29 genius cruise hacks you need to know before you set sail

Travel, Travel Tips, World Roaming 9 Minutes

Slide 1 of 30: You don’t need to splash out on a top-notch cabin to make your cruise feel luxurious. We bring you 29 easy ways to upgrade your trip, without breaking the bank.

Have a luxury cruise for less

You don’t need to splash out on a top-notch cabin to make your cruise feel luxurious. We bring you 29 easy ways to upgrade your trip, without breaking the bank.
Slide 2 of 30: Experienced cruisers know that when booking your trip, it pays to scrutinize the deck plan and research sites such as CruiseCritic before you part with your money. Cabins with an obstructed view are cheaper and, if you choose wisely, the blot on your horizon could be as little as a few wires. Likewise, you’ll sometimes find two balcony cabins that cost the same, but have differing sized terraces. Be savvy, and you might score a better stateroom for your spend. But if you do fancy a sneaky-peek around blow-the-budget cabins, take a look at our feature on cruising for millionaires. 

2/30 SLIDES © topseller/Shutterstock

Be stateroom savvy

Experienced cruisers know that when booking your trip, it pays to scrutinize the deck plan and research sites such as CruiseCritic before you part with your money. Cabins with an obstructed view are cheaper and, if you choose wisely, the blot on your horizon could be as little as a few wires. Likewise, you’ll sometimes find two balcony cabins that cost the same, but have differing sized terraces. Be savvy, and you might score a better stateroom for your spend. But if you do fancy a sneaky-peek around blow-the-budget cabins, take a look at our feature on cruising for millionaires.

Slide 3 of 30: Let's face it, when a cruise company announces it's launching a new ship, you're desperate to be on board. But it'll bump up your price no end. Opt for an older vessel instead – it's a much cheaper way to sail. They often follow the same itinerary as their newer siblings and, OK, they don't have that same wow-factor, but they're still safe and you'll find they're less crowded too. Perfect.

3/30 SLIDES © travelview/Shutterstock

Choose an older model

Let’s face it, when a cruise company announces it’s launching a new ship, you’re desperate to be on board. But it’ll bump up your price no end. Opt for an older vessel instead – it’s a much cheaper way to sail. They often follow the same itinerary as their newer siblings and, OK, they don’t have that same wow-factor, but they’re still safe and you’ll find they’re less crowded too. Perfect.

Slide 4 of 30: Most operators have stringent rules to stop you tucking into your own booze during a cruise, but you’re often permitted to embark with one or two bottles of alcohol. Make it a bottle of bubbly and ask your steward to deliver champagne glasses to your cabin, so you can kick off your holiday in style.

4/30 SLIDES © AfricaStudio/Shutterstock

Board with bubbles

Most operators have stringent rules to stop you tucking into your own booze during a cruise, but you’re often permitted to embark with one or two bottles of alcohol. Make it a bottle of bubbly and ask your steward to deliver champagne glasses to your cabin, so you can kick off your holiday in style.
Slide 5 of 30: Meals in the buffet restaurant and main dining room are usually included in the cost of your cruise. The relative formality of the main dining room isn’t to everyone’s taste, but it gives you the chance to dress up and enjoy waiter service, which feels more luxurious than a buffet. Better still, you can be extravagant and order as many starters, mains and desserts as you like. Struggling to decide between rotisserie chicken and lobster bisque, or baked Alaska and pavlova? Just have both!

Embrace the main dining room

Meals in the buffet restaurant and main dining room are usually included in the cost of your cruise. The relative formality of the main dining room isn’t to everyone’s taste, but it gives you the chance to dress up and enjoy waiter service, which feels more luxurious than a buffet. Better still, you can be extravagant and order as many starters, mains and desserts as you like. Struggling to decide between rotisserie chicken and lobster bisque, or baked Alaska and pavlova? Just have both!
When it comes to bagging a poolside lounger, it can sometimes be a case of needing to sharpen your elbows. Take the stress out of sunbathing by booking yourself into one of the ship’s exclusive lounges or clubs. On Princess Cruises you can pay from $18 (£14) to spend a morning or afternoon in the exclusive Sanctuary, an adults-only area with super comfy loungers, chaise lounges, a pool and spa treatments. Stewards are on hand to bring you healthy snacks, smoothies and even cooling face towels.
© MarkKatzman/PrincessCruises

Seek out a sanctuary

When it comes to bagging a poolside lounger, it can sometimes be a case of needing to sharpen your elbows. Take the stress out of sunbathing by booking yourself into one of the ship’s exclusive lounges or clubs. On Princess Cruises you can pay from $18 (£14) to spend a morning or afternoon in the exclusive Sanctuary, an adults-only area with super comfy loungers, chaise lounges, a pool and spa treatments. Stewards are on hand to bring you healthy snacks, smoothies and even cooling face towels.
To save cash, book a less expensive cabin on one of the ship’s bottom decks. Granted, you won’t be enjoying panoramic sea views, but you can still enjoy vistas aplenty from the upper deck areas. This shrewd move can save you several hundred dollars – then you can spend a fraction of the savings indulging in sunset cocktails in a fabulous upper deck restaurant.
© Maridav/Shutterstock

Save money for sundowners

To save cash, book a less expensive cabin on one of the ship’s bottom decks. Granted, you won’t be enjoying panoramic sea views, but you can still enjoy vistas aplenty from the upper deck areas. This shrewd move can save you several hundred dollars – then you can spend a fraction of the savings indulging in sunset cocktails in a fabulous upper deck restaurant.
Even if you've opted for a lower-cost cabin, it doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel more luxurious. Invest in a beautifully scented room spray and decorate it with a bunch of freshly cut flowers. Many lines let you bring your own bouquets on board, and your steward will be happy to find a vase. If that's not an option, there’s often a florist on the ship.
© Stockfour/Shutterstock

Pimp your cabin

Even if you’ve opted for a lower-cost cabin, it doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel more luxurious. Invest in a beautifully scented room spray and decorate it with a bunch of freshly cut flowers. Many lines let you bring your own bouquets on board, and your steward will be happy to find a vase. If that’s not an option, there’s often a florist on the ship.
If your cruise starts from your home country, get things off to a decadent start by booking a local taxi firm to pick you up and drive you to the port. Not only will you arrive in style, feeling relaxed, you’ll also save yourself the headache of what to do with your car when you’re away. They can then meet you on your return, delivering you home on a high.
© Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

Book a chauffeur

If your cruise starts from your home country, get things off to a decadent start by booking a local taxi firm to pick you up and drive you to the port. Not only will you arrive in style, feeling relaxed, you’ll also save yourself the headache of what to do with your car when you’re away. They can then meet you on your return, delivering you home on a high.
It's said there's no such thing as a free lunch, but some cruise ship events do greet guests with a complimentary drink or two. Welcome-aboard cocktail hours, art auctions and boutique showcases often serve free drinks and, who knows, you might get chatting to someone interesting when you’re there.
© Pkchai/Shutterstock

Join cruise events for free drinks

It’s said there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but some cruise ship events do greet guests with a complimentary drink or two. Welcome-aboard cocktail hours, art auctions and boutique showcases often serve free drinks and, who knows, you might get chatting to someone interesting when you’re there.
During your trip, treat yourself to a gourmet meal at one of the speciality restaurants. It’s worth knowing that cruise lines often throw in a healthy discount (sometimes as much as 25%) or a free bottle of wine to entice diners on the first night.
© Celebrity Cruises

Book a speciality restaurant

During your trip, treat yourself to a gourmet meal at one of the speciality restaurants. It’s worth knowing that cruise lines often throw in a healthy discount (sometimes as much as 25%) or a free bottle of wine to entice diners on the first night.
For a self-indulgent start to the day, arrange to have breakfast in bed. Many cruise lines, including Cunard and Carnival, offer room service at no extra cost, so you can tuck into anything from pastries, to fruit, cereals or toast and marmalade without having to set foot outside your cabin. Take it up a level by paying extra for a glass of champagne.
© monticello/Shutterstock

Treat yourself to breakfast in bed

For a self-indulgent start to the day, arrange to have breakfast in bed. Many cruise lines, including Cunard and Carnival, offer room service at no extra cost, so you can tuck into anything from pastries, to fruit, cereals or toast and marmalade without having to set foot outside your cabin. Take it up a level by paying extra for a glass of champagne.
If you’re taking your family on a cruise, be canny with your sleeping arrangements. Treat yourself to a better appointed balcony cabin, but save cash by booking the youngsters into an inside cabin just across the corridor.
© PitK/Shutterstock

Be clever with kids

If you’re taking your family on a cruise, be canny with your sleeping arrangements. Treat yourself to a better appointed balcony cabin, but save cash by booking the youngsters into an inside cabin just across the corridor.
During your break, don’t be afraid to politely ask your cabin steward for those little extras that make your holiday feel more lavish, whether that’s an additional pair of slippers, fresh toiletries, a bathrobe or ice. It’s a controversial topic, but many seasoned cruisers swear by tipping their steward at the start of their trip, in a bid to ensure ultra attentive service. Just be aware of what you can and can't take away with you. 
© AfricaStudio/Shutterstock

Ask your steward

During your break, don’t be afraid to politely ask your cabin steward for those little extras that make your holiday feel more lavish, whether that’s an additional pair of slippers, fresh toiletries, a bathrobe or ice. It’s a controversial topic, but many seasoned cruisers swear by tipping their steward at the start of their trip, in a bid to ensure ultra attentive service. Just be aware of what you can and can’t take away with you.

Are you at sea for a happy reason? Tell the staff on board. Whether you're celebrating your birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, you might, just might, get some free fizz and fruit in your cabin. There's no guarantee but it's worth a shot, right? Try it.
© Daniel Novoa/Shutterstock

Shout about your special occasion

Are you at sea for a happy reason? Tell the staff on board. Whether you’re celebrating your birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, you might, just might, get some free fizz and fruit in your cabin. There’s no guarantee but it’s worth a shot, right? Try it.
Treat yourself to a cleansing facial, deep tissue massage or pedicure while on board. Keep an eye out for special offers because, like speciality restaurants, spas sometimes offer discounts on embarkation day. Royal Caribbean, which features Elemis treatments, suggest keeping an eye out for “value prices” at specific times. It’s also worth heading to any spa showcase sessions, on the off chance you'll get a complimentary taster treatment.
© Puhhha/Shutterstock

Hit the spa early on

Treat yourself to a cleansing facial, deep tissue massage or pedicure while on board. Keep an eye out for special offers because, like speciality restaurants, spas sometimes offer discounts on embarkation day. Royal Caribbean, which features Elemis treatments, suggest keeping an eye out for “value prices” at specific times. It’s also worth heading to any spa showcase sessions, on the off chance you’ll get a complimentary taster treatment.
Escape the crowds and enjoy a tranquil few hours in one of your ship’s little-known areas. These “secret decks”, usually at the bow, are open to anybody, but are barely used because they are unsigned and often tucked away behind a closed door. They can be windy, so are often better visited while the ship is docked, but they make great, secluded spots to practice yoga or even stargaze. Study the deck plan carefully to work out where they are.
© KitjaKitja/Shutterstock

Find the secret decks

Escape the crowds and enjoy a tranquil few hours in one of your ship’s little-known areas. These “secret decks”, usually at the bow, are open to anybody, but are barely used because they are unsigned and often tucked away behind a closed door. They can be windy, so are often better visited while the ship is docked, but they make great, secluded spots to practice yoga or even stargaze. Study the deck plan carefully to work out where they are.
If you’re a wine lover, you’ll usually get far more for your money if you splash out on a bottle, rather than buying by the glass. You’ll also have the luxury of a greater variety of grapes to choose from. Spoil yourself with an excellent red or white, but make it last over a couple of evenings by asking your waiter to pop a cork in and keep it back for you overnight.
© Krilergsaragorn/Shutterstock

Buy wine by the bottle

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll usually get far more for your money if you splash out on a bottle, rather than buying by the glass. You’ll also have the luxury of a greater variety of grapes to choose from. Spoil yourself with an excellent red or white, but make it last over a couple of evenings by asking your waiter to pop a cork in and keep it back for you overnight.
If nothing on the main menu appeals, or you have a deep-seated longing to enjoy the previous night’s baked salmon or beef tenderloin again, don’t be afraid to ask your waiter what he can do. Cruise lines know guests take their food seriously and will usually do what they can to accommodate cravings (within reason).
© Tomolina/Shutterstock

Voice your cravings

If nothing on the main menu appeals, or you have a deep-seated longing to enjoy the previous night’s baked salmon or beef tenderloin again, don’t be afraid to ask your waiter what he can do. Cruise lines know guests take their food seriously and will usually do what they can to accommodate cravings (within reason).
Fed up of your shower curtain clinging to you in your less-than-spacious en-suite? Consider washing in the spa or gym facilities instead. Access is usually free of charge, and the chances are you’ll find toiletries, fluffy towels, big mirrors and roomier cubicles.
© AnnaOm/Shutterstock

Shower in the spa

Fed up of your shower curtain clinging to you in your less-than-spacious en-suite? Consider washing in the spa or gym facilities instead. Access is usually free of charge, and the chances are you’ll find toiletries, fluffy towels, big mirrors and roomier cubicles.
Are the pillows on your bed too firm, or too squishy soft? If you ask your steward nicely, he'll usually do what he can to provide an alternative. On some cruise lines, guests traveling in concierge can even take advantage of a full pillow menu, including memory foam, hypoallergenic and down options.
© OlegDoroshin/Shutterstock

Request your perfect pillow

Are the pillows on your bed too firm, or too squishy soft? If you ask your steward nicely, he’ll usually do what he can to provide an alternative. On some cruise lines, guests traveling in concierge can even take advantage of a full pillow menu, including memory foam, hypoallergenic and down options.
Midnight feasts are usually the stuff of childhood sleepovers, but many cruise lines offer passengers the opportunity to embrace their inner child and indulge in a late night treat. On P&O’s Azura, for example, the snack buffet offers paninis, homemade cakes and pastries between 10pm and 6am. Many lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, offer pizza too.
© OksanaMizina/Shutterstock

Enjoy a midnight feast

Midnight feasts are usually the stuff of childhood sleepovers, but many cruise lines offer passengers the opportunity to embrace their inner child and indulge in a late night treat. On P&O’s Azura, for example, the snack buffet offers paninis, homemade cakes and pastries between 10pm and 6am. Many lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, offer pizza too.
If you enjoy a few drinks, but you’re put off by the prices on board, then make the most of shore days. Local bars and restaurants, especially those a distance from port, will likely charge less for a bottle of wine, beer or cocktail. Just don’t get so carried away with the party spirit that you forget you have a ship to catch!
© CatarinaBelova/Shutterstock

Have a drink on shore

If you enjoy a few drinks, but you’re put off by the prices on board, then make the most of shore days. Local bars and restaurants, especially those a distance from port, will likely charge less for a bottle of wine, beer or cocktail. Just don’t get so carried away with the party spirit that you forget you have a ship to catch!
When the ship docks in port, the majority of passengers swarm off, excited about exploring pastures new. That gives you the perfect opportunity to have the run of the ship. Bag the best sun loungers, enjoy a cocktail in a coveted spot or do some quiet lengths in the pool. Check the itinerary before you sail, so you can work out which port you’re least bothered about missing out on.
© Gnohz/Shutterstock

Skip shore excursions…

When the ship docks in port, the majority of passengers swarm off, excited about exploring pastures new. That gives you the perfect opportunity to have the run of the ship. Bag the best sun loungers, enjoy a cocktail in a coveted spot or do some quiet lengths in the pool. Check the itinerary before you sail, so you can work out which port you’re least bothered about missing out on.
When it comes to visiting attractions on port days, there’s no hard and fast rule to say you should stick with the excursions offered on board. The costs can be exorbitant and piling onto a packed tour bus isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. It often pays to book guided tours from a company based in the port, or try Cruising Excursions, which offers a range of trips for up to 60% cheaper from over 38 ports. You can book private tours and bespoke itineraries too.
© Anyaivanova/Shutterstock

…or arrange your own

When it comes to visiting attractions on port days, there’s no hard and fast rule to say you should stick with the excursions offered on board. The costs can be exorbitant and piling onto a packed tour bus isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. It often pays to book guided tours from a company based in the port, or try Cruising Excursions, which offers a range of trips for up to 60% cheaper from over 38 ports. You can book private tours and bespoke itineraries too.

Dainty cups of Earl Grey, doughy finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones smothered with clotted cream – there’s nothing quite as delightfully extravagant as a traditional afternoon tea. Many cruise lines, including P&O, Holland America, Cunard and Crystal, offer scrumptious complimentary high tea, often on a daily basis.
© LillyTrott/Shutterstock

Indulge in high tea

Dainty cups of Earl Grey, doughy finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones smothered with clotted cream – there’s nothing quite as delightfully extravagant as a traditional afternoon tea. Many cruise lines, including P&O, Holland America, Cunard and Crystal, offer scrumptious complimentary high tea, often on a daily basis.

If you’re prone to feeling seasick, book a cabin in the middle of the ship, on a lower deck, where you’ll feel less movement. The front of the ship is often said to be the worst area for motion sickness as the cabin is the first to pitch forward in choppy seas. If you do start to feel queasy, guest services or the medical center will supply tablets.
© RomoloTavani/Shutterstock

Avoid pitch & roll

If you’re prone to feeling seasick, book a cabin in the middle of the ship, on a lower deck, where you’ll feel less movement. The front of the ship is often said to be the worst area for motion sickness as the cabin is the first to pitch forward in choppy seas. If you do start to feel queasy, guest services or the medical center will supply tablets.
A great breakfast sets you up for the day, and there are often tasty options that feel much more luxuriant than lugging a tray around the buffet. Carnival’s SeaDay brunch includes waiter service and dishes such as huevos rancheros and French toast. On Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, the Britannia restaurant offers grilled Scottish kippers with sautéed potatoes, eggs cooked-to-order and fresh buttermilk pancakes, all included in your fare.
© MikhailValeev/Shutterstock

Explore your breakfast options

A great breakfast sets you up for the day, and there are often tasty options that feel much more luxuriant than lugging a tray around the buffet. Carnival’s SeaDay brunch includes waiter service and dishes such as huevos rancheros and French toast. On Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, the Britannia restaurant offers grilled Scottish kippers with sautéed potatoes, eggs cooked-to-order and fresh buttermilk pancakes, all included in your fare.
If you’re happy to do little more than shower, change and sleep in your room, then book an inside cabin. They cost a fraction of what you’d spend on a balcony stateroom, leaving you free to spend cash on spa treatments, cocktails and speciality meals. You might not have fresh air and a sea view, but you can seriously spoil yourself in other ways!Discover the secrets of the world's most groundbreaking cruise ships here. 
© NorwegianCruiseLine

Book an inside cabin

If you’re happy to do little more than shower, change and sleep in your room, then book an inside cabin. They cost a fraction of what you’d spend on a balcony stateroom, leaving you free to spend cash on spa treatments, cocktails and speciality meals. You might not have fresh air and a sea view, but you can seriously spoil yourself in other ways!

Cruise veterans often suggest maximizing bathroom space by hanging a shoe organizer on the door, and filling it with all your beauty paraphernalia. Go one step further and stock it before you travel with a few high-end products that you wouldn’t normally splurge on. Now read 35 cruise myths you should stop believing right now
© Syda Productions/Shutterstock

Boost your bathroom ritual

Cruise veterans often suggest maximizing bathroom space by hanging a shoe organizer on the door, and filling it with all your beauty paraphernalia. Go one step further and stock it before you travel with a few high-end products that you wouldn’t normally splurge on.

 

Unknown's avatar

Published by Sarha

Helping those who are looking for good international travel tips. I also have published few articles posted by top notch writers on different sites.

Published

Leave a comment