Cruise Vacations: 20 Not-So-Sunny Facts You Need to Know

Ready to set sail? Before you do, let’s talk about what cruise lines might not want you to know. These 20 surprising truths could change your mind about booking that next cruise vacation.

1. Health Risks Remain High

Imagine being stuck at sea with a virus running rampant onboard. It’s not just COVID-19; things like norovirus are pretty common on cruise ships too. Is that a risk you want to take?

2. Environmental Impact

Cruise ships are like floating cities that dump sewage directly into our beautiful oceans. Not exactly the eco-friendly vacation you had in mind, right?

3. Crowded and Overbooked

Ever feel like you can’t escape the crowds? That’s a cruise for you. Packed pools, long buffet lines, and crowded dance floors could be your daily reality.

4. Hidden Costs

Think you’re paying for it all upfront? Think again. Those extra charges for drinks, special meals, excursions, and even Wi-Fi can really add up, blowing your budget out of the water.

5. Limited Interaction with Local Cultures

You hop off; you hop on, and what do you really see? A few hours in port isn’t enough to truly experience local life beyond the tourist traps.

6. Underwhelming Food Quality

Those endless buffets? They’re not exactly gourmet. Expect mass-produced dishes that rarely change – you might find yourself craving a simple home-cooked meal.

7. Restricted Itineraries

Found a spot you love and want to explore more? Too bad. The ship’s schedule calls the shots, and often it’s back onboard long before you’re ready.

8. Over-tourism

Imagine descending on small towns with thousands of others all at once. It changes the place, and not for the better – it’s overwhelming for everyone involved.

9. Unpredictable Weather and Itinerary Changes

Storms can reroute your entire trip. That dream destination on your itinerary? You might not even set foot there.

10. Lack of Privacy

Finding a quiet corner to yourself on a ship brimming with guests is like finding a lifeboat on the Titanic. Good luck!

11. Subpar Entertainment

The shows might be plentiful, but they’re often a bit… well, cheesy. If you’re looking for cutting-edge entertainment, you might find yourself disappointed.

12. Inadequate Medical Facilities

If you have a serious health issue on board, the ship’s small medical center might not cut it. For anything major, you’d need to wait until the next port—whenever that may be.

13. Difficulties in Social Distancing

Post-pandemic, we all know the drill on keeping distance. Try doing that in a buffet line or a tiny elevator with a dozen other people.

14. Ethical Concerns with Labor Practices

Ever wonder why the crew is always working? Their shifts are long, the pay is low, and the conditions are tough. It’s a far cry from the glossy brochure images.

15. Limited Wildlife Encounters

You might see the ocean, but it’s not the same as getting up close with wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s more scenic viewing than true interacting.

16. Impact on Local Communities

The little money you spend onshore barely benefits the local community. Most of your dollars stay on the ship, which doesn’t help the places you visit.

17. Cabin Size and Comfort

Cramped and cozy isn’t what everyone wants. Those tiny cabins can make a hotel room feel like a palace.

18. Lack of Authentic Experiences

Those shore excursions? Many are just well-oiled tourist machines. You’re herded from one spot to another without experiencing what truly makes a place special.

19. Noise Levels

Peace and quiet can be hard to come by when you’re surrounded by thousands, all enjoying their vacation at full volume.

20. Slow Internet

Need to send an important email or share your holiday snaps? Prepare for slow connections and high prices to stay online.

Reconsider

So, what do you think? Still keen on that cruise, or are you starting to consider other options? Remember, there are plenty of ways to travel that can offer you more freedom, authenticity, and peace of mind. 

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ruth Peterkin.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.

The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.

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