Secret Places on Cruise Ships: What Passengers Never See!
Discover the secret corners and lives of the crew on cruise ships that are often hidden from passengers.

Secret Places on Cruise Ships: What Passengers Never See!
Cruise ships are true giants of the sea, equipped with several floors, countless restaurants and a wide range of leisure activities. However, a look behind the scenes of these floating hotels reveals a world that remains largely hidden from passengers. How Travel reporter According to reports, tour operators offer guided tours, but many areas are strictly off-limits to cruise guests. The crew usually lives and works in a separate area of the ship that is not accessible to passengers.
We gain insights into this secret world through Bryan James, a musician on the “Wonder of the Seas”. On his social media, he shows TikTok videos in which he shows off hidden corners of the ship, such as a secret deck next to the smokestacks. This deck can only be reached via a special staircase reserved for the crew. Here, staff enjoy peaceful sea views and have access to tables and chairs for relaxation.
The life of the crew
However, the living conditions for the crew are anything but luxurious. Loud Family travel magazine There are shops on board where crew members can purchase snacks and toiletries. This store was particularly important during the pandemic as the crew was not allowed to leave the ship. An exclusive crew dining area offers a variety of dishes, including fresh salads and desserts, but in simple furnishings compared to the passengers' luxurious meals.
The crew cabins are significantly smaller and simpler. Bryan James describes his accommodation as “the smallest cruise cabin in the world” that is equipped with the most necessary amenities. The morgues on board are also a challenge for the crew. These cold chambers for the deceased are necessary for longer voyages and remain below deck until the ship returns, as changing course is often not possible.
Secret locations and challenges
The mortuary is one of the most secret facilities on board; it is located near the food refrigeration area but is well separated by walls. The existence of such a space raises questions about the perception of cruise ships: are they really just floating hotels, or are there deeper mysteries and challenges that are often ignored?
Insights from crew members like Bryan James shed new light on this unvarnished reality of life at sea and spark discussions about exclusivity and privilege in travel. The strict access restrictions to certain areas of the ships raise awareness of the differences in treatment between passengers and crew, which are often overshadowed by glamorous travel.