🚢🤫 CRUISE INSIDER
“We know the cruise. Now let’s show you the things experienced cruisers discover after doing it a few times.” 👀🚢
The secrets, perks & tricks experienced cruisers know… and first-timers usually don't! 👀🚢
“Psst…
Come closer.
WE'RE GOING INSIDER. 🤫
You know those cruisers who seem to know everything?
They know:
🚢 Which cabin to book
🍹 Which bar is quiet
🍽️ Which restaurant is worth paying for
🛏️ Which cabins to avoid
🎁 Which perks they're entitled to
💳 How to get onboard credit
⬆️ How to try for an upgrade
🧲 Which little things to pack
And somehow…
they always seem to know where the good stuff is.
Well…
I've been digging into what cruise lines actually offer, what experienced cruisers do, and some of the little things that can save you:
💷 Money
⏰ Time
😤 Frustration
…and occasionally…
A LOT OF WALKING. 😂
Some of these are official benefits.
Some are clever cruise hacks.
Some are things you simply have to ask for.
And some…
well…
YOU'LL WISH YOU'D KNOWN ABOUT THEM BEFORE YOU BOOKED.
Let's see what you didn't know you knew nothing about. 😂”
🤫 1️⃣ FIRST INSIDER SECRET — YOUR BOOKING ISN'T FINISHED WHEN YOU BOOK IT
“Most people think:
BOOKED = DONE.
Wrong.
😂
Once you've booked your cruise…
KEEP CHECKING.
Look at:
💷 Price
🛏️ Cabin availability
🎁 Promotions
🍽️ Dining
🍹 Drinks
📱 Wi-Fi
💳 Onboard credit
⬆️ Upgrade opportunities
Because cruise deals can change.
And sometimes…
THE BEST PERK IS THE ONE YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU COULD CLAIM.
So don't book your cruise twelve months in advance and then forget about it until embarkation day.
🤫 2️⃣ 💰 THE SHAREHOLDER SECRET — GET MONEY BACK AS ONBOARD CREDIT
“Now…
THIS ONE IS A PROPER INSIDER FIND.
Did you know some cruise companies offer onboard credit to qualifying shareholders?
And I'm not talking about:
‘Spend £10,000 and maybe we'll give you £5.’
😂
For example, Royal Caribbean Group currently offers qualifying shareholders owning at least 100 shares of RCL onboard credit on eligible Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity and Silversea sailings.
The current benefit is:
💵 $50
for cruises of 5 nights or less
💵 $100
for cruises of 6–13 nights
💵 $250
for cruises of 14 nights or more
There is also a much larger benefit for qualifying World Cruise sailings. (rclinvestor.com)
BUT HOLD ON. ✋
I'm NOT saying:
‘GO AND BUY THE SHARES!’ 😂
That is an investment decision, and share prices can go up or down.
What I AM saying is:
IF YOU ALREADY OWN QUALIFYING SHARES, CHECK WHETHER YOU'RE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFIT.
Because you might be leaving money on the table.”
🤫 3️⃣ 🛳️ IT'S NOT JUST ROYAL CARIBBEAN
“Royal Caribbean isn't the only one.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings currently offers qualifying shareholders with at least 100 NCLH shares:
💵 $50 onboard credit on cruises of 6 days or less
💵 $100 on 7–14 days
💵 $250 on 15 days or more
And the benefit can apply across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas
subject to the current terms. (nclhltd.com)
Carnival Corporation currently offers qualifying shareholders with at least 100 shares onboard credit across brands including:
🚢 Carnival
🚢 P&O Cruises
🚢 Princess
🚢 Cunard
🚢 Holland America
🚢 Seabourn
and others, with the amount varying by cruise length and region. For UK sailings, the current published benefit is £30, £60 or £150 per stateroom depending on sailing length. (carnivalcorp.com)
So…
BEFORE YOUR NEXT CRUISE…
Ask:
‘DOES MY CRUISE LINE HAVE A SHAREHOLDER BENEFIT?’ 👀
And check the current rules.
Because benefits can change.”
🤫 4️⃣ ⚠️ THE SHAREHOLDER CATCH
“Now don't get too excited.
There are rules.
For example, Royal Caribbean's benefit requires the shareholder to own the shares at the time of sailing, and it has exclusions and specific eligibility requirements. (rclinvestor.com)
NCLH similarly requires ownership of at least 100 shares at the time of sailing and has restrictions around combinability, booking types and how the onboard credit can be used. (nclhltd.com)
And Carnival currently requires claims to be submitted before sailing, with its published UK benefit requiring at least three weeks' notice. (carnivalcorp.com)
So:
DON'T BOARD THE SHIP AND ASK AT GUEST SERVICES.
😂
You may be too late.
CHECK THE CURRENT TERMS BEFORE YOU SAIL.”
🤫 5️⃣ 🎁 THE LOYALTY PROGRAMME SECRET
“Here's another one.
JOIN THE CRUISE LINE'S LOYALTY PROGRAMME.
Even if this is:
YOUR FIRST CRUISE.
Why?
Because you might as well start accumulating status.
And as you cruise more, depending on the programme, you could unlock things like:
🎁 Offers
💳 Discounts
🍹 Drinks benefits
🛍️ Discounts
🎟️ Invitations
⭐ Priority services
🚢 Cruise-specific perks
Don't think:
‘I'll join when I've done five cruises.’
JOIN NOW.
Because you can't earn points retrospectively for cruises you weren't registered for under every programme.”
🤫 6️⃣ 🛏️ THE CABIN SECRET — DON'T JUST ACCEPT THE CABIN YOU BOOKED
“Now…
this is one experienced cruisers know very well.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CABIN.
You booked:
🛏️ Inside
and six months later…
you notice a better cabin has appeared.
Maybe:
📍 Better location
🌊 Better view
🌅 Balcony
🛏️ Different category
Now…
CAN YOU JUST MOVE?
Not necessarily.
But…
ASK.
Depending on the cruise line, fare rules, availability and pricing, there may be options to change the cabin or make a new booking.
And if you're using a travel agent…
ASK THEM TO WATCH IT FOR YOU.
Because sometimes:
THE DEAL ISN'T OVER WHEN YOU BOOK.”
🤫 7️⃣ ⬆️ THE UPGRADE SECRET — DON'T ASSUME YOU HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE
“Here's another one.
Some cruise lines allow eligible guests to bid for an upgrade.
Royal Caribbean has:
RoyalUp™
If your booking is selected, you may be invited to make an offer for a higher stateroom category. Royal Caribbean says not every sailing, booking or cabin category is eligible, and an invitation or availability isn't guaranteed. (royalcaribbean.com)
You might start with:
Inside cabin
and potentially bid for:
Ocean View
Balcony
Suite
Now…
THIS IS NOT A FREE UPGRADE.
You're making an offer.
If your bid isn't accepted:
YOU DON'T GET THE UPGRADE.
Royal Caribbean says eligible guests can generally modify or cancel qualifying bids up to two days before departure, subject to its terms. (royalcaribbean.com)
So…
WATCH YOUR EMAIL. 📧
Because the invitation could be sitting there.”
🤫 8️⃣ 🆙 NORWEGIAN HAS AN UPGRADE PROGRAMME TOO
“And it's not just Royal Caribbean.
Norwegian has:
UPGRADE ADVANTAGE
which allows eligible guests to make an offer for an upgrade from the accommodation they've already booked. NCL says an offer only becomes binding if and when the cruise line accepts it. (ncl.com)
So again:
CHECK YOUR BOOKING.
You might have an upgrade opportunity sitting there.
But remember:
DON'T BID MORE THAN THE UPGRADE IS WORTH TO YOU.
If a balcony normally costs £1,000 more…
and you bid £900…
have you really got a bargain? 🤔
Maybe.
Maybe not.
DO THE MATHS. 🧮”
🤫 9️⃣ 🧮 THE UPGRADE HACK — THINK TOTAL COST
“Here's how I'd calculate it.
Imagine:
Inside cabin
£1,000
Balcony
£1,500
Difference:
£500.
Now you're invited to bid.
If you bid:
£200
and win…
interesting. 👀
You're £300 below the original balcony price.
But remember:
WHAT DID YOU LOSE?
Depending on the programme, promotions and booking conditions, you may not receive additional benefits tied to the higher category just because you won the upgrade.
Royal Caribbean specifically states that existing promotions remain based on the original stateroom category booked and that no additional promotions are added simply because of a RoyalUp upgrade. (royalcaribbean.com)
So don't just think:
‘BALCONY!’
Think:
‘WHAT AM I ACTUALLY GETTING?’”
🤫 1️⃣0️⃣ 🤯 DON'T PAY FOR AN UPGRADE YOU DON'T NEED
“Here's a big insider lesson.
UPGRADE DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN BETTER VALUE.
Suppose:
Inside:
£1,000
Balcony:
£1,600
But your cruise is:
🏝️ Port every day
🚶 Off the ship 8 hours
🎭 Entertainment every night
And you're barely in your cabin.
Ask yourself:
DO I REALLY NEED THE BALCONY?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Your £600 might be better spent on:
🏝️ Excursions
🍹 Drinks
🍽️ Dining
✈️ Flights
🚢 Another cruise
DON'T UPGRADE JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN.”
🤫 1️⃣1️⃣ 🕵️ THE CABIN NUMBER IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON
“Here's another insider tip.
You don't just want:
BALCONY 12345.
You want to know:
WHAT IS AROUND CABIN 12345?
Look at:
⬆️ Above
⬇️ Below
⬅️ Beside
And check:
🎭 Theatre
🍹 Bar
🎉 Nightclub
🏊 Pool
🍽️ Buffet
🛗 Lifts
🚪 Crew areas
Because a £1,500 balcony underneath a nightclub…
isn't automatically better than a £1,200 balcony surrounded by other cabins.
CABIN LOCATION IS AN UPGRADE TOO.
Just not the kind you pay the cruise line for.”
🤫 1️⃣2️⃣ 🛗 THE LIFT SECRET
“Remember our Cruise Pain Points episode?
Here's the insider version.
Some newer ships use:
DESTINATION DISPATCH LIFTS.
Instead of simply pressing:
⬆️
you choose your destination floor and the system assigns you to a specific lift.
If your ship has one…
LEARN IT ON DAY ONE.
Because the first time you use it you'll probably stand there thinking:
‘WHY IS THIS NOT WORKING?!’ 😂
And experienced cruisers are already inside Lift B while you're still pressing the button.”
🤫 1️⃣3️⃣ ☀️ THE SUNBED SECRET
“Here's another one.
DON'T PLAY THE SUNBED GAME.
Some cruise lines have introduced policies where crew patrol pool decks and remove items from loungers left unattended for a specified period.
And honestly?
GOOD. 😂
A towel is not a reservation.
If you're going to breakfast…
go.
If you're going to the spa for three hours…
go.
If you're going ashore…
TAKE YOUR STUFF.
Experienced cruisers know:
THE BEST SUNBED IS OFTEN THE ONE EVERYONE ELSE HASN'T FOUND.
Look beyond the main pool.
Upper decks.
Quieter areas.
Less obvious spaces.
THAT'S THE INSIDER MOVE. 😎”
🤫 1️⃣4️⃣ 🍽️ THE DINING SECRET — CHECK YOUR PERKS BEFORE PAYING
“Before you book speciality dining…
CHECK YOUR BOOKING.
You might have:
🎟️ Dining voucher
🎁 Complimentary restaurant
💳 Onboard credit
⭐ Loyalty perk
🍽️ Dining package
And if you've got one…
USE IT FIRST.
Don't buy another package because you forgot you've already got meals included.
THAT'S JUST GIVING THE CRUISE LINE YOUR MONEY TWICE. 😂”
🤫 1️⃣5️⃣ 🍦 THE FREEBIE SECRET
“Here's a simple one.
FIND OUT WHAT IS FREE.
Free ice cream?..🍦 YES.
Included pizza?..🍕 YES.
Included snacks?..🍪 YES.
Free activities?..🎯 YES.
Included shows?..🎭 YES.
Because cruise ships are designed with a mix of:
INCLUDED
and
PAY EXTRA.
The insider trick isn't:
‘Never spend money.’
It's:
‘Know which things you don't need to pay for.’”
🤫 1️⃣6️⃣ 📱 THE APP IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON
“Your cruise line's app can be much more than:
‘Where's the ship?’
Use it to check:
📅 Daily activities
🍽️ Restaurants
🎭 Entertainment
🎟️ Reservations
💳 Spending
🗺️ Deck plans
🎁 Offers
Depending on the cruise line, it can also be where you see upgrade opportunities, packages and booking information.
CHECK IT EVERY DAY.
Because sometimes the ship is offering something…
YOU DIDN'T KNOW EXISTED. 👀”
🤫 1️⃣7️⃣ 🧑✈️ THE CREW KNOW THE SHIP BETTER THAN YOU EVER WILL
“Here's one of the best insider secrets:
ASK THE CREW.
Not:
‘Can you get me a free upgrade?’ 😂
But:
‘Where's your favourite place for coffee?’
‘When is the quietest time for dinner?’
‘Which pool is usually quieter?’
‘Where's the best place to watch sail-away?’
‘Where would you go on your day off?’
These people live on the ship.
They know the ship.
They know the busy times.
They know the quiet spaces.
And some of the best information you'll ever get…
WON'T BE ON THE APP.”
🤫 1️⃣8️⃣ 🗺️ THE CREW SECRET — ASK WHERE THEY GO
“And here's an even better version.
If you're in port and you want to experience the destination…
ask the crew:
‘WHERE WOULD YOU GO IF YOU HAD THE DAY OFF?’
Not:
‘What's the most popular tourist attraction?’
Ask:
‘Where do YOU go?’
You might get:
☕ Local café
🍽️ Restaurant
🏖️ Beach
🛍️ Market
🍹 Bar
🚶 Neighbourhood
And suddenly you've got:
THE REAL LOCAL RECOMMENDATION.🌍❤️
🤫 1️⃣9️⃣ 🛏️ THE ROOM STEWARD SECRET
“Your cabin steward isn't only there to clean your cabin.
If you need something reasonable:
🧲 Extra hangers
🛏️ Extra bedding
🧺 Help with towels
🧹 Something sorted
ASK.
You don't necessarily need to buy another gadget or solve the problem yourself.
And please remember:
THE CREW ARE PEOPLE.
Be nice.
Say please.
Say thank you.
And don't treat a crew member like a vending machine.
The best ‘insider’ relationship you'll have onboard is simply:
BE A DECENT HUMAN. ❤️”
🤫 2️⃣0️⃣ 🍹 THE QUIET BAR SECRET
“Remember our:
BAR BLOCKERS? 😂
Here's the insider solution.
Don't automatically go to the most obvious bar.
Look at the ship map.
Find:
🍹 Smaller lounges
🍷 Specialty bars
☕ Quiet cafés
🎵 Music lounges
And try them.
On a giant ship…
THE BUSIEST BAR ISN'T NECESSARILY THE BEST BAR.
Sometimes walk for two minutes.
You'll find:
A SEAT.
A DRINK.
NO CHAOS.
🤫 2️⃣1️⃣ 🎭 THE ENTERTAINMENT SECRET
“Here's something experienced cruisers learn.
DON'T JUST GO TO THE BIG SHOW.
Look at the whole schedule.
You might find:
🎤 Live music
😂 Comedy
🎷 Jazz
🎸 Bands
🎯 Trivia
🎤 Karaoke
🎭 Small performances
And sometimes…
THE LITTLE VENUE IS BETTER THAN THE BIG THEATRE.
It's less crowded.
More intimate.
And you might discover a performer you wouldn't normally see.”
🤫 2️⃣2️⃣ 🧘 THE SECRET QUIET SPACES
“Now…
this is one of my favourites.
FIND THE QUIET SPACES.
Every big ship has areas that aren't packed.
Try:
📚 Library
🌅 Observation areas
🛋️ Quiet lounges
🚢 Forward-facing spaces
☕ Less obvious cafés
And don't assume:
MAIN POOL = ONLY PLACE TO SIT OUTSIDE.
It isn't.
EXPLORE.”
🤫 2️⃣3️⃣ 🏝️ THE PORT SECRET — DON'T BOOK THE FIRST EXCURSION YOU SEE
“You've heard us say this before.
DON'T RUSH.
When you get your excursion email:
£149...£199...£249.
STOP.
Check:
🚶 Walking
🚕 Taxi
🚌 Local transport
👥 Independent tour
🌍 What locals actually do
Sometimes you can save serious money.
But don't just ask:
‘Is it cheaper?’
Also ask:
‘Is the risk worth it?’
If you're travelling a long distance from the port…
a cruise-line excursion may be worth paying for.
Because you're paying for more than transport.
You're buying:
CONVENIENCE + TIME + PEACE OF MIND.”
🤫 2️⃣4️⃣ 💳 THE ONBOARD CREDIT SECRET
“Here's another thing people overlook.
ONBOARD CREDIT.
You might receive it through:
🎁 A booking promotion
💳 Shareholder benefit
⭐ Loyalty benefit
💰 Future cruise offer
🎟️ Travel agent package
And then…
you forget about it.
DON'T. 😂
Check your account.
Find out:
HOW MUCH DO I HAVE?
WHAT CAN I SPEND IT ON?
Because some forms of onboard credit have restrictions.
For example, Royal Caribbean shareholder credit is applied to the stateroom folio, while NCLH says its shareholder credit can't be used for onboard service charges or pre-purchased activities. (rclinvestor.com) (nclhltd.com)
DON'T LET YOUR CREDIT EXPIRE UNUSED.
That's basically leaving money behind.”
🤫 2️⃣5️⃣ ⚠️ WHAT NOT TO DO — DON'T ASSUME “FREE” MEANS FREE
“You see:
FREE DRINKS
Fantastic.
Check:
Service charge?
Package terms?
Premium brands?
Daily limits?
Same with:
FREE DINING
Check:
Cover charge?
Premium items?
Additional courses?
And:
FREE UPGRADE
Check:
What category?
What benefits come with it?
What are you actually paying?
The word:
FREE
is wonderful.
But:
‘FREE’*
means:
READ THE ASTERISK. 😂”
🤫 2️⃣6️⃣ 🚫 DON'T TRY TO CHEAT THE SYSTEM
“Now…this one needs saying.
There are loads of internet ‘hacks’ claiming ways to:
❌ Sneak drinks onboard
❌ Hide prohibited items
❌ Manipulate bookings
❌ Avoid legitimate charges
❌ Get around security
And I would say:
DON'T.
Cruise lines have rules for a reason.
Your clever hack could become:
A VERY EXPENSIVE MISTAKE.
Use legitimate benefits.
Use published programmes.
Ask.
Compare.
Negotiate where appropriate.
But don't try to beat the security system.
WE'RE CRUISE INSIDERS, NOT CRUISE CRIMINALS. 😂”
🤫 2️⃣7️⃣ 🧮 THE INSIDER UPGRADE CALCULATION
“So here's the rule I use for ANY upgrade.
Ask:
WHAT DID THE ORIGINAL CABIN COST?
Then:
WHAT DOES THE UPGRADE COST?
Then:
WHAT DO I ACTUALLY GET?
Then:
WOULD I HAVE BOUGHT IT AT THAT PRICE?
If the answer is:
YES
Go for it.
If you're thinking:
‘It's only £200 more…’
but you weren't interested in the upgrade before…
KEEP YOUR £200. 😂
That is not an upgrade.
That's:
IMPULSE SPENDING.”
🤫 2️⃣8️⃣ 👀 THE SECRET NOBODY THINKS ABOUT — THE SHIP ITSELF
“This might be the biggest insider trick of all.
THE SHIP IS YOUR DESTINATION TOO.
Everyone rushes off.
Everyone runs to:
🏛️ Attractions
🏖️ Beaches
🛍️ Shopping
And sometimes…
THE SHIP IS EMPTY.
😂
You can have:
🏊 Quiet pool
🍹 Empty bar
📚 Quiet lounge
📸 Amazing photos
🌅 Peaceful decks
That's especially valuable on port days.
If you've already visited the destination…
STAY ONBOARD.
You may have just paid thousands to get on this ship…
ENJOY IT. 😂”
🤫 2️⃣9️⃣ 🌊 THE SEA-DAY INSIDER
“Sea days are where experienced cruisers really know what they're doing.
Everyone heads to:
THE MAIN POOL.
Experienced cruisers might go:
☕ Breakfast early
🏊 Quiet pool
🎯 Activity
🍽️ Lunch outside peak time
🧘 Quiet space
😴 Afternoon nap
🌅 Sunset
They don't spend the day:
FIGHTING THE CROWD.
They work around it.
THAT'S THE SECRET.”
“So…
CHECK EVERYTHING. 👀
Check your booking.
Check your loyalty account.
Check your promotions.
Check your onboard credit.
Check your shareholder benefits.
Check for upgrade offers.
Check your cabin.
Check what's included.
And then…
GO ENJOY YOUR CRUISE. 🚢❤️
Because the real insider secret isn't getting something for nothing.
It's:
GETTING MORE FROM WHAT YOU'VE ALREADY PAID FOR. 💰
And remember…
WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN COST YOU.
So stay curious.
And keep looking for those golden finds. 🏆
🚢❤️ SEE YOU ON BOARD!
