8 Cruise Line Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know
Think you know how cruising works? 🚢 Here are 8 behind-the-scenes cruise secrets the cruise lines don’t want you to know — including hidden fees, upgrade tricks, and real tips from Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean travelers.
If you’ve ever wondered what cruise lines don’t tell you before you book, this post is for you. I recently made a video called “8 Cruise Secrets the Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know” — and it’s one of the most eye-opening cruise tips videos I’ve ever made. You can watch it here 👇
Whether you’re planning your first Disney Cruise, setting sail with Royal Caribbean, or thinking about your next Carnival voyage, knowing what goes on behind the scenes can save you money, stress, and a few surprises once you’re onboard.
#8 – Cruise Lines Make More Money After You Board
The ticket price is just the beginning. Cruise lines keep fares low to get you onboard, but they make their real profit from what happens once you’re at sea. Drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and even bottled water add up fast.
The onboard economy is built around upsells — so it pays to plan ahead. Many of these extras can be booked online before you cruise, often for less.
💡 Pro Tip: Book drink packages and excursions before boarding day, and set a spending limit in the app if you’re traveling with family.
#7 – What Most Passengers Don’t Know About the Medical Center
Every cruise ship has a medical center, but it’s not like a full hospital. It’s designed for basic care, emergencies, and stabilizing patients until they can reach a port.
What most people don’t realize: visits can be very expensive and are billed out-of-pocket if your insurance doesn’t cover travel.
💡 Pro Tip: Always travel with insurance that includes cruise medical coverage — even if you’re only cruising to the Caribbean.
#6 – Crew Members Work Long Hours Behind the Magic
Cruise ship crews are some of the hardest-working people in hospitality. Many work 10–12 hour days, seven days a week, for months at a time.
They live onboard, often sharing small cabins below deck, and rotate between contracts. Despite that, the majority of crew members love what they do and take pride in delivering great guest experiences.
💡 Pro Tip: Be kind to your crew — a genuine thank-you or small gratuity can make a big difference.
Surfside on Star of the Seas
#5 – That “Free” Cabin Upgrade Isn’t Always a Deal
You might be offered a last-minute upgrade for what seems like a small fee — but here’s the catch: those “deals” often come with trade-offs.
You could lose your preferred cabin location, your connecting room, or even end up under a noisy deck area. Always double-check before saying yes to an upgrade.
💡 Pro Tip: If you love your current cabin, keep it. Not every “upgrade” is actually better.
#4 – Onboard Wi-Fi Is a Profit Center
Cruise Wi-Fi has come a long way, especially with Starlink internet now rolling out on major lines. But it’s still pricey — and the “unlimited” plans often come with restrictions like no streaming or video calls.
💡 Pro Tip: Download movies, playlists, and eBooks before you sail. If you must stay connected, buy the full-cruise Wi-Fi package early — it’s usually discounted pre-cruise.
#3 – Shore Excursions Aren’t Always Run by the Cruise Line
That “official” excursion may not actually be run by the cruise company. Many are operated by third-party vendors, and prices are marked up significantly.
💡 Pro Tip: Research local tour operators before your trip. You’ll often find the exact same experiences for less — just make sure they guarantee on-time return to the ship.
Icon of the Seas Balcony Stateroom
#2 – Your Cabin Is Watched More Closely Than You Think
Ever wonder how your room gets cleaned so fast? Cruise lines track cabin occupancy digitally — they know when you’re out, so housekeeping can step in.
There are no hidden cameras (don’t worry!), but motion sensors and smart locks are often used to optimize service and energy use.
💡 Pro Tip: Turn on your “Do Not Disturb” sign when you need privacy. Crew members respect it — and you’ll get fewer interruptions.
#1 – Cruise Lines Rely on Your Data
From the moment you download the app to your last night onboard, cruise lines collect tons of data — what you order, where you go, even which bars you linger at.
It’s not sinister; it’s about marketing. They use it to tailor offers, promotions, and future itineraries.
💡 Pro Tip: Use guest mode if you’d rather not share too much data, and skip optional surveys that aren’t required.
Bonus: Cruise Gratuities Are Split (and Sometimes Pooled)
Many first-time cruisers assume their prepaid gratuities go straight to their server or stateroom host. In most cases, tips are pooled and distributed among a larger team — including support staff you never meet.
💡 Pro Tip: If someone goes above and beyond, tip them directly with cash at the end of your cruise. It ensures they actually receive it.
Ready to Cruise Smarter? Watch the Full Video
These are just a few of the cruise secrets I reveal in my latest YouTube video. I go deeper into how cruise lines make money, what they don’t advertise, and the small details that make a big difference for first-time cruisers.
🎥 Watch the full video now: 8 Cruise Line Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know
If you found this post helpful, be sure to subscribe to my channel for more cruise tips, Disney Cruise Line insights, and honest advice for travelers who want to make the most of their vacation time.
About Darren:
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.
🎥 Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy
Search for more information on my blog.
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