Even if you love cruises, you have to admit that the cabins aboard the ships are not very comfortable.
It’s not always the cruise lines’ fault; cruise ships have pretty complicated layouts, 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 some things you can do to make a cruise cabin more comfortable.
Control the Temperature Properly
The thermostat in many cruise cabins is notoriously unpredictable. Some passengers assume it doesn’t work well, but in reality, most people don’t use it correctly.
A simple fix is to avoid adjusting the temperature too often. Cruise HVAC systems respond slowly, so constant changes confuse the system and make the room feel either too warm or too cold.
If the cabin feels stuffy, slightly lower the temperature and give it time, or keep the bathroom door closed when shower steam could warm the room.
If it’s too cold, raise it slightly and let the system stabilize.
If nothing seems to work, don’t assume it’s normal. Ask your cabin steward or maintenance team to check it. Sometimes a simple reset solves everything.
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 in the room, you can ask the cabin steward to replace it with a firmer or softer one.
Some cruise lines even have a pillow menu from which you can choose your favorite.
Bring an Air Freshener
Some cabins, especially interior ones, can suffer from 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, rather than just 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.
Find Hidden Storage
Many people say that the 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 clothes.
One thing that can help is to take advantage of the hidden spaces in many cabins.
For example, many cabins have extra storage under the bed, under the bathroom sink, and above the closet. You can also check the article on the other hidden things you can find in a cruise ship cabin.
Move the Furniture
You may not like some furniture arrangements, or they may not be functional for your particular situation.
If you want, you can move small furniture and place it wherever you like. For example, you can move around small tables, chairs, or lamps.
I do not recommend moving heavier items; in that case, ask your cabin steward whether it is possible.
Manage the Lighting
Another very important factor in making a room comfortable is proper lighting management.
All cabins come with curtains you can close to block out the morning sun. For extra darkness, use a hanger with clips to hold the two curtain panels together, preventing light from slipping through.
This handy tip came from a crew member, and she shared some really precious insights as we discussed them in this article.
In addition, remember to bring a nightlight if you prefer not to sleep 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.
Bring Your Toiletries
On many ships, you will already find toiletries in the bathroom.
You will usually find 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.
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 cabin’s walls are made of metal.
I’ve also added them to my list of the 20 cruise essentials everyone should bring.
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 when sharing a cabin.
Ask Your Cabin Steward for Something
Another thing many people do not know, and that can really make your trip more comfortable, is that you can ask your cabin steward if you need something. They will be happy to provide it if they have it available.
For example, you can ask for a small fan if you’re feeling warm, or request a few extra hangers if you need them.
Obviously, it’s best to make these requests on the first day, when the items are more likely to be available.
And if you have medical needs or are traveling with small children who require a crib or a bottle warmer, be sure to request them explicitly at the time of booking.
Make sure to check out the full list of items you can ask your cabin steward for during your cruise.
