First-Time Cruisers Beware: 15 Reasons You Might Hate It
Just a quick note…I wrote this post thinking about a cruise I went on with my husband in 2022. It had been thirty years since his last cruise. (He did not enjoy it the first time.) When he returned, he declared that it would be another thirty years before he would go again. So that got me thinking about the reasons why people would not like a cruise.
Cruises often promise an idyllic vacation filled with sun-soaked decks, luxurious accommodations, and exotic destinations. However, reality can fall far short of the dream for many first-time cruisers. From unexpected inconveniences to outright frustrations, your first cruise might not be the seamless escape you envisioned.
Reasons You Might Hate A Cruise
Here's why your maiden voyage at sea might leave you feeling more seasick than satisfied:
1. Seasickness and Motion Discomfort
The most immediate and visceral reason to despise your first cruise is seasickness. If you're not accustomed to the constant motion of the ocean, the rocking of the ship can turn your dream vacation into a nauseating nightmare. Despite modern ships being equipped with stabilizers, rough seas can still cause significant movement. For some, even calm seas can be enough to trigger discomfort. Over-the-counter remedies and patches can help, but they don't work for everyone and can have side effects like drowsiness.
2. Crowded Spaces and Long Lines
Cruise ships are floating cities, often carrying thousands of passengers. This means that at peak times, you may find yourself waiting in long lines for everything from boarding and disembarking to meals and shore excursions. Popular areas like pools, buffets, and theaters can become uncomfortably crowded. The sheer volume of people can turn what should be a relaxing experience into a struggle for space and privacy.
3. Limited and Expensive Internet Access
In our hyper-connected world, being without reliable internet can feel like a major inconvenience. On cruises, Wi-Fi is often slow, unreliable, and outrageously expensive. This can be particularly frustrating for those who need to stay connected for work or personal reasons. Some cruise lines offer internet packages, but they come at a steep price, and the quality could be better, making it hard to do much beyond checking emails.
Although service has been improving with the addition of Star Link to many ships, it is still expensive and will usually only cover one device.
4. Hidden Costs and Extra Charges
The initial price of a cruise might seem like a great deal, but beware of hidden costs. Many amenities and activities that you assume are included come with extra fees. Specialty dining, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, and some onboard activities can significantly inflate your bill. Additionally, gratuities are often automatically added to your account, which can be a surprise for first-time cruisers who need to be made aware of this practice.
Whether you pay gratuities upfront or at the end of the cruise, you will pay them nonetheless. It should also be noted that these gratuities are destined for the behind-the-scenes staff on the ship. Cabin stewards are off the receiving end of these gratuities; therefore, paying them directly either during your cruise or at the end is a common practice. Bar gratuities are automatically added to the bill, so tipping the bartender when you order is unnecessary.
5. Cabin Size and Comfort
Cabins on cruise ships are notoriously small, and unless you've splurged on a suite, you might find the accommodation cramped and claustrophobic. The standard rooms are functional but basic, with little space to move around, especially if you're sharing the cabin. The lack of personal space can be a significant drawback, particularly on longer cruises where you'll spend more time in your room.
If you require a seated mobility scooter, most cabin rooms are too small to store it, so you will need to purchase an upgraded room. These scooters are NOT permitted to be stored in hallways, as doing so would contravene safety protocols in the event of an emergency.
6. Limited Dining Options and Mediocre Food Quality
While cruise lines boast a variety of dining options, the quality and availability can be hit or miss. Buffets can be crowded and repetitive, with food that is often lukewarm and bland. Main dining rooms offer better quality but come with their own issues, such as set dining times and the possibility of being seated with strangers. Specialty restaurants can provide a better dining experience, but as mentioned, they come at an additional cost.
7. Health and Safety Concerns
Cruise ships can be breeding grounds for illnesses like norovirus and, more recently, COVID-19. Close quarters and shared facilities mean that germs can spread quickly. Despite the best efforts of cruise lines to maintain hygiene standards, outbreaks are not uncommon. This can lead to anxiety about health and a less enjoyable experience if you're constantly worried about getting sick.
8. Limited Shore Time / Cancelled Excursions
The allure of visiting multiple destinations is one of the biggest draws of cruising, but the reality is often less glamorous. Shore excursions are typically short, giving you just a few hours to explore each port. This limited time can feel rushed and doesn't allow deep exploration or immersion in the local culture. Additionally, the schedules are rigid, so if you're late getting back to the ship, you risk being left behind.
Furthermore, canceled excursions can negatively affect your experience on a cruise. For some, booking a particular excursion may have been the reason to book the cruise in the first place. But if it is canceled (weather, insurance, politics, etc.), you are defeated and must adjust your day's activity.
9. Environmental Concerns
For those who are environmentally conscious, cruising can pose a moral dilemma. Cruise ships are notorious for their negative environmental impact, from air and water pollution to damage to marine ecosystems. Knowing that your vacation might contribute to environmental degradation can dampen enjoyment and lead to guilt.
10. Regimented Schedules and Lack of Flexibility
Cruises operate on tight schedules, making your vacation feel more like a regimented tour than a relaxing getaway. Mealtimes, show times, and shore excursions are all set in advance, leaving little room for spontaneity. If you prefer to go with the flow and make plans on the fly, this can be a significant downside.
11. Underwhelming Entertainment
Cruise lines often tout their onboard entertainment, but the quality can be underwhelming. Shows, comedy acts, and musical performances are often geared toward a broad audience, which can result in generic and uninspired programming. If you're used to high-quality entertainment or have specific tastes, the offerings may be disappointing.
While larger cruise ships have more activities and recreation options onboard (roller coasters, waterslides, skating rinks), they often have the caveat that they will attract more children.
12. Inconsistent Service Quality
Service quality on cruises can vary widely. While some crew members are attentive and friendly, others may be indifferent or overworked, leading to inconsistent experiences. The sheer number of passengers means that staff are often stretched thin, which can impact the level of service you receive.
If your itinerary is new or the ship has recently relocated to a new homeport, you may find staff are newer and need more experience. This can affect service quality until the staff are more familiar with their roles and responsibilities.
13. Cultural Faux Pas and Local Backlash
Cruise tourism can sometimes lead to friction with local communities. Large influxes of tourists can overwhelm small port towns, leading to resentment among locals. Additionally, not all passengers are mindful of local customs and cultural norms, which can create uncomfortable situations. This can detract from the authenticity of your travel experience and leave a negative impression of both the destination and the cruise itself.
Although we are starting to see limits placed on certain cruise port cities, over-tourism is a growing concern that must be addressed worldwide.
14. Disembarkation Day Blues
The final day of your cruise, known as disembarkation day, can be particularly stressful. The process is often chaotic, with long lines and strict timelines. Passengers are usually required to vacate their cabins early in the morning, and it can take hours to go through customs and retrieve luggage. This can leave a sour taste at the end of your vacation, overshadowing any positive memories you've made.
15. Adapting to Ship Life
Finally, adjusting to life on a ship can be challenging. The constant movement, lack of personal space, and the unfamiliar environment can take a toll. Getting your sea legs often takes a few days, but your cruise might be half over by then. The novelty of being on a ship can wear off quickly, leaving you longing for the comforts of home.
Conclusion
While cruising has its devotees, it's not for everyone. The combination of seasickness, hidden costs, limited dining options, and other inconveniences can make your first cruise a less-than-pleasant experience. If you're considering a cruise for your next vacation, it's important to weigh these potential downsides and prepare accordingly.
By managing expectations and planning ahead, you might mitigate some of these issues, but it's also entirely possible that cruising simply isn't your ideal way to travel.
In the end, the best way to find out is to set sail and see for yourself but be prepared for the possibility that the open sea may not offer the escape you're dreaming of.
If you still want to plan your first cruise, you might also be interested in these cruise tips:
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I’ve never cruised and this article was so helpful in answering many questions that I had. I may have enjoyed this as a younger person, but not anymore. However the river cruises might be more my style. Thank you for this valuable info!
I've always had an instinct about cruises (that I wouldn't like them) veering towards the descriptions of 6, 8, and 10. those were kind of enough for me but couple the rest of the reasons you list here and I feel even stronger in my convictions now!