Back in 2017 a representative from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line reached out to Tiny Home Builders. They wanted to discuss ways that the tiny house community was efficiently utilizing space in tiny homes to see if there were any ideas that they could borrow and apply in their cruise cabins. The cruise industry, like the RV industry, had been iterating and perfecting the efficient use of space for decades, but they were open to new ideas and knew that there is always the possibility of improving. And while I had hoped to somehow parlay this request into a free cruise, unfortunately it never went anywhere 😊
Fast forward 7 years and I took my family on a Royal Caribbean Cruise (on my own dime I might add) and was impressed with many of the choices they had made to efficiently use the very limited space in our cabin. So I thought I would document some of those choices so that we can all learn and be inspired. Perhaps, you might borrow some of their ideas.
Maximize Wall Space with Hooks
Hooks are a simple yet effective way to utilize vertical space. In cruise cabins, hooks can be found everywhere to hang coats, hats, bags, and even towels. By installing hooks on the walls of your tiny house, you can keep frequently used items within easy reach and free up valuable floor and counter space.
Include Large Window(s)
No, my cruise cabin didn’t have large windows, I’m not rolling with that kind of money. But the cruise designers recognize the value a large window can add. To extend that benefit to more people on a ship beside those in cabins along the perimeter, they add giant displays to the walls in some of the cabins to give the illusion of a large window. And guess what, it works!
So, am I recommending you install giant screens on the walls of your tiny house? No. But I do recommend installing at least one large window in your home. It can make a huge difference on how roomy your house feels.
Have Ample Drawers and Storage Solutions
Storage is crucial in a tiny house. Cruise cabins are designed with ample drawers and storage compartments to keep belongings organized and out of sight. Consider built-in storage solutions such as under-bed drawers, built-in cabinets, and multi-functional furniture with hidden storage.
Use Integrated or Custom Furniture
Integrated furniture, such as fold-out beds, built-in desks, and convertible sofas, is a hallmark of cruise cabin design. These pieces save space by serving multiple functions and can be neatly tucked away when not in use. In a tiny house, integrated furniture can help you make the most of every square inch by fitting exactly in the space they are intended for.
In a cruise cabin, there are examples of custom furniture everywhere. Another example are the custom nightstands. You definitely need an area next to your bed for essentials like a lamp, book, or phone. But it probably doesn't need to be nearly as big as what you currently have.
An improvement I think they could have made is to mount the lights to the wall. I suspect they didn’t do that to give them the flexibility to reconfigure the room, but if they extended the headboard width and mounted the lights to it, they could get the benefit of mounted lights without the downside of not being able to move the bed.
Mount TVs on the Wall
Wall-mounted TVs are a common feature in cruise cabins, freeing up surface space and reducing clutter. In your tiny house, mounting your TV on the wall can create a cleaner look as well as eliminate the need for a large piece of furniture, freeing up the space for other activities.
Combine Shelving and Hanging Storage
Combination shelf and hanging storage units are versatile and practical. By hiding the hanging storage and shelves behind the same door, they achieve a clean looking solution.
Shallow Sinks
Shallow sinks are a space-saving feature commonly found in cruise cabins. They take up less counter space while still providing functionality. In your tiny house, a shallow can make a smaller bathroom feel less tight on space.
Integrate Trash Cans into Cabinets
To keep the floor space clear, cruise cabins often have trash cans integrated into cabinets. This design keeps the trash out of sight (if the can has a lid) and maintains a clean, uncluttered look. In a tiny house, consider installing a pull-out trash can inside a cabinet to achieve a similar effect.
Conceal Outlets Under Shelves
In cruise cabins, outlets are often concealed under shelves or inside cabinets to keep the space looking tidy. In your tiny house, you can hide outlets under shelves at your desk or kitchen area to maintain a streamlined appearance and reduce visual clutter.
Conclusion
Designing a tiny house for efficient use of space requires creativity and thoughtful planning. By taking inspiration from the smart design features of cruise cabins, you can create a functional, organized, and aesthetically pleasing living environment. Embrace these lessons to make the most of your tiny house and enjoy the benefits of a well-designed, compact space.