Your cruise cabin is not just a place to sleep. It’s your home away from home during your voyage. Whether you’ve booked a cozy interior cabin or a luxurious suite, there are several ways to make the most of your onboard abode. Here are 10 ways to maximize your cruise stateroom experience.
Power Up Your Room!!!
A lot of cruise staterooms are designed to only have lights and power when you are present. While this is a great idea for sustainability, it isn’t so convenient if you are trying to charge your devices while away.
Pop a card in the slot so your lights come on. Bring an old hotel card so you don’t have to use your cruise card and your AC keeps pumping in cold air!
Take a Moment to Explore & Enjoy
While it is tempting to come in and take a load off, hold on a minute. Take a few minutes to check it all out and enjoy the moment! Maybe take a photo before you kick off your shoes and dump your stuff.
Germophobes can wipe down surfaces – probably not necessary but in a post-Covid world people like to wipe down handles and remote controls.
Meet Your Stateroom Attendant
Your stateroom attendance will be extremely busy on this day but they will make a special effort to come meet you. Take time to learn their name and maybe where they are from. Ask for help where needed but be patient. They will be running from room to room to meet everyone and ensure all is ready. So only ask for the things you need quickly (thermostat – bed configuration, etc.)
Learn to Work the Thermostat
Make sure your room temp is nice and comfy. Even if it is perfect when you first arrive, it may get a little warm once you start putting your things away. It is a good idea to make sure you know how it works and ask your stateroom attendant for any needed instruction. There is nothing worse than being too hot or too cold in the middle of the night.
Check Out the Safe & Mini-Fridge
Place your passport, money, and other documents in the safe. Set a code you and your roomie will both remember. Maybe the last 4 digits of your phone number or something else you can both remember.
If you find mini-bar items in the fridge and don’t want them, ask the stateroom attendant to remove them. That way you can use the space for your own stuff. Many cruise ships will allow you to carry on a limited amount of soda and you will want to get that chilled. I don’t order a drinks package, but I like to have a case of water sent to the room. It is really convenient to have a cold bottle of water handy in the room.
Get Charging!
Set up your charging station and get plugged in! Ship staterooms are notorious for having a limited number of outlets. But most cruise lines will allow you to bring a power strip, as long as it doesn’t have a surge protector. I use a power strip, but I also use really long charging cords. Then I use Command Hooks to string them up where I want them!
Most of us are quite attached to our phones, electronic readers, and other devices. And you have likely taken a ton of photos as you boarded the ship. So, get plugged in and top off your battery while you unpack. After all, you don’t want to miss those sail-away photos.
Move in & Make It Home
Cruise cabins are designed to make the most of every inch of space. Utilize the available storage options, such as closets, drawers, and under-bed storage, to keep your belongings organized and out of the way. Ask your stateroom attendant for the hidden storage spaces so you don’t find them on the last day and wish you had known from day one.
You won’t get your luggage right away. The cruise line has a lot of bags to process and deliver. Once you do get your luggage, unpack and move-in. Use packing cubes to easily organize small items in drawers/shelves. Hang up your clothes and set up your toiletries. A lot of people like to use over the door shoe organizers to hold toiletries and other small items. A collapsible hamper is also handy for the closet.
I always like to put my make-up in the desk and use it as a vanity. Honestly, who needs a desk on vacation! Once you are all unpacked, put your luggage under the bed! You won’t need it again until the last day!
Keep It Clean & Tidy
Keep your cabin organized throughout your voyage to avoid clutter and maximize space. Tidy up regularly to avoid letting things get out of hand. It also really helps your stateroom attendant clean and refresh your room if you haven’t left laundry all over the floor! Command Hooks and magnetic hooks are a great way to hang up items you need to keep out of the way.
Allow your stateroom attendant to access your space at least once daily. They not only clean your room, but they provide fresh towels and fun towel art!
Take Advantage of Your Room Amenities
Explore the amenities available in your cabin. Your flat screen TV will generally provide access to onboard programming, sports, news, and movies. Many cruise lines provide luxurious bath products to help you relax and enjoy. Make the most of these amenities to enhance your onboard experience.
If you’ve booked a cabin with a balcony, make the most of this private outdoor space. Enjoy breakfast alfresco, soak up the sun, or stargaze at night for a truly immersive cruise experience.
Indulge in Room Service
Enjoy the luxury and convenience of room service. Room service is helpful on days in port when you need to get up and out early. But it is also great for dinner after a long day touring. Whether it’s breakfast in bed or a late-night snack, take advantage of this onboard perk.
What Do You Do To Maximize Your Cruise Ship Stateroom?
Whether you’re sailing the high seas or exploring exotic ports of call, your cabin is your sanctuary at sea. Enjoy every moment!
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Bon Voyage!
