As you probably know, cruises are an “all-inclusive” type of vacation.
You pay a fee at the time of booking that includes the cabin, food, some drinks, and various services.
However, to get the most out of your cruise, you must take advantage of all the services that are already included in the price.
The problem is that many passengers do not, and some do not even know that they exist.
For this reason, I thought I would create a guide with all the free things you should take advantage of when you go on a cruise.
1. Broadway-Style Shows and Entertainment
Some cruise lines have really high levels of theater performances, and passengers are always left dumbfounded by such excellent quality with all the difficulties that performing on a ship can have.
Unfortunately, I often encountered passengers who didn’t go to the theater, and I think that’s truly a pity.
Some say they don’t have time to go there, and some say they probably won’t like it (without even going there once to take a look).
If you’ve never attended a show on a cruise, I highly recommend that you don’t miss them. They’re great, and they’re free!
2. Rock Climbing and Zip Lining
For those who love adrenaline experiences, I definitely recommend not missing the rock climbing and zip lining.
They are quite common on cruise ships, especially on the Royal Caribbean’s ones.
If you were like me and are thinking, “I will never do that,” please reconsider it.
I was afraid at first, but my friends pushed me to try the zipper line anyway. It was a crazy but beautiful experience.
You fly from one side of the ship to the other going all the way across the middle deck. Something you can only do on a cruise ship!
3. Sauna and Steam Room Access
Unfortunately, you have to pay to access the spa on most cruise ships.
However, some cruise lines offer free saunas and steam rooms, usually at the fitness center.
You can find complimentary access ones on Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises.
Many people don’t know this and don’t take advantage of them. In truth, they are sometimes a bit hidden so if you can’t find them simply ask a crew member.
4. Free Drinks
One of the biggest mistakes when booking a cruise is thinking that if you don’t purchase the beverage package, you will only drink water.
That’s not true at all. Cruises also include in the price other drinks such as lemonade, flavored water, coffee, and milk at the buffet, and many others.
For the full list, you can check the 10 drinks that are free on every cruise ship.
In addition, you’ll be surprised to know that it’s even possible to get some alcoholic drinks for free. If you wanna do it check how you can get a free drink on a cruise.
5. Game Shows and Trivia
Game Shows and Trivia are perfect if you want to spend fun times with friends or other guests on the ship.
They are usually organized in the lounges or on the pool deck, and you can see the schedule in the daily program.
A great thing is that prizes are often offered, which can include cruise line merchandise (like caps, backpacks, or t-shirts) or onboard services such as spa access or vouchers to spend in the onboard shops.
The last time I was on a cruise they had a quiz where you had to guess the song titles. As a music lover, I did very well and won a thermal water bottle.
6. Dance and Fitness Classes
If you like to stay active, I definitely recommend taking part in dance classes or fitness classes.
They are free if organized by the entertainment team, but be careful, as they can be paid activities if led by an expert instructor in the gym.
Usually, anyone can participate in the dances and classes that are held by the pool, so feel free to join. They are also a good option if you don’t wanna gain too much weight on a cruise.
7. Complimentary Restaurants
Many of you already know that the price of the cruise includes the option to eat in some of the restaurants on board.
I wanted to include this point anyway because a few weeks ago, I spoke with a lady who told me that she had been eating at the buffet all week.
I was quite shocked by her words, especially because, in my opinion, you can eat the best food at the restaurants, not at the buffet.
So, I want to specify that eating in the main dining room is free on every cruise. On some cruise lines, you can even go there for all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
8. Gym and Sports Courts
Many people do not take advantage of all the sports activities that can be done on the ship.
First of all the gym is free admission on all ships. Generally, you just have to fill out a sheet for safety regulations.
In addition, on many ships, you could find different sports courts for basketball, soccer, volleyball, squash, padel and so on.
On some of them, you can even find mini-golf courses, table tennis tables, and ice skating rinks.
Staying active is very important on a cruise, especially because you usually eat a lot. That’s why using the gym or a sports court is among the 10 essential tips for passengers over 50.
9. Kids’ and Teens’ Clubs
If you are traveling with children, the kids’ and teens’ clubs will literally save your life.
You can leave the children with the supervisors there and they will enjoy playing with the other little passengers who are on board the ship.
The complimentary clubs are usually for children aged 3 to 11 and teens in the 12 to 17 age range.
Some cruise lines offer nursery services for kids under 3 years old but these usually come at an extra cost.
10. Explore Hidden Areas of the Ships
The last piece of advice I want to give you might seem obvious, but I consider it extremely important.
Don’t forget to explore the ship! A lot of times I hear passengers at the end of the cruise saying “I’ve never been to that place on the ship” or “I’ve never seen this bar before.”
Well, remember to explore every area of the ship, simply go for a walk and get lost aboard these floating wonders.
You probably don’t know it but on cruise ships, there are some hidden areas, access is usually forbidden to ordinary passengers but you can find out what they are in this article.
