By Wendy Byard
Travel Advisor for solo women travellers
Resources
Magnetic Hooks
Planning a cruise is all about maximising every moment on board, and when you step into your cabin, you’ll want to make the most of that small space. Enter the humble yet powerful magnetic hook – a product every cruiser should consider packing
The One Must-Have Product for Every Cruiser: Magnetic Hooks!
Planning a cruise is all about maximising every moment on board, and when you step into your cabin, you’ll want to make the most of that small space. Enter the humble yet powerful magnetic hook – a product every cruiser should consider packing. From effortless storage solutions to creating makeshift dividers, here’s why magnetic hooks are essential and how they can make your cruise more organised and enjoyable.
1. Effortless Hanging Solutions
Picture this: you’ve just stepped into your cabin, ready to unpack and settle in, but soon realize that storage is limited. With magnetic hooks, though, you’re in luck! Stick them to the metal walls or doors and instantly have places to hang everything from robes to hats, umbrellas, and lightweight jackets. These hooks create extra storage space without taking up precious desk or drawer room, allowing you to stay organized and make your cabin feel like home.
2. Keeping Important Paperwork Handy
Cruises are filled with activities, excursions, and daily schedules that can be tough to keep track of. Magnetic hooks come to the rescue by giving you a designated spot to hang up your daily itinerary, excursion tickets, or dining reservations, making it easy to grab what you need before heading out on the day’s adventures.
3. Drying Wet Clothes in the Bathroom
Magnetic hooks are incredibly useful for drying wet items like swimsuits. Attach them to the ceiling of the bathroom or even in the shower area to create a spot for your damp clothes to drip-dry without cluttering up the cabin. This way, you avoid leaving items on the balcony (where they could easily blow away) and keep moisture contained in the bathroom.
4. Keeping Essentials at Your Fingertips
It’s all too easy to misplace essentials like your ship card, sunglasses, or key items you’ll need throughout the day. By adding a magnetic hook near the door, you can create a "go-to spot" for these items. Hang your lanyard or sunglasses on it so you’ll never have to search for them when it’s time to step out and explore.
5. Creating Your Own Mini Partitions
Sometimes, a bit of privacy or a quiet area is just what you need in a shared cabin space. Magnetic hooks make it easy to hang a lightweight curtain or cloth from the ceiling, creating a temporary partition. This quick fix is perfect if someone wants to sleep while another person stays up reading, adding a touch of flexibility and comfort to the shared space.
Essential Tips for Using Magnetic Hooks on a Cruise
Experiment with Placement: Cruise cabins are designed for function but not always with magnetic convenience in mind! Test different surfaces to find the strongest spots – bathroom doors, walls, or the ceiling.
Avoid Sensitive Equipment: Be mindful of sensors, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. Strong magnets can interfere with some of these, so check that hooks aren’t positioned near essential safety equipment.
Pack Them Up at the End: Magnetic hooks are easy to forget in the rush of packing. Make sure to grab yours for your next cruise adventure.
Choosing the Right Magnetic Hook
Finding the best magnetic hook for your needs depends on a few factors:
Strength & Direction of Pull: Hooks tend to hold better on ceilings than walls because the pull force is vertical rather than sliding. If you’re planning to hang heavier items, choose a magnet with a higher weight capacity or consider placing it on the ceiling.
Wall Materials & Surface Texture: Some cruise walls have decorative coatings that can weaken magnetic strength, so it’s often best to opt for hooks a little stronger than you think you’ll need.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or preparing for your first journey, magnetic hooks are an invaluable addition to your packing list. With these simple tools, you’ll transform your cabin into a personalised and organised haven, ready for whatever adventure awaits!
