🚢 CRUISE HACKS
The ridiculous, genius & slightly sneaky things experienced cruisers know 😂
“Right…
I've been cruising.
I've watched the videos.
I've read the blogs.
I've joined the groups.
I've scrolled through forums at 2am…
and I've discovered something.
Experienced cruisers know A LOT of stuff.
Little tricks.
Money savers.
Cabin secrets.
Packing hacks.
Ways to avoid queues.
Ways to get more out of the ship.
And occasionally…
things that make you go:
‘WHY DID NOBODY TELL ME THIS BEFORE?!’ 😂
So today…
I'm bringing you:
THE CRUISE & CONFUSED CRUISE HACKS MASTER LIST.
Not just:
‘Bring a lanyard.’
Although…
yes…bring a lanyard. 😂
We're going deeper.
Because I've been digging through what seasoned cruisers say they actually use.
And some of these are absolute GOLD. 🏆
So grab a coffee…
grab a notebook…
and let's get hacking!”
🥇 HACK 1 — DON'T BOOK THE FIRST PRICE YOU SEE
“Let's start with one of the biggest.
THE PRICE YOU SEE TODAY ISN'T NECESSARILY THE PRICE YOU HAVE TO PAY.
Cruise pricing can move.
And once you've booked, depending on the cruise line, fare conditions and where you booked, there may be ways to take advantage of a later lower price or promotion.
So don't just:
🔎 Search
💷 See price
💳 Book
🎉 Forget about it
Instead…
KEEP WATCHING.
Set yourself a reminder.
Check the cruise again.
Check the fare.
Check the promotions.
Check what is included.
Because a cheaper headline price isn't necessarily a better deal if you've lost:
🍹 Drinks
📶 Wi-Fi
🍽️ Dining
💰 Onboard credit
The golden rule:
COMPARE THE TOTAL PACKAGE — NOT JUST THE FARE.
Cruise Critic's current money-saving advice also stresses comparing the full value rather than simply chasing the headline price. (Cruise Critic)
🥇 HACK 2 — THE DRINKS PACKAGE MATHS
“Now…
this one could save you serious money.
DON'T AUTOMATICALLY BUY THE DRINKS PACKAGE.
I know.
I can hear the cruisers screaming already. 😂
But do the maths.
How much is the package?
How many drinks would you realistically buy?
And here's the important bit:
WHERE CAN YOU ACTUALLY USE IT?
There may be days when you're ashore for most of the day.
So you're paying for drinks you're not buying.
Experienced cruisers regularly recommend calculating the break-even point rather than assuming the package is automatically good value. (Reddit)
HACK:
Work out your realistic daily spend first.
Then decide.
Don't let the word:
‘UNLIMITED’
make your wallet lose its mind. 😂”
🥇 HACK 3 — CHECK THE APP BEFORE YOU BOARD
“This one is ridiculously simple.
DOWNLOAD THE CRUISE LINE APP BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME.
And don't just download it…
USE IT.
Depending on the cruise line, you may be able to see:
📅 Daily schedules
🍽️ Dining
🎭 Shows
🗺️ Ship information
🚢 Excursions
💰 Offers
📱 Reservations
And some experienced cruisers recommend using the app to look ahead at schedules and even menus before sailing. (Reddit)
Because there's nothing worse than discovering at 7pm:
OH…
THE SHOW I WANTED TO SEE WAS AT 6.’
😂”
🥇 HACK 4 — BOOK THE THINGS THAT SELL OUT
“Here's where people get it wrong.
They board…
then think:
‘I'll book everything tomorrow.’
No.
If there's something you REALLY want…
BOOK IT EARLY.
Think:
🎭 Popular shows
🍽️ Specialty restaurants
🏝️ Popular excursions
🎯 Certain activities
⭐ Limited experiences
Some cruises have things that disappear surprisingly quickly.
So before sailing…
KNOW WHAT NEEDS A RESERVATION.
Because:
‘We'll see what happens’
is not a strategy.
It's how you end up watching everyone else have fun. 😂”
🥇 HACK 5 — THE CABIN DECK GOLDEN RULE
“Remember my cabin video?
Here's one of the biggest hacks:
LOOK ABOVE YOU.
And below you.
And beside you.
If possible, choose a cabin with:
🛏️ Cabins above
🛏️ Cabins below
rather than being directly underneath:
🎉 Nightclub
🏊 Pool deck
🍽️ Buffet
🎭 Theatre
🍹 Bar
Experienced cruisers repeatedly mention this one because a beautiful cabin can become your personal nightmare if there's a noisy public space above it. (Reddit)
So before you book…
CHECK THE DECK PLAN.
Not just the pretty cabin picture.”
🥇 HACK 6 — MAGNETIC HOOKS
“Okay…
now we're getting into the little stuff.
🧲 MAGNETIC HOOKS.
Cruise cabins contain a surprising amount of metal.
So magnetic hooks can give you extra places to hang:
🧥 Jackets
🧢 Hats
👜 Bags
🎟️ Lanyards
🩱 Swimwear
And seasoned cruisers repeatedly mention them as one of their go-to cabin items.
BUT…
don't go crazy buying 47 of them because TikTok told you to.
You probably don't need that many.
😂”
🥇 HACK 7 — THE UNDER-BED SUITCASE
“Arrive at your cabin.
Unpack.
And then…
WHERE DOES THE SUITCASE GO?
Under the bed.
That's your hidden storage area.
Don't leave your suitcase standing in the cabin taking up half the floor.
Once it's empty:
UNDER THE BED IT GOES.
And now…
you've got your cabin floor back.
Cruise Critic also recommends using the under-bed space for luggage and less frequently used items. (Cruise Critic)”
🥇 HACK 8 — DON'T PACK FOR EVERY SINGLE DAY
“Here's a packing hack that seasoned cruisers swear by:
PACK LESS.
I know.
Horrific concept.
But you're probably going to wear:
👕 Casual clothes
👟 Comfortable shoes
🩳 Shorts
👚 T-shirts
more than you think.
And if you're on a longer cruise…
DO LAUNDRY.
Experienced cruisers specifically mention doing laundry mid-cruise as a way to dramatically reduce luggage.
Think:
7-day cruise
You don't necessarily need:
14 days of clothes.
You need:
7 days + a bit of cleverness. 😂”
🥇 HACK 9 — PACK A SMALL CARRY-ON
“This one is HUGE.
Your main luggage may disappear when you board.
So don't put everything in it.
Your carry-on should have the things you need immediately.
Think:
🪪 Passport/documents
💊 Essential medication
📱 Phone
🔌 Chargers
🩱 Swimwear
👕 Change of clothes
🧴 Essentials
Because imagine boarding at midday…
and your suitcase doesn't arrive until 6pm.
And you've packed your swimming costume in it.
YOU ARE NOW THE PERSON SITTING BY THE POOL IN JEANS. 😂”
🥇 HACK 10 — DON'T FLY TO THE PORT ON THE SAME DAY
“Here's one that isn't glamorous…
but it could save your entire holiday.
FLY IN THE DAY BEFORE.
Especially if you're travelling internationally.
If your flight is delayed…
cancelled…
rerouted…
or your luggage decides to take a holiday of its own…
you have a buffer.
Experienced cruisers repeatedly recommend arriving at least one day early when flying to the port.
Yes…
it costs you a hotel night.
But compare that with:
MISSING THE SHIP.
Suddenly that hotel looks pretty cheap. 😂”
🥇 HACK 11 — DON'T AUTOMATICALLY BOOK THE SHIP EXCURSION
“Now…
this one needs a giant:
⚠️ IT DEPENDS.
Sometimes the cruise excursion is absolutely worth it.
But sometimes…
you can organise the same destination yourself for considerably less.
Experienced cruisers often compare:
🚢 Ship excursion
🚕 Taxi
🚌 Local tour
🚶 Independent exploring
👥 Private group
And sometimes splitting a private guide between several cruisers can make a fantastic experience affordable. (Cruise Critic)
BUT…
there's a reason ship excursions cost more.
THE SHIP KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE.
And if a ship-sponsored excursion runs late…
that's very different from you missing all-aboard time independently.
So don't blindly DIY everything.
COMPARE THE RISK AS WELL AS THE PRICE.”
🥇 HACK 12 — FIND THE LOCAL SUPERMARKET
“Here's a sneaky little one.
If you're doing a port independently…
look for:
🛒 LOCAL SUPERMARKETS.
Not the tourist shop.
Not the port souvenir shop.
The actual local supermarket.
You may find:
💧 Water
🍫 Snacks
🧴 Toiletries
🥤 Drinks
🎁 Local products
for considerably less than tourist-zone prices.
And sometimes…
you get to see how locals actually shop.
Which is exactly what we want for our:
‘WHAT DO THE LOCALS DO?’
🥇 HACK 13 — FIND THE QUIETEST PLACE ON THE SHIP
“Here's one of my favourites.
Everyone heads for:
🏊 Main pool
🍹 Pool bar
🍔 Buffet
🎵 Entertainment
But experienced cruisers know…
THE SHIP HAS QUIET CORNERS.
Sometimes:
📚 Library
🌅 Forward observation areas
🛋️ Lounges
☕ Lesser-known cafés
🚢 Upper decks
are almost empty.
So when everyone is fighting for a sun lounger…
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.
The best seat isn't always the one everyone is fighting over.”
🥇 HACK 14 — DON'T FOLLOW THE CROWD FOR FOOD
“Everyone sees:
BUFFET.
And goes:
BUFFET.
😂
But check the ship's dining options.
You might have:
🍕 Pizza
🥪 Café
🍜 Included specialty options
🍽️ Main dining room
🍔 Casual restaurants
And sometimes the buffet is the busiest option.
LOOK AT THE WHOLE SHIP.
You might find something better…
with no queue.”
🥇 HACK 15 — EAT AT OFF-PEAK TIMES
“Here's an easy one.
Want less:
👥 Crowds
🔊 Noise
🍽️ Queueing?
Don't necessarily eat when everyone else does.
Try going slightly earlier or later.
Especially on sea days.
Because:
7:30pm
can feel like Times Square.
Whereas:
5:30pm
can feel like you own the restaurant. 😂”
🥇 HACK 16 — THE AFTERNOON NAP
“Now…
this one sounds ridiculous.
But it came up as one of the most highly upvoted ‘secret’ cruise hacks I found.
TAKE A NAP. 😴
One experienced cruiser described an afternoon nap as making the cruise feel almost twice as long.
And honestly…
it makes sense.
Morning:
🌅 Breakfast
🏊 Activities
🏝️ Port
Afternoon:
😴 RESET.
Evening:
🍹 Drinks
🍽️ Dinner
🎭 Show
🎉 Entertainment
You've basically created:
TWO DAYS IN ONE. 😂
Just don't accidentally nap until tomorrow.”
🥇 HACK 17 — BRING ZIPLOCK BAGS
“Not glamorous.
Not sexy.
But…
ZIPLOCK BAGS.
Experienced cruisers use them for:
🍪 Snacks
🩱 Wet swimwear
💊 Small items
🔌 Cables
🧴 Toiletries
🥪 Food
They're basically the Swiss Army knife of cruise packing.
And yes…
you'll probably think:
‘Why did I bring these?’
Until you desperately need one.
😂”
🥇 HACK 18 — BRING A SECOND PAIR OF GLASSES
“If you wear glasses…
BRING A BACKUP.
Because losing or breaking your glasses on a ship in the middle of the ocean?
Not ideal.
One experienced cruiser specifically described bringing an older prescription pair as an emergency backup. (Reddit)
And this isn't really a hack.
It's more:
‘Don't make your holiday unnecessarily difficult.’ 😂”
🥇 HACK 19 — DON'T BUY EVERY CRUISE GADGET ON THE INTERNET
“Now I'm going to save you money.
You do NOT need:
🧲 400 magnetic hooks
👟 A shoe organiser the size of a wardrobe
🔌 Every electrical gadget known to humanity
🧳 19 packing cubes
🚿 A portable shower
😂
Cruise TikTok can make you think you need to buy an entire IKEA before boarding.
You don't.
Experienced cruisers themselves point out that some viral packing advice is overkill. (Reddit)
BUY WHAT SOLVES A PROBLEM YOU ACTUALLY HAVE.”
🥇 HACK 20 — THE MEDICINE BAG
“This one isn't exciting…
until you need it.
Bring the basics you're legally allowed to bring and normally use:
💊 Pain relief
🤢 Seasickness remedies
🤧 Allergy medication
🩹 Plasters
🧴 Your usual essentials
Because onboard prices for simple medical items can be surprisingly high.
Experienced cruisers consistently mention bringing basic OTC supplies rather than relying on the ship's shops.
Pack it before you need it.”
🥇 HACK 21 — YOUR ROOM STEWARD IS A GOLDMINE
“This is one people forget.
Your cabin steward isn't just there to clean your room.
Need:
🪝 Extra hangers?
Ask.
Need something clarified?
Ask.
Need something replaced?
Ask.
Cruisers report that room stewards will often provide additional hangers when requested.
ASK.
The worst they can say is no.”
🥇 HACK 22 — DON'T RUSH OFF THE SHIP
“Here's an interesting one.
Everyone gets told:
GET OFF THE SHIP EARLY!
But sometimes…
you don't have to.
If you've got no early excursion…
why join the giant queue?
Have:
☕ Breakfast
📸 Photos
🌊 A quiet walk
🍹 A coffee
Then get off when the initial rush disappears.
Sometimes the best cruise hack is simply:
DON'T DO WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING.”
🥇 HACK 23 — AND DON'T RUSH BACK ON EITHER
“Same goes for returning to the ship.
If your port allows it…
you don't necessarily need to be back hours early.
But…
DO NOT PUSH ALL-ABOARD TIME.
This is not the hack where you discover how fast you can run.
😂
Give yourself a buffer.
Because the ship:
WILL LEAVE.
And it doesn't matter how convincing your:
‘But I was only five minutes late…’
speech is.
😂”
🥇 HACK 24 — JOIN THE CRUISE ROLL CALL / GROUP
“This is one of my favourites.
Find the:
ROLL CALL.
Or your cruise's social group.
Because this is where you can discover:
👀 Cabin tips
🍽️ Restaurant recommendations
🏝️ Excursions
🚕 Shared taxis
📸 Meet-ups
🚢 Ship information
And sometimes…
THE BEST INFORMATION ISN'T ON THE CRUISE LINE WEBSITE.
It's from the person who was in Cabin 11234 last month.
Cruise Critic specifically highlights the value of these community-sourced tips, and cruisers themselves repeatedly recommend cruise groups for finding practical help. (Cruise Critic)”
🥇 HACK 25 — THE GOLDEN CABIN HACK
“Here's one of my favourites.
Once you've booked…
DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR CABIN.
Keep checking.
Sometimes cabins become available in a better location.
You may be able to request or pay for a change depending on the cruise line, fare and availability.
So don't assume:
‘Booked = finished.’
Keep an eye on it.
Because you might discover:
🌅 Better view
📍 Better location
🛏️ Better cabin
💰 Better value
Always ask what your options are.”
🥇 HACK 26 — CHECK THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BUY
“This is a BIG one.
Cruise lines love the word:
SALE.
But:
SALE ≠ CHEAP.
If you're buying:
🍹 Drinks
🏝️ Excursions
🍽️ Dining
📶 Wi-Fi
check the price.
And if the cruise line allows cancellation and rebooking of that item when the price drops, you may be able to rebook at the lower price.
Some cruisers specifically report using price tracking for onboard purchases and rebooking when prices fall, subject to the cruise line's rules.
CHECK. CHECK AGAIN. CHECK AGAIN.”
🥇 HACK 27 — DON'T BUY WIFI JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU NEED IT
“Now…this is controversial.
DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED SHIP Wi-Fi?
If you're in port…
you may be able to use local Wi-Fi.
You might also decide:
‘I'm going to disconnect for seven days.’
Imagine.
No emails.
No work.
No WhatsApp.
No doom scrolling.
Just:
🌊 Ocean
🍹 Cocktail
☀️ Sun
HEAVEN. 😂
Of course, if you need connectivity for work, family or other reasons…buy it.
But don't automatically add every package at checkout.”
🥇 HACK 28 — TAKE A PHOTO OF YOUR CABIN
“Walk into your cabin.
Before you unpack…
TAKE PHOTOS.
Not just because you're making a video. 😂
Take pictures of:
🛏️ Cabin
🧳 Luggage
🚿 Bathroom
🛟 Balcony
📱 Any existing damage
It's a simple record.
And while you're there…
take a picture of your:
CABIN NUMBER.
Because after three cocktails…
every corridor suddenly looks identical. 😂”
🥇 HACK 29 — TAKE A PHOTO OF THE SHIP'S MAP
“Before you start exploring…
TAKE A PHOTO OF THE DECK PLAN.
Because when your phone dies…
your sense of direction may disappear with it.
😂
You can also screenshot important information.
Then you have it:
OFFLINE.
Simple.
Free.
Useful.”
🥇 HACK 31 — FIND THE EMERGENCY EXITS
“Okay…
not exciting.
But important.
When you get to your cabin…
know:
🚪 Your emergency exit route
🛟 Muster station
🗺️ Where you are
You don't want the first time you look at the ship's evacuation route to be when something is actually happening.
Know where you're going.
Then get on with the fun stuff.”
🥇 HACK 32 — THE EMBARKATION DAY SECRET
“Everyone gets on the ship…
and heads for:
🍔 FOOD.
So if you know your ship…
look for alternative included dining.
You might find another option that's:
✔️ Open
✔️ Included
✔️ Much quieter
And here's another trick:
DON'T ASSUME YOUR CABIN WILL BE READY IMMEDIATELY.
Carry what you need with you.
Don't drag your entire suitcase around the ship.”
🥇 HACK 33 — TAKE THE STAIRS WHEN EVERYONE ELSE TAKES THE LIFT
“I'm putting this one twice because it's worth it.
😂
Embarkation.
The lifts are packed.
Everyone has:
🧳 Suitcases
👶 Children
🛍️ Bags
And everyone is trying to squeeze into one lift.
If you're physically able…
STAIRS.
You may get there faster.
And you've avoided:
THE GREAT CRUISE LIFT BATTLE OF 2026. 😂”
🥇 HACK 34 — DON'T TRY TO DO EVERYTHING
“Now here's a hack experienced cruisers often learn the hard way.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING.
Cruise ships are designed to make you feel like you're missing something.
There's:
🎯 Quiz
🏊 Pool
🎭 Show
🍹 Cocktail class
🎤 Karaoke
💃 Dancing
🎰 Casino
🍽️ Dinner
🎯 Games
STOP.
😂
You are allowed to sit down.
You are allowed to do nothing.
You are allowed to stare at the ocean.
RELAXING IS AN ACTIVITY.”
🥇 HACK 35 — THE GOLDEN FIND: ASK THE CREW
“And now…
I think we've reached one of the biggest golden finds.
ASK THE CREW.
Not for special treatment.
Not for freebies.
But for information.
They know the ship.
They know:
🍽️ Quiet dining times
☕ Where to get coffee
🏊 Quieter pool areas
🚢 Hidden spaces
📅 Activities
🛗 Shortcuts
And sometimes…
they know things passengers simply don't.
Be polite.
Be respectful.
And you might discover:
THE BEST TIP OF THE WHOLE CRUISE.”
🏆 THE CRUISE & CONFUSED GOLDEN 10
“Okay.
We've gone slightly…
OVERBOARD. 😂
So if you remember absolutely NOTHING else…
these are my:
🏆 TOP 10 CRUISE HACKS
🥇 1. CHECK YOUR CABIN LOCATION
Above.
Below.
Beside.
🥈 2. DO THE DRINKS PACKAGE MATHS
Don't assume it's a bargain.
🥉 3. FLY IN THE DAY BEFORE
Don't risk the ship.
4️⃣ CHECK PRICES AFTER BOOKING
Promotions can change; if they do, some cruise lines honour the new price, and you will get a refund or an upgrade🎉
5️⃣ DON'T BUY EVERY GADGET
You don't need a cruise ship's worth of magnets.😂
6️⃣ PACK A CARRY-ON
Keep your essentials with you.
7️⃣ USE THE APP
Know what's happening before everyone else.
8️⃣ ASK THE CREW
They know the ship.
9️⃣ DON'T TRY TO DO EVERYTHING
Relax.
🔟 FIND YOUR OWN GOLDEN FIND
Because the best hack may be something nobody has told us yet.”
🏆 THE ULTIMATE CRUISE & CONFUSED HACK
“But I've saved the most important one until last.
And honestly…
it's probably the one that separates experienced cruisers from first-timers.
STOP TRYING TO HAVE THE PERFECT CRUISE.
Things will go wrong.
Your flight might be delayed.
It might rain.
The restaurant might be busy.
Your excursion might not be what you expected.
You might book the wrong cabin.
You might spend too much money on cocktails.
😂
And you know what?
YOU'RE STILL ON A CRUISE SHIP.
You're still:
🌊 In the middle of the ocean
🍹 Drinking something cold
☀️ Hopefully somewhere sunny
🚢 Travelling to another country
And you don't have to worry about driving.
Or checking in and out of hotels.
Or unpacking every morning.
So…
THE REAL CRUISE HACK?
ENJOY THE CRUISE. ❤️😂
Because the best hack isn't finding a secret door.
It isn't saving £5 on a drink.
It isn't bringing 37 magnetic hooks.
It's knowing how to get the most enjoyment for the money you've already spent.
And hopefully…
a few hacks that save you money, time, and a LOT of frustration. 🚢❤️
🚢❤️ ”See you on board!”
