Life Onboard a Cruise Ship: 18 Crew Cabins Must-Haves

Being a cruise ship crew member is an experience filled with both challenges and rewards. Imagine spending several months onboard, living in a small cabin—often without a window—and sharing that limited space with someone you barely know.

It doesn’t sound very appealing at first, does it? But life onboard teaches you to adapt quickly, and part of that is figuring out how to make your living space work for you.

I worked as a Shore Excursion staff member on Royal Caribbean cruise ships for a few years, and I’ve learned a thing or two about making life onboard more comfortable.

In this article, I’ll share 18 crew cabin must-haves that can transform your cabin into a more organized and livable space. Whether your cabin is single-shared or double-shared, or you’re working for any cruise line, this guide will help you prepare for your contract and make life at sea much smoother.

Let’s dive into the list!

Adventour Begins is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you click on and/or make a purchase through a link to an Amazon affiliate link placed on our website, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

18 Crew Cabins Must-Haves

1. Bed Sheet Set

One thing I regret not bringing when I first joined the ship is a proper bed sheet set. Cruise lines provide one for every crew member, but they’re far from new—used and rewashed countless times. I used the ship’s sheets at first but eventually ordered a fresh set, and it made a huge difference.

My advice? Bring a set from home you don’t mind leaving behind or buy an affordable one just for your contract.

Make sure the set is comfy, fits bunk beds, and is practical, space-saving, and easy to toss or pass on when your contract ends. Life onboard is all about being resourceful!

2. Memory Foam Pillow

Working onboard a cruise ship is demanding—you don’t get days off, and your schedule can be intense (though this varies by job position). That’s why getting good, healthy sleep is essential for your well-being. A restful night ensures you’re ready for the next busy day.

If the pillow provided by your cruise line isn’t comfortable—or if you prefer to have a new one—a memory foam pillow is a great investment.

I’ve been fortunate that Royal Caribbean provides its crew with cozy pillows (I’ve never had neck or back issues), but if you’re not satisfied with yours, upgrading to a memory foam pillow can make a huge difference. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

3. Mesh Pop-Up Laundry Basket

A mesh pop-up laundry basket is a lifesaver when living in a limited space with a constant pile of dirty laundry (a common scenario on a cruise ship).

Forget using plastic bags like I did during my first contract—this basket is collapsible, portable, and surprisingly space-saving.

It keeps your dirty laundry neatly contained and makes your crew cabin look so much cleaner and more organized. I highly recommend it!

4. Air Freshener

Cruise ships are often several years or even decades old, and your cabin has likely been home to hundreds of crew members before you.

While every crew member is responsible for keeping their cabin clean, not everyone takes it seriously. As a result, some cabins end up with lingering unpleasant smells that daily cleaning just can’t fix.

What made a huge difference for me was investing in a scent diffuser or air freshener. I usually order mine online since it’s hard to find my favorite scent in port.

It’s totally worth it—the scent lasts up to three months and keeps the cabin smelling fresh. My go-to is lavender, and it was worth every cent! Choose a scent you love and transform your space!

5. Pou-Pourri Toilet Spray

Pou-Pourri Toilet Spray is a must-have for small cruise ship bathrooms, especially when you’re sharing with someone else. With poor ventilation being common in crew cabins, having a reliable toilet spray is a game-changer.

6. Antibacterial Wipes

Cleanliness is essential onboard a cruise ship, and I always make sure to have plenty of hand sanitizer wipes. You can choose between canisters or regular packs, but I prefer canisters because they last longer—a few can easily last the whole contract.

That said, I also keep a few smaller packs handy for convenience. Staying prepared makes all the difference!

7. Travel Toiletry Bag

A travel toiletry bag is an absolute must-have for keeping your cruise cabin bathroom organized, especially when storage space is extremely limited. If you’re sharing a cabin, this bag is a lifesaver, helping you maximize every inch of space.

It fits everything—cosmetics, makeup, shower gel, shampoo, razors, hairbrushes—you name it! Plus, you can hang it on the door, keeping it accessible without taking up any extra room. Highly recommended!

8. Travel Power Strip (Ship Approved)

Cruise ship cabins typically have very few electrical outlets—usually two in a crew cabin and only one in a passenger cabin. This can be a hassle when you and your roommate both need to charge your devices at the same time.

That’s why a travel power strip is a game-changer. With one, you can easily charge your phone, laptop, speakers, and more without any hassle. It’s a simple solution to avoid outlet drama!

9. JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker

If you’re into music (and who isn’t?), a portable Bluetooth speaker is a must-have for your cruise ship life. Whether you want to relax with some tunes in your cabin or enjoy music outdoors in port—think beach vibes, cocktails, and friends—a JBL Bluetooth speaker is the perfect gadget.

Choose the one that fits your needs and enjoy the soundtrack to your cruise adventure!

10. External Hard Drive

Let me confess—I’m terrible with technology and had no idea what a hard drive was until I started working on a cruise ship. But guess what? This small, seemingly simple gadget became a lifesaver for me onboard!

A hard drive can store tons of files, including your favorite TV shows and movies, which are perfect for those times when you just want to relax in your cabin and escape the crowd in the crew or staff mess.

11. JBL Wireless Headphones

Sharing a cruise ship crew cabin means respecting your roommate’s needs, including their need for rest or quiet time. If they’re tired or want peace, you’ll need to keep things silent—and that’s where JBL wireless headphones come in handy.

They’re also fantastic for the gym or a run. Small, comfortable, secure, and loud enough, these headphones let you enjoy your music or shows without disturbing anyone. A win-win for both cabin harmony and your personal downtime!

12. Laptop

Have I mentioned I’m not great with technology? 😂 On my first contract, I brought a laptop and used it a lot, especially when our ship was in dry dock and I had some actual free time in my cabin.

The downside? It was way too heavy, and carrying it home was a struggle. So, for my second contract, I decided to leave it behind—a decision I still regret!

I missed my laptop for so many reasons: I couldn’t watch movies, transfer pictures, or write emails. Now, I’ll tell you this—always bring a laptop with you! Just make sure it’s light and slim, so it doesn’t take up too much space or weigh you down.

If you’re looking for something classy, lightweight, and professional, the MacBook Air Retina is an amazing choice. I’m about to buy one myself, and I couldn’t be more excited!

13. Sony Playstation

If you’re into gaming, don’t even think about coming onboard without a Sony PlayStation—or at least plan to order one ASAP!

Many of my fellow crew members swear by it, and even I’ve used it occasionally. It’s an awesome way to unwind, de-stress, and have fun with your roommate or friends during your downtime. Gaming nights in the cabin? Totally worth it!

14. Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer

An over-the-door hanging shoe organizer is a game-changer for cruise ship life! It helps you keep your shoes neatly organized while saving tons of space. Just hang it on your door, slip your shoes into the pockets, and you’re good to go!

Plus, it has so many pockets you can even share it with your roommate. Practical, space-saving, and super handy!

15. Refillable Water Bottle

While tap water onboard a cruise ship is potable, I personally never drink it. Instead, I prefer to buy a case of bottled water and refill a reusable water bottle that I carry around the ship and to ports.

I found a super cool refillable bottle with motivational quotes to lift your spirits when you’re feeling down—perfect for staying hydrated and positive!

16. Indoor Slippers

If you’re used to wearing slippers at home, don’t forget to pack them for life on a cruise ship! Even though crew cabins are small, they’re your home for months, and slippers are great for keeping your feet warm on chilly floors.

To save luggage space, I never bring them from home. Instead, I prefer to buy a pair online or pick some up while exploring a port. Practical and cozy!

17. Insulated Water Bottle

For safety reasons, electric appliances like kettles are strictly prohibited in cruise ship cabins. So, if you want a cup of tea or coffee, you’ll need to head to the crew or staff mess. The best solution? An insulated water bottle!

It keeps your drinks hot, so you can enjoy your tea or coffee anytime—whether you’re in your cabin, on duty, or exploring a port. It’s also perfect for sipping your drink while relaxing at the beach or elsewhere. Practical and versatile!

18. Clutch Wristlet Purse

For women, a clutch wristlet purse is a must-have for cruise ship life. I always carry one while on duty—it’s perfect for holding essentials like my phone, schedule, sea pass card, and a pen. Without it, I’d have to stuff everything in my pockets!

The purse doesn’t need to be fancy—just practical, simple, and discreet. A wrist strap is a bonus, making it easy to keep on hand (literally!). Practicality over style all the way!

To Wrap Up

I hope my list of 18 crew cabin must-haves helps you plan and organize your living space onboard a cruise ship. Whether you’re a first-time crew member or returning for another contract, these items can make your life at sea much easier and more comfortable. Consider adding them to your packing list—you won’t regret it!