Even if you think you’re a seasoned cruiser, there are some hidden features of cruise ships you might not know about — and some you might even stumble upon while on board. From jail cells to hidden surprises, here are some of the weirdest things you might find on a cruise ship.
1. Jail Cells
Don’t let the unlimited access to food and the carefree vibes fool you: Laws and rules still exist on cruise ships. And guess what? So do consequences. You’re not going to get pulled over on the deck by a cop cruising a moped or get cuffed while your rights are being read to you near the bar. But if you’re unruly on board, you’ll be kept in the brig until your senses return, or until the cruise ship powers that be see fit. No refunds either.
Related: 14 Types of People Who Really Should Never Take a Cruise
2. A Morgue
From freak accidents to tragic incidents, untimely deaths occur all the time — even on cruise ships. With an estimated 200 deaths aboard cruise ships each year, it makes sense that these vessels have morgues, although it might be pretty shocking to see one. These refrigerated rooms usually only have the capacity for two to 10 bodies and are meant to preserve them until other accommodations can be arranged, usually at the next port.
Related: The Worst Cruise Ship Horror Stories
3. Hidden Pools
With some 1,000 crew members on board every vessel, there has to be reasonable room for them to relax and unwind away from the riff-raff of regular passengers. After all, the bartender should be able to go for a swim without Harry from Cabin 209 asking him to make his pour a little heavier during his next shift. For that reason, most cruise ships have hidden pools and facilities designated specifically for crew members.
Related: The Most Unbelievable Cruise Ship Amenities
4. No Deck 13
Roaming around a cruise ship, you might notice there’s often no Deck 13. That’s because of a widespread superstition that the number 13 is bad luck, and there is certainly no room for bad luck at sea.
5. Rubber Ducks
No, these aren’t the bath tub toys of toddlers littering cruise ships for no particular reason. Instead, some passengers leave little rubber duckies behind as a fun memento for others to find and smile about. If you find one, you can even log it online. It’s a whole thing, guys.
Related: Don’t Sink Your Wallet: 7 Things You Should Never Buy While on a Cruise
Trending on Cheapism
6. Magnetic Walls
Need to put something on the wall for safekeeping while you’re cruising? Just bring magnets and stick your stuff to the metal wall in your room. This feature also comes in handy for organizational purposes — grab some magnetic hooks to hang your purse on to save space in the cabin.
For more cruise tips, sign up for our free newsletters.
