Prepare to be shocked, surprised, and ready to save some serious cash on board. Cruise lines might not be eager to share their secrets, but knowing them can transform your cruise experience. Ever wonder how some passengers get the best perks without paying extra? These insider tips—from sneaky savings to eye-opening truths—will keep your wallet happy and your trip stress-free.
Secrets Cruise Lines Are Not Telling You (But You Have a Right to Know)
Read on to discover insider tips that reveal how cruise lines work behind the scenes—and how you can use that knowledge to your advantage.
Drink packages aren’t always worth it
Cruise lines love to push beverage packages as must-have, fantastic deals. But they’re not the best deal for everyone. Depending on the type of drink, you’d have to drink about seven drinks daily to break even—beer drinkers, even more. Also, the package doesn’t cover time onshore.
Here are some caveats on buying a drink package:
- It could add over $400 per passenger to the price of a 7-day cruise
- It’s only valid for one cruise guest
- All adult passengers in the cabin must have the same package
The consensus is to calculate how much you’ll likely spend daily on drinks to see if it’s worth it.
Learn how to avoid costly drink package mistakes on your cruise in my article about the Big Drink Package Mistakes to Avoid on Your Cruise.
Buying a bottle of wine is cheaper per glass — you can use unfinished wine later
Consider buying a bottle to save money rather than buying a glass of wine. Buying a bottle can work out a third or half the price of four individual glasses. What cruise lines don’t tell you is that they’ll happily cork and store unfinished wine for your next meal. Or you could take it back to your room to enjoy later.
Buying beer in bulk could save money
Instead of ordering individual beers, save money by purchasing a bucket of beer. This deal typically includes 4-6 beers served in a bucket of ice. Check your cruise line’s deals on beer purchases to calculate the savings. You can get the cabin steward to empty the mini-bar and keep your beers nice and cold.
Bring your own reusable water bottle – you can refill it at drink stations for free
Cruise lines would love you to spend a fortune on expensive bottled water. However, water is freely available at drink stations. You only need to bring a reusable water bottle and fill it for free to save money.
If you decide to buy bottled water, buy it in bulk to save money, as it works out at around $1 or more cheaper per bottle.
Interestingly, many cruise experts say that in an eight-year period, some cruise lines hiked up the price of bottled water by over 500%. Oh, and they might forget to mention there’s also a delivery fee slapped on the price.
You can order multiple meals and even off-menu items in the dining room
Here’s a dining hack cruise lines won’t advertise: you can order multiple dishes in the main dining room, and some cruisers even ask for ‘off-menu’ items, like a secret dessert or customized main course. Don’t be shy—if the ingredients are available, the kitchen staff will often accommodate special requests.
Specialty dining discounts on the first night
It’s insider knowledge among seasoned cruisers that you can often find great deals in specialty restaurants on the first night. Savvy cruisers take advantage of this rarely-advertised perk to enjoy fine dining at a discounted rate.
Bonus tip: Book a spot early in a specialty dining venue to lock in this little-known deal.
Kids’ clubs are free
Here’s a hidden gem for families: most cruise lines offer complimentary kids’ clubs with supervised, age-appropriate activities to keep children—ranging from toddlers to teens—occupied during the day. This allows parents to relax in adult-only areas or enjoy shore excursions.
For infants, some cruise lines provide nursery services, though this may come at an additional cost. It’s good to remember that after 6 p.m., childcare services typically require a fee.
Older ships are cheaper
Cruise lines rarely advertise that cruises on older ships are generally cheaper than newer ones. Of course, they want to fill cabins on newer ships and charge more for top-notch amenities. However, older ships offer fantastic amenities and itineraries without a premium price tag.
Here’s a money-saving tip I found on a cruise forum. Look for recently refurbished ships. They have upgraded cabins and amenities and are often cheaper than newer cruise ships.
Room service may be free
Cruise lines are typically hushed that room service is often free—at least for continental breakfasts. So, do you want to avoid the morning rush at the breakfast buffet and enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony? If so, order breakfast the evening before to take advantage of complimentary room service.
I noticed on some forums that you should check with your cruise line about free room service in the morning. Some cruise lines now charge for a continental breakfast, whereas others charge for premium or cooked items.
Private island excursions are optional
Does your cruise itinerary include a private island? Don’t let the cruise lines pressure you into thinking that you must pay for all excursions. You can enjoy the island’s beaches, restaurants, and some attractions for free. Of course, you can pay for attractions like zip-lining, horse riding, and water parks.
It’s best to check beforehand what amenities are complimentary on the private island. Some allow you to use your drink package allowance.
AARP membership can get you cruise deals
Cruise lines don’t advertise that you can find deals if you join AARP (American Association of Retired Persons). I read on cruise forums that members can get deals like $200 in onboard credits and discounts on shore excursions.
Here are a few caveats I discovered:
- You must be a senior to get the deals
- Deals only apply to specific cruises
- Free onboard credit depends on how much you spend
- You may get better deals booking a cruise through a travel agent
Onboard credit refunds
Have you got unused onboard credit (OBC)? If so, inquire at Guest Services if you can get a refund. I got this cruise tip from a passenger who cruised with Norwegian Cruise Line. However, Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean have a “use it or lose it” policy for unused OBC.
Some cruise lines let you transfer unused credit as gratuities to your favorite crew members.
You can pack a non-surge protected power strip
Cruise lines are quiet about the fact that cabins have limited electrical outlets. They also say that power strips are not allowed. However, seasoned cruisers say that cruise-approved, non-surge-protected power strips are OK. The best ones have USB ports for charging mobile devices.
Here’s the secret: Pack your non-surge power strip in your carry-on luggage. If you leave it in your checked bag, it could be flagged during inspection and potentially confiscated without your knowledge. By packing it in your carry-on, you can quickly explain to security that it’s cruise-approved and non-surge protected, helping you breeze through the screening process without delays. Plus, you’ll avoid the frustration of losing your power strip before you even board the ship.
The ship will leave without you—unless you’re on a cruise-sponsored excursion
Cruise lines often emphasize that the ship will leave on schedule, but what many passengers don’t realize is that if you’re on a cruise line-sponsored excursion, the ship will usually wait if there are delays. However, if you’re on an independent excursion, the ship won’t wait for you if you’re late.
This is a common reason why passengers end up missing their ship. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to return to port. Want to know more? Check out my article on the common reasons cruisers miss their ship to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Top insider tips from cruise experts: Keep your watch set to the ship time, and don’t rely on smart devices. Remember, there’s a difference between departure time and all-board time. It can be a 30 to 60 minute difference.
Crime happens on board
Think a cruise ship is a safe bubble where nothing happens? Cruise ships keep quiet about the amount of crime that occurs on board. From petty theft to sexual assaults, crime happens at sea as well as on land. Like anywhere else, keep valuables locked away or in sight and avoid being in isolated areas late at night.
Should you be worried about crime on a cruise ship? USA Today reported that “cruise ships are one of the safest vacation options in the world, with rates of serious crimes that are exceedingly lower than those on land.”
You’re always on camera
You are under constant surveillance from the moment you step on board until you close your cabin door. Cruise lines don’t advertise that they’re watching you 24/7. While this is for safety reasons, some cruise passengers feel it’s an invasion of privacy.
Cabin upgrade auctions may land you a worse stateroom
Fancy paying for an upgraded stateroom only to discover it’s worse than your original cabin? That’s what cruise lines keep secret about cabin upgrade auctions. While you can score a bargain, you might end up near a noisy elevator or under a nightclub.
It can feel more like a downgrade than an upgrade—and you paid for it!
Balconies are not always private
Are you looking for some private shenanigans on your balcony? Think again. I’ll let you into an insider secret cruise lines like to keep quiet—not all balconies are private.
Some are visible from higher decks, and others have gaps around the partitions. And what’s to stop a nosy neighbor from peeking around the partition into your private space?
WiFi service can be iffy at best
Cruise lines are happy to sell you ‘super’ WiFi deals, but they often fail to mention that the internet connection can sometimes be slow and unreliable, especially in remote areas. Imagine paying more for a week of WiFi than you pay for a month at home. However, things are improving with some cruise lines adopting faster satellite-based systems like Starlink, offering better connectivity on newer ships.
You should check your onboard account daily for mistakes
One of the best tips I got from a fellow passenger was to check my onboard account each day. Cruise lines rarely tell you if they’ve made a billing mistake. So, it’s up to you to monitor your bill for errors, double charges, or incorrect purchases.
Did you notice a billing mistake? Head to Guest Services, where they are happy to correct errors and refund double charges.
Pre-book shows to avoid missing out
Cruise lines don’t always advertise that pre-booking popular shows is highly recommended. If you don’t book, you could turn up at the theater and find it’s standing room only. To avoid disappointment, always book early to see the shows you want.
The buffet restaurant is often overcrowded on embarkation day
Here’s an insider tip about the buffet on embarkation day: it’s usually the busiest place on the ship. Do you want a relaxed start to your voyage? If so, head to a calmer place like the main dining room, poolside grill, or smaller cafe.
Many cruise ship employees know the best spots – ask them
Do you think the best spots on a ship are a well-hidden secret? Cruise lines don’t mention it, but most crew members can tell you the best places and quietest times to hang out onboard. You’ll learn about hidden gems, quiet lounges, and the most scenic decks that most other passengers don’t know about.
Destinations on a cruise itinerary can change overnight
The fact that the cruise itinerary can change without notice is written in the fine print of your cruise contract. This usually happens for reasons outside the captain’s control, such as bad weather, local unrest, or mechanical issues.
Bags can take hours to arrive at your cabin
Did you realize you could wait several hours from check-in until you get your luggage? It’s another thing cruise lines try to keep quiet about.
After reviewing several cruise discussions on the subject, it seems that the earliest time for luggage to arrive is 3 p.m., the average is between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the latest is midnight.
The best tip from expert cruisers is to pack essentials—swimwear, change of clothes, and toiletries—in your carry-on bag and enjoy the cruise ship immediately.
Spa day passes exist
Depending on your cabin type, you may be entitled to complimentary access to the spa. For example, balcony cabins on some Carnival Cruise Line ships allow guests to enjoy the sauna, spa pool, and steam room.
Even if your cabin doesn’t include this perk, many seasoned cruisers recommend purchasing a spa day pass. These passes are often limited, meaning the spa is rarely crowded, offering a peaceful escape from the busier areas of the ship. Plus, if the spa has a thermal suite, it’s a hidden gem for ultimate relaxation.
Busy shore excursions can be exceptionally crowded
Cruise lines fail to warn passengers about large crowds on the most popular shore excursions. And if several cruise ships are in port, the attractions can make you feel like sardines in a can. Therefore, do your research about the popularity of shore excursions in which you’re interested.
Thermostats on older ships can be unreliable
It’s no secret among experienced cruisers that cabin thermostats on older ships can be unreliable. It can make getting a comfortable temperature in an interior cabin tricky.
The best recommendation I found was to ask the cabin attendant for more blankets if you’re cold or a portable fan if it’s stuffy.
Signs in hallways point in the direction of travel
You never get lost in the ship if you follow subtle direction signs in the hallways and around the cruise ship. Some ships have fish in the hallway carpeting—they always swim forward (toward the bow). Also, ship models on board always point in the direction of travel.
Here’s a top tip for technologically savvy cruisers: use the ship’s app to get directions from your location to all venues.
You can get free medication for seasickness
Did you forget to pack motion sickness meds or get queasy without expecting to? Head to guest services or the onboard medical center and pick up seasickness medication for free. Avoid the overpriced OTC remedies at the onboard shops.
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