Steering clear of crowds on a busy cruise ship can feel as daunting as navigating stormy seas. Picture the scene: kids dive-bombing an overcrowded pool, lines snaking around the buffet, and when you go to sit down, there’s no seating left. What you envisioned as a peaceful, relaxing dream voyage has turned into a mutiny of chaos at sea.
Thankfully, even on the busiest cruises, you can always find hidden coves of tranquility offering a peaceful retreat. With clever strategies and insider tips, you can enjoy the solitude you dreamed about when boarding the cruise ship.
But where are those secluded spots to escape the mayhem of crowded voyages? How can you cruise smarter to ensure you embark on a journey as peaceful as sailing on glassy seas?
In this article, I’ll share the best cruise hacks from experienced cruisers to ensure you enjoy an uncrowded experience on a busy ship. From timing your activities to uncovering secret hideaways, you’ll discover the secrets to staying clear of onboard chaos.
Reasons to Avoid Cruise Ship Crowds on Busy Ships
Everyone on board a cruise ship has varying expectations of their cruise experience. Some cruisers want to relax, unwind, and enjoy time on deck. Others are solo cruisers or experienced travelers who have no interest in the hustle and bustle of large crowds. And some people are claustrophobic and always plan for crowd avoidance.
Of course, other cruisers love the party atmosphere on some cruise ships. They’re out for a good time, meet new friends, and enjoy exotic locations. But the best thing I’ve found about cruises is that they generally cater to all tastes.
How to Avoid Crowds on Busy Cruises
Are you the type of cruiser who wants to find solitude at sea and avoid cruise crowds? Read on to discover how to enjoy your dream vacation even on the busiest cruise ships.
Choose the right ship
Choosing the correct ship is often key to enjoying a peaceful cruise vacation. But don’t think larger ships mean larger crowds. The largest cruise ships usually feature clever layouts to ensure foot traffic flows well through the ship. For example, the newest Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line ships have distinct neighborhoods. These areas are designed to create a sense of space, even with thousands of passengers onboard.
Consider booking with premium cruise lines like Holland America Line or Celebrity Cruises. Their ships tend to have a higher space-to-passenger ratio, meaning fewer guests per square foot. Therefore, popular ship areas feel less busy or crowded during peak times.
Another idea is to book a cruise with a smaller luxury cruise line like Seabourn, Oceania, or Silversea Cruises. These smaller cruise ships typically have a better passenger-to-space ratio and provide a more intimate, relaxing onboard experience. Also, these cruise lines cater to a higher-end market, meaning fewer families, no kids, and no “party animals.”
Check out some of the best small luxury cruise ships for your next adventure.
Select off-peak cruises
Do you want a quieter time onboard with fewer passengers encroaching on your personal space? If so, consider traveling during off-peak seasons. Cruising during the shoulder seasons—April, May, September, and October—can be a golden ticket to peace and quiet on board. You can also land cheaper fares.
Most cruisers who want to avoid crowds never travel during school breaks, summer vacation months, or major holidays.
Here are a few tips I’ve learned from fellow cruisers about when cruise ships sail with fewer passengers:
- Mediterranean cruises are the quietest in late September and early October. Port cities are not busy, and you get the tail end of warm weather.
- The quietest time to book a Caribbean cruise is October to early December.
- Consider booking a repositioning cruise. These one-way voyages tend to be quieter and longer than typical cruises and offer great value for money.
Escape the crowds: book exclusive ‘ship-within-a-ship’ retreats
If you can afford the premium, you could find tranquility on a large cruise ship by booking an upgraded cruise experience.
Known as a “ship-within-a-ship,” this option provides exclusive access to features such as private pools, dining areas, secluded lounges, luxury spa facilities, and even dedicated concierge services. It essentially creates a small ship luxury cruising experience within the largest cruise vessels. Examples include Norwegian Cruise Line’s “The Haven,” MSC Cruises’ “Yacht Club,” and Celebrity Cruises’ “The Retreat,” each offering its own unique take on a luxurious private enclave while allowing access to the ship’s larger amenities.
The key benefit of a “ship-within-a-ship” experience is the balance it offers—enjoy all the large ship facilities like water parks, Broadway-style theaters, and varied dining options, but retreat to your luxury haven when things get too busy. This versatility is especially attractive for travelers who value both luxury and the excitement of bigger amenities.
But is it worth it? Cruisers’ opinions are divided. Some say that the hefty price tag makes booking a cruise on a small luxury yacht cheaper. However, others point out that you miss the vast range of amenities on larger vessels, like water parks, theaters, Broadway shows, and a plethora of dining options if you book travel on a small ship.
Buy a spa pass
A spa pass or booking a spa cabin can be your ticket to a quieter, more relaxing cruise experience. Imagine, when the pool deck gets crowded and no loungers are left because they’re draped in towels, you head off to the spa. In the private retreat, you can enjoy the private pool, relax in a hot tub, or unwind in the sauna or steam room.
After reading many discussion forums about cruise spa passes, the consensus seems to be that they are “totally worth the money” if you want to enjoy solitude on busy cruise ships.
Head to adult-only areas on a cruise ship
Want to escape onboard craziness, noisy kids splashing in the pool, or obnoxious passengers playing music too loud on deck? If so, check out adult-only retreats onboard. In these kid-free zones, you can enjoy a private pool, luxurious cabanas, outdoor massages, and plenty of space to relax in peace.
Special access passes
Cruise add-ons like special access passes can help you avoid the busiest moments when cruising. For example, you can enjoy priority embarkation or disembarkation, access to private areas in the main dining room, reserved seating in theaters, or skip lines for certain activities.
Of course, this VIP treatment comes at a cost, but many cruisers say that the time saved and convenience is perfect when cruising during peak seasons.
Book a balcony cabin
Booking a balcony stateroom means you never have to worry about finding a secluded onboard sanctuary. A private balcony can be the perfect retreat when noisy cruise crowds get too much to handle. What could be more relaxing than admiring the ocean while sipping a delicious cocktail?
Remember, you get the same view from your balcony as the top deck. However, you enjoy the fresh sea breeze without navigating crowded spaces. And do you want to avoid the lines at the breakfast buffet? Many cruise lines offer complimentary room service between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Book longer cruises
You can enjoy a quieter ship by booking longer cruises, for example, those lasting between ten and fourteen days. The most popular cruises—i.e., those lasting between three and seven days—tend to be the busiest. So, if you want more space on deck and a slower, less hectic cruise experience, consider booking a longer cruise.
Embarkation and disembarkation tips
Some of the most hectic moments on a cruise are embarking and disembarking. However, you can streamline the entire experience with some planning and crafty tricks.
First, let’s discuss embarkation day. The fastest way to board and avoid crowds is to use the cruise line’s app to check in online. You’ll still have to stand in line at security, but you at least miss the crazy lines at check-in.
The trick with disembarkation is to self-disembark and take your luggage with you. So, as soon as the ship is cleared, you take your bags, head down the gangway, and get first in line at the taxi rank.
Because fewer people opt for self-disembarkation, it can often be a quicker process compared to waiting for your assigned group time. The disadvantage is that you must carry all your luggage off the ship, which can be a nuisance, especially if you have large or multiple bags. This can be particularly challenging in elevators, stairs, or crowded hallways.
Overall, self-disembarkation is a convenient choice for those who prefer to take charge of their departure and can manage their own luggage without difficulty. It’s a good option if you prioritize speed and control over convenience.
Other cruisers advise waiting until most passengers have disembarked before leaving.
Smart timing for activities and dining
Timing is paramount to avoid onboard chaos and packed shore excursions. The best advice is to go against the flow of the crowds. In this respect, I usually ask my cabin steward when the quietest times are on board. Usually, it’s during lunch and evening dining times. Also, the pool is generally more peaceful in the mornings or late afternoon.
Also, think about large onboard events. For example, sail away parties usually mean the atrium is packed with people. Instead of attending a huge party, consider getting a discount on a spa treatment on the first day.
Dine in specialty restaurants
The main buffet can be packed at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is usually busiest on embarkation day. Consider booking a meal in a specialty restaurant to escape the crowds. Another cruiser advised always to use the main dining room for breakfast and lunch as it’s less crowded.
Of course, the buffet is a fun place to eat and try different foods. The quietest buffet times on most cruise ships are before 7 a.m., after 7 p.m., or toward the end of service. If you really want to dine in private, consider ordering room service.
Discover hidden areas of the ship
On your first day on board, ask your cabin attendant where the most secluded places on the ship are. They can tell you about hidden gems that most cruisers bypass. Think about secluded lounges, upper-deck bars, aft bars, or the library. There may be peaceful nooks on the promenade deck that passengers don’t know about.
Here are a few tips about secluded areas on various cruise ships:
Carnival Cruise Line: Most ships have front decks that are typically deserted while sailing, and you get the same view as the captain.
Royal Caribbean: Deck 5 at the ship’s rear is a nice, secluded spot where you can watch the wake. One cruiser recommended sunbathing on the helipads. They’re usually deserted because they don’t appear on cruise plans.
Viking Cruises: Most cruisers don’t realize that the Explorer’s Lounge has two decks. So, head upstairs for some peace and quiet.
Disney Cruise Line: Some ships have a secret lookout spot at the back of Deck 7.
Stay onboard during a port day
Do you want to have the ship to yourself and enjoy its amenities without the crowds? Let everyone rush off to their shore excursions and watch the ship transform into a peaceful oasis. Did you know that savvy cruisers stay on board during busy port days?
Apart from enjoying an empty pool deck and buffet, you can usually snag exclusive discounts at spas and specialty dining restaurants and enjoy a variety of experiences—crowd-free.
Don’t use elevators
The elevators are one of the most cramped places on a cruise ship, especially at peak times. Take the stairs rather than elevators to avoid feeling like sardines squashed in a can. You will enjoy the lack of congestion and work off those calories from the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Taking the stairs if you’re physically able is one of the unspoken rules of cruising. It frees up space for people with mobility issues and those who need it most. Of course, if mobility is an issue, you could plan to use elevators during quieter times. Going in the opposite direction of crowds is the best way to avoid them.
Book shore excursions wisely
Here’s an insider tip about booking shore excursions: find out how many ships will be in port. You can head to CruiseTimetables.com to check your itinerary. This gives you an idea of how busy the port will be. If several ships will be docked simultaneously, I’ll plan a day on board and enjoy the solitude.
For example, Nassau typically has several ships in port at the same time. Nassau Cruise Port Authority reported that in December 2023, a record 29,316 cruise passengers arrived in a single day. That’s over one-tenth of Nassau’s population.
Another cruise hack is to book off-the-beaten-path shore excursions in popular ports. Not only do you get a more authentic onshore experience, but you usually avoid hordes of cruise passengers.
Be strategic about sea days
Timing is the key to avoiding the masses. Your cruise itinerary probably includes one or more sea days when everyone’s onboard. In Caribbean cruises, the swimming pools, decks, and other outdoor areas can be heaving with people. Therefore, enjoy these places in the early morning or evening.
Many seasoned cruisers also recommend spending time indoors on sea days. Cruise ships have plenty of quiet lounges and bars or other facilities. It’s also common knowledge among experienced cruisers that the ship’s top decks are usually the most tranquil.
Adopt an “early out and back” policy
A helpful tip I picked up from a cruise expert is to disembark for shore excursions and return earlier than most passengers. This saves plenty of time navigating crowded gangways, standing in line for taxis, or coping with busy markets.
Suppose you have a shore excursion planned. In that case, disembark super early and spend some time in the port city. Then—usually around an hour after the ship docked—head for the excursion pickup point. You’ll be first in line as you watch crowds exiting the ship.
Here’s what one seasoned cruiser said about his experience. He was on a Northern European cruise and visited Olden, Norway. The cruiser knew the Loen Skylift was popular and would be packed. So, as soon as the ship cleared, he was off. He got to the attraction as it opened and enjoyed the spectacular vistas in peace. But by the time he descended, a long line had formed. When returning to port, hundreds of passengers were waiting for shuttle buses.
Want a Smarter, More Enjoyable Cruise? Don’t Miss These Essential Tips!
Crowded cruise ships don’t have to mean a stressful vacation. By using these savvy tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can make your cruise experience feel exclusive and relaxed. Before you set sail, also watch out for cruise rip-offs that could drain your wallet, and consider packing smarter by knowing what seasoned cruisers no longer bring. Finally, stay vigilant with the new tourist scams targeting cruise travelers. Stay informed, stay savvy, and enjoy the smooth sailing you deserve.
