7 Cruise Tips Nobody Really Talks About

🚿 Shower at the Gym

Yes, the gym.

If you’re sharing a cabin and everyone needs to get ready at once, or if your bathroom feels… compact, remember this:

Most cruise ship gyms have showers.

And sometimes? They’re bigger than the one in your cabin.

It’s like stumbling upon a bonus bathroom that you didn’t know you needed.

Pro tip: Bring a small toiletry bag along, like this: https://amzn.to/4plQ5nL

👟 Dress Codes

No, not whether it's a faux pas to wear shorts during formal night. No, we're talking required dress codes.

Plan to ride the bumper cars? Climb the rock wall? Go ice skating? Some activities require closed-toe shoes, pants, or other. Don't wait in that long line only to be turned away when you finally reach the front.

Did you know that camouflage is banned in some countries, and religious sites often require covered shoulders and knees? A little cultural awareness goes a long way toward happy adventures.

Long story short: Research and know the rules. Dress codes can vary on the ship, at excursions, and in certain countries. Pack versatile clothing and consider bringing items that cover everything you want to do.

🕯️ Nightlight Hack

Cruise cabins get dark. Like, “black hole” dark.

Enter: battery-operated tealights.

They’re tiny, cheap, kid-friendly, and don’t make you blind at 3 a.m. when you’re trying to find the bathroom without stubbing your toe 3 times on the way.

Bonus: you won't have to use one of those limited, valuable outlets!

You can find these here: https://amzn.to/3KIEvUO

☕ Bring Your Reusable Bottle

Most ships offer complimentary water, coffee, and juices….in their lid-free cups and mugs.

If you're anything like me (ahem, clumsy) or want to dodge a surprise splash attack, fill your bottles.

It's a money-saving hydration win. Take your free drinks around the ship safely and avoid that extra laundry bill.

This is the bottle I carry 24/7, everywhere. https://amzn.to/4nyHbD5 While on cruises, I put it in a carrier to wear and absorb condensation. https://amzn.to/3GyHRYl

🕒 Ship Time vs. Port Time

Most ships stay on Ship Time, even if the local port is an hour ahead or behind. Always check what time your ship is using before you wander off into margarita land.

Your phone might betray you. Your watch might betray you.

But Ship Time never lies.

Turn off that automatic time zone update on your phone.

🍏 The Green Apple

Feeling a little wobbly from the waves? Cruise lore says green apples can help with mild seasickness — and guess what? It's true for many people!

The pectin in green apples helps neutralize your stomach acid, and their natural sugar may help you feel better.

They’re often available at the buffet and at small eateries.

A green apple a day keeps the nausea at bay.

🔑 Key cards

Got kids in the cabin next door? Want to pop into their room without waiting for them to let you in? Swing by the Service Desk and ask for extra keys to your linked staterooms—they’ll set you up so everyone can access the rooms they need without hallway chaos.

And if you’re Team Lanyard (or just tired of excavating your key card from the depths of your purse or wallet), the Service Desk comes to the rescue again. They can hole-punch your card so it clips right onto a lanyard or keyring—no more fumbling, just smooth sailing.

Want fun, nautical lanyards? https://amzn.to/46zVjpx

🌊 These tiny tips might seem small, but they can make your cruise smoother. Store them, screenshot them, tattoo them — whatever works.

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