Cruise Secrets: High-end cruise lines conceal information. That may come as a shock given that luxury cruises already provide an abundance of complimentary benefits and extras in exchange for exorbitant cost. Nevertheless, before taking their first or fifteenth luxury cruise, there are a lot of pointers and advice that any traveler should be aware of. Treats, adventures, high-end freebies, and even in-cabin extras are among the things you may not be aware of.
We searched to help you uncover more cruise tricks and tips. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, this list may be able to assist you in discovering hidden Cruise Secrets- snacks and beverages, insider information about Carnival and Royal Caribbean, and undiscovered shore excursion tricks.
Cruise Secrets
Unlimited Main Dining Room Meals
You can order anything from the main dining room menu without any restrictions. Ordering three desserts or only appetizers is OK if you want to go wild. Oh, and if you want to eat outside on the pool deck among the stars, feel free to pack your dessert to go.
Free or Cheap Room Service
One of the little pleasures of cruising is the availability of room service on ships. Would you like a doughnut with your coffee in the morning before moving on to your actual meal? Proceed with caution and read the menus for room service. Certain room service menu items are subject to fees, and certain lines charge more during busy dining hours. Whatever method you choose, room service costs on cruises are incomparably less expensive than those at land-based hotels and resorts.
Every vacation is not inclusive
Typically, the “all-inclusive” rate excludes things like alcohol, gratuities, shore excursions, Internet access, eating outside of our dining room, and the cost of playing bingo or casinos. And do come and play, please: Often, your odds are worse than when you’re on land. Go on your ideal vacation if you’re willing to spend that much money!
3. There Are Often Lots of Breakfast Choices: You may have more breakfast selections than you realize (i.e., there are typically other options available for breakfast outside of the buffet). One of Royal Caribbean’s best-kept cruise secrets is the free breakfast at Johnny Rockets, however there are charges for meals at other times of the day. And the finest cruise secret for late sleepers on Carnival is the free all-day meal at Big Chicken. To find out which restaurants are open in the morning, check your daily program or the app of the cruise company.
Be ready to take charge
Bring along a power strip or charging station if your spacecraft allows it. It is no longer sufficient for many cruise ships to provide just one or two outlets per stateroom.
Don’t Limit Yourself at Lunch
You might be shocked to discover that your favorite lounge serves sliders or that the Italian specialty restaurant on your cruise offers free spaghetti bars. It never hurts to do a little lunch reconnaissance in the early days of your cruise to help you break away from the conventional menu — and the crowds. These are occasionally included in the daily program.
Sexual assault is a genuine threat
A 2011 study revealed that the likelihood of sexual assault occurs twice as high on a cruise as it does on land, with crew members accounting for two-thirds of the attackers. But, crimes are challenging to prosecute as alcohol is frequently involved and the cops are frequently uncooperative. Stick with a pal to stay safe.
Free Light Bites Throughout the Day
Pastries, sandwiches, and other meals are frequently provided at these locations for no charge, however specialty coffee at the onboard coffee shops is an additional cost. Don’t assume that all the tiny nibbles are charged for, even though certain specialty goods may. Remember to check the bars as well.
Simply ask for the complimentary appetizers at the Martini Bar on Celebrity Cruises. When you buy a glass of wine at Princess’ Vines wine bar, you can get free appetizers and antipasti—even if you have a drink package. Along with all-day pastry, all-day mini-buffets aboard ships like Norwegian Bliss offer small-plate alternatives.
Top 5 Party Cruise Lines for Wild and Fun-Filled Adventures
The price decreases with early booking
Regretfully, cruise lines no longer prioritize last-minute offers over early booking promotions, and the cheapest accommodations tend to sell out first. When we release an itinerary, which is typically around 18 months in advance, book early to get the best deal.
Look Past the Buffet on Embarkation Day
Most passengers walk straight to the buffet for lunch when they board the ship and wait for their cabins to open. A mob scene is taking place. However, many cruise ships have other spaces available, such as the main dining room or a small buffet in the atrium or solarium. Make sure to check out Guy’s Burger Joint and other counter service restaurants on Carnival as well. To discover a different first meal that will calm you down, ask a crew member or review your daily schedule.
Look over the menu for the week to make plans for your main dining room nights
Not sure when to book reservations for a specialty dinner? Weekly menus for the main dining room are usually available on the cruise line’s app, sometimes even one week prior to boarding. You may choose which nights to reserve for specialty dining and which ones you don’t want to miss by taking a glance.
Not every employee is competent
It’s not surprising if the ship’s photographer lacks experience in the field or if some of the performers aren’t very skilled. We employ so many individuals for such cheap wages that we will inevitably have some crew members who are below par.
Cruise Cabins
They Have a Magnetic Quality
Most cruise ships have aluminium rooms. You may keep all of your daily planner printouts, dinner reservation notices, cocktail party invites, and excursion tickets put up on the walls and doors if you bring some magnets with you or purchase some as mementos. Furthermore, magnetic hooks are ideal for hanging hats, jackets, and swimwear. To hang barbeque items, look for hooks made for the purpose; these typically support more than 20 pounds.
Turn Your TV Into a Nightlight When Traveling Inside
Interior cabins frequently lack natural light. Not at all. You may instantly have a nightlight and a way to determine when the sun is up by setting your TV to the bridge cam station, turning off the sound, and that.
Take Into Account Saving on Spa Access by Reserving a Spa Cabin
If you’re looking for a relaxing, wellness getaway during your cruise, it can be worthwhile to do the arithmetic on spa cabins. For instance, guests staying in Carnival’s Cloud 9 Spa balcony cabins get discounted treatments and classes in addition to access to the thalassotherapy pool, steam room, and sauna. The additional cost of the cabin could be cheaper than the a la carte price at the spa.
Consider Having Limited Electrical Outlets in Your Cruise Cabin
Most passengers discover that the outlets and USB ports on cruise ships are not big enough for their equipment. Generally speaking, you are allowed to bring your own power strips and charging stations as long as they are not surge protectors, which will be seized if discovered.
Customize the Comfort of Your Bed to Your Preference
Certain lines offer top sheets, cushion varieties other than the ones listed above, and mattress toppers made from egg cartons upon request.
Request Seasickness Aids from the Ship Staff
If you’re feeling nauseous, room service can bring you bland crackers and green apples (crew members swear by the apple treatment), and the purser’s desk can frequently provide you with free seasickness medication.
Get Onboard Benefits at the Casino
Players accumulate points that can be redeemed for free play, future savings, free drinks, and even free casino cruises. Ask the host of the casino for further information; they are the ones with all the data about prize drawings, tournaments, and loyalty programs.
Take Advantage of Your Cruise Loyalty Status for Free or Reduced Wi-Fi
If you sign up online ahead of time, Wi-Fi is frequently less expensive. However, loyalty programs—which provide free days and more—can help lower your Wi-Fi costs. You could be better off delaying joining a cruise line’s loyalty club until you get on board to fully benefit from those benefits if you’re a member.
Showers, Saunas, and Steam Rooms Are Free
Unlike in opulent thermal suites, use of the showers, saunas, and steam rooms in the spa locker rooms is free. Select a room with easy access to the spa entrance if you anticipate having trouble sharing the shower with your cabin mates. That way, no one will ever find out about your secret.
Cruise Drinking Secrets
Bring Your Own Water Bottle
Whether you want to carry it with you on excursions or consume it while on board, you are not forced to purchase bottled water. On a cruise ship, the water is all safe to drink.
Difference between Cruiser Ship and Destroyer Ship
Souvenir Cup Drink Benefits
You can request a regular glass of the day’s beverage to save money, or you can refill your attractive souvenir cups at a discounted rate. Keep an eye out for drink deals or happy hours featuring discounted beverages on your daily schedule.
Open Containers Are Allowed
On cruise ships, open containers are not prohibited, in contrast to numerous locations on dry land. You are free to move about the ship at will, from any location, and with any beverage. Carrying your pre-dinner beverage into the dining room or taking your left-over wine from the dinner table to the theatre for the evening’s performance is quite acceptable.
Save Your Leftover Wine for Another Night
Purchasing a bottle of wine is frequently less expensive than buying a couple of glasses for supper, but what happens if you don’t drink it? Waiters on cruise ships can store the wine for another night or even for supper at a different onboard restaurant by marking it with your room number.
Beer Buckets Save You Money
By requesting buckets of beer, cruise passengers can save money on their preferred alcoholic beverage. Holland The five 12-ounce Coronas in an American bucket costs 25% less than the individual bottles. No one ever said you had to consume those five drinks at the establishment where you bought them or all at once. Take your bucket of beer with you wherever you go, even back to your balcony, and enjoy it whenever you please.
Consider Wine Packages as a Cost-Effective Supplement to Your Meals
Certain cruise lines provide pre-paid wine packages. Then, to get you through your cruise’s dinners, you select four to eight bottles from a list of well chosen wines. Make sure to inquire about wine packages with the sommelier in the main dining room either when you first board or during your first meal.
Secret Cruise Line Tips
Before your Carnival trip, you can sign up for the VIFP loyalty club. With no cruises under your belt, the VIFP advantages are a little meagre, but they are your ticket to exclusive VIFP cruise packages that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. Therefore, the key is to sign up before making your first Carnival cruise reservation and to always sign up before making any subsequent cruise reservations.
Royal Caribbean
There is a coffee punch card that will save you money on specialized espresso-based coffees if you’re a coffee fan but don’t consume enough other drinks to make any drink package a decent bargain. Request it from any onboard coffee store that isn’t Starbucks.
Junior Suites: The Perfect Balance of Luxury and Value on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Disney Cruise
Nearly everything you could possibly want to eat, including milk and cookies, is free when you order room service from Disney. Additionally, the self-serve laundry facilities on Disney Cruise ships are the best at sea. The cost of the washer and dryer can be charged to your stateroom by swiping your card. No money is required.
Holland America Cruise
Pinnacle Grill offers a reduced lunch, making it an excellent opportunity to get a meal at what would otherwise be an expensive supper venue.
Celebrity Cruise
From excellent ship-made hard-serve ice cream (free) at the buffet to made-to-order waffles with your choice of toppings, Celebrity’s dining secrets vary depending on the ship and itinerary.
