In cruise cabins with more than two berths, the third and fourth beds can be sofa beds or pullman beds. But what exactly is a Pullman bed?

What is an upper pullman on a cruise ship?
A top pullman bed is a top bunk bed that pulls down from the ceiling or comes out of the wall of a cruise ship cabin. Pullman beds are most commonly used for children, but can also be used by adults,provided they meet the weight requirements.
Pullman beds take their name from the inventor George M. Pullman, who created the concept for train sleepers in the late 1850s. Pullman beds are also known as "upper beds", "bunk beds" or "trundle beds".
Cruise ship cabins can have either one or two Pullman beds. Under the pullman bed there can be a single bed, double or queen bed or the floor.
What does a Pullman bed look like?
When not in use, Pullman beds can be folded against the wall or hidden in the ceiling so they are barely visible.
The photo below shows Pullman beds folded against the wall...

The photo below shows a Pullman bed that has been lowered and one that remains hidden in the ceiling...

I took a video of our cabin on Britannia showing the Pullman bed upright and lowered along with footage of the ladder and extra railing to prevent small children from falling out of the bed. See it here:
Can adults use pullman beds?
Adults are allowed to use the Pullman beds on cruise ships. This means that up to four adults can share a cabin. If your child is too small to use the upper bunk, you can put them in the lower bunk and take the upper bunk yourself.

What is the weight limit for a Pullman bed?
Because Pullman top beds attach to the wall or ceiling, there are limits to the weight they can safely support. Pullman beds are suitable for most adults but are not recommended for particularly heavy individuals. The table below shows the maximum weight limit for Pullman beds for each cruise line.
cruise line | Pullman Weight Limit (kg) | Pullman Weight Limit (Lb) |
---|---|---|
carnival | 113 kg | 250 pounds |
Celebrity Cruises | 90 Kilograms | 200 pounds |
Cunard | 130kg* | 287 pounds |
MSC cruises | 150 kg | 330 pounds |
Norwegian cruise line | 163 kg | 360 pounds |
P&O Cruises | 130kg* | 287 pounds |
Princess Cruises | 113 kg | 250 pounds |
royal caribbean | 136 KG | 300 pounds |
*On P&O Cruises and Cunard, the 130 kg restriction applies to the berth ladder. The bed itself has no restrictions and has been 'shock tested' to 300kg.
Is there a height restriction for a pullman bed?
On Royal Caribbean cruises, the maximum height to use a top Pullman bed is 6ft 6in. The other cruise lines do not specify a maximum height. Pullman beds are usually the same length as a standard single bed.
From what age can children use Pullman beds?
Most cruise lines do not have age restrictions for using Pullman beds. However, on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, children must be at least six years old to use a Pullman bed. However, this is not monitored. I let my five year old sleep in a Pullman bed with no problem.
When deciding who should sleep in the Pullman bed - you or your child - it is important to consider your own child's sleeping habits and the bed they sleep in at home. If your older child or teen is prone to sleepwalking, a Pullman bed probably isn't the best option. It really depends on the kid.
I allowed my daughter to use the upper Pullman bed on MSC Preziosa when she was two years old. The bed was positioned over a double bed so if she jumped out she would only fall a few feet onto the bed below rather than further onto the hard floor.
If you prefer your child not to use a Pullman bed, some third and fourth passenger beds are available in a ground-level cabin. These include sofa beds (where a sofa converts into a bed) or trundle beds (aka trundle beds, where one bed rolls out from under another).
If there is a sofa bed, it is usually a single sofa bed for the third passenger. If you have four people in your room, the fourth can have a pullman bed over the sofa.

You must ensure you are happy with the bedding configuration when booking your cruise as you cannot change it on board.
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Do Pullman beds have fall protection?
Pullman beds have safety rails to prevent people from falling out. However, the size of the railing can vary greatly depending on the ship.
The photo below shows the Pullman bed on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas with a very small rail. I asked the flight attendant if there was an option to have a taller rail but he said no.

The photo below shows the slightly larger crash barrier of the Allure of the Seas.

The photo below shows an ocean view cabin on Liberty of the Seas, which features large guardrails and a double bed underneath.

The photo below shows the standard guardrail on P&O Cruises Britannia (the silver one) with the additional guardrail provided by our cabin attendant upon request.

If your Pullman bed doesn't have any railings at all, lift the mattress and you'll likely find it underneath. If you are concerned in any way, just give your cabin attendant a call and they will be happy to help in any way they can.
How to prevent your child from falling out of bed on a cruise
If you're at all worried about your child falling out of bed on your cruise, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. These are:
- Ask for an additional railing. This is available on some ships and not on others.
- Bring your own crash barrier.Inflatable crash barriers are availablebuy on amazon.
- Ask for an extra blanket.You can roll this up to create extra padding between your child and the edge of the bed.
- Put your child in the bottom bunk.This may mean that an adult has to sleep in the upper pullman bed.
- Lay the mattress on the floor.Some cabins have enough space for this, but not all.
- Let your child sleep on the sofa.Some cabins have a small sofa that can be turned over to prevent children from falling off.
- Bring your own inflatable bed.Made beds are availablebuy on amazon.
While a Pullman bed might look like a safe place to sleep for a child, it's important to be mindful of the weather. If the ship goes through a storm during the night, it could increase the chances of your child being rocked out of bed.
It's also important to think about what they would fall on if they fell out. Would it be on a double bed downstairs or on the floor?
Can the Pullman beds be assembled and disassembled?
On a cruise, your cabin attendant raises the Pullman beds during the day and lowers them again at night. This is usually not possible by yourself.

How big is a pullman bed?
Pullman beds vary in size but are generally the size of a single bed or slightly narrower. Space above the bed is limited, so an adult may not be able to sit fully in bed.
Pullman beds are generally best for children and smaller adults. If you have three out of four adults in your cabin, it would probably make sense for the smaller adults, who are best at climbing a ladder, to use the top bunk.
What is a convertible bed?
A convertible bed on a cruise ship consists of two single beds that can be joined to form a queen-size bed. An extra-thin mattress is laid on top of it so that you don't feel the gap in the middle. Convertible beds allow cruise ship cabins to be occupied by those who prefer double or twin beds.
A lower convertible bed usually means a sofa that converts into a bed. These are suitable for children or adults.
Disney cruise ships do not have convertible beds, they are always queen beds. However, there is a sofa that converts into an extra single bed for friends who don't want to share a bed.
Related posts:
- Why I (almost) always choose an inside cabin on a family cruise
- The best cruise cabins for a family of 5
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FAQs
What is a pullman bed? ›
A Pullman bed is a bed that pulls down from the ceiling or folds out from the wall of a cruise ship cabin, allowing that cabin to sleep more people with less floor space. Named for inventor George M. Pullman, Pullman beds were first introduced in the sleeper cars of trains in the late 1850s.
What is a pullman bed on Royal Caribbean? ›We use Pullman beds in some of our staterooms which sleep 3 or more guests, these are beds that pull down from the ceiling, or out of the wall above the main bed, and are accessed by a ladder. We don't allow any guests to use them if they're under 6 years old, over 78" tall, weigh over 300 lbs or have mobility issues.
What is the difference between a pullman bed and a sofa bed cruise? ›A Pullman bed pulls down from the ceiling or folds out from the wall. When in place, it is similar to a top bunk bed. In cruise cabins that offer Pullman beds, the lower beds typically cannot be pushed together or converted. A sofa bed is a bed that unfolds or pulls out from within the sofa.
What are the secret codes on cruise ship doors? ›"An 'Alpha' is a medical emergency, a Bravo' is a fire, and 'Kilo' is a request for all personnel to report to their emergency posts - in the event of, say, a necessary evacuation." If a person has died, "Operation Rising Star" will come over the tannoy, according to Cruiseoholics.
What size is a pullman bed? ›How big is a Pullman bed? Pullman beds vary in size but are generally the size of a single bed or slightly narrower. Space above the bed is limited so an adult may not be able to fully sit up in bed.
What is a bed sofa called? ›A sofa bed or sofa-bed (in the US often called a sofabed, hide-a-bed, bed-couch, sleeper-sofa, or pullout sofa) is a multifunctional furniture typically consisting of a sofa or couch that, underneath its seating cushions, hides a metal frame and thin mattress that can be unfolded or opened up to make a bed.
Do cruises get bed bugs? ›Bed bugs have long been the bane of hostels and motels, even luxury hotels -- but are they on cruise ships as well? The short answer: Yes, and they're equally content to feed on the blood of both the budget-minded and big spenders. Cruise ship infestations are rare, but they do occur.
What deck is best on a cruise ship? ›The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.
Can you sleep on the balcony of a cruise ship? ›Can You Sleep on a Cruise Ship Balcony? There are no rules that say that passengers on cruise ships can't sleep on their balconies. That said, cruise lines do generally advise against it. Despite this many people enjoy sleeping on their balconies and you won't have any problem doing so if you want to.
Is a sofa bed better than a bed? ›Sofa beds are particularly useful for living rooms, guest rooms, home offices, studio apartments, and practically any home that is short on sleeping space. A regular bed takes up a huge amount of floor space and generally has a singular purpose (you can sometimes get beds with under bed storage).
Why are cruise beds so comfortable? ›
People have varying tastes in mattress firmness and bed linen type, but cruise lines do put effort into making their beds as comfortable as possible. You can expect high-quality cotton or cotton-blend sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers, fluffy pillows (down or memory foam) and duvets, and often custom mattresses.
Are sofa beds as comfortable as beds? ›Are Sofa Beds Comfortable? Sofa beds are comfortable to sleep on, but nothing will be able to compare to a traditional bed and mattress. Typically, sofa beds tend to be firmer as they are usually made from foam, which is one of the firmest materials for sofas. Plus, the mattresses can also be quite shallow.
What does a pineapple mean on a cruise ship? ›On a cruise ship, the secret symbol of an upside-down pineapple is regularly used as a code for swinging or “wife-swapping”. In most cases, an illustrated and upside-down pineapple is fixed to the cabin door of a guest interested in swinging and partner swapping.
What does code mike mean on a cruise ship? ›What does Mike mean on a cruise ship? The code “Mike” is used by the cruise line Oceania Cruises to communicate to the crew that there is a medical emergency on board that requires urgent attention. Therefore, the code “Mike” performs a similar function to Alpha, but on Oceania Cruises only.
What does code 7 mean on a cruise ship? ›What does Code 7 mean on a cruise ship? “Code 7” likely relates to the seven short blasts and one long blast that signals that all guests and crew must report to their muster stations. You should be briefed on this during your muster drill as it's important that you to take action.
What should my bed size be? ›Figuring out the right size for you is simple. Just take your height and add 6 inches to it. Then select the mattress that is longer than the length you calculated.
What are the 5 types of bed according to their sizes? ›- Twin/Single: 38" x 75"
- Extra-Long Twin: 38" x 80"
- Full/Double: 54" x 75"
- Queen: 60" x 80"
- King: 76" x 80"
- California King: 72" x 84"
Do I need a passport? We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.
What is a cuddle couch? ›The Cuddle Sofa provides you with a supportive sit while surrounding you in cloud-like comfort that makes perfect space for reading, relaxing, gaming and watching a movie cuddling with the family. This ample chair comes in multiple materials and color options that cater to your style and enhance your home.
What is a cuddle sofa? ›A snuggle chair, also sometimes known as a cuddle chair or love seat, is a wonderfully versatile piece of furniture that is a little bigger than an armchair, but smaller than a sofa.
What were old couches called? ›
Chair-back Settee
An early type of couch, it was developed in the late 17th century and continued to be popular well into the 19th century with the backs, legs, and feet reflecting the predominant styles of the period. The back chairs are usually open but can be upholstered.
While there has been a rising concern and increased prevention of rodent activity on cruise ships/large vessels, chances are there will always be a potential for this problem.
How can I travel bed bugs free? ›A hard-shelled suitcase has fewer folds and seams where bedbugs can hide. Pack your belongings -- clothes, toiletries, shoes -- in sealable plastic bags, and open only when accessing the items. Alternatively, consider wrapping your entire pack in a trash bag to stave off potential infestations during your travels.
Can bed bugs travel on the clothes you wear? ›Bedbugs can easily hide in luggage, clothing, and other personal items, so take a few precautions while travelling to keep them from coming home with you.
Where should you not stay on a cruise? ›- Cabins with obstructed views. ...
- Cabins with a connecting door. ...
- Those that are close to the lifts or stairs. ...
- Staterooms that are too far from the lifts or stairs. ...
- Cabins near the laundry room. ...
- Beware of cabins with little privacy. ...
- Staterooms directly below public and entertainment areas.
You want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least movement. Avoid cabins near the front (bow) or back (stern) and on decks higher than the middle deck of the ship. So, on a ship with fourteen passenger decks, your best options are below deck seven.
What is the quietest room on a cruise ship? ›Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don't hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.
Do you have to dress up every night on a cruise? ›Absolutely not. Your cruise is your own. If you don't want to dress up for the evening, then you certainly don't have to do so. Many people choose to keep it casual.
What is the disadvantage of sofa bed? ›Sofa Cons. Good quality sofa beds can be expensive, especially if you want one that is sleek, easy to unfold and that comes with a good mattress. They also require some agility and strength to unfold and set up.
Whats the best floor on a cruise? ›
The nicest and most expensive cabins on any ship are generally on the highest decks. That typically means just below the pool deck. However, the pool deck is often the loudest during the day (and often well into the night).
What is the most comfy bed in the world? ›- Best Overall. Layla Mattress. ...
- Best Value. Nectar Mattress. ...
- Best for Side Sleepers. Helix Midnight. ...
- Best for Back Pain. WinkBed. ...
- Best for Combination Sleepers. DreamCloud Mattress. ...
- Best for Couples. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. ...
- Best for Heavy Sleepers. Emma CliMax Hybrid. ...
- Best Luxury. Saatva Classic.
Once in the cabin, they clean the sleeping area and the bathroom, change the towels and refill the minibar. Sheets are usually changed every other day, unless otherwise requested by the guest.
Is it OK to sleep on a sofa every night? ›Sleeping on the couch once in a while probably won't harm your long-term health, although you may wake up with a crick in your neck. That said, sleeping on your sofa every night can put you at a higher risk for some health conditions, such as chronic back pain and neck pain.
What is the weight limit for a sofa bed? ›How Much Weight Can a Sleeper Sofa Hold? The sleeping weight limit on a sleeper depends on the size and manufacturer. However, the following is a good rule of thumb: a twin sleeper holds one person who weighs up to 250 pounds. Full size sleepers hold twice that, supporting two people up to 250 pounds each.
Are sofa beds good for your back? ›Most sofa beds don't feature the thick, dense material that people with back injuries need. Sleeping on a thin sofa bed means that your spine will feel all of the metal coils in the bed, which can result in pain, tightness and even injury.
What should you not bring on a cruise? ›...
What Not to Pack: Things You Want to Bring on a Cruise But...
- Household Appliances Like Irons and Coffeemakers. ...
- Weapons and Restraints. ...
- Liquor or Beer. ...
- Books. ...
- Toys That Will Get You in Trouble.
The cruise ship's most iconic feature, the funnel was first introduced in the steamship days, when oceangoing ships made the transition from sail power to coal-fired engines.
What is code Charlie on a cruise ship? ›Charlie, Charlie, Charlie is the code for a security threat aboard Royal Caribbean ships and the code for upcoming helicopter winch operations aboard c-bed accommodation vessels. Code Blue usually means a medical emergency. Delta, Delta, Delta is the code for a possible bio-hazard among some cruise lines.
What is code Oscar on cruise ship? ›Code Oscar is a form of ship emergency code which is mainly used in the cruising industry. The vessel emergency code, Code Oscar, is rung in case there a person falls overboard from the vessel. The distress signal is euphemistic in nature, so as to prevent the potentiality of chaos occurring following the emergency.
What does kilo kilo kilo mean on a cruise ship? ›
Kilo (specifically Kilo, Kilo, Kilo on Royal Caribbean ships) – all personnel to report to their emergency posts. Omega or Oscar or Bravo, Bravo or Mr. Mob – man overboard (we heard that on a Disney Cruise once. That was fun.)
Which is the best side of a cruise ship to be on? ›starboard side of the ship is best to stay on. Your decision will depend on a variety of factors, from your stateroom type to your cruise itinerary. Here are helpful tips for choosing which side of the ship will suit you best.
Is it better to be on the back or front of a cruise ship? ›If you suffer from motion sickness, or are a first-time cruiser and want to play it safe; it is not recommended you sail in a stateroom in the forward section of the ship. The most desirable location is a mid-ship stateroom, or if not available, a stateroom towards the back (aft) of the ship.
What type of bed is most popular? ›Queen. Queen bed sizes are by far the most popular option. Consumers flock to this 60" x 80" size bed for its comfort and spaciousness.
What type of bed is best for your body? ›Generally speaking, foam mattresses provide the best pressure relief and body contouring. If you want pain relief at key pressure points, look for a mattress that gently conforms to your body when you lie down. This allows for your hips and shoulders to sink in slightly.
Which bed type is best? ›Foam is the best option for you, with either memory foam or latex foam serving the purpose. Since you sleep on your back, you need proper spinal alignment and decent contouring. A medium-firm mattress is ideal for you. Memory foam or latex foam with good support is perfect for back sleepers.
What floor is best on cruise ship? ›The nicest and most expensive cabins on any ship are generally on the highest decks. That typically means just below the pool deck. However, the pool deck is often the loudest during the day (and often well into the night).
What is the roughest part of a cruise ship? ›The front of a ship can be the most uncomfortable place to be in big waves. This is because the front of a ship pitches a lot more in waves than the center of a ship or even the back.
What is the highest quality cruise line? ›- Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 78.98. MSC Cruises. ...
- Royal Caribbean International. Score 72.49. Carnival Cruise Line. ...
- P&O Cruises. Score 76.61. Azamara. ...
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Score 76.63. Star Clippers. ...
- Grand Circle Cruise Line. Score 89.47. ...
- Atlas Ocean Voyages. Score 88.78.
At the bottom are crew members, who are generally responsible for serving guests. They include servers, bartenders, and cleaning staff.
Can you smoke on a cruise ship? ›
To recap, you can smoke on a cruise ship, but only in designated smoking areas. Mostly, these smoking areas are only outdoors, although some cruise ships allow cigarette smoking in their casinos.