19+ Essential Items You Need in Your Cruise Cabin

Most cruise ship cabins are pretty small and compact. Packing a few useful items can make a huge difference in organizing the space and storage in your stateroom.

These are some most popular items many cruisers use to keep their staterooms organized and comfortable! I have tried all of them and some were real game changers!

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Magnetic hooks

Magnetic hooks add extra wall storage to your stateroom. Most cruise cabins have only one or two hooks somewhere near the front of the cabin or the bathroom.

The majority of cruise cabin walls are metal, so bringing your own magnet hooks will allow you to add hanging places for your hats, sweatshirts or jackets. Regardless of what type of cabin you have, these magnet hooks are genius!

Make sure the magnetic hooks are heavy-duty… they need to be strong enough to hold your items.

Magnetic clips

I hate having papers scattered all over the desk or cabin. I use these magnetic clips to hold important papers such as the daily planner, tour tickets, invitations to special events and anything else I don’t want to misplace. Simple magnet clips just make everything feel more organized and clutter free.

Key Card Holder

Okay, this isn’t really for the cabin but it sure helps to make sure you can get INTO the cabin!

Cruise lanyards are very popular.

Another option, and my personal favorite, is a wallet that attaches to my phone.

Over the Door Organizer

An over the door organizer is very practical to store items you and your family will use often. This can hang on your bathroom door or even use magnet hooks to hang on a cabin wall. It will help to organize smaller items in the cabin. I’ve heard of some cruisers who pack it fully loaded and ready to go when they get onboard. If you try this, please let me know how it works for you!

Hanging Toiletry Bag

I have used a bathroom organizer for years. I keep it packed all the time except for a few items which I need everyday, like my toothbrush and hair items. This way, it is basically grab and go! This hanging bag comes in lots of colors and patterns too! 

Bathroom Spray

Cruise cabins are small….be kind to your cabin mate(s) after using the bathroom. This room spray will help keep the cabin smelling clean and fresh and is a true cabin essential!

Another great option is a spray that is used directly into the toilet. This one is made with all natural essential oils and traps odors below the water line.

Digital Alarm Clock

I have yet to have a cabin with a clock of any kind. We have started bringing along a small, no frills digital alarm clock. Having a dedicated clock in your cabin can be very useful, especially when cruise ships ask you to move the time forward or backward by an hour. At home I check my phone during the night, but on many ships, there is not a plug by the bed. This battery operated clock is very helpful!

Electronics Organizer Case

Stay organized by keeping your chargers, cables and plugs, and phone accessories together. To keep my chargers organized, I use this organizer case. It’s big enough to hold all my cords and chargers but small enough to fit in my carryon.

Portable Phone Charger

A good portable phone charger is a must have item. Nothing is worse than having your phone die while traveling. I use this portable charger with a built in foldable USB-C connector for everyday use. 

This is another great option if you need or want to charge two phones.

Packing cubes

I’m a packing cube convert. I’ve found even more ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. My suitcase stays organized and when I unpack onboard, I just move them into the drawers or shelves. I recommend getting at least 2 packs in various sizes and in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family. 

Garmet Bag

This travel garment bag combines a garment bag with a carry-on duffel bag. You can hang up your suits or dresses to take them with you and keep them flat and wrinkle-free during your trip.

Travel first-aid kit

A travel first-aid kit is a necessity. Pain killers (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.) and a few bandaids…easier (and cheaper) than going to the ship’s doctor. This is a great first aid kit for traveling. 

Sea Sick Patches

Okay, these aren’t technically for the cabin but these sea sick patches will sure make your cruise more enjoyable! AND….they are Captain Kate approved! These are the exact same ones she uses onboard, while flying and when in the car.

Travel magnifying mirror

Many cruise ship cabins do not have a magnifying mirror. I like having one when doing hair and makeup. This is the one I have been using. It is very popular on Amazon and has over 8,000 reviews! 

Travel Size Humidifier

Cabin air can be dry at night, even though you are at sea. Air conditioning draws mositure out of the air. We like to bring a small, travel size humidifier with us. We have found it helps prevent a dry throat during the night. 

White Noise Machine

If you like to sleep with a white noise machine, this is a great option. Small, easy to pack and does not require plugging into an outlet.

Motion Sensor Night Light

Cruise cabins can be very dark at night. We find a motion sensor night light to be very useful. No more bumping into furniture or walls….no one needs injured toes. 

Portable Fan

Cabins can get hot and stuffy. If you want some air movement in the cabin, consider bringing a small fan to make your cabin more comfortable. I like this one as it’s USB powered – plus it’s quiet.

Cruise Approved Power Bar

Most cruise ship cabins have only a few electric plugs. You’re going to need additional outlets to charge electronic items like phones, computers, tablets, kindles, etc. USB ports are also useful.

VERY IMPORTANT – Cruise lines don’t allow  a regular surge-protected power bars from home (they will confiscate them). I recommend using one that plugs directly into the outlet without a cord. Many ports are confiscating those with cords, as they consider them extension cords. This is the one we travel with.

If you need plugs, this is a good option too.

Many cruise lines are really cracking down on any outlet extender that provides multiple plugs. This is a great option for charging multiple devices at once. Available in others colors.

Adapters

I love these adapters by Hero. They have them for several different countries and are made in the US with a 100% money back guarantee and lifetime warranty.

Wrinkle release spray

Travel irons and steamers are not allowed onboard. They are a fire hazard. We have found that a wrinkle release spray works well. 

Many ships do not have self-service laundry facilities.  Packets of laundry detergent are very handy for doing a quick wash in the sink.  

Travel Clothes Line

A portable clothes line is helpful when you want to do a small amount of laundry in your cabin or to dry swimsuits. If you use this on a balcony, be sure to bring it in when the ship sails or if it gets windy.

Wine Stopper

Do you bring wine onboard with you? Or receive one as a gift while onboard? Don’t let that bottle of wine go to waste. These wine stoppers are crafted from high-quality silicone, ensuring they are not only reusable but also highly durable.

Drink Carrier

Tired of carrying several drinks back to your cabin and spilling them when you try to open the door? Bring a portable drink carrier with you.

Want to make coffee in the cabin?

You can request a tea kettle from your cabin steward. If one is available, they will be happy to deliver it to you. You can then either use a pour over coffee maker or a brew spoon….that’s what our crew member daughter uses in her cabin.

Door Decorations

We have been using door decorations our past few cruises. It makes our door stand out and helps us celebrate special occasions or holidays. And it’s just plain fun!

Final thoughts….

If you use your cabin storage space well and keep organized with a few cruise cabin accessories, you will be a happier cruiser!  I hope these popular and useful cruise cabin essentials are helpful for you. Many experienced cruisers use them.

What items do you use and like best for your cruise cabins? Please let me know in the comments below.

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