How to Share a Cabin During Your Cruise

Posted on January 23, 2013 by

Sooner or later, you may have to go on a cruise with someone other than your spouse or significant other. It may be a close friend, relative, or anyone you don’t live with. Because of this, you may be unfamiliar with how your companion behaves, and this could cause some friction between the two of you. To keep things harmonious, here’s how you share a cabin during your cruise.

Put your things away

Unless you’ve booked a suite, you’re probably using a regular cabin, which is smaller than a regular hotel room. As a result, your space is limited so you’ll have to be conscious about where you place your things. Don’t just drape your clothes or underwear on the bed, chair or anywhere in plain sight (including the toilet). If you’re not wearing your shoes, put them away. And even if the corner is yours, keep it neat.

Warn about snoring

You and your bunkmate’s sleeping hours would probably be the same or overlap. Because of this, you should warn your friend about snoring ahead of time. Naturally, you can’t scream at or elbowing your bunkmate for snorting up a storm. Likewise, you need your rest so you need to know if your friend sleeps noisily so that you can prepare beforehand with some earplugs, or maybe some heavy-duty nasal strips.

Switch off the lights

It can be difficult to sleep when the lights are on, so make sure they’re off, especially when your bunkmate is napping. However, the sleeper might get a rude awakening if the companion comes in with the lights off. For any eventuality, pack a sleeping mask and earplugs and discuss sleeping schedules and lighting with your friend before going on your trip together.

Keep the noise down

Be sensitive about the noise you make, even if you and your friend enjoy the same music. If your sleeping times are different, make sure you both keep your noise to a minimum when moving around the cabin so that you won’t disturb each other. Remember to place a "do not disturb" sign on the door for your companion’s benefit.

Share the sockets

Aside from space constraints, there might also be a shortage in power outlets, which both of you would use for appliances (e.g. hair dryers, garment steamers) and charging your gadgets (e.g. smartphones, laptops). You can bring your own extension cords, but make sure you don’t hog using the sockets since your friend would need them as well.

Mind your clothing

If you’re used to walking around in your room without any clothes on, you have to be more conscious when you’re cruising with a companion other than your spouse. That means you can’t linger in your underwear—even if your friend isn’t the room with you. You’ll have to use the cabin’s bathroom to change clothes.

Take note of bathroom time

Don’t take too long when using the bathroom. This can be a contentious issue when both of you are rushing off somewhere and need to shower, change clothes or just need to take care of your business. If you like reading while in the toilet, make sure your companion isn’t around.

Keep the bathroom fresh

Speaking of using the bathroom, make sure you keep the room looking and smelling fresh, especially after you use it. You can bring air freshener, but for propriety’s sake, check with your companion first since some people could be more sensitive to scents.

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