Going on a cruise sounds like a dream. After all, you’re out on the open sea, hopping from one exotic location to the next. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the magic of it all, there’s another side to going on a cruise that doesn’t make it to the highlight reel. We’ve spoken to several people who work on these floating hotels and the things they had to say will shock you! Here are eleven secrets cruise companies hide from you.
Featured Image Credit: kirill_grekov /Depositphotos.com.
“Ship Time” Can Confuse Everyone
You might not realize it, but cruise ships operate on their own time, which might not match the local time at your next port. The aim is to keep everything running on the same schedule when you’re on board. Of course, it can catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention! Missing the boat is a real possibility if you forget about the time difference.
The Secret Codes
Cruise ships have their own set of secret codes that they’ll use over the PA system to alert crew members to various situations without alarming passengers. For instance, a “Code Bravo” might mean a fire on board while a “Code Alpha” could indicate a medical emergency. Either way, you should listen out when you hear an announcement.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
The Ghost Light
In the ship’s theater, you might notice that they leave a single light on, even though the space is empty. Why? Well, this is known as the ghost light and it’s a tradition borrowed from Broadway and the West End. It’s meant for safety yet there’s something so theatrically superstitious about it all!
Unused Cabins as Crew Rewards
Any cabins that aren’t sold don’t just sit empty. Cruise companies often give these rooms as a “thank you” to their crew members, meaning that they can crash in a fancy cabin with ocean views after working. Such a perk that keeps the crew happy—but you won’t see this info in the cruise brochure.
The Truth Behind Free Cabin Upgrades
Speaking of cabins, getting bumped up to a better one for free feels like winning the lottery. However, there’s a strategy behind it. Cruise lines do this to free up cheaper cabins that are easier to sell at the last minute to anyone desperate to get on board. It’s a win-win—but definitely more calculated than it seems.
The Last Night’s Menu Trick
On the last night of the cruise, the chefs will pull out all the stops to use up the perishable food. It’s a clever way to reduce waste—but it also means you’re getting a menu carefully crafted to avoid leftovers. So don’t be surprised if you see any odd meal options. They’re just doing the best with what they have!
The Morgue on Board
Yes, cruise ships have morgues. It’s quite grim yet it’s necessary because of the realities of being at sea. In the rare event that someone passes away, the ship needs to be prepared. You’ll know when the morgue is full if the cruise spontaneously has a free ice cream night. They have to store the extra bodies in the freezer—which means getting rid of anything already in there.
Customs Regulations and Free Alcohol Nights
Those nights when drinks are on the house are often because the ship needs to empty its liquor inventory before hitting port. It’s all thanks to customs rules! Honestly, it’s quite a clever workaround to avoid extra fees—and hey, passengers get a fun night out of it. What could be better?
The Art Auctions’ Dual Purpose
Any art auctions you might see on board aren’t simply meant to give you a chance to decorate your home with something beautiful. No, they’re a significant source of revenue for the cruise line because of sales commissions. They also give guests an entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
Crew Member Secret Passageways
Cruise ships also include hidden corridors & staircases that are off-limits to passengers. These secret passageways allow crew members to move quickly around the ship without disturbing guests or crowding the public areas. You might notice a few of them—they’re tucked away behind doors marked “Crew Only.”
Crew Training Simulators
Many people don’t know that some cruise ships have state-of-the-art training facilities hidden away from passenger areas. Here, crew members undergo intensive safety & operational training. These facilities can include bridge simulators and mock-up cabins that help them prepare for even the wildest of situations.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More:
