When it comes to cruising, it’s no secret that space is limited in your stateroom. Therefore, you have to be selective in what you bring, and you have to make the most of the storage you do have. Although I’ve never been an overpacker by any means, I still find it a challenge to make the most of my storage space, especially when my kids are cruising with me. If you come prepared, though, there are several ways to “double up” your storage space without tripping over everyone’s belongings.
1. Hangers
Finding enough hangers in your stateroom closet is a hit-or-miss proposition. On occasion, I’ve had plenty of hangers, but, for the most part, I don’t have enough for the entire family. So I bring my own – usually the wire hangers my husband brings home in droves from the dry cleaners. This way, when I leave the ship, I leave the hangers behind for the next guests to use.
2. Clothespins
Clothespins come in handy when hanging clothes in the closet because, obviously, you can clip pants or a skirt to a hangar, and then hang a shirt on that same hangar. However, clothespins are a fantastic way to maximize the pitifully short clothesline in the bathroom shower. After all, if laying swimsuits across the clothesline, you’re lucky if you get two, maybe three swimsuits on it. By using clothespins, you can add more clothes because you can hang swimsuits by the straps or clip swim trunks at one corner. On our most recent cruise, I was able to hang my two-piece swimsuit, my daughter’s one-piece swimsuit, my son’s swim trunks and my mother’s one-piece swimsuit on the clothesline at the same time.
3. Plastic shopping bags
I’m a firm believer in reusing all those plastic shopping bags as much as possible before sending them off to the recycle center. When cruising, I bring a large one for each person on the trip. I hang a bag for each person from its handles on one of the hangers I bring with me, and use it as a laundry bag. At the end of each day, each person deposits his or her dirty clothes in the bag. The night before we disembark, I just put the bag in its respective suitcase, and I’m done packing. When I get home, the bag goes straight to the laundry room.
4. Portable power strip
With everyone having multiple electronics, charging up at the end of the day leads to a fight for outlets, which are severely limited in a stateroom. To alleviate this problem, bring along a portable power strip. If you plan to charge devices while you are hanging out by the pool, having dinner or heading into port, be sure to leave a key card or similar card in your “power slot” by the door before leaving. Otherwise, to conserve electricity, the power will be cut off to your stateroom and no charging will take place.
5. Zippered tote bag
I love zippered tote bags for carrying items here, there and everywhere. Unlike a lot of women, when I cruise, I do not bring my purse with me. It’s just one more item I don’t want to carry around. Instead, I bring a zippered 
tote bag, because I throw everything in it and close it up. Hanging out by the pool? I carry my towels, sunscreen, magazines and iPod in my tote bag. Going ashore for an excursion? I toss in my passport, sunscreen, camera and some unopened snacks. Basically, I throw whatever I want or need into my zippered tote bag and close it up, without worrying that something will fall out or someone’s hand can sneak in.
Of course, these are just my favorite packing tips for cruises; ask anyone who cruises regularly for their advice, and you’re sure to receive many great tips on what to bring. In fact, if you have been cruising before, what’s your favorite item to bring aboard? Tell us in the comments below!
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What fantastic tips – for any travel!
I love the idea about the clothespins! Need to remember that. I also bring a shoe pocket organizer to hang from from the back of the bathroom door so everyone has easily accessible storage space for their toiletries.
–traci
I have a Samsonite toiletry bag that serves the same purpose, Traci! I love that it provides so much extra storage in the bathroom!
I’m going to disagree with you on the hangers… just ask stateroom attendant to bring you extra. They will always say yes. And when you leave, they clean the room out and will toss the hangers that you brought anyway…
Also note that many cruise.lines do not allow power strips any more so double check before you pack it!
Thanks for chiming in. I actually have found plastic store hangers in my stateroom closet on more than one occasion, so I think it’s hit or miss regarding the stateroom steward throwing them away.
Good point on the power strip. I’ve never had any trouble bringing mine aboard, but always best to double check with each cruise line.
Great suggestions. I love packing a tote bag. Mine doubles as a camera bag, day bag, purse and just about anything else I can think of. It packs down to nothing and can expand to carry whatever I need.
This is a neat and unexpected list! The power strip is a particularly, “Oh, RIGHT!” item that I’ll add to my packing. Thanks!
These are such fabulous tips Karon – especially re packing hangers – I’ve been in so many situations where you get on a cruise and there just aren’t enough. And when you’re in the one room for more than a week it really is nice to unpack and not have to live out of your suitcase 😀
It’s the little things in life!!
Exactly, Meg! Especially when traveling with children, it makes things so much easier to grab what you need out of the closet or a drawer.
Perfect! Clothes Pins are always good to pack 🙂
Intersting tips, including a few I’d never thought of like the clothespins. Clever. I’m taking my first cruise soon — a river cruise for 8 days — and will keep your ideas in mind as I pack (the only part of travel I don’t like).
Have a great cruise, Cathy!
Tote bags are a great suggestion for any travel. You never know when it will come in handy! Sounds like you’ve got a great sense of organization for travel!