cruise stateroom tips

How to Pick the Best Cruise Cabin and Mistakes to Avoid

Richard Simms

• August 25, 2024

There are two types of cruisers: those who don’t mind where they sleep and those who put a lot of thought into their cruise cabin’s location.

For the latter group, choosing the right stateroom is one of the most important steps to ensuring a fantastic cruise experience.

If you’re looking for the cheapest option, guarantee staterooms or sail-away cabins might be the way to go.

The cruise line assigns these rooms and often ends up in less desirable locations, but they simplify the selection process—you just show up on embarkation day and see where you land.

But for many of us, picking a cabin is a more thoughtful decision. The larger the ship, the trickier it becomes, especially as newer ships offer a wider array of stateroom types and locations.

Understanding Cruise Ship Stateroom Categories

One of the biggest challenges when booking a cruise is making sure you wind up in the right stateroom. Whether it’s your first cruise or your 100th, navigating the different categories and locations can be confusing.

Cruise lines don’t follow a standard system, so stateroom categories and designations can vary widely, even within the same fleet.

Cruise Cabin Basics

Almost every cruise line offers four main stateroom types: Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite. But it doesn’t stop there—each category is often broken down into subcategories.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line now offers solo staterooms around the ship, plus studio cabins specifically designed for solo travelers.

Royal Caribbean has inside cabins with “virtual balconies” that provide a simulated view of the outside world through LED screens.

What You Need to Know

Picking the right cabin is much like choosing a hotel room. Location matters—a centrally located stateroom will usually cost more than one at the front or back of the ship. Aft-facing balconies, known for their stunning views of the ship’s wake, are particularly popular and often come at a premium price.

Cruise lines typically use a combination of letters and numbers to indicate a stateroom’s type and location.

Related: Complete Guide to Carnival Cruise Line Cabins and Suites

For instance, Carnival Cruise Line’s category 7A represents an obstructed balcony, while 7N refers to an extended balcony. While each line has its own system, the general idea remains the same: the better the view and location, the higher the cost.

Stateroom categories can be a bit of a maze. Take Royal Caribbean’s “Ocean View Balcony,” for example. You’d assume this means a balcony with a clear ocean view, right?

Well, not always. On Royal’s Oasis-class ships, some balconies face inward, overlooking spaces like Central Park or the Boardwalk. So, even though you have a balcony, you might be looking at the ship’s interior rather than the open sea.

And it’s not just balcony cabins that can be confusing. On ships like the Quantum of the Seas , you can find interior staterooms with “virtual” balconies or windows facing the inside, which may leave you thinking you’ve booked an Oceanview stateroom. Still, it’s just a cleverly disguised interior with a digital display.

More Stateroom Choices Than Ever Before

If you think booking a suite simplifies the decision-making, think again. The suites range has grown considerably as cruise lines compete to attract passengers willing to spend more for added comfort and perks.

Take Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras , for instance, where you can choose from a simple Ocean Suite to an extravagant Excel Aft Suite with a massive balcony.

Related : Is Carnival’s Excel Suite Worth The Price?

Cruise lines have also embraced the “ship-within-a-ship” concept, creating exclusive areas like Norwegian’s The Haven or MSC’s The Yacht Club.

These are secluded, often gated areas that offer a more luxurious experience. Still, they add another layer of decision-making because not all rooms in these areas have the same access or benefits.

Location, Location, Location

Once you’ve decided on the type of stateroom, the next question is where you want to be. The good news is that avoiding a bad cabin location is pretty easy if you know what to look for.

Many cruisers, especially first-timers, may think, “Why not just let the cruise line pick my room?” But this could mean ending up next to a noisy elevator or below a bustling deck.

Researching Your Cruise Cabin

Choosing the right stateroom can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and tips, you can make the process much smoother.

Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Consult a Travel Agent : One of the easiest ways to get the perfect stateroom is to consult a travel professional. Tell them exactly what you want, and let them handle the rest. Remember, most travel agents don’t charge you a fee because the cruise lines pay them. Finding someone else might be a good idea if an agent tries to charge you.
• Do Your Research : If you enjoy being hands-on, doing your research can be half the fun of planning a cruise. Start by exploring the ship’s deck plans, which offer a detailed layout of every floor. Look for staterooms surrounded by other cabins to minimize noise, and choose a location that suits your needs.
• Use Online Resources : The internet is your best friend when finding the perfect cabin. Look up the ship’s name and your potential cabin number—chances are, a previous passenger has posted a video review or shared their experience online. Websites like Cruise Critic or Cruiseline.com often have detailed reviews and photos that can give you a real sense of what to expect.

Tips for Picking Your Stateroom:

• Research the Ship’s Layout : Study the ship’s deck plans. Identify staterooms sandwiched between other rooms to ensure a quieter experience.
• Consider Proximity to Key Amenities : Think about what’s important to you. Do you want to be close to the pool, the dining rooms, or the entertainment venues? Your location on the ship can greatly affect your cruise experience.
• Think About Potential Noise Levels : Avoid cabins near high-traffic areas like elevators, staircases, or directly below dance clubs and restaurants. Even if you’re a heavy sleeper, noise can be a major disruptor.
• Check for Connecting Rooms : If you’re traveling with family or friends, you might want connecting staterooms. However, if you’re not, these rooms can sometimes be noisier due to the thinner walls between them.
• Search for Insider Reviews or Videos : Before making a final decision, quickly search for reviews or videos of your chosen stateroom. You can often find YouTube videos or blog posts that provide a real-life look at the cabin you’re considering, which can reveal surprises like obstructed views or noise issues.

Related : Think Twice Before Booking These 11 Staterooms

Ultimately, the more time you spend researching, the better your chances of finding a stateroom suitable for your preferences.

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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, Pillows and Towels

On embarkation day, as soon as we meet our cabin attendant, we ask them for a mattress topper, an extra blanket, extra pillows, 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
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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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Cruise Ship Cabin Guide: 15 Questions & Answers About Your Room

When it comes to the cruise ship, your cabin is your home away from home. It’s where you’ll sleep (of course), but it’s also where you’ll relax, get ready for the day, and it serves as your own little private spot away from the rest of the ship.

But there are a lot of little things that you may not know about a cruise cabin, or things that you should understand in order to make your vacation even better.

Below, we cover every aspect of your room while you sail. If you have even more questions, simply let us know in the comments below.

What Types of Cabins Are There? What Are the Differences?

On a modern cruise ship there is no shortage of different cabin types — especially when you get into high-end suites that can offer all sorts of different features, sizes, and amenities. However, for the most part cabins fall into five categories:

Inside : The lowest-priced cabins on the ship are the inside or interior cabins. These rooms are just what they sound like; they are on the inside of the ship meaning they don’t have any windows. While they have everything you need, inside cabins offer a budget-friendly way to get on the cruise ship (and get really dark with the lights out!).

Oceanview : Want to save money but also have a little light and be able to see the scenery? Oceanview cabins offer a room with a window. It can’t be opened, but will give you the chance to take in a view and not feel so enclosed while also not breaking the bank.

Balcony : Just as the name implies, with these rooms you get your own little balcony that allows you a spot to sit out, get some fresh air, and have your own private view. For many people a balcony is a must-have, but just know that they are more expensive than lower-tier cabins.

Suites : Suites won’t have the largest number of rooms on the ship, but they can have the largest variety. On the largest ships they can span everything from a cabin with a little extra space all the way to massive two-level penthouses on the highest levels of the ship. Expect to spend considerably more for the luxury.

Specialty Cabins : Some cruise lines are offering more and more specialty cabins (such as Carnival’s ‘Havana’ rooms) that fall into one of the categories above, but also have special features or perks. This can range everything from different styles than the rest of the ship to access to special lounges, restaurants, and pools.

How Big Is a Cruise Cabin?

If you’re thinking of a big hotel room on the ship, then temper your expectations (unless ponying up for one of the mega-suites on some ships). Rooms will vary in size, but usually they fall in the 160-200 square foot range. A 12’x12′ foot bedroom in your home is under 150 square feet, so it’s slightly larger than a normal bedroom.

But in that space you’ll have your bed, a sitting area, closet/storage, and the bathroom. Space is used efficiently, and it’s plenty of space for two adults for a week. Still, it can feel a bit small if you don’t keep the room organized or are in the room for an extended period of time.

How Large Are the Balconies on a Cruise Ship?

Like cabins, balconies can vary in size. However, most cruise balconies are around 40-60 square feet (roughly 4-6′ x 10′). It’s large enough for a couple of chairs and a table, but don’t think that you’ll have a massive spot to hangout, sunbathe, or do much more than just sit and enjoy the view.

Even so, having this extra space in addition to the enclosed cabin is a nice perk that can make your cabin feel much larger.

How Many People Can Sleep in a Cabin?

Despite the small size, cruise cabins can often sleep three to four people. There are traditionally two twin beds that can be separated or joined together to make one queen bed that sleeps two people.

In addition, sometimes there is a couch that can have the pillows removed to make a flat space to sleep another person. Some cabins have drop-down or fold-down beds to sleep multiple people as well.

Note that just because a cabin can sleep four people doesn’t mean it will do so comfortably. In our opinion most traditional cabins have enough space for two adults and one/two kids. If your kids are older or you have more adults, then going with a larger cabin like a suite or booking two rooms might be a better idea.

Do I Have to Sleep in the Same Bed as Someone Else?

If you are traveling with friends and walk into a cabin with one large bed, don’t worry. Cruise cabin beds can be separated or joined together. So a couple can have them together while friends traveling can take them apart.

Your cabin attendant can form the beds how you like. Just let them know if it’s not in your preferred configuration.

What’s the Bathroom Like?

For most people, let’s just say their bathroom in the cruise cabin will be… cozy. Bathrooms are small, with a sink and vanity, a toilet, and a shower.

The commode in the cabin is built into the wall (and actually seems to sit an inch or two higher than normal). Instead of a lever you push to flush, there is a button above the toilet for when you’re done.

Unless opting for a higher-end suite, there won’t be a tub. Instead you’ll have a shower (often circular, but not always) with a shower-head wand. Just know that the showers are small. Often you can simply extend your elbows out to your sides and be touching opposite walls of the space.

Within the shower you’ll have a dispenser for soap and shampoo. In addition, there is usually a retractable line that extends across the shower where you can hang clothing to dry.

Are There Accessible Cruise Cabins for Handicap/Disabled Passengers?

As you can likely tell, the traditional cruise cabin isn’t that accessible. There isn’t much room for wheelchairs, there are things like a high threshold to the bathroom, and no grab bars around toilets or in showers.

If you need more accessibility, don’t worry. On cruise ships there are a number of accessible cabins that you can book. These rooms are tailor-made for those needing accommodations that fit their needs.

Instead of high thresholds between the bathroom and cabin balcony, there are gentle inclines. Rooms feature more space to maneuver a wheelchair (including a larger balcony), and things like grab bars and shower seats to help passengers with these needs sail comfortably. 

Can I Adjust the Temperature in the Room?

Most likely you can adjust your room temperature. Every room your sail will have some sort of thermostat. But to be honest, we’re not convinced that all of them actually adjust the temperature.

We’ve sailed in cabins where you adjust the thermostat and can instantly hear the air kick on. Other rooms we’ve sailed we have noticed absolutely no correlation between what we place the thermostat on and what the temperature in the room does.

In general, cruise cabins are cool, so you don’t have to worry about getting too hot. In our view, we’ve had issues with the room being too cold for our taste and not being able to warm things up a bit.

Is There a Refrigerator in the Cruise Cabin?

Yes, any cruise cabin will have a fridge in it. Just know that it’s more of a cooler than a refrigerator. Don’t expect it to get too cold, and it certainly won’t freeze anything.

Sometimes the fridge in the room doubles as a stocked mini-bar. These items aren’t free and you’ll have a price list posted nearby. If you want to use that space to keep items cool, you can let your cabin steward know and they can remove the items to give you space.

Is There a Safe in the Room?

Yes, any cruise cabin you book will have an in-room safe. This is normally in the closet area.

The safe is small, with a footprint about the size of a small laptop computer. Still, it’s enough space for things like passports, phones, cash, and cards. The safe is operated with a four-digit code that you create on your own. So you enter any four digits, press “close” or “lock” and your valuables are stored. Enter the code again to open the safe up.

What Amenities Are in a Cruise Cabin?

Your cabin may be small, but it comes with everything that you would need for several days at sea.

We’ve mentioned the refrigerator and cabin safe. As well, there is a television, an in-room hair dryer, vanity area with desk, outlet(s), and closets with hangers. In the bathroom you’ll have soap/shampoo provided, along with a line for drying clothes, and towels.

How Is TV in the Room?

Each cabin will come with a television. On newer ships the TV menus are usually interactive, providing you with a way to explore things going on around the ship, check your onboard account, and even watch pay-per-view movies.

However, when it comes to channel options, there’s a lot to be desired. In general, cruise ship cabins have only a handful of channels (around 20 or so). Of those, many will be the cruise line’s own channels, which show information about safety on the ship, shopping information for port, and a map of the ship’s location.

In addition, there are usually a few channels that show movies throughout the day and then a few regular channels you’re used to back home, like HGTV, CNN, Cartoon Network, and the like. There is also usually ESPN, but it’s an international version showing sporting events from around the world.

If you have a favorite program that you love to watch each week, chances are you WON’T be able to watch on the ship. Major sporting events (like NFL Sundays) are usually shown.

You can read more about TV on a cruise here .

Who Is the Cabin Steward? What Do They Do?

The first day that you arrive on your cruise, the Cabin Steward should introduce themselves. This person is the housekeeping service, and you’ll see them plenty. They typically come twice per day — once in the late morning and once in the evening — to clean, ready your room for the night, and restock anything you might need.

If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask your room steward. From extra towels to separating beds, they can do it all. 

Don’t need service twice a day (in our opinion, it’s too much!)? You can let the steward know or simply hang the “Do Not Disturb” tag on the door.

Is Room Service Available?

Don’t feel like changing out of your pajamas for breakfast? Just want to eat a meal without having to fight through other passengers? You’ll be happy to know that room service is available for your cabin. 

You’ll normally find a menu somewhere in the room (check the vanity/desk area) that has the full listing of what’s available and the number to call. Room service is available around the clock, but know that there is generally a charge. It’s also customary to tip the person bringing the food a few bucks.

When you are done with your meal, you can stack them in the cabin or place them outside your door. Either way, the room steward will take them away for you when done.

How Much Storage Space Is There?

For the size of the cabin, there is lots of storage space. First there are usually large closets that feature shelves, drawers, along with hangers. So no matter if you’re wanting to put away folded clothes or hang up nice items so they don’t get wrinkled, you’ll have a spot.

Then there are other storage spaces, such as under the bed and the vanity. Cruise bed frames are metal and sit up off the floor with lots of empty space underneath. It’s the perfect spot to put empty suitcases or other large bulky items so they are completely out of the way.

If you run into a situation where you think your room doesn’t have enough storage, chances are you overpacked.

What Should I Bring to Make a Cabin More Comfortable?

Over years of cruising, there are a few cabin items that we’ve found can make your cruise more comfortable. These items aren’t must-haves, but you’ll often be happy you brought them.

Outlet Adapter : We all carry a lot of electronics these days, but many ships (especially older ones) may only have one or two outlets to plug things in. That’s why we like to bring an outlet adapter that plugs into one spot and provides multiple places to plug in chargers, hair straighteners, and anything else you might need. Just make sure that whatever you bring doesn’t have a surge protector as they are not allowed.

Fan : If you’re the sort of person that needs airflow or the white noise provided by a fan, then you’ll want to pack one. Cabins don’t have ceiling fans, and while the air does flow from the vent, it does so pretty soft and quiet. Packing a small fan may make you more comfortable and sleep better.

Shoe Organizer : One great idea is packing a cheap plastic shoe organizer. These can hang over the bathroom door and provide a ton of little pockets to store items. There’s lots of storage in a cruise cabin, but an organizer puts all those small items in one place and within easy reach.

Want even more tips on your cabin? Check out our 21+ Best Cruise Cabin Tips, Secrets, & Things to Know .

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Good Cabin overview, I did not see the handicapped cabin category. On carnival that can be fully accessible to single side (automatic door, larger floor space, flat floor into bathroom, shower bench and grab bars, and more room getting into bed).

The picture of the bathroom is on the new Mardi Gras right? I have not been on there, that is really small I see and hear. Most bathrooms on older carnival ships are larger, with room from the toilet to the shower…lol.

Great comment. Will look to add some info on accessible cabins.

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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.

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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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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Choosing a cruise ship cabin is a lot trickier than booking a hotel room.

Not only do you have to think about how big a room you need and what your budget is, you have to decide if you want to pay extra for a window or private balcony, where on the ship you want your cabin to be, and which associated perks and privileges will enhance your vacation. If your travel party is especially large, you need to figure out exactly how to combine bed or room types to accommodate everyone.

That is, if you're booking early enough, and the cruise room types you want haven't sold out.

Plus, the average cruise ship cabin is much less spacious than the average hotel room. If you're used to booking the cheapest room for a land-based stay, you might not want to take the same approach for your vacation at sea.

Choosing the right cabin is the first step in maximizing your cruise vacation and getting the most from your vacation budget. Here, I answer the most common questions about cruise ship cabins and picking the best fit for your travel party.

What are the different types of cabins I can book on a cruise?

When you book a hotel or resort, your choices might include one king bed or two queen beds; garden view or beach view; a standard room, suite or perhaps a villa or casita. On cruise ships, the basic cabin categories are inside, outside (often called ocean view), balcony and suite — but there are subcategories, as well.

Typically, inside cabins are smaller and cheaper; suites are larger and more expensive. Here's a closer look at the different cabin types you can choose when you book your cruise.

An inside, or interior, room on a cruise ship is notable for its lack of a window and therefore natural light. These cabins are located in the middle of each deck, rather than along the outer sides of the ship. They are generally small, often around 150 square feet, and while they come with an ensuite bathroom, closet and small desk or vanity area, they tend not to have a comfortable sitting area for hanging out.

Most inside cabins sleep two with a queen bed that can separate into twins, but you'd be surprised that many can sleep four with upper bunks that pull down from the ceiling.

Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line have an interesting class of inside cabins with virtual windows. They are video screens, designed to look like a round porthole or floor-to-ceiling balcony door, that broadcast footage from outside the ship, so you can pretend you have a window.

Outside, or ocean view, cabins feature round porthole windows or one large picture window that cannot be opened. The rooms are often slightly larger than inside cabins; on some ships, they might have a sitting area in addition to the bed and bathroom.

Outside cabins offer natural light but not ocean breezes. The most affordable outside cabins have an obstructed view, meaning the windows look out on the lifeboats or other ship structures that block your view of the ocean beyond.

Cruise ship balcony cabins are the most popular cabin category. So many travelers choose this type of cruise ship cabin that some ships put private verandas on all their outside cabins. That's a recent trend; the oldest ships in a cruise line's fleet might have more ocean-view rooms than balcony cabins, while the newest ships will have mainly balcony rooms.

Inside, a balcony cabin will offer an ensuite bathroom, bed(s), closet area, desk with chair and a small sitting area. The exterior wall will be a floor-to-ceiling window with a door leading to a private balcony, usually with two upright chairs and a small table for drinks or alfresco meals.

The private outdoor spaces are usually fairly small, but certain cabin categories might have roomier balconies due to the ship's layout. Look for larger-than-average verandas on cabins at the back of the ship and in places where the structure of the ship juts out.

Royal Caribbean has an unusual type of balcony cabin on its Oasis-class ships. Instead of facing out to sea, these balconies look out on an interior yet open-air section of the ship, as if you had a balcony that overlooked a city street.

Some cruise ships, notably Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class and Royal Caribbean's Icon class, feature a new type of versatile balcony room. Instead of a typical veranda attached to each vessel's exterior, these ships feature a large window that can slide down at the push of a button (like your car's window) to bring the fresh air in. Close some folding doors and — voila! — instant balcony.

The benefit of this type of room (sometimes called an "infinite veranda") is that all of the cabin's square footage is usable rain or shine. With a traditional balcony, the extra outdoor space is wasted when it's chilly or wet outside.

Suites are the largest type of cruise ship cabin, and they come in a wide range of varieties. Minisuites or junior suites are slightly roomier versions of balcony cabins, with sleeping and sitting areas in the same space without a wall in between. Larger suites might include sleeping areas in separate rooms, dining tables, large living room spaces, multiple bathrooms and expansive private balconies.

Suites also come with extra amenities, perks and privileges.

Are all cruise ship suites the same?

No! Suites on cruise ships come in a variety of sizes and layouts.

The most elaborate suites could be duplexes spread across two decks, featuring master bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and marble detailing, and balconies with alfresco dining areas, cushy patio furniture and a hot tub or wet bar.

Family suites might include additional bedrooms with bunk beds for kids; Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Family Suite is a wonderland of slides, climbing walls, video games and comfy kid seating. It's also a duplex with bedrooms upstairs and living areas downstairs. Cunard has duplex suites, as well.

The most spectacular suite at sea is likely Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Regent Suite. The 4,443- square-foot multiroom luxury enclave features a gold-and-marble master bathroom that doubles as a spa, a $200,000 handmade mattress stuffed with horse hair, multiple balconies (one with a whirlpool tub) and an enormous living room, complete with piano and an actual Rembrandt painting.

Suites are not only about spacious digs, but also about the VIP perks and privileges that come with the booking.

Perks for passengers in the most expensive cabins can include priority boarding and disembarkation, freebies (Wi-Fi, laundry, drink packages, etc.), first pick of restaurant and shore excursion reservations, special queues to jump the line at the front desk or main dining room, and even reserved theater seating. You might also get nicer amenities such as name-brand toiletries, higher-thread-count sheets and linens, stocked minibars or fancy robes to enjoy on board.

For cruise lines offering promotions where you choose your favorite booking perk , suite passengers often get all the freebies instead of one or two or higher amounts of onboard credit.

In addition, suite guests may have access to the services of a butler or concierge, who can make tour, dining and show reservations, unpack your bags, bring you snacks and special room-service meals (perhaps from a specialty restaurant), and sort out any problems you might encounter. They might also bring you invitations to special events, such as cocktail parties and dinner at the captain's table.

Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises , create special restaurants, lounges and sun decks exclusive to suite residents. This lets passengers avoid crowded public areas and enjoy fine dining in a less frenetic setting than the main dining room.

What specialty cabins should I know about?

Within each basic cabin category, you will find specialty cabins aimed at certain types of cruisers. These tend to be a little more expensive than the basic cabin in the same class but come with perks that can enhance your vacation.

Accessible cabins

All of the large oceangoing cruise ships can accommodate travelers in wheelchairs or who have mobility impairments. In fact, cruising can be one of the best vacation options for travelers with a disability .

Accessible cabins come in all types, from insides to suites, and typically have more square footage than the basic room in the same category to allow for wheelchair turning radius and storage. They will often have features such as roll-in showers with benches, wider doorways, smooth thresholds and lowered sinks and counters.

Not all accessible cabins are the same, so do your research before booking. In general, newer ships offer better accessibility; older ships might have retrofitted a cabin to make it more accessible but might not be able to offer all the enhancements of a purposely designed room.

Related: The best cruise lines for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility

Do you book a vacation to spend maximum time at the cruise ship's spa ? Then a spa cabin might be a good choice for you. From Celebrity Cruises ' AquaClass to MSC Cruises' Aurea cabins, spa cabins can come in multiple layouts (from inside to suite) and usually feature a Zen-inspired decor.

Perks vary widely by line but might include in-cabin amenities — such as spa showerheads, healthy room service menus, workout gear and room diffusers — and spa-related perks, such as a spa concierge, free access to the thermal suite, priority for spa treatment reservations and discounts. Celebrity AquaClass guests even get their own restaurant.

Family cabins

Many cruise lines offer some type of cruise ship cabins for families , usually rooms that can sleep five (or more), have a separate bedroom for kids, or come with an extra bathroom or a split bathroom set-up (shower and sink in one room, toilet and sink in another). Some family suites are configurations of connected cabins that can accommodate larger, multigenerational family groups.

Carnival Cruise Line 's Family Harbor cabins even come with access to an exclusive family lounge with snacks, games, TVs and computers, and a concierge. Plus, families get perks, such as free late-night group babysitting.

Concierge cabins

Typically, concierge (and concierge lounge) access is a perk for suite guests and top-tier frequent cruisers. However, a few lines offer concierge services to passengers who book specialty cabins that aren't suites.

Celebrity Cruises' concierge cabins are essentially standard balcony cabins with access to a concierge and a few other perks. Oceania Cruises also offers a concierge category of balcony cabin that comes with the services of a concierge and access to a concierge lounge , plus additional perks such as room service from the Grand Dining Room menu, access to the spa terrace sun deck and free laundry service.

I'm traveling solo. Are there cabins for just 1 person?

Single travelers often get short-changed when booking a cruise cabin. If they choose a regular cabin, priced for two people, they have to pay a single supplement — a solo cruiser tax, if you will, that can be akin to paying double the per-person fare. Some cruise lines have solved this problem by offering solo cabins designed and priced for one traveler.

Depending on the line, solo cabins come in inside, ocean-view and balcony options, though they're often smaller than the same style of cabin designed to sleep two or more. You'll find either a twin or full-size bed intended for one person.

Norwegian's Studio cabins have access to an exclusive lounge where single travelers can meet and mingle and grab snacks. On Oceania's new ship Vista, solo cabin occupants will have concierge-level perks and privileges, including concierge lounge access.

Related: The 6 best cruise lines for solo travelers

My large family can't fit in 1 room. Which cruise ship cabin should we book?

As I mentioned earlier, larger families can look into family cabins and suites that accommodate five or six people. Some of the best cruise lines for families will have suites that can sleep eight, such as Norwegian's three-bedroom garden villas. But what if you're traveling in a large family group with cousins, grandparents, friends, even a nanny in tow? You might need to book connecting rooms.

Many cruise ship cabins have doors that can be opened between rooms to turn side-by-side cabins into shared spaces. Some lines, such as MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean, go so far as to arrange different kinds of cabins together that can be sold as individual rooms or opened up into a warren of rooms that can sleep 10 or so travelers.

Does it matter where my cabin is on the ship?

For some cruisers, any room will do. For others, scoring the best cabin location is vitally important because your enjoyment of the cruise is at stake.

Do you get horribly seasick (or are worried that you do)? You'll want to choose a midship cabin on a lower deck to experience less ship movement and rocking. A balcony cabin that gives quick access to fresh air and a view of the horizon is also key.

Travelers who don't sleep well with ambient noise should prioritize cruise ship cabins that are not above or below public areas, such as the pool deck, main dining room or nightclub. Connecting cabins are less soundproof than rooms without those extra doors, so avoid those, too, if you're not booking both rooms.

If you have trouble walking long distances, you should book a cabin close to an elevator bank, so you don't have to trudge down long hallways to your room. (Though rooms near stairwells are some of the worst cabin locations for folks who don't want noisy rooms.)

Finally, you might prefer a cruise cabin that's close to the parts of the ship you use most. Fitness enthusiasts might choose a room near the spa; poker players might like to be not far from the casino. Families might like to stick close to the pool or kids club.

What are the cheapest cruise ship cabins?

If you're on a budget, windowless inside cabins are nearly always the cheapest option. But how do you find the most affordable rooms within other cabin categories?

Some cruise lines offer cruise cabin guarantee fares , which are typically the cheapest rate you can get for a cabin in any category. The catch is that you cannot pick your cabin. You're guaranteed (hence the name) a room on the ship in the category you paid for — or higher.

These fares can be a great option for travelers who don't care much about cabin location or who don't spend much time in their room. At worst, you get a cheap cruise in a room that's a little smaller, somewhat noisier or a longer walk than other cabins, and you might not be eligible for certain extra-value booking perks. At best, you can get upgraded to a room in a higher cabin category than you paid for.

Can I upgrade my cruise cabin like I can upgrade a flight or hotel room?

The holy grail of the frequent traveler is the complimentary, or at least cheap, upgrade to a nicer airline seat or hotel room than they paid for. You might wonder if there are tricks to accomplish the same on a cruise.

Cruise cabin upgrades are rarely guaranteed, but you have a few ways to chase one. Beyond the aforementioned guarantee booking, you can look for booking promotions or loyalty program perks that allow you to pay for one category of cabin and get upgraded to the next. A few cruise line credit cards let you use your points to pay for a cabin upgrade.

Sometimes a cruise line will reach out to booked passengers and offer them a low-cost upgrade or the option to bid on a cabin upgrade . While not free, these offers could get you a nicer room at a discount.

And it never hurts to ask! If you see prices drop on your cruise, you might be able to adjust your room selection to an upgraded one if the cost for the new cabin is the same as the original one. You can always ask at the front desk when you board your ship, but even if you play the birthday/anniversary/special occasion card, you can rarely sweet talk your way to a suite.

Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

Can I really survive a week in a tiny cabin?

A standard cruise ship cabin is much smaller than a typical hotel room, and, yes, if you squeeze four adults into a tiny inside cabin, you might regret that decision by week's end. But you'd be surprised how livable cruise cabins are. Cruise ship designers are talented at maximizing space, creating cozy hangouts and surprise storage to make your cabin feel larger than it is.

That said, you can employ a variety of smart cruise ship cabin hacks to improve on the basic cabin design. Whether that's bringing necessary extras like night lights or an inflatable bathtub for your toddler or creating extra storage by using your suitcase under your bed as an extra drawer, a little creativity goes a long way toward helping you survive life in a tiny cabin.

But also … what are you doing in your cabin?! Get out there and explore the ship and the ports of call. That's what you booked this trip for.

Bottom line

The best cruise ship cabin is the one that meets your top requirements for size, price and location. No matter which cabin you choose, you can find a way to make it work for you — whether by upgrading it, improving it or simply leaving it when you're not sleeping or changing clothes.

If you've read this guide and are still confused about choosing a cabin on a cruise, I suggest you connect with a knowledgeable cruise travel agent . They can walk you through the entire booking process — and maybe get you a great price on the cabin you ultimately select.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money

Celebrity Blog

• Special Occasions
• Choosing a Cruise
• Planning / Booking A Cruise
• Preparing For Your Cruise
• What To Expect On A Cruise
• Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific
• Central America
• East Coast & Bermuda
• Mexican Riviera
• South America & Antarctica
• Destinations

How to Choose the Best Stateroom on a Cruise

Last updated: August 8th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Picking the best rooms on a cruise ship involves more than just choosing a stateroom category.

When selecting a stateroom, you’ll want to figure out what type of experience and convenience you’d like to have during your cruise vacation. The location of the stateroom on the ship, right down to the deck, can make a big difference in your vacation experience, especially if you know what you want to be close to.

What’s the best room on a cruise for you? Follow these four steps to choose the best rooms on a cruise ship for your desired vacation, ambiance, and overall experience.

Choose a Stateroom Category

First, let’s look at stateroom types and who they’re best for. Whether you’re on a family cruise, a romantic couple’s getaway , or cruising solo, we have a stateroom that’s perfect for you.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise

Inside Staterooms

Inside staterooms are located on the interior of the ship and don’t have any windows. These are the best rooms on a cruise ship if you’re looking for a lower-cost option or plan to spend the majority of your time on adventurous excursions, relaxing by the pool, or dining in our world-class restaurants at a leisurely pace.

Oceanview Staterooms

Oceanview staterooms are ideal if you want to enjoy savings while being able to soak in beautiful ocean views from your room.

Though the windows aren’t as large as staterooms with verandas, these staterooms can still sleep the same number of guests thanks to the spacious bed arrangement (which fits two adults) and the pull-out couch for an additional adult guest.

Veranda Staterooms

A common sentiment among cruisers is that once you sail in a stateroom with a balcony, it’s hard to ever go back to staying in a stateroom without one.

With a veranda stateroom , you’ll have your own private outdoor space, a quiet haven where you can soak up every precious moment of vacation. Sit out on your veranda and enjoy the sea breeze and port views as you sip your coffee in the morning, or enjoy a glass of wine and sunset views in the evening.

Certain veranda staterooms can be connected, which is a great solution for friends or multi-generational families traveling together who want to have easy access to each other but still have the option of privacy.

On Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, there’s a unique veranda stateroom category: the Infinite Veranda, which blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space by providing a veranda that completely opens to the rest of the room with a touch of a button. It’s especially perfect for guests on a solo cruise .

Concierge-Class Staterooms

Looking for an elevated level of service during your cruise? A Concierge Class stateroom provides you with personalized concierge service during your cruise, afternoon snack deliveries to your stateroom, seating time preferences, and other benefits.

AquaClass® Staterooms

For the ultimate rejuvenating vacation experience, book an AquaClass® stateroom . These staterooms are located close to the spa and include spa amenities inside the stateroom.

You’ll also get unlimited access to the Persian Garden and the exclusive onboard specialty restaurant, Blu, which serves spa-inspired cuisine featuring fresh, healthy ingredients. Crisp and bold flavors collide at the hands of our world-class chefs. Choose from its robust selection of sustainable, biodynamic wines.

Take wellness classes like yoga and meditation, and get unlimited access to the exclusive SEA Thermal Suite on Celebrity Edge.

AquaClass® comes with other benefits too, like 10% off any pre-booked salon or spa service and priority spa booking an entire month ahead of other guests. Treat yourself to a massage, a mani/pedi with your best friend or your mom, or a rejuvenating facial for the ultimate in pampering.

Read: What Is Included on a Cruise?

The Retreat®

The Retreat® features exclusive spaces, accommodations, venues, and services to elevate your vacation.

With access to a private restaurant, Luminae, a pool, and lounge just for The Retreat guests, and Personal Retreat Host service, The Retreat® is all-inclusive and all-immersive.

If you’re looking for extra space, a suite is one of the best rooms on a cruise ship to book. In suites, you’ll find that the sleeping and living spaces are separated. Some suites even have multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.

When it comes to cruise suites, there are a variety of layouts to choose from, like two-level loft suites and Penthouse Suites with grand pianos and hot tubs. Celebrity Edge’s Iconic Suites span a massive 1,291 square feet with an additional 398 square feet of outdoor space.

Staterooms on Celebrity Flora

Celebrity Flora sails to the remote and wildlife-packed Galapagos Islands. With total ship occupancy capped at just 100 guests, the Celebrity Flora suite and stateroom experience is nothing short of all inclusive.

Every need is taken care of for you thanks to 24-hour room service, laundry service twice during your sailing, and full in-suite dinner service. Adjust your room’s lighting or temperature with the touch of a button or your Celebrity mobile app. Allow your Personal Suite Attendant to help you navigate the ship or unpack your luggage.

There are six suite options to consider when you sail on Flora:

Sky Suite with Veranda

The Sky Suite is a 330-square-foot suite that includes a private, spacious, 84-square-foot veranda. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible sea views. With a king-sized bed you can sink right into and even a menu for pillow options, you won’t have to count sheep to fall into a restful sleep. Plus, the double faucet vanity means no one has to wait to freshen up their makeup or get ready in a hurry.

Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda

With an outward-facing design and an infinite veranda, this suite will make you feel even more connected to the Galapagos Islands with each day at sea. With the touch of a button, you can transform your sky suite into an open-air room.

Premium Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda

The Premium Sky Suite provides luxurious amenities and experiences. You’ll have open-air access to the sea, where you can even dine in your suite al fresco. At 337 square feet and featuring a spa tub and shower, the Premium Sky Suite is a good option for couples on a romantic getaway.

Ultimate Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda

The biggest Sky Suite at 365 square feet is aptly named: the Ultimate. With an outward-facing tub and shower, you can be close to the ocean’s edge with the touch of a button in your fully automated suite. With more space than the other Sky Suites, this is an excellent option for those who crave comfort.

Royal Suite

The Royal Suite does indeed offer special treatment. From the floor-to-ceiling window in the shower, where you can feel one with the ocean, to the in-suite espresso machine, you’ll have every need taken care of. There are 559 total square feet in the Royal Suite, which includes a separate living area, bedroom, and private veranda.

Penthouse Suite

Slip on your complimentary monogrammed robe and slippers and take in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands from your floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. The Penthouse Suite is the ultimate haven for travelers, and our most spacious suite on Flora is up to 1,288 square feet in size. With spa-like amenities and an additional half bath included, the Penthouse Suite is designed to be immensely luxurious in every way imaginable.

Staterooms on Celebrity Xpedition

48 passengers can call Celebrity Xpedition their home at sea per sailing, making it an exclusive way to see the Galapagos Islands in complete style. Every service and amenity is personalized to provide the experience of a lifetime. Your Personal Suite Attendant will see to your comfort.

Premium Stateroom

With two double beds and an ocean view window, a private veranda, and a convertible sofa bed, the Premium Stateroom has just what you need for an easy, relaxing sailing.

Junior Suite

Two beds can convert into a comfortable queen, plus creative storage solutions mean you can spread out and enjoy the space. This level of accommodation includes an immersive sliding glass door ocean experience.

Xpedition Suite

Featuring two beds and a sitting area with a convertible full-size sofa bed, the Xpedition Suite is perfect for a group of three or four looking to explore the Galapagos Islands. It’s comfortable, spacious, and has a private veranda.

In your Royal Suite on Xpedition, you’ll find similar amenities to those on the same class of suite on Celebrity Flora, like an in-suite espresso machine for all your specialty coffee needs, a Personal Suite Attendant, complementary services, and premium amenities.

The Galapagos Islands meet you in your Penthouse Suite thanks to incredible floor-to-ceiling windows. The Penthouse comes with a separate bedroom with its own private veranda, a spacious living room, and a sitting area with two sofa beds. Soak in the jacuzzi on your suite’s veranda while you sail between the islands. It’s an excellent option for entire families seeking to experience the Galapagos in the utmost comfort and style.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family

Staterooms on Celebrity Xploration

You’ll find unparalleled intimacy and comfort during your sailing on the 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration . The size of Celebrity Xploration means it’s a cruise experience that’ll quickly have you bonding with fellow passengers, relaxing in the hot tub on the Sun Deck, or attending naturalist briefings in the lounge to discover every detail of the Galapagos.

Every Xploration suite has plentiful storage, complimentary bathrobes, breakfast, lunch or dinner room service, and many more amenities.

Cozy and comfortable, the Junior Suite is decked out with sophisticated furnishings and thoughtful details, including inventive storage, premium amenities, and lush 300-thread count, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets. Soak in ocean views from the comfort of your private veranda.

Elite Ocean View

The Elite Ocean View stateroom features two convertible beds, a balcony facing the sea, and cozy touches to make it feel like home.

Is upgrading to a balcony room worth it?

Many passengers plan on spending the majority of their cruise outside of their room, whether they’re pumping iron at the gym, relaxing in the spa, or suntanning out on the pool deck. It’s up to you if a balcony feels like an important feature for your stay.

If you enjoy the leisurely routine of sipping your morning coffee on the veranda or want a private space to watch the sunset with your loved one, you might consider upgrading to a stateroom with a veranda.

If you’re cruising to Alaska or another destination that sails through stunning natural landscapes, opting for a veranda stateroom is a great way to witness these sights without having to leave your room.

Choose a Deck

Once you’ve chosen your stateroom category, you can decide what deck you want to stay on. When you book a cruise early, you’ll have a better opportunity to choose what deck of the ship you want to be on.

Some staterooms have larger verandas (typically ones on the bow or aft of the ship ) and some have partially blocked views, which may or may not be a big deal to you.

Foodies may want a stateroom closer to the many incredible dining options onboard. Returning cruisers might have a favorite bar or lounge where they become a regular during their vacation.

If you’re traveling with friends or a group, you’ll want to consider how far apart your staterooms are. Will it be harder to meet up if they’re on the opposite side of the ship? Will you want to be a quick elevator ride or walk away from your fellow travelers? These are all questions to consider when you’re choosing what deck is best for you.

Is it better to be on a higher deck?

Each of the twelve ships in the Celebrity fleet is unique in terms of their deck designs and the way the decks are organized. Some cruisers prefer lower levels as you’re less likely to feel any rocking while the ship is in motion, but that varies from person to person.

You can study your ship’s deck plans to understand how everything is organized before making your choice. Remember—prime locations for specific stateroom categories are reserved fast, which is why it’s ideal to book early if the deck your stateroom is on matters to you.

Choose a Location

Don’t forget to use proper ship lingo when you’re choosing the location of your stateroom. Here’s a helpful glossary of words every cruiser should know:

• Forward: The very front of the ship
• Midship: The middle of the ship
• Aft: The back of the ship

Aft staterooms are closer to the ship’s vibrations and engine, so keep that in mind if you want as silent of a stateroom location as possible. Forward and aft staterooms tend to have more sway than midship, which is something to keep in mind as you’re booking your room.

Choose a Room

You’ve done your research. There’s an itinerary that’s caught your eye. You’re ready to book your stateroom, the best room on a cruise you could hope for.

Celebrity Cruises makes it easy for you. You can book your cruise accommodations, flights, and excursions all in one easy-to-use place. Head to celebritycruises.com and get to planning!

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Disney Cruise Stateroom Hacks – Practical Tips to Make the Most of Your Cabin

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Sailing on a Disney Cruise is an amazing experience, and the comfort and practicality of your stateroom are important for a pleasant trip.

Making the most of this space can help make your time on board more relaxing and enjoyable.

Here we explore essential tips and tricks to help you make the most of your Disney Cruise stateroom. From understanding the different types of staterooms available to smart packing strategies and ingenious storage solutions, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a family with children or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, these practical insights will transform your stateroom into your own special place on board.

We have ads on our blog to provide this as a helpful resource for you We also use affiliate links; if you click on a link and purchase an item we may receive a small commission.

Understanding Your Disney Cruise Stateroom

Choosing the right stateroom for your needs.

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of stateroom types, each designed to cater to different preferences and budgets.

The key categories include Inside Staterooms, Oceanview Staterooms, Verandah Staterooms, and Concierge Staterooms.

• Inside Staterooms : These cozy, windowless rooms are ideal for budget-conscious travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and ports of call.
• Oceanview Staterooms : Perfect for those who enjoy natural light and scenic views, these rooms feature a porthole or picture window.
• Verandah Staterooms : Offering a private balcony, these staterooms are perfect for families and couples who appreciate a personal outdoor space to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze.
• Concierge Staterooms : These luxurious accommodations provide exclusive amenities, priority boarding, and access to the Concierge Lounge, making them ideal for those seeking premium comfort and service.

Layout and Features: Making the Most of Your Space

Understanding the layout and features of your stateroom can significantly enhance your onboard experience. Disney Cruise Line staterooms are thoughtfully designed with families in mind, featuring ample storage, split bathrooms, and innovative furniture solutions.

• Ample Storage : Utilize the under-bed storage, closet space, and various drawers to keep your belongings organized and the room clutter-free.
• Split Bathrooms : Many staterooms feature a split bathroom design, with one room containing a sink and toilet, and the other a sink and shower. This setup is particularly convenient for families, allowing multiple people to get ready simultaneously.
• Innovative Furniture : Look for multifunctional furniture such as pull-down beds and convertible sofas, which provide additional sleeping arrangements without sacrificing space during the day.

Special Features for Families and Couples

Disney Cruise Line staterooms are equipped with special features to cater to the unique needs of families and couples.

• For Families : Staterooms often include a privacy curtain to separate the main sleeping area from the children’s sleeping space. Additionally, Disney’s attention to detail is evident in the inclusion of child-friendly amenities such as bed rails and step stools.
• For Couples : Couples will appreciate the romantic touches in their staterooms, such as cozy seating areas, mood lighting, and the option to enjoy room service on their private verandah.

By understanding the different types of staterooms and their features, you can select the perfect accommodation to enhance your Disney Cruise experience.

Packing Smart: Essentials and Space-Saving Tips

Creating a Comprehensive Packing List

Before you start packing, it’s essential to create a detailed packing list tailored to your needs. Consider the climate of your destinations, the length of your cruise, and the onboard activities you plan to participate in.

GET A FREE PACKING LIST

Here are some must-have items to include:

• Clothing : Pack a mix of casual wear, swimwear, attire for themed nights such as Pirate Night , and comfortable shoes for excursions.
• Toiletries : While Disney Cruise Line provides some very nice toiletries, bringing any special skincare or haircare products is a good idea.
• Medications and First Aid : Ensure you have all necessary prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and a basic first aid kit. I love this Cruise Essentials Medical Kit
• Travel Documents : Keep passports, cruise tickets, and any necessary visas or identification in a secure, easily accessible place.

Related: How to Pack the Perfect Cruise Carry On Bag

Space-Saving Packing Techniques

Maximizing the space in your luggage is crucial to maintaining an organized stateroom.

Here are some tried-and-true techniques to help you pack efficiently:

• Roll, Don’t Fold : Rolling clothes instead of folding them not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles.
• Use Packing Cubes : These handy organizers compartmentalize your items, making it easier to find what you need and keep your suitcase tidy. These packing cubes are great value.
• Compression Bags : Ideal for bulky items like jackets and sweaters, compression bags remove excess air, allowing you to pack more efficiently. I have these and recommend them.
• Multi-Use Clothing : Opt for clothing that can serve multiple purposes, such as a sarong that doubles as a beach cover-up and a scarf.

Related: Travel Smart – 9 Must-Know Tips to Keep Your Valuables Safe

Utilizing Stateroom Storage Solutions

Once on board, making the most of your stateroom’s storage options will keep your space feeling spacious and clutter-free.

Consider these tips:

• Unpack Immediately : As soon as you arrive, take the time to unpack and stow your luggage under the bed or in the closet.
• Magnetic Hooks : Most stateroom walls are metal, making magnetic hooks a versatile solution for hanging hats, lanyards, and lightweight bags. These are really good.

Essential Items for Onboard Comfort

To ensure a comfortable stay, consider packing a few additional items that can make your stateroom feel more like home:

• Nightlight : Especially useful for families with young children, a nightlight can provide comfort and safety during nighttime trips to the bathroom.
• Travel Laundry Bag : Keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones with a lightweight, foldable laundry bag.
• Reusable Water Bottles : Staying hydrated is key, and bringing your own water bottles can help reduce waste and save money.
• Travel Clothes Line : There is a clothes line in the shower but it really doesn’t give you enough drying space. You can also bring a travel clothes line to double your hanging space over the bath.

By packing smart and utilizing these space-saving tips, you’ll ensure that your Disney Cruise stateroom remains organized and comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy your magical adventure at sea.

Efficient Use of Stateroom Space

Maximizing vertical space.

One of the most effective ways to optimize your stateroom is by utilizing vertical space.

Here are some clever strategies:

• Hanging Organizers : Shoe organizers, hanging shelves, and pocket organizers can store everything from shoes to toiletries and small accessories, freeing up valuable drawer and counter space. BUT REMEMBER you must not hang them over the door – as this could subject you to a hefty fine. Disney banned them as they were causing damage. So if you want to bring one make sure you hang it in the closet or you can hook them on the wall using magnetic hooks.

Related: Items You Must Not Take on a Disney Cruise

Smart Furniture Utilization

Maximizing the functionality of your stateroom’s furniture can significantly enhance your living space.

• Under-Bed Storage : Utilize the space beneath your bed for storing suitcases, shoes, and larger items. Packing cubes or collapsible storage bins can help keep things organized and accessible.
• Convertible Furniture : Make the most of multifunctional furniture, such as pull-down beds and convertible sofas. During the day, these pieces can be stowed away to create more living space.

Creative Storage Solutions

Thinking outside the box can reveal additional storage opportunities within your stateroom.

Here are some creative ideas:

• Closet Organization : Maximize closet space by using slim, non-slip hangers, and adding hanging shelves or garment bags. Consider packing a collapsible laundry hamper to keep dirty clothes organized.
• Bathroom Hacks : Use suction cup organizers or shower caddies to keep toiletries off the counter. A hanging toiletry bag can also be a space-saving solution, providing easy access to your essentials. Just remember to hang it on a hook on the back of the door or bring your own magnetic hooks.
• Desk and Vanity Space : Keep these areas clutter-free by using small containers or drawer organizers for makeup, jewelry, and other personal items. A multi-compartment travel case can keep everything neatly in one place.

Maximizing Comfort and Convenience

Creating a cozy atmosphere.

Transforming your stateroom into a cozy retreat is essential for a relaxing voyage.

Here are some simple yet effective ways to enhance comfort:

• Soft Lighting : Bring a small, battery-operated nightlight or string lights to create a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for winding down after a day of adventures.
• Comfort Items from Home : Pack a few personal comfort items, such as a favorite blanket, pillow, or a small stuffed animal for children. These familiar items can make your stateroom feel more like home.
• Aromatherapy : A travel-sized essential oil diffuser or scented sachets can introduce soothing scents to your space, promoting relaxation and well-being.

Ensuring a Good Night’s Sleep

A restful sleep is crucial for enjoying your cruise to the fullest.

Here’s how to ensure you and your family sleep soundly:

• Blackout Curtains : Make use of the stateroom’s blackout curtains to block out any external light, ensuring an undisturbed sleep environment.
• White Noise Machine or App : If you’re sensitive to noise, consider bringing a small white noise machine or downloading a white noise app on your smartphone to drown out any background sounds.
• Comfortable Bedding : Disney Cruise Line has exceptionally comfortable beds and high quality bedding. If you do not find your pillows comfortable, or need extra blankets, always ask your Stateroom Host and they will help you.

Staying Connected and Entertained

Keeping everyone entertained and connected during downtime in your stateroom can enhance the overall cruise experience.

Here are some tips:

• Portable Electronics : Bring tablets, e-readers, or portable game consoles for entertainment. Don’t forget headphones to keep noise levels down for other guests.
• Chargers and Adapters : Ensure you have all necessary chargers and consider a multi-port USB charger cube to keep all devices powered up. If you’re traveling internationally, a power adapter may also be needed.
• Streaming Services and Downloads : Before you set sail, download movies, TV shows, books, and games to your devices.

Easy Access to Essentials

Keeping essentials within easy reach can make your stateroom experience more convenient.

Here’s how to stay organized and prepared:

• Bedside Caddy : A bedside caddy can hold items like books, glasses, a tablet, or a water bottle, ensuring everything you need is within arm’s reach.
• Daily Essentials Basket : A collapsible storage cube is good for daily essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, room keys, and lanyards. This keeps everything in one place and easy to grab as you head out for the day’s adventures.

Making the Most of Your Stateroom TV and Entertainment System

Your Disney Cruise stateroom is equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment system designed to keep you entertained during your downtime.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• In-Room Movies and Shows : Take advantage of the complimentary on-demand movies and TV shows available on your stateroom TV. Disney offers a wide range of family-friendly options, classic Disney films, and recent blockbusters. Remember too that it shows the nightly shows from the theater.
• Interactive Features : Explore the interactive features of your stateroom TV, which may include access to shipboard activities, stateroom accounts and port excursion information.

Using Room Service for Ultimate Convenience

Room service on a Disney Cruise is not only convenient but also a delightful experience.

• 24-Hour Availability : Enjoy the convenience of 24-hour room service, perfect for late-night snacks, early morning coffee, or a cozy meal in your stateroom. Review the room service menu provided in your room for a variety of options.
• Special Requests : If you need a specific dietary accommodation Disney’s attentive Cast Members will do their best to fulfill your needs.
• Breakfast in Bed : Start your day with a leisurely breakfast in bed. Simply fill out the room service card the night before, specifying your desired delivery time and breakfast items, and hang it on your door.

Related: Breakfast Choices for your Disney Cruise

Utilizing the Navigator App for Seamless Planning

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is an essential tool for maximizing your onboard experience.

Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Daily Schedules : Access daily schedules of activities, entertainment, and dining options directly from the app. This allows you to plan your day and ensure you don’t miss any must-see events.
• Dining Reservations : Use the app to view menus, and check your dining rotation.
• Onboard Communication : Stay connected with your family and friends using the app’s onboard chat feature. It’s a convenient way to coordinate meeting times and locations, especially for larger groups or families with older children.

Exploring Onboard Activities and Services

Disney Cruise Line offers a plethora of onboard activities and services designed to enhance your vacation.

Here’s how to take full advantage:

• Youth Clubs : Enroll your children in the age-appropriate youth clubs, such as the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for younger kids, and Edge and Vibe for tweens and teens. These supervised clubs offer a variety of fun and educational activities, giving parents some well-deserved alone time.
• Adult-Only Areas : Take advantage of the adult-only areas, such as the Quiet Cove Pool , Senses Spa & Salon, and exclusive dining venues like Palo and Remy. These areas provide a tranquil escape and the opportunity to indulge in some luxury.
• Fitness and Recreation : Stay active with the onboard fitness center, jogging track, and various sports activities. Disney Cruise Line also offers fitness classes and wellness programs to help you maintain your routine while at sea.

By fully utilizing the onboard amenities, you can enhance your Disney Cruise experience, ensuring that every moment of your trip is filled with magic, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

Final Thoughts

By understanding your stateroom options, packing smartly, and utilizing clever storage solutions, you’ve set the stage for a comfortable and organized space. Enhancing your stateroom’s coziness and convenience with personal touches and onboard amenities further elevates your experience, allowing you to focus on creating cherished memories with your loved ones.

Remember to take full advantage of the entertainment system, room service, and the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to seamlessly plan your days and stay connected. Exploring the diverse onboard activities and services ensures that there’s something magical for everyone, from the youngest adventurers to those seeking a bit of tranquility.

What tips do you have to make your stateroom more comfortable?

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Tuesday 28th of May 2024

Hi Alison. This will be our 12 cruise in August. Ok this might sound a little crazy, but I have been racking my brain out to come up with something. I want to have something outside the door to show that our room host or hostess has finished cleaning or turning down our bed at night. Most of the time we are aft but not this sailing. It is always a long walk from elevator to the room. And I am on crutches. I hate walking all the way to the room to find out no one has cleaned the room. I was thinking of something like a placard that they would take off when they have finished. Any ideas or suggestions? Wish DCL would come up with something. lol. Thanks in Advanced Joni

Saturday 1st of June 2024

Hi Joni. Thank you for your question! I think that perhaps a magnetic sign of some sort on your door might help - although this would still be difficult to see from a great distance away. You could ask your stateroom host to put the sign back on the door when it is cleaned.

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:

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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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10 Bathroom Hacks for Your Cruise Ship Cabin

September 12, 2024

I consider cruises to be the perfect vacation : you can explore many different places, have fun, relax, and enjoy great food.

However, like all things, there are some downsides, and if I had to point out one, it would definitely be the cabin bathroom . Due to space constraints, it’s always very small and lacks a window, which can make it uncomfortable.

Fortunately, over the years, I’ve discovered some tricks to make it a bit better and to make better use of its space. I want to share them, hoping that they will be useful to other passengers as well.

1. Shower Caddy or Organizer

Let’s start with the shower . Unless you have a suite, almost all cabins on cruise ships have a shower.

Showers are usually quite small , probably smaller than the ones you have at home.

Therefore, it is important to organize the space well. If you use a lot of skin care products in the shower, I recommend that you bring a shower caddy to keep everything tidy .

2. Travel-sized Toiletries

Depending on the cruise line you might find travel-size shower gel and shampoo or you might find dispensers that are filled by the cabin stewards .

I can tell you from experience that things can change a lot depending on the ship. For example, I will share two photos from two different Royal Caribbean ships below .

As you can see on one there was a single body+hair product , while on another ship there were separate shampoo , soap , and conditioner .

These products are usually not bad, but if you are used to your shampoo or have delicate skin, I definitely recommend bringing your own .

3. Toilet Spray or Air Freshener

As I said before, the bathrooms on cruise ships do not have windows . There is usually a vent on the ceiling but the smell still takes a while to go away.

For this reason, I recommend that you bring a small air freshener or Poo-Pourri spray . I always pack a travel-sized one and I love it.

4. Place Dirty Clothes Under the Sink

Over the years, I have noticed that on many ships there is a lot of space under the bathroom sink .

It can be used to store dirty clothes or swimsuits , simply by carrying folding containers.

With the picture below, you’ll better understand what I am talking about.

5. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

Another very interesting point is the bathroom door . It can be used to hang an over-the-door organizer that will save you lots of space.

Many passengers use it for storing shoes but you can really use it for everything from clothes to accessories .

The bathroom door is often the only solution if you want to use this kind of organizer. In most cases, the balcony door is a sliding one so it is not suitable, plus it would block the beautiful view of the ocean .

6. Use the Waste Basket

The cruise ship’s drain system is very different from what we have in your homes .

I have already explained how it works in the article where we saw if cruise ships dump their waste into the ocean .

For those reasons I listed there, you should not flush anything down the toilet except toilet paper .

For all other things, you can use the bin you usually find under the sink . Yes, it is a bin, not an ice bucket as someone once told me!

7. The Clothesline is Usually Located in the Shower.

Many people don’t even notice it, but in the shower, you can often find a clothesline . I’ve even included it in the article on the 7 hidden things you can find in a cruise ship cabin .

It’s very convenient especially if you have an inside cabin or a window cabin , and you can’t dry wet clothes or swimsuits outside.

Some cruise lines also have laundromats on each deck that may have washers and dryers. You can check them in this article .

8. Pack Magnetic Hooks

Magnetic hooks are very useful on cruises, and you will be happy to know that the walls and ceiling of bathrooms are also magnetic .

You can use them for many things, to hang clothes or any kind of item that is not too heavy.

I always recommend taking some on a cruise , and that’s why they are on the list of cruise essentials .

9. Flush with the Lid Down

Since the bathroom is very small, it is a good habit to flush with the lid down , in this way, you prevent germs from spreading into the room.

In addition, it’s also important for safety since toilet flushing on cruise ships works by suction and it can be dangerous if you activate it while still seated.

For this reason, the flush button is often located behind the toilet lid .

10. Ask for Extra Toilet Paper

As soon as you get to your cabin, take a quick look to see how many rolls of toilet paper are there .

Usually, if there is only one, and you are a family of four in the cabin, it might be a good idea to ask the cabin steward immediately for more .

It’s always a good idea to have extra toilet paper, especially if you’re traveling with young kids who might spill liquids on the floor.

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What to Pack for Your Cruise: Essential Items for a Stress-Free Vacation

Are you ready to set sail on a memorable cruise adventure but feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to pack? Picture this: you’re standing in front of your open suitcase, wondering if you’ve packed everything you’ll need for your upcoming voyage. What if you could breeze through the packing process with confidence, knowing you have all the essentials for a smooth sailing experience?

Key Takeaways

• Organize all travel documents, money, and essential health items in one secure place for easy access during your cruise.
• Pack a variety of tech gadgets and accessories like smartphones, cameras, and chargers to enhance your cruise experience.
• Choose versatile and comfortable apparel for both daytime and evening activities onboard, including formal nights.
• Select appropriate footwear for different occasions such as water activities, exploring ports, and formal evenings.
• Don’t forget basic hygiene products, sun protection, and skincare items to maintain personal care habits while at sea.
• Enhance your cruise experience by packing leisure items like reading material, electronics, and practical extras for cabin comfort.

Essential Items for Your Cruise Packing List

Travel documents and money essentials.

When getting ready for your cruise, make sure to gather all your important travel documents in one secure place. This might include your passport, boarding passes, cruise tickets, and any visas if necessary. Having a travel wallet or pouch can help keep these items organized and easily accessible when needed. Additionally, don’t forget to have some local currency or small bills for tips and purchases at ports of call. It’s always a good idea to have a backup of digital copies of your documents stored in a secure cloud or email for easy retrieval in case of loss.

Health and Medication Must-Haves

Prioritize your health by packing essential medications and any necessary medical supplies. Ensure you have an adequate supply for the duration of your cruise plus extra in case of unexpected delays. Pack a small first aid kit with items like pain relievers, motion sickness pills, band-aids, and antiseptic wipes for minor emergencies. If you have specific health conditions, carry a medical alert bracelet and any related documents detailing your medical history and allergies to ensure you receive appropriate care if needed during the trip.

Tech Gadgets and Accessories

Technology can enhance your cruise experience, so don’t forget to bring your must-have gadgets like a smartphone, camera, or tablet for capturing memories. Remember to pack charging cables, adapters, and power banks to keep your devices powered throughout the journey. Waterproof cases or pouches can protect your electronics from water damage, especially during water-based activities or beach excursions. Consider bringing headphones for personal entertainment and a travel-size surge protector to safeguard your gadgets in your cabin.

Apparel and Accessories for Your Sea Adventure

Daytime attire: staying comfortable onboard.

When preparing your daytime wardrobe for your cruise, focus on versatile and comfortable pieces. Pack lightweight and breathable clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. Opt for swimsuits and cover-ups for poolside lounging or water activities. A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Don’t forget to bring a comfortable pair of sandals or sneakers for exploring the ship or going on excursions.

Evening Wear: Dress Codes and Formal Nights

For the evenings onboard, be prepared for dress codes and formal nights. Pack a few smart-casual outfits such as dresses or collared shirts paired with slacks. Some cruise lines may have formal evenings, so consider bringing cocktail dresses or suits for these occasions. Don’t forget to accessorize with jewelry and dress shoes to complete your evening look. Check with your cruise line beforehand to know the specific dress code requirements for each night.

Footwear for All Occasions

Choosing the right footwear for your cruise is important to ensure comfort and style for all occasions. Pack a variety of shoes to suit different activities. Flip-flops are perfect for poolside lounging, while comfortable walking shoes or sandals are ideal for exploring ports of call. For formal evenings, bring dress shoes that complement your outfits. Consider packing water shoes if you plan to participate in water sports or beach excursions. Having the right footwear ensures you’re prepared for any event during your sea adventure.

Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Basic hygiene necessities.

When packing for your cruise, don’t forget to pack basic hygiene necessities. These items are essential for maintaining good personal care habits while at sea. Examples of basic hygiene items to pack include toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, and body wash. It’s important to keep up with your regular hygiene routine even while on vacation.

Sun Protection and Skincare Products

Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial during a cruise. Remember to pack sun protection and skincare products to keep your skin healthy and hydrated throughout your trip. Essential items include sunscreen with a high SPF, lip balm with SPF, moisturizer, and after-sun lotion. These products will help prevent sunburn and keep your skin nourished in the sun and sea exposure. Remember, staying safe under the sun is key to enjoying your cruise to the fullest.

Extras to Enhance Your Cruise Experience

Leisure and entertainment items.

Pack a few key items to make the most of your leisure time on the cruise. Consider bringing:

• Reading Material: Relax on the deck with a good book or catch up on magazines during leisurely afternoons.
• Electronics: For entertainment on-the-go, bring your tablet or e-reader loaded with your favorite shows or movies. Don’t forget your headphones for personal viewing.
• Travel Games: Pack small games like travel-sized board games or a deck of cards for fun evenings with new friends or family.
• Binoculars: Enhance your views of the open sea or coastal landscapes by bringing binoculars for closer observations.

Practical Extras for Cabin Comfort

Ensure your cabin space is cozy and functional with these practical extras:

• Night Light: A night light can be handy in an unfamiliar cabin to guide your way at night without disturbing your roommate.
• Power Strip: With limited outlets in cabins, a power strip can help you charge multiple devices simultaneously.
• Hanging Toiletry Organizer: Maximize your counter space with a hanging organizer for your toiletries, keeping them easily accessible.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your cruise by carrying a reusable water bottle for excursions and onboard activities.

By including these leisure and practical extras in your packing list, you can elevate your cruise experience and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.

Tips for Efficient Packing

Choosing the right luggage.

Selecting the appropriate luggage is crucial to ensure you can comfortably pack all your essentials for the cruise. Opt for a suitcase or travel bag that meets the size requirements of your cruise line. Consider a lightweight, durable option with multiple compartments to organize your belongings efficiently.

Maximizing Space and Minimizing Clutter

When packing for your cruise, maximizing space in your luggage is essential to avoid overpacking and unnecessary clutter. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and minimize wrinkles. Utilize packing cubes or compression bags to further optimize space and keep your items organized. Additionally, pack versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits without taking up excess space.

You’re now all set to pack for your cruise! Remember to confidently include all essentials, from travel documents to toiletries. Opt for versatile clothing and practical extras to enhance your cabin comfort. Efficient packing is key, so choose the right luggage and maximize space with smart techniques. Have a fantastic cruise!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key categories for a cruise packing list.

When preparing for a cruise, focus on organizing travel documents, money essentials, medications, tech gadgets, apparel, accessories, toiletries, and personal care items.

What is essential for daytime attire on a cruise?

Pack versatile and comfortable clothes suitable for daytime activities, such as swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, t-shirts, and sunhats.

What should be considered for evening wear on a cruise?

Include appropriate attire for dress codes, such as cocktail dresses, dress shirts, dress pants, formal gowns, or suits for elegant evening events onboard.

What footwear is recommended for a cruise?

Bring a variety of footwear like sandals, sneakers, formal shoes (e.g., heels or dress shoes), and comfortable walking shoes for different activities on the ship and excursions.

What toiletries and personal care items are essential for a cruise?

Ensure you have basic hygiene necessities, skincare products, sun protection items, toiletry bags, and personal care tools to maintain good hygiene and health during the cruise.

What extra items can enhance the cruise experience?

Consider bringing leisure and entertainment items like books, e-readers, electronics, travel games, binoculars, and practical extras such as night lights, power strips, hanging toiletry organizers, and reusable water bottles for cabin comfort.

How can I efficiently pack for a cruise?

Select the right-sized luggage, use packing cubes, and roll clothes to maximize space. Opt for versatile clothing pieces to mix and match outfits without overpacking, ensuring you have everything you need while keeping your luggage organized.

Hi, I'm Richard, a passionate traveler and cruise enthusiast. With over a decade of experience exploring the world's oceans, I've developed a deep love for all things related to cruising. Whether it's luxury liners or intimate river cruises, I enjoy sharing my insights and tips to help others plan their perfect getaway. When I'm not sailing the seas, you can find me writing about my adventures or planning my next voyage

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