Cruise ship staterooms feel small, there’s no two ways about it. And that’s because they are small. Many come in at less than 200 square feet! And it’s going to be your home away from home for a few days, at least. So how to maximize the stateroom space and minimize your frustration? These three tips will have your stateroom feeling like a cozy oasis of calm instead of a cramped circus.
Unpack that Suitcase
No kidding. Yes, you’ll only be there for a short time but unpacking your suitcase and placing your clothes in the dresser drawers and closets will save you from having to go into your suitcase and open it up every time you want to get dressed or change your clothes or need a sweater or…. you get the idea. Hang up dress clothes in the closet, and put shoes on the bottom shelf. The freedom to move about the stateroom easily, especially if you max out the occupancy with five people, can be the key to keeping your sanity at sea.
Manage Your Stateroom Space Well
Did you know that most suitcases fit perfectly under a stateroom bed? Now that you’ve unpacked, you can flip that luggage on its side and slide it out of view. Before you do, flatten your empty carry-on luggage and put it inside your suitcase. Out of sight, out of mind. The same goes for small end tables or chairs often found in your stateroom. Move them out of the way and off into a corner instead of stumbling over them. Maximize the open space in the room.
Own Your Counter Space
Pack thoughtfully. For example, pack toiletries in a roll-up travel kit with a hanger at the top. Then, use that in the bathroom instead of trying to cram all of your hair products, toothpaste, makeup, lotions, etc., on a teeny tiny counter. If your stateroom has a charging station on a counter, use it! Keep all electronics and cables together. When in your room, don’t leave your passes strewn across the top of the dresser, hang them on the clothing hooks. This way, you can also find them quickly if you should need to leave your room in an emergency. This is an especially helpful tip with kids, who tend to lose things.
With a few small tricks and tips, it’s possible to spend several days together living out of one stateroom space with your family and not feel mounting stress. Manage your space well, and keep clutter to a minimum. Use the storage space provided, and keep your own luggage out of the way so that you can move about the cabin freely.
