Even if you love cruises you have to admit that the cabins aboard the ships are not very comfortable.
It’s not always cruise lines’ fault, naturally the situation on ships is more complicated and spaces are inevitably smaller.
Some passengers find it difficult to adapt, especially if traveling with the whole family in a single cabin.
In this article, we will look at 8 things you can do to make a cruise cabin more comfortable. I always follow these things when I travel and I must say they really help me.
1. Ask for a Different Pillow
The pillow is one of our most personal things, and having a comfortable one is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep.
If you don’t like the pillow you find in the room, you can ask the cabin steward to replace it and bring a harder or softer one.
Some cruise lines even have a pillow menu from which you can choose your favorite.
2. Bring an Air Freshener
Some cabins, especially interior ones, can suffer a lack of ventilation.
If you like it, you can bring an air freshener to make your room smell good. I always recommend air fresheners that actually neutralize and eliminate odor without covering it up.
Try to choose one with a scent that is not too strong, it’s better to pick one that is persistent but still delicate. Most of them can also be used for the bathroom.
3. Find Hidden Storage
Many people say that storage space in cruise cabins is too limited. We all know how it works, even if we have to go on a cruise for a few days we bring most of our closet.
One thing that can help is to take advantage of the hidden spaces that can be found in many cabins.
For example, many cabins have extra spaces under the bed, under the sink in the bathroom, and above the closet. You can also check the article on the other hidden things you can find in a cruise ship cabin.
4. Move the Furniture
You may not like some furniture arrangements or they may not be functional for your particular situation.
If you want to, you can move small furniture and place it as you like. For example, you can move around small tables, chairs, or lamps.
I do not recommend moving heavier things, in that case, ask your cabin steward if it is possible to do so.
5. Manage the Lighting
Another very important thing to make a room comfortable is proper light management.
All cabins come with curtains you can close to block out the morning sun. For extra darkness, try using a hanger with clips to hold the two curtain panels together, ensuring no light slips through.
This handy tip came from a crew member, and she gave us some really precious tips as we discussed it in this article.
In addition, remember to bring a night light with you if you don’t like sleeping in complete darkness. To get a good night’s sleep, you also need to take a look at these tips to sleep like a baby on a cruise.
6. Bring Your Toiletries
On many ships, you will already find toiletries in the bathroom.
You will usually find some shower gel, shampoo, a bar of soap, hand soap, and sometimes conditioner.
It is definitely a good thing not to have to bring everything with you from home however I still recommend that you bring your own toiletries if you have special needs, sensitive skin, or allergies.
7. Use Hanging Organizers
Hanging organizers are really useful on cruise ships. Most passengers hang one on the bathroom door and use it to store all those everyday items you wouldn’t know where to put.
If you don’t have space in your suitcase, you can also opt for some simple magnetic hooks. They are very small but very useful since all the walls of the cabin are made of metal.
I’ve also added them to my list of the 20 cruise essentials everyone should bring.
8. Respect the Needs of Your Fellow Travelers
As we said at the beginning, cruise ship cabins are a bit small so you have to adapt to the space.
It might feel a bit challenging at first, but I promise you’ll adjust quickly.
The only thing I recommend is to respect the privacy and personal space of others in your cabin. Keep your belongings tidy, avoid creating clutter, and try not to spend too long in the bathroom.
If you travel with a friend, be sure to check out the 9 mistakes to avoid on a cruise if you share a cabin with a friend.