I like to travel alone, I think I’ve said that in several articles already. However, I also enjoy traveling with friends or family members.
The only downside of group cruises is that the cabins are very small. So, sometimes you might find yourself lacking a bit of personal space, or you may have to make some compromises to organize the space in a way that’s comfortable for everyone.
I’ve been on several cruises with friends and we often shared a cabin, so I want to give you some tips that can help you have a fantastic vacation.
Discuss Sleep Prefernces
Before sleeping together (unless you’re traveling with a partner), it would be good to discuss the habits of each person in the cabin so that you have a good understanding of what to expect.
Some people go to sleep later, while others go to sleep earlier; some people need total darkness to sleep, while others want a little light;
Some people watch television and others read a book before sleeping. In short, the habits that precede sleep can be very different.
Discuss them with the people who will be in your cabin before the departure to reach a compromise.
Have a Bathroom Schedule
Cruise ship cabins usually have just one bathroom, even when there are 4 or 5 people sharing the room.
That can definitely feel like not enough, which is why it helps to agree on a rough schedule.
For example, if one person in the cabin gets up before the others, they can use the bathroom right away and then leave it for the others.
CRUISE TIP: If you really need to use the bathroom, but the one in your cabin is occupied, you can use one of the public bathrooms on the ship. They are usually very clean.
Set Boundaries for Personal Space
Even if you share a cabin, still try to respect your friends or family members’ personal space.
Do not spread your belongings all over shared surfaces, and try to keep everything tidy in your space.
In addition, be mindful of other people’s privacy. Don’t go through his/her things and avoid entering the bathroom when someone is already in there.
Coordinate Activities
In terms of activities, the best thing you can do is to coordinate and plan ahead.
My friends and I usually decided the night before what to do, including excursions, sights to see, and activities we wanted to participate in.
This way, you can take everyone’s preferences into account and do things that everyone likes.
You Don’t Have to be Together All the Time
Another tip for making the most of your cruise: give each other a little breathing room.
Going on a cruise together does not necessarily mean spending 24 hours together.
Respect others’ independence; you can do a different thing while he/she may prefer something else.
A bit of solo time can actually make the trip even better. You’ll recharge, do what you enjoy, and still have plenty of fun moments together.
Do Not Overpack
As I have already mentioned, cruise cabins are very small, so avoid bringing too much stuff, especially if you have to share the space with other people.
I recommend you read the article on the 7 cruise packing mistakes everyone makes (and how to avoid them).
In addition, you could bring something to better organize the space—for example an over-the-door organizer or some magnetic hooks. You can find them in the list of cruise essentials.
Respect Cabin Etiquette
Even if you’re traveling with close friends you’ve known for years, it’s still important to respect some basic cabin etiquette.
For example, everyone should clean up after themselves, keep the space tidy, and avoid leaving personal items scattered around.
If you bring food to the cabin, keep it on the table. Avoid leaving it on beds or shared surfaces, it’ll help keep the space clean and comfortable for everyone.
Also, read the 10 things you must never do in a cruise cabin (can get you banned).
Respect Quiet Time
Respect for silence is another key thing. Everyone likes to have fun and party, but in the end, a good night’s sleep is essential.
It helps to agree on a general bedtime; after that, try to keep the noise down so everyone can rest.
Sleeping in a bed different from your own can be difficult during the first few days, so be sure to check out these tips for getting a good night’s sleep on a cruise.
PRO TIP: Most cruise lines have no quiet time, but remember to have respect for other passengers. If you return late to your cabin, avoid running or talking loudly in front of the other cabin doors.
Talk About Expenses
It’s no secret that hidden costs are quite common on cruises, and it’s easy to raise the final bill.
You should talk about expenses in advance, in order to avoid arguments over who should pay.
For example, on cruise ships, the items in the mini-bar are not included and come at an additional cost. Who should pay for them if something is missing at the end of the cruise?
In addition, remember to avoid these 10 things that are always overpriced on cruise ships.
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
