How to Make the Most of Your Tiny Crew Cabin at Sea

It’s absolutely possible to make a tiny cruise ship cabin feel like a space you can actually live in. But cosy? Comfortable?

Perhaps crew cabins aren’t meant to be cosy in the truest sense – with soft lighting, space to stretch, and storage that doesn’t involve Tetris-level planning – but I absolutely think it’s worth the effort to make the most of the space you’ve got, even if it’s just for a few months.

I’ve spent years working onboard, and the cabin is always the same shape and size: snug bunk beds, metal walls, and that one shared mirror cabinet that never quite fits everyone’s things. And yet, over time, I’ve figured out what helps – small tweaks, quiet habits, and a little mindset shift.

There’s a rhythm to living in tight quarters. You start to notice what actually helps and what only takes up space. Which items make a difference, and which were just taking up precious luggage weight.

If you're new to crew life – or just looking to feel a bit more grounded in your cabin – here’s what’s worked for me. Some of it’s practical, some of it’s more about vibe. But all of it’s been tested in the shared, windowless boxes many of us call home at sea.

How To Make The Best Use of Space in Your Crew Cabin

First up, if you’re living in a shared cruise ship cabin, every centimetre of space is valuable.

Storage is limited, especially on older ships when there’s barely floor space to stand. I’m not the most organised person on board. I like having my things where I can see them… but I also like not being in anyone’s way.

Here’s what’s worked for me (and what I’ve picked up from more organised cabinmates too)…

Use vertical space (but gently)

I didn’t use hooks much myself, but I’ve seen how helpful they can be. One cabinmate had a small hanging organiser for the shared bathroom. It held just enough – face wash, toothpaste, a comb – without overwhelming the space.

You could also use over-the-door organisers or those little hanging pouches that go over a hanger. They’re great if you don’t want to dig through drawers every morning.

But shared space is a fragile thing. If you’re in a cabin where the bathroom is already small (which it probably is), be careful not to dominate the space with bulky organisers. One overstuffed pouch can make bathroom time feel cramped and awkward for everyone. A soft reminder: just because it fits doesn’t mean it belongs.

Magnetic hacks for metal walls

It took me way too long to realise: the cabin walls and ceiling are metal, AND there’s such a thing as magnetic hooks. Which means more hanging space.

I use a couple of magnetic hooks in the cabin to hang small handwashed items – socks, underwear, the odd t-shirt. I do wish I’d brought stronger ones, though. The weaker hooks barely held up wet laundry.

You can hang small pouches, keys, calendars, and even lightweight shelves – as long as the magnets are strong. But go easy. The more things dangle from your walls, the more chaotic and box-like the cabin starts to feel. A few well-placed magnets go further than twenty scattered ones.

Save floor space

One thing I learned early on – don’t claim the whole under-bed area. Leave some clear space for your cabinmate’s suitcase. Especially if they brought the kind that doesn’t fit under the desk or beside the wall.

On ships with rougher seas, large suitcases leaning against the wall have a way of rolling around and bumping into everything. It’s better to be intentional about where you keep them.

In my cabin, we worked out a system: large suitcases under the bed, smaller ones tucked neatly under the desk or by the wall. (Unless you brought a suitcase too large to fit under the bed.)

Use a toiletry basket to avoid chaos

This one depends on how many people you’re sharing with – and how much stuff everyone brought.

I’ve shared a mirror cabinet with two other women, which was manageable. But I had a friend who shared one with three very product-loving cabinmates. Face mists, toners, oils, makeup bags… the whole cabinet was full, and nobody wanted to be the one to say “Can we maybe take turns?”

If you need more than just a toothbrush and soap to function (no judgment), bring a small toiletry basket. It keeps things tidy and lets you grab everything in one go when it’s your turn in the bathroom.

There are maybe three shower shelves in the shower – each enough for one big bottle or two medium ones. If you like variety in your hair care routine, better to keep it in your own pouch than line up six bottles on the ledge under the sink.

The best packing strategy for small cruise ship cabins

You might also like: Packing List for Cruise Ship Crew on 5+ Month Contracts

Every time I started a new contract, I’d tell myself: this time I’ll pack light. And then I’d roll up with a bursting suitcase and “just in case” extras I never wore or used.

After a few contracts, I realised something: I wore the same five things on rotation anyway.

So now, I pack with one goal in mind – to make life in a tiny cabin simpler, not harder.

Stick to a tight edit

You’ll rewear the same clothes. Everyone does. And it’s fine.

The less stuff you bring, the less chaotic your space will feel.

You can’t control your roommate or your shifts, but you can control the number of socks fighting for space in your drawer.

Pack with your routines in mind

You can’t pack your whole life, but you can pack the parts that make your days smoother.

If you journal before bed, bring your journal. If you do a skincare routine, pack your basics in a pouch you’ll actually use. If you need your tumbler for that 6am coffee run before duty, don’t leave it out.

You won’t need five "what if" outfits. You will want the small things that help you feel normal.

Choose clothes you can actually live in

Some clothes look good in a flat lay but won’t survive a week onboard. I’ve brought cute pieces that made no sense once I started working. You need clothes that layer well, survive multiple washes, and still look decent by the third wear.

Natural fabrics hold up better than fast fashion, especially when you’re rewashing the same few outfits on repeat.

I always prefer cotton, linen, or flannel – anything that breathes and doesn’t feel awful after a 12-hour shift.

Denim works for me too. A denim jacket, denim skirt, even a denim shirt – they last, they layer well, and they don’t need constant washing. Oddly, I wore jeans the least.

A flannel over a tee works on its own, but also under a hoodie if the air-con gets too aggressive. I need options that stretch from humid port days to cold mess halls.

Pack items that double up

The more roles something can play, the more useful it becomes.

A hoodie that’s loungewear and also your cabin blanket.

A tote bag that carries snacks to the crew bar and doubles as your laundry carrier.

A tumbler that holds both cold water and morning coffee.

A laundry net that acts as a packing cube when you’re first unpacking.

It doesn’t have to be clever. Just functional enough to be worth the space.

Minimise the number of shoes

One pair of work shoes, one pair of sneakers or sandals, and slippers. That’s usually enough.

Shoes take up both luggage space and precious floor space in your cabin.

I use boots that work for casual strolls and hiking – not the lightest, but they earn their keep.

If your contract involves a lot of port exploring, bring the one pair you trust to walk in without thinking twice.

Be willing to adapt

You might realise halfway through your contract that some things you packed aren’t all that useful. Or that you wish you’d brought something else instead.

That’s normal. Ship life teaches you what you actually need – and what you don’t.

Stay open to tweaking your setup along the way. Swapping things out. Repacking smarter next time.

Mind the environment

When it comes to packing, small sustainable swaps can make a big difference.

Solid soap bars are a perfect example. They don’t spill, last longer, and take up less space than their liquid counterparts.

I also switched to refillable containers, which cut down on waste and helped keep things neat and organized in my limited cabin space.

It’s not about striving for perfection – just simple changes that make cabin life easier, tidier, and more eco-friendly.

The Unspoken Rules of Shared Cabin Etiquette

This part takes time. But it matters more than you think.

Respect is quiet

There’ll be times when your cabinmate is asleep while you’re coming back from work. Or you’ll be the one sleeping while they’re getting ready for an early shift. That’s just how it goes.

Whisper. Move gently. If you need light, open the bathroom door just a little instead of switching on the main light. Avoid slamming drawers or rummaging too loudly. It might not seem like much, but these little things go a long way.

And about that hairdryer – don’t blast it. And definitely don’t dry your hair in the corridor. Everyone hears it. Neighbours included.

Bring earphones

Basic ones will do. I had a cheap pair of wired earphones and they solved most problems. FaceTime, music, voice messages – they’re a quiet way to live with another person. Honestly, I think earphones prevent 80% of unnecessary tension in shared cabins.

Be mindful with shared storage

Everyone needs space. Even just a small corner to feel like their own.

If you arrive first, don’t fill every drawer or take over the mirror cabinet. There’s usually enough shelf space for everyone – don’t assume you’ll get away with two shelves of skincare just because you got there earlier. (Unless your roommate genuinely doesn’t mind.)

Take your turn in the bathroom

Sometimes, it’s the small routines that build trust. If you’ve agreed on a shower schedule, stick to it. If your roommate always showers right after work, maybe avoid jumping in first unless you’ve discussed it.

Some things you figure out as you go. But a little consideration – especially in a tight space – sets the tone for a smoother contract.

How To Make Your Cruise Ship Cabin Feel More Like Home

Cabins aren’t designed for comfort. But a few thoughtful choices can make your space feel softer, calmer, and a little more like your own.

Bring one thing that grounds you

Cabin life isn’t just about what you pack – it’s about what brings you back to yourself.

For some people, it’s a journal. For others, a favourite scent or a tiny Bluetooth speaker to play soft music after a long shift.

For me, that speaker made a difference. I used it sparingly, mostly when I had the cabin to myself. Even a discreet diffuser (as long as it doesn’t bother your roommate) can change the energy of the space. Eucalyptus after a late shift? Highly underrated.

Stock up on your favourite snacks

Nothing fancy. Just the kind of snacks that make a bad day better. Familiar food is comforting, especially when you’re oceans away from home.

Whether it's tea, instant noodles, or chocolate you can ration for months – something small and tasty can feel oddly grounding in a floating metal box.

How To Keep Your Cabin Clean (Without Trying Too Hard)

Housekeeping (if you’re lucky enough to get it) doesn’t mean your cabin isn’t still your responsibility. A little daily effort goes a long way.

Clean a little every day

It’s easier to wipe a counter or sweep the floor in 30 seconds than to deep-clean chaos once a week.

Keep a small cleaning spray or a pack of wipes within reach. You don’t need to go full Marie Kondo – just don’t let grime build up. A tidy cabin actually makes everything feel more manageable, including your mood.

Respect the shared space

That means keeping hair out of the sink. Not leaving your wet towel over the chair, or in the middle of the floor. Not hogging the bathroom right before your roommate’s shift.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just aware.

Pay attention to the unofficial rotation

Most cabins don’t have chore charts. But people notice who takes the trash out, who tidies up, who pretends not to see it.

Take your turn. Even if it’s not your mess. Even if you're tired. Especially then.

Housekeeping isn’t an excuse to get lazy

I had the weekly housekeeping perk. But that didn’t mean I stopped cleaning. It just meant I had help.

It still mattered to me that the cabin felt decent when my roommate came in. That the mirror wasn’t streaked. That things weren’t sticky. And when both of you care – even a little – it really does show.

You Make It Home

So there you have it, my take on packing and adapting to life in a small cruise ship cabin. If you're a crew member, finding your rhythm with packing and organising will make your time onboard a lot smoother. It’s all about balancing practicality, sustainability, and a little bit of personal comfort.

Start by focusing on what you actually need – clothes that work for your routine, compact essentials, and a few personal items that make the cabin feel more like your space. Over time, you’ll learn what works best for you, and maybe even swap a few things out as you go.

With a bit of thought, patience, and a minimalist mindset, you can make your small cabin feel more manageable and comfortable.