Summary
- Cabins Are Small
- Cruises Aren’t Really All-Inclusive
- Staff Photographers Are Everywhere
- The Food Is Institutional
- The Safety Drill
- Your Fellow Passengers Will Be Old
- The Staff Can Be Obsequious and Obtrusive
- Your Dining Time and Table Are Pre-Assigned
- Excursions Are Expensive and Sometimes Lame
- The Entertainment Is Awful
Cruises offer beautiful ocean and river views that create a romantic setting, and with seamless travel from port to port, you can truly relax. Additionally, daily housekeeping adds to the convenience of this travel style. However, cruises are not suitable for everyone. Particularly for honeymoons or romantic getaways, cruises may lack the privacy you desire, and unsuspected fees can put a strain on your budget. Therefore, it’s important to recognize aspects that might deter you from a cruise before making plans.
Cabins Are Small
The standard cabins on cruise ships are often smaller than the tiniest hotel rooms. While designed for functionality, you may find that the close quarters lead to unintentional bumping into each other during your journey. However, being in love may alleviate any discomfort you experience.
Advice: Before finalizing your cabin choice, review the square footage carefully. Opt for the largest cabin that fits your budget, and remember to pack light.
Cruises Aren’t Really All-Inclusive
If you thirst for a beverage, be prepared to pay extra. While some cruise lines might include wine during dinner, costs can quickly add up if you desire cocktails, spa treatments, or dining in upscale restaurants. Tips are typically not included in the cruise price either. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of these additional expenses when considering a cruise vacation.
Advice: Consult your travel advisor about any cruise lines offering onboard credits to incentivize bookings. If you enjoy beverages, purchasing a drink package onboard can be beneficial.
Staff Photographers Are Everywhere
Having a professional photo taken while dressed elegantly can be enjoyable, yet on a cruise, photography opportunities abound. Expect photographers to be present when boarding, disembarking at ports, dining, and engaging in activities. These photographers represent yet another method for cruise lines to generate additional revenue.
Advice: Instead of pausing for photos, walk past the photographers and capture your own moments.
The Food Is Institutional
Catering to thousands of guests on large cruise ships is no small task. Meals across three daily services alongside snacks can lead to institutional food quality. Generally, you will find a primary dining room and a self-service cafeteria on ships. While food is plentiful, it may not measure up to the best land-based restaurants. Enhanced dining options typically come with a surcharge but offer superior cuisine compared to the complimentary options.
Advice: Consider treating yourself to a meal at one of the more refined onboard restaurants.
The Safety Drill
Every cruise features a mandatory safety drill for all passengers, which can vary in execution from video screenings to standing on deck in life jackets. This protocol, while essential, can be tedious. Nevertheless, compliance is not optional.
Advice: Tolerate the drill; it is a necessary precaution.
Your Fellow Passengers Will Be Old
While different cruise lines attract varying demographics, you will generally find that ocean cruisers tend to be in their 50s and 60s. River cruises often cater to even older passengers. Thus, you may find yourself among guests who are significantly older but still have the opportunity to engage with individuals from all age groups.
Advice: Embrace the experience; it may serve as a glimpse into your own future.
The Staff Can Be Obsequious and Obtrusive
High service standards are crucial for cruise lines, often resulting in extensive training for their staff. While this dedication to service can enhance your cruise experience, at times, the service may feel overly attentive or mechanical, leading to repetitive inquiries.
Advice: Enjoy the attention, but remember after your trip, such details will not be remembered by anyone else.
Your Dining Time and Table Are Pre-Assigned
If dining with strangers every evening doesn’t sit well with you, consider selecting a cruise line offering more flexible dining options. Otherwise, you might find yourself at the same table with the same individuals throughout your cruise.
Advice: If you prefer more privacy, instruct your travel agent to secure a table for two in the dining area.
Excursions Are Expensive and Sometimes Lame
Excursions offered by cruise lines can vary greatly in quality, from memorable experiences to disappointing tours. While these excursions provide convenience for passengers unfamiliar with a location, they often come at a premium.
Advice: Consider exploring on your own; hire a taxi or share costs with fellow travelers for a more economical option. Check online for affordable local tours as well.
The Entertainment Is Awful
Evening entertainment on cruise ships may feel outdated, often appealing to a broad audience without hitting any strong notes. While themed variety shows dominate the entertainment scene, other options like comedy or music performances may also be available, though they tend to be similarly generalized.
Advice: For a more enjoyable experience, consider skipping the main productions and curating your own entertainment instead.
