Cruise Hydration: Because Water Is a Last Resort

(Because who wants to carry a water bottle when there’s champagne?)

Let’s be honest: drinking plain water on a cruise feels like bringing a salad to a steakhouse. Yes, yes—we know it’s good for us, but it’s just so...boring. You’re surrounded by bottomless buffets, tropical drinks with umbrellas, and poolside piña coladas. Who has time for eight glasses of water a day when you’re too busy living your best life?

But here’s the thing: cruises are sneaky dehydrators. Between salty ocean breezes, sunbathing marathons, and the questionable decision to have coffee, mimosas, and mai tais all before noon, your body is begging for some hydration. Good news—you don’t have to be that person with the giant water jug clipped to their fanny pack. Here’s how to trick your body into staying hydrated while still pretending you’re not trying.

Let’s start with food, aka hydration in disguise. Lucky for you, cruise ships are overflowing with fruit that didn’t just crawl out of a can. Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, strawberries—basically nature’s juice boxes. Load up at breakfast or the buffet and pretend you're doing it because you’re “feeling healthy today,” not because your mouth feels like the Sahara.

Speaking of drinks—you don’t have to guzzle straight water like it’s a punishment. There are sneaky alternatives. Herbal tea? Hydrating. Smoothies? Even better. Coconut water? If your ship has it, grab it. Fruit-infused spa water? Absolutely—especially if it makes you feel like you're at a five-star wellness retreat instead of just trying not to shrivel like a raisin.

Now, we do need to talk about the stuff that pretends it hydrates but absolutely does not. Yes, I’m looking at you, coffee and alcohol. Coffee gives you the energy to brave the buffet line. Alcohol gives you the courage to sing karaoke. But neither gives your body the hydration it’s begging for. The fix? Be the genius who chases their cocktail with something less...dehydrating. Like iced tea. Or a piece of fruit. Or anything that didn’t come from a bartender.

Also, pro tip: salty cruise snacks are basically dehydration grenades. Bacon, pretzels, and those suspiciously addictive poolside nachos? They’re plotting against your hydration status. You can still eat them (obviously), just maybe don’t make it your entire food pyramid.

If you’re wondering whether you’re winning or losing at this hydration game, your body will let you know. Dry mouth, pounding head, and an unshakable desire to nap at 2 p.m.? That’s cruise dehydration in full swing. Time to sneak in something juicy—whether that’s a piece of fruit or a mocktail you can pretend is “totally hydrating.”

So go ahead, live your cruise life to the fullest—sun, fun, and five-course dinners. Just throw your body a hydrating bone every now and then so you don’t end up spending sea day #3 face-down in your cabin wondering why your ankles are swollen and your lips are dry.

Cruising like a pro means staying hydrated without giving up the fun. You got this.

And hey… if all else fails—just drink some water. Yeah, we said it, but you didn't hear from us there are water stations onboard cruise ships. Shhh.