Sex on a Cruise Ship: What to Know Before you Get Down

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 love to embark on plenty of hanky-panky when on a cruise.

With this mind, we have a few things to keep in mind for the next time you have sex on a cruise ship:

Timing is important

Most of the time you can get a little nooky 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.

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 in your door lock, 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). 

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 Aunt Maude and Uncle 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.

Keep it in the cabin

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!

We don’t know the penalties for being caught in the act on a cruise ship, and we don’t want to find out. 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 lifeguard 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.

Hookups actually aren’t common on a cruise

If you plan to have sex on a cruise, then you’re better 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 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 a partner, 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. 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 toys to enjoy with your partner. That’s all good, but you should be sure to keep these items tucked away when not in use. 

You 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!

Have more advice or stories on how to “do things right” on the ship? Let us know in the comments below.

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