Sometimes cruise ships can feel really crowded. Waiting in line at the buffet. Trying to get a lounge chair on the pool deck. Sometimes attempting to be in the pool without being splashed by excited kids. How can you possibly avoid crowds on a cruise ship?!!
IT IS possible to avoid crowds on a cruise! With a little knowledge in hand, you can have a relaxing cruise experience with a few less people.
Ways to avoid crowds on a cruise ship–
1) Eat breakfast and lunch in the Main Dining Room
The main dining room serves delicious food. But cruisers often don’t want to take the time for a sit down meal. So, if you want a quieter meal with out all the crowds of people then this is a great place to go. Some ships also provide a delicious buffet in the Main Dining Room along with the menu. (On Royal Caribbean, this is my favorite place to eat for lunch.)
2) Eat at the buffet right at opening or close to closing
If you really love to eat at the main buffet restaurant then your best bet is to eat right away when they open for each meal or close to when they are closing. This way you should miss most of the crowds.
3) Book a balcony stateroom
On a warm weather cruise the pool deck can get extremely busy with people wanting to be outside and soak up the sun. If you also love the open air but want to avoid crowds then you will love having your own balcony. A balcony gives you the opportunity to be outside and yet all by yourself to enjoy peace and quiet.
Just a side note–On Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ships they have balcony staterooms over Central Park. This is a great option if you would like a balcony for a little less cost than an oceanview balcony. You still have relative peace but there is a little more noise and you can see the other balconies across Central Park.
4) Book a suite
If you desire a little more luxury and also avoid crowds then a suite is a fantastic option. On many ships, guests staying in suites have access to an exclusive deck and pool area. Since this area is only available for suite guest there is a very limited number of people allowed in. Another perk is that suite guest usually have an exclusive dining room. This dining room is not only a great place to avoid the crowds, but also the dining experience has better service and cuisine.
5) Utilize the bars and lounge areas during the day
Some of the bars and lounges are not serving during the day. This is a great place to get away! While on the Disney Wonder, a lot of time was spent relaxing in the comfy chairs a the Crown and Fin Pub during the day.
6) Relax in the Adult-Only areas
The adult-only section of cruise ships will have quite a bit of seating/lounging, a pool, a bar and often a place to eat. Sometimes these areas can be pretty busy. But, they can also be a great place for some quiet. Because they are for adults only even if there is a lot of people it still tends to be quieter and with less people running around than the main pool area.
7) Enjoy a movie
Disney Cruise Line has a designated movie theater on their ships that plays movies all throughout the day. Popcorn and candy are available for purchase right outside the theater for a full movie experience. There are often not many people in the theater so it can be a great place to get away and decompress from the crowds.
Check the online guides for this option on other cruise lines.
Do you have a favorite way to get away from the crowds on a cruise ship? Tell us your suggestion in the comments below. I love to hear your experiences!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Other links that might interest you:
- Get to Know Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
- Planning a Family Reunion? Consider a Cruise
- Reasons to Take a Cruise Vacation
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