Introducing Hush Cruises: The world's first silent cruise line

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Introducing Hush Cruises: The world's first silent cruise line preview image

For travelers seeking peace, serenity, and a break from the constant chatter of everyday life, a new cruise line is setting sail with a truly unique offering. Hush Cruises, the world’s first exclusively silent cruise line, is redefining relaxation on the water. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Hush Cruises has slightly refurbished classic ocean liners from the 1970s, bringing them out of retirement to offer truly peaceful voyages through the Great Lakes.

The art of saying nothing

Couple relaxing on deck loungers at the aft of a cruise ship, enjoying peaceful ocean views and the open sea breeze at sunset.

Hush Cruises is designed for those who prefer tranquility over trivia nights and quiet contemplation over karaoke. Their fleet consists of intimate, small ships, each carrying only 1,200 passengers to some of the most understated destinations in North America, including Toledo, Ohio; Gary, Indiana; Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The goal? To create an atmosphere of pure serenity where the only sounds are the lapping of freshwater waves and the distant hum of industrial shipping ports.

How does it work?

Friends laughing and playing a guessing game with sticky notes on their foreheads.

The moment passengers embark on their 2–4-day cruise, they are given a Complimentary Silence Kit, which includes a notepad, pen, and a set of pre-printed cue cards featuring useful phrases like “Where is the buffet?” and “Another lukewarm coffee, please.”

Guests are encouraged to communicate through gestures, facial expressions, and written notes, with a strict No Talking Policy enforced in all public areas. Whispering is allowed only in designated areas, such as the library and select dining venues.

A silent but exciting experience

Cruise guests dancing with LED headphones at a silent disco party onboard, enjoying nightlife entertainment in a vibrant, upscale lounge.

Despite the absence of spoken words, Hush Cruises offers a full itinerary of engaging onboard activities:

Silent Discos at Club Whisper – Dance to music only you can hear through noise-canceling headphones
Mime Yoga on the Tranquility Deck – Instructors guide classes using only body movements
Mute Movie Nights in the Silent Cinema – Classic films with subtitles, no distractions
Gesture-Only Trivia in the Quiet Quarters Lounge – A test of knowledge and creative charades skills
The Serenity Shuffleboard Tournament – A slow-paced, silent game where strategic nods are encouraged

For those craving a more social experience, the Text & Talk Lounge allows passengers to send messages to one another via an onboard chat system (but only if absolutely necessary).

Dining in peace

Elegant group dining in a formal cruise ship restaurant, guests enjoying gourmet cuisine and fine wine in a refined, quiet atmosphere.

Dining aboard a Hush Cruises ship is an experience like no other. Each restaurant features a Silent Service concept, where waiters take orders using a special tablet system. The main dining room, The Stillwater Room, is designed for “communal quiet dining,” allowing guests to savor their meals without small talk interruptions. Other onboard eateries include:

Echo’s Buffet – A completely soundproof dining hall where even the clinking of silverware is muffled
The Mute Spoon – A specialty restaurant featuring a five-course tasting menu with detailed written descriptions
Library Café – A no-talking coffeehouse where guests can read while sipping ethically sourced coffee

Relaxation at its best

Woman in sunglasses lounging poolside with finger to lips, making a “shh” gesture—fun visual for promoting Hush Cruises or silent cruise experiences.

The beautifully restored ocean liners, feature several quiet spaces, including:

The Hush Pool – A pool where floating is encouraged, and splashing is discouraged
Zen Tides Spa – Offering silent massages, sound baths (without actual sounds), and written meditation guides
Silent Sun Deck – Complete with soundproof lounge chairs for ultimate relaxation

Soundproof cabins for maximum peace

Guest relaxing inside a sound-proof cruise cabin with ambient lighting and control panel—perfect for promoting quiet travel.

Each stateroom aboard Hush Cruises is outfitted with NASA-grade soundproof insulation, the same material used to shield astronauts from the deafening roar of space travel. Whether you're in an interior cabin or a lake-view suite, you’ll enjoy absolute silence, free from noisy neighbors, hallway chatter, or the sound of waves lapping against the ship.

For the ultimate quiet experience, the Hibernation Suites offer triple-layered noise barriers, blackout curtains, and a complimentary white noise machine (just in case the silence becomes too much).

Exclusive silent excursions

Woman standing outdoors with eyes closed and hands on heart, embracing calm and gratitude.

The commitment to tranquility extends beyond the ship. Hush Cruises partners with local tour operators to provide silent-friendly excursions, such as:

Whispering Cement Factory Tour (Gary, Indiana) – Experience the stillness of one of the Midwest’s least exciting landmarks
Zen Grain Elevator Experience (Toledo, Ohio) – A rare chance to appreciate the silent majesty of bulk grain storage
Sault Ste. Marie Lock Watching – Observe boats go up and down, slowly, in near-complete silence
No-Talking Lighthouse Tour (Thunder Bay, Ontario) – Stand in reverence before a lighthouse that doesn’t need words to impress

Are you ready for a truly quiet getaway?

If the idea of a cruise without loud announcements, poolside DJs, or unsolicited small talk sounds like your dream vacation, Hush Cruises is standing by — quietly, of course — to welcome you aboard. Book now with Cruisebound and enjoy an early-bird discount—no need to call, just submit your reservation request silently online.

April Fools!!

Lightbox sign reading "April Fools Day" surrounded by emoji balloons and gold confetti.
While Hush Cruises isn’t a real cruise line, there are plenty of amazing real ones that offer all the joys of cruising—with a bit more excitement and plenty of fun. Book with Cruisebound today.