cruise and cabin

Welcome to CruiseStateroom.com

Thousands of cabin pictures, interactive deck plans, learn more about us.

Founded in 2001 by Dominique Vaccaro, a passionate cruise ship and old liner enthusiast since his childhood. He was concerned that only a few web sites provided a helpful and practical search for obtaining and visualization of cruise ship deck plans and staterooms available. Those that did, usually offered very little interactivity to find the configuration and location of a stateroom. One would get lost and perhaps bored by the opening of dozens of windows searching for information.

That is why this site came into existence. To help visitors, first time or even experienced cruise customers and travel agents search and find, through an easy to use and complete interface, the stateroom that would be best for their tastes, means or requests.

• We have over 307,052 Stateroom Photos
• We have over 27,060 Stateroom Videos
• We have deck plans for 242 Cruise Ships

You can find cruise ship deck plans all over the internet. But our deck plans are truly interactive. As you view them you can mouse over pictures, pop ups and category information.

Cruise Ships

We do offer awesome cruise ships.

Click on a ship below to go to that page.

Adventure of the Seas

Allure of the seas, anthem of the seas, azamara journey, azamara onward, azamara pursuit, azamara quest, brilliance of the seas, brilliant lady, caribbean princess, carnival breeze, carnival celebration, carnival conquest, carnival dream, carnival elation, carnival firenze, carnival freedom, carnival glory, carnival horizon, carnival jubilee, carnival legend, carnival liberty, carnival luminosa, carnival magic, carnival mardi gras, carnival miracle, carnival panorama, carnival paradise, carnival pride, carnival radiance, carnival spirit, carnival splendor, carnival sunrise, carnival sunshine, carnival valor, carnival venezia, carnival vista, celebrity apex, celebrity ascent, celebrity beyond, celebrity constellation, celebrity eclipse, celebrity edge, celebrity equinox, celebrity flora, celebrity infinity, celebrity millennium, celebrity reflection, celebrity silhouette, celebrity solstice, celebrity summit, celebrity xcel, celebrity xpedition, celebrity xperience, celebrity xploration, coral princess, costa deliziosa, costa diadema, costa fascinosa, costa favolosa, costa firenze, costa fortuna, costa pacifica, costa serena, costa smeralda, costa toscana, crown princess, crystal serenity, crystal symphony, diamond princess, discovery princess, disney dream, disney fantasy, disney magic, disney treasure, disney wish, disney wonder, emerald princess, enchanted princess, enchantment of the seas, explorer of the seas, freedom of the seas, grand princess, grandeur of the seas, harmony of the seas, icon of the seas, independence of the seas, island princess, jewel of the seas, liberty of the seas, majestic princess, mariner of the seas, msc armonia, msc bellissima, msc euribia, msc fantasia, msc grandiosa, msc magnifica, msc meraviglia, msc orchestra, msc preziosa, msc seascape, msc seashore, msc seaside, msc seaview, msc sinfonia, msc splendida, msc virtuosa, msc world america, msc world europa, navigator of the seas, nieuw amsterdam, nieuw statendam, norwegian aqua, norwegian bliss, norwegian breakaway, norwegian dawn, norwegian encore, norwegian epic, norwegian escape, norwegian gem, norwegian getaway, norwegian jade, norwegian jewel, norwegian joy, norwegian pearl, norwegian prima, norwegian sky, norwegian spirit, norwegian star, norwegian sun, norwegian viva, oasis of the seas, oceania allura, oceania marina, oceania riviera, oceania vista, odyssey of the seas, ovation of the seas, pacific adventure, pacific encounter, pacific explorer, paul gauguin, pride of america, quantum of the seas, queen elizabeth, queen victoria, radiance of the seas, regal princess, resilient lady, rhapsody of the seas, royal clipper, royal princess iii, ruby princess, sapphire princess, scarlet lady, seabourn encore, seabourn odyssey, seabourn ovation, seabourn pursuit, seabourn quest, seabourn sojourn, seabourn venture, serenade of the seas, seven seas explorer, seven seas grandeur, seven seas mariner, seven seas navigator, seven seas splendor, seven seas voyager, silver cloud, silver dawn, silver endeavour, silver moon, silver muse, silver nova, silver origin, silver shadow, silver spirit, silver whisper, silver wind, sky princess, spectrum of the seas, star breeze, star clipper, star legend, star of the seas, star princess, sun princess, symphony of the seas, utopia of the seas, valiant lady, viking jupiter, viking mars, viking neptune, viking octantis, viking orion, viking polaris, viking saturn, viking star, viking vela, viking venus, vision of the seas, voyager of the seas, wind spirit, wonder of the seas, we pay 50 cents each for stateroom photos.

Upload your stateroom photos and if we use them we will pay you 50 cents for each one we use.

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STATEROOMS & SUITES

All for one and room for all, top-notch amenities spacious accommodations.

Our staterooms are designed with every type of guest in mind. Whether you’re sailing with your significant other, your family, a group of friends, or traveling solo — we’ve got the perfect room to accommodate your party and budget. Take your pick from Interior or Ocean View rooms, Balcony staterooms, or spacious Suites. You can even connect rooms allowing you to stay together with extended family or friends. The options are endless, and the comfort is always guaranteed.

Interior Staterooms

Our interior staterooms include a wide array of amenities for your whole family to enjoy..

Ocean View Staterooms

Savor the seaside and snapshots of landscapes from shore to shore..

Balcony Staterooms

Claim your slice of paradise with balcony views just outside your door. .

Suite Staterooms

Enjoy expansive accommodations that take luxury to the next level. .

Dedicated stateroom attendant

Daily cleaning service

Exclusive bedding collection

Stateroom climate control

Ample closet and storage

In-room HD-TV

In-room safe for valuables

Deluxe toiletries: shampoo, conditioner & body wash

AND MUCH MORE…

Enhanced room service

Voom High-Speed Wifi

Laundry & dry-cleaning

Movies on-demand

YOUR PLACE, YOUR SPACE

You’ll never find a shortage of unbelievable room options. From romantic couples staterooms to spacious family suites, you’ll find just what you’re looking for to complement the adventure of a lifetime. Take a virtual tour to get a better look at our stateroom collection call dibs on your just-right space.

Accessible Interior

Promenade view interior, central park view interior, spacious ocean view, spacious ocean view balcony*, royal suite, grand suite, owner's suite, aquatheater suite.

ROOM TO UNWIND

There’s so much to do each day and night. But somewhere in between it all, you’ll want to relax, unwind, and enjoy some “me time.” When choosing your ideal cruise ship stateroom, first consider how much space you need, and which amenities are most important to you. We’ve broken it down to help you decide which stateroom fits your vacation needs.

FAMILY STATEROOMS

When traveling with your family, space is always on your mind. A cozy Interior Room is our most budget-friendly option, and we offer Spacious Interiors, along with connecting rooms to accommodate larger families. The range of ultra-spacious cruise rooms across categories spans all the way up to our new Ultimate Family Townhouse — three stories that elevate the way you stay and play.

STATEROOM FOR COUPLES

If you’re planning a getaway for you and a special someone, we’ve got a range of cruise suites to serve as a romantic backdrop. A private balcony, luxurious bedding and in-suite dining are just a few of the upgraded amenities you’ll enjoy. And if it’s extra pampering you seek, be sure to save time for a relaxing service at  Vitality Spa℠ .

SPACIOUS ROOMS FOR GROUPS

Looking for the perfect stateroom for you and your crew? When traveling with a group of friends, there are many options to choose from. Each category has options that offer maximum space to spread out. From Spacious Interior rooms to Ultra Spacious Ocean View rooms, to our top of the line Villa Suite with four bedrooms.

AWE INSPIRING ACCOMMODATIONS ELEVATE YOUR SUITE STAY

Customized adventures, exclusive access and inclusive amenities. Luxury cruise suite accommodations on Royal Caribbean elevate every aspect of your adventure. From full-size tubs in Junior suites to 24-hour room service in Owner Suites and dedicated check-in for Royal Suite class, it’s little details you’d expect — plus elevated experiences you may have never imagined.

THE SUITE LIFE  

Level up your vacation with a spacious suite. Choose between an intimate Junior Suite with great views, or a Grand Suite featuring a bedroom, living area and private balcony. And if you’re looking for the ultimate suite to complement an unforgettable adventure, opt for the Owners Suite loaded with extra added perks.  

ROYAL SUITE CLASS

In Royal Suite Class — available on Oasis Class and select Quantum Class ships —every detail is thought of, so you won’t have to lift a finger. Sea, Sky and Star tiers include perks that range from exclusive spaces and venues to a Royal Genie or Concierge who will craft VIP experiences just for you — and more.

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY SUITES

In the Ultimate Family Suite , you don’t even have to leave your stateroom to enjoy the thrills. Kids have their own in-suite slides and private game room. Plus there’s plenty of perks for parents too, like a private balcony jacuzzi. And our biggest suite ever, the Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas℠  maxes memories across three levels.

Accessible staterooms OUR GUESTS ARE ALWAYS OUR PRIORITY

All our ships have staterooms designed to accommodate guests with mobility disabilities and other disabilities that require the features of an accessible stateroom. Accessible staterooms range from 159 square feet to 298 square feet, and offer a five-foot turning radius in sleeping areas, plus bathrooms and sitting areas for easy maneuverability.

EXPLORE ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS

Royal Up BID YOUR WAY TO A CRUISE UPGRADE

Scoring a fantastic upgrade is easy! Simply browse through stateroom options and select the amount you’re willing to pay the upgrade. Then, you’ll be notified via email if your bid was accepted. From Ocean View and Balcony staterooms to the most expansive suites at sea, the possibilities are endless.

EXPLORE ROYAL UP

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Wondering if you should pick a stateroom that’s forward or aft? We’ve got you covered.

Planning to spend your sea days by the pool? Or maybe you’re most excited about a particular specialty restaurant. Depending on where you plan to spend most of your time, you may have a preference of which venue or part of the ship you prefer to call home. Deck plans vary by ship and can be a helpful tool for picking your stateroom.

If you’re motion sensitive, you’ll want to choose a stateroom that’s lower to the water line and closer to the center of the ship. Layout and location varies by ship, so be sure to check your specific sailing and itinerary.

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21+ Best Cruise Cabin Tips, Secrets, & Things to Know (Read Before Sailing)

When you are on the ship, your cruise cabin is your home away from home. It’s a place for you to relax, take in a beautiful view (assuming you have a balcony), and generally enjoy yourself. It’s not just where you sleep; it’s your refuge away from the rest of the ship.

But cabins on the ship have some unique characteristics that make them unique from any other place you might stay, such as a hotel room or an AirBnB.

Because of the small size of cruise rooms and the fact that you are literally on a floating hotel, things a little different than you might be used to… and you need to know how before you sail. There are also small things you can do that make your experience much better and more comfortable.

To get you prepared, here are more than 20 tips, tricks, and things to know for your cabin before you get on the cruise ship.

Note: The links to Amazon used below are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Save Money With Interior Rooms on Short Trips (Splurge for Nicer Cabins on Longer Cruises)

Cruises come in all sorts of lengths, but two of the popular lengths are those that are short (around 3-5 days) and then trips that are a full week. If you’re not sure whether to spend more and get the balcony or suite, or to spend less and go with an interior room, we have a suggestion.

On shorter trips of less than five days, we say save the money and go with the lower-priced cabin. When you’re on the ship for just a few days, you’ll likely spend more time out and about, including by the pool and in port. So having an interior cabin isn’t a big deal and can save you money.

But on longer trips, it’s a good idea to splurge and get a nicer room. In this case, having a balcony will offer a sanctuary for when you need some time to recharge or just have some downtime on a longer cruise.

Don’t Eat Smelly Food in the Room (Especially Interior Cabins!)

Want to dine away from crowds? You can order room service on the ship or simply grab a dish from the buffet and take it back to your room. It’s a great way to dine without having a lot of other people around. Before you do, however, consider what you are eating.

In interior or oceanview cabins, there is no way to get fresh air into the room. That means any food you bring in will have a lingering smell. A piece of chocolate cake? Who wouldn’t want the room smelling like that? But a plate of eggs? You could be reminded of that meal well after you’ve eaten it.

This isn’t as big an issue with balcony cabins or suites as they have access to fresh air, but be aware of it in other rooms.

Be Careful of the “Wind Tunnel” Effect in Balcony Cabins

If you have a balcony cabin, one of the big benefits is having access to fresh air. Many people choose to leave the door open to let in a breeze, hear the ocean, and generally enjoy the sea.

If you do this, you need to be aware of the wind tunnel that can be created should you open the balcony door and the front door of the cabin at the same time. If conditions are right, instantly a huge gust can move through the room, creating all sorts of chaos, blowing things off tables, and potentially slamming doors closed with the wind.

Instead, just have one door at a time and you don’t have to worry about anything.

Don’t Hang Things to Dry on the Balcony

On a cruise you’re going to have wet clothes and wet towels. The tempting thing to do is to hang them out on the balcony to let them dry versus hanging them in the cabin. But you’ll be warned against hanging clothes on the balcony, and it’s not a good idea anyway.

It can get breezy on the ship, especially if the ship is underway. All it takes is one gust of wind and your towels and swimsuits are taking a ride down to the ocean, never to be seen again.

Instead, cabins come with a small clothesline in the bathroom or you can bring magnetic hooks to dry things (see below). If you have wet pool towels, you can exchange them out for dry one at the pool deck.

Ordering Water for the Room is a Smart Idea

Many cruise lines will let you bring on non-alcoholic drinks . But there are often rules about packaging (for example, Carnival allows cans and cartons, but not bottles) and you have to deal with lugging those items around.

For that reason, we recommend simply ordering a small case of water for the cabin. Getting a drink of water on the ship can be tricky. You have to go to a bar or the buffet, or drink out of the bathroom tap, which just seems wrong. Instead, if you order a case of water, it will be there waiting for you in the room and you don’t have to go far to get a drink.

Bring a Few Magnetic Hooks for the Cabin

You might not realize it, but the ceiling of your cabin is made of metal. That’s nothing to write home about, but it can come in handy. If you bring some magnetic hooks ( you can find them for cheap on Amazon ), then they are perfect for hanging items in the room.

Where this can be especially helpful is hanging clothes to dry. As mentioned, you shouldn’t hang them on the balcony. And while there is a small clothesline in the bathroom, it is usually only large enough for a towel or a couple of swimsuits.

With these hooks, you can stick them to the ceiling and have another spot to hang items to dry.

Our Favorite Cabin Location? Upper Decks… Here’s Why

One tip for selecting your cabin is to look at the upper decks. We think it’s the most convenient location to sail.

The way that cruise ships are designed, there is usually an inner public area in the middle of the ship, with things like the casino, shops, restaurants, and more. This area is normally around decks 6-8.

Then there are the pool and outdoor decks at the top of the ship (these deck numbers vary widely based on the number of levels on the ship).

Getting a cabin between these two areas is ideal. Given that they are the two spots where you’ll spend the most time, it makes sense to be between them. That way you can take the stairs (much faster than the elevator) or simply don’t have to go as far to get to the fun.

Consider Hallway Noise When Selecting a Cabin Location

Cruise cabins are fairly well insulated to where you don’t hear much from the adjoining rooms (within reason). The same can’t be said for the doors. When people pass through the hallway outside the cabin door, you can hear them well. That’s not a big deal most of the time, but if it’s 2 a.m. and a loud group is coming back from the bar, that can definitely wake you up.

That’s why we try to find rooms toward the end of the hall instead of in the middle of the ship. In these locations there is much less foot traffic, meaning less of a chance of passersby in the hallway disturbing the peace and quiet of your room.

Cabin Beds Separate (or Join!) for Your Convenience

Staying in a room as a couple? Then you’ll want a single large bed in the cabin. But if you are cruising with a friend, you likely don’t want to actually sleep in the same bed.

When you check-in online ahead of the cruise, you’ll normally be asked how you want the bed configured. If you arrive and the beds aren’t how you wanted, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean you’ll have to sleep in the same bed as your friend or sleep apart from your spouse. Simply ask the room steward and they can put the beds how you want them. Unlike a hotel room, the beds can adjust based on what you want.

Don’t Expect Much From the Cabin TV

We know that people don’t go on a cruise to watch TV, but when you just want some chill-out time there is little that’s better than hanging out in a cool room watching the tube. Unfortunately, there isn’t that much to watch. TV channels are limited, as you might expect when you are in the middle of the sea.

There are typically a couple of movie channels, some news stations, and a few other things to watch, but most channels are related to the cruise. This includes shopping channels, safety information, and replays of events happening onboard.

Put Your Bags Away on the First Day

Unless you pony up for a huge suite, the first thing you’ll notice about your room is that it’s pretty small. Most are around 160-200 square feet. For a cruise with a couple of people, it’s certainly enough space, but you need to do yourself some favors. The biggest is to unpack your bags and put away your suitcases on the first day.

Cabins have lots of storage space, so you’ll have plenty of room for your things. Putting them away right off the bat means you won’t be tripping over bulky suitcases as you try to get around the room where space is at a premium.

Store Your Suitcases Under the Bed

Cruise cabins are small but they make good use of the space they do have. Case in point is that cruise cabin beds are normally raised up with space underneath them.

This area is perfect for storing empty suitcases. They slide under and are completely out of the way, freeing up floor or closet space where they would otherwise be stored. And you also don’t have to worry about forgetting them because they are out of sight. After all, you’re not going to get off the ship without your suitcase.

Good Luck With the Thermostat

Every cabin you sail with have a thermostat in the room, usually located near the door. In our experience, however, it’s not clear if it works. We’ve had rooms where lowering the thermostat quickly turns on the air, cooling things off. Then we’ve had others where changing the temperature seems to do nothing.

As well, it seems like there are often wild swings in temperature even if you don’t touch the thermostat. Just know sometimes it can be frustrating to get the room comfortable.

Never Smoke in Your Cabin (Even on the Balcony)

Do you smoke or vape? It’s not allowed in your cabin . That also includes the balcony area if you have one. Cruise lines put on big fees if you’re caught smoking in the room. Instead, there are designated smoking areas on the ship if you need to light up.

Not only are cruise lines cautious of keeping the room from smelling like smoke for future guests, but the biggest fear on a cruise ship is fire. You’ll notice that most things that produce heat or flame are prohibited. But in the interest of safety, smoking in your cabin where an accidental fire could be an issue is not allowed.

Be Careful Being Naughty on the Balcony

Cruise ship balconies can be romantic places. Your own little cozy, private spot with a beautiful view, the person you love, and a drink in your hand… it simply doesn’t get much better than that. Of course, that may give you the idea of getting a little frisky with your significant other. Or maybe the sunshine makes you want to lay out and get a suntan all over.

Just know that balconies are private, but not completely private . There are dividers between each, but they leave some gaps between them. Sound can easily travel between two balconies and if someone were to simply lean over, they could get a peek into your area.

If you decide to get a little naughty, maybe wait until later at night when fewer people are out.

Let the Cruise Line Select Your Cabin to Save Money

When you go to a hotel, you usually don’t get to select the room you’re given. On cruise ships, you can select your specific cabin, but just know it can be more expensive that way.

While some people care a lot about where the room is, others simply want to get on the ship. When you book, you’re usually given the option to select a “guarantee” cabin. In this case, you select your room type (interior, balcony, etc.), but the cruise selects the actual spot. In return, you can save a decent chunk of change on the room.

But won’t you just get stuck with a bottom floor room next to the elevator? It’s possible, but in our experience having a poor location has yet to happen.

Scout Out an Alternate Bathroom

Ok, let’s get real for a moment. In the course of a cruise, there may be times when you have to go. Packing some air freshener (or Poo-Pourri) is a good idea, but it doesn’t always do the trick. Having smells linger in an enclosed cabin isn’t the best. As well, what if multiple people in the cabin need to go at once?

That’s why one tip is to scout an out-of-the-way bathroom that can be used during these times. Public bathrooms that are located in lower-trafficked areas are usually empty (look on lower decks at the ends of the ship), providing you some privacy and helps keep your cabin that much more pleasant for everyone.

Be Conscientious of Your Neighbors

On a cruise ship, we’ve already mentioned to you that cabins are small. But they are also packed in tight. There might be hundreds of cabins on a deck, and you can literally have another room on either side of yours, one above, one below, and one about three feet across the hall.

In other words, no matter the time of day or night, there is likely someone nearby trying to nap, getting ready for dinner, or simply just relaxing on their vacation.

That’s why it’s nice to be considerate of your neighbors. Things like stomping in the cabin, playing loud music, or having loud conversations shouldn’t be done. Think of the golden rule — if you wouldn’t want people disturbing you in your room, don’t disturb them.

Every Cabin Comes With a Safe That You Should Use

Your cabin is a secure spot, but there’s no reason to get lax. While you’re out at the pool you might leave your money, passport, or phone behind. Instead of just leaving them out in the open, be sure you use the calbin safe.

Every room you stay in will have a safe — usually located in the closet. Putting valuables in here keeps them more secure so you have less to worry about while you’re out enjoying the ship or in port.

Showers Are TIGHT

If you feel like a giant in the cruise cabin shower, you aren’t alone. For many rooms, the shower area is just a couple of feet wide. Some are round and you can hit both sides at the same time if you stick your elbows out.

While space is tight, the good news is that shower heads are on flexible hoses so you can take them down to get the water exactly where you need it instead of trying to position yourself just right in a tiny shower. 

Hair Dryers Are Included in the Cabin

Save space when you pack and leave the hair dryer at home. No reason to pack a bulky device and take up precious space in your luggage. Every cabin comes with a hair dryer, but it might not be where you think.

Instead of finding the hair dryer in the cabin bathroom, it’s often in the built-in console that houses the mini-fridge and the television set. To be sure, the hair dryer isn’t super powerful (it’s the typical small one you might find in a hotel) but it’s plenty to get you through your cruise.

Be Ready for the Attendant to Be In Your Room Regularly

Cabin stewards are there to make your stay much more comfortable. They typically come twice a day — once in the late morning and once in the early evening — to straighten the room, change out towels, and provide anything else you might need.

With that in mind, be sure to put away anything you wouldn’t want the room attendant to see. So if you packed something romantic for your cruise or snuck on some alcohol you shouldn’t have brought, you might want to keep it out of sight, unless you like having some awkwardness between everyone.

Pack Three Important Things to Make Your Cabin Experience Better

Cruise cabins have everything you need… almost. There are some items we highly suggest you pack to make your life in the cabin more comfortable.

Outlet adapter: Newer ships are better, but many older ships have limited outlet space (sometimes just a single plug). That’s why bringing an outlet adapter is ideal. They plug in one spot and provide multiple outlets for all your electronics. Just be sure to pack one that doesn’t have a surge protector as they aren’t allowed on ships.

Small fan: If staying in a balcony room, you have some access to a breeze, but cruise cabins don’t have ceiling fans. Bringing on a small portable fan can give you some air circulation and also provide white noise while you sleep to drown out any sounds of the ship.

Nightlight: No, we don’t think you’re scared of the dark, but if you are staying in an interior room you might not realize it can be pitch black at night. Even rooms with windows or balconies can be pretty dark with the curtains closed. A small nightlight can make it easier to see for those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.

Bring a Door Decoration (Even a Post-It) to Easily Recognize Your Cabin

Cruise cabins typically line hallways that can stretch the entire length of the ship. For hundreds of feet the décor, carpet, and non-descript doors can seem to simply repeat over and over.

That means finding your cabin can be hard, especially on the first couple of days of the cruise when you are still figuring your way around.

You’ll see many people decorate their doors to help them stand out. If you don’t want to do all that, then just put a bright-colored Post-It note on the door. It will be enough to catch your eye in the sea of blank doors.

Related Articles:

• Which Cruise Cabin Should I Choose? 11 BIG Things to Consider
• Should I Book an Interior or Balcony Cabin on my Cruise?
• Cruise Ship Cabin Guide: 15 Questions & Answers About Your Room

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Cruise deck plans with stateroom pictures and videos.

We have 469,798 cruise pictures and 29,180 stateroom videos. Printable cruise deck plans. Use our cabin check tool to see what is above your below your stateroom. Choose a link below to get started.

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

• CruiseMapper

Cruise Deck Plans, Ship Reviews

CruiseMapper's deckplan services provide cruise deck plans reviews integrated with newest deck layouts and deck legends (company's cabin categories as names and color codes). Each page has a separate link to the vessel's passenger cabins' review that provides information on all its staterooms (amenities, cabin types, grades) with usually included floor plans and photos. Here you can search for a particular ship (via the above search bar) or you can skip the introduction/explanations and go down directly to our list of large passenger ships' deckplan pages .

Along with regularly updated officially issued cruise line deck plans, CruiseMapper's deck plans pages also show statistical information on passenger shipping vessels (including ferries ). All pages are organized as "ship review" articles. You will know what is what, where (location on deck), serving what (functions), operates how and when (review of all onboard venues as activities, amenities, operational hours, special features).

Most of CruiseMapper's ship deck plan pages also review the vessels' newest upgrades/latest refurbishment changes. All dining venues (restaurants and food bars) reviews also contain basic menu/cuisine information, and whether the dining options are complimentary, at fee/surcharge PP or a-la-carte-priced.

All deck plan pages include basic statistical information, such as:

• year built, vessel class and sisterships (among the fleets of all lines)
• total number of cabins, plus number per type (Inside, OceanView/RiverView, Balcony, Suite)
• capacity - passengers (normal and max) and crew capacity
• number of passenger-accessible decks, number (if any) of swimming pools and whirlpools (hot tubs), passenger elevators, water-slides

On some boats is additionally provided information regarding name origin/meaning, service history, fun facts.

Cruise deck plans (floor layouts) updates

Like all things in life, cruise deck plans do change over time. Often, cruise companies/charter operators change facilities and public venues - their location, type (services and amenities), size, or names. Other changes may relate to new cabin categories.

Often, after a major refurbishment, to the ship are added:

• new passenger cabins
• new dining venues - specialty restaurants, bars, lounges, etc
• new facilities - aqua park, waterslide(s), Spa, pool(s) / Jacuzzi(s), outdoor movie theater, etc
• or - simply change the names of the existing ones.

We are responsible for all these deckplan changes and keep our deck layouts and reviews regularly updated and correct.

Cruise ship deck plan reviews

In each of CruiseMapper's deck plans you will find a detailed list of all staterooms and facilities on the vessel. This information generally includes:

• vessel details - year built, last refurbished (and/or scheduled refurbishment), capacity (passengers plus crew)
• total number of passenger cabins, launderettes (passenger use self-service laundry /if any), onboard credit kiosks (self-service money transfer), photo kiosks
• dining room(s), buffet restaurant, specialty restaurant(s) /at surcharge per person or with a la carte menus, dinner club, fast food bars/stations
• theatre/main show lounge
• lounges and bars, conference/meeting room(s)
• casino, video games arcade, special gaming room (like F1 car simulator)
• swimming pool(s) and whirlpools (hot tubs)
• Spa and Fitness complex (wellness facility), jogging/walking track, roller-skating track, sports court(s)
• cinema, library, art gallery, photo gallery
• atrium/lobby area with reception desk, shore excursions desk, duty-free shops and boutiques
• Promenade Deck (an outdoor area that fully or partially encircles the ship)
• kids and teen club lounges and playing zones (on some ships with pool/whirlpool), missing on adult-only vessels
• Aqua Park with slide(s) - on the largest liners only
• unique facilities - such as rock-climbing wall(s), ice-skating track(s), Zip-line, rotating panoramic capsules, glass-floor walking paths, bumping cars, skydive and surf simulators, F1/Sports Car simulator, bungee trampoline, and many other truly bizarre cruise ship design inventions.

CruiseMapper's dedicated staff does regular updates that reflect all floor plan changes (when officially announced by the companies). We do this job properly - so you can count on us, and the information we provide to be accurate and up-to-date.

Follows the long list of (internal) links, which redirect to the vessel's deck plan review. Know that these are only ocean-going ships.

To see all riverboat deck plans, you'll have to follow CruiseMapper's river cruise lines links and explore the company's fleet. Our list of river cruise companies includes AmaWaterways , ACL-American Cruise Lines , AQV/AQSC-American Queen Voyages/Steamboat Company , Arosa , Avalon Waterways , CroisiEurope , Emerald Waterways , Grand Circle , Luftner-Amadeus , Scenic , Scylla , Uniworld , Viking , also our hubs for River Cruises (smaller operators, time-chartered boats), Russian River Cruises (boats in Russian Federation) and Nile River Cruises (boutique hotel ships sailing in Egypt).

Note: The following list of cruise line deck plans includes only CruiseMapper's largest companies' fleets and only ocean-going vessels. To access our full deckplan database (including small-fleet shipping companies , cruiseferries and riverboats ) use the search box at page top .

List of cruise ships with deck plans

Carnival cruise line.

•   Carnival Breeze
•   Carnival Celebration
•   Carnival Conquest
•   Carnival Dream
•   Carnival Elation
•   Carnival Firenze
•   Carnival Freedom
•   Carnival Glory
•   Carnival Horizon
•   Carnival Jubilee
•   Carnival Legend
•   Carnival Liberty
•   Carnival Luminosa
•   Carnival Magic
•   Carnival Mardi Gras
•   Carnival Miracle
•   Carnival Panorama
•   Carnival Paradise
•   Carnival Pride
•   Carnival Radiance
•   Carnival Spirit
•   Carnival Splendor
•   Carnival Sunrise
•   Carnival Sunshine
•   Carnival Valor
•   Carnival Venezia
•   Carnival Vista

Princess Cruises

•   Caribbean Princess
•   Coral Princess
•   Crown Princess
•   Diamond Princess
•   Discovery Princess
•   Emerald Princess
•   Enchanted Princess
•   Grand Princess
•   Island Princess
•   Majestic Princess
•   Regal Princess
•   Royal Princess
•   Ruby Princess
•   Sapphire Princess
•   Sky Princess
•   Star Princess
•   Sun Princess

Disney Cruise Line

•   Disney Destiny
•   Disney Dream
•   Disney Fantasy
•   Disney Magic
•   Disney Treasure
•   Disney Wish
•   Disney Wonder
•   Queen Anne
•   Queen Elizabeth
•   Queen Mary 2
•   Queen Victoria

AIDA Cruises

•   AIDAbella
•   AIDAblu
•   AIDAcosma
•   AIDAdiva
•   AIDAluna
•   AIDAmar
•   AIDAnova
•   AIDAperla
•   AIDAprima
•   AIDAsol
•   AIDAstella

Viking Cruises

•   Viking Jupiter
•   Viking Mars
•   Viking Neptune
•   Viking Octantis
•   Viking Orion
•   Viking Polaris
•   Viking Saturn
•   Viking Sea
•   Viking Sky
•   Viking Star
•   Viking Vela
•   Viking Venus
•   Viking Vesta
•   Zhao Shang Yi Dun-Viking Sun

Royal Caribbean

•   Adventure Of The Seas
•   Allure Of The Seas
•   Anthem of the Seas
•   Brilliance Of The Seas
•   Enchantment Of The Seas
•   Explorer Of The Seas
•   Freedom Of The Seas
•   Grandeur Of The Seas
•   Harmony Of The Seas
•   Icon Of The Seas
•   Independence Of The Seas
•   Jewel Of The Seas
•   Liberty Of The Seas
•   Mariner Of The Seas
•   Navigator Of The Seas
•   Oasis Of The Seas
•   Odyssey Of The Seas
•   Ovation Of The Seas
•   Quantum Of The Seas
•   Radiance Of The Seas
•   Rhapsody Of The Seas
•   Serenade Of The Seas
•   Spectrum Of The Seas
•   Star Of The Seas
•   Symphony Of The Seas
•   Utopia Of The Seas
•   Vision Of The Seas
•   Voyager Of The Seas
•   Wonder Of The Seas

Holland America

•   ms Eurodam
•   ms Koningsdam
•   ms Nieuw Amsterdam
•   ms Nieuw Statendam
•   ms Noordam
•   ms Oosterdam
•   ms Rotterdam
•   ms Volendam
•   ms Westerdam
•   ms Zaandam
•   ms Zuiderdam

P&O Cruises

•   Arcadia
•   Arvia
•   Aurora
•   Azura
•   Britannia
•   Iona
•   Pacific Adventure
•   Pacific Encounter
•   Pacific Explorer
•   Ventura

Costa Cruises

•   Costa Deliziosa
•   Costa Diadema
•   Costa Fascinosa
•   Costa Favolosa
•   Costa Fortuna
•   Costa Pacifica
•   Costa Serena
•   Costa Smeralda
•   Costa Toscana

TUI Cruises

•   Mein Schiff 1
•   Mein Schiff 2
•   Mein Schiff 3
•   Mein Schiff 4
•   Mein Schiff 5
•   Mein Schiff 6
•   Mein Schiff 7
•   Mein Schiff Relax

Seabourn Cruises

•   Seabourn Encore
•   Seabourn Odyssey
•   Seabourn Ovation
•   Seabourn Pursuit
•   Seabourn Quest
•   Seabourn Sojourn
•   Seabourn Venture

Norwegian Cruise Line

•   Norwegian Aqua
•   Norwegian Bliss
•   Norwegian Breakaway
•   Norwegian Dawn
•   Norwegian Encore
•   Norwegian Epic
•   Norwegian Escape
•   Norwegian Gem
•   Norwegian Getaway
•   Norwegian Jade
•   Norwegian Jewel
•   Norwegian Joy
•   Norwegian Pearl
•   Norwegian Prima
•   Norwegian Sky
•   Norwegian Spirit
•   Norwegian Star
•   Norwegian Sun
•   Norwegian Viva
•   Pride of America

Celebrity Cruises

•   Celebrity Apex
•   Celebrity Ascent
•   Celebrity Beyond
•   Celebrity Constellation
•   Celebrity Eclipse
•   Celebrity Edge
•   Celebrity Equinox
•   Celebrity Flora
•   Celebrity Infinity
•   Celebrity Millennium
•   Celebrity Reflection
•   Celebrity Silhouette
•   Celebrity Solstice
•   Celebrity Summit
•   Celebrity Xcel
•   Celebrity Xpedition
•   Celebrity Xploration

Marella Cruises

•   Marella Discovery
•   Marella Discovery 2
•   Marella Explorer
•   Marella Explorer 2
•   Marella Voyager

MSC Cruises

•   MSC Armonia
•   MSC Bellissima
•   MSC Divina
•   MSC Euribia
•   MSC Fantasia
•   MSC Grandiosa
•   MSC Lirica
•   MSC Magnifica
•   MSC Meraviglia
•   MSC Musica
•   MSC Opera
•   MSC Orchestra
•   MSC Poesia
•   MSC Preziosa
•   MSC Seascape
•   MSC Seashore
•   MSC Seaside
•   MSC Seaview
•   MSC Sinfonia
•   MSC Splendida
•   MSC Virtuosa
•   MSC World America
•   MSC World Asia
•   MSC World Europa

Oceania Cruises

•   Oceania Allura
•   Oceania Insignia
•   Oceania Marina
•   Oceania Nautica
•   Oceania Regatta
•   Oceania Riviera
•   Oceania Sirena
•   Oceania Vista

Silversea Cruises

•   Silver Cloud
•   Silver Dawn
•   Silver Endeavour
•   Silver Galapagos
•   Silver Moon
•   Silver Muse
•   Silver Nova
•   Silver Origin
•   Silver Ray
•   Silver Shadow
•   Silver Spirit
•   Silver Whisper
•   Silver Wind

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know

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30 Helpful Cruise Organization Tips for Cruisers

If you’re going on a cruise, you’ve probably heard by now cabins are pretty compact. As a matter of fact, an inside cabin will likely be about half the size of an average hotel room. Even ocean view and balcony cabins can be tight on space.

If you’re cruising in a suite, it’s unlikely that you’ll need these cabin hacks to save space, however you may appreciate the cabin organization tips just the same.

One thing I’ve always liked about cruise ship cabins, is that they’re laid out pretty efficiently. Despite their small size, there are a lot of small spaces that can be put to good use for storage.

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Cruise Tips and Cabin Hacks for 2023

Over the years, we’ve become savvy cruisers, and have picked up some great cruise tips from articles, videos and other cruisers.

In this post I’ll share with you what works for us today, as well as what some great tips that other cruisers have been kind enough to share!

Keeping a cruise ship cabin organized (for a couple or a family)

Whether you are 2 in a cabin, or 4 (or on rare occasions 5), there are ways to keep your cabin space organized and feeling as “spacious” as possible.

Short Anecdote:

I hear some people say that cabins are so small, that you could NEVER fit a family of four in them. However I disagree – because we’ve done it.

For years when our children were young, we booked inside cabins for 4. This meant the children slept in bunk beds above us.

It really wasn’t bad during the day, as our cabin steward would tuck those pullman beds into the wall or ceiling. Out of sight until after dinner, he would turn down the beds before we arrived back in our cabins later at night.

While we were cozy, we still had enough room, but we needed to be organized!

By the way, if we ever thought of complaining, I reminded us all that many people go camping and all stay in one tent. An inside cabin on a luxurious cruise ship is infinitely better!

Tips on How to Organize Your Cruise Ship Cabin

In order to have an organized and efficient cruise cabin, you’ll want to be prepared with a few things you bring from home that you buy from Amazon or your preferred store. However, there’s more to using your stateroom space well than buying a few gadgets. I’ll go through tips that we personally have used that have been an immense help.

1. Pack light but realistic

This is easier said than done, and being honest with you I’m an over-packer who is making minimal improvements with each cruise. Try to bring only what you’ll need by preparing outfits you’d like to wear for day and evening. Try things on and make sure you feel good in them. Add some swimwear and shoes and you’re set.

Do check on your cruise line’s dress code and suggestions in case there’s a formal or chic night .

Tip: Wear the tighter clothes on the first days (not even joking lol)

Read more:   What To Wear on a Cruise Vacation (day, evening, formal nights)

2. Get extra hangers

Don’t bring these from home, as they just take up extra room in your luggage and why do that? When you arrive in your cabin, you’ll soon meet your room steward. After some introductions, ask for some extra hangers if you need any (I always do!).

It can be a space saver to hang as many items as you can. I often hang two sundresses on the same hanger if it’s just spaghetti straps.

3. Store luggage under your bed

First things first, as soon as you can, get everyone to unpack their luggage quickly the first day of the cruise. Then, as soon as this is done, tuck suitcases (sometimes one fits in another) under the bed. Often your cabin steward can even do this for you.

4. Packing cubes

Packing cubes really help to keep everything organized and can be a space and time saver. In fact, you can even keep some items in the cube (just unzip) and place the packing cube right on the shelf or in the drawer.

If you have kids, consider buying different color packing cubes for each member of the family.

Read more:   The Pros and Cons of Packing Cubes for Cruise Vacations

5. Use an over the door hanging organizer

This can be a huge space saver for all your personal products and more! Hang the over the door organizer on your bathroom door and free up limited space in the small cruise bathrooms with tiny shelves. It’s perfect for keeping sun lotion, after sun lotion, creams, medications, hair products and more.

Tip: Consider pre-packing this before you leave your house and placing it in your luggage. Imagine how quickly you can unpack on your cruise embarkation day !

6. Empty out your mini-fridge

Make space in your mini-fridge if you’ve brought on your own case of water bottles (check cruise line policy), as well as to put any milk containers the kids may take for later from the breakfast buffet. You may want to keep some wine in the fridge etc. Plus, no one will mistakenly grab something way too expensive!

Tip: Ask your room attendant to fill your ice bucket if you like that. 

Related:  What Food and Drinks Can You Bring on a Cruise? (snacks, water bottles, wine & more)

7. Clear up the cabin clutter you don’t need

When you arrive in your cabin, you will often find a few things on your counters or desk. If you’re not going to use them, stash them away. If you won’t need the ice bucket, wine glasses or other items, ask your cabin steward to remove them.

Some people ask the attendant to take away a small coffee table or even an extra chair that you just don’t need. Don’t be shy, they’ll remove those things for you and it will create more cabin space.

8. Turn your desk into a vanity

9. Organizing your papers

Do keep papers that you need and want to refer to in a regular spot. If you’ve got tickets for shore excursions that you’ve printed out and other important papers, put them in a legal size envelope or a pocket folder that you bring from home . Then, when you’re on your cruise, you can stash away any important papers or even receipts in one spot. I like to bring a couple of extra envelopes as well and keep everything together.

You may prefer to use small magnet clips and keep tickets and other items hanging on the cabin wall (see next point).

**Looking for a printable cruise travel planner to keep organized? See what’s included in the 47 page Ultimate Cruise Planner

10. Magnetic hooks

*I haven’t brought these yet, but they are on my list for my next cruise. Cruise ship cabins usually have 2 hooks already in the cabin. Once we’ve hung bathrobes, we don’t have a good spot for hats and caps and even for a sweatshirt any of us may want to grab. If you saw my cabin, you’d notice we pile those items on a chair in the stateroom. Definitely not the best use of space.

Cabin walls are metal, so magnetic hooks are perfect. However they should be pretty heavy duty, so get some good ones for this. Amazon has some that are a big hook, and others that have a small clip.

*Update – we bought magnetic hooks and they were amazing!! I highly recommend!

We also now bring magnetic clips for papers to organize our papers, shore excursion tickets and event invitations and hang them right on our cabin wall!

Recommended: Magnet hooks

Recommended: Magnet clips

11. Pop up hampers

Very handy, keep a couple foldable material shoe boxes as pop up hampers and keep them under the desk or tucked on the closet floor. You may want to keep a second one to throw in your flip flops when you come in the cabin.

12. Mesh laundry bags

Recommended: Mesh foldable laundry hamper (see over 30,000 Amazon reviews here)

13. Clothes Pegs

If you’ve decided to wash a few small items or hang some bathing suits up on the little clothes line in the shower, you’ll want to have a few inexpensive clothes pegs handy. You can pick up a small package at the dollar store.

14. Extra electric outlets and USB’s

Perhaps the newest ships have accounted for this, but literally every cruise cabin I’ve had from inside to Balcony, has had 2-3 plugs if I was lucky! Nowadays, we just need more plugs for all our electronics and chargers. You may think you can bring a power par from home, but the ones with surge protectors are actually not allowed. It’s very important that you purchase one that is cruise approved (cruise ships will confiscate).

15. Portable charger

A travel necessity is a portable charger or power bank.

This is the super fast portable charge I recommend:  INIU Portable Charger – compatible with most phones (but do verify)

16. Portable speakers

17. Cabin nightlight

Cabins are obviously quite dark at night, especially if you’re in an inside cabin.

So, here’s my very simple cabin hack. If you’re in an inside cabin, open the light in the bathroom and leave the door open just a sliver. It will add just enough light to the room so you don’t trip or stub your toe if you do need to get up during the night.

If you have a balcony, you can also pull the shades just a touch and let some moonlight in. We like natural light in the morning, so we often leave the curtains partially open to get that early light peeking in.

On a recent cruise, we used a battery operated motion sensor nightlight . This was a really useful cruise accessory !

Recommended: Motion sensor nightlight for cruise cabins (check price & Amazon reviews here)

18. Small cabin fan

19. Store your valuables and personal items

Keep not only your good jewelry, wallet and cash in your safe – but also keep your passports and car or house keys. We realize we often have these with us when we travel, and to avoid searching for them at the end of the cruise, they simply go in the safe the very first cruise day.

20. Jewelry storage

If you have small items like earrings and pendants, a pill container that you can pick up at the dollar store is handy to keep organized. You can put everything in ahead of time and then have it ready when you need it.

Keeping Organized on a Cruise

21. highlighter.

Keeping organized for the ship’s activities can be a bit of a challenge. You’ll definitely want to go through the daily cruise planner (Cruise Compass, Freestyle Daily, Princess Patter, etc.) and plan for certain activities you really want to attend.

While you can also view this on the cruise line app (check availability with your cruise line), on your phone, I personally like planning ahead by looking through the paper daily planner.

Bring a highligher  and this way you can highlight your favorite things and see them at a glance.

22. Dry erase board

Some people really like to use a dry erase board for messages and notes between family members, or to write down reminders. Consider if this will work for your family.

Over the last few years, we’ve been using the cruise ship messaging apps, so we really haven’t found a need for this, but if your kids are young, it may be practical for you.

23. Post-it notes

Who doesn’t love post-it notes? Honestly, I can always use a post it. This can be great to write a note to your cabin attendant and leave it on the mirror, or to write yourself a note and place it where you need it to be.

Video: Genius Space Saving Cruise Hacks

Want even more cruise cabin tips and hacks? I share more genius space saving tips in this YouTube video:

24. Reusable water bottles

While not exactly a cruise cabin hack, this is something really practical to have on your cruise. Perhaps buy different colored ones for each person in the cabin to keep organized, but definitely you’ll appreciate those portable bottles, especially when you get off the cruise ship.

Set of 4 in different colors – Sports Water Bottles (amazon link)

25. Thermal coffee mugs

Ahhhhhh coffee. Enough said 😉

26. Ziplock bags

Ziplock baggies are so useful. They can keep your passports dry if you need to take them with you at a cruise port. You may want to put a few bandaids in a ziplock and throw it in your beach bag. You get the idea. Just bring a few, you never know.

Getting ready for shore excursions

Don’t bring any towels from home , as your cruise ship will provide them. And, you can even take them off the ship for excursions and beach days while you’re in a cruise port.

Tip: We like to prepare the day before by getting towels from the pool deck and placing them in a beach bag we use. Along with that, we throw in our sun tan lotion and sunscreen and we’re all ready when we get to our port of call the next morning. *Note, some cruiselines leave pool towels in your cabin, while many will not, so plan for this.

28. Beach bag or backpack

29. Towel Clips

I’m so in love with my towel clips. The cruise ship deck is windy, and towels tend to fall down and even fly away a bit.

For years I saw others with them and just didn’t get around to buying them. Then I secretly envied my fellow shipmates and their adorable and practical towel clips. Finally I have them and we put them to good use on our last cruise!

You can get towel clips to suit your personality like flamingos or parrots or margaritas, or you can get a simple and colorful set as well.

If you prefer to pack lighter, a great alternative to towel clips are towel bands . They are practical and lightweight, and don’t take up much space at all!

Recommended: Towel Bands (see price & reviews on Amazon here)

Decorating your cabin door

30. decorative magnets.

On some cruise lines, decorating your cabin door is a bit of a thing. I have to say, we just haven’t done this.

However, it’s always fun to see the doors that are decorated. So if you’re in the mood or celebrating a special occasion, definitely bring some fun magnets and other items to decorate and personalize your cabin door. Something fun I saw on our last cruise, was a door decorated with those scrabble style letter magnets. People were forming words – it was pretty cute.

A bit of a random fun fact I discovered recently, decorating your cabin door with pineapples has meaning, so proceed with caution. Just google it. If it made you smile or laugh let me know with a haha in the comments below :-).

Read more:   Cruise Cabin Door Decorations: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers

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Recap: Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Should Know

Keep in mind that although cruise cabins are small, they can also be organized and efficient. Not all cruise tips or organization products will be for you, but pick and choose the things you can do that will make your life just a bit easier while on vacation.

What tips do you have? Please let me know in the comments below, and I may just add them to this post. Any products you love or really didn’t need at all?

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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174 Comments

This was very helpful to me as we are first time cruisers!! Thank you for all of your info!!!

That`s so exciting!! I`m glad the post was helpful to you as you plan your cruise.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Have a wonderful time!!

Ha ha on the pineapple… didn’t know that! Thanks for sharing your info.

Lol, right? Thanks for taking the time to comment Brendah 🙂

Hahaha, I’m not into the lifestyle, but now all I will notice are pineapples 😂

Haha, I know! I can’t drink from my plastic pineapple glasses anymore without thinking of this – they say “Party like a pineapple” LOL

Love these. For those adults that bring their own adult beverages: drink only in your cabin, otherwise you may be charged an uncorking fee in public areas. Of purchasing adult beverages onboard, it is a better bargain to get the drink of the day if offered.

Thanks Jennifer for the tips. We’ve found that we’ve been able to bring a glass of wine to various areas of the ship, without issue. However, we have been charged a corkage fee when bringing the whole bottle to the MDR.

Thank you..

I found the magnet trick didn’t work. Our doors were not magnetic. I use large suction cup hooks on my RV outside to hang towels and suits. These work pretty good in the ship cabin too. Command hooks work good too.

That’s a great one! Thanks for sharing 🙂

I use battery operated tea lights or votives in the bathroom as night lights. They are bright enough that there’s no need to turn on the overhead light.

That’s a super idea Joyce! Thanks for sharing that tip!

Haha on the pineapple…good to know, lol

lol, who knew, right?

Read someplace else- magnet weight load is the weight needed to pull it off the wall. I found hanging heavy stuff caused it to slide down the wall. Suggested to put the hook on the ceiling then they will stay put.

That’s a great idea Christine,especially if people are hanging stuff heavier than a sweater or cap. Thanks for sharing it!

It may sound kind of cheap but the compartmentalized containers the scented wax or scentsy comes in makes a great jewelry organizer. Found a great Pinterest tip to use baking soda and olive oil to get the sticky off after the label is removed. The scent remains and it also freshens drawers.

I love those “thrifty” tips. Smart idea – thanks for sharing!!

Love all of these ideas – we used almost every one of these items on our first cruise. One word of warning though – not all cruise ships allow the over the door organizers. Disney Cruises will not allow them and if you use one and scratch the doors, you can be fined.

Hi Melissa,

Glad you used these tips on your first cruise and found them helpful. Thanks for the tip about Disney cruises. I know most cruise lines allow it, but good to know for Disney cruisers!!

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

Couldn’t you just put a hand towel over the door and then the hanger?? No scratches….and extra storage.

I guess you can, however I’m thinking if a cruise line doesn’t allow it, the cabin attendant may ask you to remove it. All the cruises I’ve been on, we’ve been able to have one, so we’ve been lucky so far.

Another way to use it though is to hang large metal hooks from the ceiling against the wall, then hang it there. I’ve heard of others doing this.

Thanks for the comment!

I used mine, and brought ribbon that I ran through the grommets, tied in a bow and hung it the hook that was on the back of the door. It can also be used this way hung in a closet on a hanger this way and used for socks, underwear, kids clothes, ets.

That’s smart! Great tips! Thanks Kim

Amazon has some cool double sided ones on hangers that you can hang in the closet.

Great to know Kristina – thanks so much!

You could use ribbon to tie 2 together and slide it over the door for Disney ships… one in the bathroom and one in the actual room… more space, no damage.

Great tip! Thanks Joanna

you can use them on Disney cruises, you just can’t use the hooks. last cruise I used a bungee cord to hang it up on 2 wall hooks and it worked great, just FYI

That’s interesting. Thanks for the info and suggestion!

HI, we sew elastic in the top two corners and then hang that over the corners of the doors.

OMG Amanda – this is one of the very best cruise hacks I’ve ever heard. Love it!!

Thanks so much for sharing, Ilana

Cover the hook part with felt so it doesn’t scratch

Great idea! Thanks so much Linda!

HAHA!!!!! I just learned about that pineapple thing too…..I have a secret plan to put a pineapple solar light at my sister’s mailbox when we are there for Memorial Weekend…..tee hee….Can’t wait to see what happens, or if she even notices!!

You made me laugh this morning!!! I almost spit out my coffee lol!

Let me know… hahahaha!

Have a great cruise!!

Just read what the pineapple stands for! We used them to let people know they were welcome in our homes. Wont ever be using these again!

Lol Belinda!! Keep using them – your friends can now get a laugh.

Thanks for the fun comment (still laughing)

As a pineapple friendly person myself, a right side up pineapple means friendship while a pineapple turned upside down means…. Well, a little more friendly 😉 haha It only means *that* if it’s upside down!!!

Regarding night lights… they make tea lights that only illuminate when they are in water, so we used those. Fill a glass with about an inch of water, drop in the floating light and you have the perfect night light. No need to plug it in and use those precious spots on your extension cord. In the morning take it out. Ours lasted about 3 nights before dying out.

That’s genius!! Thanks for sharing that smart hack Nansie!

My cruise jewelry box is an old spring-hinged prescription eyeglasses case. They are usually fabric lined and sturdy, so jewelry won’t get crushed, and open like a little display-tray. To keep necklaces from tangling, I cut plastic drinking straws to fit the case, thread the chain through the straw and either clasp the necklace, or slip the pendant through the loop of chain at the end.

Great tips Lisa! That straw trick is incredibly smart.

Thanks so much for sharing!

Another straw trick is to bring your own reusable straws!! Nothing worse than drinking a pina colada with a paper straw lol

Agreed! So mushy after 5 minutes lol!

Never heard about the pineapples!! HA HA….. thanks for letting me know!!!

I laughed also when I found out! Good to know, right? Lol

If you are taking drink bottles, take a small collapsible funnel to fill them up – on most of the cruise ships, you have to fill a glass, then use that to fill your bottle, meaning it can get rather damp around the drink stations!

Thanks Kathryn for that super smart tip! I never thought of that, but you’re so right!

I save fridge magnets, the ones generally used as advertisements that are large and flat. I bring them along to contain the daily happenings or other pieces of paper so the desk area is clear. We are seasoned cruisers and always love reading others tips and tricks.

What a smart idea! I love it. I’m the same, I love learning the little tips and tricks from other cruisers!

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

I always bring a few gallon size ziplock bags! They are great for water socks or swimsuits that may be wet or sandy when it’s time to disembark! They’re also handy for packing granola bars and other snacks for excursion days!

Very smart tips Lisa! Ziplocks should be a cruise staple item lol. Thanks for sharing.

I take along an x-large ziplock bag. I used for liquids when I pack and I use it for laundry while on the cruise. Put clothes & laundry soap in the bag. Use the shower to add water. Zip, agitate, drain, then add clean water to rinse. Works much better than the sink.

That’s so smart!The uses for Ziplocks on a cruise are endless, lol. Best laundry hack ever!

I bought a whole box of gallon ziplocks at the Dollar Tree just for my cruise! LOL I found a cruise power strip that has a built in nightlight on amazon. My mom is a seasoned cruiser and it’s my first time; she is amazed at all of the hacks I’ve shared with her! 😉

That power strip sounds fantastic! Very smart!!

Let me know how you enjoy your cruise. It sounds fabulous!

Thank you for all of the tips. I am going on a mother & daughter cruise (she is (23) in Aug and cannot wait. This is my second and her first. We will be using most of these tips. Thanks

So glad they could be helpful!

Have an amazing cruise Valerie! I hope your daughter has the very best time!

Hi ILANA, I have used most of the same tips on previous cruises. Quart and gallon ziplock bags are great for smelly or wet clothing. The bags are good for lotion, makeup, or anything that may waste or spill in your luggage. I use ziplock bags whenever I travel. HaHa I did not know that about pineapples. Thanks for sharing

Hi Kathleen,

I share your love of Ziplocks lol.They really are a lifesaver when traveling!

I know right? Pineapples 😉

I read about the pineapple. 🤦‍♀️😂😁

Haha right? That’s going to stay with me forever, lol

A clock. They don’t provide one, so bring one unless you just want to use your phone. I did have a room steward who loaned me his for the week, but don’t count on that happening on all cruises.

That’s a great one! You definitely lucked out on a cabin steward – I agree that’s not likely to happen most of the time. We use our phone, but true having an actual small clock is so handy!

Thanks for the good advice!!

I take an old watch and attach it to my pool bag so I know what time it is as there are very few clocks on the pool decks. Also handy when I go ashore so I’m not late back to the ship.

Brilliant idea Janet! It’s so smart to keep a simple watch on “ship time”. Thanks for sharing!

These are awesome tips! We also have cruised a few times but I still learned something new! Enjoy!!

Thanks Leslie! It’s always good when we cruisers still can pick up a few extra tips, lol!

Enjoy your next cruise!

Wow! Did not realize that about pineapples lol. Thanks for the heads up

Lol, who knew, right?

This one is more a tip for shore excursions. On my first (and so far only) Cruise, my parents gave me a journal to note down everything I did in the day, (where we went, things we saw, etc). I kept the journal inside a 3-ring binder pencil case with a plastic front. Then, any tour tickets, pamphlets, postcards, or other small/flat things could be slipped inside easily and wouldn’t get bent, crunched, or lost. It was such an easy way to keep that stuff from disappearing. And the pencil bag took up next to no space, and was light.

I think if/when I ever get to do another cruise like this, I will bring a whole binder of pencil bags, and each day I can just grab one and toss it in my bag, and label it with the date, location(s) of that day, etc. At the end of the day, I can snap it back into the binder and an empty one is ready for the next day’s adventures.

This is such a phenomenal idea! Do you keep the journal at the end of the trip as a keepsake? It’s really such a nice idea – plus amazing for organization!

Thanks for sharing!

I love this idea! I have started scrapbooking, and a journal will help me remember the details of each day when I scrapbook it later.

What a great idea to preserve and relive the memories!!

Love all the great tips… thanks for the heads up on the pineapples!!!

Lol, who knew right? Thanks for taking the time to comment and have a great cruise!

Hahaha-Whoa! 😳 Good to know LOL

I know right? I love Pineapples but now I think twice, lol.

The tried and true for me are the ziploc bags (gallon size) and pop-up laundry hamper. We keep the hamper in our closet and throw our dirty clothes in it. We use cloth reusable shopping bags to pack our dirty clothes back in our bags, sorting by laundry loads while packing. When we return home from a week + vacation, I dread doing laundry the most. When we pack them up like this, it makes it easy to just throw each bag into the washer separately, no additional work when we get home. The other thing we use while on the cruise is magnetic “chip clips”. We bring 5 or 6 of them for inside our stateroom. We keep newsletters, tickets, brochures, and notes on them without taking up valuable counter space.

Fabulous tips Meg. I love the cloth bag idea. That’s so smart! I agree post-cruise laundry is the worst, lol!

Thanks for sharing and taking the time to comment.

Good stuff! The only thing I would add is that we always bring along a couple of international converters so we can use those extra sockets to charge things.

Hi Katrina,

That’s a great tip! Thanks for sharing it – I’ll add it when I update the post shortly.

make sure it’s a converter and not just an adapter. One converts the power, the other just allows you to use a different plug. If you don’t convert the power, you’ll probably damage the appliance.

That’s a good point. Always important to check. We haven’t had to use one on a cruise, but have used when traveling n Europe and I know this can be confusing.

Thanks for the great tip!

1st time cruiser and this was a big help!! And thank you for the heads up with the pineapples, as i love to decorate with pineapples!! Lol! Can you imagine what would’ve happened?! 😬😁 lol!

I’m so glad Liz! I know I thought that was a funny one too, lol!

Have a wonderful cruise!!

Hi! I had never heard about pineapples….great to know ( I had to laugh when I read up on it). Great ideas from everyone.

I laughed too! Glad it was a fun read!Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.

Great list. We just did our first overseas (non-Carribean) cruise. We learned that without the humidity of the Caribbean, the air on the ship is VERY dry. We both ended up with sinus issues (we live in Florida, so we are really affected by dryness) I dd my research when I got home, and I will never again travel without a compact humidifier. (We also had the dryness issue the last time we went to Las Vegas)

That is a great tip I never thought of! I can imagine the dryness can really have an effect, especially when you’re not used to it.I’ll have to look that up and make a point of it,for those that would find it useful.

On Royal Caribbean pineapple is a nickname for Pinnacle, the top level of cruiser with 700 or more cruise points. Just found out about the other meaning lol.

Lol,that’s so funny! I didn’t know that -pretty cute!

Thanks so much for sharing Marian!

Hey didn’t see anyone else post this but, carnival had banned portable speaker. 😣 Their website says they will be confiscated at entry. Just a heads up…. We planned to take ours but they put the kibosh on that. Other wise love all the tips. We use most of these already and we’re on our 10th cruise in November. I hope I finally remember a night light!!

Oh no! I didn’t know that. I do see different cruise lines are changing things. Good point to always check policies for updates :-).

When we travel, I place scented dryer sheets in the bag containing soiled laundry in the suitcase. The dryer sheets ‘absorb’ the odors. Dryer sheets can also be placed inside shoes to help minimize foot odors.

What a smart tip Judy! Thanks for sharing it!

While finding out about the pineapples, we discovered that an upside down pineapple also has meaning. Check it out.

Lol, I googled!! Too funny – I have to be careful with pineapples everywhere 😉

Thanks for the laugh, Monique!

Been cruising for years but I still look for hints and tips. My hint for keeping the cabin organized is going through the daily mail. All the newsletters, schedules, invites, coupons, and advertisements that arrive in your cabin. Either save or throw away, don’t feel bad to fill the trash can. Now that I know the walls are magnetic, I have clips to hang up the keepers.

You are so right. All those papers just add up and create so much clutter! I love that you’re using the small magnet clips for the papers. It’s definitely a good idea!

I’ll be getting more organized for my next cruise, so I think I’ll order a few small clips too.

Thanks so much for sharing your great advice!

Just learned this from a fellow cruiser. Each day, take a picture of your Fun Times (or daily ship schedule). Then, when you take pictures, you’ll know the day, date, and where you were. Sometimes the beaches look the same, or the gps lists where you were, which isn’t always the port.

What a smart idea! Thanks for sharing that great tip!! I love it!

This was so very informative and much appreciated; I have made notes as we are going on our first cruise next year!

So glad this is helpful! I’m excited for you as you plan your first cruise! So fun 🙂

Thanks so much for this post! I’m first time cruising as an adult, taking my kids and there will be 4 of us in 1 room – 2 teenagers!! This is really going to help us out. Excited to check out the rest of your site!

I’m excited for you Annie! So fun to be cruising with teens – awesome vacation for all!

Have a great time!!

Great tips. I’ll be sure to check my magnet stickers for no pineapples! LOL

LOL!!!! I personally love pineapples, but can’t help but thinking of this, since I found this out.

Have an amazing cruise!!

I’ve heard that you can thread your necklace through a straw to keep it from getting tangled during travel.

Very smart tip! I’ve yet to do it, but I’m sure it works well 🙂

I disagree about not bringing a towel. On our girls cruise sister in-law packed a microfiber towel. I told her she did not need it but she brought it anyway. It sure made packing for the beach a lot easier and less to carry since it is so much lighter that the ship towels.

I could see how that could be handy to have a lighter towel. Certainly if people want a lighter towel to bring with that can be a great idea.

Last cruise I loved my quick dry beach towel. worked wonders for excursions..e.g lining chairs/loungers and benches. Cleaning sand of feet a gem

I’m glad to hear. I actually have a hair drying towel that I’m thinking of bringing on my next cruise.

Thanks for the tip!

OMG thats hilarious. I had no idea. I’m so glad you shared the info as we are leaving in two weeks for our first cruise. My nephew, his 11 yo daughter, my 13 yo daughter and myself. We are planning to decorate our door to help the girls find it easily. How awkward would that have been? LMAO

Hahahaha! I always find that one funny too!

Have a great cruise – it sounds amazing!

what about soaps and shampoos, does ship provide certain kinds or use our own??

Great question Nancy. I believe most ships do provide a shower gel and shampoo and possibly conditioner.

This can actually vary a bit depending on the cruise line though. If you’re on Facebook, there are any cruise line fan facebook groups where people are happy to give you an answer for a specific ship.

Hope this helps,

Okay so you got me. I googled the significance of the pineapple. And who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks. 67 yr old grandma and somehow in all my years missed that one! You probably would have gotten a chuckle form my reaction, went something like oh (gasp) and teehee, with the appropriate facial expression of surprise and amusement. Thanks for the chuckle and the cruise ideas. The upcoming one will be our 5th for my husband and 6th for me. We are celebrating our 30th Anniversary and I was considering door decor for the first time. Definitely will not be using a pineapple 😉 Roflol

Congrats Sandra on your special anniversary! So glad it gave you a laugh – it does me too, still lol!

Have an awesome cruise!

I’ll be going on my first cruise in October 2020 & I am so excited! Thank you so much for these tips, they will be a huge help.

That’s so exciting!! I’m so glad the tips could be helpful as you get ready for your cruise.

Thank you sooo much for these tips! First cruise for all of us coming up (2 teens, mother, father, grandmother) and this will help make things easier with less stress.

Hi Delores,

That’s awesome and sounds so fun! Have a great cruise!

HaHa!!!! Thais so good good to know, and not do! Gave my husband and I a good laugh!

So glad!! I know I can’t buy pineapple stuff anymore hehe

My tip is for beach days. Bring baby powder! Sprinkle it on feet/legs/wherever and rub it in. It makes all the sand just fall right off your skin.

Thanks Abby for the tip! I often go to the beach pre cruise in Florida and I definitely can use it!!

We had a Christmas cruise with a dozen people, ages 2-65! Putting decor on the doors helped everyone know which rooms were ours, as we were not all together, We also used magnetic hooks to hang light weight things, and used the ones in cabin for heavier bags, etc. We also got different colored lanyards so we all had our cruise I’d with us all the time.

I love how you used door decorations with your group. Very smart idea! If you have any photos of the doors, I’d love to feature them in a blog post that I think will be helpful to other cruisers. If not, no worries at all. My email is [email protected] if you do.

And those magnetic hooks, amazing right?

Thanks for sharing your tips and cruise hacks!

We are excited to put these hacks to good use in the fall! Might keep the pineapples out, though! 😅

Lol I can’t ever look at pineapples the same since I found this out. Glad you’ll be able to use these hacks. Have an awesome cruise Alicia!

I get the collapsible square bins that are material from the Dollar Tree and put all our bathroom counter items in those and then on the shelf below the sink. My makeup and such goes in one and the toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and such in the other…Frees up the counter space and keeps everything together…

How smart! I love those tips for keeping your bathroom well organized! Thanks for sharing Dolores.

I am thinking about decorating our door with magnets. A tropical theme would be appropriate sans pineapple. That would be awkward. Thanks again. Hee hee!

Haha I love it! I hear so many people say they feel like decorating their cabin doors when they get back on a ship again. I’ll skip the pineapples too lol

Ha ha! …2020 I had (not knowing at that time) used 🍍stickers on my cruise luggage for better identification 🤦🏼‍♀️

Too funny! Just love it

Thank you for the great tips! Question: how do you transport the magnet hooks? In luggage? In carry-on? Do you have to notify the airline that you have magnets with you?

I asked others in my facebook group, and many said they put their magnets in their checked luggage. It didn’t seem to be an issue at all. Some did say they put them in their carry on and didn’t have a problem either – a tip was to place a note saying “magnet hooks for cruise” if you like.

Enjoy your cruise!

I have gotten so many great ideas from your videos. My husband & I have been on 6 Princess cruises to Alaska. I am a Princess Cruises fan. You had mentioned a hack for the Princess Plus Drink Package regarding getting drinks delivered to your cabin and that you’d put a link but I have searched and can not find it. Could you point me in the right direction. Thank you again for all the great information and ideas on cruising!

My understanding is that right now as part of the Ocean Medallion experience, drinks will be delivered anywhere on the ship, including your cabin. This should be on the Princess website, I believe referred to as crew call.

Here’s some info on the updates that might be helpful: https://lifewellcruised.com/princess-ocean-medallion-updates/

Thanks so much for your kind words – so glad you’ve been enjoying my videos!

Hi Ilana! Great tips! We’ve been cruising for 20 years, and you have several tips I hadn’t thought of! Here’s a couple for ya that I haven’t seen yet. We keep all our cruise docs, travel insurance info, passports, luggage tags, thank you cards, and cash (once we get to our room) in a zipper pouch about the size of an old ‘bank deposit’ bag. My hubby carries that in his carry-on, so we always know where everything is. I carry an envelope with copies of everything (including our credit cards), and hide another copy in a checked bag. They all go right into the safe once we get in the room! We also make up envelopes of cash and excursion tickets, labeled for each port day. That way we know we have everything we need, and just have to grab the envelope in the morning!

We’re going on our first cruise in two years in a few weeks, and we can’t wait!

Hi Joleigh,

I love these tips! The envelopes prepared for port days is brilliant – I usually count out money in the morning or evening before the port stop, but this is much more organized.

We have been on several Carnival cruises and I bring magnet hangers and clips every time. They do not work. I don’t know if it’s the paint on the door or the vinyl on the walls but if there is metal underneath, the magnets aren’t attaching to it. every time I place one of the magnets on a wall or door, it slides down to the floor. And that’s before I put anything on it. I have found 3M hooks and hangers to be a better solution for us. They stick and can be removed without any residue or damage.

Hi Roxanne,

I’ll have to give those command hooks a try. I do know that in some Carnival cabins, sometimes only a couple walls are metal, from what I’ve been told. Thanks for sharing your tips.

Thank you so much for these tips and all comments from everyone!! Making notes of everything. Finally taking our first cruise. Something that I said I will never do. I’m excited and nervous. Definitely packing several bottles of Dramamine.

I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Likely, the motion won’t be too bad, but smart to be prepared just in case. Just make sure it’s non drowsy if you have to take something.

Thank you for all the great information. Will be planning a large group tour to Bermuda and all your suggestions are helpful.

That pineapple thing…..HAHA!….I will be using apples…lol

Hi Michele,

Lol, I can’t look at pineapples the same way anymore ;-). Fabulous that you’re planning a group cruise to Bermuda!! One of my absolute favorite destinations. Enjoy!

Went on a xmas river cruise. I found a 3 shelf cloth hanging unit in closet was helpful to put sweater, scarfs and socks in order. I only packed one 21 inch suitcase and all clothes were mix and match in color . Stayed eight days with 4 pant 4 blouses, 2 sweater and a tank top/scarf to layer. Wore black pants and a red sweater set to formal meals and dressed it up with a xmas brooch. Did laundry in the sink if needed and air dry in bathroom on hanger with clips. XXLarge zip lock bag was our laundry hamper with dryer sheet in it to help with odor control. Used elastic headband to keep bathroom door open a crack and not be steamed out!

Thanks for sharing your experience and tips. This sounds like a great capsule wardrobe & a good way to manage while packing fairly light 🙂

Thank you for all these fabulous tips. My list is growing. I am a fangirl of Ilana and a fellow Canadian!

Thanks so much Heather!! Nice to meet you neighbour 🙂

Thank you for this! This is my first trip I am planning and not going with my parents, I never knew all that went into it. Also, funny story. The last cruise we went on, we stayed in a hotel the night before. There was also a swingers cruise going out the next day and a couple thought my aunt and uncle were swingers at the hotel. It was a funny story to tell haha.

Haha, thanks for sharing that story and have an amazing cruise Paige!

Well a good tip is a solar charger and a mate who a chief engineer wre talking cargo ship he surgests sailor SIM card for phone as most phones won’t work at sea once 10km out .for charging I carry a solar charger even as low as1% you can make about why no surge protector is not allowed my mate who the chief engineer says that power runs. Through the engine that thing trips and guess what shorts out the engine no power toilets water or ac a cruise can become a stink cruise

Interesting. Thanks for sharing

Thanks so much for your tips on how to keep your cabin feeling spacious. My grandparents want to go on a cruise since they retired. Knowing some of these tips to better your cruise experience will be perfect for them.

I’m so glad this was helpful Jessie! I hope your grandparents have a wonderful cruise!

Oh my!!! Too funny on the pineapple door decorations! We won’t be decorating with pineapples anytime soon!!! 🙂 I’ve watched a lot of your videos and read a lot of your posts. They are so helpful and enjoyable.

Haha, right? Me neither! Thanks so much – I’m glad you enjoy the videos and posts

I think I am going to make my husband read this Because I am done organizing his things. Only the two of us live in the cabin on any cruise and he creates a huge mess. Please do post a blog helping me out with how I can make him a little bit organized.

Lol Patricia, I’m not sure I have the magic trick. Have a great cruise!

I’ve been using so many of your tips even for regular travel. The colour coded packing cubes was a game changer on my last trip to Germany.

The only thing I regret having bothered bringing on my cruise last year was a travel mug and water bottle. Being on Celebrity all inclusive plan it really was just taking up space in my luggage.

There is one hack my steward taught me which was genius. The ceilings are magnetic and you can hang your damp jacket to dry faster if it’s on the ceiling. I was on an Alaskan cruise and it rained sooo much. It was the best trip if my life and honestly my steward was a big part of why it was so incredible.

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing 🙂

We are first time cruisers embarking in January and these are VERY helpful tips! Thank you for sharing!!! And LOL to the pineapple!! My word….

Haha. Enjoy your cruise!

ilana, I really appreciate your information for cruising. You have more class and sense of humor than any other person I have listened to. Some really grate my nerves. Keep up your good work for us, we need your knowledge. Myself, husband and brother and his gf are going on NCL Dec 17th along with other friends, party of about 25+. At 70 yrs old I plan on having more fun than EVER before. Thanks again !

Lol, some might not agree with you but I do appreciate your comments. You’ve got a great attitude! Enjoy your cruise -Ilana

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What to pack for a cruise

Our writer has sailed on more than 50 cruises. Here are her tips on how to pack for a cruise—and the items she always takes along, for every stage of the journey.

These days, there seems to be a cruise for every type of traveler, from luxury liners with all the comforts of a hotel to expedition-style sailings equipped for adventure. No matter what type of cruise you’re planning, it makes sense to make a packing list so you can make the most of your time onboard.

After sailing on more than 50 cruises, I’ve learned a thing or two about what to pack for a cruise. Besides the necessary cruise clothes, my packing list includes key items, such as towel clips and a hand scale. Of course, there’s lots more to consider. Read on for the 20 products I always pack for a cruise.

What to pack for a cruise — a checklist

Before getting into what to pack, it’s important to know that this list is organized into categories. That makes it easier to consider other essentials before you drag out your suitcase.  

For traveling to the cruise

Getting to the terminal is the most difficult part of going on a cruise. Being prepared with a few essentials will make the check-in process and the first few hours on the ship more pleasant.

Passport with cover

Buy it now on   Amazon

No matter where you’re sailing, you must bring identification. Many cruisers bring their passports. A colorful or unique passport cover will help you quickly find it in your bag.  

Bluetooth luggage trackers

Packing trackers, such as Apple AirTags, in luggage and any other bags can help make embarkation day feel a little less stressful, especially if anything gets lost.  

Digital luggage scale

Everyone picks up a souvenir or two on vacation. Packing a digital luggage scale can help keep your luggage under weight regulations for flights. The Etekcity scale is easy to read, and in my experience, accurate to within a few ounces of the scales at the airport.  

Travel pill organizer

This simple pill organizer keeps all your medications, vitamins, and supplements in one light, packable container. I love that there are eight compartments and that each open and snap closed.

For the cruise ship  

Whether you’re sailing for three nights or three weeks, these four items will help you enjoy your time onboard.  

Corkcicle reusable water bottle

Whether you’ve paid for a drink package or plan to sip on included beverages, a reusable water bottle is always handy. The Corkcicle bottle is insulated, has a fun floral design from Rifle Paper Co., and can keep drinks cold for up to 25 hours, according to the company. I love that the lid is designed with a built-in straw, which is a little more environmentally friendly.  

Wet-dry bag  

A wet-dry bag is one of the most important things to bring on a cruise, especially if you’re looking forward to a dip on the last day aboard. Toss wet bathing suits into one of these bags and pack it in your suitcase without worrying about getting the rest of your clothes wet. These wet-dry bags are large enough for at least two adult-sized swimsuits.  

Towel clips

The upper decks can get quite breezy. To prevent towels from flying off chairs, consider bringing some towel clips. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, but strong enough to hold standard pool towels in place. Towel clips are handy for private island destinations too. They can help you find your beach chairs among the mass of lookalikes.  

Sun Bum sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must no matter where you travel. I love Sun Bum because it goes on smoothly and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on my skin. It’s vegan and gluten free, but most importantly, it’s safe for reefs.

For your cruise cabin

These four items will help keep your cabin tidy and organized.  

Magnetic hooks  

Because most of the walls in cabins are magnetic, many cruise lines allow travelers to use magnetic hooks. These hooks can support 27, 40 or 130 pounds. But the 27-pound option should be enough for a cruise. Use them to hang hats and lanyards, or decorations if you’re celebrating a special occasion.  

Collapsible laundry hamper

Cabins tend to be small, so it can be difficult to figure out where to put dirty clothes. A collapsible laundry hamper is a great way to keep clothes in one spot. Once the hamper is full, I refold the clothes and put them in my suitcase. The hamper folds flat, so it’s easy to pack too.

Magnetic door decorations

Cruise ship hallways can seem endless. An easy way to find your cabin is to put magnetic decorations on your door. They’re also a snap to remove and pack when it’s time to disembark.  

Over the door hanging shoe organizer  

Shoe organizers are great for holding almost anything in tight quarters, from toiletries to hairbrushes, first-aid kits, and medicine boxes. You can purchase separate magnetic hoods to hold them up.  

For travel and excursions

These items can be a big help during excursions or on travel days before or after your cruise.

RFID wallet  

Radio frequency identification, commonly known as RFID, is a high-tech way to steal credit card information. To protect yourself on excursions, carry cards in an RFID-blocking wallet. This one is slim, easily fits into a fanny pack or purse, and has room for a handful of cards.  

Swimsuit coverup

On many cruises, you can go from ship to beach to shopping in one day. A swimsuit coverup is a great versatile piece to pack. It’s lightweight yet provides enough coverage for the beach, and you can wear it as a casual dress for lunch in port.  

Crocs Classic Clogs

Buy it now on   Amazon  

These shoes for kids and adults are great if you’re headed to the beach or a day resort. They’re comfortable and non-slip—ideal for wet pool decks. They come in an abundance of colors and can be customized with   charms .  

LugLife Puddle Jumper SE Backpack  

A backpack is a travel and cruise essential. I like this one from LugLife because it’s loaded with pockets inside and outside. It has plenty of room for everything you need for a day of exploring, plus it’s water-repellant and has a convenient handle on top.

What not to pack on a cruise

As you prepare your packing list, keep in mind that many cruise lines ban certain things. Some are obvious—firearms, fireworks, drones, hard liquor—for passenger and crew safety. Others are less so. Your cruise line’s website should have a list of prohibited items. In general, here are a few other items you can’t bring on a cruise:

Scissors:   While some scissors for grooming and medical kits are allowed, any pair with blades four inches or longer are not permitted.  

CBD products: Most cruise lines ban anything containing cannabidiol. Don’t risk not being able to board the ship by packing these items in your day bag or larger pieces of luggage.

Anything that produces heat: Cruise lines are very cautious when it comes to items that produce heat. Things like coffee machines, candles, heating pads, and travel steamers are not allowed. The only permissible heat-producing items are hair straighteners or curling irons.

Some sporting equipment: Rollerblades, hockey sticks, and pool noodles are not allowed on cruise ships. Additionally, scuba diving equipment is prohibited. If you’ve booked a scuba excursion, the outfitter will provide the equipment you need.

Cruise packing tips from someone who’s been on more than 50 cruises

From ocean liners sailing the Mediterranean to river boats traversing European waterways, I’ve been on dozens of cruises. Yet, I still find packing for a cruise one of the most difficult things to do before setting sail. Fortunately, I have honed a few top tips for packing for a cruise.  

Think about where you’re going and how long the cruise is.

If you live within driving distance of your cruise terminal, you won’t have to worry about weight restrictions. In general, pack at least two outfits for each day—one for an excursion and one for dinner and late-night events on the ship. If possible, you can pack less by doing laundry on the ship on sea days.  

Make two packing lists for every sailing.  

Because suitcases are delivered to your cabin, I always make two packing lists for every cruise I take. The first includes everything I need to pack in my suitcase. The second—more important—list has everything I need in my embarkation day bag, such as passports, medications, a swimsuit, and sunscreen.  

Use colored packing cubes to keep everyone organized.  

Packing cubes are helpful for keeping small stuff, such as socks and underwear, organized on a cruise ship. Use different colored packing cubes for everyone in your travel party. That way, you can share drawers in cabins without mixing everyone’s things together and still keep the room tidy.  

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• PRODUCT ROUNDUP
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5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

T urn down a cruise cabin upgrade? You might think it sounds ridiculous — and you're right. If a cruise offers me a free suite, I'm certainly not going to say no.

The sad truth is free upgrades are rare. The days of surprise upgrades from your cozy inside cabin to a spacious balcony room are mostly over.

Nowadays, cruise lines expect you to pay for your cruise ship cabin upgrades. Free upgrades , when offered, are hardly ever as good as they sound and are typically from one room to another within the same cabin category.

If you're going to pay good money for an upgrade, be positive your new digs are much better than the original room you picked. If they're not, tell the cruise line they do not have a deal. Here are five reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's free cruise newsletter .

You can't pick your cabin location

An upgrade is essentially the same as booking a guarantee cabin — a type of room where your cabin category is guaranteed, but your specific room location is not. You agree to let the cruise line pick your cabin in exchange for giving you a discount on that room. You give up the right to control where on the ship your cabin is located.

If you're prone to seasickness and prefer a midship cabin on a lower deck, you might not want an upgrade that could land you at the very front or back of the ship where it's rockier.

If you're sensitive to noise and specifically chose a room far away from the elevators and the noisy Lido Deck, you will want to say no to a cabin upgrade that can't guarantee a quiet locale.

Travel groups that purposefully booked rooms near each other should not accept upgrades that would split them among different decks.

RELATED: 8 cabin locations you should definitely avoid

When that cruise ship cabin upgrade offer arrives, think about how strongly you feel about where your cabin is located. If location is important, you will want to turn down the upgrade offer.

It's too expensive

Not all cruise cabin upgrades are free. Typically, the cruise line will offer the upgrade at a discount, meaning you'll pay less for the upgraded room than it would cost to book it outright, but more than what you paid for your original cabin.

No matter how good a deal that seems, if money is tight, don't take the upgrade. Save your vacation budget for tours and shoreside fun or onboard treats like date-night restaurants and fun cocktails.

After all, you'll get a bed and bathroom no matter which cabin you choose, but you won't have as much fun if you have no budget left to spend once you're on board.

Related: 15 ways that cruisers waste money on ships

You booked a specific cabin type

Some travelers need specific cabins. Cruisers who use a wheelchair or have mobility difficulties purposefully book accessible cabins with roll-in showers and wider doorways. Families book connecting cabins or designated family-friendly rooms with an extra bathroom or that can sleep five or six. Wellness enthusiasts book spa cabins for their Zen-like decor and thermal suite perks.

If you have booked a specific type of cabin for a reason, do not accept an upgrade offer. Usually, the cruise line cannot guarantee they will upgrade you from one accessible or spa cabin to a nicer one. In addition, upgrade offers apply to a single cabin, not a pair of connecting rooms.

You might not get all the perks

Complimentary perks are a popular booking incentive used by several cruise lines. Depending on the type of cabin you book, you're rewarded with onboard credit or your choice of several freebies, such as an included drink package or shore excursion credit.

When you accept an upgrade offer, you won't receive the booking perks associated with the higher-category room (though you will receive any room-based perks, like concierge access or priority debarkation). Worse, you could actually lose the perks you already have.

RELATED: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship

How? If you booked a cruise and then notice that prices have fallen, you can give yourself an upgrade by rebooking a nicer cabin at a lower price. In doing so, you will often lose your previous booking perks and be eligible only for the current promotion.

For example, if you booked a promotion offering free Wi-Fi and a $100 onboard credit, but the current offer focuses on low prices and a $50 onboard credit, you might lose the internet package and half the onboard credit when you rebook to upgrade your cabin.

Decide whether the trade-off between a nicer cabin and your existing booking perks is worth it. If not, don't go for the cabin upgrade.

The upgrade isn't good enough

You should only say yes to a cruise cabin upgrade if it will get you a nicer cabin. However, what a cruise line deems a better cabin might not actually be worth more money in your eyes.

For example, cruise lines break down all the cabins within the same category (for example, all outside cabins) into subcategories, based on location, layout, size and perks. A midship inside cabin on an upper deck might be deemed more desirable and priced higher than an inside cabin on a lower deck at the back of the ship.

A cruise line might offer you a same-category upgrade, moving from one balcony cabin to a "better" balcony cabin, rather than to a mini-suite. If you don't care about cabin location, don't take the cabin upgrade. You'll end up paying more for a room that's essentially the same as the one you booked for less.

If the upgrade is free, or if the new cabin comes with extras you will use (such as concierge access or spa perks), consider saying yes. However, if the cost of the upgrade is not worth whatever benefits the new room has, politely decline the cruise cabin upgrade.

Bottom line

In many cases, a cruise ship cabin upgrade will get you a better cabin — roomier accommodations, a better ship location, and maybe extra perks. However, not all upgrade offers are desirable, especially if what you value in a cabin type and location is not what the cruise line will give you. Don't hesitate to say no to an upgrade if the offer does not represent good value for your money.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade

A real score for cruise passengers is a free or cheap cabin upgrade. Just like with airline seats, you can't count on an upgrade — but it sure feels great when it happens. Several methods will help improve your chances of landing in better cruise ship accommodations.

Before I get into details, let's start with some facts: On a typical ship, the basic categories of cruise rooms are inside (no view), outside (with window or porthole), balcony, minisuite and suite. It's rare to get more than a one-category upgrade, so don't think you can book an inside cabin and wind up in a fancy suite. More common is that you might find an upgrade to a better inside cabin . Make sure you have realistic expectations.

Your best course is always to book the nicest cabin you can afford. Here are some tricks to scoring a free or discounted cruise ship cabin upgrade and landing better cruise rooms without breaking the bank.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Look for an upgrade sale

Cruise line sales are the easiest way to score cheap or free upgraded accommodations. Various mass-market brands will run periodic promotions, especially during the fall and winter "wave season" sale periods. You might also see discounted upgrades offered on cruises during shoulder seasons, such as immediately after children return to school in the fall.

Free or discounted promotions encourage upgrades from inside cabins to ocean views and from ocean views to balconies. One tactic during these sales is to list outside and balcony cabins at the same price. If you can't find a deal on moving up a category, you might see a free upgrade to a bigger or better-located cabin within the category you originally planned to book. (Even within categories, the sizes and prices of cabins vary.)

Book a 'guarantee' cabin

When you book a cruise, you typically choose a cabin in your desired location. With a "guarantee" cabin , you leave it up to the cruise line to assign you accommodations either in the category you booked or a better one. The bet is that your category will sell out, and the cruise line will have to move you up for free — say, from an outside to a balcony cabin.

In the worst-case scenario, you end up in the category you booked; in the best case, you get your dream cabin. There is a catch, though. Since you still can't choose your specific cabin, you could end up in a noisy or otherwise undesirable area of the ship — even if the room is technically an upgrade from what you booked. For example, that great view you think you snagged may end up being blocked by lifeboats.

Related: Why it pays to upgrade your cabin

Join a loyalty program

Cruise lines naturally give upgrade preferences to frequent cruisers who are members of their loyalty programs . It's easy to join. In fact, you might be a member without even knowing it if your name was added to a cruise line's email and mailing list after your first cruise with the brand.

As a loyalty program member, look out for promotional deals you'll receive. Targeted emails and newsletters will alert you to members-only discounts or offers or inform you about upgrades before nonmembers get word. The cruise line might also send you invitations to bid for upgrades or offer discounted upgrades on cruises you've already booked.

Additionally, you can rack up points for perks that might eventually include free or discounted upgrades. For instance, if you reach the top Diamond status with Carnival Cruise Line's Very Important Fun Person loyalty program , you get a one-time free cabin upgrade.

Work with an experienced cruise travel agent

Travel agents, especially those who do a lot of business with a particular cruise line, have a certain amount of pull. Your agent might be able to snag you an upgrade by contacting the cruise line and asking for a favor. You might not know you have been upgraded until you get to the ship, as it will be based on whether or not cabins are available at the last minute.

Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

Your travel adviser can also steer you toward specific cruise lines or sailings where you stand a better chance of an upgrade. Also, your agency could have access to special group rates, meaning you'll pay a discounted price for that upgraded cabin you desire.

Bid for an upgrade

A few years ago, Norwegian Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises were among the cruise lines that took a page from international airlines (such as Qantas and Aer Lingus) and began offering bidding programs for upgrades. Luxury river cruise line Uniworld also offers bidding.

These online programs are basically silent auctions that only select cruisers (preference is given to loyalty club members) are invited to join. The cruise line sets a minimum bid, and you can go up in price from there.

Your chance of an upgrade might be based on luck, skill or both. The advice from successful bidders is to go up from the minimum, but how much is a personal choice. Some people snag better accommodations for less than $20, some for $100 or more. You don't pay anything unless your bid is accepted.

Ask once on board

The hotel director on any cruise ship has a certain amount of discretion in moving guests to different cabins. Being bold enough to ask for an upgrade once you are on the ship could pay off.

To try your luck, you'll want to ask about an upgrade at guest services. Since the crew there will spend embarkation day fielding many questions and complaints from grumpy, travel-weary cruisers, your best bet may be to head to your assigned cabin. Then, wait until the second day of your cruise to ask for an upgrade.

Put on a big smile, be super friendly and ask if there is any chance a better cabin is available. If they don't offer you an upgrade for free, you might suggest you are willing to pay a small fee.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Mention your special occasion

If you're celebrating a special occasion — such as a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon — on board, the cruise line or your travel agent can find ways to fete you, including by upgrading your cabin.

When you book your cruise, note in your reservation (or remind your travel agent to note) that you're celebrating a special event in your life. Whether you are a loyal customer or a first-timer that the cruise line hopes will become a repeat cruiser, you might be rewarded with an upgrade.

This sort of upgrade would typically be a "surprise" that occurs when you check in at the pier, so you can't plan for it in advance. It never hurts to remind the staff how excited you are to be celebrating on the ship and ask if there is any chance for an upgrade.

Which cruise cabin should you choose? Learn more here:

• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 5 best cruise ship suites
• Which cruise ship cabin category should your family book?
• Why you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise
• Advantages to booking an inside cruise cabin
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly

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This Small-ship Cruise Line Just Announced 2 New All-suite Vessels Will Join Its Fleet

Windstar Cruises is scheduled to launch Star Seeker in 2025 and Star Explorer in 2026.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Boutique small-ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is growing its fleet, adding two 224-passenger vessels — both acquisitions from Mystic Cruises —  in the next two years. Star Seeker is slated to make its debut in December 2025 and Star Explorer is scheduled to follow a year later in December 2026. 

Star Seeker is under construction, while Star Explorer is currently sailing as Quark Expeditions' World Explorer. B oth ships will be reworked to include signature features of Windstar ships, from a watersports platform to Owners Suites with wraparound balconies to a whirlpool on the bow. 

Dining, in particular, will be a main focus on the ships, as Windstar has a partnership with the James Beard Foundation. The ships' dining options spaces will be expanded to include the on-deck Star Grill, the casual Yacht Club café and lounge, and a re-imagined Amphora main dining room, which will now have outdoor seating.

“Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this,” Christopher Prelog, Windstar Cruises’ president, said in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure . “We are thrilled for this expansion, building on the success of our game-changing Star Class in small-ship cruising with guests and travel partners, while offering new experiences. This growth reflects the dedication of our incredible crew and team, allowing us to broaden our destination portfolio and even bring one of our Wind Class sail ships back to Tahiti.”

Though both ships have ice-strengthened hulls capable of sailing in the polar regions, Windstar doesn't currently operate such itineraries, focusing primarily on the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. But these new ships may open doors to adventures in the years to come.

“As part of our company’s expanding portfolio, Windstar Cruises is poised for remarkable growth and an exciting future ahead," Andrew N. Todd, president and CEO of parent company Xanterra Travel Collection, said in a statement. "We’re excited about the possibilities of where Windstar will sail and the opportunities it brings our officers, crew and staff, and our guests.”

Itineraries and booking information for Star Seeker will be announced in June 2024. You can sign up for updates at windstarcruises.com/newships .

A company is turning former cruise ships into floating hotels — see inside its largest 'floatel'

• Bridgemans ServicesGroup operates a fleet of former cruise ships turned into hotels. 
• Its "floatels" are designed to house workers during long-term projects.
• See its largest 652-cabin floatel with a game room and buffet.

Some old and unwanted cruise ships meet their demise at ship-breaking yards , where they are disassembled and sold for scrap.

Other vessels find a more fortunate fate, receiving a second chance to do what they already do best: serve as floating hotels.

Canada-based Bridgemans Services Group buys and charters former cruise ships to turn into "floatels," outfitted with standard cruise amenities like daily housekeeping, buffets, and relaxing lounges.

But the ships aren't designed to transport tourists from one destination to another anymore. Instead, companies turn to Bridgeman when they need to house workers for a long-term project, whether it be the construction of an offshore wind farm in Europe or the shooting of a major film in a remote destination.

Floatels can accommodate workers in remote destinations where hotels might not be an option.

In more metropolitan areas, Bridgemans says its ships could lessen the stress an inundation of workers might have on the local housing market.

And once they are no longer needed, the vessels depart and "leave no trace behind," the company said.

Over the last decade, Bridgemans has deployed its ships for 15 projects on every continent, Brian Grange, the company's president, told Business Insider.

Grange said that its deployments — most often for liquified natural gas companies — last for an average of two years.

In the past, it has also provided accommodations for MSC Cruises at its Ocean Cay private island and housing for more than 1,000 workers in the Philippines' on a project for the Manila International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company's three ships range from 150 to 652 cabins.

The floatel operator acquired its largest ship, the 561-foot-long MV Isabelle X, in 2023.

In its past life, the 35-year-old vessel sailed around the Baltic Sea as one of Estonia-based Tallink Gruipp's cruise ships.

But gone are its days of leisurely cruising. The 35,000 gross-ton ship is now on its first deployment in Howe Sound, just north of Vancouver, where it's housing more than 600 workers who are building Woodfibre LNG's "net zero" LNG export facility.

Isabelle X underwent a six-month retrofit before it was sent to Howe Sound.

The process included updating the ship's cabins and adding amenities like a game room and an 8,000-square-foot gym.

The latter two are especially important: "We need to make sure we delineate between work and home," Grange told BI. "We have to create a social environment on board these vessels that makes it attractive for workforces around the world."

During their free time, workers can play billiards, relax in the outdoor lounge, or use the ship’s WiFi to catch up on social media.

The sports lounge has large television screens, while the games lounge has darts, ping pong tables, and air hockey.

The 'quiet lounges' are the go-to space for people who need to unwind after a long work day.

Or, they could recharge and catch up on the latest shows in their cabins, which all come with desks, storage, and 32-inch televisions.

Like a typical cruise ship, Bridgemans' vessels have buffets with live cooking stations, a dessert bar, and the occasional themed night.

The ships' chefs tailor their menus to the demographic and dietary restrictions of the workers on board, the company's president told BI.

Residents can expect at least four protein options, plenty of veggies, and handmade bread and desserts.

Unlike most cruise lines, Bridgemans can pre-purchase all the food it needs before deployment.

Grange says this allows the ships to maintain food quality and consistency in remote locations.

Remember that deployment in the Philippines during COVID-19? He said the ship had packed almost 800 tons of food ahead of the project.

He wouldn’t disclose the cost to rent one of Bridgemans’ floatels.

But he did note that the cost of a cabin on the Woodfibre LNG project in Howe Sound is comparable to a hotel room in nearby Vancouver, as is the case with most of its projects near major cities.

The company’s most recent acquisition, the 150-cabin Diamond XI, is currently being retrofitted and would be ready for deployment this year.

According to the company's president, the vessel is small and high-end, likely to be used for sporting events and movie shoots.

It could also be the start of a greater expansion: He hopes to add two or three more vessels to its fleet in the next five years.

Districts [ edit ]

Central Moscow districts [ edit ]

Outlying districts [ edit ], understand [ edit ].

Moscow is the financial and political centre of Russia and the countries formerly comprising the Soviet Union. It has a population of around 13 million and an area of 2,511 square kilometres (970 sq mi) after an expansion in 2012. One-tenth of all Russian citizens live in the Moscow metropolitan area. Moscow is the second most populous city in Europe, after Istanbul , and has the most populous metropolitan area in Europe, with some 21 million residents. Moscow is in the UTC+3 time zone; there is no daylight saving time.

Many years since the break up of the Soviet Union, the economy has improved, and the modern era has brought upon a wide variety of construction projects, modern architecture and newer transport systems replacing the derelict ones during Soviet times.

Geography [ edit ]

Moscow is a large metropolis on the Moskva River, which bends its way through the city. The historical center is on the northern bank of the river. The other major waterway is the Yauza River, which flows into the Moskva east of the Kremlin.

Much of Moscow's geography is defined by the 3 'Ring Roads' that circle the city at various distances from the centre, roughly following the outline of the walls that used to surround Moscow. With Red Square and the Kremlin forming the very centre, the innermost ring road is the Boulevard Ring ( Bulvarnoye Koltso ), built in the 1820s where the 16th century walls used to be. It runs from the Christ the Savior Cathedral in south-west central Moscow, to the mouth of the Yauza in south-east central Moscow.

The next ring road, the Garden Ring ( Sadovoe Koltso ), derives its name from the fact that landowners near the road in Tsarist times were obligated to maintain gardens to make the road attractive. In Soviet times, the road was widened, and there are now no gardens there.

The Third Ring Road, completed in 2004, is not much use for tourists but is a heavily used motorway which absorbs a bit of Moscow's traffic. It roughly follows the outline of Kamer-Kollezhsky val , the customs boundary of Moscow in the 18th – early 20th century. The outer edge of Moscow is largely defined by the Moscow Ring Road (widely known by its abbreviation: MKAD-Moskovskaya kolcevaya avto doroga), a motorway which is 108 km (67 mi) long and encircles the entire city (similar to London's M25 and Paris' Périphérique ).

Climate [ edit ]

The climate of Moscow features warm summers and long, cold winters.

Get in [ edit ]

See Russia#Get in for visa requirements to Russia.

By train [ edit ]

Moscow is a railway hub, with connections to all parts of Russia and far into Europe and Asia. Due to its hub status, Moscow's train stations are often crowded; trains are the usual form of intercity transport for most Russians. The stations have a reputation for being unsafe but paradoxically the threat of terrorism has improved things: security gates, policing and surveillance deter the casual thugs and villains. Guard your valuables and yourself as you would in any big city.

All long-distance trains are operated by Russian Railways and its subsidiaries, except for a few international trains with other operators. Tickets can be bought at stations or online . For domestic trains, you can show the ticket officer your online boarding pass; however, international trains require a printed ticket. There are usually ticket counters with English-speaking personnel - they may be marked as such, or the clerk may direct you to another counter if they can't cope with your English. See Russia#By train 2 for more details on travelling in Russia by train.

From Europe [ edit ]

All trains from Europe halted since 2020

Train stations in Moscow [ edit ]

Moscow has 10 train stations, 9 of which are near metro stations close to the center of Moscow. Be sure to note the station from which your train is departing, which will be indicated on the ticket, or online . Three stations ( Leningradsky , Yaroslavsky , and Kazansky ) are on one huge square, informally known as the "Three Stations' Square". A running joke among Moscow taxi drivers since the Soviet times is to be able to pick up a fare from one of them to the other, taking the unwary tourist on an elaborate ride in circles. Be prepared for enormous queues trying to enter or exit the Metro at peak times, as people are getting off or on the commuter trains.

By car [ edit ]

Many entry points to Moscow over the Ring Road and into the city feature rotating roadblocks, where teams of traffic police may stop a vehicle, especially if it is not featuring Moscow plates. You may be stopped and questioned but you'll be allowed to proceed if you have all the proper documents.

Foreign cars, especially expensive cars, might attract unwelcome attention, and there is cumbersome paperwork involved to enter Russia by car.

By boat [ edit ]

There is no scheduled passenger service to Moscow by boat; however, cruise ships do provide service to the Northern River Terminal, on the Moscow Canal near the Khimki Reservoir. The pier is not convenient to the city and it can take over 2 hours to reach the city centre by car.

A system of navigable channels and locks connects the Moskva River with the Volga River, which is further connected to the Baltic Sea , White Sea, the Azov, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea. In the Soviet times this allowed the official propaganda to refer to Moscow as "a port on the five seas".

By bicycle [ edit ]

Moscow is the easternmost destination of the EuroVelo cycling routes . Eurovelo Route 2 , the Capitals Route, is a 5,500 km (3,400 mi) route starting in Galway , Ireland , passing through Dublin , London , Berlin , Warsaw and Minsk before terminating in Moscow.

By metro [ edit ]

The Metro is open from 05:30-01:00. Station entrances are closed at 01:00, and at this time the last trains depart from all of the termini stations. After 01:00, many locals will enter the train station using the exits, which are still open. Service on the ring line runs until 01:30, although entrances are closed at 01:00. The down escalators are also shut off at 01:00.

There is signage in the Metro stations in English and the Latin alphabet, but these signs are not everywhere. Each train carriage has a map in Latin script and there is one near the entrance to each station. Note the direction of the train before you alight. It is worth printing a map of the metro system in both Cyrillic and Latin letters to take with you.

All trains in the system have free WiFi onboard, but you will need to have a Russian phone number to get the authorization code to access the WiFi. Some of the older train cars are not climate controlled.

2 or 3 stations may be connected as transfer points but will each have a different name. There are 2 stations called Smolenskaya and 2 stations called Arbatskaya , but the station pairs are not connected to each other despite having the same name. Some of the stations are very deep underground, and transfer times between certain metro lines can take a lot of time. In the city centre, it can save time to go directly to the above-ground entrance of the line you want to take rather than to enter at a connecting station and transfer underground. On the escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left except for peak hours, when standing on the left side is also allowed.

Some of the train stations include beautiful architecture and it is worth taking a guided tour of the metro system. The most interesting stations in terms of decor are Komsomolskaya (ring line), Novoslobodskaya (ring line), Kievskaya (ring line), Kropotkinskaya (Line #1 - red), Kievskaya (Line #3 - dark blue), Arbatskaya (Line #3 - dark blue), Ploschad' Revolyutsii (Line #3 - dark blue), Mayakovskaya (Line #2 - dark green). Also look at the architecture of the ground entrance building of Arbatskaya (Line #4 - light blue) and Krasnye Vorota (Line #1 - red). History buffs may appreciate that Metro Line #1 (red) has the oldest stations, opened in 1935.

The Vorobyovy Gory Metro Station on Line #1 (red) is unique in that it is on a bridge crossing the Moscow River. This bridge also carries auto traffic road on another level. There is a beautiful view through the transparent sides of the station. A great observing point around Moscow is located nearby on Vorobyovy hills, next to the main building of Lomonosov Moscow State University.

There are a couple of unique trains operating through the system and you will be lucky if you get to ride them. Aquarelle (Watercolor) is a train that includes an art gallery. The train operates daily on Line #3 (dark blue). The Sokolniki Retro Train is a train modeled after the original 1930s trains and it occasionally is placed into service, usually around a major anniversary of the metro system.

The metro is relatively safe, although pickpockets are a problem, as they are in any environment where a lot of people are pressed together. Opportunistic petty crime, such as snatching someone's mobile phone and jumping out just as the doors are closing, is also commonplace. Take the usual precautions at night when gangs of inebriated teenagers may look for an excuse to beat someone up. There is no train guard or conductor, so the first car near the driver may be the safest. Every car is equipped with an intercom to the driver's cabin; they are beige boxes with a grill and a black button near doors, and mostly work, unless visibly vandalized.

By tram [ edit ]

There are several tram routes, although trams are not common in the city centre.

By monorail [ edit ]

Moscow Monorail is a 4.7 km (2.9 mi) monorail line with 6 stations. It is slower, less frequent, and has shorter operating hours when compared with the metro (every 30 min, 08:00-20:00). However, the view is picturesque. It is useful to get to the Ostankino Tower, or to get to the VDNKh exhibition centre from Metro Line #9 (silver). Interchanges between Moscow Metro and Monorail is free, no additional fee will be charged.

By hop-on-hop-off bus [ edit ]

The hop-on-hop-off bus is a convenient way for tourists to see the major sights quickly and efficiently. The buses feature English-speaking guides to answer any questions. A 1 day pass costs $24 for adults and $15 for children.

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

Moscow has many attractions, but many of them are not friendly to a non-Russian-speaker. English-language newspapers like The Moscow Times , Element [dead link] , Moscow News and others can help to navigate towards English-language friendly attractions and services.

Circuses [ edit ]

Theatres [ edit ].

• Bolshoi Theatre , one of the oldest and best known ballet and opera companies in the world.

Learn [ edit ]

Moscow remains the educational center of Russia and the former USSR. There are 222 institutes of higher education, including 60 state universities & 90 colleges. Some of these offer a wide-spectrum of programs, but most are centered around a specific field. This is a hold-over from the days of the USSR, when Sovietwide there were only a handful of wide-spectrum "universities" and a large number of narrow-specialization "institutes" (mostly in Moscow & St.Petersburg). Moscow offers some of the best business/management, science, & arts schools in the world. Moscow is also a popular destination for foreign students to learn Russian.

Work [ edit ]

You will need a work visa which is not an easy process. The visa needs to be arranged well in advance of traveling. It is possible to work in Moscow, you just need to find a good company to support you. The main obstacle for many foreigners will be a mandatory Russian language exam required to obtain a work permit.

Shopping malls [ edit ]

Large shopping malls are common near metro stations.

Tipping [ edit ]

For information on tipping in restaurants, see Russia#Eat .

Ethnic food [ edit ]

Authentic ethnic food from countries of the nearby Caucasus ( Azerbaijan , Georgia , Armenia ) is common in Moscow. Japanese food, including sushi, rolls, tempura, and steakhouses are very popular in Moscow. Other Asian cuisines including Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese are becoming increasingly more common.

Budget [ edit ]

Street food [ edit ].

Free-standing kiosks serving sausages, meat pies, or kebobs are plentiful, although the origins of the meat served is questionable and the food has been known to occasionally make people sick.

Muscovites are also fond of their ice cream, consumed in any weather, even in the dead of winter, cheap and usually of superior quality; kiosks can be found all over the center and near all Metro stations.

Foodcourts 2.0 [ edit ]

This term is used in articles by local food critics: since 2016, several special food courts were opened with independent and small food chains, for those people who get bored of McDonald's-like food. They offer a wider choice of cuisines.

Clubs [ edit ]

Nightlife in Moscow is bustling, intense and exciting. It starts quite late; it's common for the headliners to start at 02:00-02:00. Most noticeable are areas near Solyanka street and Krasniy Oktyabr' place. At summer time a lot of clubs opening open-air terraces called "verandas". Most of clubs in Moscow are very picky of who they let in, so make sure you have a positive attitude and dress up if you are going to a fancy club.

Gazgolder [dead link] (not far from Kremlin) is among the best.

Cafes [ edit ]

Moscow has several café chains with great coffee including Coffeemania and Coffee Bean [dead link] . Moscow also has a good selection of tea saloons. High-quality infusion teas such as Newby, are widely available in cafes, both in packets and loose.

Asking to add boiling water to the tea you ordered earlier is a practice that some cafes don't welcome, but normally it's acceptable.

Sleep [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

Moscow enjoys a relatively low crime rate.

Drunk people are the most likely sources of problems. In the past years, lots of policemen were corrupt, and it was best to avoid them. Nowadays Moscow has a Tourist Police force, whose officers are able to speak foreign languages and help tourists. Police officers are equipped with body-cameras.

It is preferable to avoid some parts of the outer districts of Moscow, especially in the south. Some of those areas are notorious for gopniks (drunkards notorious for muggings and starting fights with strangers, and will do so seemingly unprovoked), who normally hang out in sparse residential areas and in industrial zones. The same problems can be witnessed in the surrounding regions and in other Russian cities as well.

While traveling in Moscow, as in the rest of Russia, you should always have your passport with you. If you look non-white, your papers may get checked more often than otherwise. The police may demand to see your papers to check if you have been registered within 7 business days of your arrival into Moscow. Always remember that if you stay in a hotel then you are automatically registered and will be handed a confirmation paper at a time of check-in, so don't worry in this case. The police are usually looking for migrants from Central Asia and unless you fit this profile, you are unlikely to be questioned.

Women should take caution walking alone late at night since they may receive unwanted attention from drunk men. Women should also stay clear of large companies of men in front of bars, restaurants, etc. It is best to walk with a friend if possible.

Streets can become very slippery in winter. Wear shoes or, even better, boots with decent grip to prevent twisted ankles. Ice patches can be hard to spot. A waterproof raincoat is also sensible.

Traffic is poorly handled, and vehicle accident rates are very high.

If you need help with translation, ask students or pupils: younger people are more likely to be able to help you than the older generations.

Connect [ edit ]

For information on using telephones and buying SIM cards in Russia, see Russia#Connect .

Mobile Internet is quite affordable in Russia, but you have to buy Russian SIM-card first.

Wireless Internet [ edit ]

Moscow Metro has Wi-Fi in all trains. It is ad-supported.

Mosgortrans has Wi-Fi spots on every bus, trolleybus and tram. Also sometimes you can find Wi-Fi spot on a public transport stop.

Beeline Wi-Fi [dead link] operates the largest network of both paid and free Wi-Fi access points. If there is a charge, you can pay online via credit card.

There is a large network of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the city centre; check your device in the middle of a busy area and you may find one.

Many cafes and restaurants offer Wi-Fi - ask for password. Most bookstores offer free Wi-Fi, including "Dom Knigi" on New Arbat Street or "Respublika" bookstore on Tverskaya near Mayakovskaya Metro Station.

Some establishments that offer free Wi-Fi may require you to verify an authorization code sent to a Russian phone number before gaining access, but for the most part, foreign numbers also work as of 2016.

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies [ edit ].

Moscow is one of the global diplomatic capitals, competing with Berlin , Brussels , Beijing , Paris , London , Tokyo and Washington D.C. . Most of the world's countries have their embassies in the city.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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