50 Genius Cruise Hacks Every Cruiser Must Know

Cruising is an exciting way to travel, but sometimes it can be tricky to plan a perfect, smooth trip. In particular, there are a few clever tricks that can make everyone’s vacation smoother, but not everyone knows them.

Whether you’re preparing for your first cruise or you’re an expert cruiser, these 50 genius hacks will help you save money, pack smarter, and get the most out of every stage of your vacation.

Once you’ve read and checked them all, you can relax, your cruise is going to be perfect!

Cruise “Off-Season” for Big Savings

Flexibility with dates can save you a lot of money. Cruise fares are often lower during shoulder seasons and less popular times, when most people aren’t cruising.

For example, fall Caribbean cruises or early spring Alaska cruises often cost less. You’ll enjoy a less crowded ship and keep more cash in your pocket.

Book Early (Then Watch for Price Drops)

If you book your cruise early (like 1 year or more in advance), you’ll probably lock in a good rate, but don’t stop there.

Many cruise lines allow price adjustments up until final payment if the fare drops. So keep checking the price a few months before the departure and contact the cruise line (or your travel agent) if you spot a lower fare. You could snag onboard credit or a rate reduction without losing your booking.

Try Last-Minute Deals (If You Can)

If you have a flexible schedule and live near a cruise port, consider booking a last-minute cruise. Close to the sailing date, unsold cabins may be deeply discounted.

I’ve seen week-long cruises for a few hundred dollars when booked only a few days in advance. However, this works best if you don’t need to book pricy last-minute flights and are okay with limited cabin choices and random itineraries.

Consider Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises are one-way cruises when ships relocate for a new season (e.g. Europe to the Caribbean in fall).

They often feature unusual itineraries and lots of sea days, and obviously very cheap prices. As you can imagine, since they’re longer and end in a different port, demand is lower. If you have time for a two-week adventure, you might snag a deal as low as $50 per day, but you have to add the flight to return home.

Use a Cruise Travel Agent for Extra Perks

Many people don’t know this, but it doesn’t cost more to use a travel agent for cruises; in fact, it can save you money.

Cruise-specialized agents often have access to group rates or exclusive deals that beat the cruise line’s price, and sometimes they can throw in perks like onboard credit, complimentary upgrades, or prepaid gratuities.

Since agents’ commissions are paid by the cruise line, you get their expertise and bonuses at no extra cost.

Book a “Guaranteed” Cabin to Pay Less

If you care more about price than the exact cabin location, try to book a guaranteed cabin. This means you pick the cabin category (inside, balcony, etc.) but let the cruise line assign the specific room.

In return, you usually pay the lowest fare for that category. It’s a bit of a gamble, you might end up under a noisy area, but many cruisers get great locations or even free upgrades (like paying for an inside and getting a balcony).

This happened to me personally a few years ago with MSC. I had booked a window cabin, and when I got my tickets, I found out that I had been assigned a suite.

Arrive at the Port City Early

It’s always a good idea not to fly in on the day of the cruise. Arrive a day before to avoid flight delays and to be sure you don’t miss the cruise.

Plus, you get time to explore the embarkation city. On embarkation day, plan to get to the cruise terminal as early as allowed to avoid long lines and be one of the first aboard.

Early boarding means you can start enjoying the ship’s amenities and lunch while others are still in line (a fairly important thing, especially on very short 3-day cruises)

Always Buy Travel Insurance from a Third Party

Travel insurance is essential for cruises, but don’t buy the cruise line’s policy. Independent insurance offers better coverage (including pre/post-cruise travel and flights), often at a lower cost.

It protects you in case of trip cancellation, medical emergencies (ship doctors aren’t cheap!), lost luggage, or even emergency evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands out of pocket.

For peace of mind, compare plans from third-party insurers and get coverage that starts when you leave home, not just when you’re on the ship.

Pack a Carry-On with Essentials

Don’t check everything in your big suitcase. Keep a small backpack or carry-on with the items you’ll need immediately: travel documents, medications, valuables, swimwear and flip-flops, a change of clothes, and sunscreen.

Porters deliver checked bags to cabins later in the day, so having your swimsuit and sandals handy means you can hit the pool as soon as you board instead of waiting for luggage. Also include anything you couldn’t live without for a day in case your luggage is delayed or lost.

Medications always go in your carry-on luggage or bag. Especially prescription ones that may be harder to find.

Bring a Cruise-Approved Power Strip or USB Hub

Most cruise cabins have only two or three outlets, which is tough with today’s devices, especially if you’re traveling with your whole family.

Pack a compact travel power strip (without surge protector, since surge-protected strips are banned) to charge multiple devices at once. There are “ship-approved” outlet expanders specifically designed for cruises.

Alternatively, bring a USB hub or a multi-port charger. This way, your camera, phone, smartwatch, and e-reader can all recharge overnight without fighting over an outlet.

Use Magnetic Hooks to Maximize Cabin Space

Bring a few strong magnetic hooks and clips, they are a cruiser’s best friend for organizing the cabin.

Since most stateroom walls and ceilings are metal, you can stick hooks anywhere. Use them to hang hats, jackets, lanyards, or wet swimsuits. Magnetic clips can hold up the daily program or notes.

These hooks take up almost no suitcase space and instantly add extra “hangers” all over your room.

Hang an Over-the-Door Organizer for Toiletries

If you prefer, you can also bring a foldable over-the-door organizer with pockets to keep toiletries and accessories organized.

Once you unpack, hang it on the bathroom door or wall. Fill the pockets with shoes, toiletries, sunscreen, cosmetics, chargers, basically all the little items that clutter surfaces.

It keeps everything visible and off the tiny vanity. This hack is a lifesaver for families or anyone sharing a snug cabin, ensuring counters stay clear and you don’t lose track of small items.

Bring a Nightlight for Dark Cabins

If you have an interior cabin (no window), it will be pitch black at night and in the morning. To avoid stubbed toes or disorientation, pack a small nightlight or battery-powered LED candle for the bathroom or bedside.

An even smarter trick for inside cabins is to tune your TV to the ship’s bridge cam channel and mute it, the screen will act as a gentle nightlight and even simulate a sunrise when morning comes.

Pack a First Aid Kit

Don’t assume you won’t need any meds on your cruise. Bring a basic kit with band-aids, pain relievers, cold meds, antihistamines, and seasickness remedies like ginger candies or motion sickness pills.

While ships have medical centers and sundry shops, treatment and medicine can be very expensive at sea. Common items like seasick pills, antacids, or cough drops are wise to have from home.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, also consider wristbands or ear patches. Being prepared means you won’t be at the mercy of the $1-per-pill in the ship’s shops.

Don’t Forget Towel Clips

Those cute clothespin-like towel clips are more useful than they look. On windy days (especially when the ship is moving), they’ll secure your towel to the lounge chair so it doesn’t keep flapping or blow away.

You can also use them to hang up wet swimsuits on your balcony or shower line (so they dry faster without flying off).

They’re cheap and take no space, so throw a couple in your bag. Even improvised clips (large binder clips or clamps) work.

Store Suitcases Under the Bed

Cruise cabins are small, so make use of every nook. Most beds are elevated enough to slide your empty luggage underneath once you’ve unpacked. It’s the perfect out-of-sight storage.

Another trick is to use packing cubes to keep clothes organized in the closet, then tuck those big suitcases away. On the last night, pull them back out to pack. If you do this, you’ll have much more livable space in your room instead of tripping over bags all week.

Bring a Highlighter for the Daily Planner

Each evening, you’ll receive a daily planner with all the events for the next day (or you’ll view it in the cruise line app).

I still like to get the paper version, so I bring a highlighter to mark activities and shows I don’t wanna miss.

Marking up the schedule makes planning your day easier; you can see at a glance when that yoga class or comedy show is happening. If you prefer digital, the cruise line’s app often lets you “favorite” events to get, but highlighting a paper schedule is a satisfying old-school trick (at least for me).

Pack a Lanyard or Card Holder for Your Ship ID

On a cruise, your room key card is everything: it’s your cabin key, onboard charge card, and ID to get on/off the ship.

Bring a lanyard with a plastic ID pouch (or use a retractable badge clip or wristband) so you can wear your key card securely. This way, you’re not constantly taking it out of your pockets or risking losing it.

Many people collect spare lanyards from conferences or have one from a past cruise. If not, you can buy one on board, but it’ll be pricier.

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle and Coffee Tumbler

Cruise ships have drink stations with free water, tea, coffee, and juice nearly 24/7.

Bring your own refillable water bottle and a thermal coffee mug to make the most of it. In the buffet, you can fill your bottle (using a clean cup to pour for sanitation) and stay hydrated on shore excursions without buying bottled water.

Complete Online Check-In ASAP

Don’t wait until you’re at the port to fill out paperwork. Check in online as soon as it opens (often 30–45 days before the cruise) to select an early arrival time. The earlier you check in, the more choice of embarkation slots you get.

This means you’ll board earlier and start your vacation sooner. Print out or download your boarding passes and luggage tags at home. Having all documents ready (passport, boarding pass, or medical documents if required) will make the embarkation easier. You’ll sail through security and check-in while others will still be there filling out forms.

Skip the Crowded Buffet at Boarding

I don’t know why, but as soon as people get on the ship, they immediately go to the buffet. The result is that on embarkation day, it gets super crowded, and sometimes it’s even hard to find a free table.

When you first get on the ship, don’t follow the herd to the buffet. Instead, look for alternative lunch spots. Many ships open a main dining room for a sit-down lunch or have smaller eateries (like a café, pizzeria, or grill by the pool) that are far less crowded.

Some experienced Carnival cruisers prefer to go straight to Guy’s Burger Joint instead of the buffet on the first day, while on Royal Caribbean, you can go to the Park Café for a delicious roast beef sandwich

Use Your Carry-On to Start the Fun Early

Because you wisely packed a swimsuit and shorts in your carry-on (like we said earlier), take advantage of them on the first day.

After boarding, change into your swim gear (public restrooms or spa locker rooms work if your cabin isn’t ready yet) and enjoy the pool and hot tubs early.

Many cruisers don’t have their suits or are busy exploring, so the pool deck is often quiet in the first hours. You could be soaking in a nearly empty hot tub while others are still embarking.

Similarly, pack your sneakers in your carry-on if you want to try the rock climbing wall or sports court on day one with minimal waits. Starting the fun immediately when others are still on the ground, it is a wonderful feeling.

Reserve Activities and Dining as Soon as You Board

On the first day, it’s crucial that you book all the activities you wanna do and that you didn’t reserve pre-cruise.

After boarding, visit the spa, specialty restaurant desks, the excursions desk or use the app to make reservations for things like spa treatments, specialty dining, and popular shows. Please don’t put it off, these can fill up fast.

Investing a little time on embarkation afternoon to handle reservations will pay off when you snag that couples’ massage at the perfect time or a table at the chef’s table dinner.

Take the Spa Tour (and Enter the Raffle)

Another interesting thing you can do on the first day is the spa tour. The ship’s spa staff usually offer guided tours on day one, often with complimentary mini-treatments or product samples.

At the end, there’s almost always a raffle for big prizes, like free massages or spa credit. The odds are decent (a few winners per cruise), and even if you don’t win, you’ll learn about any day-one spa discounts.

Often, the spa runs embarkation day specials (or port-day specials later on). Plus, you get to see the gym, sauna, and therapy rooms, which are impressive in themselves. It’s a fun, relaxing way to kick off the cruise and potentially score a valuable freebie.

Watch Out for the “Welcome Drink”

As you explore the deck on day one, the smiling crew might offer you a fruity cocktail in a souvenir glass. Remember that drinks on a cruise aren’t usually free.

Many first-timers mistakenly think that some drinks are complimentary, only to be hit with a $12 charge on their account.

If you’re not sure, just ask the waiter or bartender if it’s free or not. A simple question can save you from spiteful charges at the end of the cruise.

Meet Your Cabin Steward and Request Extras Early

Shortly after embarkation, your stateroom attendant will introduce themselves. Use this chance to ask for any special requests right away.

Need more hangers or pillows? Want the beds separated (or combined)? Perhaps you’d like an ice bucket filled daily, or a blanket for the balcony. Cabin stewards are usually happy to accommodate, and asking on day one ensures you’re on their radar.

Building a friendly rapport on the first day sets the tone for excellent service all cruise long. Obviously, if you make several requests, don’t forget to leave a small tip.

Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode if You Don’t Have an International Data Plan

The moment your ship sets sail, switch your phone to airplane mode and enable Wi-Fi only. This prevents your phone from connecting to maritime or international cell networks, which can incur high roaming charges.

If you still need a connection, rely on the ship’s Wi-Fi (with a package). Internet on cruise ships can be expensive, but that’s the only way to stay connected with friends and family.

Pre-Purchase Packages for a Discount

If you plan to buy an internet package or an all-inclusive drink package, always do it before you board. Cruise lines typically give 10–15% off for buying online in advance.

Onboard, you’ll pay full price. The same goes for photo packages, specialty dining bundles, and other add-ons. Check the cruise personalizer site a few weeks before sailing, sometimes there’s a sale on packages.

Use the Cruise Line’s App for Free Onboard Communication

In 2025, almost every major cruise line has a free mobile app for onboard use. Download it before you sail. Once on the ship, you can connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi (free for app usage) and use features like daily schedules, restaurant menus, deck maps, and sometimes a chat function to message travel companions.

Once again, the app won’t let you surf the full internet without a plan, but it’s a handy tool for staying organized and connected on board.

Wi-Fi Trick to Check Email (Free)

Here’s a pro hack for occasional internet needs: some ships’ pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi only charges if you’re on for 30 seconds or more. So if you log on briefly (<30 sec), it doesn’t count against your minutes.

You can quickly download new emails or open a webpage, then log off and read them offline. Different passengers have tested this trick on Celebrity and Holland America successfully, and 29 seconds is enough to sync email or refresh a news site.

Be very mindful of the timer; one second over and you’ll be charged a full minute (and some lines like NCL charge a full minute even for a few seconds.

Use the Gym Showers for Extra Room

If your cabin bathroom is cramped or you have multiple people trying to get ready, remember that the ship’s fitness center locker room has showers, and they’re usually quite large.

Anyone can use the gym showers, and they’re often empty in the evenings or late afternoons. On port days especially, when everyone’s sandy and rushing to dinner, send a family member or two to the spa/gym locker room to shower while others use the cabin, it really speeds things up.

As one cruiser noted, with 4 people in a cabin, having a couple use the gym showers before dinner was a lifesaver. Oh, and remember that the gym area might also have saunas or steam rooms accessible for free.

Bring Your Own Allowed Drinks

You don’t have to pay bar prices for every beverage. Most cruise lines let you bring a limited amount of alcohol or soft drinks in your carry-on at embarkation.

For example, a common policy is one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne per adult, plus perhaps a 6-pack of soda or water.

Check your cruise line’s rules and pack accordingly. Enjoy that wine in your cabin or take a glass to dinner (some lines might charge a corkage fee in dining rooms, but not if you pour it yourself in your stateroom).

Also, if you want, you can bring a few favorite sodas or non-alcoholic drinks to avoid buying expensive cans on board. If you’re a light drinker, skipping the pricy drink package and bringing your own wine and sodas can save a lot.

Take Advantage of Free Drinks Events

You don’t necessarily need a drink package to enjoy some cocktails. Many cruises have events with free drinks if you know where to look. The Captain’s Welcome Party often features complimentary champagne or cocktails for a brief period.

Art auctions hand out free bubbly just for attending (just avoid buying artwork that is often overpriced), and past-passenger loyalty receptions usually come with free cocktails as a thank you.

Some ships also host alcohol tasting seminars or pub crawls with free samples. And if you’re really in the know, certain ships have “happy hours” or buy-one-get-one deals listed in the daily program.

Use Room Service

Most cruise lines offer free room service breakfast (at least a basic continental one) if you hang the order card on your door the night before.

You can specify the delivery time around 8:00 AM, and you’ll get a wake-up knock with coffee and maybe pastries. It’s the best alarm clock ever: you open your eyes to coffee aroma and can sip a cup in bed within minutes of waking.

Even if you plan to eat breakfast elsewhere, you can order just a pot of coffee or tea. On famous lines like Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, etc., basic morning room service is free (just tip the delivery person a couple dollars).

Order Multiple Dishes at Dinner

One of the joys of cruising is the dining room experience, and unlike a land restaurant, it’s usually all-inclusive. If two appetizers catch your eye, or you can’t choose between steak and pasta, you can order both.

Cruise waiters are used to guests ordering an extra starter or splitting a second entree. There’s typically no extra charge for additional dishes (with some exceptions like lobster on some lines).

Royal Caribbean recently started charging for a third entree, but you can still get two entrees plus appetizers and sweets included. Just be mindful of food waste; ask for half portions if you want to taste a dish without filling up.

Enjoy Adults-Only Retreats and Quiet Zones

For a break from the bustling pools and family activities, seek out your ship’s adults-only areas or lesser-known lounges.

Many mainstream ships have a section like Carnival’s “Serenity” deck, Norwegian’s “Spice H2O”, or Royal Caribbean’s Solarium that are 18+ and considerably more tranquil.

These spots often have comfy loungers, hot tubs, or even their own bar, everything without kids.

Another hack: explore the very forward or aft decks. Some ships have “secret” observation decks at the bow or a little-used pool off the aft with a great view. The library, if your ship has one, is usually empty and peaceful, a nice spot to read with ocean views.

Check Your Onboard Account Daily

It’s easy to lose track of spending when all you do is flash a key card for a drink or spa treatment. Avoid shocks at the end by monitoring your account regularly.

You can use the interactive TV in your cabin or the cruise line app to review charges each day. This way, you can catch any errors (like being charged for a drink you didn’t order) and keep an eye on package usage or remaining onboard credit.

If something looks off, sort it out with Guest Services before the last-day line. It’s much easier to dispute or adjust a charge during the cruise than after you’ve disembarked.

Leave a Card in the Power Slot

Many newer ships require your room key card in a slot to keep the lights on (an energy-saving measure). A simple hack: use any old card (library card, expired credit card) in place of your room key so the power stays on while you’re out.

This is handy if you want to charge devices or keep the AC running. Just insert the spare card into the slot and leave it; your cabin thinks the key is in, so the lights stay on. (contrary to myth, on some lines the AC may stay on regardless, but lights usually go off without a card).

Do It Yourself for Excursions (and Save Big)

Cruise line shore excursions are convenient but often expensive and crowded. In many ports, you can plan on your own for a fraction of the price.

Research ahead of time: local tour operators, public transport, or simply exploring on foot. Often, you can hire a taxi tour on the spot or pre-book a small group tour online that’s cheaper than the ship’s tour.

For instance, instead of a $100-per-person bus tour from the ship, four people could split a taxi for $100 total and get a private tour.

But the best thing is that going DIY not only saves you money, it also lets you customize your day. Just be sure to build in plenty of buffer time to return to the ship well before all-aboard time; the ship will not wait if you’re late on your own.

Be Back Well Before “All On Board”

On all cruises, there’s one crucial rule: the ship will leave without you if you’re not back by the designated time, unless you’re on a ship-sponsored excursion.

Plan to be back on board at least an hour before the posted all-aboard time (or even earlier if tendering). That way, if your tour runs late or you get stuck in traffic, you have a cushion.

Some savvy cruisers set their phone alarm for a “return to ship” deadline. Also, always carry the port agent’s contact info (it’s on the daily program or posted near the gangway) and if something goes awry, call them.

Download Offline Maps

Before you sail (or while on Wi-Fi), use Google Maps (or Apple Maps) to download maps of your port cities to your phone. This way, you can use GPS and navigate on foot without needing cell service or internet.

In addition, consider downloading a translation app and the city’s Wikipedia page for offline access, and remember that if you do need connectivity, many ports have free Wi-Fi in the terminal or cafes.

Oh, and be careful when using your phone on the street. Tourist thefts are quite common, especially if you’re visiting one of the ports considered more dangerous for cruise passengers.

Try Self-Disembarkation

On the final morning, you usually have two choices: regular disembarkation (putting your luggage out the night before and waiting for your tag color to be called), or self-disembark (carrying all your bags off yourself).

If you can manage your luggage, self-disembarkation lets you leave first, and you’ll avoid the long wait in the lounge and the huge queues when groups are called.

It’s especially useful if you have an early flight or you live quite far from the port and wanna reach home before night.

Keep Last-Day Essentials

Don’t be the person who accidentally packed all their clothes and had to debark in pajamas! The night before you get off, you’ll pack your suitcases and set them in the hall (if not doing self-disembark).

Remember to leave out an outfit for the next day, plus toiletries and any vital items. Also, keep medications, important documents, and car keys with you.

A lightweight duffel or backpack can hold your PJs, toiletries, and a change of clothes. This way, you’re not rifling through luggage on the pier to find your shoes!

In addition, remember to have a look at the 10 Disembarkation Tips Every Cruiser Needs to Know.

Review Your Final Bill the Night Before

On your last evening, take a moment to check your account on the TV or app (or the paper statement delivered to your cabin). Settle any discrepancies or cash out remaining credit while the ship’s Guest Services is open.

Crew can correct mistakes (like removing minibar charges you didn’t incur), or you can settle your account in cash if you prefer.

f you bought art or duty-free liquor, verify those charges too. Also, ensure your gratuities are as expected (some people adjust them at the desk). Handling this on board prevents getting an unwelcome surprise charge on your credit card later.

Just remember that there are 7 Things You Should Never Buy on a Cruise.