Did you know that the ventilation system on a cruise ship is the second biggest drain on fuel? It’s second only to the power required to actually move the ship. So, it’s no small feat to try to get the temperature where most passengers are comfortable.
A recent update from Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador highlighted a story in which a couple requested unrealistic temperatures that are unlikely to be reached on any ship.
A common cruise passenger concern—cabin air conditioning—recently landed in the inbox of Carnival’s John Heald. A couple, who prefer a very cold environment, recently reported experiencing “night sweats” during their cruise on Carnival Jubilee, claiming their cabin’s 69-degree Fahrenheit temperature was “far too hot.”
The guests, who typically keep their home between 60 and 65 degrees, expressed their disappointment with the ship’s temperature. (60 degrees Fahrenheit is about 15.5 Celsius)
Their message to Heald began,
“I’m sure you will get me John because like me and my hubby we are all fatties, we need the air conditioning cold.”
They continued, sharing their experience on Carnival Jubilee: “It was not cold enough. We both spent the cruise with night sweats. The workers…checked our cabin temperature and it was 69°. We run our house at between 60 and 65; our cabin at 69 was far too hot.”
They stated they would not book another sailing unless a colder cabin could be guaranteed.
John Heald, acknowledging his own preference for cooler temperatures and jokingly referring to himself as a “big old boy,” quickly addressed the request for a 60-degree cabin.
“60°? Never going to happen,” Heald stated emphatically during his Facebook Live video.
Read more: 8 Steps for Finding the Perfect Cruise Cabin
Why Cruise Ships Feel Warmer on Embarkation Days
Heald then provided a broader explanation of ship temperatures, particularly as the busy summer cruising season gets closer. He noted that public spaces might feel “a little warm” at times, and new cruisers sometimes “panic a little bit on embarkation day,” finding their cabin not as cold as desired.
He clarified that cabin attendants “always have the air conditioning set to the lowest” before guests even enter their rooms. He explained that there are specific reasons for the temporary warmth often felt on embarkation day.
“First of all, a lot of the ships are running off the shore side power,” Heald explained. Additionally, he noted that various “gateways that are open with the hot air coming in,” including the area where luggage and supplies are loaded, contribute to the heat. “Those big doors are open and the heat is coming in,” he said.
However, Heald assured viewers that “once those doors are closed, once the ship is sailing, it is of course better and things will cool down.”
He believes “most people are absolutely fine with the cabin temperatures” once the ship is underway. He also reminded guests that in public areas, doors are constantly opening and closing, allowing humidity to enter and occasionally making spaces feel warmer.
What to Do If Your Cabin is Too Warm
A common request from Heald is for Carnival guests to make their complaints known to crew members during the cruise and not wait until the end to complain. After all, at that point nothing can be done to fix the problem.
Heald offered this advice for passengers who face temperature issues in their cabin:
“Please I beg you if you have a problem if you’re too hot in your cabin please don’t write to me afterwards and say it was too hot. Speak to somebody, call the guest services desk, tell your cabin attendant, do something so that the crew can do all they can to make it better for you during the cruise rather than shout at me after the cruise.”
Realistic Expectations for Cabin Temps
As for the specific demand for a 60-degree cabin, Heald was pretty straightforward. “I’m going to be honest, if you want it to be 60°, don’t book,” he advised.
“I don’t think you can book any ship where it’s going to be 60°.” He confirmed that temperatures in the range of “65, 66, 67, 68 those are all within normal parameters and you can adjust it of course as well.”
There are many ways to make your stateroom more livable and make it more like home. Some cruise ships have portable fans that can be requested if you still can’t get comfortable with the temperatures. But I recommend packing your own portable fan.