Discover 10 essential cruise secrets including the presence of morgues on ships, hidden fees, the truth about early booking discounts, cabin upgrades, onboard medical costs, excursion markups, duty-free shopping realities, crew tipping etiquette, beverage package considerations, and tips for smoother disembarkation. These insights will help you cruise smarter and enjoy your voyage to the fullest.
Cruising is a popular vacation choice for many, but there are several insider secrets that can help you navigate your journey more smoothly and avoid unexpected surprises. Here are the top 10 cruise secrets that you probably or maybe didn’t know.
It might be unsettling, but cruise ships do have morgues. Given the average age of many passengers and the length of some cruises, this is a necessary facility. Crew members are trained to handle deaths on board with respect, care, and discretion to ensure other passengers’ experiences are not impacted.
If a passenger dies, their body is stored in the morgue, usually located on the lower levels of the ship. At disembarkation, a coroner or funeral home meets the ship and escorts the family and the body off the ship privately before other passengers disembark. Emergency calls like "alpha" or "bravo" in the middle of the night often indicate severe medical emergencies, sometimes resulting in death.
While cruises are often marketed as all-inclusive, many extra charges exist. Specialty dining, beverages beyond basics like water and lemonade, gratuities, and some onboard activities often come with additional fees.
Understanding these fees before your cruise helps you budget accordingly.
Booking far in advance is good for securing your spot, especially with high demand, but it doesn’t always guarantee the best price. Cruise lines often release last-minute deals and promotions to fill unsold cabins, sometimes offering significant discounts or perks like onboard credit.
Some cruise lines, like Holland America, have standby programs similar to airlines. Using price tracking websites and booking with a low price guarantee can help you get refunds if prices drop after booking.
In the past, loyal cruisers often received free cabin upgrades, but those days are mostly gone. Nowadays, upgrade offers usually come with an additional cost.
Cruise lines typically send upgrade offers via email one to three months before sailing. These offers might sound exciting but often come with a price that may not be worth it depending on your preferences. For example, upgrading from an interior cabin to an ocean view might cost several hundred dollars, which may not be worthwhile if you don’t spend much time in your cabin.
Cruise ships have full medical teams and facilities to handle emergencies, but medical care onboard can be very expensive. Even minor issues like seasickness can result in bills of several hundred dollars, while serious medical problems can cost thousands.
It is critical to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses at sea. Annual travel insurance plans can be more cost-effective and comprehensive than cruise line insurance options.
Booking excursions through the cruise line is convenient and guarantees the ship won’t leave without you if your tour runs late. However, these excursions are often marked up significantly.
To save money, consider booking tours independently through websites like Viator or directly with local tour operators. Independent tours can be cheaper and sometimes offer a more personalized experience. Just be mindful of your time to ensure you return to the ship before it departs.
Cruise lines promote duty-free shops onboard, especially for alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods. However, these items are not always cheaper than prices on land or at home.
Before purchasing, compare prices online or in port to avoid overpaying. Being a savvy shopper helps you avoid paying premium prices just because something is labeled duty-free.
Cruise ship crew members often depend on tips to supplement their income. While gratuities are sometimes included in your bill, extra tips for exceptional service are appreciated.
Crew members work long hours away from home and do not earn high wages, so additional generosity can make a big difference. Even if gratuities are included, tipping for outstanding service is a kind gesture.
Beverage packages can be a good deal for heavy drinkers but may not be cost-effective for everyone. Consider how much you realistically drink and the number of port days on your itinerary.
On port days, you may spend most of your time off the ship, limiting your ability to enjoy the package. Also, drink packages can encourage overconsumption of sugary or alcoholic beverages, which may not be healthy.
Calculate your expected consumption before purchasing a package to avoid overspending.
Disembarkation often involves everyone leaving the ship simultaneously, which can be chaotic. Many passengers check their bags the night before, which the cruise line collects and delivers after disembarkation.
However, you can opt for self-assist, where you carry your bags off the ship yourself. This method allows you to leave at your convenience without waiting for your luggage and reduces the risk of lost or damaged bags.
Packing light makes self-assist easier and can save time, especially if you have a flight to catch after your cruise.
Cruising offers a unique and enjoyable vacation experience, but knowing these insider secrets can help you avoid surprises and make the most of your trip. From understanding hidden fees and medical costs to making smart choices about excursions, upgrades, and disembarkation, these tips empower you to cruise smarter and enjoy your journey to the fullest.
Safe travels and happy cruising!
