Feature

Cruise ship bathrooms, like cabins, aren't known for their size. Instead, they're designed to maximize comfort and functionality with what little space they're allotted. To make the most out of your cabin experience, you'll have to be creative and utilize some hacks to fully optimize your stateroom, especially when it comes to the tiny bathroom. 

Though frequent cruisers are aware of the benefits of surge-free power strips and magnetic hooks, you shouldn't bypass hacks to improve your cabin's bathroom. 

When your cabin steward introduces themselves on the embarkation day, they may ask if you want your cabin serviced in the morning or evening. It will be up to you which timeframe aligns with your plans and preferences. 

With popular vacation spots such as Aspen, Colorado and Maui, Hawaii costing, on average, over $500 per person, per day, it’s no wonder that families are looking for more budget-friendly vacation options.

If you cruise often, you might find yourself getting into a routine of doing the same things over and over again. After sailing on over 40 cruises - mostly with the same cruise line - I have my go-to activities, restaurants, and routines onboard. Having a routine on vacation is not a bad thing, but variety is the spice of life!

Amidst the excitement of exploring new ships and ports of call, it's easy to overlook potential mishaps. Having been on nearly two dozen cruises, you would think I would have learned how to avoid making rookie mistakes. That, however, couldn't be further from the truth. 

If you are packing for an upcoming cruise, whether it's your first or you're a seasoned sailor, it's important to pack the right items to make your voyage as comfortable as possible. 

While basics like clothing, toiletries, and valid travel documentation are essential, there are additional items that can enhance your onboard experience, especially when it comes to your cabin. 

Having been on nearly two dozen cruises, I've learned to always pack one essential item to enhance my cabin experience: a standard USB cord. 

Cruise ship cabins, although smaller than standard hotel rooms, try to pack as many essentials and conveniences into the limited space as possible; however, they typically fall short in the number of available charging options. Typically, standard outlets are exclusively found near the vanity, leaving those who prefer to charge their phones beside the bed at a disadvantage. 

Those preparing for an upcoming cruise shouldn't forget to buy one pre-cruise essential: luggage tag holders. 

When you arrive at the port, having secure holders for your luggage tags will ensure that they don't accidentally get torn off when being transported onboard. Plus, it'll streamline your embarkation process, as you won't have to spend time providing your cabin number to a porter for a handwritten tag. 

While those who play their cards right will find that cruising can be an affordable vacation, others may have a little extra cash to burn or want to set their upcoming cruise apart from previous sailings. 

Perhaps you're celebrating an anniversary or graduation and want to make your next cruise feel more lavish than before. Thankfully, you can customize your vacation to meet your elevated desires. There's nothing quite like waking up in a large suite or being greeted at the airport by a private driver.