When I get in my cruise ship cabin, the first thing I look to do is prep it to be my temporary home by making important changes.

Not only do these changes personalize the room more, but I think it makes things feel more like I'd want it if it were my bedroom at home.

Because I cruise a lot, I've come up with my routine when I get into my room.  Some of it is personalization, and other aspects are about setting up the rest of the cruise to be as I want it.

Plus, I prefer to get it all done on embarkation day so I can enjoy the rest of the cruise without worrying about needing to still do something.

Here's my list of 16 things everyone should do when they get to their cabin on a cruise.

Make my room colder

Whether I'm in a giant suite or a small inside room, my eye immediately latches onto the thermostat when I first walk in.

It seems every time the cabins are prepped for the next sailing, the thermostats get reset to a neutral setting of hot vs cold, but in my opinion, it's almost always too warm.

Unless it's the middle of winter, I always crank the air conditioning back down to its coldest setting.

Part of why I do this is because cruise ship cabins tend to run hot, especially if you have a balcony or window, because the sun radiates heat in.

Plus, I find it easier to sleep if the room is cold instead of hot. Not to mention it's faster to raise the room temperature than try to cool it down later.

Look around the room for anything that's broken

My next step is to visually inspect my room to verify it's what I expected.

Most of the time, the room is exactly as I imagined, and things are in place and it's how it should be.

I rarely encounter any issues, but if there was one, I'd immediately pick up the stateroom phone and call the maintenance department so they can fix it.

Royal Caribbean has a team of maintenance workers that live on the cruise ship. They can be dispatched to deal with issues, large or small.

Put all of my travel documents, cash, and valuables in the safe

It's a good idea to collect anything valuable and put it in the stateroom safe.

You'll find the safe almost always in your closet, although on some ships it can be located in drawers.

I'll put my wallet, passports, cash, and any jewelry I don't need at the time away in the safe.

This might be a hot take, but I don't know why anyone would carry their wallet around the ship. The ship is cashless (Seapass card pays for everything) and I'll keep my tip money or casino cash in a pocket.  My car keys, driver's license, Macy's charge card, and George Costanza exploding wallet in my safe.

Unpack so I can be done with it

I've tried unpacking and living out of a suitcase, and unpacking feels more like living at home. But it's extra work.

I feel like unpacking all my clothes reduces clutter in the room and it feels more "normal" than just grabbing things from a suitcase. Plus, it's definitely easier to find specific clothing if I unpacked.

There's an impressive amount of storage space in your stateroom. Drawers, closets, and hangers are all available to use and most of the time there is more storage space than I can use.

On older ships, I recommend trying to keep your clothes away from the life jackets that are probably in your closet.  The life jackets have a tendency to smell a little bit, and that odor could get onto nearby clothes.

Hang up dresses, suits, and anything I don't want wrinkled

While I'm unpacking, I'll try to get my formal wear out of my suitcase immediately and onto hangers.

Royal Caribbean has "Dress Your Best" nights, which are better known as "formal nights". 

Plus, there are other themed nights where you might have packed a special outfit for it.

Your closet comes with an assortment of hangers, but if you need more, your stateroom attendant can provide them.

Hide my luggage

With unpacking complete, it's time to get those bags out of the way.

Don't leave luggage in your room or closet. Instead, you can fit it under your bed. 

This cruise tip reduces clutter, takes advantage of under-utilized space, and frees up valuable closet space.

Put decorations on my stateroom door

Another fun cruise trend to adopt is decorating your cabin door.

It might seem silly, but I've found it's a fun way to celebrate being on vacation and sharing part of your personality with others.

You can put up practically anything, but you cannot use any adhesives. Instead, magnets are suitable for arranging things on your door without damaging the door or paint job.

You could put up your names, battery-powered LED lights, a whiteboard, or "I'm on vacation" signs.  Some cruisers get very creating with all of this.

Check out my balcony

Another area to check is the balcony and door to it.

I think if you're in a balcony room, you'll probably instinctively head out to see what it's like anyway, but verify the door opens and closes as you expect.

The top issue I run into is a door that feels like a bank safe to try to open or close. Once you sail, I've had balcony doors have a loud whistling sound.  In either case, a call to maintenance can usually remedy the issue.

Also, there should be two chairs and a table, at the very least. 

If you booked connecting balconies, double check the balcony divider is open, and if it's not, ask your stateroom attendant to open it for you.

Check the power outlets work

Typically there aren't many power outlets in your room, but it's a good idea to verify the outlets all work.

To be honest, I can't think of a time when an outlet didn't work, but better safe than sorry.  I would hate to be getting ready for sleep only to realize I can't charge my phone.

Inspect the bathroom and shower

Perhaps the part of my cruise ship room I've had the most maintenance problems is the bathroom.

Clogged toilets and backed up showers are problems I've run into over the years. The good news is it's not common, and when it does occur, can be fixed quickly.

Here is my checklist for things in the bathroom to look at:

• Verify the toilet flushes
• Verify there is hot water
• Verify the sink works
• Verify the shower door/curtain works
• Verify the shower drains properly

If you have more than 340 points in Royal Caribbean's loyalty program, you're supposed to get upgraded toiletries in the room. 

Meet my stateroom attendant

The crew member you're likely to encounter the most on your cruise is your cabin attendant, and they can be really helpful.

Cabin attendants won't be around when you first get to your room.  They usually start their shift around 3pm, and will go door to door and try to say hello.

When you meet them, they'll ask if everything is acceptable in the room or if you have any preferences. They usually will have you their card with their name and phone number.  I'll stick the card on the vanity so I can easily find it if I need it later.

Besides alerting them to any issues you identified earlier, this is when you'll want to make certain requests:

• If you want your room cleaned in the morning or evening (Junior Suites and higher rooms get twice a day cleaning)
• If you need more towels
• Requests for buckets of ice
• Ask to open balcony dividers or connecting room doors

If you ever have any issues or concerns about your stateroom, this is the crew member to talk to. 

Change the bed configuration

Did you know every bed can be split or combined?

You can specify this ahead of time in your cruise reservation, but perhaps you changed your mind or the request never got fulfilled. Don't worry, you don't have to move any furniture around.

Ask your cabin attendant to make the change.

They can also set up a bed on the couch, or opt to leave it in "bed mode" if you prefer.  

When my kids are using a couch as a bed, they prefer to leave it as a bed because it's better for lounging and ensures if they want a nap, we don't have to track down the cabin attendant.

Read my "cruise mail"

As you enter your room, there should be paperwork on your vanity.  Just like your mail at home, some of it goes right in the garbage, but some of it is important. 

A list of Royal Caribbean benefits you're entitled to as part of Crown and Anchor Society is listed there, which is a good reminder to take advantage of them later. These include discounts on beer, spa treatments, photo packages, and more.

If you booked any shore excursions through the cruise line, your tickets should be in an envelope on your vanity.

You may also find invitations to events, welcome letters, and more.

I'll sift through it all, toss anything I don't need, and then stash the important stuff so I know where it is.

Place drinks in the cooler

Every cabin has a fridge, but it's more of a cooler than a true refrigerator.  Nonetheless, it works great at keeping drinks cold.

Whether you have complimentary beverages from Crown and Anchor Society or brought 12 bottles of water or any non-alcoholic beverage onto the ship, I'll put them in the "fridge" so I can enjoy them later.

Not only do I do this so the drinks are ready, but it clears up space.

Take a nap

With cabins usually ready by 1pm, I'm ready for a quick recharge by this point on embarkation day.

The first day is busy, and there's lots more fun waiting for me in the evening. So a strategic nap in the early afternoon allows me to sleep off my welcome aboard lunch and be refreshed for the rest of the day.

If I do it right, I'm awake and ready for more afternoon fun well before sailaway.

Do the safety drill

I've gotten in the habit of completing the safety drill as soon as I board the ship, but sometimes it doesn't happen.

In case I didn't do it earlier, now is the time to quickly take care of eMuster.

The drill consists of three parts. The first two, watching a lifejacket safety video and listening to the emergency horn, can be done via the Royal Caribbean app. 

You can actually do these two steps even before you're on the ship the morning of embarkation day.  We usually do it on the drive to the cruise terminal.

The final step is to go to your muster station to check-in.  On the back of the cabin door is a sign indicating where your muster station is.  It's also located within the "Safety" section of the Royal Caribbean app.

I recently stayed in a cruise ship cabin I knew was in a location that I recommend avoiding, but I was curious if it would be as bad as people say.

This cabin is located at the very front of the ship, offering a view you don't usually get. However, this room location is notorious for being bad with motion.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, which is one of the newest ships in the fleet.  Some cruise advice is rooted in decades old lore, so I was curious if staying in a cabin all the way forward would be a mistake.

I didn't seek out this room, but it was what was left when I received an offer from the casino loyalty program for a "free cruise".

I decided to give it a try and see if the room's layout and view would make up for any potential issues with noise, movement, or something else.

I stayed in an oceanview cabin at the very front of the ship

My room was cabin 9500, which is at the very front of Utopia of the Seas.

Most cruise ship hallways go from the front to the back of the ship, but when you reach the front of the ship, the hallway turns sideways.

Unlike most oceanview cabins, this one faces forward instead of to the side, offering a view most other cabins don't get.  This is partially why I booked the room.

Plus, it's a large space.  The layout of the cabin adds more living space because the room is angled to the front.

Walking into the stateroom, the layout is typical of most standard rooms on Utopia.  A private bathroom is at one side, with the bed and closet space nearby.

In fact, there is a lot of storage space in these rooms. Frankly, I think the amount of storage space and closet configuration is superior on Oasis Class ships compared to the newer Icon Class ships.

There are two large closets on either side of the bed, with shelves and hangers inside.

Past the bed is a large couch and vanity.

The couch is plenty big, and it faces the large window. I thought it might be perfect for watching the world go by, but the window is angled enough so that you can't see the horizon if you're laying down on it.

The vanity has a mirror, electric outlets, and a chair.  When seated here, you can get a great view outside the window.

The window itself is massive and there's an electric curtain to open or close it.

A sign indicates the window should be closed at night to prevent ambient light from my cabin illuminating outwards and potentially causing trouble for the ship's bridge above.

There's not much to see at night, so that's not a problem.

The switch made it simple to open and close the shade, and the shade did a great job at blocking out the light to keep the room dark for sleeping. I was impressed how dark the room got when the shade was closed.

Since the window is angled, the head space quickly shrinks as you get closer to the window.  

Even though an adult cannot stand up straight right at the window, the room felt quite big and I'm certain a standard oceanview cabin would not have felt nearly as big.

Movement in the room made sleeping difficult

Conventional wisdom says cruise ship cabins at the very front of the ship should be avoided because they tend to have more of a sensation of movement. 

That advice was accurate for my sailing.

As Utopia moved through the ocean, any waves the ship encountered were broken by the front of the ship and the shudder seemed to be worse in my room than elsewhere.

One evening I was in the Mason Jar bar, and I had to go back to my room to get something. I instantly noticed the amount of movement was more noticeable in my room compared to the bar.

Personally, movement doesn't bother me as much because I think it helps me sleep.  A gentle rocking motion isn't so bad for how I like to cruise.

However, someone more sensitive to motion might find it nauseating.

The real problem with this room was when the ship would dock in the early morning hours.

On this 3-night cruise, we visited Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.  On both stops, the ship used its bow thrusters to safely move it alongside the pier.

The problem is those bow thrusters are directly below my room and it felt like an earthquake each time they were used. 

Docking began around 6am or so, and it took about 20-30 minutes to complete the procedure.  This meant I was startled awake by the shuddering and it lasted long enough to make going back to sleep difficult.

I'm not someone to sleep until noon, but I'm also not an early riser. This would be the top reason I wouldn't book this room again.

A room at the front of the ship has a long walk

If I value sleep the most, convenience would be second.

The fact this room is all the way at the front of the ship and this is one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, the distance to walk was substantial.

It really meant that it wasn't quick if I needed to run back to the room for something.  Obviously this is a "first world problem" and I don't expect any sympathy for it.  But I guarantee anyone staying in this room might think twice if they truly need to go back to the cabin because of the distance.

When I've stayed in rooms much closer to elevator or stairs, I don't lament going back to my room as much.

The greater distance to walk is a minor gripe, but something else that added to my experience.

I was surprised how many people prefer this kind of a room

When I shared my experience staying in this cabin on YouTube, more people than I expected commented that they wouldn't mind booking this cabin.

The overarching theme among those that said they would book it seem to be they are early risers and don't sleep past 7am.

"Instead of turning me off of it you sold me on it. I would never close the window shade. I would lay under there at night to watch the stars. I wake up at 6am normally anyways."

"If I wanted to sleep in a hotel, I'd go to a hotel for cheaper and not go on a cruise ship."

"Ship movement doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I try and book as far forward and as high as possible. Love the rockin and rolling!"

Suffice to say, I don't agree with their assessment.  But it goes to show you why online cruise reviews are so subjective, and why you should never use them as a basis of booking a cruise or not.

I won't book this kind of room again

While I thought the view and window were great, I wouldn't book a room at the front of the ship again because of the poor sleep I got.

I can deal with the long walk and the extra movement, but the lack of sleep really bothered me.

It wouldn't be an issue on a sea day, but since Utopia of the Seas only does short 3- and 4-night cruises, it's almost all port days.

Someone posted on my YouTube video this would be a great room for toddlers because of the extra living space. Plus, they're short enough the lower ceiling wouldn't be a factor.

I thought the room itself was great, and I even got to see a SpaceX rocket launch from my window.  There's no denying it's something different and not your typical cruise ship room.

However, I think the advice to avoid cruise ship rooms at the front is still a mistake to avoid.

In the future, I'll stick to a room closer to midship for the convenience and less issues with movement.

Read more: How to choose a cabin

I took four Royal Caribbean cruises in 2025, and I booked an interior cabin for each and every sailing. Although I knew to expect a windowless cabin on every ship, I was surprised at how much these rooms can vary from one ship to another.

Naturally, interior cabins on older ships will be more outdated than those on Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels. Knowing this, I wrongly assumed that a newer cabin would always be the most well-designed.

After sailing on Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Star of the Seas, I found things I liked and disliked about each cabin. My room on Anthem of the Seas, for example, featured abundant storage options, whereas my Star of the Seas cabin had the most modern aesthetic.

In order to properly rank these cabins, I judged the rooms in four categories: storage, connectivity, layout, and cost. In addition, I allocated three bonus points for positive features in each room, whether for the bathroom or seating areas.

All prices listed are for two adults in a guarantee inside room, including taxes, fees, and gratuities.

So, after spending four cruises in interior cabins this year, here’s how I’d rank them from best to worst.

Anthem of the Seas

• Storage: 10/10
• Connectivity: 8/10
• Layout: 7/10
• Cost: 4/10 ($210 per person, per night)
• Virtual balcony bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 32/40 (29/40 + 3 bonus points)

In June, I spent a week cruising to Alaska on Anthem of the Seas, and my interior cabin was a cozy place to call home during my time onboard.

Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum Class cruise ship. This is my favorite class of vessels in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. I love the modern decor, ship layout, unique itineraries, and innovative cabins found on Quantum Class ships.

I cruised to Alaska in the peak summer season with a June 20th departure, and I paid $2,937 total for the room. Although I loved the additional hours of sunshine and warmer weather, the price reflected that.

Even with the high price, though, it was still my favorite interior cabin of the year.

Pros:

All interior cabins on Anthem of the Seas feature a virtual balcony, which is a large floor-to-ceiling television screen that projects a live feed of the outdoors during the sailing.

I wouldn’t consider this a balcony replacement, but I still enjoyed being able to “see” the scenery from my inside stateroom.

Read more: Virtual balcony cruise cabin review

Connectivity was great in the cabin, too; there was an outlet on one side of the bed along with outlets at the desk.

As far as storage, there was more than enough space to unpack. The room featured a vanity with five drawers, shelves above the desk, storage cabinets above the bed, and a closet with shelving and hanging space.

The layout also offered plenty of walking space. I shared the cabin with my brother, and we never felt cramped in the room.

Cons:

Aside from the high price, I didn’t have many complaints with my interior cabin. If anything, I wish the room featured a couch instead of a small chair so we had extra seating space.

Some interior cabins on Anthem of the Seas do have a couch, but because I booked a guarantee inside the room, I couldn’t choose my exact cabin location.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Anthem of the Seas inside cabin

Allure of the Seas

• Storage: 8/10
• Connectivity: 4/10
• Layout: 7/10
• Cost: 8/10 ($150 per person, per night)
• Couch bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 30/40 (27/40 + 3 bonus points)

I boarded Allure of the Seas for a 4-night cruise following her amplification in April, and I was excited to see all the new changes and upgrades made to the vessel.

Cabins, however, were not upgraded during the amplification. Allure of the Seas launched in 2009, so I expected my cabin to be somewhat outdated.

I paid $1,260 for the 4-night cruise, bringing the cost to $315 per night for two adults, which included taxes and gratuities. At just over $150 per person per night, I thought the price was fair to sail on a renovated cruise ship.

Pros:

As a whole, I found the room layout optimal. Even though it was the smallest room category on the ship, there was ample room to walk around the cabin.

Storage was abundant as well, although not quite to the same standard as Anthem of the Seas. The vanity was packed with shelves and drawers, and the closet had built-in shelves and space for hanging clothes.

The bathroom was modern, and it also had significant storage space next to the sink.

Finally, I appreciated a bigger couch in the room instead of a small chair, and there was even a small coffee table.

Cons:

Connectivity was severely lacking in the cabin. There were just three outlets on the desk and one in the cabin’s bathroom. I missed having outlets by the bedside, as it makes charging my phone at night more convenient.

Aside from connectivity, the furnishings were in need of a refresh. In particular, the couch’s upholstery was stained and well-worn.

Despite a few faults, I was pleased with my cabin on Allure of the Seas. It offered a great value for sailing on a ship with so much to see and do onboard.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Allure of the Seas inside cabin

Explorer of the Seas

• Storage: 7/10
• Connectivity: 4/10
• Layout: 7/10
• Cost: 8/10 ($154 per person, per night)
• Couch bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 29/40 (26/40 + 3 bonus points)

Explorer of the Seas was the oldest Royal Caribbean ship I sailed on in 2025, having launched in 2000. Knowing this, I expected my cabin to feel outdated, but I was actually pleasantly surprised by the room.

I initially booked my 7-night cruise to Greece with my mom, and we paid $2,149 for the room, or $307 per night ($154 per person). A few months later, however, my dad joined the cabin, raising our total cost to $2,830, or $404 total per night ($135 per person).

Given the dreamy Greek Isles itinerary in May, I thought the price was more than reasonable.

Pros:

I shared my small interior cabin with both of my parents, but it felt spacious enough that we never felt too cramped. With the beds separated, there was significant walking space in the main living area, and I appreciated the couch for extra seating.

The amount of storage space was a nice surprise; we all unpacked without much hassle.

The closet had built-in shelves and hanging space, and the desk had plenty of storage. There were nine drawers below the desk in addition to shelving above the TV and behind the mirror. The cabin’s nightstands also had storage space.

Cons:

I didn’t have any major complaints with my cabin. The number of outlets was limited, but this was to be expected on a 25-year-old cruise ship.

In order to share the cabin with both of my parents, one of us had to sleep in the room’s pullman bed. I certainly didn’t love sleeping on the tiny, thin mattress, but most guests won’t need to use this feature of the room.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Explorer of the Seas inside cabin

Star of the Seas

• Storage: 5/10
• Connectivity: 10/10
• Layout: 4/10
• Cost: 3/10 ($276 per person, per night)
• Bathroom bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 25/40 (22/40 + 3 bonus points)

This might come as a shock, but the “worst” interior cabin I sailed in this year was on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship.

I booked an interior cabin on my 4-night Star of the Seas cruise in August, and paid a whopping $2,210 for two adults. At around $552 per night, it was my most expensive cabin of the year, but still somewhat reasonable for a brand-new cruise ship.

Even though the ship itself was nearly perfect, I found a lot of room for improvement in my cabin.

Pros:

Whereas older cruise ships lack cabin connectivity, Star of the Seas had more than enough outlet options. Strangely enough, there was a charging outlet on only one side of the bed, but there were enough other outlets and USB ports elsewhere in the room.

The room had a clean, sleek aesthetic. Because it was the inaugural sailing, everything was shiny and completely brand new.

I also appreciated the cabin’s extra spacious bathroom, which featured a larger-than-typical shower with a bench seat.

Cons:

Although my cabin was modern in its decor, it lacked storage space, and the layout felt extremely cramped.

The desk lacked the same amount of storage found in my cabins on Allure, Explorer, and Anthem of the Seas. There were just two shallow drawers with an awkward diagonal configuration.

The closet, too, lacked functionality. There were no built-in shelves like I found on other ships, and instead of drawers, the closet had four pullout baskets.

I cruised on Star of the Seas with my mom, and we had trouble unpacking completely with the limited space. She opted to live out of her suitcase in the back corner of the room.

Aside from storage, the cabin’s layout was awkward. A small armchair was crammed between the bed and closet, and the desk’s location was inconvenient, as it was directly in the main walkway at the cabin’s entrance.

My mom and I kept running into each other when going about the cabin.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Star of the Seas inside cabin

Interior cabins differ greatly, so you have to make the cabin work for you

Despite staying in the cheapest, smallest cabins onboard, I enjoyed all of my Royal Caribbean cruises in 2025. The four cabins were far from equal, but I found things to like about each and every one.

If there’s one thing I learned about cabins this year, it’s to always come prepared. Your cabin might have fewer outlets than you expect, so be sure to pack extra USB hubs and long cables to make charging your electronics easier.

Likewise, consider bringing items like magnetic hooks and over-the-door shoe organizers if sailing on a ship with fewer storage options.

Read more: Inside cruise ship cabin hacks you need to try

Overall, even my “worst” interior cabin of the year was still a cozy place to call home during my vacation.

At the end of the day, a cabin is just a small part of your cruise experience, so I wouldn’t necessarily pick one ship over another just because of the cabin features.

Instead, pick a ship or itinerary that interests you the most, and learn to make the cabin work for you and your travel party.

Your cruise cabin quickly becomes your home away from home, but this month, I splurged on decorations to make our cabin feel even cozier for Christmas.

The holiday season is always magical with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and seasonal decor everywhere you look. My husband and I look forward to decorating our house each year for the Christmas season. Once November hits, our home stays festive through January with decorations!

Because we were jetting off to Australia for a 12-night cruise to New Zealand, I decided to stop by my local dollar store to pick up some seasonal decorations for our cabin. It might seem frivolous or unnecessary, but my husband and I are huge fans of the holiday season.

More importantly, we’ve spent multiple Christmases apart over the years because of my husband's military deployments. So, we truly cherish the time we’re able to spend together during the holidays.

I figured the dollar store would have plenty of inexpensive options to bring onboard for decorations, and I was right! Our local Dollar Tree was filled with holiday decor, and I was pleased to find many lightweight, easy-to-hang items that would work perfectly in a cruise cabin. Some items were more than $1.25, and I also purchased other cruise-related essentials to bring along. 

My plan was to bring the decorations aboard, enjoy them for the duration of the cruise, and leave them behind at the end of our trip. Because everything was so affordable, I didn’t mind parting with it at the end of the cruise. But, in the end, I gave our Blu hostess a bag filled with decorations and Christmas goodies for her to enjoy. 

In addition, leaving the decorations behind meant freeing up extra space for shopping on the way home. I love bringing back treasures from my travels, so I knew that space would be put to good use.

Here’s how I spent $40 at the dollar store to decorate our cabin and get into the Christmas spirit during our cruise. 

First, Celebrity Edge was decorated beautifully for the holidays around the ship!

If you’ve ever cruised during the Christmas season, you know cruise lines truly deck out their ships from head to toe in holiday decor. Throughout December, you’ll find beautiful displays, festive garlands, and massive Christmas trees placed all around the ship. It's pretty much impossible to forget that it’s the most wonderful time of the year, even on a cruise ship!

The Grand Atrium on Celebrity Edge was covered in garland and warm, glowing lights when we boarded. I was so excited to see that the decorations were already up when we boarded right after Thanksgiving. 

Walking into the ship immediately felt festive and cozy, which set the tone for the entire cruise, despite the hot Australian heat! It truly felt like we were in the Christmas spirit from the moment we boarded.

In addition, there was a huge Christmas tree in the atrium, decorated with beautiful ornaments and twinkling lights. It quickly became one of our favorite spots onboard. 

The massive Christmas tree made the perfect backdrop for happy hours or after-dinner drinks while enjoying live music in the atrium. I also loved seeing it lit up in the mornings when we stopped by Cafe al Bacio for our daily coffee, making our early mornings feel special and festive.

As the cruise went on, even more holiday displays appeared around the ship. Toward the end of the sailing, a beautiful, over-the-top gingerbread display popped up outside of Eden. The display included intricately detailed gingerbread houses and spectacular Christmas decorations. Almost every passenger walking by stopped to admire the display and take a picture!

We booked an AquaClass Infinite Veranda stateroom for our cruise, which gave us plenty of space to decorate.

For this sailing, we decided to splurge on an Infinite Veranda cabin with AquaClass perks. We booked cabin 9268 on Deck 9 aboard Celebrity Edge, and it turned out to be a great location. Our cabin was quiet and tucked away from heavy foot traffic. In addition, it was conveniently located on the ship so we never felt far from restaurants, lounges, or elevators.

Our stateroom included a couch, vanity, king bed, and the Infinite Veranda space. The bathroom was also surprisingly spacious, and we were impressed by how much extra room the Infinite Veranda added to the cabin. Unlike a traditional balcony, the Infinite Veranda features floor-to-ceiling windows and a small sitting area that blends seamlessly into the living space.

This layout made the entire cabin feel open and more spacious than a standard stateroom. Because the walls are magnetic, I packed my magnetic hooks to hang Christmas decorations and lightweight items around the cabin. 

I also brought a few heavy-duty metal clips from the dollar store for extra flexibility, knowing we’d likely have more to hang on the walls than normal. My husband was surprised these heavy-duty clips were from the dollar store, as he was impressed by the quality. 

I decorated our cabin after unpacking our suitcases and immediately wished I had brought even more decorations.

On embarkation day, I was eager to unpack my belongings and get settled in our stateroom. After unpacking my clothes and feeling organized, we started decorating the cabin for Christmas. 

For decor, I packed tinsel-style Christmas trees to hang around the stateroom. They were simple, but lightweight to pack and festive for our stateroom. Because they weren't expensive, I didn’t worry about them getting damaged. 

I actually purchased even more decorations to pack, but I decided not to bring them since they didn’t fit well in my suitcase. Some decorations already looked bent before packing, so I didn't trust they'd survive the flight to Australia! The tinsel pieces ended up being the easiest and most practical option.

The first thing we added was a large red Christmas bow on our cabin door. I didn’t bring Christmas magnets for the door, although that would have been another easy option. One of our neighbors used magnets on their door, which I thought looked really cute.

We loved having the big red Christmas bow on our door because it made our cabin easy to spot in the hallway. The glittery bow felt festive without being too much. I used a heavy-duty clip from Dollar Tree to hang it, and it stayed in place for all 12 nights without any issues.

Inside the cabin, we placed a small snowman near the entrance, so we were greeted by him every time we came back. Across from it, Edge-class staterooms have a small cubby with a built-in light that usually holds a piece of decorative art. We swapped that out for two small Christmas trees that fit perfectly in the space. With the light above them, they added a nice little holiday touch.

I also brought Christmas window clings to decorate the mirror. They weren’t traditional stickers, which was important because I didn’t want anything that could leave residue or damage the cabin. If you plan to decorate your cruise cabin, it’s always worth double-checking the rules and sticking with removable options.

That said, the window clings didn’t hold up very well. They slowly fell off throughout the cruise, and after putting them back up several times, we eventually gave up and tossed them.

We added two more tinsel Christmas trees to the main wall of the cabin, hanging them with magnetic hooks. Because they were so lightweight, one hook per decoration was enough. If you plan to bring anything heavier, you’ll probably want stronger or extra hooks. I loved waking up each morning and seeing those little Christmas trees on the wall.

When you’re cruising in warm weather, especially during summer in New Zealand, it’s easy to forget that it’s actually Christmas. Having a few simple decorations in the cabin helped it feel cozier and a bit more like home.

I also packed a few other Christmas-themed cruise essentials from the dollar store.

Before every cruise, I make sure to bring a handful of must-have products I rely on. One of my non-negotiables is a bottle of liquid hand soap for the bathroom. I absolutely hate using a bar of soap to wash my hands on a cruise, especially during a longer itinerary. 

Liquid soap just feels cleaner to me, and bars of soap tend to get mushy after a few days. It’s a small upgrade, but it makes a noticeable difference in your cabin experience. 

While shopping at the dollar store, I found an adorable bottle of liquid soap shaped like Santa. It was a fun change from my usual Softsoap and fit right in with the Christmas theme in our cabin. And for $1.25, it was a steal! We ended up using most of the liquid during the cruise and tossed the bottle before disembarkation.

The dollar store is also a great place to pick up self-care items. I like bringing face masks and body scrubs to make evenings in the cabin feel a little more relaxing. Instead of spending a lot at the spa on a facial, I’d much rather do a face mask at night while watching a Christmas movie.

In addition to face masks, I packed these seasonal winter berry shower fizzies for the cabin. They're similar to a bath bomb, but dissolve on the shower floor instead and release a light scent as the steam builds. This is an easy way to make a standard cruise ship shower feel a little more luxurious! I’d use one at the end of the day after dinner, and it was a nice way to wind down before bed.

Similarly, I always stock up on these $1.25 antibacterial wipes from Dollar Tree by Biopure. They come in a pack of 40 and are surprisingly good quality for the price. The small pack is easy to travel with, so I keep it in my bag at all times. I bring them on excursions, to the buffet, to the pool deck—basically everywhere!

My dollar store had some fun seasonal scents that I couldn’t resist. I picked up the sugar plum and cherry pie scents, which were a nice change from the regular wipes! 

I’ve even written a full article about why these wipes are a cruise must-have. For example, these wipes contain aloe and vitamin E, so they don’t dry out my hands like some sanitizers do. Studies have also shown that sanitizing wipes can be more effective than hand sanitizer alone, especially when handwashing isn’t available. 

I was determined to stay healthy on this cruise, and I made it home without getting sick. I honestly credit those wipes for doing their job, and I loved the festive Christmas scent as a bonus.

I loved decorating our cabin for Christmas, and I would do it again!

I didn't plan to decorate the cabin to look over-the-top, but we appreciated having a cozy, festive space that felt like home during our 12 nights aboard Celebrity Edge. Coming back to a festive cabin after a long day in port or a sea day made it feel more personal and relaxed. This truly became our home away from home! 

I liked that everything was inexpensive and easy to pack from the dollar store. I didn't feel bad leaving it behind at the end of the trip. In fact, our hostess at the Blu restaurant was excited to use the decorations for her cabin! The extra space in our suitcase was quickly used for the many different treasures we purchased in New Zealand. 

I spent around $40 on everything at the dollar store, including some other cruise-essentials like toothpaste, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer. While it might seem unnecessary, bringing Christmas decorations brought us extra joy during our cruise without adding stress or clutter. 

If you love the holidays and you're planning to cruise in December, I'd highly recommend adding a few basic decorations to your cabin as an easy way to make the experience feel even more magical.

Cruise ships offer different stateroom categories to accommodate various vacation preferences and travel budgets, ranging from windowless inside cabins to spacious suites. 

Sometimes, however, the cheapest cruise cabin isn't the best. While saving money is always great, the trade-off can affect your onboard experience. For example, a lower-category cruise stateroom typically means less space and no access to natural light.

Before you agree to a downgrade, consider what you might be giving up on your next vacation and whether the cost savings are worth it. Here are 7 reasons the cheapest cruise cabin isn't always the smartest choice. 

No fresh air or natural light

Interior cabins do not have private balconies or windows. As such, they're sometimes referred to as "shoeboxes" or "tombs" because of their compact size and lack of natural light. Some travelers don't mind the setup. Others, however, find the windowless staterooms disorienting and claustrophobic. 

Without a window or balcony, you can't watch the sunrise, step outside for fresh air, or check the current weather conditions. Your stateroom's television will typically have a live feed of the bow or top deck, but it's not a substitute for the benefits of a true verandah or window. 

Plus, if you suffer from motion sickness, being in an interior cabin can make it harder to orient yourself since you can't gaze out at the horizon. 

Limited storage space

Cruise cabins aren't known for being spacious. The lack of storage space, in particular, is a common complaint, especially on older ships. 

While all standard staterooms (i.e., interior, ocean-view, and balconies) provide storage options, the amount varies widely. Since inside cabins are the smallest, they may have limited closets, drawers, and shelving. 

This may not be an issue on a short 3- or 4-night cruise. However, those sailing on longer voyages, such as two-week cruises through the Panama Canal or across the Atlantic Ocean, could find the lack of storage frustrating. 

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Less space to relax

The size of inside cabins on Royal Caribbean cruise ships is inconsistent across the fleet. 

For example, most interior staterooms on Enchantment of the Seas come in at around 136 square feet, while those on Utopia of the Seas measure anywhere from 150 to 170 square feet. 

The smaller the rooms are, the less living space you have. In fact, it's not uncommon for many inside cabins to have limited seating, whereas most ocean-view and balcony staterooms have an extra sofa. 

Privacy is harder to come by

One major downside of inside and ocean-view cabins is the lack of a private verandah. Without a balcony, it's harder to savor private moments watching the passing scenery. On typical Caribbean sailings, this may not be as big an issue. 

However, on scenic cruises to places like Alaska or Norway, you might want your own outdoor space to enjoy glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. 

In fact, it is not uncommon for the top deck to be packed on glacier viewing days. As such, a room with a balcony means you won't have to fight the crowds for a good spot. You can even enjoy room service, complete with freshly brewed hot coffee, from the comfort of your private verandah. 

Basic amenities 

One reason to consider splurging on a suite is the extra benefits. The perks vary but often include upgraded toiletries, plush bedding, priority boarding, extra Crown & Anchor points, and access to exclusive lounges. 

Inside, ocean-view, and balcony rooms cover the basics, offering everything from an ensuite bathroom, daily housekeeping, and a television. However, the added comforts of a suite can make a noticeable difference, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion onboard. 

For example, Sky Class suites within the Royal Suite Class include complimentary VOOM internet; access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; priority boarding; suite lounge access; and more.

Read more: What are the Royal Caribbean suite perks?

Last-minute upgrades are a gamble

RoyalUp is Royal Caribbean’s cabin bidding program that allows passengers to bid on higher stateroom categories before their cruise, with the chance to “win” a better cabin. 

It can be tempting to rely on last-minute upgrades to score a balcony or suite at a lower cost. However, availability varies, and there's no guarantee that your bid will be accepted.

There's less of a chance if your cruise sells out in advance, which is common during peak travel times. As such, you should secure your preferred stateroom when booking to avoid disappointment. 

Guarantee cabins are risky

Finally, the cheapest cruise cabins are guarantee inside staterooms. Rather than selecting your specific cabin at the time of booking, Royal Caribbean will randomly assign a stateroom before sailing based on the remaining inventory.

Although they're a good option for cruisers who want to save money on their fare, you risk being assigned a cabin in an undesirable location, such as near a noisy elevator bank or at the front of the vessel. 

Once the stateroom has been assigned, it cannot be changed. This could be frustrating if you're given, for example, a connecting cabin and don't know the party in the adjoining stateroom. 

Read more: I saved $240 on my cruise by letting Royal Caribbean choose my room, and I'd totally do it again

I've cruised on dozens of Royal Caribbean ships, and it's clear there are a few kinds of cruise rooms that are the better than others.

I've had my fair share of bad staterooms, from noisy cabins near crew access doors to hard-to-find interior staterooms. 

When planning your first Royal Caribbean cruise, it's important to pick the right cabin. Otherwise, you could be kept awake by the late-night thumping of the nightclub or awoken by the anchor dropping in tender ports. 

While the "best" cruise room is determined based on your budget, preferences, and itinerary, there are 5 solid options that rarely disappoint — and one that is almost a bad idea for first-timers. 

Traditional ocean balcony

Balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category, and for good reason. Who wouldn't want to wake up to a front-row view of the ocean or a new port of call, especially on a scenic cruise to places like Alaska and Norway? 

Generally speaking, balcony staterooms offer a great balance of space, amenities, and price. They aren't as cheap as windowless inside staterooms, but they aren't going to break the bank like spacious suites within the Royal Suite Class. 

The newer the ship, the more balcony cabins available. For example, Icon of the Seas has a whopping 1,815 balcony staterooms onboard. 

Be careful, though. Oasis and Icon Class vessels have interior-facing balconies. You don't want to choose a neighborhood balcony if you're dreaming of an ocean view. 

Read more: I stayed in balcony cabins on 5 different cruise ships. Here's how they compared

Midship inside room

An unfortunate reality of cruising is seasickness. Even if you don't think you'll be affected by the ship's rocking, it is smart to come prepared with remedies like Dramamine, Sea-Bands, or even prescription patches from your doctor. 

You never know when you will hit an unexpected storm, and rough seas can make even seasoned travelers feel queasy and dizzy. 

Another pro tip is to book a midship interior stateroom, preferably on a lower deck. Although nothing is ever guaranteed, these cabins often experience the least amount of movement. 

By staying close to the midship, you reduce the swaying sensation felt most in forward and aft cabins, as the middle of the vessel is like an equilibrium point. 

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. Here's why I actually like these rooms

Connecting cabins for families 

While most Royal Caribbean staterooms are designed to accommodate two to four guests, fitting four people into one cabin can feel crowded and uncomfortable. 

As such, many families like to book connecting (or adjoining) staterooms. It's cheaper than splurging on a suite, and it gives everyone more space to unwind and settle in. 

Having two bathrooms is a major perk, too. Instead of rushing to shower after a long day ashore or compete with your teens for vanity space, everyone can get ready at their own pace. 

Connecting cabins come in nearly every stateroom category, from interior to ocean-view, balcony, and suite. There are even some suites that connect to standard cabins for a flexible setup that allows parents to enjoy the suite perks while keeping the kids close by. 

Read more: I booked two cabins for my kids. I'd book the same family travel hack, but there's one thing I'd change

Grand Suite

Royal Caribbean suites come in all shapes and sizes, from Junior Suites (that are essentially large balcony cabins) to the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon and Star of the Seas. Because of this, it can be hard to narrow down the best pick. 

However, if you're looking for a suite with a good variety of perks without splurging on a top-tier room, a Grand Suite is a solid choice. Grand Suites offer more space, upgraded amenities, priority boarding, and access to exclusive areas like suite lounges. 

Even better, guests staying in Grand Suites on Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships can dine at the suite-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant.  

Still, Grand Suites are more expensive than standard cabins. For instance, a Grand Suite on Icon of the Seas' October 3, 2026, sailing starts at $4,905 per person. However, an ocean-view balcony on the same sailing starts at closer to $1,950 per person. 

As such, Grand Suites are smart for first-time cruisers looking to celebrate something special onboard, such as a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or graduation, rather than the frequent sailor. 

Infinite Balcony

Infinite balconies are controversial. Some love the extra living space, while others miss having a traditional cruise balcony. 

Although nothing comes close to having personal, outdoor space on a cruise ship, there are some pros to these Icon Class-exclusive cabins. First, you get uninterrupted views of the ocean from the massive floor-to-ceiling window. 

Another big advantage is the extra indoor living space. This is a perk in the Caribbean, when it is sometimes too warm to take advantage of the balcony. On extremely hot or humid days, you won’t lose usable cabin space that might otherwise remain unused.

Finally, infinite balconies are more private, as they don't share thin dividers with neighboring cabins. Since the balcony area is enclosed within your stateroom, it's practically impossible for other guests to peek into your space or hear your conversations. 

First-time cruisers should avoid guarantee cabins

Guarantee (or GTY) cabins might seem appealing because of the cost. 

For a cheaper rate, you give up the ability to select your stateroom, allowing Royal Caribbean to randomly assign your cabin closer to your sailing date. You won't be given a room lower than the category you booked. Beyond that, however, the exact location is up to Royal Caribbean. 

It's a risky gamble. For example, if you choose a guarantee balcony, you could end up with an obstructed view room. On the flip side, those worried about motion sickness could be assigned a cabin at the front of the ship, where you're more likely to feel the vessel's movement.

While some guests have gotten lucky with the random upgrade or perfect cabin location, there's a lot of uncertainty when reserving a guarantee stateroom. 

As such, it is best to avoid guarantee cabins on your first cruise.

Putting mattresses on cruise balconies isn't exactly a new trend. However, one guest took the idea to a whole new level. 

A viral video taken at Perfect Day at CocoCay shows a Royal Caribbean passenger with a rollaway cot on their balcony, comfortably relaxing and reading. The unidentified guest also made a make-shift nightstand with one of the balcony's chairs. 

The passenger was sailing aboard Allure of the Seas, according to the ship's lifeboats. It wasn't the first time someone had done some light redecorating on their balcony on Allure, either! 

In March 2024, two guests were caught lying on their mattress on the balcony while the ship was docked at CocoCay. The Facebook post garnered mixed opinions from Royal Caribbean fans and cruisers alike. 

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

The TikTok showing the cruiser on the cot, which was posted by user @cartelmarcel, has received over 165k likes, 2,400 comments, and 1,900 shares since being posted in February 2025. 

And like the previous incident, the TikTok sparked a flurry of opinions across the cruising community, with many defending the passenger’s creativity and vacation. 

"Imagine judging someone for relaxing on their vacation that they paid for 😬🙄," one TikToker wrote

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

"Let's normalize not recording people all the damn time," another added. 

One user commented, "They thought it was weird to roll a bed onto a balcony but not weird to record someone who is minding their own business?" 

Should you film cruisers without permission?

(Credit: Facebook)

The act of filming other cruise passengers, without their knowledge or consent, has gotten a lot of criticism online.

Although balcony rooms are often visible from other cabins, especially when docked in port, many still believe they are entitled to privacy on their balcony. 

"People have no privacy these days," someone commented on @cartelmarcel's TikTok, "There should be a law against people recording and posting you without your consent." 

That said, because there are no rules prohibiting this, you should be careful with what you do on your balcony — or anywhere else on the ship.

If you don't want to become the next viral sensation, you shouldn't do anything that you would not be okay with being shared online. 

Moving cruise cabin furniture out to your balcony is becoming popular amongst cruisers

(Credit: @naomijaneadams/TikTok)

The guests on Allure of the Seas aren't the only cruisers who have been caught with cabin mattresses on their balconies. Another guest was criticized for creating a bed on their balcony while sailing to Antarctica. 

In a viral TikTok shared in June 2024, Naomi Adams posted herself on her verandah with a plush comforter and the text, "Is somebody gonna match my freak (travel to Antarctica and set up my bed on the ship balcony so I don't miss any whales penguins & seals)."

Another person posted that a twin-sized mattress fits perfectly on Carnival Breeze's balconies:

Read more: Passenger criticized on TikTok for making a bed on cruise ship balcony

(Credit: @numberonecrush88/Reddit)

"...[W]e figured out that the twin sized mattresses fit on the carnival breeze cove balconies. Way more comfortable than a deck chair. We were very careful to not damage or dirty anything and we put everything back where we found it after enjoying some wine and a cheese plate on the balcony," numberonecrush88 wrote on Reddit. 

Even with the trend becoming more popular on social media, not everyone is on board with the idea of dragging cabin mattresses onto the balcony. 

"Hmm, I think bringing an air mattress would be a good alternative to using the bed mattress. I don’t love the idea of people putting the mattress on the ground overnight then back in the cabin. I feel like the mattress will get damp that way," one Redditor said. 

"Nah, this is weird. Other people now have to sleep on that mattress that was sitting on an exterior floor. I get [that] those mattresses aren’t the cleanest to begin with, but this is unnecessary. So many people lack [self-awareness], it’s crazy. There are chairs out there for a reason,” said someone else. 

Cruise cabins are notoriously small. Unless you’re splurging on a spacious, luxurious suite, you can expect your cruise stateroom to be smaller than an average hotel room.

The size of a cruise cabin varies greatly by cabin category, cruise line, and cruise ship. First-time cruisers might be surprised by the compact nature of cabins, especially windowless interior staterooms.

Most inside cruise cabins are anywhere from 140 square feet to 180 square feet, while balcony cabins tend to be larger, between 175 square feet to 220 square feet. On the other hand, suites are larger but range greatly. Some can be as large as 1,500 square feet, while entry-level junior suites are closer to 300 square feet.

For the majority of cruisers sailing in standard cabins, this means a little bit of clutter can quickly make your small space feel out of control. Not to mention, if you’re traveling with multiple people in your same stateroom, you’ll want to maximize your space with smart storage hacks.

If you’re wondering how to make the most of your small cruise cabin, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve sailed on over 50 cruises, mostly in tiny interior staterooms and standard balcony cabins. Even as an occasional over-packer, I’ve always been able to comfortably unpack in my cruise cabin. Consider using these expert tips and storage strategies to keep your cruise cabin both organized and tidy.

P.S. We've included some referral links to products listed in the article. If you use our link, we earn a small commission on your purchase. This costs you nothing extra but supports our site. Feel free to check out our Amazon Store Front for other favorite cruise products and essential travel items. Thanks!

1. Bring magnetic hooks

One of the best items to bring for your cruise cabin organization is a small set of magnetic hooks. Because cruise cabins have metal walls, anything magnetized can be hung directly on your wall.

Many longtime cruisers will never embark on a cruise without magnetic hooks. These can be used for a variety of purposes, but especially hanging small items on your cabin wall, such as lightweight jackets, your cruise lanyard, and small bags. I find these are especially important for longer itineraries where you might be packing more than normal. Instead of cluttering your vanity, you can keep these hanging on the magnetic hooks.

A small pack of magnetic hooks is a cheap investment in your cabin essentials. Some packs include 6 magnetic hooks for only $4.99. If you’re wanting to hang heavier items, such as larger bags or winter coats for an Alaskan cruise, consider upgrading to heavy-duty magnetic hooks that can hold more weight.

2. Unpack your suitcase

A few years ago, I cruised with family members who refused to unpack their suitcases on a 12-night cruise. With four people in an interior stateroom, they kept their suitcases stacked on the couch for the entire cruise! The cabin was so cramped, they were constantly tripping over their unpacked bags.

Cruise cabins are equipped with closets, shelving, and drawers for storage. While I rarely unpack in a hotel room, I always utilize the storage in a cruise cabin. This makes your stateroom quickly feel more organized rather than feeling like you’re living out of a suitcase.

After boarding your cruise, consider spending 30 minutes unpacking your belongings. I prefer to unpack after the ship sets sail and before dinner on the first day. If you need additional hangers for the closet to hang more clothes, simply ask your stateroom attendant, and they’ll be happy to provide those for you. Once you're unpacked, you won't need to worry about this for the rest of the cruise!

3. Use packing cubes for easy unpacking

Speaking of unpacking, you should also consider using packing cubes for your next cruise. I started using packing cubes a few years ago, and now I never travel without them. Packing cubes allow you to organize your clothes into separate cubes to stay organized. 

I prefer using compression packing cubes for my carry-on during shorter cruises to optimize every inch of my suitcase. Compression packing cubes have a second zipper to condense your clothes and remove extra air. I’m not typically a very organized person, but packing cubes change that. 

My suitcase is neatly and perfectly organized when I head to the cruise terminal. After arriving to my cabin on the first day, I simply remove the packing cubes and place them into the drawers or shelves in the stateroom. This makes unpacking a breeze! At the end of the cruise, I’ll designate one packing cube for dirty clothes to make laundry easier when I return from vacation.

4. Store your suitcase under the bed

Remember my family members who refused to unpack in their cabin? Imagine my shock when I saw all eight of their suitcases stacked on top of one another. Because it was their first cruise, they hadn’t considered keeping some suitcases under the bed to save space. This is a huge storage strategy, and you shouldn’t forget about the empty space under your bed. 

I prefer to cruise with my favorite set of luggage from Away Travel for easy storage. One of the biggest perks of this luggage is the ability to store the smaller suitcases within the largest one. I can cruise with three suitcases (which I’ve done for longer 12-night to 15-night itineraries) and unpack without issue. I’ll store the smaller suitcases in my large checked bag and store this under my bed.

If you prefer to leave your suitcase unzipped, you can also use this for dirty clothes during the cruise. This can slide out from under the bed whenever you need to access it, and return to its storage spot when not needed.

Use this link for $40 off your Away Luggage purchase!

5. Bring a collapsible mesh hamper for dirty clothes

One of my favorite hacks for cruise cabin storage is packing a collapsible mesh hamper. These are also available at the dollar store for $1.25, making them a very cheap investment to improve your cabin experience.

A collapsible hamper takes up virtually no space in your suitcase, especially in larger suitcases where you can lay it on the bottom of your luggage. Keep the hamper in your closet throughout the cruise for dirty clothes instead of forming a large (and probably stinky) pile of clothes at the bottom of the closet. I prefer transferring the dirty hamper directly into a designated packing cube for returning home.

6. Do laundry in your cabin bathroom

No one wants to think of doing chores while on vacation, especially laundry! But, if you’re trying to keep your suitcase light with minimal packing, you could wash a few items in your cabin bathroom. In fact, I did laundry in a cruise cabin bathroom for 100 days during my Semester at Sea study abroad program in college. I lived on a cruise ship and washed all of my clothes in the sink.

You can bring a small laundry detergent, such as travel-sized Tide packets, or even use the provided soap in your shower. I've used both the bathroom sink and the shower to wash a few items while cruising. 

If I need to wash a few items, I’ll prioritize washing my athleisure clothes with quick-dry material. Most cruise cabin bathrooms will have either a retractable hanging line or hooks in the shower for hang drying. It’s certainly not glamorous, but it gets the job done!

7. Pack a hanging toiletry bag for cosmetics

If you think your cruise cabin itself is small, wait until you see the bathroom! Cruise cabin bathrooms are often compact, especially on older cruise ships, and space can be very limited. Most cruise stateroom bathrooms have some shelving for storage, but it’s minimal. With multiple people sharing the bathroom, you might find yourself running out of room for everyone’s toiletry bags and cosmetics.

To stay organized without taking up too much space, pack a hanging toiletry bag to place on the back of the door. The toiletry bag is easily accessible without taking up any space on the vanity or counter. I’ve never been on a cruise ship without hooks on the back of the bathroom door, so you can be assured that you’ll have a place to hang your bag.

8. Bring a charging stand for electronics

If you’re like me, you travel with way too many charging cords for your electronics. It seems like everything needs to be charged these days, but few things have the same charging port. In addition, older cruise cabins might only have one or two outlets to charge all of your electronics. With more than one person, you might find yourself fighting over the outlets to charge your devices. 

To keep your vanity organized and save space in your suitcase, pack a multi-use charging stand. These can charge multiple devices at once, including your phone, smartwatch, and headphones. This will save you space in your cabin and reduce clutter on the vanity. 

9. Pack versatile outfits

Most mainstream cruises are generally very casual, meaning you won’t need to be too dressy for dinner in the evenings. This is especially true on a Royal Caribbean cruise. If you’re tight on space for your luggage, don’t stress too much about your dinner outfits.

Prioritize packing outfits that are versatile for your entire vacation. I prefer to pack dresses that I would be comfortable wearing throughout the day. In addition, I don’t pack a specific outfit for formal night anymore. This takes up too much space in my luggage, and I don’t want to bring a special pair of shoes that I’d only wear one evening.

As such, don’t be afraid to rewear your dinner outfits. Only you will know that you’re wearing the same outfit twice! Like they say, you’re never going to see these people again. Save the space and minimize your dinner outfits. 

For as long as I can remember, the shower on a cruise ship was never the best feature in the cabin.

Most cruise ships have showers that look like a tube meant to beam people up into space.  Not only that, they were super tiny and it felt like I had to keep my arms in and tucked.

It was not only cramped, but made the shower experience less enjoyable.  When you have lots of hot water and great water pressure, that's not something to pass up.

Luckily, Royal Caribbean introduced a new shower for its cabins on the biggest ship in the world and it's a game changer.

Goodbye capsule showers, hello space!

Royal Caribbean is proud of so many innovations introduced on Icon of the Seas, but I think the shower design is unheralded win.

Because Icon was the first of its class, it was treated as a "white paper" ship and every aspect of it was rethought from the ground up, including cabin design.

On ships that came before Icon, standard cabin showers were a tight fit space that looked like a capsule.  In fact, it had curved plastic shower doors that truly felt like you were entering the turbo lift on a Star Trek ship.

The showers were even worse on the older, smaller ships that had a fabric shower divider instead of the plastic.  That curtain loves to cling to you while you shower.

They were certainly functional, but I can't say there was much enjoyment being in them because of how cramped it felt.  I was just glad I wasn't that tall, because I don't know how tall people managed to shower.

Shower design got a little better with newer ships, such as Odyssey of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas.  Clearly more space was given, but it was still a tube.

The improvement came with Icon of the Seas, which redesigned the space completely.

Gone was the capsule design, and instead, we got a shower that looks like one we might actually have at home.

It spans the width of the bathroom and has floor to ceiling glass, providing lots of space and most importantly, room for your elbows!

The glass door maneuvered inward and sideways to keep the bathroom less cramped. 

Another smart change was to add a bench to the shower, once again providing space and functionality to the shower.

It's a far more spacious design, and prior to Icon, you could only find showers like this in suite cabins.

The shower head is also adjustable, as it can slide up or down the pole to provide the right height.

There's a black release button on the back of the arm that the showerhead attaches to that you can press in order to make the adjustment.

Something else worth noting is there's a guard to prevent the shower from getting extra hot, but you can override it.

When Icon launched, there was some that claimed you couldn't get a hot shower on the new ship, but those folks didn't understand how the temperature controls worked.

The temperature control will stop at 38°C (100°F), but you can override it by pressing the black button on the left to move it past the stopper.

Having gone on Star of the Seas in a couple of different cabins, and in each the shower configuration was very nice.

A world different from the worst shower design

If you're saying "Matt, there's no way the shower on a cruise ship makes a difference", then I'd say you haven't cruised on a cruise ship with the cloth curtain showers.

On the Radiance, Vision and some Voyager Class ships are bathrooms that have a tube shower that have a cloth curtain instead of plastic.

This is problematic for two reasons.

First, the curtain does a very poor job at keeping the water inside the shower.  It flails open constantly and you're all but guaranteed to flood your bathroom.

Second, it tends to cling to your body as you're in the shower.

Like a needy ex, I hate clinginess, and then you have to remember that curtain has touched a lot of other people over the years. 

Carnival is joining the trend too

When one of our writers went on Carnival's newest ships, I noticed their shower design also departed from the tube shower.

On Carnival Jubilee, a balcony cabin had a "stylish and well-designed" bathroom.

"The best aspect of the bathroom was the large walk-in shower," wrote Allie Hubers when she sailed on Jubilee.

Just like Icon and Star, the shower was rather large with a glass door that maneuvered inward.

Royal Caribbean is known for being a family cruise line, but which cabin would be the best choice to book?

I've been cruising with my family ever since my first kid was old enough to sail, but there are different needs once you introduce kids into the mix.

Families are often looking for space, privacy, and convenience with their room choice, and if they can not spend a lot for it, then it's a bonus.

Royal Caribbean has a fairly wide range of cruise ship cabins to choose from, even if you're trying to stick to a budget.

Those willing to spend more will find sprawling suites with crazy amenities, but there are also very nice options that will work well in the lower category cabins too.

Here are my top picks for finding the the perfect family-friendly cruise cabin on Royal Caribbean.

1. Budget-friendly cabins

Interior and Ocean View Rooms: These are slightly larger cabins that can sleep up to four people in the cabin.

In addition to the bed that can be combined to form a king or split apart, there are going to be either pullman beds that descend from the ceiling or sofa beds that open up for the extra passenger.

Putting four people in one room will likely be the cheapest option, but it's also going to feel the most cramped. Living space will be at a premium, and all of you will share one bedroom.

Connecting cabins: My favorite configuration for families is to book two connecting staterooms that have a common door between them.

The advantage of connecting cabins is you get twice the space, an extra bathroom, an extra TV, and full separation between each room.  This is a great choice if you're cruising with teens.

Moreover, you can find connecting cabins in a variety of cabin categories, from inside to balcony. 

2. Best mid-range family-friendly cabins

Spacious Ocean View and Balcony Rooms: The advantage of booking a higher category cabin if you're putting all four of you in one room is you get more living space.

Royal Caribbean labels staterooms with the word "spacious" as an indicator it has more square footage, and that means you four people sharing the room comfortably.

Like the inside rooms, it's likely a better price, but a better compromise on the balance of space and value.

Family Ocean View Cabins: Some of the largest cabins you'll find outside of suites are the Family Ocean View Cabins.

Usually located at the very front of the ship, these are massive rooms that often have a separate sleeping room, bunk beds, and more than one bathroom.

The downside to these rooms is they are usually located in the forward area of the ship, which means a longer walk and possibly more motion.

Ultra Spacious Ocean View / Balcony Cabins: Even larger than the family cabins, Ultra Spacious rooms are enormous.

There aren't many of them, but they're designed to accommodate up to 6 passengers. You'll find ultra spacious ocean view rooms on Freedom and Oasis Class ships.

Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies: Royal Caribbean came up with a few new kinds of family staterooms for its Icon Class ships, and each relies on clever layouts.

The Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies has an infinite balcony instead of a standard balcony. This means you can convert the balcony space into an indoor living instead, which is great for young children who want to crawl and walk and have play room.

They can sleep up to six guests too.

Surfside Family View Cabins: These staterooms are located near the Surfside neighborhood, which is an area of the ship designed for young families.

There are Surfside Family View Interior or Balcony rooms, and they can handle three or four people in the room.

The rooms are convenient, as well as being in a family-focused location.

Surfside Family Suite: Royal Caribbean introduced affordable suites that are great for young kids, but also include many more perks.

The idea is having a room where kids and parents share the cabin, without feeling like everyone is on top of each other. Thanks to nooks and clever ideas, it feels like there's more separation than you might expect.

You'll also find a split bathroom and a private balcony accessible via a convertible partition in the bedroom. 

3. Best family-friendly suites

Ultimate Family Suite: If money is no object, go big and try the suite that was made to be second-to-none for families.

This incredible suite has an in-room slide, Lego wall, movie and game room, hot tub, spread across two levels, and has more games and play spaces than I ever thought possible.

Plus, it comes with Star Class perks, including the services of the Royal Genie.  It's an incredible way to vacation as a family.

It's only available on a handful of ships, such as Star of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and a few others.

Royal Family Suite: Another massive room for families to consider has about 560 square feet of space with two bedrooms.

It can sleep up to 8 people, making it the perfect suite to share with grandparents for multigenerational travel.

Tips for booking a family cruise on Royal Caribbean

No matter which suite you book, there are a few good tricks for ensuring you can get on and maybe save some money too.

First, I'd recommend using a travel agent familiar with Royal Caribbean’s family options.  

Royal Caribbean's website sometimes won't show staterooms that can sleep more than 4 people, and you wouldn't want to miss out because of that.  Travel agents are able to easily book them for you.

I recommend MEI Travel for making it as easy as possible to book a family room.

You should also book your family cruise sooner than later, especially for suites.

Royal Caribbean cruises are in high demand, and the first type of cabins to book up are usually suites and some of the unique cabins that don't have much inventory.

I'd also recommend you look at what's nearby your room before selecting a specific cabin.

Having a room near Adventure Ocean kids club, the pools, Surfside, or an area of the ship you think you'll spend a lot of time in would be smart.

Speaking of room location, always consider its location on the ship and how that may factor into motion sickness.

Certain cruise cabin locations are definitely more prone to motion, and that could be an issue for you.

Lastly, don't overlook simply booking two connecting rooms instead of a bigger, more expensive single room.

I love connecting rooms because they're often some of the best values and it gives everyone the living space they need. You might be surprised how much more economical it is to book two rooms instead of one bigger cabin.