A cruise ship is a floating city – and every city has its secrets. From the crew’s daily life to the dark side of the “luxury” cabins, these are the 9 most important cruise ship secrets that probably no one will ever tell you.
Cruise ships are an entire state, and every state hides its secrets too. Obviously, no one tells the passengers everything.
You might think that cruise ships and a cruise are only about cocktails, swimming in the pool, and sunbathing on the deck. But the truth is a bit different and more… complicated.
Cruise ships have everything from secret corridors and morgues to hidden cameras and post-booking discounts, here are 9 things that the cruise company will probably never tell you.
1. The secret life of sailors
While you are drinking your mojito on the sun deck, the crew, which consists of thousands of people, lives in another “world”, below the sea surface, with the majority of them staying in tiny cabins without windows, working 10-12 hour shifts every day for many months. There is even a secret corridor for the crew called I95. The crew has its own cafes, laundries, and secret parties down there. It is simply, we would say, the sailor’s job from a different angle.
2. Scandals with hidden cameras
In 2017, a camera was found behind a television in a cabin. In 2024, an employee of one of the largest cruise companies in the world installed cameras in cabin bathrooms. It is estimated that he recorded up to 960 people! When you choose to take a cruise, just check mirrors, ventilation grates, etc. If something seems strange, report it. It’s not an exaggeration, it’s protection.
3. Hygiene at the buffet
That macaroni you are eating might be from… the morning. And the shrimp cocktail hasn’t changed temperature since yesterday. The sneeze guards are for show. Only take what is hot or steaming. Freshly cooked items are more likely to be safe. Some might say these are exaggerations, something that could happen in an expensive hotel too. We wouldn’t disagree, but it is certainly a reality.
4. Pirates still exist
Yes, pirates still exist, but in specific places in the world and not everywhere. In 2009, the MSC Melody was attacked near Somalia. Nowadays, many ships take appropriate anti-piracy measures and have armed guards whom you naturally do not see. Of course, as we said above, most cruise companies avoid “danger zones”.
5. There are also… morgues
It may sound macabre, but large cruise ships have a special area where they can perform a small autopsy for when someone dies at sea. In many cases, they can host up to 6 corpses.
6. They won’t notice if you fall into the sea
Most ships do not have automatic man-overboard detectors. If no one sees it, the ship continues. Fewer than 30 ships worldwide have thermal radar for such cases. Why? Because it costs over $200,000 per ship. And obviously, they don’t give it out easily. Of course, even with these, no one guarantees they will notice if you fall into the sea, so special attention is needed.
7.
Your cruise is full of people who work for other companies
The spa, the shops, the photographers, the doctor, even the guy who tells you where to buy jewelry on the island, all or most work for third-party companies, not for the cruise ships and the cruise. If something goes wrong, the answer will be simple: “Talk to the contractor.”
8. You can get a discount even after booking
You booked your cruise and then saw the price drop? If you haven’t paid yet, ask for a refund or ask for a price adjustment, upgrade, or onboard credit. The same applies for drink packages and Wi-Fi. There are also apps like Shipmate that monitor it for you.
9. Smart passengers leave last
Everyone runs to disembark first. The experienced ones, however, wait. Why? Fewer people at customs, easier to find your luggage, and a calm morning with coffee by the sea. Just tell guest services to put you in the last group.
Cruise ships are for relaxing
So we see that a cruise and a cruise ship hide quite a few secrets they will never tell you.
The truth is, you don’t even need to know them, since you go there to have fun and not to learn the operation of a cruise ship.
Cruise ships are vessels that offer a plethora of options and are built and made to serve even the most demanding passengers
