Cruise ships are often seen as floating resorts, but hidden beneath their luxurious surface are surprising features that most passengers will never encounter. From jails to woodshops, these vessels operate like small cities, each with its own unique facilities and services. Here are seven fascinating aspects of cruise ships that you probably didn’t know existed.

1. The Brig: Onboard Jail

Cruise ships come equipped with a jail, known as the “brig.” This secure area is reserved for passengers who commit serious offences at sea. While minor misbehaviour typically results in a warning or confinement to their cabin, more severe incidents may land an individual in the brig. Located on the lower decks, these steel rooms are adjacent to the security office. Offenders are typically handed over to local authorities at the next port, and must arrange their own travel home, at their expense.

2. The Morgue: A Chilling Reality

It’s a reality of life that people may pass away while on board a cruise, and the ships are prepared for such events. They have a small morgue to store bodies until the ship can dock. Though deaths on cruises are rare and usually from natural causes, the morgue is tucked away on the lower crew-only decks. In fact, when not in use for this purpose, the space sometimes serves as cold storage for flowers or other items.

3. Spare Propellers: Ready for Emergencies

Not every ship has spare propellers on board, but some, like the Queen Mary 2, store them as both a practical backup and a display. Cruise ships equipped with these spares can change them while in port without needing to enter dry dock. Interestingly, the spare propellers on some vessels are displayed as art, adding a decorative touch to the practicality of maritime engineering.

4. Onboard Woodshop: Fixing and Refurbishing

Cruise ships don’t simply replace furniture when it becomes worn or damaged. Many of them have their own onboard woodshop where skilled carpenters repair and refurbish everything from loose chair legs to worn railings. These professionals also handle repairs to carpeting, tiles, and other ship materials, ensuring that everything stays in top condition, even in the harsh marine environment.

5. The Print Shop: Behind the Daily News

Ever wondered where the daily cruise newsletter comes from? Cruise ships have their own print shops, where the daily planners, news updates, and promotional flyers are printed on board. This allows for real-time updates to reflect any changes in schedule, such as port delays or cancellations, ensuring passengers always have the latest information.

6. The I-95 Artery: The Crew’s Highway

Hidden from passenger view is the I-95, a long corridor that runs the entire length of the ship on the lower decks. This passageway allows crew members to move quickly and efficiently from one end of the ship to the other, accessing various service areas, kitchens, and storage rooms. It’s like a backstage area that keeps the ship running smoothly, away from the passengers’ eyes.

7. The OB and Crew Bar: Where the Crew Unwinds

While passengers enjoy the ship’s nightclubs and bars, the crew has its own place to relax – the OB (officer’s bar) and crew bar. These bars are a refuge for staff during their off-hours, offering cheaper drinks than those served to passengers and providing a space for them to unwind. With their own music and activities, it’s a place for the crew to socialise away from the work pressures.

8. Folding Machines

Though not a secret, the folding machines on cruise ships are an interesting feature. These machines quickly fold towels and linens with incredible precision, ensuring that the cabins are always stocked with perfectly folded towels and sheets, adding to the smooth operation behind the scenes.