Whether it’s your first time at sea or your fiftieth, your cruise cabin can still hold a few surprises.
These compact spaces are clever, quirky, and full of little tricks – some obvious, some not so much.
Trust me – if you don’t make the most of some of these features, you’re missing out on some classic cruise experiences.
1. The Walls Are Metal – and It’s a Game-Changer
Cruise cabin walls (and doors) are typically made of steel, which means they’re magnetic. With the help of a few strong magnetic hooks you can instantly declutter.
I use hooks to hang lanyards, jackets, beach bags, even wet swimwear near the bathroom. Clip up your daily schedules, shore excursion tickets, spa appointments, or invitation slips so they’re always in view.
A small whiteboard with a magnetic back is also great for leaving messages for cabinmates, especially when you’re a family who might be splitting up throughout the day for different activities.
2. Storage Is Hiding in Plain Sight
Cabins may be small, but they’re designed with storage in mind – if you know where to look.
There’s usually a decent amount of space beneath the bed (high enough to fit full-size suitcases), but also check:
- Behind or beside mirrors (some open like cabinets)
- Inside stools or ottomans (often hollow)
- Under sofas or pullman bunks
- Above wardrobes or bathroom doors
Tuck away snorkel gear, bulky shoes, wine bottles, or travel laundry bags. If you’re travelling light, you can even pack into collapsible cubes and keep them in drawers without fully unpacking.
3. Your Cabin Lights Might Drive You Mad
Lighting varies wildly between ships.
Newer ahips often add LED night lights along the floor, but be warned… On Carnival, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line’s newer ships, the night lights have all sparked complaints for being too bright at night and waking everyone up when one person visits the bathroom, or even rolls over in bed!
You can pack tape or stickers to cover the sensors, or ask your cabin steward to do it for you. That’s what happened on my cruise on Sun Princess. Barely any sleep on the first night – but lots after that!
You may want to bring a clip-on book light or battery-powered nightlight if you want to read in bed without waking others.
I sometimes pack battery operated tealights – these are handy to keep in the bathroom, especially if you have an inside cabin and your choice is total darkness or one bright light!
4. The Bathroom Fan Isn’t the Best
Most cruise ship bathrooms don’t have very strong extractor fans. The result? Steam lingers, and let’s just say… other scents do too. A little preparation goes a long way.
Bring a hanging car air freshener (ocean breeze is better than new car smell), a travel-sized odour spray, or a few drops of essential oil on a flannel in the bin.
Just don’t bring candles or incense – open flames are strictly prohibited and will likely be confiscated during luggage checks.
Also handy? Suction cup hooks for towels or a toothbrush holder for keeping counters tidy, especially if you’re sharing with family.
Read more: 14 Things Travellers Should Know About Bathrooms On Cruise Ships
5. You Can Move The Furniture
Most standard cabins come with two twin beds that can be pushed together to form a queen.
You’ll choose your setup at booking, but if it’s wrong when you arrive, your steward can fix it quickly. They might even suggest alternate layouts to free up walking space.
The side tables can usually be moved too, as can furniture items like coffee tables and armchairs.
I’ve even heard of people asking their cabin stewards to remove these to free up space. If you have a travel cot for your baby this may be worth doing. Otherwise, you’ll probably find that it blocks access to somwehere crucial, like your balcony or the fridge!
6. You Might Create A Wind Tunnel!
Leaving your balcony door open while your cabin door is also ajar might seem harmless… until you create a full-blown wind tunnel.
It’s not just a breeze – it can slam doors, scatter paperwork, and even knock over light items.
Secure loose items and consider using zippered pouches or magnets for receipts, daily planners, or tour tickets. It only takes one gust to send your “Meet at the pier” sheet sailing under the bed.
And generally, don’t have both doors open. If you’re leaving your cabin, close the balcony door first.
7. The Tap Water Is Safe to Drink
You might be tempted to buy bottled water packages, but honestly, the tap water in your cabin is completely safe. It’s desalinated, filtered, tested regularly, and often the same water you’re served at bars or in restaurants.
That being said, it won’t be the coldest when it comes out of the tap in your room. It’s OK for those middle-of-the-night sips for a dry throat, but during the day you’ll be better served going to find a chilled water fountain to top up a reusable bottle that you should bring.
You’ll save money, reduce plastic waste, and always have cold water for excursions. Some travellers swear that the water in the bathroom tastes different than the bar water. It’s just the pipes.
Read more: Can You Drink The Tap Water On A Cruise Ship?
8. Some Cabins Are Better… Without Being More Expensive
You don’t need to book a suite for a brilliant room. Some “hump cabins” – those on the outward curve of the ship – have larger balconies and better angles, but are priced as standard.
Likewise, aft corner cabins (especially on older ships) can come with wraparound balconies that feel almost penthouse-like. Look out for forward-facing oceanview cabins too – they’re often oddly shaped, oversized, and offer panoramic views through large windows.
These gems go quickly, so research your ship’s deck plans and book early if you want a hidden treasure.
9. Plug Options Are Often Limited
Don’t expect a wall of sockets. On some older ships you might only get a couple to use, and the type will vary depending on the cruise line too.
It’s best to bring a universal adapter and ideally, a non-surge protected power strip (cruise lines ban surge-protected ones due to fire risk).
A USB hub is also handy, as many newer cabins have USB ports in lamps or at the desk – rarely by the bed.
If you use a CPAP machine or medical device, let the cruise line know in advance and they’ll often provide an extension cord and distilled water, though you might need to pay for the water.
10. Cabin Location Matters More Than You Think
Choosing a cabin near the lifts might seem smart until you hear people chatting outside at midnight.
Likewise, anything directly beneath the buffet or pool deck can mean early wake-up calls thanks to chair scraping or trolleys rolling.
Best choices for quiet? Mid-ship, a few decks below the pool, away from high-traffic areas. And if you get motion sick easily, mid-ship and lower decks are also more stable in rough seas.
Read more: The Best Deck on a Cruise Ship (For Every Type of Cruiser)
11. Your Cabin TV Can Be Surprisingly Useful
On modern ships, the in-room TV isn’t just for old sitcoms and muster videos.
Many now let you:
- View your onboard spending
- Order room service
- Browse the day’s schedule
- Stream from your own device (on some lines, via HDMI)
It’s worth checking on day one so you don’t miss handy features like ordering breakfast from bed with the click of a remote.
If I have an inside cabin, I like to set the TV to show the ship’s camera, and it’s like having a window!
And you’ll definitely want to keep tabs on that spend account. I reckon it’s around 1 in 4 cruises that I’ve been on where I’ve had incorrect charges added to my account!
12. You Can Bring Handy Home Comforts
A few familiar items from home can make your space far more functional.
Consider packing:
- A hanging toiletry or shoe organiser (for the bathroom door)
- Over-door hooks (for extra hanging space)
- Wooden pegs (to clip curtains shut)
- A collapsible laundry basket or dry bag
- A travel coffee mug (great for keeping drinks hot or bringing poolside cocktails to your balcony)
It’s the little things that turn a cabin from a hotel room into your home for the week.
13. Your Cabin Steward Can Do a Lot!
Your steward can often provide more than just clean towels.
Ask if you’d like:
- Extra hangers
- A mattress topper for added comfort
- Additional pillows or a different pillow type
- Bath mats for beside the bed (handy for keeping sand off sheets)
- The minibar emptied so you can use the fridge for snacks or medication
- Ice delivered daily (or not at all)
They want to make your stay comfortable. A friendly chat early on makes a huge difference – and a little tip mid-way through doesn’t hurt either.
Read more: 17 Extras You Can Get From Cruise Cabin Stewards (For Free!)
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Final Thoughts
Cruise cabins might look simple, but there’s a surprising amount of functionality hidden in every corner.
With a bit of planning, a few gadgets from home, and a cabin steward on your side, you can enjoy a more comfortable, organised, and relaxed space at sea.
Cruising is all about the experience – but it starts with making your cabin work for you.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
