If you are dreaming about embarking on a cruise with your family or a group of friends. As you excitedly plan the adventure ahead, you may encounter the interesting possibility of staying in a cabin equipped with a Pullman bed. But have you wonder what a Pullman bed on cruise ship is!
Let’s find out more about this specially designed sleeping option.
What is Pullman Bed on Cruise Ship?
A Pullman bed is a space-saving sleeping solution commonly found in cruise ship cabins, where it can be pulled down from the ceiling or folded out from the wall.
The concept was originally developed by George M. Pullman. These beds were first used in train sleeper cars in the late 1850s. Pullman beds are also called upper beds, bunk beds, or pull-down beds.
The Pullman beds are good for families with kids or people on a budget who want to fit everyone in one cabin. At the end of each day, the cabin steward can lower the beds and provide access ladders upon request, and then raise them back up again in the morning.
Are Pullman Beds Comfortable?
The Pullman beds used to be luxurious, but now they are small and less comfortable. Upper Pullman beds on cruise ships have weight limits and not much space between the bed and the ceiling. Passengers notice that these beds feel small and less comfortable compared to their previous grandeur.
They are good for kids or shorter, lighter adults. Despite the limits, many passengers find that pullman beds are more comfortable than traditional sofa beds, providing a regular mattress for a better night’s sleep.
How Big is a Pullman Bed?
The compact size of Pullman bed makes it the perfect choice for maximizing space in smaller cabins and rooms. The size of pullman bed on cruise ship resembles a single bed or slightly smaller. Pullman beds are 5.5 to 6 feet long. They are narrower than standard twin beds, measuring between 30 to 40 inches wide.
There isn’t much space above the bed, so adults might not be able to sit up fully. Pullman beds are more suitable for children and petite adults. If there are three or four adults in your cabin, it would be practical for the smaller, more agile adults to use the top bunk.
What Does a Pullman Bed Look Like?
Many travelers may not realize the ingenious design and space-saving capabilities of Pullman bed on cruise ships. When Pullman beds are not in use, they blend into the room’s design.
A Pullman bed cruise has a metal or wooden frame that supports the mattress. The frame swings down from the wall. The mattress is thin, lightweight and is about 4 to 5 inches thick. It includes a handle, strap, or lever for lowering it. Some Pullman beds also have guardrails.
Pullman beds can be stowed against the wall or concealed in the ceiling when not in use, making them almost invisible and maximizing available space allowing for a more spacious and airier environment.
The image displays Pullman beds that have been folded up and secured to the wall.
The photo below shows one Pullman bed lowered and one hidden in the ceiling.
Weight Limit on a Pullman Bed
When it comes to pullman beds attached to wall or ceiling, it is important to consider their weight limits for safe usage. Most pullman beds are designed to safely hold the weight of the average adult, but they may not be suitable for heavier individuals.
The following table shows the maximum weight limit for each cruise line’s Pullman beds.
| Cruise Line | Pullman Max Weight (kg) | Pullman Max Weight (lb.) |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | 113 kg | 250 lbs. |
| Celebrity Cruises | 90 kg | 200 lbs. |
| Cunard | 130 kg | 287 lbs. |
| MSC Cruises | 150 kg | 330 lbs. |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | 150 kg | 330 lbs. |
| P&O Cruises | 130 kg | 287 lbs. |
| Princess Cruises | 113 kg | 250 lbs. |
| Royal Caribbean | 136 kg | 300 lbs. |
Height Limit for a Pullman Bed
If you’re considering a Royal Caribbean cruise, there’s a height limit of 6 feet 6 inches for upper Pullman beds. Other cruise lines do not have a specified maximum height for their Pullman beds, leaving taller passengers wondering if they’ll be able to stretch out comfortably during their nautical adventures.
Pullman beds are designed to be the same length as a standard single bed.
Do Pullman beds have Guard Rails?
Guard rails are put on Pullman beds to prevent accidents, but their size can vary depending on the ship.
In the picture below, you can see the Pullman bed on Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas with a small guard rail. You must verify the pullman bed cruise before booking because you will not be able to change later.
The photo below shows the bigger guard rail on Allure of the Seas.
The image depicts the regular guard rail on P&O Cruises Britannia (the silver one) with the additional guard rail provided by stateroom attendant upon request.
If you find yourself staring at a Pullman bed with no guard rail in sight, don’t panic. Simply lift it up and voilà, there is your missing safety feature. If you are worried, a simple call to your cabin attendant can swiftly resolve any concerns about bed safety.
At What Age can Children use Pullman Beds?
Different cruise lines have varying age restrictions for pullman bed to use.
- Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises require kids to be at least 6 years old to use upper pullman bed, although this rule is not strictly enforced.
- Carnival Cruise Line allows children 2 to 11 to use them with an adult present
- Norwegian permits children 4 to 11.
- Disney Cruises allow children 3 to 12 to use pullman beds.
It is important to think about your child’s sleep habits and safety when deciding if they should sleep in a Pullman bed on cruise ship.
For younger kids, it might be safer if the bed is over another bed to reduce the risk of falling. There are floor-level beds available for third and fourth passengers in a cabin, such as sofa beds or pull-out beds.
When you book a cruise, make sure that you are happy with the bed arrangement because you cannot change it once you are on the ship.
How to Prevent your Child from Falling out of Pullman Bed on Cruise Ship?
Guard rails on upper pullman beds vary in size on different ships. Even within the same class of cruise ships, guard rails can be of different sizes.
If you are concerned about your child falling out of bed on a cruise, here are some ways to prevent it.
- Request an additional guard rail: You can request additional rail as it may be present on certain ships but not all.
- Bringing your own guard rail: you can purchase an inflatable guard rail from Amazon.
- Extra blanket: You can use a blanket for cushioning between your child and the bed’s edge.
- Bring your own inflatable bed: You can bring your own inflatable bed which can be purchased on Amazon as well.
- Utilize Mattress: You can place the mattress on the floor in certain cabins, but not all cabins have enough space for this.
- Utilize Sofa: Some cabins have a small sofa that can be turned to prevent kids from falling off.
- Switch Places: An adult can use the upper Pullman bed. Remember, the small bed is uncomfortable for adults.
Can Adults Use Pullman Beds?
Grown-ups have the green light to use the Pullman bed on cruise ships. Up to four adults on cruise can comfortably share a cabin without compromising on space or comfort.
Pullman beds on cruise ships can fit adults when a child is too young for the upper pullman bed. But taller adults may feel cramped because of low ceilings. These beds have weight limits of 250 to 330 lbs for safety.
Types of Cabins with Pullman Beds
Most of the Cruise Lines offer Pullman beds in a variety of cabins including interior, Oceanview, and balcony cabins. Suites also have Pullman beds, but they may have other sleeping options like a sofa bed or separate bedroom.
Here are the Cabins that have pullman beds:
Interior Cabins: pullman beds in interior cabins are the smallest and most affordable choice and often present a delightful surprise, perfect for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring and participating in activities. With one or two pullman beds, these cabins can accommodate three or four guests without sacrificing comfort.
Oceanview cabins: these cabins with Pullman beds offer a unique opportunity to experience the majestic beauty of the ocean through a window or porthole. Pullman beds in Interior Cabins are slightly larger than interior cabins and accommodate up to four guests.
Balcony cabins: these cabins with Pullman beds have a private balcony with a table and chairs. They are bigger than the interior and Oceanview cabins and can fit up to four guests.
Suites: Suites with Pullman beds are the biggest and most luxurious. They often have a separate bedroom, a living area with a sofa bed, and a balcony. Suites with Pullman beds can fit up to six guests.
Which Cruise Ships Have Pullman Beds?
Most popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises have Pullman beds. But the bed setup is different on each ship, some ships may have Pullman beds that fold down from the ceiling, others may feature beds that fold out from the wall, showcasing the diverse ways in which cruise lines optimize space and comfort for their guests.
So, it’s advisable to review the deck plans or ask a travel agent before booking if you need an extra bed in your room.
FAQs – What is a Pullman Bed on a Cruise Ship
What is the Difference Between a Pullman bed Royal Caribbean & Carnival Cruise Pullman bed?
The primary difference is Pullman bed on Royal Caribbean can hold more weight than Upper Pullman bed Carnival cruise.
How many Pullman beds are in the Stateroom of Royal Caribbean?
Not all staterooms have pullman beds, but staterooms that have pullman beds have either one or two.
Can You Put the Pullman Beds Up and Down?
The cabin steward will handle the raising and lowering of the Pullman beds during the day and evening on a cruise, as it is typically not possible for passengers to do so themselves.
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