Are you a fan of cruising? Well, if you are, you might be tired of hearing the same old complaints about cruising from people who have never even been on a cruise. As someone who has been on over 25 cruises, I can tell you that there are certain complaints that I’m just so over hearing. Want to know what they are? Keep reading! I’m also sharing my cruise port and sea days planner as a free printable below.
Common Cruise Complaints
1. It’s Cheesy and Tacky
I’m tired of people thinking that cruising is cheesy and an uncool way to spend a vacation. They envision cruise ships with tacky, outdated decor and that the activities onboard are limited to playing Bingo, eating at buffets, and watching mediocre shows, which is only appealing to older people.
However, the reality of cruising is quite the opposite. In reality, cruise ships are floating resorts with an impressive range of activities such as skydiving, ziplining, go-karting, and shows that are on par with Broadway and Cirque du Soleil.
2. It’s only for Old People or Honeymooners
I’m tired of hearing people say that cruises are only for newlyweds going on their honeymoon or for older people. This could not be further from the truth!
According to a cruise industry study, the average age of cruise passengers is 46.5 years old. In fact, only 33% of cruisers are over the age of 60.
Many cruise ships cater to the younger crowd, adding exciting attractions like roller coasters, bumper cars, and go-karts. This has turned cruise ships into floating hotels that appeal to multi-generational cruisers. Take a look at my list of the most mind-blowing cruise ship attractions.
3. Too Many People
I’m also tired of hearing people complain that cruises are too crowded. The truth is, it’s not always like that. I’ve been on many cruises where it doesn’t feel crowded at all.
The trick is to know where to go and where not to go. For example, I never head to the buffet on the first day of the cruise because it’s always an absolute madhouse. I also steer clear of the pool on sea days since that’s when everyone seems to want to go for a dip.
Fortunately, modern cruise ships are designed with crowd control in mind. They have multiple pools, restaurants, buffets, lounges, and decks, which means that even though there may be thousands of people on board, you won’t feel cramped or claustrophobic.
In fact, the newest Royal Caribbean ships have neighborhoods that cater to different age groups, so you can easily find a spot that suits you. For example, if you want to avoid kids while cruising, there are plenty of adults-only areas where you can do just that.
If you’re worried about crowds on your next cruise, don’t be! Just follow my tips on how to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxing and stress-free vacation at sea.
4. It’s Not Safe
I’m also tired of hearing about how dangerous cruising is. This is a misconception that is often amplified by the media. News headlines about isolated incidents such as passengers falling overboard, pirate attacks, or deaths on board gives the false impression of cruising as more dangerous than it actually is.
5. You’ll Get Seasick
Another common misconception that people associate with cruising is that you will get seasick on cruises. It’s a myth fueled by images of boats sailing through storms with furniture being tossed around.
But the truth is, it’s pretty rare to experience seasickness on a cruise. Most cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers, which make choppy waters barely noticeable. Plus choosing the right time to sail (not during hurricane season) can help you avoid seasickness.
I’m someone who is prone to seasickness, but it hasn’t kept me from cruising. Check out my tips on how to enjoy a cruise without feeling seasick.
6. It’s a Breeding Ground for Outbreaks
I’m tired of people saying that cruises are dirty, disgusting and unsanitary, the breeding ground for outbreaks. The media often sensationalizes any case of illness on a cruise ship, which creates fear and anxiety among people.
But the reality is that it is uncommon to get sick on a cruise. I have been on many cruises and have never gotten sick, and neither have my friends and family members who cruise multiple times a year.
The cruise industry has taken significant measures to improve hygiene and sanitation, such as introducing handwashing stations at buffets, assigning staff to remind people to wash their hands, and upgrading ventilation systems. The CDC conducts unannounced inspections twice a year, and most cruise ships pass with flying colors. Check out the cleanest and dirtiest cruise ships according to CDC ratings.
7. There’s Nothing to Do
I’m tired of people saying that cruises are boring and that there is nothing to do. You know they have never been on a cruise before when they say there is nothing to do.
The truth is, it’s hard to get bored on a cruise. There is so much to do on a cruise ship, you don’t have enough hours in the day to do it all. There are countless activities to enjoy on a cruise, such as watching a Broadway show, going on bumper cars, dining at a celebrity chef’s restaurant, participating in a trivia game show, getting a couples massage, or attending an art auction. You will never run out of things to do.
8. Too Cramped
I’m also tired of hearing people say that cruise ships are claustrophobic. Sure, the cabins may not be as spacious as a luxury hotel suite, but that’s not to say they’re unbearably small.
It’s a misconception that people will feel cramped on board. Nowadays, most cruise ships are more akin to sprawling resorts, with ample space to roam and explore. The ships are so massive that you could easily forget you’re even on a ship! From swimming pools to restaurants to ice skating rinks, and shops, these cruise ships are impressive floating hotels.
9. No Time to Enjoy the Destinations
Many people complain about not having enough time to explore a place while on a cruise, since they only get to spend 6-8 hours at each port of call. While this is true, there is a bright side to it – you get to visit many places on one vacation.
However, if you prefer a more immersive experience, then expedition cruises and overnight cruises are the way to go. Expedition cruises are becoming increasingly popular, taking travelers to incredible places such as Antarctica. Some itineraries include spending a few nights at ports like Bermuda, where your cruise ship is docked for several days. I’ve also seen more and more cruise itinearies with overnight stays at cruise ports such as some Mediterranean cruises.
10. It’s an Unhealthy Floating Buffet
I’m tired of people saying that cruises are unhealthy and it’s just a floating buffet serving mediocre food. When people think of cruising, they often imagine all-you-can-eat buffets, unhealthy food options, and mediocre food.
They assume the food is subpar because it’s prepared in mass quantity, so how could it be good? However, from my personal experience, cruise food is delicious.
Plus, there are plenty of healthy options available on cruises, such as smoothie stations, lighter fare, and sugar-free desserts. Many cruise ships also cater to specific dietary needs, so that passengers can maintain a healthy lifestyle while cruising. There are some food that I stay away from check out my list of foods I’ll never eat at a cruise buffet.
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Check out my cruise packing lists with free printables for your upcoming Caribbean cruise, Alaska cruise, Mexico cruise, Mediterranean Cruise, British Isle Cruise and Bermuda cruise
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