Cruise passengers heading off on their highly anticipated holiday are often surprised at how compact cabins can be – but packaging experts have revealed how you can make a cabin much more spacious with minimal effort.
While upgrading to the next accommodation category on a liner can cost hundreds – inside cabins are the cheapest, upgraded suites with balconies send prices skyrocketing – bringing space-saving devices in your suitcase can make a big difference, those in the know say.
Especially on more traditional cruise trips, passengers bring their best vacation wardrobe with them – gowns and tuxedos for formal evenings often take up crucial room space.
Cruise experts Daniel Kline and Dennis Post revealed the budget travel hacks that can eliminate clutter in small cabins – and they cost less than a fiver – on a travelhost.com podcast.
The duo said that while cruise lines have tried to invest in space-saving ideas and incorporate a variety of buttons and hooks into newer cabins, it can still be difficult to find places to store clothes.
However, purchasing a foldable storage organizer – which can cost as little as £1 – that's about the same size and weight as a simple t-shirt can transform the often tiny bathroom guests find themselves standing in front of.
Dennis Post said investing in a mini roll-up hanging wardrobe means you can recreate a bathroom cabinet without filling up the important space around the sink.
“Hang it on the inside of the bathroom door and put all the toiletries inside.” This frees up counter space, although there isn't much but you can organize everything right there.
A cruise vacation is often a glamorous affair – formal evenings require fun attire – but compact cabin sizes can leave passengers with space issues
Bringing your own space-saving devices can help prevent a crowded cabin on a trip
“The children know how to get a plaster there, they know how to get the medicine there, toothpaste, toothbrushes, just…”
If you're on a budget, it's worth investing in easy-to-store equipment – including folding shoe racks – as there are still plenty of bargains to be had if you can bear to say goodbye to a sea view.
Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are offering bargain deals on windowless rooms, traditionally located inside a ship, because they don't have the panoramic views most tourists crave.
Earlier this week, a cruise enthusiast revealed how she managed to secure a budget stay on one of the world's most sought-after luxury liners.
For just £99, Jenni Fielding – who calls herself “Cruise Mummy” on social media – got on board Cunard's new Queen Anne ship – and shared her experience in a YouTube video.
Bringing along a space-saving plastic piece that you can hang on the back of a narrow bathroom door is a real game-changer
Jenni wrote alongside the clip: “When I spotted a luxury cruise on Cunard's brand new Queen Anne for £99 I couldn't believe it.”
“You get two nights, all the food, all the entertainment… it’s cheaper than one night in a Premier Inn!”
She traveled from Hamburg to Southampton and talked about how the trip went.
After an hour and a half in the check-in line, Jenni made it on board.
It started with a stop at the buffet and a quick room tour.
“I love it, it’s so beautiful,” she says.
“It’s an inside cabin, which means no balcony, no windows, but that’s fine.”
She showed off the large TV and the bed as well as the desk area and all the brochures and information she had received.
“If you want fresh flowers in your room, you can,” she explains before leading us through the rest of the cabin.
Jenni said: “It's actually quite spacious.” There is free champagne that everyone gets, as well as a kettle and cookies.
She added that the minibar – which looks “tempting” – isn't as overpriced as she expected. And the spacious closets and “beautifully” appointed bathroom were great additions.
She concluded: “Is Cunard right for me?” Unfortunately no, I love lunch, but I personally would struggle for dinner for a week. If you like meat and two vegetables, you'll love it.
“This ship is beautiful, breathtaking.” But the most important takeaway is that a short cruise, a cheap getaway, is wonderful.
“It's so worth it – especially if you're the type of person who's always on the go and just wants to relax for a few days.”