Cruise ships are floating holiday resorts and wonderfully lively places to be. But even the most sociable traveller sometimes needs a moment of calm.
Luckily, most ships have a handful of tucked-away locations that many passengers never stumble upon.
These secret sanctuaries are perfect for reading a book or watching the sea roll by when everything gets too people-y.
1. Helicopter Pad
If your ship has a helicopter landing area, it is often open to passengers when not in use.
You may need to find your way through a quiet set of doors at the bow, and sometimes it is only accessible during daytime hours.
But if you manage to locate it, you are rewarded with uncrowded views straight out to sea and a refreshing breeze. It is a brilliant spot to watch sailaways, take photos, or just enjoy the ship slicing through the waves in peaceful isolation.
Read more: 27 Secrets Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know
2. Forecastle
Pronounced “fo’c’sle”, this is the area at the very front of the ship, sometimes separate from the helicopter pad.
Not every cruise line allows guest access, as this area is often used as the outdoor area for crew members and you may see a crew pool or hit tub here.
However, if yours is open for guests, you can often find benches and railings perfect for Titanic-style sea-gazing, minus the soundtrack.
The gentle hum of the ship at work and the occasional spray of salty mist remind you that you are on a real ocean adventure. It feels like a private spot where only the most inquisitive wanderers arrive.
Be aware though, the forecastle is the windiest spot on the ship. It will be closed in bad weather, and even if it is open, I’d advise taking a hair bobble and definitely no hat!
3. Highest Deck
Many passengers stop at the pool deck and assume it is the top. In fact, there is often a small additional deck above, accessed by a discreet stairwell.
If ever you can’t find a sunlounger, then keep heading upwards and you’re almost certianly sure to find one here. Yes, it may be quite a walk from the pool, and there’s also a chance of encountering some soot from the funnel, but it’s also one of the quietest sunbathing spots on any ship.
Suggested read: Cruise Ship Deck Guide
4. Mid-Level Decks at the Aft
The back of the ship is home to some of the most soothing views around, with the wake trailing behind in a never-ending ribbon of white foam.
While aft pools and lounges can be busy, head down if you can and look for small outdoor decks tucked just below or above the main action.
Aft balconies are among the most coveted cabins for a reason, and public areas back here absorb fewer people. Sometimes you’ll even find comfy loungers with the best views on the ship. It is peaceful, hypnotic, and a perfect setting to enjoy a quiet drink with nothing but ocean behind you.
Read more: The Best & Worst Decks on a Cruise Ship (And Which One You Should Pick)
5. Spa Relaxation Area
Even if you don’t fancy a massage or hot stone treatment, it may be worth checking whether your ship’s spa offers complimentary or low-cost relaxation spaces.
These can include heated ceramic loungers, calming dark rooms with soft music, or panoramic windows looking out to sea.
Some ships have thermal suites that require a pass, but they are still far quieter than the main decks. It feels like stepping into another world, where the loudest sound is someone gently drifting into a nap.
Read more: 5 Cruise Ship Extras That Are Actually Worth Your Money
6. Promenade Deck
The promenade deck wraps around the ship and is a classic escape for those who love sea breezes and movement, yet many people forget it exists at all!
Despite being a large space, it rarely fills up, especially near the bow or on the shady side. Bring a book, lean on the rail, or take a slow stroll while listening to the ocean rushing past. Many promenade decks also have games like shuffleboard or double up as a running track.
Many ships even place loungers out here, creating the perfect low-key sunbathing spot. While others chase the poolside soundtrack, you can enjoy the sound of actual waves.
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7. VIP Areas
Many cruise lines reserve some areas of the ship only for VIPs. These are usually guests staying in suites, or those in the highest levels of the loyalty programme (the ones who have cruised many times before).
However, may guests who are entitled to use these areas forget that they exist at all. So if you do splah out on a suite for your cruise, remember that the extra space in your accommodation is just part of the deal.
Be sure to look out for the suite lounge, a dedicated suite restaurant, or a VIP sun deck to make sure that you get the most out of the perks that you paid for.
8. Crow’s Nest
Older ships often have a crow’s nest lounge up forward on a high deck. It may go by different names, but the idea remains the same: huge windows, elevated views, and usually fewer visitors than the main bars.
During the day it can be a haven for readers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys watching the world go by without loud music or crowds.
After dark, many are transformed into more social spaces, so visit early to enjoy the quiet charm.
Also, if you’re cruising on a tall sailing ship – something like those offered by Star Clippers -there might be an actual Crow’s Nest area, although you’ll have to climb the rigging to get there!
9. Library And Card Room
Libraries are classic cruise hideaways, designed for the calm-seeking traveller. They provide comfy chairs, hushed voices, and sometimes even a decent selection of novels and board games.
Card rooms serve a similar purpose, especially on ships that have downsized their libraries over the years.
These spaces are often overlooked because the biggest entertainment happens elsewhere. Whether you are plotting to conquer a crossword or conquering a new thriller, you can count on a bit of peace.
10. Nightclub During The Day
The nightclub might be the loudest venue on board at night, but in the daytime, nobody ever goes there. Most ships keep the doors open, allowing you to wander in for a feel of the space.
If you like cool temperatures, comfy seating, and complete quiet, this is a dream. It is like having your own exclusive VIP lounge, minus the sweaty dancing and questionable DJ remixes.
A word of warning though – it can sometimes smells like stale beer, depending on how good they are at cleaning the carpets.
Suggested read: How I Avoid the Crowds on Sea Days (My Quiet Cruise Routine)
11. Teen Club (Sometimes Open to All at Certain Times)
Teen zones are normally off-limits. However, some ships open them up during daytime hours when the young crowd is elsewhere. These spaces are designed for chilling out, with gaming chairs, sofas, and sometimes top-notch forward views.
If you spot the doors open, don’t feel shy about popping in. You might find one of the most comfortable and strangely peaceful lounges onboard. Alternatively, you may end up playing Mario Kart on the Xbox. Either way, it’s worth a lopok.
12. The Pool In The Evening
The pool isn’t exactly hidden, but you’d be surprised how many people head indoors at 6pm and never venture outside again until the morning!
Staying by the pool after dark can be a great idea, particularly during warmer weather.
You’ll have plenty of space to swim, hot tubs to yourself, and many ships even offer movies on the top deck. If it’s chilly, they may place blankets out that you can snuggle under while you eat your popcorn.
Many poolside bars stay open after dark too, offering a quieter and more romantic spot to enjoy your evening cocktail.
13. The Back Of The Buffet
The buffet can be one of the busiest places on a cruise ship. Yet many guests often don’t realise that there may be an extra outdoor seating area, right at the back.
If the weather isn’t too warm, you may think that sitting outside for breakfast isn’t really an option. However, due to the sheltered location at the aft, the outside area of the buffet can be a real sun trap.
Some ships also have patio heaters here, making it a real hidden gem.
And even between meals when the buffet isn’t serving food, this can be a great place to sit and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee while admiring the wake views.
14. The Dog Toilet
Cruise ships allow service animals such as guide dogs onboard, and you may never have considered where they do their business.
The answer is that there will be a service animal relief area somewhere outside. If your ship has a promenade deck then you may see it tucked out of the way, or it may only be accessiblt to those in the know through a secret door.
Dog toilets on cruise ships have a patch of fake grass, a trash bin for the waste, and usually either a small sink or some hand sanitiser for the owner.
Suggested read: 6 Ways to Cruise With Your Dog
15. The Brig
Here’s a place that I hope you never see on a cruise ship – the brig. That’s the name for the onboard jail.
When crimes are committed at sea, the onboard security officers may have to detain guests while investigations take place or until they can be disembarked at the next port. Some cruise ships have specialised facilities to hold them in.
Not all cruise ships have brigs though. As they’re used so rarely, guests may be confined to their cabins instead, with a security officer placed outside. Balcony door handles can be removed to prevent access to balconies when needed.
16. The Morgue
Another place where you definitley never want to end up on a cruise ship is the morgue.
Given that so many people take cruises each yeat, and that many of them fit into an older age demographic, deaths onboard are inevitable. When that happens, bodies must be stored until its time for them to be disembarked.
Cruise ship morgues usually have space for four to eight guests, depening on the size of the ship. If the morgue is full, other spaces such as food storage freezers may be used instead.
Suggested read: What Really Happens If Someone Passes Away On A Cruise
Final Word
A cruise holiday is full of excitement, but it is the quiet moments that often become the most memorable.
Whether you discover a rarely visited nook at the bow, a shady lounger on the promenade deck or simply decide that your balcony is the best seat in the house, there is always somewhere to escape for a breather.
So, take a little time to explore beyond the obvious. Your perfect peaceful spot may be just a deck or two away.
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