27 Clever Bathroom Hacks & Tips You Need to Try

It's true - cruise ship bathrooms are smaller than most hotel rooms. However, there are also some big differences that you need to know. In this video I share cruise bathroom hacks to add space & comfort, as well as cruise ship bathroom do's & don'ts you might not have thought of.
Beyond cruise cabin hacks, cruisers are often not aware of things they should not do in a cruise bathroom. First time cruisers will learn what to expect in their cruise bathroom space, cruise ship toilet & more. These cruise travel tips will be helpful to new cruisers as well as anyone planning a cruise vacation.
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CRUISE BATHROOM ITEMS MENTIONED IN VIDEO
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*Business inquiries & media: please contact Ilana at [e-mail]
Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.
ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
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Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic

[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner

[@denatocco4507]

Where are the links to the items?

[@meddyven]

Ilana, when I pack for my cruise, I take a brand new, non scratch scrubber sponge, and soak in some bathroom cleaner into it. After it dries, I place it in a ziploc bag. When I get into my cabin, and wipe surfaces with Lysol wipes, I wet the scrubber and go into the shower and scub it throughly, along with the bathroom sink, and the toilet. The room stewards do as good of a job as they can, between cruises, but they don't have enough time to do a thorough full cleaning. Just that one pre-prepped scrubber, gets everything sanitized, and takes up no space in your carryon.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s so smart! Thanks for sharing the idea

[@gingerengels3659]

Good idea!

[@ktaurus510]

I also sanitize whenever I sleep in a a public place (hotel, cruise…).

[@ohmightywez]

I know many people don't care for the chemicals, but on my first (and so far only) cruise, I brought a Mr Clean sponge from Mr. Clean. When I went on my cruise, and I found out that your family and mine were on the same cruise (Canada/New England) at.the exact same time, but in the opposite direction. We.went from Quebec to New York, and you went from New York to Quebec. My husband and daughter will not cruise, so now I'm researching cruises for solo cruisers. It looks as though Viking is the best opinion, but I need to make sure it's not a "singles" cruise. I used so many of your excellent suggestions and recommendations for that first cruise, and I was traveling with my husband's aunt and uncle. They've cruised over 60 times and on every major cruise line. They were still operating under Love Boat style traveling, so the accessories I brought, and several of the tips you have provided distinctly improved their cruise experience. Thank you so much.

[@designdoctor247]

same here...i just feel better😊

[@brimaspuds]

I brought a roll of doggy poo bags to line the bathroom bucket. That way I could put used personal wipes and non-flushables into the "doggy bag" and my attendant thanked me!

[@DorieMinshall]

Brilliant!

[@ShannonSmith-qj4nb]

My husband has extremely sensitive skin and most soap will cause rashes and blisters on his hands. So any time we travel I bring him a spice shaker with a flip-top lid full of grated Dove bar skin cleanser. He just sprinkles a couple of the grated Dove bar pieces onto his wet hands and the Dove dissolves and foams. He’s even able to use this on planes, and it’s been a real hand-saver for him!

[@LindaCiminelli-pe7cb]

I bring a microfiber towel for my hair too but, I have a suggestion…bring one that is not white, gray or beige. I had a beige one on my last cruise and it got picked up with the towels…never to be seen again. I now bring a peachy color.

[@SaltConsulting]

I'm the same and travel with a pink or green hair towel as well as brightly colored wash cloths. I have not cruised yet but I have had a personal towel taken at a hotel. Planning on taking a pink hair towel on my first cruise!

[@shelbydennis6252]

They have a good Poo pouri dupe at the dollar tree I think it’s called “Put a lid on it”

[@LifeWellCruised]

Cool!

[@sherholubowich9627]

I buy the dollar store dupe all the time…works great

[@cathykushner8903]

The dollar tree dupe is awesome. Yes, it is called "Put a Lid on It" and can be found in the air freshener section.

[@leel1655]

I brought a small room fabreeze air freshener on our last cruise. Just set it on the counter and forget it! Lasts far longer and makes the room smell nice too.

[@AmyFritz1975]

I always bring a smaller liquid pump handsoap (generally Soft Soap) on our cruises for the bathroom. Makes it easier and keeps the sink area cleaner without water and soap everywhere from the bar.

[@anonymityart]

Not necessarily a bathroom tip, but you did mention laundry. If you plan on doing some loads in the launderette, bring dehydrated laundry detergent sheets. I used to bring a couple laundry pods but those need to go into a liquids bag. The detergent sheets are liquid free! It is revolutionary for doing a load of laundry on a cruise ship. I like longer cruises-so being able to do a couple loads of laundry is a must.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Good idea

[@gerardacronin334]

@@LifeWellCruised Yes, Tru Earth is what I use, even at home!

[@docsmctink]

I use laundry sheets…very environmentally friendly!

[@MiaHessMusic]

I tried Tru Earth and found it didn't get my clothes clean. Maybe I was using it wrong.

[@stephaniespraetz2236]

Laundry detergent small sheets, no liquids for flying & use less space. Use them at home to get away from plastics.

[@mabelandujar9830]

This video was very helpful. Thank you. Additional items to consider based on my experience: 1. If tou will enjoy a day in a beach- a floating of your preference & a pop up beach tent to avoid renting one. 2. Ankle ice pack wrap specially if you will be on a cruise. We recently travel and not sure if it was one or a combination of the salt in the food, the beach water salt or too much walking that my ankles were extremely swollen. 3. Compression socks - for the above reason, as both of these helped a lot. 4. Knee ice wrap 5. Migrane relief cap 6. All yr medicines

[@winniecox1129]

I love the shampoo/conditioner bars. I switched to these to reduce my plastic usage in general. Good brand!

[@donnatumulty9521]

I also just use the little white paper glass covers to put my jewelry instead of the actual glass

[@lisakennemer6118]

That's exactly what I do too.

[@cathykushner8903]

I use a pill reminder to put my rings and earrings in.

[@pkv64]

Here's a hack I discovered by accident and it has to do with controlling the water temperature in the shower. I noticed on all four cruises we've been on so far that there's a small button on the shower water temperature control. If you press the button, you can move the water temperature control past the "ordinary" highest setting and get the water a little warmer if you like it. Obviously, you want to be careful and not scald/burn yourself, but if the shower doesn't get quite warm enough for you, this is a potential remedy. Thanks for all the informative videos and keep up the great work!

[@ronitakingston9937]

Thanks for this info! I'm planning our first cruise and tend to like my shower set to lava 😳

[@MarieKlees]

A friend brings that rubber shelf liner with holes and uses it in the shower to prevent slipping

[@JeannetteDarlington]

A flattening iron for hair works nicely to press the front openings of shirts where wrinkles are most obvious - around the buttons and along the buttonholes. The hint for washing items in zipper bags is an excellent one! I'll have to remember it.

[@layzeh3266]

I used the hair dryer to straighten my clothes 😉

[@susangarside-dh6jr]

Will do that with straighteners great idea

[@rachelbishop3686]

I always bring a small travel bottle of dish soap and a 3m sponge for cleaning tumblers etc. as well as eye glasses and sunglasses (I use dish soap to clean them at home too)

[@ckhs71]

i always travel with Dawn dish soap. you can wash clothes with it, use as hand soap. and many other ways as well, even brush your teeth (don't swallow, spit). takes very little and last for long adventures. Use a small container that seals well and use plastic bag between lid and bottle. I never leave home without Dawn.

[@laurenappa7233]

Just returned from a cruise on Celebrity Beyond and I’d say with two adults and one child we did not need any special hacks for our bathroom. I did ask for extra hangers from our attendant and used them to hang 2-3 wet suits on the back of the deck chair with a towel underneath to catch the water drip. We had an infinite veranda stateroom and that area was great for hanging as it would have been too windy and humid to hang clothes outside. We were extremely pleased with our accommodations on Beyond and felt it was an upgrade from Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.

[@thegolfwalker]

I find the best public bathroom in the quietest area of the ship to to handle my sitting business and paperwork!

[@leoniemercer7748]

So do I.

[@BrandiMyers-gc3qb]

Yep this works so well and frees the bathroom up for others you share the room with and no smell😂

[@teachthem4ever]

It took me a minute...now I can't stop laughing!

[@doloresdelagarza4047]

I bring 2 travel size bottles of Dr Bronners unscented liquid baby soap. I have very sensitive skin. I use it for everything -- taking a shower, shaving my legs, washing my hands and hand washing any laundry.

[@joannewarger-boland978]

As a former Flt Att, once we wash our “laundry”, we roll it in a towel n stand on it to absorb most of the moisture.😂 Also, your items will dry much faster in your room (overnite) rather than in the bathroom. 😊 in the morning most items are dry, if not we move them to the clothesline or hang them in the closet

[@betsy6046]

I do that too! 😂

[@layzeh3266]

And use the hair dyer to speed up the drying time.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very smart

[@vickiglow2009]

Put the magnets on the ceiling and hang washed clothes on hangers from them. They dry overnight. Remember to pack them when you leave - I “inherited” some nice magnets left behind by the previous cruisers.

[@teresavaughn4298]

Yes, I do this as well. Works super good.

[@mimibeck1]

Hi Ilana, always love your hacks! Instead of doing the toilet wipes that are so bad for cruise ships, I discovered a toilet paper spray on Amazon that I love! It basically moisturizes the toilet paper and turn it into a moisture wipe. You still feel like you're getting clean, but not damaging the septic system on the ship.

[@kellyk3953]

We use that one, too!

[@mimibeck1]

​@kellyk3953 love it! ❤

[@lunamcnally2062]

Since I assume ship paper is like RV paper, doesn’t the spray make it start to dissolve? I’m curious!

[@supkirsten]

What is the name/brand of it?

[@mimibeck1]

​@@supkirsten pristine toilet Paper spray 😊

[@elizabethmcgough4654]

Take a pair of non-skid socks with the rubber dots on the bottom for showering. They keep you from slipping and are much more compact to pack than shower shoes.

[@jldisme]

I use a shampoo bar every time I wash my hair. I absolutely love them. Remember that you don't need to bring the entire bar, you can shave what you will use during your trip off of it. ItIs great because you can also take it through TSA security with no problems.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Good to know!

[@lightwarrior432]

Brilliant! 😊👍🏽

[@docsmctink]

I do that also…plus the conditioner bars!

[@leel1655]

I switched to Kitsch shampoo and conditioner bars and castile soap bars several months back! All I had to take on our recent cruise were 3 soap saver travel containers. All 3 fit neatly on the shower caddy in our shower and 2 scrubbies. Worked perfect. Now all the OTHER stuff I brought, well let's just say I have a much better sense of cruising and our personal necessities, lol. Learned the hard way we way over packed, but I was ready for anything and everything!! Started with a small 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. My other hack for those that are prone to seasickness is hionfurt motion sickness patch! Really helped me and all natural

[@karenstasik2979]

I bought a bunch of those kitsche hair soap bars and I found that it left my hair greasier than I like it. And I have gray hair, which tends to be dry. Could be just my hair though

[@mariacampbell581]

Last cruise, I used the magnetic hooks to organize my necklaces and bracelets. I only had to straighten out my jewelry once at the beginning of the cruise.

[@silentlisten3073]

This is a great idea😃. I use suction cup hooks on the mirrors to hang my jewelry also.

[@tinahanks7145]

I took (pre-made)a plastic clothes hanger and wrapped some wire around it at the bottom creating little "hooks". Hung it in my closet. I take lots of costume jewelry 😃 I also pack my earrings in an ice cube tray (same way i store them at home...i have lots of earrings😁), make a cardboard cover and rubber band around. In the section(s) where I have fragile earrings I stuff in some facial tissue.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Smart

[@jasonward808]

another hack is to use a straw to run your necklaces in so they don't get tangled.

[@conniegreen4337]

I use 2×3" zipper bags for jewelry & for daily meds.

[@tarajan1062]

Hi there. I saw this video before we took our last cruise from Boston to Bermuda in July. I heard you say to bring your own bottle of hand soap. I was like that’s genius because my hands always get so dry from cruise ship hand soap. I brought 3 bottles for my family that was traveling with us and wow it was awesome!! It was familiar and didn’t dry out our hands. Thank you for all the tips !!

[@grateful7785]

✋️ yes, I am one of those cruisers that likes to bring my own hand soap. I've never liked bar soap. It gets icky and, yes, drys my skin and feels bad. I like the comforts of home, and so I bring foam hand soap. My family is always glad I do 😊

[@bethdavis6863]

I suffer from psoriasis, and most bar soaps break my hands out. Liquid hand soap and personal lotions, shampoos, body washes, and conditioner is a necessity.

[@jbob1548]

I brought a Bath and Body foam soap. Loved it

[@lynnleipold2617]

I always bring Dove bar soap. I bring one bar for the sink and another for the shower.

[@sstesh84]

@@jbob1548I am guessing you drive to the port. I brought it on the cruise we drove to but too big to carry on plane in a carry on suitcase…any ideas on that?

[@jbob1548]

@@sstesh84 You can carry full size products in your checked luggage

[@tillyortiz346]

I just got off ICON of the Seas, we used the Magnetic hooks they were soo handy.. We used Bath & Body works room spray for toiliet. Our bathroom had shampoo/body wash but still brought my own..Here's a good tip as well, we joined the FB group for our cruise so we were able to ask alot of questions ahead of time. I like your idea about the motion light we just kept our light on in bathroom all night just closed the door a bit. I washed my undies or bras in shower with me & then just hung them up on hooks, but good idea on baggies... Love your ideas!!!

[@debbief2882]

I bring battery operated string lights to hang in the bathroom. I also bring baby wipes AND large size doggie poop bags to dispose of them. It's a game changer!

[@tnm42902ify]

1. I use an oven mitt for my curling iron / straightener - it is good to hold the heat and you can easily put your items inside it for storage. 2. If you use any "wet-wipes" when using the toilet, you cannot flush them, so you must put them in the bathroom trash - I will also spray poo spray right into the trash bag (this is also for feminine products that need to go in the trash as well). 3. We use both a US and a UK plugs/adaptors for the room - so that we can charge more things or plug in more things at once. 4. In the shower we use a small mesh bag to hold shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, etc. Since there are no shelves in there to place our items and we do not want them setting on the floor.

[@susanhannan8413]

I have cruised for years and there’s plenty of room on the bathroom shelves for everything you need. In my opinion an over the door organizer is overkill.

[@MarieKlees]

Holland America has a great lit makeup mirror in cabins

[@carolkirby2940]

Magnet hooks are a must, use a glass for all small items that will roll away, I bring pump hand soap & dove for shower. Ask room attendant for sharps container, shampoo works for hand laundry, You have been a great help for my cruise travel. We sail tomorrow 🛥🚢

[@K.CHager]

Shampoo and conditioner bars are great and easy to use.

[@heideleskun1163]

My husband and I each have our own toiletry bag. Mine is hanging in the closet because it's our "first aid" kit and his is his script meds and joint things we need. Toothpaste & brushes, etc. We don't fly so that's a bonus also for carry on stuff. Binder clips on the curtain or even $1.25 store "towel" clips. I also use clip magnets; not the hook magnets, since the shower walls are magnetic. I use one on each side, you just need to figure out how to attach them which is no big deal. Some lines, at least last last year on Carnival, do not provide bathroom glasses anymore. We went and got the small lido cups and used those. Annoying but feasible. My son and daughter take their own hand antibiotic soap BUT they also use it at home. They have skin sensitivity (my fault, stupid allergies) so it's good the proper "antibacterial" aspect that with my daughter being in forensics need BUT also has a aloe factor or something. They are 25/31 so honestly no idea what they use for a brand.. I have heard the bars for shampoo conditioner is awesome. As long as you are not allergic to some products, like I couldn't do coconut. I can't use normal lotion I need Zinc. Carnival has a "magnifying" mirror in the bathroom. I have an older Amazon "cup" for shaving your legs, didn't work for us in the shower we have. Haven't tried it on a ship Copycat Downy Wrinkle Release You will need: 2 cups distilled or bottled water 2 tablespoons liquid fabric softener 16-oz. spray bottle (for air travel just pour it into a a proper size spray bottle from the 16 oz bottle) Most ships have passenger ironing rooms. You can do that on your own if you want, check the ship map and see if they have it.

[@katharinemayne2551]

I ALWAYS use shampoo bars. Avoid all the plastic bottles. Also fabulous for travel- lighter and non liquids do not leak!

[@BenFam5]

I love shampoo & conditioner bars. One less liquid in my bag.

[@gerardacronin334]

Hi Alana. I no longer use liquid detergent or fabric softener. I use Tru Earth. It’s a very effective environmentally friendly Canadian product which you order online and they mail it to you. It comes in small sheets and takes up the tiniest amount of space possible, which is perfect for travelling.

[@runsoffsarcasmcoffee8303]

We brought a bottle of Soft Soap handsoap with us from the dollar store. We bought a brand new one so it was unopened and packed it inside a ziploc bag (in case of leakage) and put it in our checked luggage. At the end of the cruise, I screwed the lid back on by depressing the dispenser, cleaned it up, put it back in the bag, and back in the suitcase. No issues at all! I figured if something did go wrong on the way there, we could just squeeze it out to use, and then toss it when we disembarked as we would only be our 5 quarters. Worked like a charm!

[@sstesh84]

I haven’t done this yet but a great alternative to the travel TIDE packets is the laundry sheets. I use these all the time and they work GREAT. One sheet is about 3”x2” and are easy to tear off any amount you want. It would take a very small piece to do a few garments. I plan on doing this on our next cruise:)

[@DiraMcClintock]

I put my toiletries,makeup and medications in small zippered clear toiletry bags. About 4”x5” They fit nicely on the small bathroom shelves. Keeps everything neat and tidy and easy to find.

[@janicebrianmozeski2208]

Ilana, I had to chuckle when you mentioned leaving your battery operated tealight "open" all night. I grew up in Ottawa-Hull, speaking English and French. I often tell my daughter in English, to "close" the light. To which she laughs and says, " Your french is coming out Mom!". Love your videos, thank you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

lol, I get called out all the time for my pronunciation or “weird” words. This is a new one I never thought of. I think this has been very normalized here as I’ve always heard it 😂

[@emmib1388]

if you were Pennsylvania Dutch , you would say 'outten the light' :-)

[@birdsnest26]

@@LifeWellCruised Also from near Montreal, I don't even notice the open or close the lights 😂

[@brookelpeterson]

Shampoo and Conditioner BARS! ?! Why didn't I think of that!? GENIUS

[@Brownie22-t4g]

Such a helpful video! Thank you. Yes, I bring a bar of soap that I cut in half - one half for the shower and one half for our hands. I also bring a travel-sized facial soap. Like another commenter, I use the “lid” that they put on glasses to keep my jewelry in. And I cut a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser into about 6 pieces and use them to clean my white sneakers. It works perfectly and over a 2-week cruise, I’ll use all those little pieces.

[@lesleyputnam8261]

dollar tree sells a suction cup shelf-great to hold razor, scrubbie, etc. Bring it home run thru the dishwasher ready for next cruise-just store in my cruise box

[@carrieonley2329]

Going on our first Mediterranean Cruise in a few days. My husband and I have watched so many of your videos. Currently using your Cruise Planner that is so helpful. Thank you so much for all your tips! We just love you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

How exciting!! I’m so glad the life well cruised ultimate cruise planner has been helpful as you plan! Thanks for your purchase & have an amazing cruise!

[@Reneemfenn]

Update?! ❤

[@laura-pp9zb]

While you’re at the grocery store snag a few extra produce bags….I use them to line the bathroom trash can

[@kary8854]

What an helpful information and a big plus leaving the links for purchasing recommended products 👏 thank you!!!

[@meginoregon]

I use a toiletry bag like the one you showed. I hang it on the inside of the bathroom door on the provided hooks, and I also secure the bottom handle to the door with two magnet hooks. That way it doesn't swing around when the bathroom door is opened and closed.

[@mjharris5999]

If you forget to spray the Poopourri before you go, Odoban spray will kill those offensive smells from the potty.

[@annesimpson8375]

I DO bring my own foaming hand soap. Also I bring my shampoo & conditioner in bars & store them in a double sz soap case.

[@taratabor]

I plan to bring my CuloClean (Amazon purchase) which turns any plastic drink bottle into a portable bidet. I use in my RV so I think it will work on my cruise too.

[@margeestes253]

I string the clothes line right through the straps or sleeves of my swimsuit if I forget clips.

[@banjetta]

Love body & hair solid bars from ‘Lush’, they work great! We’ve sailed 4 times this past year with NCL, who didn’t have magnify mirrors in their washrooms although, did have them by the main cabin table space, which is an awkward location, as their most needed in the washroom in the brightest light. As a result, we now travel with one lightweight magnify mirror which has a suction cup on the back, which I place to one side of the large washroom mirror - it’s a serious game-changer we both frequently use (since we’re middle age, with poor vision)!

[@Undaunted188]

Hi…just something I do with the magnetic hooks. I’ll hang them from the ceiling in the cabin , put a hanger on it to keep certain items from wrinkling while I spray them with downy or just drying . Circulation is much better

[@monikaliebold4225]

Hi Ilana, thanks for video - always helpful. Here my tips: 1. Bring your own body lotion. Hotels often provide it, but most cruise lines do not. You even won't get body lotion on board neither in convenience nor in duty free shop. Sometimes you can get body lotion in ship's spa for purchase, but price is incredibly high. 2. Bring your own nail polish and polish remover/pads with you, if you would like to refresh nails by yourself. You also won't get nail polish and remover neither in convenience nor in dutyfree shop. Maybe reason is, that cruise lines want you to visit spa for manicure/pedicure. Sometimes you get nail polish at spa for purchase, but price is also incredibly high. Hope, information is useful.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great idea! I can attest to desperately looking for body lotion & I could not find it at all

[@CherieMabrey]

Holland America Line has Elemis brand lotion, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap. I use Elemis at home. It’s an amazing brand! And no, I don’t bring empty bottles to fill from the ship.

[@queenswillrule]

Have to use fragrance-free everything, so have to bring it.

[@skandragyndesignsbycherim884]

Home made wrinkle release spray, one part liquid fabric softener and 5 parts water in a spray bottle.

[@kathleenabell5933]

I always bring a full size bar of soap when I travel - the soap provided - in my opinion - is very drying so I prefer my own.

[@susanfoley3018]

I've been using a shampoo bar for a couple of years now. I get the 'Love, beauty, & planet' brand at Target. I also use laundry detergent sheets at home. Never had a need to do laundry on a cruise ship until later this year.

[@brimaspuds]

I used the travel clotheline vertically to clip the balcony curtains together to keep the room dark

[@Joyceee54]

I NEED my flushable wipes, but I use those little paper bags they supply to dispose of them.

[@kellyk3953]

I found a spray that you use on toilet paper to make septic safe wipes. It works pretty well.

[@glendaglenn7321]

@kellyk3953 Please share the name and where you found it! I’m just learning that the wipes are a problem & need an alternative for my upcoming cruise so that I’m a good cruise citizen! 😅

[@sstesh84]

@@kellyk3953spraying the cruise toilet paper? It is so thin it would fall apart wouldn’t it?😮

[@maryannzeller3751]

I found a very inexpensive wooden olive dish and I pack it for every cruise. It holds my watch, my earrings and my rings! You may want to try this. Easy in and out and no breakage!!

[@amyjvien]

Great tips! I do bring my own hand soap. Dollar Tree has Softsoap for just $1.25, so it's gentle and I don't mind leaving it behind since it was so cheap!

[@Joyceee54]

Yes, I bring my own bar of Dial and a bar of Dove for my face. I use those soap covered soap containers to keep them in.

[@Patricia-zv5mj]

I do that too! I hate slimy bars of soap on the sink.

[@laurabaker8435]

Safety tip… instead of bringing a bathmat from Dollar store, place a hand towel in the floor of the shower. When done, you can hang it up in he shower to drip dry. It will help avoid slips and falls. Good at home too!

[@Ladylily8]

We bring magnetic paper binder clips to keep the shower curtain neatly closed against the wall. We dry excess water from our washed clothes by rolling in towels, then hang on magnetic hooks close to the Aircon vent, it dries really fast that way.

[@the_adventures_of_trucking]

We bring either Dial or Softsoap brand liquid hand soap that is antibacterial. We also bring our own hand sanitizer.

[@madsct]

I love shampoo and conditioner bars - my current favorites are Kitsch Tea Tree Shampoo and Coconut Oil Conditioner bars - I put them into soap bags so they can hang to dry after use. The shampoo lathers well enough to be worked into my curly hair and I use a comb in shower to work the conditioner from my crown to the ends.

[@nascarmadman]

We're not picky. We use whatever is inside the hotel or ship's bathroom. Basically the ONLY thing that goes in the toilet is the TP itself. Rarely do laundry in the room - maybe a pair of socks or undies but the ziplock bag is BRILLIANT!

[@draggonsgate]

That zip-loc bag for laundry trick is brilliant!! I always bring gallon ziploc for my dirty underwear and socks... now I have another use for it! Thank you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Ziplock bags are the best 👏😂

[@beverlycadien6038]

Yes I bring my own hand soap on just about all my trips. Hand washing is extremely important to me & I’m loyal to the brand I use. I used the magnet hack to hang my stuff last cruise and it worked great. So I’m giving a pack to each cabin group that will be going on my milestone birthday cruise in December. I’ve also been sharing your videos with my first time cruisers!

[@barbaralazier8352]

The shampoo and conditioner bars really interest me

[@GoldenPixie]

I ❤ the bar shampoo and conditioners! I use them at home too especially because they usually don’t contain some chemicals I’m allergic to. Bring a soap tray to put them on to dry

[@myrnabalonek3297]

I always bring a bar of Caress soap and my shampoo & conditioner and lotion.

[@debbief5594]

Thanks for your tips! I’m picky when it comes to cosmetics and body products. I wash out my plastic eye makeup remover bottles and fill them with my shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc. I label them for easy use. When we leave, I toss them to leave more room for souvenirs. 😊

[@lindakenny4779]

I always take a pump hand soap for the sink area, & the netted shower caddy. I also always take small usb fans, usually 2. I just found a rechargeable fan with a magnetic bottom, so that’s definitely coming with me on my next cruise. I also bought collapsible storage bins that I use on the desk area to keep all my things well organized. Besides taking a shoe bag that I typically hang on the wall with hooks, I also take collapsible hanging shelves that I use in the closet for more space.

[@stephie8978]

What are the collapsible storage bins for the desk?

[@lindakenny4779]

I bought a collapsible storage bin in the dollar store, it keeps all my stuff organized & really doesn’t take up any room in your suitcase. I use it on the desk, some people keep their sandals/flipflops organized in there.

[@loriloristuff]

Some of these ideas could help if you simply have a dinky bathroom at home. Nicely done!

[@amyhook8605]

I bring my own body wash because I clean my legs very often because of a lymphedema and bring it in a ziploc bag 😊❤

[@heathahlee]

The rechargeable lighted mirror is a game changer! I used to struggle (particularly in hotel rooms) because if my husband was in the shower I couldn’t put my makeup on in the bathroom where the best light is. Having that mirror allows me to get ready wherever! Also, washing clothes in a bag is genius! I’ve heard people say they wash items in the sink, but that seems icky to me. I will definitely bring extra bags to wash in!

[@LifeWellCruised]

So true about the makeup mirror

[@robynhosmer2922]

I love mine!

[@Vygly]

Do you have a link to the mirror?

[@stephie8978]

I would love a link, too!

[@heathahlee]

@@VyglyIlana links one in the notes. I tried linking it in these replies but I think KZbin removed it.

[@barbaraweronko7975]

Shampoo and conditioner bars are great. Use them all the time

[@debijusnailzz2021]

I use my previous days hand towel that I save and dried on the line to stand on for my shower. Works for me. I like the bar idea of shampoo and conditioner.

[@marynieve5640]

I use earth breeze washing sheets. You can tear them up for small loads. Love it as they are flat

[@peggywoods4327]

I always wax before vacations! I use a sugar wax like Moom. Then i don't have to pack any shaving stuff or have to think about it. I love my hair towel! If you want to bring a clothes line and are looking for a more compact option, there are clipless ones. It's basically 2 strands of elastic cord twisted together. You just tuck corners of your laundry in between the cords.

[@sstesh84]

I have never used Moom. Does it work well?

[@peggywoods4327]

@@sstesh84 I like it! I used to be able to find it in health food stores but now I get it from Amazon (or make it myself). You can get the whole kit with cloth strips to start with. It's just a sugar paste that you warm up and use like wax. Way easier to clean up than wax. I love it because I can go on a 2 week trip and not have to bother with shaving. I just do my lower legs and pits. I'm older now and don't have as much grow back anymore, but had great results whenever I've used it - starting about 15 years ago or so... hope that helps!

[@teresasmith8241]

Love the shampoo and conditioner bars! I do take bar soap.

[@sandracarlson7572]

I love the suggestion to wash hand laundry in a ziplock bag. I have gotten so many great ideas from watching your videos. At home, when my bar soap is about half used I set it aside to dry and save it for travel.

[@ronitakingston9937]

I use the earthling co shampoo and conditioner bars and love them! I cant wash my hair daily so it lasts months.

[@jhmram]

I bought that hanging toiletry bag because of your recommendation. Loved it!! 5 stars!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad to hear the feedback 👏

[@mjandres4451]

I too bring bar soap as I like dove for sensitive skin. My husband cuts the bar in half and that is enough to last for a two week cruise. By the way, I love the plastic bag for hand washing what a great tip. I have been watching your videos for a few years now and always pick up something new. You are the best!

[@lynnkongkham7655]

I am so happy you bought the bar shampoo and conditioner, Ilana. You can just cut off a chunk to take with you, as those bars will last about three months. I hope you like them and look forward to your review.

[@traciemac7026]

I do a load of laundry in the ship's washing machines after dinner and hang it all on coat hangers and then hang the coat hangers from the ceiling on the strong magnetic hooks, like the ones you showed in this video. The laundry is usually dry by the next morning and ready to put away

[@barbarahallowell2613]

Febreeze small spaces. Also great to destink your shoes 😅 and bring 6 clothes pins for the dry line

[@cathyshaw-kalloo237]

I use the Kitsch bar shampoo and conditioner and they are FAB!!! Hair comes out soft and silky... as soon as I tried them I realized this would change my packing game completely, because I have always had to check a bag to pack my own shampoo and or conditioner. I have super long hair and I'm allergic to a product that's in most shampoos, so I've always had to take my own ... until now!! I hope they do great things for your hair as they have for mine. 🙂

[@rebeccalaw2277]

Yes I use the glasses for my jewelry too and then you can pop it in the safe too. I have taken hand soap and I love it especially when there is a shower door. If there is a curtain we just reach in the shoer and use the gel to wash our hands with, works well since the bathroom is small. We like the little battery operated tea lights in the cabin too. Especially for inside cabins. Thanks for all of the tips

[@karenkkaser]

I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner bars. So convenient and takes up less room I cut each in half and put in the netting type bags. Also I travel ALL the time with safety pins, zip lock bags of 3 sizes.

[@margaretlupercio793]

I like to bring an empty foaming hand soap bottle, like one from Bath and Body works and pack a small bottle of Dawn dish soap and put a little amount in the empty foaming pump bottle and fill with water. A little goes a long way. I don't find it drying and it's great to wash my reusable water bottles and food containers !!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Fantastic. Thanks for sharing

[@deliacall4826]

I love this! Thanks! I’m doing this next cruise - I love using my own water bottles and coffee cups

[@kbrown3710]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@debbiew572]

I just came back from my first cruise on the Royal-Symphony and loved using the magnet clips and my own hand soap. For me both was a must!! Love these helpful tips you provide. Can’t wait to book another.

[@MeredithHM]

On my last cruise I brought liquid hand soap, b/c I'm not really a fan of bar soap. Magnetic hooks & clips are a must! Love your content. Thank you for all your tips.

[@sk8lady]

We ALWAYS take a pump-style antibacterial hand soap for our cabin. 😎 By the way, Lush Handmade, (located in almost every mall) makes a solid shampoo/conditioner bar combo that works great for me. One bar does two jobs….saves space!

[@emmib1388]

what is a mall?? 🙂

[@sj6188]

I LOVE that toiletry bag! It worked perfectly!!

[@marlashaw595]

I like the shampoo bars…but no plan on bringing them on our next cruise

[@jodon4859]

I recently learned that if you take6 to 8 flat magnets ie the kind you get from advertisers or on the back of notebooks, these can be put back to back on either side of the shower curtain to hold it down and less bulky than binder clips.😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

Smart hack

[@KayeReshaw]

I bring one or two of the Ikea drawer organizers. The are the rectangle ones that have a zipper on the bottom to assemble into a box. When unzipped, they fold flat. I use small ones for my small things like watches etc and the larger underwear/sock storage size in the bathroom to hold all my stuff on the shelf. i use them in my cabin on the self to wrangle my power cords etc.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very smart!

[@heideleskun1163]

My son and sister work for Ikea, thank you for the support and they have AWESOME organizing stuff.

[@karenrobertson1944]

I did that too, with the oblong IKEA Skubb box 🎁 n my first cruise and have done it everywhere I travel after that. Or square box if I don't need too much stuff

[@KayeReshaw]

@@heideleskun1163 It's my favorite store.

[@KayeReshaw]

@@karenrobertson1944 I forgot what they were called, but I take them on all my trips. I love how they fold flat as well. I see they are a set of 6 for $7 as well. My husband always throws all his small stuff in hotel nightstand drawers, but many cruise ship night tables don't have a drawer. This way we also don't forget small things.