Think you know how cruise lines work? Think again. Cruise lines have many tricks up their sleeve designed to sell, steer, and subtly squeeze more money out of your “all-inclusive” vacation. From watered-down cocktails to hard upsells in the spa, one thing is certain—they’re counting on you to smile, swipe, and never ask questions.
It’s easy to get caught up in the onboard razzle-dazzle of a cruise ship. Cruise forums are full of stories from cruisers who scored secret perks, free cruises, or cracked the MDR menu. Others? They missed out on upgrades, discounts, and deck access just because they didn’t ask.
Want to cruise smarter, not spend harder? These are the secrets cruise lines hope you never find out. Keep reading—your wallet will thank you.
The Casino Trick That Quietly Turns OBC Into Cold, Hard Cash
Seasoned cruisers swear by this little-known casino hack—how to turn onboard credit (OBC) into real cash. The trick? Use the slot machines. All you do is load your OBC into a slot machine, play the slots as usual, and then cash out your winnings. Simple as that.
However, savvy cruise passengers warn about a few things to consider. The most important? Play the slots for a reasonable amount of time. Cruise ships are tuned into players trying to outsmart the system by using the slots as an ATM.
Comments on cruise forums report mixed success. Some lines allow it, others quietly discourage it, and a few cruisers report their cards being blocked altogether.
Did you know you can win free sailings in the casino by earning enough points? Yes, it’s true. Find out more information in my article: Cruisers Win Free Cruises With This Casino Hack.
Every Tap, Step, and Swipe—Yes, the Cruise Line Is Watching
They don’t advertise it, but cruise lines are secretly monitoring you onboard. Order a drink. Step into a show. Leave your room at 2 a.m. for a secret hookup. They know. Your cabin key or wearable wristband isn’t just a convenience—it’s a data collector.
Some passengers say they got personalized offers right after walking past the spa. Others mention cabin calls after skipping excursions. Coincidence? Probably not.
But tracking isn’t all bad—it’s how lost kids are found fast, how security knows who’s still onboard, and helps prevent theft and criminal damage.
If you’re privacy-conscious, dig into settings, opt out where possible—and maybe ditch the wristband.
The Best Sunrise Spot Isn’t on the Map—But Every Crew Member Knows It
Most cruisers don’t know this, but some ships have secret open-air viewing spots at the bow—often unmarked and rarely mentioned. They’re often hiding behind unmarked doors at the front of the ship. Ask a friendly crew member, and you might get a nod toward a nondescript door near the spa or observation deck.
Cruisers who find it say it’s the quietest place on board. No crowds. Just wind, sea, and a front-row seat to sunrise.
The tip? Go early, bring coffee, and don’t post the location online. Let’s keep it as one of the last real secrets at sea.
Your Booking Bonus Disappears the Moment You Step Off the Ship
You miss it once—you don’t want to miss it again. Onboard cruise rebooking deals can be a goldmine of discounts. We’re talking bonus OBC, reduced deposits, cabin upgrades, and flexible cancellation perks. But they vanish the moment you disembark.
Many cruisers kick themselves for waiting “just one more day” to decide, only to find those offers gone for good. One forum user shared, “I wish I’d booked my next cruise on board because I missed out on free onboard credit and an upgrade.”
If you’re even thinking of cruising again, visit the Future Cruise desk before the end of your trip to see what deals you can snag. Don’t leave value on the table.
Want a Half-Price Massage? Here’s the Day Spa Secret No One Tells You
Spa discounts often fly under the radar of rookie cruisers because they’re not prominently advertised. Seasoned cruisers know when to snag the best spa deals: embarkation day and port days. While most passengers are ashore, it’s possible to get 20-40% off spa treatments.
The thing is, you’ll not always see the signs. Sometimes, the discounts are buried in the app, or you might need to swing by the spa. You could also ask the cabin attendant when the best times for the spa are.
If you’re eyeing a massage, wait until port day and then check the app first thing in the morning.
Cruise Staff Are Trained to Make You Spend—Without You Noticing
Most cruisers don’t realize it, but nearly every interaction onboard is designed to sell you something. Bartenders suggest upgrades, spa attendants push “limited-time” add-ons, and even background music and lighting are set to encourage spending.
The crew isn’t being pushy—they’re trained that way. One former crew member shared on Reddit that their script included prompts for dessert wine and daily upselling targets. So, behind the smiles, there is a subtle strategy to drain your wallet.
Of course, it’s not aggressive or a scam. That’s why it works. Stay alert, pause before saying yes, and know you’re stepping onboard a beautiful ship and a finely tuned sales machine.
Cruise Art Auctions Are Not the Steal You Think
Cruise forums are full of this warning—don’t fall for the hype of art auctions at sea. That “limited-time” deal on a $3,800 print? One cruiser later discovered that it was worth a fraction of that back home. The champagne flows, the bids rise, and suddenly, you’ve overpaid for a mass-produced print with no refund.
One passenger said, “I thought I scored a deal until I Googled it after disembarking.” So, enjoy the free champagne, admire the art, and have fun at the show. But don’t buy unless you’ve done your homework.
Want to actually get free drinks instead of overpaying for “free” art? Check out Hacks to Score Free Drinks.
Think That’s a Duty-Free Deal? You Might Be Buying a $500 Mistake
One rookie mistake, and you just lost $100 at the onboard duty-free store. Or worse, $500. Cruise ship shops advertise duty-free luxury goods, but many items—especially jewelry and watches—are priced far above their actual value. That “40% off” diamond ring? A quick Google search back home often tells a different story.
Another thing: most duty-free stores are owned by outside retailers, not the cruise company. Cruisers on Reddit and Cruise Critic have highlighted numerous issues, including difficulties obtaining refunds for faulty items, inflated valuations, restrictive return policies, and pressure tactics during “one-day-only” sales.
If you’re shopping on board, do your homework first. Not every deal at sea holds water when you get back on land.
You Paid Less for Your Cabin—And Got a Wall, Noise, or No Sleep
There’s a crafty reason why cruise lines offer cheaper prices for “guaranteed cabins.” They ensure the worst cruise ship cabins get booked quickly. They promise a good deal, but what you book is a mystery room. Best case scenario? Partially blocked view. Worst-case? Zero view, stuck under the pool deck, or high up at the front, getting seasick.
One forum user said they didn’t sleep for two nights because of the constant thumping beats from the nightclub. Guest Services called the late-night noise “normal” for that location.
Unless you love surprises, don’t gamble on comfort. Pay to pick your exact cabin—and sleep easy.
Before you celebrate that cabin deal, check out my article: Worst Cruise Ship Cabins. Some spots are budget for a reason.
Hate Your Cabin? There’s a 24-Hour Fix Most Cruisers Don’t Use
Most cruisers don’t know this, but if your cabin is noisy, smelly, or just feels off, Guest Services might move you. But here’s the catch: you’ve got to ask early. Ships often hold a few cabins in reserve for emergencies or guest complaints within the first day or two.
Cruisers report getting swapped after complaining about constant thuds, sewage smells, or broken A/C—but only because they asked right away. By day two or three, the chances of swapping cabins are zero.
Don’t wait it out and suffer. If your room feels wrong, head to Guest Services before they run out of options.
Booked That Tour Through the Ship? You Just Paid Twice as Much
Most cruisers know that booking excursions through the cruise line guarantees the ship will wait. What many don’t realize is that it’s sometimes double the price of booking directly with local operators. Some cruisers booked privately, only to discover it was the same tour and guide the ship used. Just twice the price.
The big selling point of ship-sponsored excursions is guaranteed return to the ship. But you pay a premium for the promise.
If you’re comfortable booking directly, it’s an easy win to save money. First-time cruiser? Consider playing it safe and booking the tour at Guest Services.
That Plastic Card in Your Pocket? It’s Hiding Free Perks—If You Ask
Your cruise card holds hidden perks you’ll only find out if you ask. Did you know that your cruise card does more than open your door or buy drinks? Depending on your cabin category or loyalty status, it may unlock spa access, priority seating, lounge entry, or even discounts at shops and bars.
The trick? The crew often won’t mention it unless you ask directly at Guest Services.
Many cruisers only found out after the cruise that their card included perks or unused OBC they had never realized. Want the upgrades? Flash the card and ask what perks come with it.
The Best Thing I Ate on My Cruise? It Wasn’t Even on the Menu
Seasoned cruisers swear by this trick, but few first-time cruisers know. The Main Dining Room has a quiet secret: off-menu items you can request if you know to ask for them. Think curry, sushi, or other mixed and matched dishes, a cheese plate before dessert, or even a kid’s menu favorite like chicken tenders—no judgment.
One cruiser said the best meal of their trip was a club sandwich delivered during breakfast. Another shared how they got to mix and match menu items. Of course, it’s no secret that you can also order two or more entrees.
The staff usually says yes with a smile. Just ask nicely—and be ready to tip a little extra if it’s stellar.
For more dining room hacks, check out my article: 27 Food and Drink Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner.
Skip Checked Bags—And You’ll Be Off the Ship First
It’s not advertised as a disembarkation option, but carrying off your own luggage saves time and your sanity. Skip the chaos if you opt for self-check-out. No waiting for disembarkation announcements, color-coded tags, delayed delivery, or standing in line at baggage claim. You’ll breeze off with the early movers.
One caveat to this cruise hack: You must be physically able to carry your luggage without assistance. If you can, you can be on the road while everyone else is still waiting in the morning mayhem.
Pack light, move fast, and skip the chaos. Get smart with this essential Cruise Departure Checklist.
Skip the Day-One Buffet Chaos—Here’s Where the Best Meal on the Ship Is
Cruise forums are full of this warning: don’t follow the herd to the buffet on embarkation day. It’s noisy, crowded, and underwhelming. Meanwhile, just one deck down, the Main Dining Room quietly opens with white tablecloths and zero lines—something many cruisers discover too late.
And if you check the app? You might catch a one-day-only deal at a specialty restaurant that’s half the price.
Want to feel like you’re cruising, not crowd surfing? Ditch the buffet and eat where the smart cruisers go.
Further reading: 15 Things Smart Cruisers All Do On Cruise Embarkation Day.
Do Not Disturb Sign Can Be a Red Flag—And Invite a Surprise Knock
You were just trying to relax and enjoy your privacy, but it caused a stir. Hanging the “Do Not Disturb” sign sounds like the perfect way to unwind. But if it stays up too long, crew members start to worry. Cruise lines take safety seriously, and a silent cabin for several days can trigger a wellness check.
Many cruisers are caught off guard when security shows up just to make sure everything’s okay.
Tip: If you want uninterrupted privacy, give your steward a heads-up and expect a knock if your room goes quiet for too long.
Bonus Hacks For First-Time Cruisers
You Bought the “Drink Deal”—But It Was Just Juice and Ice
They called it a deal, but it tasted more like an overpriced sugary regret. Plenty of cruisers are duped into thinking the “cocktail of the day” is a bargain. However, it usually has a trickle of budget spirits, syrupy mixers, and enough ice to qualify as a mini iceberg. After one sip, many realize they just paid $10 for juice with a faint buzz.
Cruisers on Reddit often warn: ask what’s actually in the bargain cocktail before ordering—or skip the “deal” entirely. Others recommend asking the bartender for their recommendation of something fresh, strong, and worth the calories.
Why Savvy Cruisers Don’t Prepay Tips (And What They Do Instead)
This tipping hack isn’t for everyone, but it works for many seasoned cruisers. Prepaying gratuities sounds generous, even thoughtful. From the cruise line’s perspective, it’s guaranteed income that they can divide how they like. But some seasoned cruisers say it removes the one bit of control they have if service slips.
By waiting to tip at the end, they adjust the amount based on experience. Many report receiving more attentive care throughout the trip. It’s not about stiffing the crew. It’s about keeping flexibility and rewarding excellent service directly.
If you opt-out, be respectful—tip fairly, in person, and with kindness. It’s a tactic, not a loophole. Also, be prepared for the chat with Guest Services at the end of the cruise.
Don’t forget to check out my articles on the gratuity controversies: The Truth About Where Your Tips Actually Go and Can You Refuse Cruise Gratuities?
Why Smart Cruisers Turn the Mini-Fridge into a DIY Snack Station
That mini-fridge? For savvy cruisers, it becomes a personal cooler filled with fruit, snacks, chilled wine, and leftover desserts. Some guests use it for keeping medicine cool or just to remove the temptation of buying overpriced booze or sodas.
Just ask your cabin steward on day one to empty it to use for your own drinks or snacks—it’s free, it’s easy, and it makes your cruise experience more convenient and enjoyable.
The One Wine Loophole Cruise Lines Rarely Advertise (But You Can Use)
It’s no secret that cruise lines don’t let you take booze onboard. But check the fine print, and you may be able to take one or two bottles of wine or beer. Once it’s emptied, the mini-fridge is perfect for keeping your wine chilled.
Want to avoid corkage fees? Drink it in your cabin. Some cruisers on Reddit suggest asking for wine glasses at the bar or filling glasses in your room and taking them to the Main Dining Room. Usually, no questions are asked.
Check your cruise line’s exact rules before packing, and always keep the wine in your carry-on.
The Secret Calendar That Tells You What to Wear (Before You Even Board)
Want to avoid packing the wrong outfits for the themed nights? Most cruise lines have White Night, but what else is on the schedule? Cruise lines don’t publish theme night schedules clearly, but savvy guests dig them up through Facebook roll calls or Reddit threads.
Further reading: Carnival Theme Night Mistakes I’ll Never Make Again (And What I Got Right).
Know These Secrets—and You’ll Cruise Like a Pro
It’s great to be in the know when cruising. Sometimes, it takes cruise passengers several sailings to discover these 21 cruise ship secrets. From casino hacks to free perks and spa discounts, now you know how to cruise smarter—without spending more. Cruise with confidence, not confusion.
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