People who have gone on cruises several times are very familiar with modern cruise ship areas.
Everyone knows that on cruise ships you can find different cabins, restaurants, buffets, swimming pools, and some spaces dedicated to entertainment.
What many people don’t know, however, is that there are hidden places that cruise lines try to keep as private as possible.
But what are these places? And why do workers tend not to talk about them? Let’s find out more about them!
1. Security Cells
I know it sounds crazy, but there are security cells on every cruise ship.
Some people call them prisons but don’t think of them as the steel-barred cells you see in the movies.
They are rather like very small cabins with soundproof walls and a door that can be locked from the outside.
Why are they on cruise ships? Well because ships are enclosed spaces, and in dangerous situations, it might be useful to confine a passenger until he or she is handed over to the authorities.
They are usually used only in extremely serious cases. For example, if passengers create damage because they are drunk, they will first be escorted to their cabin.
If they continue to disregard the rules, the security team may consider using the security cell.
To avoid ending up in a cruise ship cell, carefully read the reasons why you can be banned from the ship.
2. Hidden Lounges
During my different cruises, I learned one thing: every ship has hidden lounges that the general public misses.
These spots are perfect if you want to relax, and you want to get away from the hustle and bustle (especially on larger cruise ships).
To find them be sure to carefully scan the whole ship, some of them are not even indicated on the ship plan.
For example, on Disney, you can go to the Outlook Lounge on Deck 14 of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
On Carnival, you can go to Lanai on Deck 5 of the Carnival Breeze, Dream, and Magic.
While on Royal Caribbean, especially on Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, there are some very cute small seating areas just off the running track on deck 5. Go have a look and I assure you that you will fall in love with them.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a good photo of them, but I think you can still see it in the pic above, just behind the track sign.
3. Crew Bars
Another area that is perfectly hidden from passengers is the bar reserved for the crew.
It’s a place designed for relaxing before or after the shift, for socializing or meeting with colleagues.
Do workers have to pay for drinks? Generally yes, alcoholic drinks are not included in their contract, however, they are much cheaper than those served in the bars for passengers.
For this reason, and to maintain a professional environment, crew bars are strictly off-limits to passengers.
The only exception is usually if a worker’s relative is on board and the worker takes them to the crew bar.
In addition, just like passengers cruise have access to a good selection of free drinks.
4. Morgue
I know it is strange to talk about it, which is why cruise lines try to keep it hidden, however, on every cruise ship you can find a morgue.
You’ll be surprised to hear that, but it’s actually a legal requirement.
All oceangoing cruise ships are mandated to have a morgue onboard. This requirement ensures that the ship is prepared to deal with any fatalities that may occur while at sea.
We cannot hide the fact that cruises are very popular among older people, so the possibility of death is a real consideration.
Morgues are typically located on the lower decks of the ship, away from passenger areas, to maintain discretion and privacy.
Once the ship reaches port, the body is handed over to local authorities to arrange the repatriation of the body.
The whole procedure is carefully followed by the cruise ship’s doctor.
5. Secret Pools
I don’t know if you’ve ever seen it, but often, at the front of cruise ships, there may be a small swimming pool.
If you have seen it you may have wondered what it’s for, since you cannot get to it through the passenger decks.
Well, this kind of pool is usually reserved for the crew and is accessible through a private entrance.
It is an area for relaxing, taking a bath, and getting some sun. An additional benefit that should balance the salary of cruise workers, which is usually not very high.
Typically, these areas should be hidden from passengers, and that’s why they are not always easy to see.
You can see them only if you have a cabin right at the front of the ship or if there is a lounge on that ship with windows at the front.
