Are you planning a cruise with the ladies? Cruising is so popular these days, and it’s really the ideal girls trip! After all, it’s the perfect blend of fun and relaxation.
However, rooming with your girlfriends can present some unique challenges. Cruise cabins are usually small and compact, especially in comparison to hotel rooms.
If you’re traveling with one, two or even three other women, you’ll need all the cruise cabin hacks you can get! Here are 15 tips to make your girls cruise absolutely unforgettable!
1. Stick to Two People Per Cabin (Three Max)
Cruise cabins aren’t known for their spacious layouts, and this becomes especially apparent when multiple women are getting ready at the same time. Limit your cabins to two people when possible, or three at maximum if necessary.
This gives everyone enough personal space and prevents the morning rush for the bathroom from becoming too chaotic.
Tip: If you do have 3-4 ladies all in one cabin, coordinate your schedules so each person has time to get ready before dinner or in the morning.
2. Create Matching T-shirts
Nothing says “we’re on a girls trip” like coordinated outfits! Design matching cruise t-shirts for embarkation day or for specific events during your cruise. This makes for fantastic photos and helps you spot each other easily in crowded areas of the ship.
Plus, other cruisers will recognize you as a group, which can lead to fun conversations and new friendships!
Bonus tip: Consider getting matching tiaras or crowns to wear to dinner one night. This is especially fun if you’re celebrating milestone birthdays!
Related: Matching Cruise Shirts for Families, Couples & Groups
3. Decorate Your Cabin Doors
Cruise cabin hallways can look identical, making it easy to forget which room is yours after a fun night out. Create magnetic door decorations that reflect your group’s personality.
Not only does this help you find your cabin quickly, but it also adds a festive touch to your cruise experience. Just be sure to check your cruise line’s policy on door decorations first.
4. Schedule Group Dinners
While your group might split up during the day for different activities, planning to meet for dinner creates a perfect opportunity to reconnect and share stories.
Request a table that accommodates your entire group when booking, and consider making it a nightly tradition. The main dining room becomes your home base where everyone can regroup and plan the evening’s activities.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or want an enhanced dining experience, consider booking specialty dining. This is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal with the girls!
5. Coordinate Beauty Tools and Products
There’s no need for everyone to pack identical items. Save valuable suitcase and cabin space by coordinating who brings what before the trip. One person can bring the hair straightener, another the curling iron, and so on.
This same principle applies to skincare products, hairspray, and other beauty items that can be shared comfortably among friends.
6. Create Welcome Gift Bags
Surprise your friends with thoughtful welcome gift bags waiting in their cabins. Include practical items like pain relievers, sunscreen, chapstick, and emergency snacks. Add fun touches like matching sunglasses, personalized drink tumblers, or themed accessories that align with your cruise destinations.
These little packages set a festive tone from the moment everyone boards.
Related: Cruise Gift Exchange Ideas: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers
7. Book Adjacent Balcony Cabins
If your budget allows, booking connecting balcony cabins provides the best of both worlds – private sleeping areas with shared social space. Many cruise ships will open the dividers between balconies upon request, creating one large outdoor area perfect for morning coffee chats or sunset cocktails.
This setup gives everyone their own bathroom and bed while maximizing the social experience.
8. Plan for Alone Time
Even the closest friends need breaks from each other, especially in close quarters. Build some flexibility into your cruise schedule so everyone can pursue individual interests.
Some might want to hit the gym while others prefer the spa, or someone might simply need a quiet afternoon with a book. Acknowledging this need upfront prevents anyone from feeling guilty about wanting some solo time.
9. Create a Storage System
With limited closet and drawer space, establishing a system keeps the cabin organized and peaceful. Consider assigning shelves based on height (taller friends get higher shelves), and use the space under beds for suitcases.
Bring magnetic hooks for the walls to hang items, and over-the-door organizers for toiletries and accessories. A little pre-planning prevents clutter from overtaking the small space.
Related: 10 Genius Ways to Use Magnets on a Cruise
10. Book One Group Excursion
While it’s great to allow for individual preferences at ports, planning at least one group shore excursion creates shared memories. Research options beforehand and choose something with broad appeal – perhaps a beach day, city tour, or catamaran sail.
Having at least one adventure that everyone experiences together will become a highlight of your trip stories for years to come.
11. Plan Theme Nights
Beyond just matching shirts, consider creating themed outfits for special evenings. White night, tropical prints, or even characters from a favorite movie can make theme nights extra fun.
These coordinated looks make for amazing photos and often become conversation starters with other cruisers. Plan these in advance so everyone can pack accordingly!
12. Establish Communication Methods
When your group splits up during the day, having a way to reconnect is essential. Since cell service can be spotty or expensive, consider alternative methods.
Some groups use magnetic whiteboards on cabin doors to leave messages, while others establish set meeting points and times throughout the day. Many cruise ship apps also allow messaging between passengers through the cruise line app without internet fees.
Related: How to Text for Free on a Cruise: Complete Guide
13. Consider a Spa Pass
For the ultimate relaxation experience, look into thermal suite or spa passes for your group. These areas typically offer heated ceramic loungers, aromatherapy steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas away from the crowds.
While it’s an extra expense, splitting the cost among friends makes it more affordable, and these peaceful retreats provide perfect settings for girl talk without the noise of the main pool deck.
Related: Is a Thermal Spa Pass Worth it on a Cruise Ship?
14. Match Roommates Thoughtfully
If you have multiple cabins, consider everyone’s habits when deciding room assignments. Early risers should room together, as should night owls.
Think about sleep preferences, temperature settings, and general compatibility. The right roommate pairings can prevent unnecessary tension and ensure everyone enjoys both their cabin time and the cruise overall.
15. Invest in Photo Memories
Cruise vacation memories are precious, so plan for photos from the start. Consider purchasing a photo package that everyone can share, or designate certain times for group photos in various ship locations.
Bring selfie sticks, portable tripods, or even a small printer to create physical souvenirs during the trip. These images will become treasured mementos of your girls cruise vacation.
Bonus Tip: Choose Your Cruise Companions Wisely!
Before even booking the cruise, make sure your potential travel group has compatible travel styles and expectations. A short weekend getaway with the prospective cruise companions can be a good test run before committing to a full week together at sea.
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Final Thoughts on Cruises with the Girls
Whether you do a short 3 or 4 day getaway or a weeklong cruise, these tips will help you and your friends have an amazing time while making the most of your cabin space.
A girls cruise offers something truly special – uninterrupted time with your favorite women in a floating paradise. There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset from your balcony with your best friends, cocktails in hand, or laughing until you cry during a late-night chat in your pajamas.
The memories you’ll make together will last far longer than your sea legs! With a little planning and these handy hacks, even the smallest cabin can become the perfect home base for your adventure. The real magic of a girls cruise isn’t in the destinations you visit, but in the journey you share together.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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