On the surface, you may think cruise cabins are pretty ordinary. However, staterooms on cruise ships are filled with hidden features to maximize space and to be as efficient as possible.
While all cruise ships are different, after sailing over 30 cruise cruise ships, I’ve discovered many hidden gems inside cruise cabins. From hidden storage compartments to secret power outlets and transformative furniture, there are many things you may not expect to find in your cruise ship cabin.
With that being said, here are 13 hidden (and surprising) things you’ll find in a cabin on a cruise ship.
13 Hidden Features You’ll Find in a Cruise Ship Cabin
1. Magnetic Walls
A secret that most new cruisers don’t know about cruise ship cabins is that the walls are made of metal, which makes them magnetic. Experienced cruisers will bring magnetic hooks for extra storage space in their cabin.
We’ve been using magnetic hooks for years to hang our cruise lanyards and clothing and put up important documents. Magnet hooks and clips are a great cruise cabin hack that will make your life onboard so much easier!
2. Hidden Storage
Cruise ship cabins often have hidden storage areas. These can be in the closet, behind a mirror, or even in the ottoman.
Finding hidden storage areas can be challenging since they are well disguised. For instance, on our recent Royal Caribbean cruise on the Freedom of the Seas, there was storage space behind the bathroom mirror and behind the desk mirror.
On our Holland America cruise, we found two secret drawers under the foot of the bed. These were great for storing our cruise essentials, shoes, and other items.
Furthermore, there’s usually more than enough storage space under your bed for your luggage. This practical tip allows you to unpack and then slide your luggage under the bed, freeing up space in your stateroom.
3. Mini Safe
Each cruise ship cabin is equipped with a safe. Typically, passengers put their passports, important documents, and valuable items inside the safe when they enter the cabin.
You can usually find the mini safe inside the closet where you would store your clothing. It is a safe and secure spot to leave your valuables when you’re at sea or in port.
Related: How to Keep Your Belongings Safe on a Cruise Vacation
4. Secret Clothesline
On most cruise lines, you’ll find a retractable clothesline in the cabin bathroom shower. However, since the clothesline is retractable, you may not notice it unless you are looking for it.
A clothesline is handy for cruise passengers who enjoy swimming in the pools and hot tubs or doing water activities in port. It is ideal for hanging bathing suits and other wet clothing to dry overnight.
Not only is the clothesline a handy tool, but it’s also a smart way to save money. By handwashing and drying your clothes in your cabin, you can avoid the cost of the onboard laundry service.
Related: 12 Genius Cruise Ship Bathroom Hacks and Organization Tips
5. Pull Down Bunk
Many cruise staterooms are equipped with a pull-down bunk. Typically, this bunk is used for those who are sailing with 3-4 passengers in the same cabin.
Even if you’re two people staying in a cabin, you may never notice the pull-down bunk because it gets stored in the ceiling. However, with a special key, the room attendant can unlock the Pullman bed and pull it down from the ceiling, ensuring a comfortable stay for all passengers.
As someone who grew up cruising with my parents, I’m used to the Pullman bed. The pull-down bed is an efficient way to have extra beds in a cabin without taking up extra space during the day.
Related: What Is a Pullman Bed on a Cruise Ship (with cabin photos)
6. Hidden Electrical Outlets
Cruise ship cabins are known for not having many electrical outlets. However, cruise lines have recently found creative ways to implement more power outlets in the cruise cabins.
For instance, Royal Caribbean has USB outlets hidden on the lamps. Furthermore, on Sun Princess, you can find USB-C plugs beside the electrical outlets.
Many cruise ship cabins have European and North American power outlets. To maximize the number of outlets in our cabin, we bring an international travel adapter to plug in all of our devices.
Whether you’re charging a phone, tablet, or camera, you’ll want to make the most of the electrical outlets inside your cabin. Be sure to check around the lamps and electrical plugs for extra outlets.
Related: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
7. Transformative Furniture
On newer cruise ships, transformative furniture can be found in the staterooms. Since cruise cabins are smaller, transformative furniture is a great way to make the most of the space.
On Celebrity Beyond, we found an extendable (and retractable) desk in the Infinite Veranda stateroom. At first glance, looked like a vanity with a mirror on top. However, when retracted, it revealed a full length mirror. It also extended into a longer desk, ideal for getting ready or working from your cabin.
Furthermore, the evolution of cruise ship accommodations is evident in the increasing popularity of pullout couches that can convert into beds. This innovative alternative to the classic Pullman bed is a common feature in many cruise line cabins, offering a comfortable and space-saving solution for cruise passengers.
8. Hair Dryer
A hair dryer can usually be found in a drawer in the vanity or desk area. This is useful for those who like to use a hair dryer after showering or swimming.
On Princess Cruises Sun Princess, you’ll find a top-notch Drybar hair dryer inside the vanity. This high-quality hair dryer is designed for maximum efficiency.
9. Laundry Bag
If you plan on utilizing the onboard laundry service, fill up your laundry bag. The laundry bag can usually be found inside your drawers or closet.
It’s important to note that when you send your clothes to the wash, you must fill out a form with your laundry preferences.
Related: 30 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
10. Mini-Fridge
Cruise cabins are typically equipped with a mini-fridge, conveniently tucked away in one of the cabinets. Despite its compact size, it’s perfect for storing water, snacks, or even a bottle of wine, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.
11. Life Jackets
Typically, life jackets are stored inside the closet or under the bed on a cruise ship. It’s a good idea to locate your life jacket once you enter your stateroom for the first time.
Life jackets are always accessible and easy to find. However, if you don’t see yours, you can always ask your cabin attendant to show you where it is.
12. Removable Balcony Divider
On certain cruise lines, you can request the balcony divider removed between you and your neighbor’s balcony cabin. This especially comes in handy if you’re cruising with family members or friends and want a larger balcony area.
The removable balcony divider is ideal for having drinks or hanging out with your friends and family on the balcony.
13. Smart Room Technology
On newer cruise ships, you’ll find smart room technology implemented inside the cabins.
For example, my Virgin Voyages balcony cabin can had some interesting features I wasn’t expecting. Virgin Voyages has an in-room tablet that can control the lights, temperature, curtains, TV, and more. This technology is extremely innovative and can take some getting used to. However, it works well, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate having it.
On Celebrity’s Edge Class ships, luxury meets technology. With the cruise line app, you can control the lights, temperature, and curtains by using your phone from the comfort of your bed. While not a necessity, this feature adds a touch of extravagance to your cruise experience.
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Final Thoughts On Hidden Features You’ll Find in a Cruise Ship Cabin
Cruise cabins are full of hidden secrets! Knowing these hidden features can help maximize your storage space and make your life easier.
What hidden item do you find most useful? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.