After planning, then waiting for what feels like an eternity, you’ve finally made it. You’ve boarded the ship and walked into your cruise ship cabin for the first time. The excitement is overwhelming!
Before enjoying this new experience, though, there are a few things you’ll need to know to ensure your cruise experience remains a dream come true.
But first, here are some tips for turning your cabin into a relaxing retreat before even walking the gangplank!
1. Consider Bringing Extra Hangers
Some people like to bring extra hangers, and that’s really on you. This should be based on the number of items you like to bring. We were amazed that there were tons of clothes between my husband Ant and me for an 8-day cruise! Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough closet space and hangers to accommodate. We brought extra hangers and it all worked out. We might have gotten away with it by doubling up the clothing but if we were a party greater than 2 it would have been a must. Check out these lightweight travel hangers that can get the job done without being a hassle or taking up space.
2. Bring Magnetic Hooks
These small, inexpensive hooks help create additional space. That is, it feels like extra space because you can hang your purse or bag or your Sail Away card and lanyard on it. These hooks are a must if you are going on a relatively long cruise!
3. Bring Wrinkle Release Spray
We like to bring Downy Wrinkle Release Spray with us. We spray it on any items that may have wrinkled, then let them hang. The spray knocks out the wrinkles for you.
This is a tremendous help because I know I don’t want to have to find a room with an iron on the ship. It’s a pain. You could bring a steamer, but the way I see it, if you can prevent that extra work, then that’s what you should do first.
So now you’ve gathered your essential supplies, and you’re ready for that dream vacation. But what do you do now that you’ve entered your cruise cabin?
4. Catch This Moment in a Photo or Video
You smile as you walk in because everything is perfect. Your cruise cabin is super clean, everything is in order… and it’ll never look like this again.
Take this moment to get a picture—or photo—of how crisp and clean everything is. We made a video showing what a live-in ship cabin looks like because it’s hard to believe the chaos it’ll turn into if you’ve never cruised before. That is, unless you see it with your own eyes. Be sure to check it out and let us know what you think.
5. Check your Bed Configuration
Check your bed configuration because sometimes you don’t get what you request. Examine it for softness and cleanliness of linen, and note whether you need to request extra blankets, pillows, etc. The sooner this is done, the sooner you can melt into its comfort, knowing your relaxing retreat is set up the way you like it.
6. Sanitize!
Wipe everything in your stateroom down with a sanitized cloth that you bring, like Lysol wipes. Handles, light switches, lids, faucets, balcony door, rails, everything! Bring your own sanitizer spray too.
This is something we’ve been doing long before Covid and is just helpful when sharing your surroundings with hundreds of other people. It only takes a few extra minutes, and it’s for peace of mind. Doing this turns your cruise cabin into a virus-free area where you can breathe easier.
7. Hang Up Your Clothes and Unpack
If you already have your luggage and haven’t done so already, hang up your clothes. Ant loves hanging all his blazers up immediately. Immediately putting your stuff away is an excellent way to help prevent clothes from getting wrinkled.
Keep an eye on the itinerary. If lunch isn’t ending, a Sail Away party isn’t happening, or we don’t have to go to the muster station right away, we unpack everything—including items that need to go in drawers.
8. Meet Your Cabin Attendant
Your cabin attendant will want to tell you their name and maybe where they’re from.
My tip is to be nice and show interest in your cabin attendant. For an even finer cruise experience, some people tip the cabin attendants at the beginning. There are mixed feelings about that, so do what works best for you, but definitely take a few seconds to be kind and get to know the person attending to your needs. At the same time, be brief because they have a great deal to do.
9. Do a Bathroom Check
Do a Bathroom Check. Check to ensure the toilet flushes and that the shower works. Is anything leaking? Or worse, is anything spraying when it shouldn’t?
Another thing we can’t stress enough is to ensure you have enough of the right-sized towels for your needs. Nobody wants to use somebody else’s towel after taking a shower!
10. Thoroughly Check That Everything in the Cabin Works!
Make sure everything works, from switches, the remote, and the safe, to lamps and the patio door. If it looks like it could break, check it.
11. Do a Safe Check
We can’t say it enough; check to ensure the safe works before putting your stuff inside. The last thing you want is to discover you’ve trapped important items inside right before an excursion, then have to wait for someone to open it for you before leaving!
Our safe was broken on our last cruise, but fortunately, the staff was fixing it when we arrived. You might see it in our cruise cabin video[RF4] .
12. See What’s in the Mini Fridge
Depending on my interest in taking anything from it, we sometimes take a pic or get video footage of what it looks like inside. It is good to show you all, so you know what you’ll find in the standard cruise cabin mini-fridge.
It also serves as proof of what the fridge looked like when we arrived. The last thing you want is to be charged for something that they never stocked in the fridge, to begin with!
Once you’ve settled into your cruise ship cabin, these two tips will help your stay remain relaxing and carefree.
13. Use the Door Sign!
Don’t forget to put the sign on the door if you don’t want to be bothered. Some cruise ships have a light instead of a sign that lets your attendants know you want cleaning service or privacy.
So be careful not to forget to flip your sign over or turn your service light on or off to ensure you get your cleanings or are left alone. Forgetting this can create an uncomfortable moment for you and your cabin attendant!
14. Ask for Ice Daily
Last but not least, ask for ice every day. It’ll come in handy. My husband always asks for ice, and it makes a huge difference.
The best is to say something like, “I would like fresh ice whenever you service our room,” on the very first day. That way, you only need to request it once rather than repeating yourself every single day.
Use these 14 tips to ensure the moments you spend in your cruise ship cabin are pleasurable throughout your cruise, providing you with a relaxing retreat.
And if you’ve cruised before and have more to add, please place them in the comments. Our goal is for everyone to learn from one another; each one reaches one and teaches one.
