Hilda Just like anything, trends come and go. What once used to be a hallmark of cruising can easily fade into a memory of the past. As technology improves and traveler habits change, some cruise fads come and go.
For example, did you know cruise ships used to host an elaborate midnight buffet in the evenings? These massive buffets had over-the-top ice sculptures, fruit carvings, and endless desserts. Over time, cruise lines slowly eliminated the midnight buffets to reduce waste. For many, the midnight buffet is a fond memory of cruising and one that likely won’t resurface because of sustainability efforts.
If you haven’t cruised in the last decade or so, you might be shocked at the latest cruise fads that you’ll find onboard. It’s out with the old and in with the new!
Here are the latest cruise trends that never used to exist.
Cruise ducks
Gaining popularity in the last five years or so, cruisers have started to bring rubber ducks onboard to hide for other guests. Rubber ducks have now become synonymous with cruising! You’ll see rubber ducks scattered around cruise ships, waiting to be found by other cruisers. It’s not unusual to find a small note from the original duck hider as well.
There’s no real significance of cruise ducks, other than bringing a little bit of quirky joy onboard!
Cabin door decorating
One of the newer cruise trends that many enjoy is decorating their cabin door. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply want to have a fun theme for your cruise, decorating your door is the norm on a cruise ship. If you’re sailing on Carnival Cruise Line or Disney Cruise Line, you might be in the minority if you don’t decorate your cruise door.
Be sure you check your cruise line’s door decorating policies before bringing your decor. Magnets are usually a safe bet, as you don’t want to cause a safety hazard. Decorating can only be on your stateroom door as well.
- Royal Caribbean policies
- Carnival Cruise Line door decoration policies
- Norwegian Cruise Line policies
- Disney Cruise Line door decoration policies
Mobile app usage
Ever since the pandemic, cruise lines have gone almost entirely digital. This is especially true for Royal Caribbean, which has integrated many aspects of the cruise planning and onboard experience in the app. You’ll have to complete an e-muster, for example, on your Royal Caribbean app for the mandatory safety briefing. You also won’t receive the daily schedule as a printed copy in your stateroom anymore (unless you ask for it).
Now, your cruise experience relies heavily on the cruise line’s app. This is where you’ll also find the daily activities and nightly entertainment. Some cruise lines encourage guests to use their phones to access drink and dinner menus, too. Consider the cruise line app as a must-have before setting sail on any major cruise line.
