Don’t leave home without them when you’re going on a cruise! I really mean it! Using magnets while cruising is one of the most important tips I suggest to cruisers. I even try to include them in the thank you gift I send to clients!

Magnets are one of the most popular “hacks” for cruise travelers because of a specific quirk in ship construction: most cruise ship cabin walls and doors are made of metal. While the walls often look like wood or wallpaper, they are typically heavy-duty steel panels designed for fire safety.

Here is why magnets are considered essential items for your cabin:

Organization and Storage

Cruise cabins are notorious for having limited desk and counter space. Magnetic hooks allow you to utilize vertical space effectively:

• Hanging Gear: You can hang lanyards, hats, swimsuits, and light jackets on the walls.

• Daily Schedules: Many passengers use small magnets to post the ship’s daily itinerary or “patter” on the wall so it doesn’t get lost under clutter.

• Invitations: Shore excursion tickets and dinner reservations can be kept at eye level near the door.

Door Decorations

In long, identical hallways, it can be surprisingly difficult to find your room. Many cruisers use magnetic signs, banners, or photos to decorate their cabin doors. This makes the room easy to identify and adds a personal touch for groups or special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

Privacy and Layout Adjustments

• Magnetic Curtains: Some cruisers use magnetic clips to hold the heavy “blackout” curtains closed more tightly or to hang a privacy curtain between the main bed and the seating area. Be aware that most cruise lines prohibit bringing your own privacy curtains, mainly due to fire hazards.

• Charging Stations/Ext Cords: Strong magnetic clips can help route charging cables and extension cords along the wall and even the ceiling, keeping them off the floor and away from the small bedside tables. This is especially useful for medical devices such as a CPAP machine.

Pro-Tips for Using Magnets

• Strength Matters: Standard refrigerator magnets are often too weak for the thick paint on cabin walls. Most experienced travelers recommend Neodymium (Earth) magnets with a “pull force” of at least 25 lbs to ensure they don’t slide down the wall.

• Protect the Finish: To avoid scratching the cabin walls, you can place a small piece of painter’s tape or a sticky note behind the magnet.

• The Ceiling Trick: If the walls are covered in a thick laminate that weakens the magnetic pull, try the ceiling—it is almost always bare metal and provides the strongest grip.