First time cruisers

Topless sunbathing on cruise ships is a topic that always divides opinion.

While some cruisers (like me) welcome an opportunity to tan the boobies, there are others who are horrified at the idea. Like this person, who messaged Carnival ambassdor John Heald to check…

Topless sunbathing is allowed on several cruise ships. But – (and this is a big but) – there are some key rules you have to follow.

So, whether you’re keen to work on that tan line-free holiday glow or just curious about what’s allowed, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about topless sunbathing at sea.

Do: Choose A Cruise Line That Allows Topless Sunbathing

Most North American cruise lines have become quite conservative about topless sunbathing in recent years. It’s quite different from how things used to be. In the past, many cruise ships, including Carnival, had designated sundecks for this very purpose, but not any more.

These days, the big names like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line have strict policies that state that women must keep their tops on at all times in public.

Men, of course, are free to go topless by the pool. Even though some of them have larger chests than many women. Unfair? Maybe.

Norwegian Cruise Line makes it crystal clear in their guest conduct policy that topless sunbathing isn’t allowed.

And while Carnival doesn’t explicitly ban it in their policies, they expect guests to wear “respectful attire” throughout the ship.

John Heald has confirmed that while Carnival ships used to have topless sunbathing over 20 years ago, it has since been banned, alongside other retro activities like skeet shooting.

But it’s not all disappointing news! If you’re keen on topless sunbathing, there are still some options…

These 5 Cruise Lines Allow Women To Go Topless:

1. Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson’s cruise line Virgin Voyages has been quite revolutionary since launching in 2020. They’ve got a special area called “The Perch” on Deck 17 where you can comfortably sunbathe topless.

2. Costa Cruises

Italian cruise line Costa Cruises permits opless sunbathing on their top decks, by the pool, and on cabin balconies, embracing a European-style sunbathing approach.

3. AIDA Cruises

This German cruise line offers a sun deck dedicated exclusively to topless sunbathing on nearly all its ships.

4. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Another German cruise line, Hapag-LLoyd features a designated area for topless sunbathing on its Europa ship.

5. Cunard

British cruise line Cunard allows ladies to go topless but not by the pool, only on your own balcony. This is very much in line with the opinions of many British women who wouldn’t go topless at the beach in the UK, but would happily do it in their own back garden!

Do: Choose The Right Spot

As you can see from the policies above, topless sunbathing is only allowed in certain areas, and those depends on which ship youre on.

Virgin Voyages has made it really easy with “The Perch” on Deck 17 – it’s a lovely dedicated space where you can feel completely at ease.

On the whole, the best place to whip off your top and work on your tan is on a high deck away from the main pools. You’ll certainly want to be fully clothed when inside the ship, and that includes a cover-up over your bikini.

Do: Consider Your Itinerary

It’s worth noting that acceptable practices can vary depending on where you’re cruising. European routes tend to be more relaxed about topless sunbathing – I’ve noticed it’s particularly common in Mediterranean itineraries. But if you’re sailing from North America, you might find stricter policies in place.

Remember, if you’re not sure about anything, it’s better to ask than assume.

Don’t: Forget The Sunscreen

If you plan on baring your boobs, don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen! Those upper decks can get quite sunny and with the coiol breeze you may not feel yourself burning. Be sure to protect any areas that aren’t usually exposed to the sun.

Don’t: Be Topless In Family Areas

I can’t stress this enough – even if you’re on a cruise line that allows topless sunbathing, you’ll want to avoid the main pool areas and family zones completely!

If your ships has an adults only area, as most do, then make use of it.

Don’t: Take Photos Of People

Taking photos in topless sunbathing is a complete no-no. It’s about respecting everyone’s privacy and comfort. Even if you’re just trying to get a selfie, it’s best to keep your camera tucked away while in these areas.

Remember, breaking these rules could lead to a chat with ship security or, in extreme cases, being asked to leave at the next port. It’s always better to play it safe and follow the ship’s guidelines!

Do: Consider Local Regulations

Ships may adjust their policies when they’re docked in certain ports of call. For instance, some Middle Eastern and Asian countries have quite strict modesty laws that ships must respect.

So while sunbathing topless on your balcony may be okay while the ship is at sea, there’s a good chance that it may not be once your ship is docked.

Do: Research Nude and Topless Beaches

Depending on your itinerary, you may spend more time sunbathing topless on the beach than you do on your ship. Most beaches in the Mediterranean allow topless sunbathing. On some beaches you’ll find that the majority of women opt to be naked from the waist up.

In the Caribbean, there are fewer options. But Cozumel does have some topless beaches that are worth a visit.

Do: Consider A Nude Cruise

Clothing-optional cruises have surged in popularity in recent years and there are lots of itineraries to choose from. It’s worth researching these carefully as they are quite diverse, with some offering a relaxed experience for those who prefer the comfort of being textile-free and others offering a much more risque experience.

Suggested read: The Best Nude & Clothing-Optional Cruises

It all comes down to culture

Researching this article has really highlighted how the differences in cruise line policies regarding topless sunbathing are influenced by the local cultures of where the ships are based.

I recently took a cruise with the German river cruise line A-Rosa and as I walked into the ‘family-friendly’ spa (where kids are allowed), I was taken aback by how every single guest, men and women alike, were fully-nude.

As a British person, I found this to be a little unsettling and I felt a little uncomfortable being the only person in swimwear. Especially in the hot tub! But for Germans, it’s totally normal.

At the other end of the nudity spectrum, I also find it difficult to empathise with someone who is worried that their teenage sons may see a pair of breasts. Surely, they have seen them before? Maybe not.

At the end of the day, all that matters is that you are comfortable, and that the people around you are comfortable. Be sure to do your research about the rules before whipping off your top and everyone wil be happy.

Related Posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

When you’re cruising, your cabin will be looked after by a cabin steward or cabin attendant – but they do much more than just cleaning.

Cabin stewards are your go-to for anything you might need to improve your stay. Although they don’t offer butler-level services (some suites or ships do have those though), you can always ask if you need something.

As long as it’s a reasonable request, they’ll probably sort it out for you – and surprisingly quickly, too!

I asked my Facebook followers for the extras they asked cabin stewards for, and did some extra research too. Here’s the list of the most popular requests.

1. Ice and/or ice bucket

Nothing quite says ‘holiday mode’ like a chilled drink in hand! Whether it’s for a G&T on the balcony or keeping your water cool, an ice bucket is one of the most popular requests.

Some guests even ask for an ice bucket at a set time each day, so it’s ready right when they want it. Now that’s efficient cruising!

Cabin stewards are happy to keep you stocked, especially if they know it’s part of your daily routine. They might not always be able to do it for a certain time, but there’s no harm in asking.

2. Extra pillows (including thinner pillows)

Not all cruise ship pillows are made equal, and everyone’s got their own preference for the perfect pillow.

For some, that means piling on extra cushions for a bit of luxury. For others, a thinner pillow does the trick, especially if the standard ones feel a bit too plump.

Just ask your cabin steward, and you’ll likely get exactly what you need for a great night’s sleep.

Some cruise lines do make a pillow menu a perk of higher-class staterooms/suites. So if you’ve booked a regular cabin, don’t expect to always have the options you want.

Still, the attendants want you to sleep well – happy cruisers tend to tip better! – so they’ll do what they can, within the rules.

3. Extra towels

It’s no wonder that people often ask for a few extra towels, whether they’re lounging by the pool or getting ready for dinner.

Some guests like having a dedicated towel just for the beach or excursions. Others simply enjoy the convenience of a fresh one each day.

Suggested read: What You Need To Know About Cruise Ships Towels

Your cabin steward is usually more than willing to keep you well-stocked, so you’ll never be left damp and waiting.

If you’re a plus-size guest, and the provided towels don’t quite wrap around as much as you’d like, they may be able to rustle up a larger towel for you to use.

Don’t be ashamed to ask. I’m sure they’ve been asked for much worse!

4. Hangers (extra or thinner)

Closet space on a cruise is often at a premium, and chunky wooden hangers don’t always help when you’ve packed half your wardrobe (just in case, right?).

Extra or slimmer hangers can make all the difference, allowing you to keep things organised and wrinkle-free.

Just a quick word with your steward, and you’ll be able to hang up everything without needing to cram.

Some people pack their own hangers – don’t! You really don’t need to, there’ll always be more available and you’re just wasting suitcase space.

5. Body lotion

After a day in the sun, or just to pamper yourself, body lotion is a popular request. Especially if it’s a brand offered by the cruise line, like The White Company on P&O ships.

Sometimes this isn’t provided automatically, but cabin stewards often have a stash for those who ask.

It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference, and it’s a lovely treat for your skin after all that salty sea air.

6. Conditioner

Although most cabins provide shampoo and shower gel, conditioner isn’t always guaranteed. Let’s be honest: a day of sun, sea and pool water can leave your hair feeling a bit parched.

Many guests ask their steward to bring a bottle of conditioner to keep their locks in holiday shape.

Plus, it saves precious suitcase space if you know your steward can provide the essentials.

7. Blanket

Cruise ship duvets can be a bit heavy in warmer climates, and many guests prefer a lighter option.

That’s where a blanket comes in handy. It’s perfect for those who like a little warmth without being too toasty.

A simple request to your steward, and you’ll have a cosy but breathable blanket waiting on the bed. For some, a blanket is also great for curling up on the balcony for a bit of late-night stargazing.

8. Mattress toppers or pillow tops

If you’re don’t quite find the bed to your liking, asking for a mattress topper can make a world of difference.

Many experienced cruisers swear by this for a more comfortable night’s sleep. And it’s an easy request that cabin stewards are used to accommodating.

Whether you prefer a bit more cushion or just want that ‘hotel bed’ feel, a mattress topper can be the key to waking up refreshed.

9. Lemons and limes

It’s the little touches that make a holiday special. For many, that includes a slice of lemon or lime to accompany their favourite drink. From gin and tonics to an extra dash of citrus in your water, they can make all the difference.

Your cabin steward is often happy to bring a few slices of lemon or lime each day, ensuring your refreshments are just right – no extra trips to the bar required.

10. Fresh milk for morning coffees

If you’re a serious coffee drinker, the mini coffee creamers in your cabin might not quite cut it.

Many guests request fresh milk from their steward for a better-tasting morning brew. It’s a simple way to start the day with a smile.

Some cruisers like me even ask for alternatives like oat or almond milk. As long as they’ve got it onboard, your steward will usually be happy to oblige.

Not every cruise ship has facilities to make tea or coffee in your room, but if they do, fresh milk is a reasonable request to make.

11. Coffee (extra or decaf)

Again, not every cruise ship will have tea and coffee facilities in your room. If they do, you might not have many options provided, or not enough if everyone in the room likes a hot drink.

If you need extra coffee or prefer decaf options, let your cabin steward know. They’ll be able to rustle up some before you know it, so you’ll always have the hot drink you need to start the day.

12. Kettle

British cruise lines such as P&O Cruises and Marella will typically provide a kettle in your cabin for you. It’s a staple of British hotel rooms – we like a tea tray and our favourite drinks ready to enjoy.

But American-style or American-owned cruise lines won’t usually provide one, and you often aren’t allowed to bring your own.

The solution? Request one. Sometimes – but not always – you’ll be given a kettle that you can use.

Not all cruise ships have a stock of kettles for guests, so don’t assume it’s guaranteed. But the cabin steward will help track down a kettle if it’s possible.

13. Fan

If you prefer a bit of extra airflow in your cabin, you’re not alone. Some cruisers find cabin air-con doesn’t quite do the job, or they prefer the gentle hum of a fan to help them sleep.

You may be allowed to bring fans onboard some cruise ships, but they’re usually bulky items, so it’s better to leave them at home.

Instead, many cabin stewards can provide a small fan upon request. It’s a lifesaver during those warmer nights, especially when sailing in tropical climates.

Suggested read: Is It Warm Or Cold On A Cruise Ship?

14. Extension cable

With limited plug sockets in many cabins, an extension cable can be a game-changer for guests with phones, tablets, cameras and all the other gadgets we travel with.

Instead of juggling devices or charging one at a time, you can keep everything powered up and ready to go.

Cabin stewards often have a few extension cables spare, or they might be able to source one for you if you ask. Priority will typically be given to guests with a medical need, such as those using CPAP machines.

Feel free to ask if you didn’t bring your own, or you did but it was a surge-protected cable and was confiscated at check-in.

15. Bathrobe

For a bit of added luxury, nothing beats a cosy robe. Guests love having a robe to lounge in, whether for a morning coffee on the balcony or winding down after a day of exploring.

Just ask your steward, and you might find one waiting on your next return to the cabin.

Some lines include them as standard in certain cabin categories, while others only provide them upon request. That’s understandable, since it can significantly cut down on laundry costs. If not all guests use them, it’s a waste since they will need cleaning between cruises even if unused.

Suggested read: 6 Places You Can Wear A Bathrobe On A Cruise (And 4 You Can’t)

16. Corkscrew and/or wine glasses

If your cruise line lets you bring wine on board, you’ll probably need a corkscrew and a couple of glasses to enjoy it.

Rather than struggle to open a bottle, or drink from coffee mugs, a quick chat with your steward can ensure you have everything you need for a private wine tasting on your own balcony. Cheers to that!

Suggested read: Can You Bring Alcohol On A Cruise?

17. Towel animals

This one’s for the animal lovers! Many guests adore the towel animals that stewards sometimes leave on the bed each night, but they aren’t always created as standard now. You might need to ask for your steward to make them, if possible.

Some guests even ask to keep them displayed for the entire cruise. Over a week, you can build up your own ‘towel zoo’ of elephants, swans and more.

Whether or not it’s possible will depend on the steward and the ship’s policy. After all, that’s a lot of laundry to build up for the end of the cruise. But you never know!

How to make cabin steward requests

Making requests to your cabin steward is simple – it’s really just a matter of asking!

Cabin stewards are there to make your stay as comfortable as possible. So they’re usually happy to help with any reasonable requests.

If you spot your steward in the hallway or nearby, feel free to politely ask for whatever you need. They’re generally quite responsive, and will take note of any specific requests you have.

But what if your steward isn’t around when you’re in the cabin? No problem – leaving a polite note works just as well.

Many cruisers write down their requests on a piece of paper and leave it somewhere for the steward to see, like on the desk or bedside table. Just make it friendly and clear, and they’ll take care of it as soon as they can.

Some people even like to leave a small thank-you note alongside their requests. It’s a thoughtful touch that’s always appreciated by these hard-working crew members.

On most cruise ships you can also call the housekeeping department from the phone in your cabin and leave a message with your request.

A quick ask or a small note can go a long way in getting the most out of your cabin experience. It’s all part of making your cruise as enjoyable as possible!

Final word

Some people don’t feel comfortable asking their cabin steward for extras, but honestly, it’s fine to do so! Their job is to help out, and while they can’t wave a magic wand, they’ll always try their best to help.

A lot of people prefer to tip extra for these requests. It’s a nice touch to do so, especially if your cabin steward goes above and beyond.

Suggested read: How Much Extra To Tip Cruise Staff

Just remember that cabin stewards work really hard. So if a request takes a little longer than you’d like, feel free to remind them but be polite when you do!

Let me know your own frequent cabin steward requests in the comments.

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Whether cruising for a short break or sailing around the world, you’re living on a ship at sea. So of course that means using bathrooms on the ship.

If you’re a cruise newbie, you might want to know more. How many bathrooms are there? Are they similar to aeroplane bathrooms or more like the ones at home? And are they comfortable?

How many bathrooms are on a cruise ship?

The number of bathrooms on a cruise ship depends on the ship, but most ships will have around 1,000 to 2,000. There will be one private bathroom for every cabin on the ship, plus a number of public bathrooms on each deck.

The largest ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, has 2,854 bathrooms for guests.

Obviously, you can’t access all of those. But that breaks down as 2,805 private bathrooms in staterooms and suites, plus a further 49 bathrooms that I’ve counted on the deck plans for the ship.

That doesn’t include the number of bathrooms on the ship on the crew decks. So overall the ship will definitely have more than 3,000.

Smaller ships will have fewer bathrooms, obviously. They don’t have as many cabins, nor do they have as many decks where you’ll need public bathrooms.

Do all cruise ship rooms have private bathrooms?

Modern cruise ships always have private bathrooms for every single stateroom or cabin. Cruise ships used to have shared bathroom facilities, although first-class guests would have private bathrooms on some ships. But since the 1970s, all cruise ships have en-suite bathrooms.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when cruise ships introduced private bathrooms. But we do know that the Titanic had some, and when the Queen Mary launched for Cunard in 1936, around 60% of her cabins had a private bathroom.

It is believed that her sister ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, was the first ship to have a private bathroom in every room.

That’s hard to verify, because it wasn’t a record that cruise lines were really shouting about. But it’s certainly one of the first major cruise ships to ensure that all guests had private toilets and shower or bath facilities.

How big are the bathrooms on a cruise ship?

The size of a cruise ship bathroom will vary depending on the ship and the room that you book. You can expect an average of between 25 and 30 square feet (2.3 to 2.8 square metres). Suite bathrooms, or luxury ships, may have larger bathrooms.

In most cases, the bathrooms are pretty small. Don’t expect to be able to swing your toiletry bag around!

For most people, this is not a problem. But you might find it uncomfortable if you’re a larger person, especially if the shower has a door rather than a curtain. Some people struggle to fit inside.

If you’re concerned that might be the case for you, you can do one of three things:

1. Upgrade your cruise to a stateroom with a larger bathroom, or a ship that is more luxurious.
2. Leave the shower door open and put down extra towels on the floor to soak up the water.
3. Check the size of the bathrooms in the fitness suite or spa, and see if they’re more comfortable to use.

What does a split bathroom on a cruise mean?

A split bathroom on a cruise ship is where the stateroom essentially has two bathrooms: one with a shower or bath with a sink, and one with a toilet and sink. They’re designed to make getting ready easier, so one guest can use the toilet while another is showering.

Split bathrooms are not too common, and are typically used for families. After all, how many times has a child suddenly decided they need the toilet, just when it isn’t convenient? Having the toilet elsewhere, so they can use it while you’re showering, is a huge bonus.

Which cruise lines have split bathrooms?

Not many cruise lines have split bathrooms. You’ll find them on Disney Cruise Line ships, and there are some on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, specifically in the Family Infinity Balcony staterooms.

The family river cruise ship, A-Rosa Sena, also has split bathrooms in the family cabins on Deck 1. As you can see below, there are two sinks and a shower in one side, and a toilet and sink in the other.

If you like the idea of a split bathroom, some ships have two full bathrooms in the cabin if you choose the largest suites. But you can expect to pay a premium for these rooms.

How do you shower on a cruise ship?

Most cruise ship bathrooms will have a shower cubicle/stall, although some will have a bathtub with a shower system. Most showers on cruise ships do have a handheld attachment, but check as there some cruise ships may only have a fixed shower head.

Cruise ships have a pressurised water system that works quite well, so complaints about shower pressure are few. In fact, I’ve read some forum posts where people describe returning home and realising how bad their own shower is!

Showering is typically fine on a cruise, but if you’re a larger person then consider upgrading to a room with a larger bathroom if you can.

Are there outlets in cruise ship bathrooms?

It’s not always the case, but most cruise ships have a low-voltage power outlet designed for use with electric shavers, although they will also accept electric toothbrush chargers. They have a low amperage circuit for safety, so often can’t be used with hair dryers or other high-powered devices.

These outlets are the same as you’d find in a typical hotel bathroom. They’re special outlets that you should only use with a shaver or toothbrush. For safety reasons, they’re not powerful enough for most of your other devices.

Do cruise ship bathrooms have hair dryers?

Most cruise cabins will be equipped with a hair dryer, but they are not usually found in cruise ship bathrooms. Instead, they’re located in the main cabin. They will sometimes be hidden in a drawer at the desk area, either plugged into an outlet or hard-wired into the ship’s electrics.

Disney Magic (bathroom pictured below) has a hair dryer in the bathroom. But as it’s over 20 years old, it doesn’t work that well, so you also get a modern hair dryer in a drawer in the bedroom.

These hair dryers aren’t designed to work on low-voltage outlets in the bathroom, so don’t try to move them. But if you need some time to dry your hair, it’s a good excuse to shower first, so you can dry your hair in the main cabin while your partner is showering.

Some older cruise ships might not be equipped with hair dryers. If you need one, check your ship before you sail. You can usually bring your own.

Do cruise ships have toilet paper?

Cruise ships do provide toilet paper in private and public bathrooms, but it’s often thin low-quality paper, designed to ensure there are no blockages in the vacuum system.

Don’t try to bring your own toilet paper with you, unless you’re happy putting it in the waste bin. If you flush thicker toilet paper and it causes a blockage, you could be liable for any costs incurred in repairing it. So while the provided toilet paper isn’t the best, you’ll need to get used to it for the duration of your cruise.

If it’s a serious issue for you, hopefully you’ll enjoy better quality toilet paper when you visit bathrooms on a port of call. But that might not be the case either.

Most cruise ships also provide facial tissues as well as toilet paper. You can use this if you have a particularly sensitive behind.

The toilet paper in your private bathroom will be replenished by your room steward, whenever they attend to your room. If you find that you’re running out more frequently, just ask your steward to leave extra.

What toiletries are provided on a cruise?

Typically in a cruise ship bathroom, you can expect to be provided with shampoo and soap. You may also find shower caps, hair conditioner and some body lotion as well.

You’ll need to bring your own toothpaste, shaving foam and any other basics you need.

On some ships, you may find upgraded toiletries in the suites as a perk of booking a higher class of accommodation. Usually, this only refers to the brand of the toiletries, rather than being provided with a wider range.

You might find that some luxury cruise lines do provide extra touches such as cotton balls, sunscreen and even bath salts, but these are rare.

Do you need to bring bath towels on a cruise?

You don’t need to provide your own bath towels on a cruise ship. The cruise line will provide all towels that you need for your cruise. These include hand towels, bath towels and even pool towels (these will be a different colour to the standard towels, which are usually white).

If you want your towels to be changed, just leave them on the floor of the bathroom. Your cabin steward will then swap them out with a fresh set for you.

If you’re lucky, they might even make a towel animal for you! This usually depends on the ship and whether you’re travelling with family.

Towel animals have become less common in recent years. It’s believed they’re less environmentally friendly, since they usually need more than one fresh towel to be supplied. Also, since the pandemic, some people may not want stewards touching towels more than necessary.

Are there disabled bathrooms on cruise ships?

All cruise ships have disabled bathrooms. These include public bathrooms designed for people with accessibility needs, and a selection of disabled-access staterooms that have special bathroom facilities.

The facilities in a wheelchair-accessible cabin will vary. Some ships will have two types of cabins for disabled people: one which is just a little larger, and one with a proper wet room. Make sure you book the right one for your needs.

Be aware that public disabled bathrooms are also where you’ll tend to find baby-changing stations. So you might have to wait to use a bathroom in a public area, if someone is using it to change a baby’s nappy.

Where do service dogs go to the bathroom on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships will typically have a special relief station for service dogs. This may be on a promenade deck, or in an area reserved for crew only. It will always be in a quieter area of the ship, away from most guests.

Dogs are usually only permitted on a cruise ship if they are a service dog for a registered disability. Guests with service dogs are advised to speak to the crew when they board, to find out where the dog needs to be taken.

What happens when you use the bathroom on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship toilets use a vacuum system to remove your waste from the toilet, rather than forcing water down via a water flush system. The waste is treated and mostly broken down into water, which is treated until considered safe then released into the ocean.

Most toilets at home use water to flush waste down, but to get the right pressure in a ship that is many decks high would be difficult, so vacuum suction is used instead.

The toilet flush is usually behind the toilet lid. That’s because you should always flush it with the lid down, to help with the suction and make sure bacteria isn’t sprayed into the bathroom. Also, it’s really important to make sure sanitary items are disposed of in the bins, not the toilet, or they will clog the system.

Do cruise ship toilets have water in them?

Cruise ship toilets do have water in them, although water isn’t used for the flushing mechanism. It just helps to keep the toilet clean when waste is sucked through the system.

Seawater is not used, because the salt would be corrosive to the plumbing system, but it does start out as seawater. Cruise ships have a desalination plant that takes seawater, removes the salt then turns it into fresh water to use in the plumbing system.

Where does the toilet waste go on a cruise ship?

After you flush the toilet on a cruise ship, the waste is sucked into a treatment facility. It passes through a filter, removing any solids that can’t be broken down. The remaining water is treated for bacteria and sterilised through multiple steps, before being released into the ocean.

Arguably, the wastewater that cruise ships release into the seas – treated from toilets, showers, laundry and more – is typically cleaner than the actual ocean water. There are some hefty regulations in place to make sure ships are properly treating their wastewater.

To learn more, you can watch this video…

Or read this article: Cruise Ship Waste Management Explained

Can you drink water from a cruise ship bathroom?

You can drink water from the taps in your cruise ship bathroom. It will have been treated to make sure it is safe. It may be a little warmer than you’d like, but there are water dispensers around the ship if you want to refill a water bottle instead.

It’s perfectly fine for drinking a glass of water at night if you’re feeling dehydrated. But don’t expect super-cold, super-fresh water from the taps.

Final word

There you have it – everything you need to know about cruise ship bathrooms. Simply put, they’ll have all the basics you need. And there are always public bathrooms on most decks, so you don’t always need to trek back to your room.

They’re not ideal – the shower size in particular can be a little limiting in basic cabins – but you can always upgrade your room if a spacious bathroom is really important to you.

Related Posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Have you ever wondered how a massive cruise ship stays anchored in one spot? Me too.

Well, with the help of my cruise ship pilot friend, John, who has generously given up some of his time to help me with the technical stuff, we’ll break it down into simple terms for you.

Most ships have multiple anchors

Typicall a cruise ship will have two anchors, one on each side of the ship.

There’s an old saying that the starboard anchor is used in the southern hemisphere and the port anchor in the northern hemisphere. This is due to the Coriolis force, which causes storm systems to rotate clockwise in the north and anticlockwise in the south. Using the appropriate anchor can prevent cables from getting tangled when a second anchor is dropped.

But in reality, the anchors are alternated so that they wear equally. 

Sometimes, if you’re cruising into a place and you’re going to be turning into a current slightly, it’s more prudent to put down the anchor which is on the current side of the vessel.

Anchor weight varies – some are really huge!

The weight of the anchor is determined by the size of the ship. On a large cruise ship, the anchor may weigh in the region of 8 tons. That’s about the same weight as an African elephant or a standard school bus.

Here’s a photo of the anchor of an average-sized cruise ship, the Norwegian Jewel, next to a person…

And below, you can see me with the anchor of the S.S. Great Britain – the world’s first ocean liner which sailed from 1845 until 1886.

As you can see, the size is similar, although the shape of cruise ship anchors has changed quite a lot over the past 170 years.

Anchor chain length

Anchor chains are measured in lengths called shackles. One shackle of the chain is 15 fathoms long, this equates to 90 feet or approximately 27 metres.

Most cruise ships have chains that are either ten or eleven shackles long, but it could be up to 13 shackles long. So the anchor chains are around 900-990 feet or 270-297 metres long. 

For comparison, Wonder of the Seas is 1,188 feet or 362 metres long. So the anchor chain is roughly as long as the ship, but it may be a bit longer or a bit shorter.  

The chain’s pretty heavy too…

For a large cruise ship, each link in an anchor chain weighs around 50 kg – that’s roughly the same weight as a 12-year-old child.

There are around 1,000 links in the chain, so the whole anchor chain will weigh around 50 tons. Of course, with smaller ships, the anchor and the chain will weigh less than this.

Not all of the chain is let out. When it comes to dropping the anchor, the general rule of thumb is to lay out four to five times the length of the water’s depth in chain.

So, if the water is 25 meters deep, you’ll need approximately 100 to 125 meters of chain. The length of the chain can vary due to wind and currents, and sometimes it’s necessary to let out more of the chain, or shorten it.

Anchor chain storage explained

Anchor chains are contained in a chain locker on both the port and starboard sides. This is located underneath the windlass (the winch that recovers the anchor from the ocean floor), towards the front of the ship.

The end of the chain is secured to the ship, which is called the bitter end. In emergencies, the chain can be released by knocking out a pin in the bitter end. In dry docks, the entire chain can be removed and then reversed and put back in. This equalises the wear on it.

The pipe that the anchor cable chain goes down from the windlass to the outside of the ship is called the hawsepipe. The anchors are hauled up into this hawsepipe and secured in place. When a ship anchors, it does so at zero speed over the ground or with a very small amount of stern way.

When the anchor drops…

When a ship is brought to anchor, the speed is reduced to the minimum necessary for steering. The engines are then put into reverse to generate sternway, and the anchor is dropped onto the bottom.

The machine that’s used to drop and recover the anchor is called a windless. This handy contraption is usually electrically powered on cruise ships, but usually hydraulically powered on tankers and cargo ships.

Letting go of the anchor is known as ‘walking the anchor out’. The anchor will be brought to just above the water where it hangs free. The nautical term for this is a ‘cockabill and anchor’.

When it’s time to drop the anchor, an officer on the bridge will give the command to release it, and the brake on the windlass is released.

The anchor cannot be dropped all at once or it will pile up. The speed at which the anchor drops is controlled by a brake.

This can be a pretty noisy and messy process, with dust and rust flying around. The anchor will hit the bottom of the ocean, and then the ship will start to lay it out.

Watching a ship come to anchor early in the morning can be quite the spectacle. If you’re lucky enough to see it, you may notice the wash from the propellers come alongside the vessel as it comes astern. Once the wash reaches the middle of the ship, it’s a sign that the ship has stopped moving through the water.

This interesting video shows how an anchor is dropped on Island Princess…

Then it gets to work…

A ship is not held by an anchor when it anchors. So when you’re on a cruise and it anchors to tender, the anchor will go down on the bottom and the hooks in the end, which are called the flukes will lay towards the bottom and will usually bury themselves. Then the chain is laid out across the seabed.

When you’re in the tender boat, you’ll see that the chain is almost vertical. That’s called the catenary of the chain.

The catenary of the chain is what holds the ship in place and the ship will swing around this but not drift very far.

Anchors don’t always work

Some places are better for anchoring than others. On a chart on a ship, it indicates the nature of the bottom – whether it’s what’s known as ‘good holding ground’ or ‘poor holding ground’.

Good holding ground would suggest that the anchor will sit on the bottom there and will hold successfully. On poor holding ground the anchor would not sit successfully on the seabed and would drag.

Mud or softer ground is very good holding ground, but harder ground generally isn’t. If an anchor drags, in other words, the ship is moving away from the anchor and the cables come tight, the anchor breaks away from the bottom. Dragging can be caused by a number of things like wind or current.

There are a number of remedies for this. The first method would be to lengthen the cable so you have a longer catenary. If this is unsuccessful, then the crew may have to pick the anchor up again and re-anchor in a different position.

If this is unsuccessful again the vessel keeps tracking anchor, the only remedy is to pick up the anchor and go and steam off somewhere safe and just drift.

Anchors can be used for manoeuvring

Anchors can be used as a manoeuvring aid. While cruise ships typically have various tools such as bow thrusters, propellers and Azipods or rudders, there are occasions where an anchor can be useful.

The process involves lowering the anchor until it just touches the bottom, causing the ship to turn on that position. This transfers the steering point of the vessel to where the anchor comes out of the ship and the ship will turn on that position.

Raising the anchor

To recover the anchor, the process of dropping it is reversed. The officer on the bridge lets the captain know which way the cable is laying and how much weight is in it. Then, the ship will turn towards the cable to take the weight off it, and the anchor will be heaved back up onto the ship.

You can tell when the anchor comes off the bottom because starts to sway very gently. This will be relayed to the bridge as ‘anchor away’.

The anchor is hauled up and when it breaks the water the term ‘anchor sighted’ will be relayed to the bridge. Then, it’s hauled all the way back up into the hawsepipe and the message is ‘anchor home’.

When the anchor is sighted, the ship can commence moving safely forward.

The bottom line

I hope that this article has answered your questions about cruise ship anchors. I find all this info fascinating and am very grateful to John for helping me learn all the details.

If you have any questions, please make use of the comments section below to ask. Otherwise, why not check out some of our other technical cruise ship articles:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me