Small Space, Big Hacks: How to Pack for a Cruise
Six cruise-friendly essentials to maximize space and minimize stress
Cruises are an amazing way to explore the world—no airport layovers, no daily hotel check-ins, and all the delicious food you can eat. But let’s be real: Some staterooms are tight.
Staying organized in a small, shared space can make or break your trip. That’s why AAA curated a set of six cruise-friendly essentials to keep your stateroom clutter-free, your clothes dry, and your stuff safe—on board and on shore.
All products are available online or at your local AAA Store, and AAA members get exclusive discounts.
The Challenge: Minimizing Clutter
The Solution: Smooth Trip Cruise Cabin Magnetic Hooks – 4 Pack
Cruise walls are often metal—and that means you can instantly add hanging space. These strong magnetic hooks instantly give you extra hanging space. Use them to air-dry swimsuits, hang lanyards, organize hats, or set out clothes for tomorrow’s excursion. No tools. No damage. Just vertical storage that frees up counter and floor space.
The Challenge: Maximizing Counter Space
The Solution: Ms. Jetsetter Hanging Toiletry Bag
Cruise ship bathrooms are notoriously compact, and counter space can be extremely limited. This compact yet roomy hanging toiletry bag solves that challenge by keeping everything you need zipped, sorted, and off the counter. With multiple compartments and a built-in hook, it hangs from a towel bar or door, saving space—and sanity—in shared bathrooms.
The Challenge: Protecting Your Phone from Water
The Solution: Travelon itFloats! Waterproof Pouch
From snorkeling to speed boats, shore days are full of splash risks that can wreck phones and other sensitive belongings. This waterproof pouch protects your phone, ID, credit cards, and cash while keeping your touchscreen usable. It’s clear and sealed tight, making it perfect for any wet excursion.
The Challenge: Drying Wet Towels and Swimsuits
The Solution: Travelon Travel Clothes Line
Swimsuits, gym gear, quick washes—they all need drying space. Cruise laundry service isn’t cheap, and drying wet swimsuits over a chair gets old fast. This lightweight travel clothesline stretches across your shower or balcony railing and holds clothes securely. No clips needed; it grips securely and coils back down to pocket size.
The Challenge: Navigating Airline and Cruise Liquid Restrictions
The Solution: Travelon World Travel Essentials Set of 3 Leakproof 3 oz. Travel Tubes
Cruise terminals follow TSA liquid restrictions, so full-size shampoo is a no-go. These refillable 3-ounce tubes are soft, leakproof, and color-coded for easy sorting. Fill them with your favorite products, and skip overpaying for single-use travel minis on board.
The Challenge: Making Space for Souvenirs and Extras
The Solution: Smooth Trip Foldable Tote
Cruise souvenirs, snacks, and bonus outfits tend to stack up quickly. This lightweight-yet-durable tote is your secret weapon for day trips, excursions, or packing for the trip home when your suitcase just won’t suffice. Featuring a detachable packing cube, it folds flat in carry-on and pops open into a full-size carryall when you need extra space.
Final Boarding Thought: Space Is Tight—but You’ve Got This
Cruise staterooms are meant for rest, not wrestling with clutter. With a few smart tools, you can turn that small space into a well-oiled vacation HQ. These compact, practical items make packing easier, shore days safer, and unpacking a breeze.