12 Cruise Hacks I Learned As Crew + 4 Every Traveler Should Try
Three years at sea taught me more than I ever expected—like how to live out of a suitcase, dodge overpriced excursions, and find the quietest spot on a packed ship. Working behind the scenes gave me access to a whole different cruise experience, and now I want to pass those hard-earned secrets on to you.
Want to know where the crew really eats when they’re off-shift? Curious how to get laundry done without paying a fortune? Or maybe you’re wondering how to actually relax on a ship with thousands of other people onboard. I’ve got you covered.
Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifteenth, these crew-approved hacks and under-the-radar tips will change the way you sail. Ready to cruise smarter, not harder? Let’s dive in.
1. Use the Crew Deck
Most ships have a secret deck where crew members hang out during breaks. While passengers crowd the main pools, I’d slip down to Deck 3 or 4 (location varies by ship) for peaceful ocean views without the chaos.
Crew areas are technically off-limits, but the outdoor crew deck often blends with passenger areas. If you find unmarked doors leading outside on lower decks, you might discover empty loungers and incredible views.
Nobody will bother you if you look confident and have your cruise card!
2. Skip the Buffet Rush
Buffet lines form like clockwork—8:00 AM for breakfast, noon for lunch, and 6:00 PM for dinner. As crew, we never ate during these peak times because the chaos was unbearable.
Instead, arrive 30 minutes before closing. Food quality remains excellent, but you’ll walk right up without waiting. This works especially well for breakfast when most passengers rush to eat before morning excursions.
Bonus tip: The dining room always serves better quality food than the buffet, and with table service!
3. Explore Ports Independently
Ship-organized excursions cost triple what you’d pay arranging things yourself. When crew members had port days off, we’d form small groups and negotiate directly with local tour guides waiting at the dock.
Research your ports beforehand and save screenshots of maps and key phrases if you’ll be without internet. Many popular ports have reliable taxis right at the pier who’ll give you a better tour for half the ship’s price.
Just watch the time carefully! The ship won’t wait if you’re late, so always build in a one-hour buffer for unexpected delays.
4. Book Excursions Last-Minute
If you prefer ship-organized excursions for peace of mind, never book before boarding. The shore excursion desk often runs daily specials on tours that haven’t filled up, sometimes at 40% off the pre-cruise price.
Check your daily newsletter or the ship’s app for these deals. I watched countless passengers pay full price months in advance for the exact same experiences others got at steep discounts.
This strategy works best during shoulder season or on less popular itineraries. Just have a backup plan in case your first choice sells out.
5. Bring a Magnetic Hook
Cruise ship walls are metal, making magnetic hooks your secret weapon against tiny cabins. I kept a stash of strong magnetic hooks in my crew cabin to create vertical storage for everything from jackets to wet swimsuits.
These hooks can hold surprising weight—I’ve hung backpacks and even formal wear without issues. They’re perfect for keeping track of your cruise card, organizing charging cables, or creating a drying area for swimwear.
Target sells affordable options, but I recommend spending a bit more on stronger magnets that can hold at least 10 pounds each.
6. Avoid Overpriced Laundry
Cruise ship laundry services charge outrageous fees—sometimes $5 for a single pair of underwear! As crew, we hand-washed essentials in our cabin sinks using travel detergent sheets.
Pack a few inflatable hangers and a small bottle of wrinkle-release spray. The bathroom’s shower rod works perfectly for hanging items, and the room’s air conditioning dries clothes surprisingly fast.
Many ships also offer self-service laundry rooms or mid-cruise laundry specials where you can fill a bag for a flat fee. These deals aren’t advertised, so ask your cabin steward about them.
7. Know the Quiet Zones
Every ship has secret peaceful spots perfect for reading or sea-gazing. My favorite hideaway was always the library—most passengers don’t even realize cruise ships have them! These spaces are typically empty even on sea days.
The observation lounge (usually forward on a high deck) empties out after sailaway. Visit specialty coffee shops mid-afternoon when they’re deserted but still serving. Some newer ships even have designated “quiet zones” with comfortable seating and stunning views.
For outdoor tranquility, try the promenade deck early morning or check out the adults-only areas, which are often underutilized.
8. Dine in Off-Hours
Cruise dining is generally excellent, but timing makes all the difference. Eating dinner at 8:30 PM instead of 7:00 PM means better service, quieter ambiance, and more attention from waitstaff who aren’t rushing between tables.
Late breakfast (around 9:30 AM) and late lunch (around 2:00 PM) offer similar benefits. The food quality remains identical, but you’ll enjoy a more relaxed experience with attentive service. This trick works especially well in specialty restaurants.
Many ships now offer “anytime dining” options—take advantage by choosing slightly unconventional times for the best experience.
9. Pack a Reusable Water Bottle
Bottled water costs a fortune on ships—often $5-7 per bottle! Crew members always carry reusable bottles because we know the ship’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink in most cases.
Modern cruise ships use state-of-the-art filtration systems that produce water as clean as any bottled brand. Fill up at water stations around the ship or even from your cabin tap.
If you’re concerned about taste, pack some water flavoring packets. I recommend insulated bottles that keep water cold all day, especially for hot weather itineraries or excursions where you’ll be away from the ship for hours.
10. Avoid Elevator Crowds
Elevator waits can stretch to 15 minutes during peak times! After thousands of trips up and down, I learned to either use the stairs or find elevators away from high-traffic areas.
Most passengers use elevators near the atrium or buffet. Instead, look for elevator banks at the far ends of corridors where wait times are minimal. Mid-ship elevators on port days are particularly crowded.
Going down? Walking down a few flights is often faster than waiting. Going up? Try taking the elevator from a lower deck where fewer people are boarding, then ride it up past the crowded floors.
11. Talk to the Bartenders
Bartenders know everything happening onboard! When I worked in entertainment, bartenders always tipped me off about schedule changes, upcoming deals, and which activities were worth attending.
Visit the same bar consistently and chat with your bartender during quieter moments. They can recommend off-menu cocktails, sometimes at lower prices than standard offerings. Many will remember your preferences after just one visit.
Looking for the best food options or trying to score reservations at a booked restaurant? Bartenders often have connections with dining staff and can make recommendations or even help with last-minute arrangements.
12. Always Carry Your Card
Your cruise card isn’t just for your cabin—it’s the key to avoiding unnecessary headaches! I’ve watched countless passengers trek back to their rooms because they forgot this essential item.
Many don’t realize you need your card for everything: ordering drinks, returning to the ship after port days, and even proving you’re allowed in certain areas. Invest in a lanyard or card holder you can wear around your neck.
Take a photo of your card’s information as backup. If you lose it, having this image speeds up replacement at guest services and helps you remember your dining assignment and cabin number.
13. Use Spa Discounts on Port Days (Try This)
Spa services drop in price dramatically when the ship is in port! Most passengers disembark for excursions, leaving spa facilities nearly empty. The staff gets desperate for bookings.
Check your daily program for “port day specials” offering up to 40% off regular prices. These deals typically aren’t advertised until you’re onboard. Treatments scheduled between 10 AM and 2 PM usually offer the biggest savings.
For even better deals, wait until about an hour after the ship docks, then visit the spa desk in person. They’ll often have last-minute openings at rock-bottom prices that aren’t advertised anywhere else.
14. Download the Ship App (Try This)
Most major cruise lines now have dedicated apps that transform your experience. I’ve watched the technology improve dramatically over my years at sea.
These apps let you view deck plans, daily schedules, and restaurant menus without carrying around paper materials. Many now offer messaging features to stay connected with travel companions without paying for wifi packages.
The real game-changer is mobile check-in for dining and activities. While other passengers wait in line to make reservations, you can book everything from your phone. Download before boarding—the ship’s wifi is often spotty for large downloads once you’re at sea.
15. Join a Cabin Crawl (Try This)
Cabin crawls are one of cruising’s best-kept secrets! These passenger-organized events let you tour different cabin categories, including luxury suites you’d never see otherwise.
Find these events on cruise forums like Cruise Critic before your sailing. Participants meet and visit 6-10 different cabins, giving you incredible insight for future bookings. You’ll discover which locations are quietest and which balconies offer the best views.
If you can’t find an organized crawl, create your own by befriending passengers at dinner or during activities. Most people are happy to show off their cabin types, especially suite guests proud of their accommodations.
16. Pre-Pack Motion Sickness Meds (Try This)
Motion sickness can ruin a cruise, and onboard pharmacies charge astronomical prices for remedies. I always advised first-time cruisers to bring options before boarding.
Dramamine works but causes drowsiness. I recommend starting with less sedating alternatives like ginger candies, acupressure wristbands, or Bonine. Take medication before you feel sick—it’s much harder to treat symptoms once they start.
Request a midship cabin on a lower deck where movement is minimized. If you do feel queasy, head to an outdoor deck and focus on the horizon. Fresh air and visual stability work wonders even in rough seas.