The Ultimate Guide to the Best Magnetic Hooks for Cruise Ship Cabins

1. Top Five Uses for Magnetic Cruise Cabin Hooks

Magnetic metal hooks have become one of the most useful and essential accessories for travelers cruising on Norweigan, Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines looking to maximize storage space in compact cabins. Because most cruise ship cabin walls and ceilings are made of metal, these strong magnetic hooks provide a simple and effective way to organize clothing, accessories, and everyday essentials without taking up valuable counter or floor space.

1. Extra storage space: Hang clothes, robes, swimsuits, umbrellas, cameras, tote bags, towels, jackets, and more when closet space is limited.

2. Organizing paperwork: Keep excursion tickets, schedules, and itineraries visible and easy to grab.

3. Drying wet clothes: Use hooks in the bathroom or on the ceiling to dry swimsuits and wet items safely.

4. Keeping essentials handy: Hang ship cards, lanyards, sunglasses, or keys near the door to avoid losing them.

5. Creating privacy dividers: Attach lightweight curtains to ceiling hooks to divide the cabin for sleeping or reading.

2. How to Choose the Best Magnets for Your Cruise

Picking the right magnetic cruise cabin hooks can be a difficult task. In most hanging cases, you will not get the listed pull force (strength). This guide explains why you can lose pull force and how to choose a good ACTUAL STRENGTH that will help prevent your belongings from falling off the wall, ceiling or door.

Here are the 4 Big Reasons Your Cruise Hook Magnets Fall Off

1. Hanging on a Wall Means Fighting Gravity

   While the magnet is trying to pull towards the wall, gravity is trying to pull the object down. Higher friction coatings, such as rubber, help prevent the magnet from sliding down the wall. Smoother coatings, such as NiCuNi, reduce friction between the magnet and the wall, allowing the magnet to slide down the wall if the magnet is holding too much weight. The image shows a magnet is stronger being pulled directly away from a wall or ceiling, but weaker when pulled down the wall. A stronger magnet, a rubber coating or grip, or higher friction surfaces will all help increase pull force on walls.

   

2. Coating on a Wall Means Less Pull Force

   Most cruise cabins have some sort of coating such as paint or wallpaper on the steel walls. Even a thin layer creates a gap between the magnet and the steel that lowers the magnet's effective pull force. The thickness of coatings on cruise ship walls will differ. The image below shows a thick wall or ceiling coating that lowers the magnet's top strength. Using a more powerful magnet helps overcome this gap.

   

3. Leverage Makes it Easier for Magnet to Tip Off Wall

   The further something sticks out from the wall, the more leverage there will be, making it easier to tip or be pulled off. The magnet has to fight to overcome this same force. Having the magnet and load as close to the wall as possible helps lower leverage. The image below shows a hook magnet hanging a load too heavy and falling off the wall. The top magnet shows how swinging can also pull a magnet off the ceiling. Our rubber hooks and spinning hook magnets have the hook bent back towards the wall, lowering leverage.

   

4. Thin Wall, Ceiling or Door Metal Doesn't Allow Magnet to Get Full Pull Force

   In order for a magnet to get the max pull force, it needs steel thick enough to absorb the magnetic field. If the steel is too thin, the magnetic field will not be fully absorbed. In the below picture, the magnet at the top will not get maximum pull strength because the metal is not thick enough, but the bottom metal is thick enough to fully absorb the magnetic field. Sticking magnet to thick metal gets closer to top pull strength.

   

Cruise Hook Magnet Strength Checklist

1. Does the wall have a smooth coating?

   • Use a rubber hook magnet
   • Use a stronger magnet
   • Use multiple magnets to spread out load

2. Does the wall have a thick coating?

   • Use a stronger magnet
   • Use multiple magnets to spread out load

3. Is magnet tipping off the wall?

   • Use a rubber hook or spinning hook to lower leverage
   • Use a stronger magnet
   • Use multiple magnets to spread out load

4. Is wall, ceiling, or door metal too thin?

   • Find an area with thicker metal to hang
   • Use a stronger magnet
   • Use multiple magnets to spread out load

Recommended Cruise Hook Strength Based on What Items You Are Hanging

The table below shows a good starting point for cruise cabin magnetic hook strength based on what cruise essentials you are trying to hang. Each magnet has the recommended magnet pull force for the items listed on the left. The pull force is for the magnet, not how much the items weigh. Wall, ceiling and door coatings and thicknesses may vary per cruise line. If possible, try to test out the cruise hook magnets before you leave. If you are still unsure what strength is best, contact us for assistance.

Cruise Travel Items	Swivel Hook Magnets	J Hook Magnets	Eye Hook Magnets	Rubber Hook Magnets
Hats, Lanyards, Cases, Small Bottles Lightweight travel accessories	~20 lb MM-RH-20	20-30 lb MMS-E-C MM-E-20	20-30 lb MMS-G-C	WPH-SM
Wet Clothes & Swimsuits, Towels, Jackets Heavier from water weight	30-40 lb MM-RH-25	40-60 lb MMS-G-X0 MMS-G-X4	40-60 lb MMS-E-X0 MM-E-25 MMS-E-X4	WPH-SM
Backpacks, Tote Bags, Heavy Items Medium to heavy travel gear or bulky items	70-90 lb MM-RH-32 MM-RH-36	80-120+ lb MM-E-36 MMS-E-X8 MM-E-42	80-120+ lb MMS-G-X8 MMS-G-XC	WPH-LG

3. What are the Best Heavy Duty Hanging Hook Magnets for Cruise Cabins?

There are multiple sizes, strengths and types of strong magnetic hooks for cruises, and each type has advantages and disadvantages depending on the walls, door and ceiling surfaces in a cruise ship cabin.

Cruise ship cabin walls and ceilings may also vary in thickness, coating and smoothness. This determines what % of the magnet's listed pull force you will get. In other words, LISTED PULL FORCE ≠ ACTUAL PULL FORCE. This may seem strange, but the pull force is designed to show the max power the magnet can have in ideal settings. See section one of our blog article Testing Magnet Strength to learn why. If you skipped the how to choose the best cruise hook magnets section above, you may want to read it to make sure your magnet’s ACTUAL PULL FORCE is strong enough for your needs.

Types of Magnetic Hooks for Cruises

1. Spinning Rubber Hook Cruise Magnets - Rubber cruise hooks have enhanced grip strength and help prevent slipping or sliding down wall. The rubber creates more friction so the magnet doesn't have to fight gravity as much. Additionally, the hook spins 360 degrees. The hook also is curved into wall to lower leverage and increase effective pull force. These hooks are only for walls. Great for heavier tote bags, backpacks, ruck sacks, bags, towels, clothing and jackets.

   • Provides strongest grip strength on walls to help prevent slips
   • Soft rubber coating prevents scratching of cabin walls or ceilings
   • 360 degree spin on hook
   • Angled hook to lower leverage
   • TOP overall pick!
   

   Spinning Rubber Hook Cruise Magnets

   Superior grip strength to prevent slipping

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2. Rotating Swivel Hook Cruise Magnets - These magnetic hooks spin 360 degrees and swivel 180 degrees, allowing attachment on walls, ceilings, diagonal or angled sections and just about any metal surface. Great for versatile hanging of bags, hats, towels, clothing, jackets and more.

   The slim profile keeps the hook close to the wall to lower leverage and the rubber fitting adds friction for maximum strength.

   • 360 degrees of freedom in rotation
   • 180 degrees of pivot/swivel to allow hanging both on walls, ceilings or at any other angle
   • Angled hook with rubber grip for heavier items
   

   Rotating Swiveling Hook Magnets

   Hang anything, anywhere with 360° of spin and 180° of swivel

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3. J Hook Cruise Magnets - These magnetic hooks feature a j-shaped open hook to allow you to slip on bags, clothes, jacket, hats, hangers, lanyards or anything with a strap. Can also be used to hang privacy/divider curtains if the fabric has buttonholes or grommets at the top.

   • Easy to hang items on
   • Most sizes and strengths to choose from
   

   J Hook Cruise Magnets

   Open hook makes it easy to just stick and hang!

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4. Eye Hook Cruise Magnets - These magnetic hooks feature an eye-shaped closed loop hook. A closed eye-hook may make it harder to hang some things, but offers a more secure hold as items can slip off a j-hook and fall. Ideal for hanging from ceiling, for using string or rope such as a clothes line to hang or dry clothes or to make a privacy/divider curtain, or for hangers, bags or items with a clip/carabiner. Utility clips can be attached to ensure a secure hold.

   • Most secure hold (items not falling off hook)
   • Good for rope, string or items with clips or hooks
   

   Eye Hook Cruise Magnets

   Eye hook gives a secure hold on items

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Easy Comparison Chart for All Cruise Magnets

The table below provides a quick comparison for all types of cruise hook magnets as well as plastic coated magnets for hanging papers, photos and more on walls, ceilings or doors in your cruise cabin. This is just a reference as every cruise cabin wall, ceiling or door is different and magnet pull force will vary.

Cruise Magnet Type	Best For	Main Benefit	Ceiling Use	Wall Grip	Shop
Rotating Cruise Hook Magnets 360° rotating + 180° pivoting hook	Hanging bags, hats, towels, swimsuits and clothes anywhere	Most versatile movement and positioning	Excellent	Very Strong	Shop
J Hook Cruise Magnets Open hook for quick hanging	Lanyards, bags, hats, clothing hangers, jackets, privacy/divider curtains	Fast and easy to hang items on	Good	Strong	Shop
Eye Hook Cruise Magnets Closed loop for secure hanging	Clothes lines, clips, rope, clothing hangers, privacy/divider curtains	Most secure hold against slipping off	Excellent	Strong	Shop
Spinning Rubber Hook Magnets Rubber coated for anti-slip grip	Heavy bags, totes, jackets and wall hanging	Strongest wall grip with rubber friction	Walls Only	Best Grip	Shop
Cruise Cabin Wall Pushpin Magnets Colorful and easy to carry, attach and remove	Papers, brochures, calendars, photos	Cheap, easy to attach and remove	Ok	Low	Shop

4. How to Safely Transport, Place and Remove Cruise Ship Hook Magnets

Here we go over how to attach and remove hooks, transport them on aircraft and other safety tips. Be sure to watch the video below for easy attachment and removal tips.

Picture and Video Demonstrating Proper Attachment and Removal of Cruise Ship Hook Magnets

1. Hold hook magnet firmly and slowly approach surface at an angle.
2. Make sure fingers are out of the way and tilt towards surface.
3. To remove, place fingers around hook part and stud with thumb on surface as leverage.
4. Tilt magnet away from surface and pull. For stronger magnets, safely put other fingers behind magnet to pull off.

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I. How Should I Store Cruise Ship Hanging Hooks?

Pack magnets safely: Keep magnets away from room key cards, credit cards, phones, cameras, computers, memory cards, and medical devices like pacemakers. Please visit our magnet safety page for important handling and safety tips. Packing hooks inside a small box or pouch helps prevent them from sticking to other items during travel. If you have multiple hooks, you can attach them to each other, like we do in the picture below, to help cancel out the magnetic fields of the magnets. Otherwise, a thin piece of plastic or cardboard between the hook magnet and something metal should be fine. Make sure the magnets are secure in luggage so they do not move around and potentially damage your other belongings.

II. Can I take cruise hooks on an airplane?

Yes, but there are certain guidelines you must follow and maximum field strengths permitted. To pack magnets, attach the magnets to each other or to a metal object and store in your checked luggage. Our Taking Magnets on an Airplane article has more information. We recommend checking with your airline on specific requirements for flying with magnets before you travel.

III. Where should I position Hooks?

Position cruise hooks carefully. Avoid placing magnetic hooks near sprinklers, smoke detectors, cabin sensors, or walkways where people may bump into them. Test different cabin surfaces since magnetic strength can vary. Do not place hooks over bed, chairs or anywhere that would potentially fall on someone.

IV. Can I Safely Remove Hooks without Damaging Wall?

Yes, see above instructions and video for safe removal. If you are still concerned about damaging the wall or using magnets that are too strong, consider switching to rubber-coated magnetic hooks or placing a thin piece of plastic or paper between the magnet and the wall to help protect the surface. Keep in mind the plastic or paper will weaken the magnet's pull strength.

Handle strong magnets carefully: Neodymium magnets can pinch fingers if handled improperly and should be kept away from children. Protective pads can also help prevent scratches on cabin walls and doors.

5. Top 5 Most Common Questions about Using Hook Magnets on a Cruise Ship

These questions come up frequently for people planning to use magnets in their cruise cabin.

1. Are cruise ship walls magnetic?

   Yes, most cruise ship cabin walls, ceilings and some doors are made from steel panels, which means magnets and magnetic hooks usually work very well. However, some decorative surfaces or trim pieces may have a weaker magnetic hold.

2. How strong should cruise magnets be?

   Smaller hooks work well for lightweight items, while larger neodymium hooks are better for backpacks, heavier clothing, or multiple items. However, don't guess on the needed pull force. Use our how to choose the best cruise hook magnets section or contact us and we will help you find the right magnetic hooks for your cruise.

3. Why is my cruise ship magnet sliding down the wall?

   If your magnet is slipping down the cruise cabin wall, it is likely because of low friction. This means the magnet has to fight gravity and is not strong enough to fully support the load. See how to pick hook magnets for your cruise to learn more about why this happens and how to pick the best hook magnet for cruise.

4. Why are magnet pull forces higher than what they actually hold?

   This is not true. Magnets are tested at maximum possible strength so you can see their full potential. Thin metal, gravity, leverage, and paint and other coatings (gap) all lower effective pull force. Check out our how to select the right magnetic cruise hooks section to choose the right cruise hook magnet and our Testing Magnet Strength article to learn more about maximum pull force and how it is measured.

5. Can magnetic hooks damage cruise cabins?

   Magnetic hooks are generally safe for cruise cabins when used properly, but sliding the magnet across surfaces or using overly strong magnets may damage surfaces more easily. Rubber coated magnets are especially helpful because they reduce slipping and help protect painted or finished surfaces from scratches.

6. Mistakes to Avoid With Cruise Cabin Magnets

Below are 6 of the most common mistakes that people make when using magnetic hooks for a cruise cabin. Be sure to check over the list and make sure you have the right magnets and have tested them before your voyage.

BONUS: Cruise Packing Checklist: Things People Commonly Forget

If you are going on a cruise or thinking about it, below is a checklist of the most common items people forget to take on a cruise.

Commonly Forgotten Cruise Essentials

• magnetic hooks
• power strip (non-surge-protected)
• motion sickness meds
• lanyards
• reusable water bottle
• swimsuit cover
• sunscreen
• waterproof phone pouch
• laundry bag
• wrinkle-release spray
• passport holder
• luggage tags

The right magnetic cruise hooks can make a big difference in keeping your cruise cabin organized. Choosing the proper hook size and pull force helps prevent slipping while maximizing storage space. Do you have a creative cruise cabin magnetic hook setup using K&J Magnetics cruise hooks? Contact us to share your photos — we would love to see how you organized your cabin. Bon Voyage!