We’ll flat out say it — there is something about cruising that puts people in the mood.
First off, it’s a vacation and people usually set aside their inhibitions for a while as they relax and forget about the stresses of back home. Second, most cruises are headed to warm, tropical locations. That means fewer and skimpier clothes, which always helps. Finally, the alcohol flows freely while on the ship, which helps spark the fire.
That’s not to say that a cruise ship turns into a Hedonistic paradise (there are plenty of families around, after all). However, it’s well-known that passengers like to enjoy plenty of hanky-panky when on a cruise. And truth be told, making love on the ship can be pretty exciting and memorable.
With this mind, we have a few things to keep in mind for the next time you have sex on a cruise ship…
Cruise Lines Can Help Set the Mood
Cruise lines are no stranger to what goes on behind the closed cabin doors. In fact, sometimes they can help set the mood. Ships will have packages you can purchase for the room with things like champagne and strawberries. Some lines such as Virgin Voyages have room settings that can change the atmosphere (Virgin offers a “Get It On” setting on the room’s lights that turns them a dim shade of pink and plays a sexy tune to set the mood).
We’ve also seen adult movies for rent on some ships — though certainly not all — if you and your partner need a little visual aid to help.
Timing Is Important (Mind the Room Steward & Muster)
Most of the time you can get a little nookie in your cabin without interruptions, but not always. On the first day (usually right before the ship departs) you will have to complete a muster drill, which requires ALL passengers to head to their muster station.
Thankfully these days passengers complete this on their own, instead of the entire ship stopping and all passengers reporting to their stations.
So if you are thinking of getting started early with your significant other, we’d suggest holding off until after you finish the muster drill. Even then, you’ll hear lots of announcements about the drill reminding others to do it before departure.
Beyond that, you will usually be undisturbed during the cruise, except for housekeeping. Yes, you can put a “Do Not Disturb” tag on your door handle, but that just means housekeeping won’t try to clean your specific cabin. They will still be in the area, and you will be able to hear them going about their work. If you are the type that is easily distracted, we suggest figuring out what time of day housekeeping comes and finding something else to do during that time.
Keep it Quiet(er)
As we just mentioned, you can usually hear people outside your door while you are in your cabin. Keep in mind that sounds move both ways. While we know that not everyone can help but being a little louder during sex, you have to remember that you are in a small, confined space with lots of people around. Not everyone wants to hear what you do in the privacy of your cabin (especially if it happens late at night). Keeping things a little quiet can make sure that your romance doesn’t mess with anyone else’s vacation.
The good news? Apart from the door, cabins are fairly soundproof (within reason). So don’t think you have to be as quiet as a mouse.
Like Sex With a View? You’re in Luck
Some people get a thrill out of being a little more “open” with their sexual encounters. Cruises are a good place to experience that. With balconies or windows in a majority of cabins, feel free to open those curtains and take in the nice view while you go to town. Unless you are docked in a busy port, no one should be able to see you. It’s a fun way to spice up an otherwise normal session.
That’s not to say that you should go at it on the balcony. Usually your neighbors can see into their adjoining balconies as the dividers between them don’t go floor to ceiling. So unless you like Maude and Bill from Topeka, Kansas getting an eyeful, keep it off the balcony. Or if you do decide to have fun “al fresco” at least wait until later in the evening and make sure the balcony light is off.
Keep it in the Cabin (The Ship Isn’t Your Playground)
That brings us to our next point: Keep your sex in the cabin. For people that like a little risk-taking, it may be inviting to try to get it on around the ship. After all, there are so many out of the way places. What you should keep in mind, however, is that there are cameras everywhere on the ship and you never know who might accidentally walk in on your fun — that includes kids!
Remember, you are on a ship with thousands of other passengers. For the respect of everyone on board, keep the fun in the cabin.
Don’t Expect to Do the Crew
If you’re a single cruiser, you might think that the cute bartender or dancer in the theater show could be interested in meeting up after hours. Forget it. There are explicit rules barring cruise staff from hooking up with passengers. It’s a good way for them to lose their job.
So if you want to flirt, then by all means. But don’t expect it to turn into anything more as it can lead to a one-way ticket home for the crew.
Hookups Actually Aren’t That Common on a Cruise (But They Do Happen)
If you plan to have sex on a cruise, then you’re best off bringing your own partner. While the fun, laid-back atmosphere of a cruise ship may seem to lend itself to having a fling on vacation, it’s actually pretty rare. According to a survey conducted by Cruzely, only about 5% of people reported ever having hooked up with someone they met while on a cruise.
Keep in mind that most people taking cruises are already in a relationship and typically travel with their significant other, and you can see why the numbers are low. With fewer singles on the ship, the chances of a romantic fling are lessened.
Single and Ready to Mingle? There’s a Meet-up For That
While “hooking up” on a cruise might not be that common given how many people travel as partners, if you’re looking for romance, then the cruise line may make it easier. Most trips on mass-market lines will have regular “meet and greet” sessions scheduled a few times during the cruise.
These are self-led, but it’s a designated time at a bar for singles to meet each other. You can find the time and meeting place in the ship’s daily planner. While showing up isn’t an invitation that someone wants to have sex, it does give you an opportunity to meet people traveling solo on the cruise.
Be Mindful of What’s in Your Cabin (Toys, Outfits, etc.)
Did you bring something special to spice up your love-making at sea? Maybe it’s an outfit or toy to enjoy with your partner. That’s all good, but you should be sure to keep these items tucked away when not in use.
Your cabin steward will be in to clean the room when you are out and about the ship. And while they don’t go through your closets or drawers, anything that’s left out will be seen. So if you have some lingerie that you would rather a stranger not see, don’t leave it laying on the bed when you leave the room.
Have more advice or stories on how to “do things right” on the ship? Let us know in the comments below.
