I love cruising and just about every aspect of the experience. But let’s be real, most bathrooms in a typical cruise ship cabin are on the small side. Being able to touch all four walls without moving your feet isn’t ideal.
But some cruise ships do it differently. Instead of cramming the shower, toilet, and sink into a closet-sized space that should really be measure in square inches, they’ve split it up.
Enter the concept of “the split bathroom”. For some it’s a stroke of genius that makes getting ready a lot simpler, and for others it’s a recipe for awkward moments they’d rather just forget.
The first time I took a cruise on Norwegian Epic was also the first time I was introduced to the split bathroom concept on a cruise ship.
This basically means that the shower area and toilet area have their own separate doors and spaces.
So, if someone is in the shower and you need to use the toilet, you can hop right in without interrupting anyone. On Epic, the sink is outside of both of these areas in the living space.
Of course, the weird thing on this ship is that the doors are frosted glass, and stepping outside of the shower or bathtub (I had a bathtub in my mini-suite) means you’re basically stepping right into the middle of the stateroom.
There was a curtain available to give a semblance of separation between the living space and bathroom areas, but I know some people that still refuse to book a cruise on this ship because of this bathroom oddity.
Other Ships with Split Bathrooms
Norwegian Epic is the only ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet with split-bathroom cabins, and it looks like it’s going to remain that way for the foreseeable future.
But other cruise lines have their own takes on the split bathroom, each with its quirks and fans. Here’s a rundown of where you’ll find them and why they spark such strong reactions.
While Norwegian seems content to keep Epic as its split-bathroom outlier, Disney Cruise Line has made it a signature feature across its fleet—Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish. Their version is a family-friendly setup: one room with a toilet and sink, another with a shower (or tub) and sink.
No frosted-glass weirdness here—just two separate, fully enclosed spaces that let parents and kids get ready without a traffic jam.
Carnival Cruise Line also has its Deluxe Oceanview cabins on ships like Venezia, Firenze, Breeze, Dream, and Magic—so basically Dream-class and Venice-class ships. These offer a full bathroom (shower and sink) plus a separate washroom (toilet and sink)—a practical twist that’s less about funky design and more about giving you options.
I’ve heard from cruisers who swear by these for family trips, and it’s easy to see why.
Then there’s Royal Caribbean, where Icon of the Seas brings split bathrooms to its Family Infinity Balcony staterooms. It’s not standard across their fleet, but it’s a nod to the family crowd with multiple people in a stateroom.
I’ve heard that Holland America’s Rotterdam has them in family cabins too, and Virgin Voyages spoils its XL cabin guests with a separated setup. Even luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises have split bathrooms in their high-end suites.
There may be other cruise ships that have split bathrooms that I’ve missed, so feel free to let me know if you’d like a ship to get its split bathroom representation.
Why People Love It
For fans, split bathrooms are a cruise cabin must-have. On a recent Reddit thread on cruising, one user started an interesting debate with their “unpopular opinion” that split bathrooms should be the future.
They argued, “Even for just two people, it’s easier to get ready. One person can use the toilet while one showers.” The efficiency angle makes sense—especially if you’ve ever been stuck waiting for a bathroom hog to wrap up their 20-minute shower. This is a bigger deal for cabins with more than two people in them.
Families, in particular, seem to like this setup. “NurseDave8” weighed in, “Most of our cruises are with DCL and we love it. Especially when we had all the kids with us so that’s 5 people getting ready.”
Another commenter agreed, noting how Disney’s split setup makes “pit stops to the room to change and freshen up way more efficient” with a kid in tow.
Carnival’s Deluxe Oceanview cabins got some love in this area as well, where one room has a toilet and sink, and the other adds a shower or tub.
The verdict for fans of the split bathroom? When you’re juggling multiple people—or just want to avoid awkward scheduling—split bathrooms are a lifesaver.
Why People Hate It
Not everyone’s on board, though. It’s not all sunshine and rose-scented air spray.
The haters have their reasons, and they’re just as vocal. Take Norwegian Epic’s layout. One commenter vented, “I hated stepping out of the shower and just being in the room. They had a flimsy curtain, but that didn’t help if the other people in the room were walking in and out.”
The frosted-glass doors and exposed sink can feel more like a privacy nightmare than a perk, especially if you’re not traveling with family.
Then there’s the space issue. One comment pointed out, “That takes more space though, and that affects how many rooms they can cram in.” Another echoed, “Takes up space for more paying cabins.”
Cruise lines are in the business of maximizing passengers, so split bathrooms often mean bigger cabins—and bigger price tags
Love It or Hate It: Where Do You Stand?
The split bathroom debate boils down to priorities and tastes. I think part of it is culture as well. Love efficiency and sharing a cabin with two people? Maybe the split bathroom works for you. But if you want privacy and the entire bathroom and all it offers to yourself for a span of time, you might side with the naysayers.
The Bottom Line
Split bathrooms aren’t the norm, but they’re a quirky feature that keeps cruisers talking. Whether it’s Disney’s family-friendly design, Epic’s bold experiment, or Carnival’s practical twist, they’re a love-it-or-hate-it topic.
So, next time you book a cruise, check the deck plan—you might just find yourself picking a side in this bathroom battle. Personally, I’m just glad to be on a cruise ship no matter what kind of bathroom setup my cabin has.
