When I stay at a hotel, I don’t do squat to make the room feel more like home - I’m not there very much! Whether it’s a business trip or a vacation, it’s not much more than a place to sleep and keep my stuff. 

On a cruise ship, however, it’s very different. I hit up my room pretty often and spend actual time in it. Is nature calling? I’d much rather use my own bathroom. Need a quick break from the party? Back to my private sanctuary. Just met a cute boy? I know a place we can go ;)

In particular, because there’s so much going on on the ship, it’s easy to get mentally and physically drained, and having a private place that feels like home really helps to recharge and reset. 

Here are the five things that will help make your stateroom feel like home, and we’ve got all of your senses covered:

• Bluetooth speaker. A bit of music helps to set the mood, whether you’re getting ready for a party or winding down after a long day. If you don’t already have a Bluetooth speaker, check out my recommendations here.

• Tablet/laptop with an HDMI cable/adapter. At home I usually have something playing in the background on my TV. I travel with my Microsoft Surface tablet and the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, which I connect to the TV in my stateroom, letting me play whatever content I have downloaded onto the TV. HDMI adapters are available for most tablets and laptops that don’t have an HDMI port - for example, Apple’s Lightning Digital AV adapter works with iPhones and iPads. Make sure to download some videos before you board!

• Your favorite snacks. Yes, there’s free food throughout the ship, but most don’t have snacks or candy, at least not for free. My friends and I always make a trip to a grocery or drug store before we head for the terminal to pick up a few favorites (sour Skittles!) I also pickup a small bottle of protein powder and pack a small Blender Bottle from home. If a particular type of tea is part of your daily routine, you can easily bring it onboard, though note that small appliances like electric kettles are not allowed, and most ships do not offer them in the rooms - you’ll need to visit select restaurants onboard (likely the buffet or a cafe) to get hot water.

• Air freshener / diffuser. If you use scents at home, then bringing that same scent onboard will make your stateroom feel like home everytime you return. However, do not use candles or burn incense on the ship - it’s a fire hazard! This is something you can buy before heading to the terminal. For essential oil aficionados, you can even bring an essential oil diffuser. Just be aware of the scents you use in case you bring any guests back to your room. Along the same lines, a travel size Poo-Pourri might be appreciated by your roommate :)

• Your own pillow / blanket. If you’re particular about your pillows and are willing to lug it all the way from home, it could make a big difference. Most staterooms have a couch too, and bringing your own blanket or throw could make it a much cozier place to spend some downtime.