What It Means If Your Cruise Room Number Ends in 13
When I booked my very first cruise years ago, I remember scanning through the cabin options and pausing when I saw the number 713.
Something about it gave me a second of hesitation.
Was it bad luck? Was I just being superstitious?
I brushed it off, but that little detail stuck with me, and I’ve since learned there’s a lot more to cabin numbers than most passengers realize.
So if your cruise room ends in 13, here’s what it could really mean — and why some travelers avoid it altogether.
You’re Not Imagining It — 13 Makes People Uneasy
Let’s start with the obvious: many people associate the number 13 with bad luck.
It’s so widespread that some hotels skip the 13th floor altogether.
And guess what? Some cruise ships do the same with cabin numbers.
You’ll often find that room numbers ending in 13 are either avoided completely or only exist on older ships that didn’t follow newer marketing strategies.
So Why Does It Still Exist on Some Ships?
Cruise lines know their audience.
They’re in the business of comfort, not superstition.
So when a cabin does end in 13 — say 413, 1013, or 813 — it usually means one of two things:
- The cruise line doesn’t subscribe to the superstition — or,
- It’s an older ship where renumbering wasn’t a priority.
This doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a rough voyage. But for some guests, it’s enough to cause a moment of unease.
Are These Rooms Actually Different?
Nope — they’re usually the same in size, amenities, and layout as the surrounding rooms.
But because fewer people request them, you may accidentally score a quieter or slightly cheaper room just because others passed on it.
Some travelers have even reported being upgraded from 13-ending rooms when other guests asked to switch.
Cruise Crew Superstitions Are Real
If you’ve ever spoken with long-time cruise staff, they’ll tell you: superstitions on ships run deep.
From not whistling indoors to avoiding certain phrases, maritime traditions date back centuries.
And room numbers — especially ones like 13 — are just one small part of that lore.
It doesn’t affect your safety or your itinerary, but it definitely adds a layer of mystery to your cruise story.
Should You Avoid It?
That’s up to you.
If you’re even a little superstitious or the number bothers you, call the cruise line and request a different cabin.
They won’t question it — you’re not the first.
But if you don’t care or even like the number, take it.
It may come with a better location, less foot traffic, or even an ocean view for less.
Final Thoughts
Your cruise room number might seem like just a random set of digits — until it ends in 13.
Whether it’s a relic of tradition or just a coincidence, this little number has sparked curiosity and conversation on ships for years.
At the end of the day, the real magic of your cruise won’t come from your room number.
It’ll come from the memories you make beyond that cabin door.
But still… next time you board, take a second look at your room key.
You just might be part of a nautical superstition without even realizing it.
