cruise cabin hanging organizer

Cruise Cabin Hacks – 9 Must Have Cruise Accessories for a VIP Stateroom

Use these cruise cabin hacks and must have cruise accessories to instantly upgrade your stateroom !

The first time we cruised was almost our last. Our  cruise cabin felt like a prison …

As soon as we started unpacking, we knew that we were in for a rough week. We felt completely unprepared for the tiny space we’d be sharing.

There simply wasn’t nearly enough space for our stuff. We ended up living out of our suitcases. Every time we needed underwear or socks, we’d have to crawl under the bed to pull out our luggage.

Our laptops, cameras, iPads, chargers, and other electronic accessories were piled on top of the one shelf. Each was waiting its turn to get a charge.

October 5, 2019

“Eventually, the room was just covered in stuff . Throughout the cruise, we’d be digging through piles to find sail cards, money, passports, cameras, and whatever else we needed.” Jeremy Camosse

Fighting for shelf space with out electronics were our bathroom accessories (deodorants, scrubs, makeup, etc). There was no place in the bathroom to put anything. Our only option was to dump bathroom items into the sink.

Eventually, the room was just covered in stuff . Throughout the cruise, we’d be digging through piles to find sail cards, money, passports , cameras, and whatever else we needed.

Adding to our frustration… we couldn’t sleep ! We got a room in a heavily trafficked hallway (like a rookie) and people kept waking us up as they paraded back and forth. Our cruise cabin was also really hot throughout the vacation.

All in all, we had no idea what we were doing.

We slowly learned the “cruise cabin hacks ” to avoid similar issues. Dozens of cruises later, we now know what we’re doing. The issues we encountered on our first cruise are so easily avoided with a few simple tips and some inexpensive cruise accessories.

Don’t make rookie cruising mistakes! Check out the tips and cruise accessories below to make the most of the limited cruise cabin space you’re provided.

Cruise Cabin Hacks & Must Have Cruise Accessories

Click on the  Pin button above to save these cruise cabin hacks to your favorite pinterest packing list!

Listed below are the nine essential cruise accessories for your cabin. They’ll help you transform a small, messy stateroom into a comfortable and organized living situation.

We’ve collected these suggested items from hundreds of the most veteran cruises we know.

#1 | Over the Door Hanging Organizer

If you’ve cruised, you know that cruise cabins are crazy small . If you haven’t cruised then just know… cruise cabins are crazy small!

Not only are they tiny, there’s nowhere to put your stuff. Sure there are a few drawers for clothes and a closet to hang stuff. But, what about your wallet, speaker, phone, camera, lotions, sandals, books, etc.

It’s all of those little things that don’t have a home. Rather than stacking them on top of each other, this cruise cabin hack will have all of those items neatly organized.

The 15 pocket over the door hanging organizer  is like an extra closet.  In fact, we may rebrand this item and just call it “Extra Closet.”

It assembles in 20 seconds . Simply place the included hooks over one of your cruise cabin doors, shut it, and hang the organizer. That’s it! You just created 15 new places to put your stuff.

It’s not just useful in cruise cabins. It’ll fit any door at home . Once you get back (sad face), you can use it to store all of your souvenirs.

IMPORTANT: make sure that your hanging organizer is FIRE RETARDANT like the one linked to here. Otherwise, it’s likely your cruise cop will bring you below decks. We’ve been down there. You don’t want to go there.

#2 | Cruise Cabin Wall Magnets

These magnetic hooks are the our favorite cruise cabin hacks for organizing your stuff and creating some space in your small quarters.

Did you know that all cruise ship walls are metal? Don’t worry, most people don’t. It’s true. That’s why these powerful hooks will stick just about anywhere you put them throughout your cruise cabin.

We’ve typically used these magnets for the following.

• bathing suits
• cruise card lanyard

Make sure to get extra strong magnetic hooks , as some cruise cabin walls have a thicker outer layer than others. We’ve tested a few and these linked to below are almost dangerously powerful!

They’re great for keeping your most used items ready and waiting by the door. And to keep them from getting lost amongst your other stuff. When combining this with our Cruise Card Holder with Lanyard , the two make a perfect pair!

#3 | Travel Laundry Bag

This is a Cruise Cabin Hack we got from our followers. Keeping a laundry bag in your cruise cabin closet is a must!

Throughout the day, you’ll be excitedly bouncing from one activity to the next. Maybe that includes a gym session in the morning, pool day after breakfast, basketball or shuffleboard in the afternoon, and some intense dance-floor action late night.

During your many onboard activities on and off ship, you’ll go through a lot of clothes ! Don’t let that pile of dirty laundry build up in the corner of your closet. Or, even worse, don’t let it commingle with your fresh stuff!

You’ll want that nasty stuff out of sight and out of mind (oh, and smell). This convenient laundry bag serves just that purpose. It takes up next to no space when empty. When filled, it condenses all of your dirty laundry, and smells, into a compact container.

At the end of the week, simply toss the sack in with the rest of your stuff and don’t worry about it until you get home. Or, if you plan to do laundry on the ship, this is great for that too! It has a sturdy strap so you can take that to the laundromat or hand it over to your steward.

#4 | Cruise Crew “Thank You” Cards

You might be asking, “how can these ‘thank you’ cards make me more comfortable in my cruise cabin?” If so, you’re thinking about this incorrectly. It’s not how the cards can improve your comfort, but rather the recipient !

Crew members on your ship will provide you with great service regardless. But, you’ll see truly exceptional service by showing a little extra love. Whether you slip a few bills into your card or just a kind note, you’re sure to get a heartfelt response. And some extra love in return.

There’s no doubt that we get even better service after handing these out. But, that’s not why we do it. We love our cruise crew. They work incredibly hard and it’s the least we can do to show our appreciation. You’ll be amazed at how thankful they are to receive such a small gesture of gratitude.

#5 | Packing Cubes

Chances are, that you’re rooming with at least one other person in your cruise cabin. Staterooms are significantly smaller than hotel rooms and can get tight. Fortunately, there are Cruise Accessories to make the most of this space.

You’ll need to make the most of every inch of your of your closet and drawer space. The perfect solution is packing cubes . They’re like mini-closets that can be easily picked up and moved around. When you finally get to your stateroom, you’ll be too excited to unpack. No problem. Just grab your cubes, toss them in a drawer, and you’re ready for the buffet.

Your cubes also make the packing process much more fun and efficient. Each item, from socks to gowns, will have its own little home with all of its buddies. Need a bra? You’ll know exactly where to look. Ready to hit the jacuzzi? Your swim trunks are one zip away.

As an added bonus, you’ll also get the cruise cabin laundry bag . As seen above in #3, this can be an absolute essential!

#6 | Bed-side Fan

Cruise cabins aren’t like a hotel, where you’re able to adjust your personal thermostat. You’ll likely be at the mercy of a central cooling unit, which you can’t control .

As such, chances are you’ll either be too hot or too cold. For those that are too cold, you can add layers. For those too warm, well, you can only shed so many until you’re naked on top of your covers.

With this personal fan, you’ll have a nice breeze on you throughout the night.

Your new fan will also solve the potential problem of your cruise cabin being too   noisy !

You’re packed like sardines. Just think, your neighbors are probably less than 10 feet away from you throughout the night. Ok, maybe don’t think about that… it’s a little creepy. But, point being, you’ll likely hear others rummaging around (or whatever) at night.

This must have cruise accessory will provide a lulling source of white-noise to soothe you into your slumber.

But wait… there’s more! Not only does this provide cooling and white-noise, but a night light as well! The LED light included with the fan is illuminated with the push of a button to guide you through your dark cruise cabin at night.

#7 | Portable Night light

This must have cruise product is your “cure for stubbed toes and angry spouses.”

Cruise cabins get really dark. And, when you need to get up to use the bathroom, you’re in uncharted waters. You won’t be familiar with the path to the restroom. Rather than breaking your toe off on the tv stand, use this little friend.

It has a magnetic base so you can stick it directly to your cruise cabin wall! And, the night light swivels to face any direction.

It’s also motion sensor activated so there’s no fumbling around for switches.

#8 | Extra Outlets Power Cube (Non Surge)

We all need the “essentials” when we cruise. Like our iPhones, iPads, laptops, mp3 players, cameras, gaming devices, hair dryers, speakers, and many other “must have” accessories. Unfortunately, cruise cabins aren’t set up to accommodate our growing electrical needs .

Typically, your stateroom will have only two outlets positioned in the most convenient place. If you’re like us, this is not nearly enough to keep you juiced. This power cube is your ideal solution.

Plug this device in and you’ll be able to keep all of your electronic goodies ready to go.

In addition to the three outlets for typical plugs, you also have three USB ports to charge phones, tablets, and more.

Your mini Power Strip will be crucial on your next sailing. There’s too much to do at sea and at port. Don’t be sitting around waiting for stuff to charge to get back out there to the fun.

IMPORTANT: make sure that the power strip you bring is NON SURGE PROTECTED like the one linked to here. Otherwise, it’s likely your cruise cop will bring you below decks. And trust you-me, you don’t want to go below decks.

On Amazon, there are a few Cruise Power Strip and Cube options, but this is the only brand that we trust !

#9 | Bathroom Accessory Organizer

Cruise Cabin Bathrooms are TINY ! Typically, there are NO shelves. Like, none.

You likely won’t even have somewhere to set down your toothbrush once done scrubbing. That’s how little we’re talking here.

Now, consider your razors, lotions, toothpaste, deodorants, makeup, blah, blah. Let’s face it, we don’t look this good when waking up. It takes a little bit of time, effort, and… well, products.

Rather than strewing these products throughout the cabin, this is your solution. You can organize your every bathroom belonging in this attractive toiletry travel kit and organizer.

The back of your cruise cabin bathroom door will have a hook. It’s the perfect place to hang this product. You’ll then have immediate access to all of your bathroom needs at your fingertips.

BONUS #1 | Cruise Porthole Sticker

Upgrade to Ocean View for UNDER $10 ! Ok, so it doesn’t include the salt spray or seagulls, but it comes with extra laughs.

Use this bonus cruise accessory on your cabin door or your stateroom wall. It turns any surface into a ocean porthole.

Do you get seasick, but can’t afford that oceanview cabin? No prob! This is your solution. Also a great gag gift for the cruising fan in your life. Or, a wonderful way to build anticipation for your sailing. Stick it on your office cubicle for an endless reminder of your pending vacation!

BONUS #2 | Poo Pourri

We’re usually anti-toilet-humor… but, this is too good to pass up. Honestly, the tagline is “ because ship happens .” Could there be a more relevant product for a cruise?

Whether your cruise cabin mate is a partner, buddy, family member or other, they’ll appreciate this must-have cabin accessory.  Part of the joy of cruising is the food. And if we’re being honest, we tend to over-indulge a bit. Without getting too graphic, the buffet provides an bounty of options and many of which are foreign to our innards. This product is like an insurance policy on what that bounty will produce.

We’ve had numerous cruisers recommend we add this product According to the company’s site, you simply “spritz the bowl before-you-go and no one else will ever know. The original non-toxic before-you-go toilet spray that stops bathroom odors before they ever begin – seriously!”

BONUS #3 | Travel Shampoo Bottles

You’re going on vacation. Your hygiene doesn’t have to . This cruise cabin hack lets you maintain the level of self-care that you deserve. We like to bring specialized shampoo, conditioner and moisturizers. We also have little babies. These are perfect for their items as well.

The standard toiletries in your cruise cabin bathroom won’t cut it. They’re comparable to those found in a turnpike rest-stop . We want to look our best for our fellow cruise passengers. These travel bottles let us do exactly that.

They’re also TSA compliant . You won’t have to worry about surly airport guards. Your new travel bottles won’t get a second glance.

Above, you’ll find our “must have” cruise cabin accessories. If you found these helpful, make sure to check out our piece, Top 10 Most Purchased Cruise Accessories on Amazon .

We hope that you get good use from these essential cruise accessories! They’ve made our cruising lives a lot more comfortable and definitely worth the relatively little cost.

If you have any other “must-have’ cruise accessories, please leave them in the comment section below.

If you found this helpful, please use the share buttons to spread these tips with others in the cruise community!

262 thoughts on “Cruise Cabin Hacks – 9 Must Have Cruise Accessories for a VIP Stateroom”

Earplugs are useful too – especially if you have a cabin anywhere near where there is music or dancing or by the kitchens!

Very helpful tip, Dot – we’ll add these to the list. Thanks for your contribution and happy cruising!

I agree with the earplugs!

I bring a noise machine or some ships have an ocean noise on tv to block out noise.

I pack my clothes right on hangers. Easy to take out gold with hanger and than just open suitcase and hang up on ship

Me too. Makes packing and unpacking so much easier.

If sharing room with friends, get together to set up Cabin Courtey rules, it really helps. Example, One rule we felt was helpful was no one leaves their stuff on bathroom counter.

Also alarm clock. Cruising has such an emphasis on time (e..g arrival in port, various onboard activities, dinner time, etc…), it’s great to look at the time instead of always reaching for my cell phone. Also doubles as an alarm clock for those early debark for shore excursions.

Thanks for the great addition, Jeannie – we’ll add that to the cruise packing list!

I always bring a battery operated alarm clock.

I ask the cabin steward for extra hangers so no need to bring them.

It took several cruises before it dawned on me to hang more than one thing on a hanger. My rule now is every hanger has to have at least 2 things on it, and where possible 3 things. So easy & closet isn’t so jammed full. And your cabin attendant will bring you more of needed.

The cabin steward will supply you with extra hangers! You just have to ask! Also will give you some glasses if requested. Ask for fresh ice in your ice bucket every day! Your cabin steward can be your best friend! I’m all our cruises we have only had 1 scrappy steward that was unfriendly and I never even saw him! He avoided us the entire 1st day! After that we would leave him notes on what we needed.

You have a phone that gives you a wake up call…..just use it

I never been on a cruise, would love to go. If I can save up enough money, hopefully I can take myself for my 60th birthday this coming January. Read all the comments, lot of great suggestions, so if I go, I will be prepared. Thanks,

Plan very early and pay it out… layaway vacation

I use a small projection alarm clock. Plugs into my Cruise On USB port. Runs on batteries but must be plugged in for the projection feature to work. It’s the best thing since sliced bread.

We bring along a section cup soap dish, and section cup hooks for in the shower, for our shower loofahs.

Great addition, Dona – thanks!

Be careful about the charging strip. Surge protected power strips are not allowed, because of their potential as a fire hazard 🙁

We’ve brought one every cruise we’ve taken. Never had an issue, it’s not like we hide it!

True. Carnival was going to confiscate ours because “it has a switch.” (We took it back to the car)

These plugs are allowed in your checked luggage. We have been taking this same plug for many years.

Make sure to check whether or not your cruise line will allow power strips/extension cables. Some cruise lines don’t.

Also, your steward will be happy to bring you more hangers if you ask or leave a note, so I never bring hangers to clog up my precious suitcase space.

Makeup cases are good to keep the various powders and brushes together and not take up too much counter space. I have a 3-tiered makeup case to keep everything together and only pull it out when it’s time to do my makeup to save room. (applicable to males too. EVERYONE needs space for toiletries.)

Also, a heat mat to keep flat irons, curling irons, etc on can be useful because not all of the surfaces in staterooms will be safe for high levels of heat.

Make sure to bring cash for its many uses onboard: You may want to tip the bartenders, both behind a literal bar and mobile on the pool decks. Tip the steward and the cleaning team (two separate parties, not always the same people). Pay in cash for souvenirs in ports. If you plan to take a taxi at any point during a trip or excursion, some drivers will only accept cash. Although in most cases on the ship, you can add a tip onto a check, there are also many cases when you can’t, or don’t even have a check to add a tip onto. In these cases, cash would be the only option.

Bring sneakers or running shoes for the various sports activities on the ship or excursions on land. There are many things that you can’t do with flip-flops.

Get a lanyard to keep your cruise card in. Usually, the card is how you pay, get off/on the ship, identify your muster station, etc. etc.! A convenient place to keep your card is crucial so you always know where it is and can access it easily. Losing your card would be a disaster, after all.

Sorry my comment was so long, but hopefully a couple of these points can help.

Good point – thanks, Amanda! This power strip is so small that we usually bring it and ask our cruise cabin manager. So far, we’ve never had them tell us we can’t use it.

Yes we just cruised on royal Caribbean and our power strip was confiscated. It was just two of us so no problem charging, didn’t really miss it.

Royal Caribbean confiscated my very small portable clothes steamer. I’ve taken it on at least 12 previous cruises without a problem.

I just spoke with a Carnival operator, they do not allow garment steamers but the laundry rooms/service have irons and ironing boards available. She also told me they will allow a small 4.5″ fan and a tiny 3-plug socket extension with two USB ports. Downey wrinkle-release non-aerosol spray is a handy product I use at home, and is available in 3 oz travel size bottles so I’ll bring one of these too (just be careful using on any dry-clean only garments).

There’s ways of getting steamers on board, they want you to think they are a fire hazard yet they allow electric curlers and curling irons they would rather you paid to have your clothes steamed. I have been on six Carnival cruises and have taken a steamer every time just use your imagination and you will probably get it on board.

I have been on 11 cruises. Only one of them was my iron confiscated and that was Royal Caribbean. Carnival never has. We also take a garment steamer, candle, and a large power strip……have never had a problem.

Also, I have definitely never needed a fan. I actually have to take winter clothes and pajamas because the ship and the cabin are both frigid.

You can also use a flat iron on clothes.

After reading some of these comments and suggestions I’m a little concerned. I can’t sleep without a fan and I realize I’ll have to call Carnival to make sure it’s okay to bring one. But my biggest concern is my CPAP machine which I have to have to sleep. I’m going to call Carnival but I wonder if anyone else has brought one of those on a cruise?

I bring my CPAP machine all the time. Never a problem. It’s a medical device. Usually need an extension cord provided by the ship. We request this and distilled water ahead of time.

My husband has never had a problem bringing his onboard. He carries it right they security.

Yes you can take chacon carnival

I have brought my CPAP Machine on all my cruises with no problem.

Both my husband and I use CPAP machines and have never had a problem. My parents also have them. We have extension cords packed in our checked luggage and have never had a problem. My mom and I also have scooters we use on the ships. We really need the extension cords to use with the CPAPs and scooters. We have never had a problem with having them.

How do you get scooters on the ship? Do they have them? I have a wheel chair…

We did taKE a cpap machine with no problem. On NCL and Royal Carribean. Good thing because my hubby can’t sleep without it.

My husband uses a cpap machine and takes it on every cruise! No problem!

CPAP is allowed & Norwegian will supply distilled water.

Yes, you can bring your C-pap machine. Ask you steward for distilled water.

My sister uses a cpap and we have been on 23 cruises with no problem! Take a power strip so you can plug in your cpap and charge your phone at the same time!

CPAP Machine is a medical device and is always allowed. There should be a place in your online checkin to request an extension cord and a gallon of water for it.

Bath n body works has body wash/ skin softener in tubes that smell really nice. Instead of bringing a btl of perfume, I go into the fancy gift shops and try th the various tester perfumes.

Our friend brought a fan and it was taken away so some ships dont allow them..Check before you go..

That’s surprising, Johnette. Do you know which cruise line? We’ve been on about 15 cruises with a fan and never had this issue.

Yes I also had my fan taken away after boarding the ship. Carnival freedom in May 2016. I sailed Carnival Magic in May 2015 and they let me use it with no problems. I wondered if it was because I was in a smaller cabin and ship the 2nd time around?

That is strange. We sailed on Carnival Freedom in January 2016 and had no problem with our fan. Wonder if it was the attendant’s concern and not the cruise line.

We put out power strip and curling iron in the drawer so it is not left out! We have brought hangers and got some from cabin steward. We also leave them most of the time. You can also leave things in your cabin you do not want to carry home or can’t and tell the steward. They are usually super excited. We left a bottle of wine and drinks for ours last time! Great ideas! Thanks!!

Thanks for the helpful info and great idea, Gena!

We were told that if you leave anything behind intended for your steward, there has to be a letter/note from you that specifically states your intentions. Otherwise all items are sent to Miami.

Always had more than enough hangers and the air-con keeps the stateroom at a comfortable temperature. On a fly cruise I would not use up my allowance with white boards etc.

Appreciate the helpful feedback, Derek!

Buy a few of the very inexpensive folding fabric boxes, think dollar store. These pack flat and are cheap enough to leave behind…along with magnetic hooks, bring magnetic clips and also, extra large safety pins which can even be used to fix torn luggage. We have cruised many times and always make the area work. Those large clips that are sold to hold your towels on your beach chair also work to secure a damp bathing suit to the back of your balcony chair…just remember this is temporary housing and make the best of it and enjoy yourself.

Great feedback. It sounds like you have some cruise experience. Thank you for sharing!

Another great tip I learned was to bring some “travel duct tape or gorilla tape”. Takes care of any luggage mishaps during your travel. Got mine at Amazon and it’s actually called “travel size duct tape”. Small and convenient to throw in your luggage.

We are currently booked for our tenth cruise. We have never found a use for any of those things. Most people who go out and buy those over the door things find that they don’t ever use them. Now Carnival says that if you do bring one of them, it has to be fireproof. I’m surprised that the author didn’t mention decorating your cabin door so that you can find it easier.

Thanks, Dick! I’ll add cruise cabin door decorations to the list!

Have used the Over The Door (shoe) Hanger on every cruise and it it perfect for all the little toiletries, shoes, sun screen etc. You nam it, it goes there. Keep the small bath clutter free. Room steward loves it.

When you cruise with a group, those door organizers are great for toiletries, sun screen, aloe, flat iron, anything that can clutter a bathroom sink.

We agree, Melanie!!

“Poo pouri” or a similar bathroom toilet spray works wonders!

Thanks, Dona – will add to our list of cabin accessories!

Dona: just want to tell you about a friend who always used to use the “Poo pouri” until it splashed up onto her privates and suffered an extreme amount of pain…….(burned her)

You are supposed to spray it in the toilet BEFORE taking your seat. I am sorry your friend had that experience.

I have been told that we can’t use over the door organizers since they damage the doors ( Carnival)

We’ve used them on all of our sailings (Carnival included) without issue. The hooks on these in particular do not damage the door. We keep them on our doors at home as well and have no issues at all.

hang it with magnetic hooks instead of over the door hooks. its just 2 holes with grommets

I always bring the organizers!! I normally hang it in the closet. They make them with Velcro. They hold shoes and extra articles. I also bring make up bags (one for myself and hubby) and hang them on the bathroom hooks on the back of the door. There are usually some shelves in the bathroom and the rest stay in the bags. I Love the information you gave Captain Cruise. I have been on about 2 dozen cruises and have used most of the hints you have given. Thanks for the information!!!

We’re very glad you found these helpful, Deborah! Happy cruising to you.

I am thinking of hanging the over the door thing using hook magnets?!

I zip tie our over the door hanger onto an actual hanger before leaving home. Then I hang it on a hook in the room. We usually have 2 adults and 2 teens in our room, so every pocket is at a premium.

The bathroom doors have towel hooks and the organizer hooks nicely onto them giving you 24 pockets of storage

I bought some of the felt strips and dots to put on the metal part of the hanger so that they won’t scratch the doors.

We use a face cloth to put over the top of the door to protect it from the organizer damaging the door…. The cabin steward thought it was clever.

In addition to items mentioned above, We bring a shoe organizer that hangs in the closet. Not only great for shoes but many other small items can go in there as well. Dress shoes, running shoes, flip flops, slippers, etc… can take up a lot of room on the floor which makes the room feel messy!

Great – idea, Johanne. Thank you for sharing!

Bring some clothes pins or some sort of clips. Great for hanging wet bathing suits in the shower or keeping bathing suits safe on the balcony. Also good for chip or snack bags.

Great ideas. Never thought of that. My husband had a shaving kit and I have a make–up bag. We keep everything in those two items and they sit nicely on the counter or one of the shelves. I hand his things and mine fit in the drawers. His t-shirts, shorts and anything else gets put on the shelves inside the closet. Never had a problem for space and I always over pack. We have a suitcase for our laundry. Rooms are always comfortable. Last cruise we had a message board. The group leader requested them for the party. It was nice. My husband and I used it when we weren’t together. He likes to play Texas Hold’em.

Really good ideas. I am certainly going to do these things on my next cruise! Thanks.

Glad you found these cruise cabin product ideas helpful, Mary! Have an amazing cruise!

I don’t think the person writing this has ever been on a cruise. While some of these ideas are good some are just silly. After sailing over 30 times I have never brought extra hangers. Just ask for more hangers. And almost all cabin bathrooms while small have some shelves or storage. The nightlight and fan may be useful in an inside cabin. Newer ships to have climate control in each cabin.

Thanks for the feedback, Jen. I have a few dozen cruises under my belt and still use all of these products. Yes, the bathrooms typically have a tiny shelf that certainly can’t hold hair dryers, curlers, lotions, toiletries, etc. That’s why the hanging door item and bathroom organizer are so helpful. You mention that newer ships have climate control in each cabin. That’s true… unfortunately, 95% of ships aren’t new, so I’m not sure that point is relevant to the majority. Again, thanks for the feedback and happy cruising to you!

Hair dryers are provided by the ship; usually you use them in the main area in front of the mirror (safety concern electricity and water in bathroom I assume); as far as laundry bag is concerned, just use the dry cleaning bag provided.

I’ve cruised 8 times so far and have never had an issue with space for my stuff. There are always little cubbies for sunscreen, cameras in the room so we have never had to leave everything out. We sail mainly with Royal Caribbean.

I’m booked for my 22nd cruise! I don’t use the drink glasses in the room. One glass is great storage for my toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. I put my dirty clothes right in my under the bed suitcase. Out of sight!

Thanks for the tips, Jan. Have a great 22nd cruise!

I just got back last week and I sure wish I had had my tiny fan. We were on the Allure which is one of the newer ships and we were in an ocean view room but it was very warm in our room. We mentioned it but it was set as cool as it could be.

I bought hangers on our last carnival cruise ????. I’m so glad I did because there wasn’t enough provided.

Jen, I already use some of these tips & appreciate a lot more of them. We all have different needs & appreciate someone taking the time to list them. They’re like a cafeteria–choose what you want & with the rest you just walk on by.

You are exactly right Mom B! Use night lights every time but I love the one shown here and am going to buy a couple!!!

Water bottle and travel coffee mug. The ones at the buffet and restaurants are tiny and not portable. Plus wash and toss disposable dish cloths/pads to wash them with.

I always take a water bottle and my travel coffee mug. Some of these other ideas are good ones. We were on the Carnival Pride and there was only one outlet to charge phones send tablets. Not enough outlets in cabins. Our next cruise is on Royal Princess. Will see if anything is different.

Thanks for the feedback, Craig! Yeah, the outlet issue seems to be pretty common on ships.

Heading to our first cruise with 4 people in our room. I will be using most of these ideas. Thank you for them!

Glad to hear we were able to help, Mary. Have an amazing cruise and we hope these cruise accessories will help you make the most of it!

If your room will have a bunk bed setup, you might consider taking a bedside caddy for the top bunk (purchased one for my son when he went to college at Bed Bath and Beyond). It had a velcro closure to hang it over the top bunk rail. This will allow the top bunk person a place to put their book, music, etc. without having to get down from the bed.

Thanks for the suggestion, Sandy – very helpful!

for folks traveling 4 to a cabin, that’s when the over the door organizer helps, with all of today’s cell phones, chargers, all the the cameras, batteries, chargers, sun lotions, bug spray , and who knows what all , for 4 people sharing a cabin. My suggestion : a Jr. suite really helps so you aren’t bumping into each other.

Appreciate the contribution, Mary!

Cruise ships that we have sailed with, have hair driers already plugged,, no need to take your own, adequate hangers, lots of light, even if you have the need to get up at night, air conditioning can adjust to your liking, we have done, week, 2 weeks, 21 days, several times and and about to take. 33day trip to East Asia. Always a safety deposit box in your cabin, granted rooms are not huge, but adequate, a place to lay ones head after a busy day doing whatever, clean bed and quite comfy, sea air,sunshine, great food. Good idea with the shoe bag to hang in the closet,

Our rooms are always big enough never had a problem with space there are some good ideas here but hangers no they will give u extra ones if u ask well atleast Carnival does.i brought an over the door thing and never used it I found on our cruises there was plenty of drawers for everything. Good Crusing everyone.

28 cruises later I’m still using the shoe hanger inside the bathroom door. All our products go in there, hubbie has his sections and I have mine. Another small thing I use, wouldn’t know where to get another one, is a foldable basket, I hate rummaging in my makeup case to find the mascara which invariably is at the bottom. So I assemble my little fold able basket and dump my makeup into it, when I’m rushing in the evening I’m so happy to have it. I know small things but they make life simpler. p.s. love the idea of magnetic hooks, have only eer used magnetic giant paper clips for the tickets and invitations.

Great feedback – thanks so much. It’s great to hear form a truly veteran cruiser. Happy wave season to you, Filomene!

No, no, most of this isn’t necessary at all:

– Cruise ships have a pretty good amount of storage behind the mirrors near the dresser/desk … don’t neglect two nightstands (we always keep our shoes in the lower half and our reading materials in the drawer). If you can’t fit your stuff in, you’re probably over-packing. – Magnetic hooks are a good idea! Use them to hang hats, wet bathing suits, whatever on the walls or the stateroom door. Similarly, suction cup hooks would work too. – Don’t bring an extra bag for dirty clothes; it’ll just take up space. Instead, open one suitcase and put it in the bottom of the closet … toss in your dirty clothes, and when that suitcase is full, zip it up and store it under the bed … now a portion of your going-home packing is done. – Likewise, no need for a dry erase board. Your Expo marker will write directly on the metal stateroom door (or the bathroom mirror) just as well as it’ll write on a board that’s taken up space in your bag. These items’ll clean up quickly just like a white board. – Your stateroom attendant will bring you extra hangers. All you need to do is ask. – A little battery-operated fan is a good idea, but do bring several sets of batteries. We take one of these camping (works GREAT when set between two adults in a small tent), and the batteries tend to last two days. – If you really want a nightlight, consider picking up glow sticks at the dollar store. To mention camping again, we used to give them to the kids in their sleeping bags … they make just enough light for you to go to the restroom, and they take up so little space … and you don’t have to bring them home. If you want more light, drop one into a glass of water, and the light’ll be magnified. Alternately, instead of glow sticks, get the glow bracelets; you can hang one over the bathroom doorknob, making it easy to find. – Think twice about bringing thing-a-ma-jigs to strain the ship’s electrical generator. You’ll have outlets by the desk/dresser and an outlet in the bathroom. You don’t need an outlet for the hair dryer; it has a designated plug from which it cannot be unplugged. Just leave an item to charge while you go eat dinner, and it’ll be ready when you come back … charge another item while you sleep. Even with multiple people in the cabin, this really shouldn’t be an issue. – I don’t get the need for more storage in the bathroom. You’ll have shelves behind the mirrors (the side mirrors) and a shelf beneath the sink. I always take one glass from the room and make it the “toothbrush glass” for the family. You may find that travel-sized shampoos, etc. fall through the metal grate shelf in the shower; however, you can fold up a washcloth and fix it so nothing’ll fall through.

Tips that will make a cruise easier: – Sharing a cabin with children and need more space? The cheapest way to get that extra space is in a balcony cabin. It also allows Dad a place to “disappear” while the girls are getting dressed. – With small children, bring a very small pop-up tent; it’ll give the kids (and you) a bit of private space. Alternately, bring a sheet and “tent off” a corner using those magnetic hooks. – If you’re sharing a room with more than a single person, study the deck plans carefully and choose a cabin near a public bathroom. Alternately, you can book a cabin near the spa/gym, and one person can go shower in those locations; the showers are larger and nicer than the ones in the cabins. If you make this choice, be sure you have a separate set of toiletries for that person to carry. – If your kids are young enough that they’re likely to roll out of bed, bring a long a pool noodle … put it under the sheets, and it’ll provide a little hump that’ll keep them from falling out. – Bring your old, ready-to-toss make-up and partially-empty shampoo and deodorant … at the end of the cruise, just throw them in the trash can instead of bringing them home. Less to pack on the way home. – Need a place to store your suitcase? Under the bed’s perfect. – Enjoy reading? You can pick up a paperback for free from the ship’s library. Finished several books during your cruise and don’t want to take them home? Leave them in your room; your steward will place them in the library for future cruisers. – If you’re bringing a large travel mug (which isn’t really necessary), bring a bit of dish soap too. You want to get it good and clean. If this is something you think you really need, consider a package of large disposable to-go cups that won’t need washing. – Talk to the kids about NOT taking food from the mini-fridge … unless you’re willing to pay $5 for a candy bar. Instead, let them order cookies and milk from room service before bed (do bring some small bills for delivery tip). – Want a robe but don’t have the space in your luggage? Just ask your cabin steward; he or she will bring you one. – Traveling with family /friends in side-by-side balcony cabins? Ask the cabin steward to open the balcony dividers between your cabins … this’ll allow you to pop in and out of one another’s cabins without going out into the hallway. – Is that dinky little coffee table in the way? Store it under the bed.

Wow – very thorough and well thought out response. We appreciate the contribution!

I’m amazed at how many people think they are experts for all of the rest of us. Like the one that says, “The newer ships have climate control so I don’t need to bring a fan. Well I have sailed on one of the newest ships and the wonderful climate control did not keep the climate to my liking, so thank you very much, but a fan will be going with me. Or the one that says, You don’t need to pack a laundry bag just use the dry cleaning bag or use a suitcase tucked under the bed. Thanks again for being an expert on my needs or desires, but I have used those small flimsy dry cleaning bags and don’t like them and thank you, Captain Cruise for a suggestion I should have thought of myself but didnt.

Come on people, these are suggestions and I don’t care how many times you have cruised you are not an expert of me. Just let some make suggestions and if you have others great share them, but for heavens sake don’t think your ideas are the only ones out there and you know what others need or may want. Maybe I’d rather write on a whiteboard rather than on the walls. You have opinions but that’s all they are and you know what they say about opinions.

Carnival has… Climate control, 4 shelves in bathroom, place luggage bags under beds, apparently you can ask for a fan if room too hot, extra hangers supplied when asked, 2 robes supplied , a beach towel per person supplied and always changed when found wet , hair dryer supplied, charge your equipment when you aren’t using it, use a bag for dirty clothes and most important…. ask your Steward.. they are there to help.

Instead of white board bring part of a pack of Sticky Notes from home to leave notes for cabin mate or the room steward.

Good idea, Randy! Thanks for the suggestion.

We have been on a couple of ocean and several river cruises. All cabins are compact so after the first cruise I made a cruise package. I laid out all of our toiletries on a full single sheet of newspaper so that they all fit, marked the paper and then made a hanging organizer. Each spot is labeled with what goes in it so we never forget things. I made it with Velcro closed straps that can go over a pants hanger so it can hang from the robe hook on the door or over the shower door. It keeps everything off the counters too. I have a couple of the Dollar Store mini flashlights that we keep on our bedside table for nighttime trips to the head (sorry, I was in the Navy). I also make a trip passport/diary with a page for every day of the cruise showing where we will be and what we will see. It took a bit of fiddling to print out 4 pages per sheet of paper – but after the first one I just change the dates and pictures of what we will be seeing and print it out with a cardstock cover. I make one for each couple/single who is traveling with us as well. I write in it every day after we have returned to the ship along with the picture numbers taken that day and it makes remembering what we saw when we get home. I also bring a 12 x 12″ scrapbook paper organizer with us for all the paper souvenirs. I then have everything corralled until I can make my scrapbook pages. I print out calling cards with our names, address, telephone number and email address to give out to friends that we meet on the cruise. Another useful item is a jewelry caddy. I made one from a scrap of pre-quilted material by finishing the edges with bias tape and a Velcro dot in each corner so it can be flat for packing and put together on board. If we are traveling with a new couple/single I make one for each lady as a bon voyage gift along with the passport. We both take a lot of medications so I got small zip-lock bags and make daily pill bags and put each of ours in a larger zip-lock bag. I always make up 3 or 4 extra days’ worth just in case of a trip delay. I take a picture of each prescription bottle with one of the pills on the top just in case someone questions them. After having my things pawed through by customs officials I went to the Dollar Store and got a bunch of the extra large zip-lock storage bags that they sell – 2 large for $1. I learned not to get the largest ones because they have a gusset at the bottom that tends to tear so they can’t be made air tight. I pack everything in these bags, zip them leaving a couple of inches open, sit on them to remove all the air while zipping the last couple of inches closed. Space bags are I can get my bed pillow into one and make it only an inch thick! You can get so much more in your smaller suitcase and, if the customs people open your bag they can flip through the zip-locks in no time and you are on your way. Oh, and the bags have handles on them so they are really easy to handle. We also pack 2 suitcases with half of each of our stuff in each one so if one suitcase is lost or delayed we at least have clothes. We always ask for robes and slippers so we don’t have to pack them. We do bring travel mugs because you can ask the flight attendant to fill them and not have to hope for another beverage service. We bring water bottle carry straps so we can have water without having to carry a bag. After getting soaked with rain on one cruise, we invested in a couple of those tiny folding umbrellas that are only 6″ long and a couple of Dollar Store ponchos. They fit nicely in a cargo pocket. We may look funny, but we are dry. We pack several pairs each of cargo pants so we don’t have to carry a bag when out and about – it is harder for the pickpockets to get into them to rob you.

Wow, thanks Travel Queen! This is a ton of great info. We’re going to have to borrow some of these strategies!

We just signed up for a 30 day cruise and will be thinking hard about what clothes we will take! We will also get the chance to meet up with one of our foreign exchange students. I hope the ship has a coin operated laundry. This will be our longest trip so far and we are really looking forward to it.

You are very organized. Going on 17th cruise in Dec/M y favorite tip is bring your old underwear,slippers,nightwear etc. Throw away as you go. More room for souvenirs on the way home.The magnets I got on Amazon are fantastic but you need to have the hooks on the front. Really help us keep things in view like hats etc. I use the space bags too so I can bring what I want. I bought the water proof phone cover case so phones, $ ,license wont get damaged by water or sand. I really like the new sunscreen that is in the form of solid deodorant . Doesn’t spill and is so easy to reapply quickly without getting it all over everything.

Great feedback – thank you, Linda!

My MIL does the same thing with her clothes. She always packs what needs to be replaced and just leaves it behind. I also learned from her to pack a pretty extensive first aid kit. She typically does 30-60 day cruises and packs a little of anything she might need along with her Rx meds. Oh and she prints a sheet of family address on address labels and brings some stamps. That way she can write little post cards and just slap an address label and stamp on the postcard. It takes no extra room and the post office can read where to send it.

We are doing a Germany river cruise December 2017. What kind of electrical outlets do the boats have? Were you able to use a portable fan? I use one at night at home. This would be critical for me. Thx!!

They have a us plugs along with European ones. So you won’t have buy a conversation one. But they have only 2 of each so I would bring a plain power strip. We did a Budapest to Amsterdam last October.

It depends on your cruise line, ours only had Europeon plugs. Since I travel to Eur. often, I purchased from Amazon Eur. plug curling iron etc. Remember extra converters/short extension cord for things like CPAP breathing machine

Getting ready for my fourth cruise next month. I read somewhere that you can tune your cabin TV to the channel that shows where the ship is going, turn off the sound, and have a great night light for those middle of the night bathroom stops. Even though it may be dark outside, the TV itself will give off enough light to see by. And please remember to be extremely careful when getting out of the pool. On our last cruise, we saw a lady go down hard because she slipped on the stairs while exiting the pool. And the ship hadn’t left the dock yet! I know she had a miserable time dealing with a bruised backside. Those decks get wicked slippery when they are wet. Perfect your “penguin” walk, and you should be okay. Prone to motion sickness? Forget Sea Bands. They are more of a placebo than anything else. Get a prescription for TransDerm Scop patches. It’s a small patch worn behind the ear and each patch lasts for three days. Beats swallowing Dramamine every four hours! Believe me, the expense is well worth it (about $40 for a box of four at Walmart.) Slip your cabin steward a tip at the very beginning of the cruise. The service you get will be astounding! These folks sign up for a six month hitch, where they don’t see their families at all. And if the management gets a bad report about them, they can be put off the ship at the next port. Their pay is minimal, so they depend on tips. Be generous. Think of how much you would need to tip eating every meal at a restaurant for a week! Just my two cents worth. Happy cruising, everyone, and may your seas always be smooth.

These are all great tips. Thanks so much for taking the time to add these. I really like the t.v. one. Inside cabins get so dark, that I’ve slept until 10am. With the t.v. on, I’d also be able to tell when the sun was up!

A product called Bonine which we picked up at Walgreens or CVS (not available in Canada) is great for motion sickness. One pill a day, worked for my daughter; not a prescription and not expensive.

I personally like Ginger candy and or if you get Ginger pills you take 1 after each meal and I have never been sea sick even though I have very bad motion sickness

That’s a good track record, Deborah!

The generic version of this (meclazine) is just as effective but TONS cheaper! You can get a bottle of 100 for around $4.00. Bonnie is A LOT more expensive for a lot less! We get ours at Walmart (usually you have to ask the pharmacist b/c they keep them behind the counter, but no script needed).

Just a little comment about the seasickness patches , the ships doctor told me that the patches can cause vision problems in older people , he recommends the pills, many of the cruisers that came to see him with headaches and blurred vision were perfectly fine once the patches were removed.

Great to know, Marion. I’m sure our followers will appreciate the info!

I ordered a product called Motion Ease. Royal Caribbean tends to have it on ship too. It is a mixture of essential oils that you put behind your ears and it doesn’t have to be used until you feel you are having symptoms.

I use WINOMO Wonder Magic Clothes Hangers. I pre hang all my outfits at home, pop them into long zippered clothes bag, fold the lot straight into my suitcase. Unpacking and then repacking at the end of the cruise takes two or three minutes only. I take a fold up net laundry hamper which sits in the closet, very light and easy to pack up or use for taking to the laundry. I take over the door plastic hooks, which do not damage the doors. They always come in handy. I have a clear plastic shoe hanger which goes on the back of the bathroom door and is used for everything from brushes to sunscreen.

I have used small cosmetic pouches to hold my make up. Because of limited eyesight-Legally Blind-I don’t use mascara. I have seen a Cosmetic Organiser that can be slipped inside a handbag or grocery tote bag-got mine from my Avon Representative but haven’t seen them again. 🙁 It was a great help! Use travel size skin care sets or buy travel sized bottles and jars and decant your own-using stick on labels so you don’t mix the Day Cream with the Night Cream or the Eye Cream.

Thank you for the helpful tip, Elizabeth!

IF you use a CPAP machine, you may want to bring along an extension cord. Some cruiselines will provide it asked, but the plug may not reach other wise.

Do you know if we have to ask to use our own extension cord for a CPAP?

I always take the magnetic hooks. I advise getting heavy duty ones because you can hang your jacket, hats etc. I also use them to post the daily newsletter, ecxursion tickets, and a small calendar that I make showing where we are each day, including times in ports and excursions.

One thing I do was my husbands idea. Now days sheets, blankets etc come in zip plastic bags. They stay flat and are great for putting undergarments separate per person when packing. Or bring sandy wet things from the beach inside your beach bag etc. you don’t have to worry about shampoo etc leaking. Also I pack Christmas stuff like elf on a shelf lol

I always take post-it-notes to leave messages on (usually on the mirror), take up much less space than a whiteboard and I can usually use the same post-it-note for some messages (meet me on Lido deck at 3pm!).

We have a rechargeable USB fan we use with a charging stick that we recharge during the day using a ‘spider’ charging station (no surge suppressor, ok on Princess). I have a pop-up hamper since I do laundry on a sea day, less clothes to pack if I wash them. Magnetic hooks & clips for the walls and a hanging organizer designed for stuffed animals (from Aldi) with compartments for undies, socks, bathing suits, etc. hangs from the closet rod.

We just came back from our 10th cruise. One tip I can add to your list is a small amount of laundry soap. We always wash underwear and the occasional shirt in the bathroom sink. Helps to keep the amount of packing down and it’s easy to wash and hang up a few items every few days.

To reinforce what was said about side effects of the seasickness patches. Our Doctor said they are called the zombie drug in Europe and some countries have outlawed them due to misuse. Although we have worn them a time or two, the side effects, especially for older people can be serious and we would only use them if the seas were expected to be extremely rough. Meclizine 25mg, the sole ingredient in Bonine, is available in 100 tablets for $10 at Walmart and Walgreens, probably other pharmacies also. It is non prescription but you do have to ask your pharmacist for them.

We have cruised multiple times. My suggestions include insect repellent that comes in disposable wipes. They are great for trips on shore. I also bring antibacterial wipes that I use when we first arrive. I wipe down the counters, night stands, door handles in my cabin. Lastly, we bring a couple of magnetic clips that I put on the cabin door. I use it them to display the daily schedule, itinerary, special notices as well as vouchers for excursions. Hope these tips help.

These are great tips – thanks, Leslie!

I always take the battery operated candle tea lights and leave them on at night in the bathroom….just enough light to see but not too much to wake you or your partner.

We have been on over 30 cruises with Thomsons. Usually plenty or hangers, if not your cabin steward will provide them. Never had problems with no shelf space in bathroom. All cabins have main lights, mirror lights, over bed night lights. Night lights have individual switches for the person they are for. Don’t take extra weight for nothing. Your steward, if it’s a good cruise line, will find you anything.

I was going to order this power strip then noticed on Amazon that it is a surge protector, so it is not allowed on Carnival.

Some good tips, but I never cruised in such cramped conditions. Always had ample room, counter space, shelves….. extra hangers a must….always had our own thermostat….

Most electronics will plug into the European power outlets if you bring adapter plugs. Check the labeling to be sure and safe.

Please remove the Belkin from the list of items immediately. It is a surge protector and they are strictly prohibited due to fire hazard. A simple, inexpensive power strip that doesn’t have surge protection works fine. Also an extension cord will be safe. But the Belkin one is absolutely not.

We always carry disenfectant wipes to wipe down the cabin good as soon as we arrive and travel size air spray for the bathroom to keep it smelling fresh.

After 49 cruises I still find some off your tips very helpful. I’ve never been on a ship yet that didn’t have a shelf and medicine cabinet in the bathroom or individual thermostat controls that I usually set as low as it can go and cruise in complete comfort. Many of the ideas are thing I never thought of and will certainly try in the future. Thank you.

Thanks so much for the helpful feedback!

Carnival cabin walls are no longer metal? Magnets did not work. (Dream balcony; Fantasy OV)

Is that confirmed, Mo? Are you sure?

We have done almost 40 cruises on various cruise lines. We have had small, medium and very large cabins and cruised with most cruise lines. These are all very helpful suggestions, most I have used successfully and some are essential depending on your cabin and cruise line. As for the magnetic clips, I was recently surprised that the majority of the walls in our Viking river cruise were not metal, so the magnets I brought did not stick to the walls. After trying all of the walls and doors, I found one small interior wall which I could use. I also found that I could not find a place to hang the over door hanger for my toiletries bag as the doors were very tight and would no longer close. The solution was able to tie it to the towel hooks on the back of the door using a small piece of cord. I never leave home without sticky notes, highlighter pen (for selecting the activities of the day), sharpie marker, small rope, clothes pins, large safety pins, sheet of duct tape, small tube of E600 glue, needle & thread, magnetic hooks/clips, popup hamper, a few assorted tie wraps and watercolor pencils for decorating my sketchbook journal.

Thanks for the helpful feedback! I’m surprised to hear those cabin walls weren’t metal… but, the river cruise ships are much smaller, so likely don’t need the metal framing? Anyway, we appreciate the insightful comment!

The last Carnival cruise we went on didn’t have metal walls but the doors still are.

Just got back from a Carnival Cruise on their Fantasy ship. Door and ceiling were metal, but walls were not.

Use 3M hooks. You can put them anywhere and they won’t damage the walls at all. Please check how much weight they will hold before you purchase them.

We were on the Dream in a balcony cabin in March a few weeks after dry dock and the walls were most definitely still magnetic.

This may not be a necessity for some. It worked wonders for us. Amazon offers battery powered neck fans 10.00 best thing I ever bought especially during muster drill and while sitting in 90 degree weather on half-moon cay with no shade.

Leave a wipe dry whiteboard outside your cabin – So everyone knows you are out, where you are and how long they have to ransack your room…….

Some good ideas for new cruisers. I use the over the door shoe holder. Great way to organize all the extra stuff so you can keep the dresser tops clear – like for cocktails and room service!

The dollar store has collapsible fabric organizers. I have one for each of us. Small compartments. Now I have a place for my camera, wallet , lanyard so I know where to look.

I always bring some extra wire hangers with my dry cleaning. Clothes ready to hang!

My next trip I want to find a tray with sides to carry back snacks/drinks for an afternoon snack on the balcony!

Oh- a better operated fan is a must.

I use a plastic box to carry drinks etc. safely. It can be filled with stuff in the suitcase so takes up almost no space.

Best thing I always take on a cruise is my elastic clothes line. It sticks to the balcony glass or can use hooks if glass not available. Always take pegs too.

Also to help eliminate bathroom odours take small spray cans of body sprays. Excellent room deodorisers.

And yes take extra coat hangers, they do not always have extra on hand.

Love these ideas!! Due to issues with steamers or little irons, we brought a big bottle of wrinkle releaser for our group last time! Spray things that need ironing early on in the cruise and your good to go for the week????

Pro move – thanks for contributing, Leslie!

We now always use Royal Caribbean and have a cpap. They provide an extension cord and a jug of distilled water, complimentary. Magnets are mandatory to keep all the paper hung on the walls. I took art classes on a 30 day cruise and got to admire my work on the walls. Dollar store dish and laundry soap is useful. We use a mesh laundry bag that twists flat for packing. Saved us some trouble when the plumbing in the cabin above us leaked. All the dirty clothes were in the bag. Dollar store plastic glasses with lids and straws are great and you don’t have to worry about something dropping in your glass. For new cruisers…there is a lot of room under your beds. You can buy write on boards that are paper thin in the dollar stores. I love them for listing all the extra things that should be in the cabin when we get there as a reminder for the steward.

All great tips – thanks so much for contributing, Luci!

Take a photograph of the front page of the “Cruise news” every morning, it will tell you the date and where you are visiting today. When you look back on all your lovely photographs later it reminds you where you were when the photographs were taken.

This is an excellent idea, Jen! We will definitely add this to our Cruise Hacks Ebook found here: https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Hacks-Ultimate-saving-Hassle-ebook/dp/B06XBZ4QCW

It will also give you the name and contact I for for the ship’s agent ashore in the event you might ever need, and I sincerely hope you never do.

We use command hooks for walls or doors not magnetic..and they’re reusable..also bought a battery operated large flame less candle for bathroom at dollar store..works great for middle of night trips!

Also Sharp makes a non surge clock with 2 outlets and USB port.

I don’t cruise with Carnival so their policies must be different than the lines I use. The power strip has never been a problem because I put it away when I’m done, We only charge while we’re sleeping. I don’t need a lot of the extras you have listed here but I always have the whiteboard …we hang it outside the door so not only do I know which cabin is mine I also know where my daughter is at all times lol . Makeup organizer is just a great way to travel anyways so I put my toiletries in with that and we hang it on the shower rack, closet, or on a hook behind the door and no problems. No complaints 🙂 I have a travel set of earplugs and eye mask which works wonders and takes up no room. But honestly the best advice I ever got was don’t overthink it, don’t overpack, And don’t worry beforehand because you won’t once you’re on that ship.when it comes to a wrinkled top For instance… Hang it in the bathroom with you while you shower and it’ll steam right out. Those teeny bathrooms can turn into a steam room. Hang the wrinkled item on the back of the door while you shower and when you get out ta get a little on the bottom and I guarantee you enough wrinkles will come out from packing that you won’t have to worry. Just saying 🙂

When cruising with another couple we bring a set of walkie talkies and give them one. Batteries lasted through the 4 night cruise.

Also a car air freshener to put in A/C vent for the room

I always have at least two laundry bags, underwear etc in one, tshirts in the other then when you get home the washing is already sorted, you just put them in the washing machine.Estelle

Thank you all for these helpful comments. We are cruising for the very first time and we are so excited. Lots of great tips.

This would apply to any travel not just cruises, Ziploc bags. When going ashore put your camera, wallet, passport and any thing else you don’t want to get wet in Ziploc bags. I fell off a pier in Mexico and if my things hadn’t been in Ziploc bags everything would have been ruined and all my pictures lost. I always carry a few extras, they also keep things together when going through airport security.

Travelling clothes line is good too to hang wet swim wear on. You can get ones that are made of twisted elastic that holds clothes so no pegs needed. They have hooks and sucker ends, so can usually be hung on the shower.

I always pack a small empty spray bottle. I fill this with tap water and spritz my clothes to get the wrinkles out. Hang up that wrinkled shirt the night before, give it a good spray, give it a shake, go to bed, and in the morning you’re ready to go with an unwrinkled shirt. I’ve been on 23 cruises and never go without my spray bottle!

Car air freshners in the bathroom works wonders and we decorate our door and for dual purpose we put same gift bows from dollar-tree on our luggage.

Carnival hub for $5 for the entire trip eliminated our walkie-talkies.

Also take a picture of your luggage – hopefully you won’t have to describe it but if so – a picture is truly worth a 1000 words

We must have been very lucky on our 3 cruises (to date) because we had plenty of bathroom shelves, good supply of hangers and hanging space and more than enough shelving. A portable strip multi socket is a must however for recharging as cabins only tend to have 2 outlets near the desk / table areas. Dirty laundry bag is a good idea. We have just used large strong plastic bags and thrown them in the suitcase at the end of the cruise with the contents to be washed back in UK. We use the thick white zip washing bags from Wilkinsons for keeping phone chargers and electrical cords egg together in one place on cabin shelf. I use large the handle plastic bags (the food bag kind) to store all shoes and keep them together and clothes clean if they have to go on a shelf. I would recommend streamlining toiletries as much as possible. Ships sell a good range of basics quite often anyhow. So think minimal. Most cabins have wall dispensers in shower for shower gel and shampoo. And handbasins have soaps. Packing cubes are great for keeping items together in cases and on shelves. I bought several sets of inexpensive zip cubes and each large one contains 1 type of clothing – e.g. 1 holds t shirts and blouses- another shorts and trousers. Another underwear. Just take out of suitcase and throw whole bag on shelf or in drawer. Done job.

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Folks consider the number of days this cruise is and pack accordingly…..you do not need 2 weeks worth of clothing for a 5-7 day trip……on your at sea days you more than likely have swim attire on with a cover-up….. you’ll buy tee shirts so only carry enough to get you started on your cruise……carry neutral colored shorts/pants that ANY color will blend with your new tee shirts……you aren’t digging ditches so chances are you probably can wear them twice at least…..take comfortable walking shoes that you can wear with ANYTHING…..there is no need to carry a pair of shoes for every outfit……as for jewelry, I wore my diamond studs with everything…..what doesn’t go with diamonds!!!!!!!……you also don’t need a hair dryer, shampoo or shower gel….those are provided…….unitilize all your storage areas…..THERE ARE PLENTY, believe me, as well as more than enough storage shelves in the bathroom….that hanging roll up toiletries bag…….it eats up space in your suitcase …..if you can’t cruise comfortably with 3 closets to store everything, then you’ve taken too much…..also ROLL your tees and shorts/pants when packing…..this takes up much less space…..stuff socks in shoes (they are empty anyway)……and for goodness sakes ladies, you are not the queen of England and it’s NOT necessary to carry a purse to match every outfit you wear…….you don’t need cash to pay for anything while on the ship so leave it locked in your cabin safe (if you’re paying cash on your account daily then settle things late in the evening when guest services is less busy) and carry one (purse) that will sufficiently carry your wallet, a lipstick and if you’re one of those “tied” to your cell phone cruisers, then be sure there is room for that……plan ahead carefully and pack accordingly……..I’ve done many cruises and these are the lessons I have learned over the years…….simplify everything and just sit back and ENJOY

When I was cruising for the first time I knew I’d be buying T shirts for souvenirs. Hence I never packed any shirts. On subsequent cruises I packed old clothes and half empty toiletry items. I jettisoned the lot on the way home. My Kindle held all the books I could read and more. If you’re traveling with a friend pack your suitcases half their stuff and half your stuff. This way if a suitcase gets left behind you both still have some clothing to wear.

Good idea to take a pic of luggage. I always carry small bottle of Young Living Thieves essential oil. It is great to put a few drops on a cloth to wipe down room it disenfects, smells great, gargle for a sore throat or stop toothache, and a drop on chest will help ward off others germy coughs. Great stuff, tiny bottle. Lavendar oil is great for sunburn, sore muscles, minor cuts and helps relax to sleep.

Some of your suggestions are very good. I try to pack so light because I bring too many clothes that extras just add weight. Why not use plastic trash bags for your laundry, cheap and lightweight. I just leave the bathroon door ajar and it is my nightlight. Your room steward will bring extra hangers if needed. I really don’t have a problem in the cabins anymore. First time was a shocker but now at 20 cruises I just go with the flow and I am used to lack of space! You just make do, it is not home and everything does not have a place to go!

Hi – on a easy note of cruising: lay all the clothes out you want to take and remove 1/2 of it. Mix match tops to shorts or skirts and your are good to go. Nobody cares on the ship. Don’t over pack. I did for the first 5 cruises and then I learned. One big thing – roll your clothes you pack don’t fold or leave on hangers – just adds the wrinkles. Rolling leaves no wrinkles and if you do have a few – Wrinkle release spray will take it out. Your shower all come with clothes line to hang wet stuff you just pull it out of the wall and it hooks to the other side of your shower. Sticky note on mirror tells your cabin mates where you are. Hangers – just ask for more don’t pack any. Water bottle with filter you can fill when eating (I got mine at Walmart). Don’t take towels – they replace clean for you. Bug spray, sun block, zip lock baggies, back packs are great off ship to buy stuff and put in it and be hands free while walking and we use them also for our “carry on” ship with too for our swim suit, medicines, jewelry our electronics and of course a book to read, camera, cell phone, passport, papers, ect. Take ear buds if your spouse snores, take small fan, air freshner for bathroom, laundry soap, night light to turn on and off for bathroom….remember travel size in all of these items.

After your pre-cruise hotel stay don’t forget a small stapler to fix the cruise cabin info on your luggage, you can’t always rely on the hotel reception to have one!

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CPAPs are fine for medical need. Fans are hit or miss. I have seen quite a few confiscated and witnessed many passengers arguing to get them back at pursers desk.

We take cpaps on Norwegian cruises. Just remember an extension cord! Few outlets and usually across the room.

Always bring my CPAP machine. They will even supply the distilled water. Make a note to the. Cruise ship in your paperwork. The water and extension cord if needed will be in your stateroom upon arrival.

Not only will they give you an extension cord, but when we went last time the DME Co forgot to give him a cannula for his oxygen that he uses with his machine and they found one in the doctors office for him!

Just returned yesterday from a week long cruise, things have really improved when it comes to cabin storage. I agree with almost everything that is recommended here but that’s small stuff. They have found ways to add storage in any and every place you can imagine.

Leave the plastic on the clothes on the hanger also. Take the clothes on the hanger out with the plastic and hang it. No wrinkles.

Kathy, I have taken my cpap on 11 cruises. No problems except you might want to bring a small extension cord as the electrical outlets are not very convenient. Or you could just ask your cabin steward for an extension cord.

I was a little concerned when I read one post that said they brought a ‘candle’. My only hope is that it is one that is battery operated and not one with an open flame. The biggest fear on any cruise ship is a fire.

Correct, Liz – this travel nightlight does not have a flame.

If you need a sound buffer such as a fan use your phone. There are a bunch of apps that have every imaginable sound to lull you to sleep or drown out noises.

Standard things in my suitcase: >several different colored highlighters for each person to highlight the activities in the daily newsletter they may be at (so we can find each other, usually or at least have an idea where they might be at any given time)

>post-it notes – to leave notes for cabin steward or each other – never enough paper

>before Radio Shack disappeared, I found a 6 inch extension cord since the only outlet is usually by the phone, and we each use different size curling irons, chargers, etc. this extends the ‘plug’ out & gives us 3 additional outlets

>clothespins – multiple uses

>pack of $1 store thank you cards – so I don’t have to remember to ask the purser for envelopes, etc so those staff that go out of their way get a thank you direct from us (wait staff, cabin steward, etc)

>and lastly, I ALWAYS have a Santa hat in my suitcase & take a picture wherever I am, whenever I am for the next Christmas card…..came in handy with the penguins on the Antarctic cruise! (and later on a camel in the Sahara!)

I am not an expert cruiser, but I did notice four things that maybe helpful to have on cruises. 1. Use large clothes pins or large binder clips to hold the pool towels onto the back of the chairs. It gets pretty windy up there by the pool. Or you can get fancy and take those cute hape ones like flamingos or flip flop clips made especially to use at the beach to hold towels on the back of the beach chairs. 2. Some type of insulated cup that can hold cold ice water or a drink while at the pool. 3. Laundry soap pods if you want to take home clean clothes or have a need to do laundry. Dryer sheets would be helpful, too. These can be bought on the ship, but it is more expensive. 4. A must is a lanyard to keep your cabin key card with you at all times.

I have enjoyed reading all of your hacks as well as the ones posted by other cruisers. I like the idea of the packing cubes or plastic bags or even the plastic zippered bags that sheets and curtains come in. I’m sure the plastic shoe holder would be helpful. And finally, thank you for the info on cpap machines since I have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

I’m starting a “cruise” box to store things that I might take on our next cruise.

PS.. smart phones have alarm clocks.

Very helpful thank you

CPAP is no problem. Steward will bring an extension cord and also distilled water.

I hate turning on the bright bathroom light in the middle of the night so I put several of those battery operated tealights that you can get at the dollar store in the bathroom and turn them on every night before I go to bed. Perfect nightlight!

Yes, take my CPAP everywhere.. suggest bringing a long extension cord. Usually no plug near beds. Keep one packed in my CPAP case. Norwegian provided us a bottle of distilled water when I asked for it. Planes do not count these as carryon. Do not pack in your suitcase.

I bring a small digital battery operated travel clock because, in my experience, once the ship is in open seas and no longer have a signal on my phone, the time on the phone becomes inaccurate. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but for some reason it happens to us, so now I travel with my little travel clock. I use the alarm feature on it as well. I also have a USB hub that can charge multiple gadgets at once.

Great feedback – thanks, Helen!

Great ideas. Made a list so I can have it, and to give to friends who will be joining us who have never cruised.

Great to hear, Carolyn! Glad we could help. Happy cruising!

We use to bring them too but they took them on our last two cruises with Royal Caribbean.

– Various sized Ziploc bags – I pack all of my toiletries in them. That way if something leaks you just throw it out and use another Ziploc bag. Bring extras. I always find I need one at some point during the cruise.

-Plastic grocery bags – for wet swim shoes/swimsuits and things that are not completely dry by the end of the cruise, or things filled with sand.

-Large garbage bags. We put all of our dirty clothes in garbage bags. Close them up at the end of the cruise, pop them in the suitcase then when you get home, dump your dirty laundry in the washer and throw the garbage bags away.

-The shoe organizer on the back of the bathroom door is invaluable. I’m thinking of buying a second one for shoes and hanging it in the closet

-Magnets work great (used them on RCL, Norwegian and Celebrity)

-Small alarm clock. For the most part we don’t use our phones. They go in the safe and don’t come out until the end of the cruise. I know some people can’t be without them for various reasons but I don’t want to be attached to mine on a cruise. So we bring a small alarm clock for early excursions and such

-Nightlight. But I’m really liking the idea of the battery powered candles and will bring those on our next cruise.

You all are such exerienced travellers… the only thing I would add is this: use the cheap drawstring bags to pack your suitcase. I put shoes in mine as well as packing one with swimsuit, flipflops, sunscreen and another with one complete casual outfit. Easy to grap and go… use the empty ones as needed for souvenirs going home and with dirty laundry. Fold one in a pocket on your days ashore in case you fill it – so much easier to carry back to the ship. I find I use these so much on my travels and they’re so handy to have available.

Great tip – thanks, Carol!

CPAPs are not a problem. Your stateroom attendant will give you an extendion cord. Be sure to ask right away, do they don’t run out.

I took it several times, and it was finally confiscated. Clothes steamers ARE prohibited, as are irons and candles. Everyone gets away with things a time or two, but don’t be mad when you get caught.

Ive taken CPAP on 4 Disney & 1 Norwegian. I take a regular extension cord for it Incase I need it to reach the bed.

Kathy, I also use a Cpap machine and have taken on Carnival, Holland, and Norweigen. i carry it on seperate so they can check it. I also bring a regular extension cord because the plug is far away from the bed. Dont forget your distilled water, if you have a humidifier. you can order one to be in your room. Cost is minimal. sleep well

I was told a power strip was ok. Just not a surge protector. I pack mix and match clothes that don’t wrinkle. No need for a laundry bag. Every cruise I’ve been on there was one in the room. Tip you can give your laundry bag to your Steward and it’ll be all washed and folded for you when you get back, pack is much stuff in the bag is possible last cruise I went on it was $15 for as much as you could get in the bag. That poor bag was bulging.

Thanks, Karole! Great tip about cruise laundry. Regarding the cruise power strip, the one we have listed above is the only one we can find that meets the non surge protection + non-extension cord rules.

I always bring my cpap. No problem

I bring command hooks. They adhere to the surfaces and remove easily. I also use travel style space saver bags for packing. They roll up instead of using a vacuum. Great for repacking.

I don’t think your parents ever taught you manners! That’s great that you don’t need any of these tips – why did you read it??? It’s not necessary to make nasty comments! These things worked for them and they were kind enough to share. They have learned more tips from others and MANY people have used their tips and appreciate them taking the time. If you don’t think you need cruise tips, don’t read them, or maybe just keep the rudeness to yourself. Have a happy day!

You seem like the type of person we’d like to cruise with, Jade!

People please remember…when cruise lines say no to certain items because of FIRE danger…it is for your safety and everyone on the ships safety. Please dont bring these items. FIRE is the biggest danger for a ship! Hiding things in a drawer will keep you from having them taken away…but using them puts everyone in danger. Please think before you make a decision that can affect 1000’s of people.

I have taken mine and never had a problem. Just let them know ahead of time and they will provide you with an extension cord and water

We use a three way plug and it has never been taken.

Never had a problem with my CPAP machine. I carry it onboard so it doesn’t get lost.

They told me to carry it with me and not to check it through. I put a luggage tag on my case, it amazing how many people have c paps. I never check it when I fly either.

I’ve only been on one cruise, and was having some problems with motion sickness. Someone suggested eating green apples, with the skin. Each day at lunch, I took a green apple back to my room to eat when I’d get out of bed the next morning, while getting ready. Worked great.

Thanks, Melanie! Oh, the power of Mother Nature.

Have taken my battery powered steamer on Carnival many times and only used once, never confiscated. We have a “cruise approved” power outlet; must not be surge protected or you may find it confiscated. We ask the room steward for extra hangers so I pack just a few if any of my own.

Remember, if you are flying, you need to keep your luggage as light as possible and leave room (space and wieght) to bring back souvenirs.

Instead of so many clothes, take a small ziplock with laundry supplies and utilize the facility on board during a sea day. Or spend a little and have your steward take your laundry and do it for you. Trust me well worth it.

The magnets work great for hats, lanyards, purse, small backpack, etc.

I purchased and have fallen in love with the retractible name tag/keychain fobs for our sail cards. They aren’t around our neck, clip on to just about anything (beltloop, bag…) Different colors, so everyone had their own color.

Laundry bag is a must, no matter how much you pack. You have a place for your dirties. If you don’t wash before you head home, just close the bag and put in your luggage.

I’ve never taken a fan, but will be purchasing one; as that is a wonderful tip. Same for the night light.

Packing cubes are phenomenal. We just put the entire cube in a drawer or shelf for items that do not need to hang.

I also take towel chair clamps. They keep my beach towel clamped to the lounge chair. I can also clamp my small bag as well.

We take our cups for filling with water, soda, adult beverages whatever.

Always check out the ‘forbidden or unacceptable’ items on your cruise lines FAQ page.

If you’ve never sailed and would like to, remember catch a reduced or no deposit deal, book as far out as possible to give yourself time to pay it out. Biggest expectation to have is to relax and enjoy yourself.

Happy Cruising everyone.

Wow – great list. Thanks so much for sharing, Tiffany!

I bring hampers, small container of dish liquid, air freshener, disinfectant wipes & 91% alcohol, sometimes needs to freshen the cabin & disinfect the door knobs, drawers, counters & toilet.

Great idea, Esther! Never can be too careful.

If you are taking distilled water with you through Canadian airport, you will need a Doctor’s note or it will be confiscated at security check for “volume” restrictions. Buying at the gift shop will double the costs.

You can bring a cpap machine. Ask your room steward for an extension cord since there isnt a power plug near the bed.

You can always ask for wake up call .I’ve done this on Carnival several times

October seems to be cheapest time to cruise. (For that guy saving for his first cruise, 60th birthday) 🎂🍧👍 I have tips for smuggling alcohol on board… but I’ll keep those to myself. 😜👍 Get motion sickness patches, even if you think you won’t need them… someone else might! AND READ THE DIRECTIONS! I went the whole cruise wearing them wrong! (Hate to admit, but hate for someone else to suffer like I did!)

CPAP machine is allowed. They even sell distilled water so you don’t have to wag that gallon jug from home.

A clap is a medical device, should be carried through security, and we were told should not be charged as a carry on at the airport.

The patches do sometimes cause vision problems and give you tremendous dry mouth. But they do work.

My husband and I both use a CPAP machine and we were on Royal Caribbean. We used ours without a problem. Just needed and extension cord for those, phone’s and a fan.

I JUST DID MY 20TH CARNIVAL CRUISE

I BROUGHT MY OWN HANGERS TO SUPPLEMENT THEIRS, I USED A “VERSACART” INSTEAD OF A SUITCASE (GOOGLE IT) & PACKED THINGS BY CATEGORY IN TOTE BAGS OR STURDY PLASTIC BAGS & THREW INTO THE VERSACART.

I SAVE OLDER BUT NICE CLOTHES I WOULD HAVE DONATED TO GOODWILL &/OR VERY CHEAP CLEARANCE CLOTHES $1-3 & TRY TO USE THAT ON A CRUISE & LEAVE ON THE SHIP AFTERWARDS, SAME FOR OLDER SHOES, ACCESSORIES, ETC. LADIES BRING SOME PRE-CURLED CHEAP CLIP IN HAIR EXTENSIONS FOR FORMAL NIGHT ( I EVEN SPRAY W/ HAIRSPRAY, AFTER THEY DRY, I PUT THEM IN A PLASTIC BAG) OR A WIG (YES THEY R ALL THE RAGE NOW & IF U LIKE TO PURCHASE THE PHOTOS WHY NOT HAVE GREAT HAIR?)MIX N MATCH CLOTHES, DOLLAR STORE OR SAMPLE SIZED COSMETICS, TOSS AT END OF TRIP. GIVES U ROOM FOR ANY NEW PURCHASES & PHOTOS ETC. I ALSO BRING A RUBBERMAID 1 PINT DRINK CONTAINER & FILL UP W/ ICE TEA FROM LIIDO KEEP IN ROOM & GET ICE FROM STEWARD 2X A DAY, PLUS INSULATED TRAVEL MUG FOR COFFEE. WHEN PACKING PUT SMALL ITEMS LIKE MAKEUP & JEWELRY INSIDE THE DRINK CUPS.

I Bring a CPAP on every cruise, no problem. You can even ask them for distilled water and they will bring a gallon for you.

Bring Imodium – if you ask for it you are quarantined to your room for 24 hours. And fed only a clear liquid diet for the first 12 hrs. I have food sensitivities and thought nothing of it! SO glad it was not on a day I wanted to leave the ship or had excursions planned!

I have read many comments of people bringing one, but they do mention needing an extension cord.

I wrap duck tape around a pencil and keep it in my bag.

Towel clips! Or rather the laundry clips from Dollar Tree, besides keeping your towel on your chair you can hang your wet baiting suit in the shower or clip it to a chair on your balcony. I’m a travel agent and always give them to my cruise clients. I give over the door organizers if there are more than just a couple in a cabin. Also lanyards with card holders, pop up laundry holders and magnets for the door. I’m adding insulated tumbler for water and reusable straws to my list of ‘no plastic’ must haves for myself.

Carnival not only confiscated my travel iron last year but when I went to pick it up they handed it to me broken in three pieces. I’ll get a spray dewrinkled for my April cruise.

Thank you Amanda

We use a white noise app to get rid of the outside noises. The magnetic hooks are a great place to dry bathing suits. I never thought of the door organizer. I travel with my three younger children and I’m always kicking aside sneakers, flip flops, water shoes, dressy shoes, etc….this is perfect!!! Thank you!!

You would be amazed at the deals you can find! Be sure you check out drink packages even if non alcohol 🙂 For 2 ppl a 7 night cruise with Norwegian was only $1200 all taxes and fees 🙂 But then you add the small things and they arent much unless u love to shop 🍉🦈🍷🏝🚢 good luck

I have a question, you all talk of night lights, what is wrong with leaving the bath room door cracked a little to offer some light?

The bathroom door swings and bangs with the motion of the ocean when you leave it open.

My husband and I both use CPAP MACHINES just tell your Stewart and you will probably need an extension cord (they can give you one) .. They also have distilled water for the machine just ask. Never had a problem

CPAP is no problem, other than you’ll have to ask for extension cord . We also carry a letter from the doctor for it

You can bring a chap but will need an extension cord because there are no plugs near the bed

I also use battery tea lights, magnetic hooks a laundry bag and a drawstring lay and go makeup bag. In the past, I brought little scented sticks so the cabin smelled fresh. Next, I’m going to try one of those Febreze car vent air fresheners – stick it in the a/c vent in the cabin.

I always take a small first aid kit. you do not want to pay cruise line prices for bad aids or triple antibiotic ointment. I also bring a tiny travel sewing kit. There’s nothing worse then losing a button or finding a small hole in one of your favorite garments.

For especially long cruises with different weather extremes I get much more room out of hanging clothes by making a circle with twistie tie (garden ties on a wheel & cut to size) and hanging a hangar under another hangar. Loop thru neck/hoop part of hangars. I can stack 3-4 items in place of 1. Use in taller rod closet. And can see each piece that way. I do pack hangars – the cheap thin plastic coated metal ones bec ship usually gives you super wide ones.

The vertical shoe holder that Velcro’s on rod is great. Suction cup hooks for mirrors and pictures, and magnetic hooks are great. Some cabin walls hold magnets and some do NOT. Ceiling always seems to take magnets. Bathroom storage shelves range from 2-6 so suction cups on mirror allow to hang holders. Suction cup soap dish works on mirror. But note suction cups do not stick on most shower or bathroom walls. Sticky notes a must. Fan a must for white noise and air movement. I swim a lot so use clip hangars to hang on magnetic hooks. Things dry faster and can hold more. Folding boxes are great too. Pack soft stuff in small duffel bags and can just put whole bag into closet. Thinking very long cruises and weather extremes. Fold up hampers are great. I take an extra one so can carry clean clothes back from laundry room. No transferred smells

I wonder if the tacky stuff will hold papers on walls that do not hold magnets ? Does 3M removable hooks damage walls ?

If room is too hot/cold or too breezy. On one cruise we were dying. No air movement and could not cool room. After a few days complained. Turned out it took 5 min to open up the vent. The people before us had had it almost totally closed off!! Always ask.

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22 cruise cabin hacks that will transform your voyage

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

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

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

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

Add personalization to your cruise cabin

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

Don't be afraid to move the furniture around

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

RELATED: 7 reasons to splurge on a cruise ship suite

Beef up the bathroom supplies in your cabin

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

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

Improve your cruise cabin with helpful gadgets

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

Find clever hacks to create more storage space

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

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

Make use of the space under the bed

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

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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

Over The Door Organizer

$ 17.99 Original price was: $17.99. $ 14.99 Current price is: $14.99.

Hanging Organizers are perfect for organizing your cruise cabin and keeps small items easily accessible.

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Hanging Organizers are perfect for organizing your cruise cabin and closet space, keeping your belongings off the floor and easily accessible. Pockets provide plenty of room for storing things that you need to have easy access to, and the over-the-door design means you can hang it anywhere in your cabin. Make sure your choice of organizer is light weight so it’s easy to travel with.

A few light weight over the door organizers for your cruise cabin:

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25 Tips (That You'll Actually Use) to Organize Your Cabin

Ahoy there! Are you ready to set sail on your next cruise adventure? As a seasoned cruiser, I've learned a thing or two about keeping my  cabin organized  and  making the most of the limited space onboard.  Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, these tips will help you create a  clutter-free and comfortable cabin that you'll truly enjoy.  So, grab your favorite beverage (hot or cold) and let's dive in!

• Are you an over-packer?

Let's start with the age-old dilemma of packing. We all want to be prepared for any occasion, but lugging around heavy suitcases is no fun. As a self-proclaimed over-packer, I understand the struggle. With each cruise, I am getting better and better and am more realistic with what I will actually need. Plan your outfits ahead, considering both daytime and evening attire. Don't forget swimwear and comfortable shoes. Oh, and remember to check your cruise line's dress code for any formal or chic nights. Some cruise lines have a White Evening where everyone wears white. It’s so fun! 😊

• Utilize magnet wall hooks

Ah a must in my opinion! The walls of cruise ship cabins are typically metal, which means you can use magnetic clips and hooks to hang items like hats, sunglasses, jackets, bags, lanyards, or even your daily cruise itinerary. It keeps your floor clear and makes everyone happy!

Another unusual way to use your magnet hooks: We had a nightlight as a light fixture in our cabin that automatically came on with movement. So, if one of us got up early, that light went on and woke the other person. We tried to take the light fixture out, but it felt glued onto the roof, so we decided to leave it there. We ended up placing magnet hooks around the night light on the roof, and then hung a beach towel from the hooks to prevent the movement from being detected. Worked like a charm!

• Get extra hangers, or remove the excess.

When you step into your cabin, you'll likely meet your friendly room steward. Don't hesitate to ask for extra hangers if you need them. Hanging as many items as possible can save space and keep your clothes wrinkle-free. On our last cruise, we had too many hangers! That meant they were clicking together at night with the movement of the ship. Simply ask your steward to remove the extras. Efficiency at its finest!

• Store luggage under your bed

Once you're settled in, unpack your luggage quickly and tuck those suitcases away. If they're collapsible, try nesting one inside the other to save even more space. Some cabin stewards may even offer to stow them under your bed for you. A clear cabin floor creates a sense of openness and helps you move around more comfortably.

• Packing cubes

Ah, packing cubes, my trusty travel companions. These little wonders are a game-changer when it comes to keeping your belongings organized. Not only do they save space, but they also make it easier to find what you need. You can even keep some items in the cubes themselves and place them directly on the shelves or in drawers. Pro tip: If you're traveling with a spouse or children, consider getting different-colored cubes for each family member. It makes sorting and finding their clothes a breeze.

• Over-the-door hanging organizer

Cruise ship bathrooms are notorious for their limited space. But fear not! An over-the-door hanging organizer can work wonders. Hang it on your bathroom door and free up valuable shelf space. You can store everything from lotions and medications to hair products and more. But I wanted to tell you what a  pleasant surprise  we got when we unpacked our luggage in our stateroom on our last cruise. The bed was full! Yep, I overpacked again. Do you do that?

I saw my husband get into action and he took our two 100 lbs. magnet hooks, reached up to the stateroom roof, clicked the magnets on the roof, and proceeded to place our shoe organizer on the magnet hooks. Then he swiftly took everything off the bed and placed it in the shoe organizer compartments! Viola! The bed was clear, and my mind was free of clutter again. Aaah, we were ready for our adventure onboard the Regal Princess. It honestly freed up so much space in our cabin! Its obviously great for shoes, but also creams, lotions, hair accessories, jewelry, cameras, phones, etc.

• Empty out your mini-fridge

If you've brought your own case of water bottles and want to keep them chilled, make room in your mini-fridge. You can also use it to store milk containers from breakfast. (Be sure to check your cruise line's policy on outside food and beverages.) And here's a bonus tip: Ask your room attendant to fill your ice bucket each evening so when you return after a day’s excursion, you’ll have ice ready to go.

• Clear up the counter clutter

Upon entering your cabin, you might find a few unnecessary items on the counters or desk. If you won't be using them, stash them away to create more space. Feel free to ask your cabin steward to remove anything you know you won’t need. It will make your life easier.

• Create a designated "landing zone"

Designate a specific area in your cabin as a "landing zone" where you can place items like your cruise card, sunglasses, keys, and other small essentials that you need to grab quickly when leaving your cabin. This can be a small tray or a wall-mounted hook near the entrance or on the side of a shelf. Having a designated spot for these items will help you keep track of them and prevent them from getting lost or misplaced during your cruise. It also saves you time and avoids the frustration of searching for them when you're in a hurry to head out for an excursion or activity.

By creating a designated "landing zone," you'll have a convenient and organized spot to store your frequently used items, making it easier for you to grab them and go, ensuring a smooth and efficient start to your day on the cruise ship.

• Use the desk wisely

The desk in your cabin can become a multifunctional space. Clear it off and use it as a work area, a vanity, or a charging station for your electronic devices. Consider bringing a small desktop organizer to keep cables, chargers, and other small items organized.

• Bring a multi-port USB charger

With so many gadgets to charge these days, a multi-port USB charger is a lifesaver. Instead of occupying multiple power outlets, you can charge multiple devices simultaneously using just one outlet. It's a space and time-saving solution. Cruise ship cabins usually have limited power outlets. Packing a power strip or extension cord with multiple outlets will allow you to charge your devices and use electrical appliances simultaneously.

• Utilize the under-bed storage

Most cruise ship cabins have beds that can be lifted to reveal storage space underneath. Take advantage of this hidden storage area by stowing away items like shoes, luggage, or bulky items that you don't need frequent access to. This will help declutter your cabin and create a more organized living space.

• Roll your clothes

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space in your suitcase and prevent wrinkles. It also makes it easier to see what you have and find specific items without rummaging through the entire suitcase.

• Bring a collapsible laundry hamper

Instead of tossing dirty clothes on the floor or stuffing them into a plastic bag, bring a collapsible laundry hamper. It keeps your cabin tidy, and when it's time to do laundry, you can simply fold it up and take it to the laundry room.

• Use shower hooks for hanging toiletry bags

To maximize bathroom counter space, hang your toiletry bag on a shower hook. This keeps your toiletries easily accessible while freeing up valuable countertop real estate.

• Make it feel like home and personalize your cruise cabin door with magnetic decorations

One fun and creative way to make your cruise cabin feel more personalized is by decorating your cabin door with magnetic decorations. Many cruise ship cabin doors are made of metal, making them the perfect canvas for displaying magnetic decorations. Consider getting a set of magnetic decorations, such as colorful shapes, letters, or themed designs, that you can easily attach and remove from your door.

Decorating your cabin door not only adds a touch of personality but also makes it easier to identify your cabin among the many others in the hallway. It can also serve as a conversation starter or a way to connect with fellow cruisers who may have similar interests or decorations on their doors.

Before applying any decorations, ensure that they are allowed by your cruise line and follow any guidelines they may have in place. Remember to be respectful of your neighbors and avoid using any decorations that may cause damage or leave adhesive residue.

By personalizing your cruise cabin door with magnetic decorations, you'll add a cheerful and unique touch to your living space while making it easier for you to find your cabin in the bustling hallways.

• Bring a reusable water bottle

Staying hydrated is essential during a cruise. Bringing a reusable water bottle not only helps you save money but also reduces waste. Refill it at the water stations available on the ship and carry it with you throughout the day.

• Keep a daily essentials bag

Prepare a small bag with your daily essentials, including sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a book, and any other items you might need for a day at the pool or during shore excursions. This way, you can grab the bag and go, without having to pack and unpack your larger bags each time.

• Make use of the closet door

The inside of the closet door can be a valuable storage space. Hang a shoe organizer, a jewelry organizer, or even a hanging toiletry bag to keep your belongings easily accessible and off the limited counter space.

• Utilize the cabin safe

Most cruise ship cabins come equipped with a safe. Take advantage of it to store your valuable items such as passports, cash, and jewelry when you're not using them. It's a secure way to keep your valuables protected during your cruise.

• Bring a travel-sized power bank

A portable power bank can be a lifesaver when you're out and about on shore excursions or spending a long day exploring the ship. It ensures that you always have a backup power source for your smartphone or other portable devices.

• Pack a small first aid kit

It's always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit on hand during your cruise. Include items like band-aids, pain relievers, motion sickness medication, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medication you may need. Having these essentials readily available can save you a trip to the ship's medical center for minor issues.

We learned the hard way! My husband stubbed his toe on some rocks while taking a stroll along the beach and climbing a rock formation. We had no access to first aid, so eventually had to head back to the ship’s medical center. It would have been so much easier if we brought along a mini first aid kit!

• Create a daily itinerary!

Keep yourself organized by creating a daily itinerary or schedule for your activities and dining reservations. Use a notebook, a planner, or even an app on your smartphone to jot down the important details. Having a clear plan for each day will help you make the most of your time on the cruise and ensure you don't miss any important events or reservations.

• Label your luggage!

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, your luggage will be taken and delivered to your cabin. To easily identify your bags among the sea of suitcases, attach colorful luggage tags or use brightly colored ribbons. This will not only make it easier for you to spot your luggage, but it will also help the porters identify it quickly for prompt delivery.

• Keep a small notepad and pen in your cabin.

Having a small notepad and pen in your cabin can be handy for jotting down important information, making to-do lists, or leaving notes for your cabin steward. It's a simple yet effective way to stay organized and ensure you don't forget any important details during your cruise.

As you prepare for your upcoming cruise adventure, remember that organizing your cabin can greatly  enhance your overall experience.  By following these tips and tricks, you'll be able to  maximize your space, keep your belongings in order, and create a comfortable and inviting home away from home.

But beyond practicality,  organizing your cabin is about more than just tidiness — it's about creating a sanctuary where you can relax, unwind, and truly immerse yourself in the joy of cruising .  As a seasoned traveler, I can attest that  a well-organized cabin can make all the difference in how you feel during your voyage.

So, pack light but realistically, get those extra hangers, utilize storage under the bed, and invest in packing cubes and over-the-door organizers. Take advantage of magnetic hooks, pop-up hampers, and mesh laundry bags. And don't forget about the little touches, like a nightlight, a fan if needed, and plenty of outlets for your gadgets.

By implementing these tips, you'll not only stay organized but also make the most of your time on the ship.  Embrace the freedom to explore, relax, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Now, go forth and embark on your cruise adventure with a  sense of excitement   and a cabin that feels like your personal oasis. Bon voyage!

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Cruise Cabin Hanging Organizer [15 Large Pockets] White Mesh

Our Over-the-Door Organizer is the perfect solution for efficient storage !

This space saving product is ideal for your:

• kitchen pantry
• cruise cabin
• anywhere else you're looking to save space

The Over the Door Hanging Organizer is very compact and lightweight, making assembly extremely easy.

When assembled, it's been proven to hold over 50 lbs ! When disassembled, it's foldable and compact taking up very little space (roughly the size of a folded shirt).

• EASY ASSEMBLY : the product assembles in seconds. Simply hang the three included hooks on the back of any standard-sized door. Then attach the hanging door organizer and start saving space. The hooks are high-quality, durable metal and made thin to hang on cruise cabin doors, closets, and all other normal doors.
• HIGH QUALITY : our 3-hook support provides much more stability and less sagging when compared to the cheaper, 2-hook models!
• MACHINE WASHABLE : the breathable, mesh fabric stays much cleaner than comparable space saving hangers with vinyl pockets. Avoid all odors and mold with our mesh hanging organizer!
• FIRE RETARDANT : many cruise lines and colleges require that your hanging organizer must be fire retardant. Our mesh, nylon material has been treated with a fire retardant application to make it fully compliant with these cruise line regulations.

Will it fit my door?

Do the " Quarter Test !" Our door hanging hooks are the exact thickness of a quarter. Place the coin on the top of your door and make sure it shuts. Also, be sure to check the front of the door (between the door jam & door front). If you can close the door with a quarter in there, you'll be all set!

Customer Reviews

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Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer Review

• Must Have Items
• October 15, 2023

Imagine never having to worry about the limited storage space in your cruise cabin again. With the Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer, you can take control of your organization and maximize every inch of available space. This 15-pocket shoe holder and essentials storage solution is designed to fit perfectly on the back of your cruise cabin door, making use of that often neglected area. With its simple hanger and oversized, clear pockets, you can easily store and locate your shoes and other items that traditional organizers simply can’t accommodate. Plus, with its breathable, machine washable mesh fabric, you won’t have to worry about stains or odors. And to top it all off, this hanging organizer is fire retardant, approved and allowed by all major cruise lines. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a stress-free vacation with the Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer.

Table of Contents

Why Consider This Product?

When going on a cruise, staying organized is essential. That’s why you should consider the Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer. With its impressive features and benefits, this product will not disappoint. Scientific research and customer testimonials support its effectiveness, making it a reliable choice for cruise enthusiasts. Additionally, it has relevant certifications and endorsements, boosting its credibility in the market.

Features and Benefits

Use the behind door space.

Maximize the space behind your cruise cabin door with this hanging organizer. Whether it’s the main, bathroom, or adjoining door, this organizer can be easily installed. Its generous dimensions of 24×60 inches ensure a perfect fit for most common doors.

Large and Clear Pockets

With 15 spacious and clear pockets, this organizer can accommodate a variety of items, including oversized shoes. Unlike other organizers, it can easily hold larger items, making it a versatile storage solution for your cruise essentials.

Easy Installation

Gone are the days of struggling with complicated installations. This hanging organizer can be effortlessly hung in just 20 seconds. Thanks to its three extra-durable steel hooks, it securely fastens to the back of any door, providing instant storage convenience.

Machine Washable and Odor-Free

Keep your organizer clean and fresh with its machine washable feature. Made of breathable white mesh, it won’t stain or smell like plastic organizers, ensuring long-term usability.

Product Quality

Crafted with utmost precision and attention to detail, the Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer guarantees exceptional quality. Its flame retardant materials make it approved and allowed by all major cruise lines, such as Carnival and Royal. This highlights its commitment to safety and adhering to industry standards.

What It’s Used For

Efficient cabin organization.

The primary use of this organizer is to help you keep your cruise cabin tidy and organized. By utilizing the space behind the door, you can neatly store your shoes, accessories, and other essentials. It eliminates clutter and provides easy access to your belongings throughout your cruise.

Multipurpose Storage Solution

Aside from cabin organization, this hanging organizer offers versatile storage options. Use it to store toiletries, electronics, and even snacks. Its large pockets accommodate a wide range of items, ensuring that everything has its place.

Convenient Travel Companion

Beyond its use on cruises, this organizer is also a perfect travel companion for any trip. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or vacation rental, you can easily hang it on the doors, allowing you to stay organized wherever you go.

Neat and Compact

Unlike traditional storage methods, this hanging organizer keeps everything in one place, preventing your belongings from scattering around the cabin or getting lost. Its compact design saves valuable space, making it ideal for small cruise cabins.

Product Specifications

Who needs this.

The Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer is a must-have for anyone going on a cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this organizer will simplify your packing and keep your cabin clutter-free. It’s especially beneficial for those who appreciate a well-organized space and want to make the most of limited cabin storage.

Pros and Cons

• Maximizes space behind the cabin door
• Fits most common doors perfectly
• Large and clear pockets accommodate oversize items
• Easy and quick installation
• Machine washable and odor-free
• Approved and allowed by all major cruise lines
• Requires a door to hang on

FAQ’s

Can this organizer be used on any cruise ship? Yes, the Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer is approved and allowed by all cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal.

Will it fit on my cabin door? The dimensions of 24×60 inches ensure a perfect fit for most common doors on cruise ships.

How many pockets does it have? This organizer features 15 oversize, clear pockets to accommodate various items.

Is it easy to install? Yes, with its three extra-durable steel hooks, you can hang the organizer in just 20 seconds.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers love the Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer for its convenience and functionality. Many praise its durable construction and how it streamlines their cruise experience. They appreciate the ample storage space and the ability to keep their cabin tidy and clutter-free. Overall, customers highly recommend this organizer to fellow cruise enthusiasts.

Overall Value

The Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer offers excellent value for its price. Its impressive features, quality craftsmanship, and convenience make it a worthwhile investment for anyone going on a cruise. By keeping your cabin organized and your essentials within reach, this organizer enhances your overall cruise experience.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

• Before installing the organizer, ensure that the surface behind the door is clean and dry.
• Utilize the clear pockets by categorizing your items for easy identification and access.
• To prevent overloading, distribute the weight of items evenly between pockets.
• Take advantage of the machine washable feature by regularly cleaning the organizer to maintain its freshness.

Final Thoughts

Product summary.

The Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer 15 Pocket White Cabin Organization Shoe Holder & Cruise Essentials Storage is a game-changer for cruise cabin organization. With its generous storage capacity, easy installation, and top-notch quality, it is a highly recommended product for cruise enthusiasts. Made of breathable white mesh, it remains odor-free and machine washable, while being approved by all major cruise lines.

Final Recommendation

If you want to make the most of your cruise experience by staying organized, the Cruise On Large Mesh Over Door Hanging Organizer is a must-have. Its large pockets, effortless installation, and versatility will revolutionize the way you pack and keep your cabin clutter-free. Invest in this organizer and enjoy a stress-free and well-organized cruise vacation.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Matt and Carol

Hi, We are Matt and Carol and we're delighted to welcome you to Cruising Market! As the authors behind this website, we are passionate about providing helpful information for both new and experienced cruisers. Whether you're looking to learn more about vacationing on a cruise ship, seeking answers to commonly asked questions, or simply in search of exciting things to do and places to see on your upcoming voyage, we've got you covered. Additionally, you can even discover some amazing items that are essential for a memorable cruise experience. Join us as we navigate the incredible world of cruising together!

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Tips and information to help you get excited about your next cruise vacation

27 Smart Cruise Cabin Organization Tips

Most cruise ship cabins are smaller than hotel rooms.  Make the most of the small space and keep your stateroom tidy with these 27 clever cruise cabin organization tips.

This article contains  affiliate links . If you click a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please see the  Disclosure page.

27 Clever Cruise Cabin Organization Tips

1.  ask for extra hangers.

Make better use of the cruise closet space by asking your stateroom attendant for extra hangers.  Hanging up most of your clothes not only saves drawer and shelf space but it helps keep your clothes from getting wrinkled. 

If you are looking for other tips How to Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle Free on a Cruise then click over to this post.

2. Store Empty Suitcase Under the Bed

On embarkation day, as soon as your luggage arrives outside your cabin door, unpack.  Store your empty suitcase under your bed.  This is a great cruise cabin organization tip.  An empty suitcase takes up way too much cabin space.

3. Use Packing Cubes in Drawers

Use packing cubes in the drawers for smaller items like undies and swimsuits.  This makes better use of the drawer space as it keeps those smaller things from sliding around and taking up more space than needed.

4. Hanging Toiletry Bag

The cruise lines do design the ship bathrooms to make efficient use of the space, however, the cruise ship bathrooms can quickly and easily get cluttered.

The one above is a medium size. My daughter uses this one . I have the extra large size for me and my husband (purple one below). Clicking the links will take you to Amazon if you want to check them out. I like that the extra large one sits nice on the counter for hotel travel.

A hanging toiletry bag makes better use of the small bathrooms and keeps them looking a lot less cluttered.  Hang your toiletry bag on the back of the bathroom door to save counter space.

What Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise {Ultimate List} will help ensure you have packed everything you need.

5. Pop Up Hamper

A smaller mesh pop up laundry hamper is a great cruise cabin organization tip to keep your dirty laundry in one spot rather than all over the bottom of the cruise closet. 

An alternate cruise organization hack for dirty laundry is to store it in your empty suitcase under the bed. 

I do find the pop up hamper the easier way to deal with dirty laundry rather than bending down and sliding out the suitcase each time you have something to add.   If you are cruising with kids or teens, they may be more likely to use the hamper and less likely to just throw the clothes on the floor.

More smart cruise cabin organization tips

6. laundry bag.

A laundry bag is another way to deal with dirty clothes. 

The advantage to using a laundry bag is that at the end of the cruise you can toss this laundry bag into your suitcase, and you are more than half packed. 

7.  Magnetic Clips

Magnetic clips are a great cruise organization hack and a great way to keep the papers organized. 

I like to keep all the daily schedules as souvenirs.  Magnetic clips are a great way to keep the papers all together and off the desk or tabletop.  Papers scattered all over an area look cluttered and messy.

Pack yourself a couple strong magnetic clips for your next cruise.

8. Magnetic Hooks – Smart cruise cabin organization tips

Magnetic hooks are a clever cruise organization tip.  Cruise ship walls are magnetic.  Magnetic hooks make use of the empty wall space and keeps your flat surfaces clutter free.

Use strong magnetic hooks in your cruise stateroom to hang things like your cruise lanyard with your cruise card, hat, and sunglasses.

Find magnetic hooks here .

9. Store Souvenirs in Your Empty Suitcase

The suitcase you stored under your bed becomes your souvenir storage.  Rather than have bags of souvenirs on the floor, desk, or in the closet, store them in your empty suitcase under the bed. 

This doubles as a time saver as it is now prepacked.

10. Create a Message Center

While it’s not necessarily a cruise stateroom organization tip, it is a cruise hack to keep your family and cruising party organized. 

A message center in your cruise cabin is simply a place for everyone staying your room to leave and read notes.

This is a great cruise hack when travelling with teens.  You can leave little notes to let your teens know where they can find you or when you will return and vice versa. This is essential if you don’t have the cruise line texting packagein their app.

A simple note like “gone to the waterslides, back by 4 to get ready for dinner” is helpful and can save a lot of waiting around.

How to create a cruise message center

There are 2 simple ways you can create a cruise message center.

• Use Magnetic Clips

Use your magnetic clips to attach a few pieces of paper to the wall by the door.  Be sure to pack a pen.  A pen will sit nicely on top of the magnetic clip.

2 . Post it Notes

Throw a package of Post It Notes and a pen in your cruise luggage for a cheap and easy message center. 

Leave the sticky notes and pen in the same spot so everyone knows where to find them.

11.  Hang Wet Clothes on the Clothesline in the Bathroom

The showers in the cruise ship bathrooms have a retractable clothesline.  This is perfect for hanging wet bathing suits.  Never hang towels or clothes on your balcony. 

You can see the clothesline in the picture of the hanging toiletry bag above.

12. Keep Your Electronic Accessories Organized

Charging cords, cables, electronic devices, and accessories hanging around can look messy fast. 

There are a few ways to keep these things organized in your cruise cabin.

• Velcro cable ties

Wrap cords up that aren’t in use and store them along with other accessories (earphones, extra batteries, etc.) in on of your empty packing cubes. Velcro straps are great for this.

•   Electronics accessories organizer bag

A bag like this Is great option as it keeps your organized on your cruise but as well as for packing all these small items.

• Packing cubes

Use one of the smaller packing cubes in your set to keep your electronics and cables together.

On our last cruise we used both a packing cube and a small organizer. This worked well for us. In the packing cube we kept all our Go Pro accessories, camera charger, and other cables. The small organizer we brought in our airplane carry on bag. This held things like Airpods, charger cable, and extra camera battery.

Any of the above options could work for you, it depends on how many electronics and electronic accessories you have.

13. Non-Surge Protected Power Strip

Speaking of electronics.  You may want to add a power strip to your packing list.  Often there are minimal electrical outlets in the staterooms. 

A power strip or power cube is a great way to minimize fighting over who gets to charge their cell phone next, especially if you are sharing a room with several family members. 

It is important that the power bar you bring has a NON surge protector.  This is critical as others will be confiscated. 

This is the one we have. You can find it here .

I like it as it has USB ports as well as extra outlets.

14. Envelope for Small Bills

Keep an envelope in the desk drawer with a few small bills for room service tips.  This is a great idea especially if you are cruising with older teens and they are ordering room service on their own. 

An envelope in a drawer is easy access, rather than having to go in and out of the safe.

15. Over the Door Organizer

Many cruisers like to use a clear pocket shoe organizer over the back of the bathroom door to create more storage space. 

There are several pockets allowing you to store and easily see things like suntan lotion, toiletries, hair products, and motion sickness medication.

I personally have found that my hanging toiletry bag (#4 above) provides enough space. However, other cruisers swear by the shoe organizer as a way to organize their toiletries.

16. Jewelry Organizer

A jewelry organizer is important if you travel with a lot of jewelry. An organizer like this will not only keep your room tidier but also keep things from being a tangled mess or from losing them.

17. Hang Your Towels

If you plan to reuse your bathroom towels, hang them up. The small bathroom will look way less cluttered if there aren’t towels all over the counter and floor. If you want your towels exchanged, put them on your shower floor. This will signal to your cabin steward that you want fresh towels and control the clutter.

18. Keep Things Tidy

This probably goes without saying but put things away after you use them.  Cruise stateroom organization tips won’t help you if you don’t put things away.  A tidy room also helps your room steward out.

19. Put Room Service Trays Outside the Door

If you order room service, put your dirty dishes and tray out in the hallway. It will keep your cruise cabin tidier and it is what most cruise lines prefer you do with your dirty dishes.

Useful cruise cabin hacks

20. use shampoo and conditioner bars – ultimate travel hack.

This is my favorite cruise travel hack. Shampoo and conditioner bars take up way less space and are less messy than bottles.

Some cruise lines provide shampoo and conditioner while others don’t. For example on our last cruises, Carnival provided shampoo but not conditioner. Royal Caribbean provided only a body wash/shampoo combo. To be on the safe side I pack shampoo bars.

Shampoo bars last a long time and are available for all hair types.

21.  Light Switch Card

Many of the newer ships have light switches that require your key card or another card to be inserted.  This has been implemented to save power.

Bring an old gift card with you to use as your light switch activator.  You can use a magnetic clip to hang that card by the switch when you leave the room.

This saves you from having to pull your card out of the plastic holder on your lanyard.  If you want other options for carrying your cruise card, read 6 ways to carry your cruise card.

Be sure to remove that card when you leave your cabin.  This cruise cabin hack isn’t meant to abuse the system. 

I have read that a library card or a business card works as well but don’t use credit cards.

22. Cruise Cabin TVs – Interior cabin hack

As you probably know, interior cabins or staterooms don’t have a window to the outside.  The TV in your room will have a channel with the webcam showing outside. 

Check this out in the mornings before heading out to see if it’s raining, overcast, or a beautiful sunny day.  This is the easiest way to check the weather for the day if you have an interior or inside room.

This saves your from heading out to the pool deck with your beach bag and towel clips in hand only head back because it’s pouring rain.

23.  Night Light

A lot of people like to pack a night light for their cruise vacation.  Especially if they are staying in an interior cabin and especially if travelling with small children. 

The interior cabins are very dark at night.  This is great for sleeping but not so much for late night trips to the bathroom.  A night light can be helpful. 

You could pack a battery-operated tap on tap off light or one that has a soft glow all night long.

I personally just use my cell phone for light if I must get up in the night.  I find the light just from the screen being on enough.

24.  Alarm Clock

Most cruise ships (if not all) don’t have alarm clocks like hotel rooms do.  Travel alarm clocks are one of those cruise accessories that you may or may not decide you need.  It is a don’t take up much space at all should you decide to bring one along.

I again just use my cell phone.

25. Make Use of Your Safe

Your stateroom will have a small safe that you program with your own 4 digit code. Be sure to use it to store your passport and other valuables.

26. Poo-pourri Spray

Packing a bottle of Poo-pourri spray is a great cruise cabin hack, especially if you don’t have a balcony. Without a balcony you don’t have any fresh air coming into your stateroom.

Poo-pourri is a before you go spray. We have the lavender vanilla scent . It works surprisingly well. You spray the water 4-5 times before you go.

27. Travel fan

This cruise cabin hack is for those who like white noise or the feel of constant air movement. A travel fan like this might be something you want to consider.

I hope you have found these cruise cabin organization tips and hacks useful. Here are some other articles you might find helpful as well.

11 Clever cruise packing tips

21 Best things to bring on a cruise

Stylish all white cruise outfits

Things I wish I’d known before my first cruise

Important things to do before a cruise

• Interior Accessories
• Consoles & Organizers
• Trays & Bags

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Over The Door Organizer & Shoe Holder (Fire Retardant | White Mesh) 15 Pocket by Cruise On

About this item.

• 🛳️ HUGE STORAGE: use the behind door space of your cruise cabin door (main, bathroom or adjoining door). Measures 24x60 inches, fits perfectly with most common doors.
• 🛳️ LARGE POCKETS: 15 oversize, clear pockets fitting most shoes & items other organizers cannot fit.
• 🛳️ SIMPLE HANGER: hang in 20 seconds on the back of any door with our 3 extra-durable steel hooks.
• 🛳️ MACHINE WASHABLE: made of breathable, white mesh so won't stain nor smell like plastic organizers.
• 🛳️ FLAME RETARDANT: fire retardant so approved and allowed by all cruise lines (Carnival, Royal, etc).
• 🇺🇸 Made by US-based Cruise On 💙 your trusted Cruise Accessories brand for all essentials & vacation must haves.

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Product Description

One of the best cruise accessories in our must have cruise items kit, this Over the Door Hanging Organizer will make your cruse cabin clean and efficient!

Here are just a few features making our over-the-door organizers perfect for your cruise:

• Travel sized : our mesh organizer is foldable and compact when not in use. It takes very little luggage space so you can fit more cruise essentials or that extra set of shoes. When collapsed, our item is roughly the size of a folded polo shirt!
• Washable : the mesh nylon is machine washable to stay fresh and clean for many cruise vacations to come. Unlike clear, plastic shoe organizers, this will not mold nor crack.
• Durable : we've successfully tested our product with over 40 pounds of material. It will hold all of the lotions, cameras, water bottles, maps, books, magazines, shoes, fruits, veggies, pets (not recommended) or other.
• Cruise Approved : to adhere to the policies of Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL, etc, we've made our mesh material fire and flame retardant. This is not possible in plastic shoe holders we see so often used.

Assembly is incredibly simple . Simply hang the three included hooks on the back of any cruise cabin door (or other). Then attach the hanging door organizer and start saving space. The hooks are high-quality, durable metal and made thin to hang on cruise cabin doors, closets, and all other normal doors.

Our 3-hook support provides much more stability and less sagging when compared to the cheaper, 2-hook models! And our breathable, mesh fabric stays much cleaner than the space saving hangers with vinyl pockets.

Will it fit my door?

Do the “Quarter Test!” Our door hanging hooks are the exact thickness of a quarter. Place the coin on the top of your door and make sure it shuts. Also, be sure to check the front of the door (between the door jam & door front). If you can close the door with a quarter in there, you’ll be all set! Cruise cabins easily pass this test.

Where in my cruise cabin should I hang it?

Many cruisers hang it on the back of their bathroom door. However, bathroom doors on cruise ships are typically narrow. We advise cruisers to hang it on the adjoining door leading to the neighboring cabin. That makes for easy access from anywhere in your stateroom. That door is rarely used, too, so the organizer won't be swinging around every time you use the bathroom!

Don't wait. This extremely popular item is among our customers favorite Cruise Essentials and it often sells out!

Cruise Cabin Hanging Organizer

Made by cruisers for cruisers. Your hanging organizer tops our Cruise Essentials list.

Cruise Cabin Organizer Features

Cruise Approved

Our hanging organizer is compliant with all major cruise line policies and allowed on all cruise ships.

Cruise Cabin Hanging Storage

Cruise Hack - Use Vertical Space!

Remove cruise cabin clutter and easily access all of your essentials in one convenient location.

IDEAL FOR STORING

No more clutter. Easily store shoes, sandals, books, magazines, electronics, purses, wallets, towels, beauty products, liquid containers, toys & games, hats, scarves, and all of the cruise essentials and accessories you'll need for your vacation!

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Here's our hanging organizer used on a Royal Caribbean Ship.

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Our hanging organizer on the back of a Carnival Cruise Ship adjoining stateroom door.

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Our cruise cabin organizer saving tons of space on N orwegian Cruise Line.

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12 Genius Cruise Ship Bathroom Hacks and Organization Tips

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Cruise Bathroom Organization Tips and Useful Accessories

If cruise cabins are small, then cruise ship bathrooms are even smaller! Unless you’re cruising in a suite, you’ll find that your cabin is smaller and “cozier” than a hotel room.

For this reason, you’ll want to keep your cruise cabin bathroom well organized. In this post, I’ll share some awesome cruise bathroom hacks and organization tips, as well as the best cruise travel accessories to bring on your cruise.

I’ll also include a cruise toiletry packing list at the bottom of this post.

Cruise Ship Bathrooms – What to Expect

Just like cruise cabins are different than hotel rooms, so are the bathrooms. If you have a standard inside, ocean view or balcony cabin, you’ll usually have a single sink, a few very small shelves, and a “cozy” sized shower. 

On most cruise ships, you’ll have to upgrade to a mini or junior suite to have a bathtub. If you do need a small bathtub for young children, I’ll share a useful tip later on.

Some showers have glass doors, while others have shower curtains.

Cruise bathroom amenities

Bathroom amenities can vary from one cruise line to another, however you’ll usually have shower gel, a basic shampoo and sometimes you’ll be provided with conditioner. Personally, I bring my own favorite shampoo and conditioner, as well as other hair products. 

The bathroom tissue and toilet paper is just fine – no need to bring from home ;-).

You’ll be provided with fresh towels daily and as needed. Don’t be shy if you need more towels. Your cabin steward will be happy to oblige.

In your stateroom, you’ll find a hotel quality hairdryer.

12 Cruise Bathroom Cabin Organization Hacks & Accessories

A few travel items and organization products can make your life much easier on a cruise. However, in this post I’ll be sharing more than products – and some tips you can use that don’t cost a thing. In many cases, you can even bring items from home.

Organizing Your Cruise Bathroom Shelves

Remember when I said cruise bathrooms are small? Well, that goes for the bathroom counter space too. So, a handy cruise bathroom hack is to use the small shelves to keep only the few items you use every day.

Your cruise bathroom will have small shelves, usually on the left and right of the mirror. Under the sink, you’ll often have a shelf, and sometimes a small closed cupboard space. 2 glasses are usually provided.

Items that aren’t used every day, are best stored off the counters and shelves, to avoid clutter.

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, floss and other items can go on one shelf. We usually use one of the glasses provided in the bathroom to hold our toothbrushes. You can still keep a cover on your toothbrushes to keep them clean, but this will keep things organized.

Other shelves can hold deodorant, face creams and other items that will be used at least once a day. They are pretty small shelves, so they won’t hold much.

12 Useful Cruise Ship Bathroom Accessories

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Here are some practical cruise accessories to keep your bathroom organized on a cruise.

1. Over the door organizer

An over the door organizer is one of the most recommended items to keep organized on a cruise. My suggestion, if you use this, is to hang it on the outside of the washroom door, closet door or even on a cabin wall.

The nice thing about this, is that you can keep so many things in it, yet everything has it’s own space.

Whether it’s sunscreen, hair brushes, ties and clips, disinfectant wipes, or laundry stain remover, it’s all there. You can keep a pouch for every everything!

Cruise Packing Tip – A friend of mine packs the organizer ahead of time and puts in her luggage. When it’s time to unpack, she simply hangs it up.

Recommended: Over the door organizer closet (check reviews on Amazon)

An FYI – On Disney Cruises, you aren’t allowed to bring and hang over the door organizers, as they can damage the bathroom door. In this case, you can hang from the wall or ceiling with magnetic hooks, or inside a closet door.

Here are the magnetic hooks I mentioned, which are very handy for keep your whole cabin organized.

2. Magnetic hooks for cruise cabin walls

Cruise cabin walls are magnetic – isn’t that cool ? Seriously, magnetic hooks are a lifesaver!

Recommended: Heavy duty magnet hooks (amazon)

3. Hanging toiletry bag

To keep your bathroom organized on your cruise, one of the best things is a space-saving hanging toiletry bag . 

This one is my personal favorite (it’s so cute!).

The separate clear plastic pouches attach and detach with velcro. It can be used as a makeup bag, or any other toiletry items. It hangs on the inside of the cruise ship bathroom, where there are hooks on the door.

It comes including silver grey, black and bright pink and it’s the best toiletry bag I’ve ever had!

Recommended: Toiletry Bag for women and men (check reviews and color options on Amazon)

4. Bathroom Spray

One of the most important cruise bathroom hacks is managing bathroom smells. Since cruise cabins are small, your bathroom is pretty close to where you’ll be sleeping or hanging out. Therefore, a bathroom spray is handy, for obvious reasons. 

Handy tip – Spraying Poupourri into the toilet “before you go” is best to really eliminate odors. It does more than mask odors, which is why the original Poupourri (amazon link) is most often recommended.

Recommended: Poopourri bathroom spray

Managing Laundry on a Cruise

While not a specific cruise ship bathroom hack, managing cruise ship laundry definitely overlaps (and can lead to a messy and disorganized bathroom space).

Here are a few cruise laundry hacks that will be helpful, especially when traveling with children or for cruises longer than 5 days.

While some cruise ships have a self service laundrette, many cruise ships don’t. You can definitely send clothing to be washed and pressed on your cruise ship, but it isn’t cheap.

Using your cruise bathroom, you can manage pretty well, even during long cruises.

Here are a few tips and tricks for keep your outfits fresh, clean and wrinkle free during your cruise . 

5. Travel Portable Mini Washing Machine

This handy little item is awesome for traveling, for washing a few items quickly. If you’re cruising with kids , this might just be a life saver!

Recommended: Portable Mini Washing Machine (USB powered – see more info on Amazon)

Handwashing items in your bathroom sink

6. Travel size laundry detergent

If you plan on using this item, a laundrette, or hand washing items in your cruise bathroom sink, make sure to bring travel size laundry detergent as well.

7. Mesh laundry bags

As you have laundry, throw them in your mesh laundry bags and put them away in your suitcase. A handy tip to keep your cabin clutter free is to store your luggage under your bed.

This mesh pop up laundry hamper is good to keep near your bathroom or closet as laundry accumulates. It folds away quickly and doesn’t take up room in your luggage.

8. Stain remover stick 

I don’t go anywhere without a travel size tide-to-go instant stain remover stick (on a cruise, it’s even more important). For pen stains or coffee or anything else, it will save your cruise outfit!

Recommended: Tide to Go Stain remover sticks

Remove Cruise Outfit Wrinkles – Bathroom Shower Trick

Did you know that there aren’t any irons in cruise cabins? Since irons are a fire hazard, they are on a list of prohibited items on a cruise ship.

So, how do you get wrinkles out? Many people use the old hot shower trick. This is when you hand your outfit or clothing item in the bathroom during your hot shower. Hot water won’t be enough – you really need the steam from the shower.

9. Wrinkle release spray

Personally, I like to combine it with a little Wrinkle Release Spray for better results.

Recommended: Wrinkle release spray

Read more: How to Pack Wrinkle Free for a Cruise .

10. Clothes pegs

There’s often (but not always) a small clothes line in the cabin shower area. If you have some clothes pins at home, you can pack these for your cruise.

Alternatively, you can pack a portable clothesline that already has pegs attached.

Recommended: Easy travel clothesline (read over 4000 Amazon reviews)

Cruising with Babies Bathtub Hack

11. Inflatable baby pool

One of the tips I’ve learned from other cruisers traveling with very young kids and babies is to bring a very small blow up pool, which can be placed in the shower base. You can create your own baby bath tub, and then store it away.

Cruise Bathroom Items and Toiletries Packing List

On most cruise ships, you’ll have soap and shower gel provided, as well as shampoo and sometimes conditioner. Certain cabin categories may have more amenities.

12. Travel sized containers

It’s a good idea to pack smaller quantities of your favorite toiletries for travels. If you’re planning to cruise carry on only, or simple pack light for your cruise , these are perfect!

Remember to make sure that containers are leak-proof and TSA approved, so you can use them on travels for years to come.

Recommended:  Leak proof travel bottles (TSA approved – see almost 2000 great reviews)

These are great for lotions and powders:

Recommended:  Travel sized containers – TSA approved

Cruise Toiletries Packing List

Here’s a toiletries packing list for your cruise. Please adapt this to your needs and preferences.

• Shampoo and conditioner (if needed)
• Hair products (gels, hairspray)
• Hair accessories (elastics & hair clips)
• Toothbrushes
• Face creams
• After sun care (aloe vera)
• Make up remover
• Over the counter medication ( see first aid packing list here )
• Disinfectant wipes
• Stain remover sticks
• Wrinkle Spray
• Children’s items

More Cruise Packing Guides:

31 Cruise First Aid Kit Essentials You Need to Have

23 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag

20 Cruise Packing Tips all Cruisers Need

What to Pack in Your Cruise Shore Excursion Day Bag

The Pros and Cons of Packing Cubes for Cruise Vacations

How to Pack Light for a Cruise

Final thoughts: Awesome Cruise Ship Bathroom Hacks, Toiletries and Accessories

Keeping your cruise bathroom organized and having some much needed cruise accessories can make a big difference in how you enjoy the time spent in your stateroom. I’ve included a cruise toiletry packing list, to help you have everything you need for your next cruise vacation!

What tips and cruise travel hacks do you have, for keeping your cruise cabin bathroom organized, and making sure you have everything you need? Please let me know 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!

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I get the $1 folding cloth boxes at Dollar Tree and put them in bathroom and on desk, great for storing loose items. I also hang my necklaces from magnetic hooks right by my bed.

Great tip! Thanks Bette

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Carnival Cruise Line confirms ban on a popular cabin hack

C ruise cabins are small so cruisers get very innovative when it comes to how they use their space. Some people like to bring hanging shoe bags which can be used to store small items in addition to their shoes.

In many cases, people bring magnetic metal hooks in order to be able to hang some items and keep them off the floor. Others use their suitcase for storage or as a hamper slipping it under the bed.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line outlines strict boarding rule for passengers

Every cruiser has their preferred method of maximizing space which can be important when multiple people are staying in a room that has limited storage. Newer ships have generally improved upon this with clever designs that make seemingly every inch of space usable, but there's only so much you can do in a space that's only about 180 square feet — which could have as many as four passengers sharing the room.

It's a challenge that many cruisers take very seriously, but there are also some things you are not allowed to do in a cruise cabin. You can't, for example, hang clothes out to dry on a balcony nor can you drag a mattress out there for a balcony nap. 

Both of those seem like obvious no-nos, but you'd be surprised how often someone sees their bathing suit blown away because they were breaking the the no drying rule. Carnival Cruise Line has another hard and fast rule which the company's brand ambassador John Heald felt compelled to address on his Facebook page.

You can't do this on a Carnival cruise ship   

Heald responded on his Facebook page to a viral photo of a cruise cabin where someone had rigged a ceiling fan by using pullies and magnets attached to the ceiling. It is not known what cruise line the picture was taken on.

"There were multiple posts about this from various people yesterday and I want to confirm that we do not allow anything like this to be done. Nothing hanging or taped or magnetized or tied to the ceiling is allowed and for obvious safety reasons. Thank you for your understanding everyone," Heald wrote.

There is one situation where Carnival makes a bit of an exception.

"After conversation with the beards I should’ve noted that we do allow those people using CPAP machines to use magnets to attach the wiring across the ceiling down to the power point (plug) by the dresser. But nothing, nothing at all can be hung from the ceiling," he added. "I do apologize for any confusion."

Carnival passengers push back

A number of Heald's followers shared situations where they hang things from the ceiling and have not been told to take them down.

"We hang shower curtains with magnets for privacy (have never had a problem) people put magnetic ceiling fans, carnival staff hangs decorations. So things are hung from the ceiling," Elisabeth Given Wascher posted.

Some people lamented that Carnival, at least on many ships, does not offer an outlet near the bed, while Kenny Walker had his own solution.

"There's no need to hang anything from the ceiling. Just use the extension cord during the night, unplug it and stuff it under the bed during the day. I lay a towel over the cord at night so no one trips over it in the dark going to the bathroom," he wrote.

The challenge for passengers is that rules vary by cruise line so some "hacks" posted on social media may not be allowed on the ship you happen to be sailing on.

"I'm glad you said something. I guess MSC does allow it. Yes so some aren't sure what's allowed because many hints on YouTube and in groups suggest them," Dawn M. Vunk posted.

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Apart Hotel Yantar is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this 3-star hotel offers free parking and free WiFi. It's located 1.9 mi (3 km) from Electrostal History and Art Museum. Another good option is Apartments , located 4.6 mi (7.4 km) away.

Hotel Mys Otdykha Nadezhda : Offers spa services, an indoor pool, and free parking. Park Hotel Yahonty Noginsk and Areal Congress Hotel are a couple of other choices that feature an onsite pool.

Visitors can enjoy all that Elektrostal has to offer including its museums. There are 35 hotels and other accommodations in the surrounding area. Find out more about Elektrostal .

A favorite place to visit is Electrostal History and Art Museum . You'll also find History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum and Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino in the area. Check out what more to see and do in Expedia's Elektrostal guide .

The hottest months are usually July and August with an average temp of 63°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 22°F. The snowiest months in Elektrostal are December, November, February, and January, with each month seeing an average of 38 inches of snowfall.

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Victor M. Mukhin was born in 1946 in the town of Orsk, Russia. In 1970 he graduated the Technological Institute in Leningrad. Victor M. Mukhin was directed to work to the scientific-industrial organization "Neorganika" (Elektrostal, Moscow region) where he is working during 47 years, at present as the head of the laboratory of carbon sorbents.     Victor M. Mukhin defended a Ph. D. thesis and a doctoral thesis at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (in 1979 and 1997 accordingly). Professor of Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. Scientific interests: production, investigation and application of active carbons, technological and ecological carbon-adsorptive processes, environmental protection, production of ecologically clean food.   

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