Inside cabins are often the least expensive staterooms on a cruise ship, making them a smart choice for passengers who would rather spend their vacation budget on shore excursions, specialty dining or other experiences.
The downside is that inside cabins tend to feel small and do not have windows or natural light. When several people share one room, clutter can quickly make the space feel even tighter.
Fortunately, a few inexpensive items and organization tricks can make an inside cabin much more comfortable. Here are 10 easy ways to maximize the space and make your room feel more like home.
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Store Your Suitcases Under the Bed
One of the first things I do after unpacking is slide our empty suitcases under the bed.
Most cruise ship beds have enough clearance underneath to store standard luggage. Keeping suitcases off the floor frees up valuable walking space and prevents the cabin from feeling more crowded than it already is.
I also bring a mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes. Once it starts filling up, I place it inside an empty suitcase under the bed. This keeps worn clothing separate from clean items and out of sight for the rest of the cruise.
If your suitcase does not slide underneath easily, try opening it flat or asking your cabin attendant whether the bed can be raised slightly.
Ask Your Cabin Attendant for Extra Hangers
Cruise cabin closets rarely have enough hangers for an entire family, especially on a longer sailing.
Instead of leaving clothes folded in your suitcase or draped over furniture, ask your cabin attendant for additional hangers.
There is no charge and having more hanging space can make it much easier to keep the room organized.
Unpacking as soon as possible also helps. A small cabin feels much more comfortable when suitcases are stored away and clothing is not scattered around the room.
Use Magnetic Hooks on the Walls
Many cruise cabin walls and doors contain metal, which means strong magnets will attach to at least some of the surfaces.
Magnetic hooks provide extra storage without taking up any floor or counter space.
I use them to hang hats, cruise lanyards, lightweight bags, bathing suits and other small items that would otherwise end up on the desk or sofa.
They are especially useful when three or four people are sharing one cabin.
Magnetic strength varies, so look at the weight rating before buying. Keep in mind that not every surface in every stateroom will hold a magnet, and the stated weight capacity may be lower when a hook is attached to a vertical wall.
Bring an Over-the-Door Organizer
An over-the-door organizer can turn unused door space into convenient storage.
The pockets are useful for sunscreen, water bottles, socks, charging cables, hair accessories and other small items. Assigning different rows to each family member can prevent everyone’s belongings from becoming mixed together.
Before bringing one, check your cruise line’s current rules. Some cruise lines may restrict organizers that use metal hooks because they can scratch or damage doors.
If over-the-door hooks are not allowed, you may be able to hang a lightweight organizer from strong magnetic hooks instead. Never block the door, peephole, ventilation or emergency information.
Use a Hanging Toiletry Bag
Cruise ship bathrooms are compact and typically have very little counter space.
A hanging toiletry bag keeps toothbrushes, cosmetics, medications and other personal items organized without covering the sink.
Look for a bag with several zippered compartments so smaller items do not fall out when the ship moves. It is also helpful if the interior is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
Hang it from an appropriate hook without interfering with the bathroom door, shower or ventilation. Putting it away when not in use can make the already-small bathroom feel less cluttered.
Improve Air Circulation With a Portable Fan
Inside cabins can sometimes feel warm or stuffy because there is no balcony door to open.
A small portable fan can improve air circulation and provide white noise while you sleep. I like this USB-rechargeable portable fan because it can sit on the nightstand and also be used as a handheld fan during hot port days.
Cruise lines have different policies regarding electrical appliances, so check the prohibited-items list before packing a fan. Avoid models with heating elements or questionable wiring, and do not bring an extension cord or power strip unless it specifically complies with your cruise line’s rules.
If the cabin feels unusually hot or the ventilation does not seem to be working properly, contact your cabin attendant or Guest Services.
Organize Everyone’s Clothes With Packing Cubes
I rarely travel without packing cubes. They make packing, unpacking and sharing a small cabin much easier.
I organize each cube by category, such as shirts, shorts, underwear or swimwear. When we arrive, I can move the cubes directly from the suitcase into the closet or drawers.
For family cruises, I assign a different color to each person. That makes it easy to identify everyone’s belongings without opening every cube.
Packing cubes do not magically create more cabin space, but compression-style cubes can reduce the volume of soft clothing. More importantly, they keep everything contained so the room does not become messy halfway through the cruise.
Add a Motion-Activated Nightlight
An inside cabin can become completely dark when the lights are turned off. That is wonderful for sleeping, but it can be disorienting when you wake up during the night.
A small motion-activated nightlight provides enough light to find the bathroom without turning on the bright overhead lights and waking everyone else.
I like this one because it has a magnetic base that can attach to a compatible cabin wall. Position it close to the floor or near the bathroom entrance so it illuminates the walkway without shining directly toward the beds.
Choose a rechargeable or battery-operated model. Plug-in nightlights can take up one of the limited outlets in the cabin and may not fit the available sockets.
Bring a Small Travel Clock
Without a window, it can be difficult to tell whether it is morning or the middle of the night. Your internal clock may also be confused by time-zone changes and late nights onboard.
A small travel clock lets you check the time without reaching for your phone. Choose one with a dimmable display so the screen does not light up the entire cabin.
You can also use your phone, but make sure it displays the ship’s current time. Do not assume your device will update correctly when the ship crosses time zones or connects to a different cellular network.
Turn the Wall Into an Information Center
Cruise passengers receive plenty of paperwork, including port maps, daily schedules, excursion tickets and kids club information. If everything is left on the desk, important documents can become buried under the clutter.
I bring magnetic clips and use them to create a simple information center on the cabin wall.
You can post the daily planner, excursion meeting instructions and other documents your family needs. Remove outdated papers each evening so the collection does not continue growing.
This is also a convenient place to leave notes for family members if you separate during the day and do not have a reliable way to message each other onboard.
Are Inside Cruise Cabins Comfortable?
An inside cabin can be very comfortable if you keep it organized and understand what to expect.
The lack of natural light is a disadvantage for some passengers, but it can also make the room excellent for sleeping. Inside cabins are often a good value for cruisers who spend most of the day exploring the ship and only return to the room to change clothes or sleep.
However, an inside cabin may not be the best choice if you feel claustrophobic, need natural light or plan to spend significant time relaxing in your stateroom.
Before booking, compare the price difference between an inside, ocean-view and balcony cabin. If the upgrade is inexpensive, having a window or private balcony may be worth the additional cost. If the savings are substantial, these simple organization and comfort hacks can make an inside cabin feel much more functional.