Cruise ships are marvels of modern engineering and design, packed with surprising features that many passengers never discover. These hidden gems enhance the cruise experience for those in the know.
From secret decks to concealed storage compartments, cruise ships harbor numerous intriguing elements that aren’t obvious at first glance.
Your Cabin’s Hidden Secrets
1. Magnetic Walls – A Packing Game-Changer
One of the best-kept secrets on a cruise ship is that most cabin walls are magnetic! Many passengers are surprised when they first discover this handy feature. Packing a few magnetic hooks can transform a tiny cabin into a space with added storage space.
These magnetic walls let passengers hang everything from clothing to cruise documents, keeping the cabin organized and clutter-free. Some cruisers even use magnetic clips to display their daily schedules or hang a makeshift privacy curtain in cabins shared with family members.
2. Pullman Beds That Appear Like Magic
Ever wondered where that extra bed comes from when booking a cabin for three or four people? Many cruise ships feature ingenious Pullman beds that fold down from the ceiling or wall.
During the day, these space-saving beds completely disappear, giving more floor space to move around. The cabin steward will lower them at night and tuck them away again in the morning. It’s like having a secret bedroom that appears only when needed!
Some ships have Pullman beds so cleverly designed they’re nearly invisible until pulled down. The mattresses are typically thinner than standard beds (about 4-5 inches) but still provide a comfortable night’s sleep.
3. Hidden Storage Everywhere
Cruise ship designers are masters of maximizing space. Cabins likely contain secret storage areas that aren’t immediately obvious. Guests should check behind mirrors, under the bed, inside ottomans, and even behind the TV for hidden compartments and drawers.
Many cruise passengers have spent half their cruise before realizing there was a large storage area behind the bathroom mirror!
Asking the cabin steward for a tour when first arriving is a good idea for new cruisers since they know all the hidden nooks where belongings can be stashed.
Secret Ship Areas
4. Hidden Decks and Secret Sunbathing Spots
Many ships have secret deck areas that are not listed on the ships’ maps. These hidden gems often offer quiet sunbathing spots away from the crowded main pools.
On Holland America cruise ships, there’s a hidden door to the bow of the ship that proves particularly valuable during scenic sailings. Crew members open this door and grant guests access during Alaska glacier viewing days and Panama Canal crossings through the locks. These bow areas provide unmatched forward-facing views during these spectacular moments.
Princess Cruises ships sometimes have a similar hidden door allowing access to the front of the ship for spectacular views when sailing into and away from ports. These areas are perfect for taking photos without crowds or glass barriers in the way.
5. The Mysterious “I-95” Corridor
Named after the famous American highway, the “I-95” is the main crew corridor that runs the entire length of the ship on the lowest deck. Passengers rarely get to see this busy thoroughfare that serves as the crew’s main artery for moving around the vessel.
This bustling corridor connects crew quarters, storage areas, and working spaces. It’s especially busy during embarkation and debarkation days when luggage is moved through this area. The morgue, waste processing facilities, and other behind-the-scenes operational areas typically connect to this main corridor.
6. Exclusive VIP Areas
For cruise passengers willing to pay a premium, many cruise lines offer exclusive enclaves that provide a ship-within-a-ship experience. These areas typically include private pools, restaurants, and lounges accessible only to select guests.
NCL’s Haven is a luxury enclave located on the upper decks of Norwegian cruise ships. Haven guests enjoy a private sundeck with pool, 24-hour butler service, and exclusive dining. It’s effectively a luxury boutique hotel within a megaship, offering the best of both worlds.
MSC’s Yacht Club provides a similar premium experience with a private Top Sail Lounge offering panoramic views, an exclusive restaurant, a dedicated pool area, and concierge service. Yacht Club guests also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation privileges.
Virgin Voyages offers Richard’s Rooftop, an exclusive outdoor lounge reserved for guests staying in “RockStar” suites. Named after Virgin founder Richard Branson, this exclusive deck features stylish loungers, hot tubs, and a dedicated bar. The space hosts sunset happy hours with complimentary champagne and other events only accessible to top-tier guests.
7. Secret Bars and Hidden Venues
Some newer ships feature “secret” venues that are not marked on deck plans. MSC World Europa, for example, has a speakeasy-style bar accessed through what appears to be an ordinary phone box. These hidden venues add an element of exclusive adventure to your cruise experience.
Invitations to these secret spots are often randomly distributed, making them even more exciting when you’re lucky enough to receive one. These venues typically accommodate only a small percentage of the ship’s total passengers.
More Hidden Ship Features
8. Onboard Libraries
Many cruise ships, particularly on older and luxury vessels, feature beautiful libraries that double as quiet retreats. These spaces often go undiscovered by passengers focused on active entertainment options.
Cunard ships are renowned for their impressive two-story libraries with curved wooden balustrades, spiral staircases, and stained-glass ceilings. Queen Mary 2 houses one of the largest book collections at sea, with over 10,000 volumes in six languages.
Holland America’s ships feature libraries that have transitioned to Explorations Central (EXC), spaces that combine traditional reading rooms with destination immersion. Viking and Oceania ships offer elegant libraries with dark wood interiors and comfortable seating areas perfect for escaping the bustle of ship life.
9. Massive Galleys with Escalators
Modern cruise ships’ galleys (kitchens) are engineering marvels that most passengers never see. These massive food preparation areas often span multiple decks and may even include escalators to move staff efficiently between levels.
On large ships like Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, there can be up to three separate galleys dedicated to serving passengers. Some galleys connect to dining rooms on completely different decks, requiring waitstaff to navigate stairs or escalators while carrying food and dishes.
These industrial-sized kitchens incorporate the highest cleanliness standards with dedicated handwashing stations, sanitization protocols, and specialized storage areas. Cruise lines often offer behind-the-scenes galley tours (sometimes for an additional fee) where passengers can glimpse the impressive operation that produces thousands of meals daily.
10. The Ship’s Brig
Cruise ships have their own version of a jail called a brig. This small, secure room is a holding cell for passengers or crew members who pose a serious threat to others or break laws while onboard.
Located in a discreet area of the lower decks, typically near security offices, the brig is designed for safety with minimal furnishings. While rarely used, it’s a necessary security feature on vessels that function as small floating cities.
Quirky Ship Secrets
11. The Missing Decks
Here’s a fun cruise easter egg: many ships don’t have a Deck 13! Cruise lines like Celebrity completely skip this number due to superstition. Similarly, MSC doesn’t have a Deck 17 for the same superstitious reasons.
Next time you’re in an elevator on a cruise ship, check out the buttons and see if any numbers are missing. It’s a small quirk that reflects the maritime industry’s long history of superstition.
12. The Ship’s Lucky Coin
Did you know most cruise ships have a special coin hidden somewhere onboard? During the keel-laying ceremony (a milestone in ship construction), shipbuilders place coins under the keel block to symbolize good fortune.
You can find where these lucky coins are displayed on some Royal Caribbean ships. On Oasis of the Seas, head to the bow sundeck on Deck 14 to see the commemorative plaque and cabinet holding the coins that are permanently welded to the ship.
13. The Ship’s Godmother Photo
Each cruise ship has a godmother who christens the vessel and gives it a blessing for safe sailing. Look around the ship and you’ll likely find a photo of the godmother displayed somewhere onboard.
Some famous cruise ship godmothers include Queen Elizabeth II (Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Elizabeth), Sophia Loren (godmother to 14 MSC ships), Dame Judi Dench (Carnival Legend), Kate Middleton (Royal Princess), Whoopi Goldberg (Serenade of the Seas), and even Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai (Celebrity Edge).
Some cruise lines have gotten creative with their godmother choices. Disney Cruise Line named Jennifer Hudson as the godmother of Disney Dream, a full-circle moment since she began her career as a singer on Disney Wonder. Royal Caribbean even named Princess Fiona from Shrek as the godmother for Allure of the Seas!
14. Yes, There’s a Morgue
Here’s a sobering secret most passengers don’t know: cruise ships have morgues. Located on the lowest decks, usually along the I-95 corridor, these facilities are a necessary but rarely discussed feature.
Smaller ships can typically accommodate 2-3 bodies, while larger vessels may have space for up to 10. It’s not something cruise lines advertise, but it’s an essential facility given that thousands of people are onboard, many of whom are elderly.
Crew-Only Areas
15. Crew Bar and Recreation Areas
The crew has their own social spaces, including bars where drinks are available at significantly reduced prices compared to passenger areas. These bars are typically located on the lower decks near crew quarters and offer a relaxing place for off-duty staff.
Some ships also have dedicated crew swimming pools and recreation areas, often at the very bow of the ship on lower decks. If you’re on the top deck looking down toward the front of the ship, you might spot crew members enjoying their break time in these areas.
Making the Most of Hidden Features
Now that these cruise ship secrets have been revealed, passengers can pack smarter and explore their ship with new eyes. Bringing magnetic hooks for those metal walls, asking the cabin steward about hidden storage, and keeping an eye out for those secret decks and missing floor numbers will enhance the cruise experience.
The beauty of cruising is that there’s always something new to discover, even on the tenth sailing. Taking some time to hunt for these hidden features will make any passenger feel like a true cruise insider when they find them!
What’s your favorite hidden feature on a cruise ship? Is it the magnetic walls for extra storage or perhaps a secret deck? Sharing cruise secrets with fellow travelers can make the next voyage even more special.
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