
19 Surprising Cruise Ship Secrets and Tips I Discovered After Seven Unforgettable Cruises
Hey! I’m Spencer, and I’ve just returned from my seventh cruise, aboard the Carnival Firenze, sailing through Mexico. Having experienced multiple cruise lines, I’ve gathered some fascinating insights and tips from behind the scenes that can enhance your cruise experience.
Firstly, did you know that most cruise ships have both a jail and a morgue onboard? While I wasn’t allowed to visit these areas (ask me how I know), I learned that the brig sees more action on shorter trips where party atmospheres lead to more guest altercations. The morgue typically houses deceased guests, primarily from natural causes, and is usually situated on lower decks.
When it comes to cabin selection, if you’re prone to seasickness, aim for lower decks where the rocking is minimized. I stayed on Deck 6 in a balcony room and experienced little motion disruption. In fact, the gentle rocking often aids in sleep, providing a soothing lull as if you were in a cradle.
Cruise ships have technological marvels to combat seasickness. They navigate waves at specific angles and deploy stabilizers that help maintain ship stability, though these can slow the ship down and require additional fuel.
Booking your cruise isn’t as straightforward as accepting the listed price. Similar to car purchases, prices are often negotiable. When booking, calling a representative can yield discounts and add-ons that online deals may not show. This includes shore excursions, where third-party vendors can offer considerable savings over the cruise line’s marked-up prices—unless you’re concerned about missing the ship.
For those who enjoy gambling, onboard casinos frequently reward players with future discounts and perks based on betting activity. You could find yourself with complimentary Wi-Fi or discounted cruises by keeping up with the slots or table games.
Notably, the legal age for many activities like gambling and drinking is lowered while the ship operates in international waters, allowing guests aged 18 and over to partake in these activities.
A quirky finding was that ship staff are often trained regarding passengers’ more risqué activities, like deciphering upside-down pineapples—indicating that guests are open to swinging. This explicit communication can lead to uncomfortable situations for housekeeping staff.
Every cruise has its own unique offerings; I was pleasantly surprised to find ice rinks and mini-golf courses available, in addition to planned daily events such as trivia and bingo to keep all guests entertained. And speaking of entertainment, meeting new people is a highlight, with various mixers and parties tailored to specific interests, including sober clubs.
Unfortunately, onboard amenities can be pricier than expected. If you’re planning to enjoy spa services, it’s wise to book during port days when discounts are offered since there are fewer guests onboard.
The key takeaway is that cruising is essentially a floating city, offering a wide variety of activities and services to cater to diverse interests—just remember to save where you can, and enjoy those free ice cream stations!
If you have any favorite tips from your cruising experiences, feel free to share in the comments!
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