5 Things We Learned Living on a Cruise Ship

by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

How Can a Small Cruise Cabin Feel Like Home?

When we first boarded the Villa Vie Odyssey, our cabin felt less like a home and more like an exciting new challenge. We knew we loved being on the water and had been dreaming of this residential cruising lifestyle, but we wondered how we'd make this compact space work for us long-term. Would we feel cramped? Would we miss all our "stuff"? The answer, we've found, is a resounding no. It just takes a little creativity and a lot of joy. According to us, Chris and Michael from our DC Hidden Gems YouTube channel, the key is to embrace the unique lifestyle and see the limitations as an opportunity for more freedom.

Here are five things we've learned that make everyday life on a cruise ship feel just like home.

1. Maximize Your Space from Floor to Ceiling

The first rule of small-space living is that every inch counts. On a cruise, space is at a premium, so you have to be incredibly smart about how you use it. We quickly learned that you have to think vertically and horizontally. Our shared closet seemed daunting at first, but with a few simple additions, we were able to make it highly efficient. We use thin hangers to fit more clothes and plan to add more shelving soon to take advantage of all that vertical space.

We also found a simple solution for a classic storage problem: under-bed space. By raising our bed with risers, we were able to create a perfect, hidden spot to tuck away our suitcases and other belongings, keeping the main living area clear and uncluttered. It's these small, intentional choices that make a huge difference in how the cabin feels.

2. Create Dedicated Work and Play Zones

Even in a compact space, it's crucial to have separate areas for different activities. We each have our own desks in the cabin, and this division of space helps us maintain our routine. Michael uses his desk for work and hobbies, while Chris uses his for editing videos for our YouTube channel. Having these personal "work" zones ensures we can be productive without getting in each other's way.

But it’s not all work! The cabin is also our sanctuary for relaxation. We love unwinding by watching a movie in bed or simply listening to music. Chris also enjoys reading magazines and playing video games. These simple pleasures are made all the better by the knowledge that outside our window is the vast, open ocean.

3. Stay Connected to the World

Just because you’re at sea doesn’t mean you have to be out of touch. One of our biggest surprises was how easily we could stay connected. Our cabin's Wi-Fi allows us to chat with family and friends and keep up with what's happening in the world. As we’ve discovered, this is key to feeling grounded and not isolated. It also lets us research the incredible places we’ll be visiting. From planning our next shore excursions to learning about the local culture, it’s amazing to think that from our small cabin, we have the entire world at our fingertips.

4. Embrace New Hobbies and Learning

The slower, more intentional pace of life on a cruise ship gives you the perfect opportunity to try new things. For us, that means learning new languages! We are both using apps to learn Spanish, and Chris has even taken on French and Japanese. The journey of continuous learning adds so much richness to our lives and prepares us to better explore the different countries we visit. It’s a hobby that feels both personal and practical, and we feel a little smarter with every lesson.

5. Make the Most of Your Balcony

If we had to pick our favorite part of our cabin, it would be the balcony. It's so much more than just a small outdoor space; it’s our own private sanctuary and an extension of our living area. We use it for quiet moments of meditation and yoga, or just to sit with a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise over the water. This is where we feel most connected to the sea and the freedom of this incredible lifestyle. The fresh air and stunning views are a constant reminder of the amazing journey we’re on.

The sense of space and freedom we feel, even within our small cabin, is what makes life on the Villa Vie Odyssey so appealing. It's a rewarding adventure, and we feel so lucky to be living it. For more insights on cruising and travel, be sure to explore our other posts on the Charting Our Course blog.

We hope our personal experiences give you a better feel for what life on a residential cruise ship is like. It’s an adventure we wouldn't trade for anything.

What’s one thing you would do to make a small living space feel like home?

Sources:

• “Everyday Living on a Cruise Ship: Cabin Life! | Villa Vie Odyssey” from DC Hidden Gems
• “Tips for Living on a Cruise Ship Year-Round” from Cruise Critic