You want your cruise to be as relaxing as possible, right? Bringing a few home comforts can make all the difference. Whether it’s a cozy hoodie, favorite tea bags, luxury toiletries, or a comfy pillow, these little extras can turn your cabin into a personal retreat.
But are you sure you’ve considered everything to create a home-from-home experience? How about some LED candles to create ambiance? Or what about magnetic hooks to maximize cabin space? The trick is knowing what to bring without overpacking.
On my first cruise, bringing a small portable fan never crossed my mind. I didn’t realize how stuffy inside cabins can get. I also assumed slippers and a bathrobe would be standard, only to learn they’re reserved for more luxurious cabins. Now, my cruise packing habits are finely tuned to include the personal comforts that make a big difference.
In this article, I’ll share the home essentials to turn your cruise ship cabin into a cozy cove of calmness. You’ll also discover some packing hacks I’ve picked up over the years from fellow cruisers.
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Home Comforts to Pack for a Relaxing Cruise
Let’s face it—packing for a cruise vacation is tricky at the best of times. It’s all too easy to focus on the basics and forget some home comforts. The good news is you don’t have to go overboard—metaphorically—with your packing. Bringing a few must-haves can make your cabin feel like home.
Slippers
Slippers are a firm favorite for many cruisers—me included—to feel at home in a cabin. They’re light, don’t take up much room, and instantly elevate comfort levels. I never like walking barefoot on cabin carpets due to hygiene reasons. So, slippers give that warm, homey feel after a day exploring ports.
As I discovered the hard way, most cruise lines reserve slippers and bathrobes for high-end cabins, so packing them guarantees comfort in your stateroom.
Here’s a hack I found that can work (but not always): Ask your cabin steward politely if it’s possible to get a pair of slippers and a robe. They are usually very helpful and may get a nice fluffy robe.
Why not treat yourself to a pair of folding travel slippers for taking on your cruise? Check out these folding, non-slip, comfy slippers with a soft cotton feel.
Favorite toiletries
Do you have a favorite shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner? If so, it’s worth bringing travel-size bottles of your favorite toiletries. One fellow passenger shared, “The ship’s standard toiletries never match the ones I use at home. I cannot live without my regular conditioner.” For others, the familiar scent makes them feel at home and settled.
Of course, bringing your own toiletries is essential if you’ve got sensitive skin. One cruiser said they need unscented, mild hand soap to avoid aggravating dermatitis. Another cruiser said their dandruff issue returns quickly if they cannot use their regular shampoo.
I found this set of cool travel bottles, which are TSA-approved, for taking all the toiletries I need for a 7-day cruise.
Family or pet photos in magnetic frames
I’ve heard that many cruisers bring pictures of pets or family members in magnetic frames. Since cruise cabins have metal doors and walls, these keepsakes are easy to attach without taking up space. One friend said, “Having a picture of my kids in the cabin made the place feel more like home.”
Whatever the reason, seeing familiar faces each day adds some personality, warmth, and comfort to the cruise experience.
Check out these magnetic photo frames, along with designs, reviews, and purchasing details.
Tea bags or flavored coffee creamers
Some cruisers always bring their favorite tea bags or flavored coffee creamers. Unless you’ve got a drinks package that includes specialty teas and coffees, you’re stuck with the cruise ship’s basic drinks. Also, you may have favorites that are not stocked in the buffet. Not every cruise buffet stocks oolong tea.
One cruiser gave me a great suggestion when I was complaining about the uninspiring plain coffee. They suggested buying flavored coffee creamers the next time. That way, I could enjoy a fancy coffee taste without paying over the odds for expensive specialty coffee.
Another cruiser said, “Bringing my own tea made all the difference for a relaxing start to each day.” Also, one passenger lamented how Lipton tea gets boring onboard.
I discovered this 48-pack of individual Coffeemate creamers with flavors including French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Italian sweet cream. It certainly made cruise line coffee more palatable.
Refillable water bottle and travel coffee mug
I always pack a refillable water bottle in my carry-on luggage. They are easy to fill at the water dispensers in the buffet, and I always have water in my room. You can also take them on shore excursions to stay hydrated on land and avoid dodgy drinking water in some ports.
Another home comfort for the cabin is an insulated coffee mug. One cruiser told me as they were filling up their travel mug at the buffet, “I like my coffee to be hot and stay hot, and these mugs are perfect for enjoying hot coffee in my cabin.”
These collapiable water bottles were a game changer for me because they’re compact and lightweight. Also, check out prices, reviews, and designs of this non-spill insulated travel mug.
Air freshener or room spray
A natural air freshener or room spray is a great way to keep your cabin fresh. Unless you’ve got a balcony cabin, the air can get stuffy. And the bathroom in a compact cabin can be challenging if someone gets a stomach bug. Also, dirty washing can build up unless you’re doing laundry regularly.
One cruiser told me, “A quick spritz of my favorite room spray makes my cabin smell like home.” Natural room sprays can make a big difference, whether for a quick burst of freshness or to set a relaxing mood.
Check out this natural air freshener and explore prices, customer reviews, and purchasing details.
LED flameless candles
Do you want to add a relaxing ambiance to your cabin setup? Pack a few LED candles to enjoy a romantic evening or just create a calming atmosphere. The flameless candles flicker like real ones without any risk of fire. I’ve found that a few candles really help me unwind and make the cabin feel cozier.
I spoke to one cruiser, and they said: “We normally have all our meals at home by candlelight, so having battery-operated LED candles gives us a homely feel at sea.”
Check out prices and reviews of these flameless, flickering, waterproof LED candles with a remote control and timer.
Your favorite pillow from home
Many cruisers bring their pillow from home to ensure a restful night onboard.
Cruisers who have difficulty sleeping in new places usually bring their pillow. They say their perfect pillow is crucial for relaxing and improving sleep quality. Choices of pillows range from memory foam to down and hypoallergenic pillows to get enough rest at night. Regardless of the reason, it’s a creature comfort many cannot do without.
A fellow cruiser told me that they always take a pillow from home. Apart from enjoying a more peaceful night, they don’t have to worry about who has slept on it before. One traveler made a great suggestion. They said, “Don’t bring a white pillowcase. Otherwise, the cabin attendants may mistake it for the cruise ship’s, or you might forget it.”
Try this Hypoallergenic Viscose from Bamboo Soft Cooling Pillow with Down Alternative Filling
A favorite hoodie, warm sweatshirt, or pashmina
Packing some oversized, casual clothes helps me relax in the cabin. As soon as I shut the door, I pull on my jogging bottoms and favorite hoodie. A pashmina shawl or sweater is also perfect for enjoying cooler evenings on the deck or on your balcony. Packing layers is also a typical packing hack to avoid stuffing luggage with bulky clothing.
Check out some of the fantastic designs of these Pashmina Shawls, as well as prices, delivery times, and sizes.
Space-saving items
Cruise ship cabins usually have limited storage space—much less than you’re used to at home. Therefore, a few cruise hacks can help save space, avoid clutter, and create a relaxing atmosphere. The three most common space-saving items for a cruise ship are magnetic hooks, packing cubes, and an over-the-door organizer.
Strong magnetic hooks are a massive space-saver in compact cabins. Attach them to the wall, and you have a place to hang coats, lanyards, lightweight bags, toiletry bags, and towels. I’ve even used them to create a drying line to dry laundry and damp swimwear. One cruiser said, “Magnetic hooks are a lifesaver to keep my cabin clutter-free.”
An over-the-door organizer is a great space-saving hack for keeping cabins tidy. One passenger noted that they help save counter space in bathrooms and cabins.
For many cruisers, packing cubes are an absolute must to keep cabins as organized as at home. It’s easy to unpack and put the cubes straight into closets, shelves, or drawers. A friend told me, “I was able to fit so much more into my suitcase and quickly find what I needed each day.”
Discover this excellent pack of Magnetic Hooks, including customer feedback and availability. Also Check out reviews and features for the Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer before deciding.
Compression packing cubes are invaluable space savers in cruise luggage and cabins. Get full details and feedback on Packing Cubes from other users to help decide if you need them for your cruise.
Small portable fan
A small battery-operated fan can help improve sleep quality and create a more homely atmosphere, especially if you’re not in a balcony cabin. Cruisers use the fan to keep air in the cabin moving and avoid stuffiness. One cruiser mentioned, “The fan was a lifesaver on warm nights—it kept the air circulating and helped me sleep as comfortably as at home.”
Check out reviews, prices, and delivery options of a portable fan suitable for cruise cabins.
Compact tech items
Packing small gadgets can elevate your cruise experience and relaxation, making your cabin feel more like home. Some popular tech items for a cabin include a Bluetooth speaker for soft music, a Kindle for reading, and a tablet for entertainment. One cruiser suggested, “I always bring a white noise machine to improve my sleep quality onboard.”
Check out the features of this portable white noise machine, including detailed reviews, prices, and descriptions.
Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones for better rest
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Earplugs are usually on the list of essential packing times to enjoy quality sleep. Most first-time cruisers don’t realize that cabins can be noisy at night. One cruiser complained, “Our neighbors spent every day on their balcony playing the guitar and singing. I don’t know when they slept because we sure didn’t.”
Earplugs and a sleep mask can also provide sleep-enhancement comfort during the day. After an exhausting shore excursion, I love to nap in my cabin, and earplugs ensure I get restorative sleep.
Noise-canceling headphones can also help get some peace and create a home-like environment. One cruiser shared, “Noise-canceling headphones let me listen to music on my balcony without distractions of neighbors and the ship’s engine noise.”
Check out these earbuds with active noise cancellation, including reviews, prices, and delivery options.
Specialty snacks
Many cruisers suggest bringing a good supply of your favorite snacks on board. Although cruise ships have endless amounts of food, free snacks are harder to find. Typically, you can find crackers, cheese, cookies, and pizza slices for snacking between mealtimes. But not much more.
Having nuts, pretzels, or other familiar salty snacks can help your downtime feel more at home. They’re also ideal for maintaining energy levels during shore excursions, embarkation, or disembarkation. One cruiser suggested packing some granola bars for extended shore excursions.
The good news is that cruise lines typically allow you to bring prepackaged food onboard.
Laundry detergent packets
I always take travel-size laundry detergent to wash small things in the sink. This cruise hack cuts down on how many items of underwear and t-shirts I pack. Additionally, I save money on onboard laundry bills. One cruiser said, “I always pack small packets of laundry detergent to wash my smalls and swimwear in the sink. Call me cheap, but I won’t pay for laundry on the ship.”
Here is an 8-pack of travel size laundry soap, safe for all fabrics and TSA compliant.
Hand sanitizer and wipes for cleanliness
Taking wet wipes and hand sanitizer helps me keep the cabin as clean as my home. Although cabin stewards clean rooms daily, I like the assurance of extra sanitization by wiping handles, light switches, and surfaces.
I discovered these excellent bleach-free disinfecting wipes that smell great. Also, buying pocket-sized hand sanitizer gel bottles in bulk can work out cheaper than individual ones.
Cruise Hacks to Create a Comfortable Environment
To create a home-from-home environment, set up your magnetic hooks, put up some pictures, and set candles to create a relaxing ambiance. When you meet your cabin steward, ask for any changes to the room setup. Some cruisers ask them to empty the minibar to use the cooler for personal use.
Packing Strategies for Different Types of Cruises
Packing strategies vary depending on who you travel with and the cruise type. Here are a few tips for knowing what to pack:
First-time cruisers: Start with the essentials like comfortable layer clothes and key home comforts but avoid overpacking. Cruise cabins are compact and smaller than most hotel rooms. So, focus on what you need to feel comfortable.
Families: When packing for kids, bring comforting items like a nightlight, a favorite toy, and a lightweight blanket. These familiar items can help kids settle in and feel at home quickly.
Solo travelers: For privacy and comfort, pack noise-canceling headphones, an eReader, and a cozy hoodie. These items help you create a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of a cruise ship.
Luxury travelers: Cruisers in higher-end cabins can enhance the cruise experience by taking high-end comforts like a silk pillowcase and plush slippers. The good news is you’ll have high-end toiletries and a bathrobe. These little touches can elevate your cabin’s ambiance without taking up too much space.
Items to Avoid Packing
Overpacking is one of the classic mistakes first-time cruisers make. Also, cruise ships ban bringing items onboard that violate cruise line policies.
Some items you don’t need to bring on a cruise include bulky clothing, bed linen, and excessive toiletries. Cruise ships have everything you need for personal grooming, so focus on your home comforts. Also, opt for travel-sized versions of your essentials to save space.
Skip dangerous items, hard liquor, and fire hazards at home. Cruise lines don’t allow items in luggage like power cords with surge protectors, weapons, or illegal substances. Banned items will be confiscated.
In Conclusion
Packing a few thoughtful home comforts can significantly elevate your cruise experience. Bringing a few photos, your favorite tea bags, or LED candles can help you create personal touches and a relaxing atmosphere in your cabin. Wishing you happy cruising, filled with your own home comforts!
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