Sharing Small Spaces: Tips for Living in Ship Cabins

Living on a ship can be quite the adventure. As someone who's spent months at sea, I know that with the right mindset and a bit of creativity, you can turn your floating abode into a proper haven.

The key to happy ship cabin living is maximising every inch of space whilst injecting your personality into the decor.

Feeling a tad claustrophobic? Don't worry – it's totally normal! I remember my first week at sea, feeling like a sardine in a tin. Once I got the hang of it, I actually started to enjoy the snug quarters.

It's all about embracing the minimalist lifestyle and finding joy in the little things, like a porthole view of the endless ocean or the gentle rocking that lulls you to sleep at night.

Maximising Space in Your Cabin

Living in a ship cabin means getting creative with storage and organisation. You'll need to think outside the box to make the most of every nook and cranny.

Understand the Importance of Decluttering

Decluttering is your best mate when it comes to cabin living. Start by sorting your stuff into three piles: keep, donate, and bin.

Be ruthless. Do you really need that fancy dress you've worn once in the past year? Probably not.

Focus on items that serve multiple purposes. A sarong can be a beach cover-up, a picnic blanket, and even a makeshift curtain.

Remember, less stuff means more room to breathe. Plus, you'll spend less time tidying and more time enjoying your adventures at sea.

Vertical Storage Solutions

When floor space is tight, look up! Vertical storage is your secret weapon in the battle against clutter.

One thing though, is that you can’t just go around nailing shelves into the walls. Most ships have a strict policy about damaging or altering the cabin interiors. So, you’ve got to get creative.

My go-to? Magnetic hooks. Ceiling and walls of cruise ships are made from metal, which means they’re great for holding magnets. You can use them to hang up jackets, hats, or even bags without leaving a mark.

Over-the-door organisers are brilliant for shoes, toiletries, or snacks!

Don't forget about the backs of doors. Add hooks for coats, bags, or towels. It's amazing how much you can fit when you think vertically.

Under-Bed Storage

The ships I’ve been to work on have beds with built-in drawers. But there’s still space under the bed, which is prime real estate in a small cabin. This is ideally where most crew store their luggage.

The luggage bag itself can be used as storage. If you need more storage, invest in some shallow storage boxes that slide easily under the bed.

Pro tip: Hard case suitcases are not recommended as they may not fit under the bed and will have to be placed by the wall in the cabin, taking up precious space.

Creating a Comfortable Atmosphere

Making your ship cabin feel like home is key to enjoying your time at sea. A cosy atmosphere can turn a tiny space into a relaxing retreat.

Lighting

Good lighting can make or break your cabin's vibe.

Soft, warm lighting is your best mate. Bring a small table lamp or stick-on LED lights for a homey glow. Don't forget a book light for late-night reading without disturbing your cabin mate.

For a bit of fun, string up some battery-operated fairy lights. They add a touch of magic and can help you find your way in the dark without stubbing your toe on the table.

Temperatures

Ship cabins can be tricky when it comes to temperature control. One minute you're sweating, the next you're freezing your socks off.

Bring layers – a light jumper or cardigan can be a lifesaver. Pack a small fan will be great for air circulation and white noise.

If you're prone to feeling chilly, don't forget some cosy socks or slippers.

Indoor Plants and Nature

Bringing a bit of greenery into your cabin can really liven up the space.

Opt for low-maintenance plants like succulents or air plants. They're hardy and don't need much water or light. Plus, they add a pop of colour to your cabin.

If you're not blessed with a green thumb, fake plants can work too. Just give them a quick dust now and then to keep them looking fresh.

Navigating Cabin Life Challenges

Living on a ship can be exciting, but it comes with its own set of hurdles. You'll need to adjust to small spaces, cope with seasickness, and find ways to connect with others while maintaining your personal space.

Common Challenges in Ship Cabin Living

Ship cabins are tiny! You'll feel like you're living in a shoebox at first. Everything's compact – your bed, wardrobe, and even the loo. It takes some getting used to, that's for sure.

Storage is a real head-scratcher. You've got to be clever about packing and organising your personal items. But I learn – less is more!

Noise can be a pain too. Those thin walls don't block much sound. You might hear your neighbours snoring or chatting. Bring some earplugs, if you’re a light sleeper – they're a lifesaver when you're trying to catch some shut-eye.

Managing Limited Privacy

Privacy? What privacy? You'll be sharing close quarters with others, so it's crucial to set boundaries. Don't be shy about asking for alone time when you need it.

Create a little sanctuary in your cabin. Bring photos or small decorations to make it feel like home.

Be respectful of others' space too. Keep your voice down in corridors. If you prefer to blow dry your hair in the corridor so as not to wake your sleeping cabinmate, think again! The rest of the cabins in the corridor can hear you.

It's all about give and take when you're living in such close quarters.

Strategies for Dealing with Seasickness

Seasickness can be a real mood-killer. Don't worry, though – there are ways to cope. Ginger tea or biscuits can help settle your stomach. Some swear by those little acupressure wristbands too.

Try to stay in the middle of the ship where there's less movement.

If all else fails, don't be too proud to use medication. Motion sickness pills are dispensed freely on the cruise ships.

Establishing a Routine at Sea

A routine helps the days from blurring together and keeps you feeling grounded. Set regular mealtimes and try to stick to them.

Make time for exercise – even a quick jog around the deck or some stretches in your cabin can do wonders for your mood.

Don't forget to schedule in some fun too. Join in ship activities or set aside time for your hobbies.

Building Community and Friendships

Making friends on a ship is easier than you might think. Everyone's in the same boat (pun intended), so don't be shy about striking up a conversation.

Join group activities or games organised onboard.

Shared meals are a great way to connect. Invite your cabinmates or colleagues for a cuppa or join others at mealtimes. Just remember to respect others' space – not everyone will be up for a chat all the time.

Practical Tips for Daily Living

Living in a ship cabin requires some clever adjustments to your routine. Here are some handy tips to make your maritime home more comfortable and efficient.

Organising Daily Essentials

Keeping your stuff tidy in a tiny cabin can be a right pain. Every nook and cranny counts. Try using hanging organisers on the back of your door – they're brilliant for stashing away odds and ends.

If you’re bring personal bedding and towel, vacuum bags are ace for squishing these bulky items into submission.

Magnetic hooks are your new best mate. Stick 'em up and use them for everything. Suddenly you've got extra storage on your walls.

Cleanliness and Hygiene

Keeping a ship cabin spick and span can be a proper fuss. But a tidy cabin makes for a happy sailor. Start by making your bed every morning – it instantly makes the place look neater.

Keep a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner and some microfibre cloths handy. A quick wipe-down of surfaces daily stops grime from building up.

Without a window in your cabin, air freshener works wonders for banishing funky odours.

Laundry Management

Doing laundry on a ship can be a hassle if you're not prepared. First off, get yourself a mesh laundry bag. It'll save you the embarrassment of your underwear floating around the ship's laundry room.

Here’s a secret tip: any crewmember is allowed to remove your clothes from the washer or the dryer if you’re not there to move them once the cycle has completed. So, the mesh bag makes sense for your innerwear.

(Psst, I once made the mistake of taking out the bras from the mesh bag when my senior colleague asked for my help to move her laundry from the washer to the dryer. Don’t do what I did.)

Embracing The Adventure of Ship Living

Ship life offers unique experiences and challenges that can transform your outlook. It's a chance to break free from the norm and discover new parts of yourself.

The Benefits of Ship Life

Living at sea opens up a world of possibilities. You'll wake up to new views every day and meet people from all walks of life.

Ship living can boost your problem-solving skills. When you're far from land, you learn to be resourceful. Need to fix something? You'll get creative with what's on hand.

The seafarer lifestyle can be great for your health too. Fresh sea air and gentle rocking can improve your sleep. Many ships have gyms, so staying fit is a breeze.

Embracing Spontaneity at Sea

Ship life teaches you to go with the flow. Plans change quickly at sea, so you'll learn to adapt. One day you might be sunbathing, the next exploring a new port.

Make the most of unexpected moments. Spot dolphins from the boat deck or catch a stunning sunset. These surprise joys make ship living special.

Try new things whenever you can. Learn a language from a crewmate. You never know what hidden talents you might uncover.

Finding Joy in the Little Things

Ship cabins can be small, but they're full of cosy charm. Turn your space into a personal retreat with photos and comfy pillows. It's amazing how homey a tiny room can feel.

Treat yourself to simple pleasures. A cup of tea while watching the waves or a good book in a quiet corner can be heavenly. These small moments often become cherished memories.

Connect with others over shared experiences. Swap stories about your adventures or have a laugh about the quirks of ship life. Building friendships at sea can be incredibly rewarding.

Summary

Living in a ship cabin may feel a bit cramped at first.

Tiny cabins, limited privacy, and the occasional bout of seasickness – but with a bit of adaptability, you’ll soon be managing those like a pro.

Be a good neighbour and be mindful of others. A little consideration goes a long way when you're all in close quarters.