I thought I knew how cruising worked—until I discovered what cruise lines don’t put in the brochure. Some of these secrets saved me hundreds. Others made me rethink everything I knew about cruising. Trust me, once you know them, you’ll never cruise the same way again.
I learned these 30 cruise secrets through trial, error, and a few “oh no” moments I’d rather not repeat. Some saved me hundreds. Others saved me from major headaches. All of them made my cruises way better.
Once you learn these cruise secrets, it’s hard to unsee them—and you’ll never look at cruising the same way again.
Cruise Secrets That Saved Me Serious Money
These tips alone saved me hundreds—and most cruisers don’t even know they exist.
Think twice before buying that drink package
Cruise lines love to hype their drink packages as “must-have deals”—but here’s the truth most won’t tell you: they’re not always worth it. In fact, unless you’re sipping nonstop from sunrise to midnight, you might be losing money without realizing it.
To actually break even, you’d often need to drink seven or more drinks per day—and beer lovers need even more. Plus, your package doesn’t cover time spent off the ship, which eats into your usage.
Before you hit “purchase,” consider these key drawbacks:
- Adds over $400 per person to a 7-day cruise total
- Only valid for the individual guest—no sharing allowed
- Every adult in the cabin must buy it (even if they don’t drink much)
Want to avoid a pricey mistake? Check out my full guide: Big Drink Package Mistakes to Avoid on Your Cruise.
The wine trick that cruise lines hope you miss
Why pay cruise ship prices by the glass when you could pay half as much with a bottle? What most first-time cruisers don’t realize is that cruise lines will happily store your unfinished wine bottle for your next dinner—or let you take it back to your room to sip on the balcony later.
It’s one of the simplest ways to drink smarter and spend less… but you won’t find it on any menu.
How to drink beer on a budget (Without overpaying)
Don’t buy beers one by one—bundle up and save. Most cruise lines offer a “bucket of beer” deal that includes 4 to 6 bottles served on ice, and it’s usually much cheaper than buying them individually.
Want to keep them cold for later? Ask your cabin steward to clear out the mini-bar and turn it into your personal beer fridge
Bring this one thing and never pay for water again
Cruise lines won’t stop pushing overpriced bottled water—but here’s what they won’t say: you can get water for free anytime at drink stations. Just bring a refillable water bottle and skip the upcharges.
Still want bottled water? Buy it in bulk before boarding—it’s cheaper per bottle, and avoids surprise delivery fees. According to experts, some cruise lines have hiked prices by over 500% in recent years.
How I got fancy dining for half the price—on night one
I booked a steakhouse dinner for $20 instead of $45—just by asking on embarkation day. This first-night deal saved me big while everyone else hit the buffet. It’s a little-known perk that seasoned cruisers swear by: specialty restaurants often offer major discounts on the first night to fill tables.
If you ask early, you could be enjoying filet mignon for less than the price of a buffet bottle of wine.
Bonus tip: Book a spot early in a specialty dining venue to lock in this little-known deal.
Old ships = big savings
Cruise lines push their newest ships hard—but the smartest savings are often on older or recently refurbished ships. They may not have roller coasters or robot bartenders, but they offer excellent itineraries, fewer crowds, and better pricing.
Many experienced cruisers head straight for refreshed classics—you’ll get upgraded cabins, modern amenities, and serious savings.
Cruise discounts most seniors don’t realize they have
If you’re a senior, you could be missing out on hundreds in perks—and cruise lines won’t say a word. AARP members can sometimes unlock up to $200 in onboard credit, plus discounts on excursions and other extras. I only found out by digging through cruise forums—and now I never book without checking.
Just know the fine print: these offers apply to select sailings, your credit depends on what you spend, and a good travel agent might even find you a better deal. If you qualify and skip it, you’re basically giving money back to the cruise line.
Free babysitting? Yes, really
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.
Instead of paying $20–$30/hr for childcare at home, onboard kids’ clubs keep little ones busy—free of charge 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.
How I got spa access without paying full price
I was surprised to learn that some cabins come with complimentary spa access—no extra booking, no add-ons. On my Carnival cruise, my balcony cabin included entry to the sauna, spa pool, and steam room, and I made full use of it. Total game-changer.
Even if your cabin doesn’t include it, there’s still a smart workaround: spa day passes. They’re usually limited, so the space stays peaceful and uncrowded. If your ship has a thermal suite, don’t skip it—it’s one of the best-kept secrets for real relaxation on board.
Breakfast in bed—for 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.
Cruise Secrets That Shocked Me (And Changed How I Cruise)
I thought I knew how cruising worked—until I stumbled on these surprising secrets that completely changed the way I cruise.
What cruise lines don’t tell you about the main 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.
Shore excursion crowds can be brutal
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. So, do your research about the popularity of shore excursions in which you’re interested.
Book early or miss the show
I thought cruise shows were first-come, first-served—until I showed up late and got stuck standing in the back. What shocked me? The best seats (and sometimes any seat at all) are often gone unless you pre-book. Now, the moment I board, I use the cruise app to lock in every show I want to see—no more missing out.
Hallway clues help you navigate the ship
You’ll 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.
Seasick? Don’t buy medicine just yet
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.
Pack this or risk losing charging options
I learned the hard way that cruise cabins have shockingly few outlets—and the cruise line rules around power strips can be confusing at best.
Now, I never board without a cruise-approved, non-surge-protected power strip with USB ports. It’s a total game-changer for keeping all my devices charged without constantly swapping plugs.
Pro tip: Pack it in your carry-on, not your checked bag. If it gets flagged, you can explain it’s cruise-approved. Otherwise, it might be confiscated without warning—before you even board.
Can’t get comfortable? It might be the thermostat
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.
Things Cruise Lines Try to Keep Quiet
These are the kinds of secrets cruise lines really don’t want you to know—the ones they quietly bury, downplay, or hope you never find out.
They’re watching—but won’t say it
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 cruise lines say this is for safety and security—and it often is—they don’t exactly go out of their way to tell you just how extensive the monitoring is.
Cruise ships aren’t crime-free
Think cruise ships are completely crime-free? Not quite. While cruise lines may not openly talk about it, crime does happen on board—from petty theft to more serious incidents.
Should you be worried? Cruise lines say that serious crime is rare at sea and that overall rates are lower than on land—but reports of sexual assault have risen in recent years, and experts warn many cases still go unreported.
Balconies are not always private
Think your balcony is completely private? Think again. Cruise lines rarely mention that some balconies are partially visible from higher decks—and others have gaps in the partitions that make it easy for a curious neighbor to peek in.
If you’re planning to sunbathe, nap, or enjoy a quiet moment, just know: you might not be as alone as you think.
The ship will leave without you—unless…
Cruise lines always say the ship won’t wait—but here’s what many don’t realize: if you’re on a cruise-sponsored excursion and it runs late, the ship will usually wait. If you’re on your own? You’re out of luck.
Want to know more? Check out my article on the common reasons cruisers miss their ship to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Pro tip: Stick to ship time, not your phone. And don’t confuse departure time with all aboard—they’re often 30–60 minutes apart.
Cabin upgrade? It might be a downgrade
Thinking of bidding for a cabin upgrade? Be careful what you wish for. Cruise lines won’t tell you that winning an upgrade auction doesn’t always mean a better room. You might end up next to a noisy elevator, under a nightclub, or in a high-traffic area you never would’ve picked yourself.
What sounds like a steal can quickly feel like a downgrade you paid extra for.
Private islands may be cheaper than you think
Does your cruise itinerary include a private island? These are beach destinations owned or operated by the cruise lines—like CocoCay, Half Moon Cay, or Castaway Cay—and they’re designed just for cruise guests.
Don’t let the cruise lines pressure you into thinking you must pay for all excursions. For the most part, you can enjoy the island’s beaches, restaurants, and some attractions for free. Of course, you can pay for extras like zip-lining, horse riding, or 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.
What they don’t tell you about onboard credit
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.
Yes, your itinerary can change overnight
Your itinerary isn’t guaranteed—no matter what’s printed on your ticket. Buried in the fine print is a clause that lets cruise lines change ports—or skip them entirely—without warning. This can often be due to bad weather, political unrest, or mechanical problems.
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
Billing mistakes happen more often than you’d expect on a cruise. If you don’t check your onboard account daily, you could miss double charges or unexpected fees. I’ve caught errors more than once, and Guest Services was happy to fix them—but only because I noticed them in time.
Don’t eat at these places 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.
Bags can take hours to arrive at your cabin
Did you realize you might wait several hours after check-in to get your luggage? It’s another thing cruise lines try to keep quiet about. Based on cruise forums, bags typically arrive no earlier than 3 p.m., with most showing up between 5 and 7 p.m.—sometimes as late as midnight.
The best tip from experienced cruisers? Pack essentials like swimwear, a change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on so you can start enjoying the ship right away.
Crew members know the best hidden gems on board
Cruise lines won’t tell you, but crew members know exactly where to find the quietest lounges, the best views, and the secret spots most passengers miss. If you want to escape the crowds, just ask—they’re often happy to share their favorites.
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