise-approved” non -surge power bar with USB outlets

Cruise luggage tag holders

Passport wallet case

Hanging toiletry bag

Packing cubes

Magnet hooks

Portable electronic travel scale

Water-proof phone case lanyard

Vaccine card protector cruise lanyard

Carry on bag (nautical style)

Over the door hanging organizer

For a full list of cruise accessories please read this post next:   50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

Ultimate Cruise Hacks Video

Need more cruise hacks? In this video  I go over 50 amazing cruise hacks, tips and information. It’s a long one, but totally worth it if you’re preparing for a cruise! It has over 170,000 views so far and I’m so grateful for your shares!

Popular posts to read next:

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know

50 Most Recommended Amazon Items to Bring on a cruise

27 Cruise Packing Mistakes You Might Be Making

20 Cruise Packing Tips all Cruisers Need

21 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On

25 Cruise Embarkation Tips and Secrets

Final Thoughts: 75 Genius Cruise Tips and Hacks

Planning for a cruise is different than other types of vacations. In this post we shared 75 smart cruise hacks from saving money, to cruise food and drinks, to getting organized and more!

I’m always learning new cruise tips and tricks from other cruisers, so please share your cruise hacks in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Let’s connect:

Join me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised

Join me on YouTube at Life Well Cruised  (Vlogs and cruise tips)

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I look for your videos every day. I do want to let you know that I have an airline stewardess that I watch her YouTube vids too. She said something I thought I’d mention to you. A J-hook. She said the J-hook takes a lot off the top of the suitcase to keep from hurting your back. I’ve looked at them on Amazon.

Thanks for mentioning this. I’m going to have to take a look and give it a try. I really appreciate you watching my videos and taking time to comment on my posts 🙂

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30 Cruise Cabins Hacks That Every Cruiser Should Know

Do you know what’s the biggest nightmare for cruisers? Unpacking and organizing their cruise essentials in their cabins.

As you might know, cruise cabins are half the size of normal hotel rooms, so organizing luggage can be the worst if you don’t plan and do it properly.

But don’t worry my fellow cruisers. There is something that can save the cruise vacations from being spoiled, and we call it Cabin Hacks .

These hacks use items to save your cabin space so all essentials fit properly inside the stateroom. I suggest every cruiser learn these hacks. Otherwise, the cruise vacations will be uncomfortable, and your experience will be bad.

So, in this article, I will share some amazing and new cruise cabin hacks that’ll efficiently save your cabin space.

Let’s make your Cruise more comfortable.

Table of Contents

Cruise Cabin Hacks That You Must Know

1- choose stacking suitcases (bring only what you need).

Stacking suitcases is a game-changer. Their major benefit is that they get stacked inside each other, allowing you more space in your cabin.

Imagine travelling with your family where each member carries the same size suitcase. As the staterooms don’t provide enough storage to store all those bags, placing all the bags can be an issue.

During my early cruises, this was one of the major problems. But then I started travelling with medium and large bags that fit inside each other.

I suggest you travel with these bags also. Below, you can get the best price.

Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase 

2- Put Your Luggage Under The Bed

After cabin check-in, the first thing to do is unpack as soon as possible.

This is because the faster you unpack and organize your items according to your preferences, the more time you save.

After unpacking, stack your suitcases in each other and place them under the bed. It will save a lot of cabin space that you can utilize for other essentials.

Sometimes, your cabin steward can even do this for you. So don’t worry if you’re not a muscle man.

3- Rearrange The Cabins

Depending on your family size and sleeping habits, cruise cabins might need changing furniture settings.

And that’s a good idea to rearrange the cabins based on your personalization. Just rearrange it to give you enough space to place your essentials.

On my last Cruise, the chair and small table were annoying, so I had them taken away by my steward instead of tripping over them every day.

Pro Tip: Push the bed into a corner to make more space.

Those are some important tips that you must follow for efficient space management. Now, let’s move towards the real cabin hacks.

4- Pack A European Power Adapter

Pack a European power adapter, especially if you’re travelling on older Caribbean ships not equipped with many charging ports.

European adapters typically have multiple types of plugs, making them versatile for different outlets found on cruise ships.

Although there are one European and two American outlets in the cabins of some ships like Freedom and Navigator of the Seas.

But it’s better to bring your own as the European adapter ensures compatibility with the ship’s power outlets.

Below is the adapter I use, and I also suggest you do it.

Receive an 16% discount when making a purchase through the provided link. (Offer valid as of 3/1/2024; subject to future changes.)

European Travel Plug Adapter 3 Pack

5- Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a valuable asset, especially for cruisers, as they help stay organized and keep everything tight.

These cubes provide designated compartments for different clothing or toiletries, making it easier to locate specific items without any hassle.

These cubes are always a top priority for me, allowing me to neatly pack my essentials and help save my cabin space.

I suggest you buy these cubes to simplify your packing and unpacking process and stay organized.

Receive an 7% discount when making a purchase through the provided link. (Offer valid as of 3/1/2024; subject to future changes.)

BAGSMART 6 Set Compression Packing Cubes

6- Purchase An Over The Door Organizer

Using an over-the- door organizer is one of the most useful cruise cabin hacks to store bathroom accessories, suntan lotion, a cap, flip flops, deodorant, or other small items without cluttering other surfaces.

Usually, cruise cabins have limited wall space, and the back of the door is often overlooked. But if you just see it for five seconds, it can help you make the most of the vertical space for storage.

I like over-door organizers because their stored items are easily accessible and save time searching for things.

Note: Always bring the flame-retardant over the door organizers.

Receive an 6% discount when making a purchase through the provided link. (Offer valid as of 3/1/2024; subject to future changes.)

Over Door Organizer with 5 Large Pockets 10 Mesh Side Pockets

7- Request Extra Hangers

This cabin hack is especially for my dear girls, who bring many outfits on cruise vacations .

If you find that the closet hangers are insufficient for you and need to place some extra things in the closet, feel free to ask your cabin steward.

Pro Tip: Don’t bring hangers with you. You can easily ask the Cabin Steward for extra hangers.

8- Bring Power Strip

As I already mentioned, cruise cabins do not have enough power outlets or USB ports. So, to avoid fights between your kids over the outlets, bring a power strip.

Although the new cruise ships will likely have 2-3 electrical outlets and 1-2 USB ports to keep your devices charged, don’t always rely on them. Bring your own.

However, it’s important to purchase a fully Cruise-approved power strip. I suggest buying the one below for your Cruise to avoid any inconvenience from the room’s steward.

Cruise Power Strip with 3 Outlet 4 USB Ports 4.5A

9- Bring Magnetic Hooks

Cruise cabins undoubtedly have limited horizontal surfaces, but luckily, they have metal walls. So, utilizing those metal surfaces is the best hack.

Regarding this, I always suggest using good-quality magnetic hooks that allow you to ensure vertical space by attaching them to the walls.

With these hooks, you can get ample space to hang items you frequently need. It will save you time, though.

Neosmuk 10 Pcs Magnetic Hooks Heavy Duty

10- Pack A Portable Charger

A portable charger or power bank is a must-have for people like me who love to capture every moment and share it on social media.

So, I recommend packing a portable charger to save your phone and other gadgets from running out of battery during your cruise vacation.

I use this power bank that runs long and recommend it to you.

Portable Charger Power Bank 30,800mAh

11- Pack Shelves And Hampers

Cruise closets can be disappointing. Sometimes, there’s only hanging space, so I put underwear and other stuff in the desk drawers.

Other times, there are just a few big shelves, and the bathing suits, shorts, and T-shirts get all mixed up. And most importantly, where would you put your dirty laundry?

So, to overcome these issues, I recommend packing shelves and hampers to organize your essentials in limited cruise cabin space and provide a designated spot for dirty laundry.

Lifewit 2 Pack Laundry Hamper

12- Bring A Laundry Bag

Bringing a laundry bag is important when putting dirty clothes away.

Just fill it up (from your hamper) and throw the laundry bag into your suitcase.

HOMEST 2 Pack XL Wash Me Travel Laundry Bag

13- Turn Your Desk Into A Vanity

Girls, here’s another hack for you.

Turn the desk into a vanity, and use the side drawers for your makeup, nail polish, and other makeup items.

Trust me; it’s a clever way to transform a functional workspace into a beauty salon. Just place your makeup products and mirror on the desk and use its drawers for storage.

This hack will allow you to get ready with ease, as cruise cabins don’t have designated dressing areas.

14- Empty Your Mini Fridge

This hack will save not only your space but also your cost. So, ask your stateroom cabin attendant to empty the mini fridge, which might contain some drinks that cost additional.

So place your water bottles or other drinks in the mini-fridge instead of the table or desk. This will save you space for placing other items on them.

Also, it will be a plus point for you when you have a premium beverage package that includes canned soda or other premium drinks; you can grab 1 or 2 at a bar on your way to the cabin.

15- Bring a Colorful Washable Marker

This hack is also a life-saver if you forget things. Without a cruise app or WiFi, tracking your onboard activities on a cruise ship is difficult.

Rather than bring sticky notes or a whiteboard, I recommend leaving a message with a washable marker. But where to write the notes?

Well, all cruise ship cabins have a mirror above the desk. It’s a great place to write notes.

Receive an 2% discount when making a purchase through the provided link. (Offer valid as of 3/1/2024; subject to future changes.)

Crayola Ultra Clean Fine Line Washable Markers (40ct)

16- Get a Motion Sensor Night light

Bringing a motion sensor light with you is important as cabins can be very dark at night.

Imagine you get up for the bathroom, and there’s no light. Sounds weird, right? And guess what? Nothing is worse than someone turning on a bright light that disturbs every member’s sleep.

So I suggest bringing the motion sensor nightlight that turns on when someone moves around. The light pivots on its base in almost any direction so you can position it.

One more amazing thing I like is that it is magnetic and can be attached to any wall or door in your cabin.

However, you can also use the portable mini-light lamp and a wall plugin night light.

Night Light Motion Sensor [Battery Powered]

17- pack a coffee tumbler.

Depending on the cruise line you’re sailing and the drink package you may or may not have a Coffee Tumbler is an additional cruise cabin hack.

If you’re a coffee lover, fill up this tumbler with room-service coffee or coffee from the buffet, and enjoy chilling on the balcony without worrying about refills for a while. It’s a perfect option for you.

Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler

18- organize your papers.

Organizing papers in a cruise cabin is one of the most difficult tasks. So I suggest keeping important papers like excursion tickets in a specific spot.

You can use a folder or envelope from home to find and store them easily during your Cruise.

I suggest using small magnetic clips to hang tickets on the cabin wall for convenience.

SUNEE Folders with Pockets(25 Pack, Assorted Colors)

19- bring a mesh laundry bag.

A mesh laundry bag keeps things organized and prevents dirty clothes from stinking up your cabin.

You can simply put all your dirty stuff in these bags and keep them in the corner of the cabin.

Receive an 33% discount when making a purchase through the provided link. (Offer valid as of 3/1/2024; subject to future changes.)

3Pcs Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags

20- use silicone foldable travel bottles.

It’s no secret that we women tend to pack more than men, and it’s because of our makeup products. Instead of bringing everything from the bathroom, choose what you need.

I suggest using leakproof and collapsible silicone travel bottles for the right amount. Don’t go for cheap ones, as they may leak.

Also, get travel-sized products or use a small refillable atomizer for perfume or aftershave to avoid breakage.

Collapsible Water bottle with Leakproof Lid 

21- bring a hanging closet organizer.

Travelling with kids is no less than climbing a K2, as there’s a lot of stuff to manage. Unfortunately, the cruise cabin closet does not have enough space to store everything.

So, having a hanging closet organizer with six extra shelves to store essentials is very important.

Extra shelves are useful in place of drawers. Not only are they perfect for folded clothes but shoes too.

6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizers

22- pack tea light for romance.

How can someone stay without a romantic night on a cruise? I won’t when I’m travelling with my hubby.

Unfortunately, candles are not allowed on a cruise, so I suggest battery-powered tea lights to add mood lighting to your stateroom.

These small ones can work big for you, are perfect for adding ambience, and don’t take up much space in the luggage.

Receive an 10% discount when making a purchase through the provided link. (Offer valid as of 3/1/2024; subject to future changes.)

12-Pack Flameless LED Tea Lights Candles Battery Operated

23- suction cup baskets.

Suction cup baskets are also a great hack to store toiletries in your bathroom.

Due to their sticky nature, they are super helpful and make items easily accessible. Just stick them with the bathroom tiles or mirrors and place your toiletries, like toothbrushes and face wash, etc, in them.

I use them as they save my cabin’s desk valuable space.

LEVERLOC Shower Caddy Suction Cup Shower Shelf Suction Basket

24- curtain rings for scarves and belts.

Using curtain rings for scarves and belts is a clever organizational hack.

Simply slide your scarves or belts through the rings and hang them on a hanger or a hook. It’s a perfect method to keep things easily accessible, prevent tangling, and maximize closet space in your cabin.

60 Pcs Metal Drapery Rings Curtain Ring 

25- dryer sheets.

Dryer sheets are super helpful and can serve multiple purposes on a cruise.

Besides their intended use for laundry, dryer sheets can be placed in your luggage to keep clothes smelling fresh.

I tuck them into shoes and between folded clothes to prevent odours.

Pro Tip: Rubbing a dryer sheet on clothing can help reduce static cling, especially in the dry cruise ship environment.

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets

26- clip-on reading lights.

Clip-on reading lights are a useful hack for avid readers on a cruise. Especially if you want to read at night without disturbing the other members, these lights can help you a lot.

Just attach them to the edge of the book or a bed headboard, and they will give you focused illumination for reading.

They are portable, adjustable, and perfect for creating a cosy reading nook in the limited lighting of a cruise cabin.

Vekkia Rechargeable Book Light for Reading

27- silk sleeping bag liner.

A silk sleeping bag liner will act as a protective barrier between you and the bedding in your cruise cabin, offering a comfortable and clean surface to sleep on.

Especially on a cold night, the silk material will add a layer of warmth and breathability.

So, use this hack for a cosy sleep.

Sleeping Bag Liner Portable Travel Camping Sheets

28- travel size humidifier.

Never travel without a humidifier if you can’t live in the dryness. This compact device will add moisture to the air and can be particularly used in the dry environment of a cruise cabin.

Its advanced technology helps prevent discomfort caused by dry air, keeps your skin hydrated, and can enhance overall comfort during your Cruise.

So you must bring it; otherwise, you’ll face dryness issues in your cabin.

Receive an 25% discount when making a purchase through the provided link. (Offer valid as of 3/1/2024; subject to future changes.)

MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

29- bring a mini electric fan.

Bringing a portable fan is not something that I do, but I know many cruisers can’t live without a fan in their room.

The fan helps circulate the air and create a fresher and more comfortable environment, especially in warm climates.

Most importantly, if you’re a light sleeper, it will provide white noise to help you sleep more soundly.

However, check with your cruise line beforehand to see if there are restrictions on bringing fans.

Amazon Basics 3 Speed Small Room Air Circulator Fan

30- cord organizer.

This hack is useful for people like me who want everything neat and clean.

A cord organizer is a handy accessory for keeping your electronic cables and cords neatly arranged during your Cruise.

It works great when travelling with kids as it maintains a tidy and organized space in the limited cabin area on a cruise ship.

TOPK 20PCS Silicone Cable Organizer

Zoe’s expert tips on cruise cabins.

Here are my expert tips to get a more comfortable experience in your cruise cabin:

• Download All Your Entertainment Before The WiFi or internet package on Cruise may not be sufficient to stream movies or other stuff. So, it’s always better to download all your entertainment before.
• G low-In-The Dark Tape: Apply this tape on light switches, cabin keys, or pathways to get visibility during nighttime.
• Peppermint Oil or Ginger Candies: Bring peppermint or ginger candies to avoid motion sickness on a cruise.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you should now be aware of almost all Cruise Cabin hacks. Go through them and consider them based on your preferences and needs.

Have a safe and enjoyable cruise experience.

I am Zoe Grace, a passionate enthusiast of cruise ships. With a decade of firsthand experience in the cruising industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and wonders that these majestic vessels hold.

Now, I am excited to embark on a new journey as an author, sharing my knowledge and insights with readers who share my fascination for the world of cruising.

Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together.

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Inside Cabin Cruise Hacks: 14 Tips to Make the Most of Interior Cabins

If you’re going to book an interior cabin on your cruise, you will want to make the most of your windowless stateroom.

These cabins are beloved by regular cruisers as they offer the cheapest way to cruise, allowing them to sail as often as time will allow.

In this article I’m going to cover some inside cabin hacks that will make your stay as smooth as possible.  After all, just because you’re saving a ton of money on a low-cost cabin doesn’t mean you have to suffer.

In fact, I love inside cabins and often book them for shorter sailings especially.  Let’s check out some benefits of these cabins before diving into my recommendations.

Benefits of an interior cabin:

• Lower cost means more cruises .   If you refuse to book an inside cabin because you want a great view, I can certainly understand that.  But if the budget is tight this also means you are limited to how many cruises you can afford to take.   Taking inside cabins means you will get to sail more often, and that’s a big plus for me.
• It’s the cheapest way to rack up loyalty points . Loyalty perks and benefits through cruise lines are typically based on the number of nights you sailed with them, not on how much money you spend.  And these perks can mean everything from discounts at the spa to free dinners at the specialty restaurant and more.  Rack up points faster by sailing often with inside cabins.
• Darker cabins are great for better sleep .  It might sound like a consolation prize for choosing the lowest cost stateroom on board, but I know people who swear by these cabins simply because of how dark they are when they’re sleeping.  Even though balcony and ocean view cabins have blackout curtains to block out most of the morning sunlight, some people just sleep better when it’s pitch black.
• They are in more central areas of the ship . This isn’t a huge point but one to point out nonetheless.  By their very nature, inside cabins are –well, inside.  This more central location typically means less movement during rough seas, especially if your cabin is more mid-ship.  This depends on the layout of the ship, of course, as some interior cabins are just right across from balcony cabins, in which case there isn’t a huge difference.

Related: Biggest misconceptions about cruise cabin upgrades

Also, the great part about inside cabins is that you get to enjoy the other parts of the ship that balcony and suite guests enjoy as well, with the exception of some areas that are only for suite guests of course.

Your inside cabin doesn’t make you a second or third-class passenger.  You’re just a frugal one.  That lobster in the main dining room, inviting pool on the lido deck, and mid-row seats at the theater are just as accessible to you.

OK, so how can you make the most of your inside cabin?  Here are 14 tips to help you on your way.

1. Use a nightlight

Since interior cabins lack natural light, it can be quite dark. Bring a small nightlight or use the bathroom light with the door slightly ajar to create a soft glow that makes navigating the room easier during the night.

I know I mentioned some people love these cabins because of the lack of light, but having a little personal light can come in handy.  I have a portable solar light I will bring along on some cruises and I can keep it by the nightstand.

Of course, you can use your phone’s light as well, but some ships don’t have outlets next to the bed so they won’t be in reach as you’re charging them while you sleep.

2. Optimize storage space

Interior cabins tend to have limited storage space, so it’s essential to organize your belongings efficiently. Utilize the closets, drawers, and under-bed storage. Consider using packing cubes or compression bags to save space and keep your belongings organized.

Ship by ship every interior stateroom is different.  I’ve actually been in some interior cabins that were larger than balcony cabins on the same ship.  But for the most part you will be more cramped for space, and cruise ships aren’t known for spacious sleeping spaces anyway.

So, organization will be key, especially if more than 2 people are staying in the cabin.

Related:  10 steps to make cruise packing a breeze

3. Ask for extra hangers

This goes with the last point.  Room stewards will be more than happy to supply you with as many hangers as you need.   I recommend utilizing every inch of your closet space for clothes that can be hung up as it will free up more room in your drawers.

The closet is usually supplied with 10 or 12 hangers so having a few extra is key to keep your space optimized.

4. Decorate the space

Although you can’t change the physical aspects of the room, you can bring along some decorative items to personalize the space and add a pop of color to the area.

An interior stateroom is depressing to some travelers, so anything you can do to brighten the space and make it a little more “homey” is key.

While you can’t bring real candles on board a cruise ship I recommend some battery powered LED tealights, especially if you’re going for a more romantic feel.

Related:  10 things you should never do in your cruise cabin

5. Pack some magnetic hooks and clips

These little magnets are a life-saver for any cruise cabin.  But they are especially useful in interior cabins with limited space.  Cruise cabin walls are typically metal and magnetic, and these clips and hooks can help organize your space.

Use them to clip the daily planner to the wall, hang your hat up, or put up little reminder notes.

6. Pack some air freshener

One of my favorite aspects of a balcony cabin on a cruise is the fresh air that floods the room when I open the balcony door.  Well, that little luxury goes out the window with an interior cabin.  Without being too crude or specific, certain smells can put a damper on your living space.

Pack some air freshener and thank me later.

Related: 10 things you CAN pack on a cruise but should leave at home

7. Utilize the television

Any time I book an interior cabin I like to turn on the cabin TV to the ship channel which shows the bow of the ship.  Sometimes you can find other channels which show various camera angles from the ship as well.  Either way, I find it helps to have a visual of the ocean, even if it’s virtual.

Take advantage of the TV by tuning in to the ship’s channel as well, which often shows information about the ship’s activities, dining options, and entertainment. It can help you stay informed and plan your day.

Some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean also offer interior state rooms with virtual balconies, which are large TV screens that show what you would see if you had a window.   I booked one of these once but because of its brightness I left the curtain closed most of the time.

8. Set a routine

Establishing a routine can help you make the most of your time in the cabin. Allocate specific times for different activities, such as reading, relaxing, or getting ready for dinner. This can create a sense of structure and make the space feel more organized.

9. Get out and explore the ship

Just because you have an inside cabin doesn’t mean you need to spend any time in there except to sleep if you want to.  If you’re an active person and love adventure get out there and enjoy all the ship has to offer.

While the interior cabin may be small, remember that the entire cruise ship is your playground. Take advantage of the ship’s amenities, including the deck areas, lounges, theaters, and dining venues. Spending time outside your cabin can enhance your overall cruise experience.

Related:  11 things to do before you unpack your suitcase

10. Use the spa and fitness facilities

Even if you book an inside cabin you can find a place to relax and unwind and still have a view of the ocean.

Even though I might save a few dollars by booking an interior cabin, I am more than willing to spend some extra cash on access to a great thermal suite on a ship.  There’s just something about a heated, tile lounger that faces the ocean while you listen to calm music in 100% humidity.

Most cruise ships have a spa and fitness facility available to all passengers. Take advantage of these amenities to relax, exercise, or enjoy a massage. It’s a great way to break up your time spent in the cabin.

11. Be mindful of noise

Interior cabins may be more prone to noise from adjacent cabins or public areas. Consider bringing earplugs or a white noise machine to help mask any unwanted sounds and ensure a good night’s sleep.

12. Pack a travel fan and noise machine

A travel fan can be duel purposed.  You can use it to circulate the air and keep cool if the AC is not keeping up with what you’re used to.  Or you can use it for some white noise as well.  I’m in the habit of sleeping with white noise and since an interior cabin is isolated from the sounds of the ocean, a noise machine can be a great lullaby to solid sleep.

13. Spend time on deck during scenic sailings and sailaways

While you may not have a balcony, you can still enjoy scenic sailings by heading to the ship’s outdoor decks. Find a comfortable spot to relax and take in the beautiful views during the journey.

Sailaway is one of my favorite parts of a cruise.  And if I don’t have a balcony cabin I find a great spot to enjoy the process of seeing land disappear as the ship heads to open waters.

By checking out the ship’s deck plans or some video tours of the ship you can pre-plan where you will enjoy sailaway since a sailway from an inside cabin isn’t too appealing.

14.  Bring a travel clock

Waking up from a good night’s sleep in an interior cabin always brings the same question to mind: “What time is it?  Is it still nighttime?”.   It’s the blessing and curse of this dark stateroom.  You never really know what time of day it is.  A travel clock kept on your nightstand can help keep your brain a little more grounded.  But if you want to sleep-in anyway, just leave that clock at home and set your brain to “cruise time”.

Related:  Banned list: worst things to pack on a cruise

Bottom Line

Remember, the interior stateroom is primarily for resting, sleeping, and changing clothes. By making use of the ship’s facilities and exploring various areas, you can enhance your cruise experience and make the most of your time onboard.

If you’ve never tried an interior cabin because you feel like you would be too claustrophobic then maybe a balcony cabin is more your style.   But if you’re willing to take the plunge, save a boat load of money, and go on as many cruises as possible, take some of these pointers and start booking that vacation.

What tips would you add to the list?  Let us know in the comments below.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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My top tip is that some interior cabins are larger than others! Cabin J1024 on the Holland America Eurodam is huge!!!

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Passengers on Carvinal Cruises Are Being Warned That This Mistake Could Make Them Sick

Posted: May 30, 2024 | Last updated: May 30, 2024

Joining a cruise is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences. After departing and exploring a foreign location, returning to the boat and the safety of the room is an important component of a guest's stay.    

Although small, the room is a place where passengers decorate, personalize, and call their own for a week or two. Unfortunately, guests are now being warned of a fatal mistake they might be making in their own cabins.    

Cruise Cabins Are Known for Being Efficient

The beauty of small rooms on boats is that they use every inch to satisfy basic needs. For example, rooms often have bunkbeds packed like sardines for small kids to sleep in and use a space no smaller than a foot for the shower.  

Even larger, more executive suits will use small compartments under the bed for storage and ensure that all walls are made of metal so that magnetic hooks can be used to hang personal items.    

How Small Are the Rooms?

The rooms need to be ultra-efficient because of the lack of space on a larger boat. The more people that a ship can comfortably fit, the more revenue that the company can make.    

The average room on a cruise ship is roughly 160-185 square feet. This is about half the size of an average hotel room with two double or queen beds. Unlike most hotel rooms, you’ll notice some components missing, such as a tub in the bathroom and a sitting area near the window, unless, of course, you spring for a room with a balcony.   

Cruise Lines Continue To Get More Clever

With the added benefit of customer reviews and instant feedback from social media, cruises have dutifully updated their cabins in recent years.   

Lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines have worked hard to make the rooms more updated and functional. They have added items like sofa beds and Murphy beds that pull out of the wall to save precious space. 

Misunderstandings Can Easily Happen on a Big Ship

Due to the ultra-resourcefulness that companies have put into their rooms, taking the time to explore the hidden secrets is a necessary step when unpacking. You might find a USB outlet inside a drawer or a hidden compartment in the bathroom for storage.  

Because of the spread of information on socials and the aspect of hidden treasures in each room, many guests have made a fatal error concerning an empty box in their room on a Carnival Cruise Line.     

A Small Mistake Can Cost Big

Brand Ambassador for Carnival Cruise Lines John Heald took to social media to write a message about one of these big mistakes.     

He took to FaceBook to share the following message: "It appears somebody on another Facebook group page has been informing people that the box on the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee cabins is in fact a cooler/refrigerator." Heald was concerned about the spread of misinformation and wanted to use his large platform to clear up the error.    

What Is the Box?

The box that Heald spoke about was actually just a standalone square without a cord, plug, or any visible means of power.

The cruise line had taken notice of guests complaining that their beverages had not been cooled properly in the “fridge” supplied by the room. But the line never meant for the box to be used as a fridge. In a statement, they claimed, “They are not coolers. They are stools and they are storage units."  

Clever Use of Space, but Not a Refrigeration Unit

Although the small box can definitely be considered a clever use of space, many guests think that it misled them into thinking that they had a fridge in their room.  

Heald added in his statement that guests should "Turn around the top lid and you have a side table," he added. "Thank you, just wanted to help, and a huge thanks to our brill Lead Hotel Director Pierre for bringing this to my attention."   

Carnival Passengers Are in Disbelief

Many guests took to Heald’s comment section on the Facebook post to express their disappointment in discovering that the box was not, in fact, a cooler.   

In reality, the mistake is innocent enough, as most other cruise lines add a small cooler in the rooms to keep small items cold, like drinks and medication.    

Passengers Could Become Seriously Ill From the Mistake

Unfortunately, one grave error of using a box as a cooler is that essential medication will not be kept at the correct temperature.  

Using insulin or other medication that needs to be refrigerated at room temperature can have severe health repercussions. As well, eating or drinking food that has been left out for too long can result in serious food poisoning .   

Rumours Spread Through Social Media Are Partly To Blame

Since the use of social media is so widespread, videos on room tours and cruise cabin hacks have become their own brand on social media.  

Now, cruise lines are worried that guests could be spreading false information on YouTube and TikTok videos where they share their favourite hacks on a boat or information about secret compartments.    

Many Commenters Surprised at the “Dumb” Mistake

Instead of being sympathetic to the situation, many commenters on Heald’s post were largely unkind to the people who thought that the box was a fridge or cooler.

Many added nasty comments like, "Whatever takes out the human race, I think I've decided we deserve it. I can literally feel my IQ fall each time I read some of the questions/comments and requests here. I don't know how JH does this every day," Malcolm Landry wrote.     

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Genre-Bending Nigerian Thriller ‘The Weekend’ Drops First-Look Clip Ahead of Tribeca Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

By Christopher Vourlias

Christopher Vourlias

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The family that slays together stays together in Nigerian director Daniel Oriahi’s “The Weekend,” a bloody thriller about a woman who discovers a shocking secret about her soon-to-be in-laws. Variety has been given exclusive access to a clip from the movie ahead of its world premiere in the Midnight section of the Tribeca Festival , which runs through June 16.

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“It’s still very surreal, this whole experience,” he says. “One year you are making low-budget movies, then…the next year, you’re getting called that your film has been selected for Tribeca. It’s like, ‘Okay, this is happening!’”

Though he’s logged more than a decade in Nigeria’s prolific Nollywood film industry, Oriahi hasn’t followed quite the same career path as most of his peers. To be fair, he’s churned out his share of straight-to-streaming melodramas — nearly 30 in the past six years alone — but his filmography reflects riskier creative gambits, such as his 2013 debut, “Misfit,” a psychological thriller, and the supernatural thriller “Sylvia.” His breakout, the action comedy “Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo,” premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2015 and went on to become Nigeria’s third-highest grossing film that year.

“Nollywood challenges you,” he says. “Nigeria is great, Nollywood is a thriving environment, but it can be very exhausting. It’s just a churning machine.”

“The Weekend” starts off on familiar ground with the story of a woman, Nikiya, played by Uzoamaka Aniunoh, looking for acceptance from her prospective in-laws. Despite his initial reluctance to introduce her to the family, her fiancé, Luc (Bucci Franklin), finally agrees. The two set off for the family’s rural homestead, where after a warm welcome, things soon take an unexpected and grisly turn.

Oriahi says he wanted to explore the messy inner workings of relationships: how and why partners hold back, and how their secrets — though rarely quite as macabre as in “The Weekend” — often lead to destructive results. “I wanted to tell stories about the intricacies of relationships, family dynamics, trauma,” he says, “the dysfunction that can happen sometimes in a family dynamic, and how that affects people psychologically.”

The director cites influences ranging from Kubrick’s “The Shining” and Polanski’s Apartment Trilogy to contemporary filmmakers playing with “subversive horror,” including Ari Aster, Robert Eggers and Jordan Peele. He’s also drawn homegrown inspiration from the nascent genre scene in Nigeria, where filmmakers like Michael Omonua (“Juju Stories”), Abba Makama (“The Lost Okoroshi”) and C.J. Obasi (“Mami Wata”) — together known as the Surreal 16 collective — have blazed a trail with their genre-infused movies, scooping prizes at Sundance and Locarno and bowing at other A-list fests.

Their success, says Oriahi, reflects an inflection point for the Nigerian industry. While Nollywood filmmakers having long taken strides to create movies with higher production values and more international appeal than their predecessors, only recently have directors dared to venture beyond the mainstream. That’s finally begun to change.

“I feel it’s a long road,” Oriahi says. “But at the same time, there’s a strong desire from upcoming filmmakers to do different stuff, to see films that are pushing the envelope and exploring other genres.” Nigerian audiences, too, have now spent the better part of a decade delving into the vast catalogs of Netflix and other global streaming platforms, and in the process “becoming very articulate in the language of film, with more exposure to a wide array of films.”

Oriahi is also casting a wide net as a filmmaker: His next project, “A Ghetto Love Story,” which has already wrapped production, is billed as a real-life story about love and resilience that was co-written and produced by Basketmouth, perhaps the most famous comic in Africa. Details about the plot and release date are being kept under wraps, but after cutting his teeth in the B-movie trenches, Oriahi is ready for wherever his next step will take him.

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