I like cruising and nearly each facet of the expertise. However let’s be actual, most bogs in a typical cruise ship cabin are on the small aspect. With the ability to contact all 4 partitions with out transferring your ft isn’t supreme.
However some cruise ships do it in a different way. As a substitute of cramming the bathe, rest room, and sink right into a closet-sized area that ought to actually be measure in sq. inches, they’ve cut up it up.
Enter the idea of “the cut up lavatory”. For some it’s a stroke of genius that makes preparing so much easier, and for others it’s a recipe for awkward moments they’d fairly simply neglect.
The first time I took a cruise on Norwegian Epic was additionally the primary time I used to be launched to the cut up lavatory idea on a cruise ship.
This mainly signifies that the bathe space and bathroom space have their very own separate doorways and areas.
So, if somebody is within the bathe and it is advisable to use the bathroom, you’ll be able to hop proper in with out interrupting anybody. On Epic, the sink is outdoors of each of those areas within the dwelling area.
After all, the bizarre factor on this ship is that the doorways are frosted glass, and stepping outdoors of the bathe or bathtub (I had a tub in my mini-suite) means you’re mainly stepping proper into the center of the stateroom.
There was a curtain out there to present a semblance of separation between the dwelling area and toilet areas, however I do know some folks that also refuse to e book a cruise on this ship due to this lavatory oddity.
Different Ships with Cut up Loos
Norwegian Epic is the one ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet with split-bathroom cabins, and it seems prefer it’s going to stay that manner for the foreseeable future.
However different cruise traces have their very own takes on the cut up lavatory, every with its quirks and followers. Right here’s a rundown of the place you’ll discover them and why they spark such sturdy reactions.
Whereas Norwegian appears content material to maintain Epic as its split-bathroom outlier, Disney Cruise Line has made it a signature function throughout its fleet—Magic, Surprise, Dream, Fantasy, and Want. Their model is a family-friendly setup: one room with a bathroom and sink, one other with a bathe (or tub) and sink.
No frosted-glass weirdness right here—simply two separate, absolutely enclosed areas that permit dad and mom and children prepare with no visitors jam.
Carnival Cruise Line additionally has its Deluxe Oceanview cabins on ships like Venezia, Firenze, Breeze, Dream, and Magic—so mainly Dream-class and Venice-class ships. These supply a full lavatory (bathe and sink) plus a separate washroom (rest room and sink)—a sensible twist that’s much less about funky design and extra about supplying you with choices.
I’ve heard from cruisers who swear by these for household journeys, and it’s straightforward to see why.
Then there’s Royal Caribbean, the place Icon of the Seas brings cut up bogs to its Household Infinity Balcony staterooms. It’s not normal throughout their fleet, nevertheless it’s a nod to the household crowd with a number of folks in a stateroom.
I’ve heard that Holland America’s Rotterdam has them in household cabins too, and Virgin Voyages spoils its XL cabin company with a separated setup. Even luxurious traces like Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises have cut up bogs of their high-end suites.
There could also be different cruise ships which have cut up bogs that I’ve missed, so be at liberty to let me know for those who’d like a ship to get its cut up lavatory illustration.
Why Folks Love It
For followers, cut up bogs are a cruise cabin must-have. On a latest Reddit thread on cruising, one person began an fascinating debate with their “unpopular opinion” that cut up bogs must be the long run.
They argued, “Even for simply two folks, it’s simpler to prepare. One individual can use the bathroom whereas one showers.” The effectivity angle is sensible—particularly for those who’ve ever been caught ready for a loo hog to wrap up their 20-minute bathe. This can be a greater deal for cabins with greater than two folks in them.
Households, particularly, appear to love this setup. “NurseDave8” weighed in, “Most of our cruises are with DCL and we find it irresistible. Particularly once we had all the children with us in order that’s 5 folks preparing.”
One other commenter agreed, noting how Disney’s cut up setup makes “pit stops to the room to alter and clean up far more environment friendly” with a child in tow.
Carnival’s Deluxe Oceanview cabins obtained some love on this space as nicely, the place one room has a bathroom and sink, and the opposite provides a bathe or tub.
The decision for followers of the cut up lavatory? Once you’re juggling a number of folks—or simply need to keep away from awkward scheduling—cut up bogs are a lifesaver.
Why Folks Hate It
Not everybody’s on board, although. It’s not all sunshine and rose-scented air spray.
The haters have their causes, and so they’re simply as vocal. Take Norwegian Epic’s structure. One commenter vented, “I hated stepping out of the bathe and simply being within the room. That they had a flimsy curtain, however that didn’t assist if the opposite folks within the room had been strolling out and in.”
The frosted-glass doorways and uncovered sink can really feel extra like a privateness nightmare than a perk, particularly for those who’re not touring with household.
Then there’s the area difficulty. One remark identified, “That takes extra space although, and that impacts what number of rooms they will cram in.” One other echoed, “Takes up area for extra paying cabins.”
Cruise traces are within the enterprise of maximizing passengers, so cut up bogs typically imply greater cabins—and greater worth tags
Love It or Hate It: The place Do You Stand?
The cut up lavatory debate boils right down to priorities and tastes. I feel a part of it’s tradition as nicely. Love effectivity and sharing a cabin with two folks? Possibly the cut up lavatory works for you. However if you’d like privateness and your complete lavatory and all it gives to your self for a span of time, you would possibly aspect with the naysayers.
The Backside Line
Cut up bogs aren’t the norm, however they’re a unusual function that retains cruisers speaking. Whether or not it’s Disney’s family-friendly design, Epic’s daring experiment, or Carnival’s sensible twist, they’re a love-it-or-hate-it subject.
So, subsequent time you e book a cruise, examine the deck plan—you would possibly simply end up choosing a aspect on this lavatory battle. Personally, I’m simply glad to be on a cruise ship it doesn’t matter what type of lavatory setup my cabin has.