Going on a cruise is a dream for many. Different places, the open ocean, plus all the activities onboard have people saving up and looking for the best deals online. Seems easy, right?
That’s what cruise lines want their guests to think. There are many things advertised that we don’t see, like small rooms and crowded pools, just to name a few.
Go through this list, and see if that cruise is still a dream for you.
Boarding The Ship Is Not Like A Red Carpet Walk
Getting onto that ship may feel like walking the red carpet, but it can be very stressful for some.
There are hundreds of others struggling with their luggage, trying to get on the board and settle into their rooms all at the same time.
The dock looks like the perfect opportunity for a picture, but everything around you is hectic.
And remember that people are not afraid to use their elbows just to get ahead.
This Is What They Call Relaxing
The big pool is one of the main attractions on cruise ships, but it’s not always a spot that is relaxing. There are so many people, so you need to keep an eye on your children.
Crowded pools make swimming dangerous so your relaxation expectations may not go as planned.
Rooms Are Not As Spacious As They Said In On The Website
Booking your cruise gets you excited by the luxurious rooms pictured on the website.
Then you get on board to see that you only have a windowless room with bunk beds.
You’ll have to spend tons of money for a cabin with a balcony and modern features.
Keep reading to find out what the bathrooms are really like though.
Under My Umbrella, Ella, Ella
The sun can be really strong out in the ocean, so instead of seeing a wide-open deck, you’ll just see one with all the umbrellas opened.
It may not look great, but at least you know you will be protected from the harsh sun when out on open waters.
The Bathrooms Might Be A Little Cramped
The bathrooms in cabins may not boast of gleaming marble, expensive finishes, or lots of space to move around, but at least those rooms have one, right?
Space is limited on a cruise, so bathrooms are kept small. But if you have a luxury room, then your bathroom is way nicer than those average cabins.
Good Luck Finding A Chair To Sit In
The main pool seems to be one of the most beautiful aspects when looking at pictures of cruise ships.
Get on board though and everyone gravitates towards it, making the area overcrowded and impossible to find a chair.
It goes from relaxing to music blasting and people yelling left and right.
And when the ship rocks, so does the water in the pool. It becomes a dangerous wave pool without a lifeguard around.
“Did Someone Say Buffet?”
Don’t be expecting white-glove service for three meals. Ships will have buffet-style meals since that allows them to feed thousands of people without long wait times.
On luxury cruises, fantastic dining options are available with an additional cost.
Buffet food is not bad; it’s just not the five-star dining experience people assume or expect.
Cakes, Cakes, And More Cakes
On most cruise ships, buffets are open the whole day. And the options tend to be unhealthy, like burgers and fries or donuts and cakes.
On top of the food, people spend their day drinking sugary cocktails to get a buzz.
It’s easy to overeat since they are readily available, and a burger sounds so good when drinking non-stop for days on end.
“Fine Dining”
The movie Titanic may have you expecting everyone to be dressed up and dining on fine china.
There will be certain nights that everyone dresses up for a five-course meal, but most nights are like dining at a chain restaurant instead.
The food isn’t bad, but it won’t be lavish like you thought they would be. And be ready for a busy and loud dining room.
The Hot Tub Is Not Private
When guests have settled in, the first thing they usually look for is the deck. They’ll sit in the hot tub with a scenic view of the ocean.
It’s an idea many have so they end up sharing the entire tub with strangers.
It’s an interesting way to meet others, but you may want to avoid the tub.
Go for a stroll around the deck to get accustomed to the boat before jumping into the waters.
Where Are The Dolphins?
Most people think they’ll see dolphins following the boat, but that rarely happens since sea creatures tend to avoid large ships.
Most of the time, people onboard will be staring out to nothing but open water.
But don’t be disappointed. You’ll really beautiful sunsets when out there.
Working On A Cruise Will Be Fun, They Said
Shows like Below Deck have people realizing that working on a boat is not easy work. Their cabins are designed for multiple employees, and they usually have little to no privacy.
It sounds fun to find work on a cruise ship since you travel the world while getting paid, but there are lots of downsides to the job.
The Ports Might Not Look Like Instagram Photos
When you booked your cruise, you expected to see beautiful beaches once the ship pulls into port. Unfortunately, those ports are usually cement structures with just a few palm trees.
Get off the boat though, and you will see the beautiful scenery. Ports aren’t the final destination, so it doesn’t matter if it is pretty or not.
Your Luggage May Or May Not Be Lost
Like airlines, those cruises can lose your luggage as well. There are thousands of people with multiple suitcases, so it’s highly possible for a suitcase or two to be left behind or forgotten somewhere.
Luckily, these modern ships are like floating malls so you can go shopping for a new wardrobe should you lose a bag.
Try Not To Get Cabin Fever
Going on a cruise in the winter and leaving from a northern port means that the first few days are going to be too cold to sit by the pool.
There are many activities, but they don’t happen 24/7, so you need to find ways to entertain yourself on the ship.
Your kids may complain of boredom, so pack cards and games to avoid getting cabin fever.
“Shuffleboard Is Fun” – Said No One Ever
Shuffleboard is a popular activity when there are no other activities to choose from.
You may spend a lot of time waiting for your turn, but at least you aren’t cooped up bored in your cabin with fussy kids.
Cue The Titanic Theme Song
Many cruise ship passengers like to recreate the “I’m flying” scene from Titanic. The truth is it probably won’t live up to your movie expectations though.
These fantasies are better left to the movies and the imagination.
“I Paid For An Ocean View”
If you paid for an ocean view but forgot to look at the deck plan, you may find yourself looking at a lifeboat instead of the open water.
That extra money for a view and a balcony is now completely wasted.
If you don’t plan on spending a lot of time in your room, it’s not a problem. Though it’s not something you want to wake up to.
When They Said The Entertainment is “Quality”
Pictures from your friend’s cruise showed that Rascal Flatts performed, so now you’re so excited to see who’s performing on your ship.
Don’t get your hopes up too much though. Most of the time it’s just some magician or a bunch of girls singing karaoke.
There’s unlimited alcohol, so people have no problem belting out “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” with strangers around.
People Of All Ages
A cruise is fun regardless of age. But some do offer age-specific demographic. Booking a regular cruise for all ages will have you seeing young and old people onboard.
Unless you book a cruise for your age, the majority of passengers are 55 and older.
The upside to this is that they won’t be partying all night, so that’s way less noise.
The Beautiful Cruise Ship
People expect to walk into the port where a pristine ship with a gleaming white exterior awaits, but the ship actually looks like this.
If the ship is not brand new, it won’t ever be as perfect as it once was when released.
That ship is exposed to the harsh elements of the open waters. It goes through a lot of wear and tear the more it is used and abused.
Endless Alcohol
“Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots.”
We’re talking mai tais to Pina Coladas, and you can get any drink with an alcohol package should you desire it.
The endless alcohol seems fun until three days later when the hangover finally kicks in.
With so much alcohol on board, that peaceful vacation usually turns into a giant frat party, full of noise and regrets.
Scary Sailing
The weather will keep changing out at sea. Thunderstorms and rough waters are things to prepare for when you book a cruise.
Ships are often struck by lightning. You’re perfectly safe, but it can be terrifying if you don’t expecting these possibilities out there.
Mingling
“Hey ladies, do you come here often?” Is a common line men on cruises use when looking to meet someone for a fling. A little extra courage with alcohol may help.
Remember that on a cruise, it should be about having fun with friends and family, instead of meeting someone and having a fling.
A Swanky Casino
When you boarded, did you expecting to find a Las Vegas-style casino?
The truth is it is usually just a few card game tables and some slot machines.
It can still be fun but definitely not the big swanky casino vibes you expected.
Romantic Getaway
Cruises attract many couples and honeymooners. It’s a chance to get away with your loved one and take a break from life.
They think they can peacefully relax by the pool, but families and rowdie youngsters make it hard to find a moment of peace.
It might not be the romantic experience they hoped for, but it’s still better than waking up early to go to work downtown.
When They Run Out Of Deck Chairs
The main pool area does get crowded quickly, but you should still enjoy a cocktail while lounging in the sun.
Unfortunately, this is more difficult than it seems.
When the upper decks are full, and all the chairs are occupied, passengers will drag their mattresses out of their rooms to enjoy the fresh air.
That does sound better than lying on a deck chair though.
Perfect Weather
Cruises won’t always have perfect weather. Not even the captain can control the weather at sea.
The ship will sail through a storm at times, so it’s essential to make sure the boat has many indoor and outdoor activities.
Relaxing Beaches
When passengers get off in a tropical location, they expect relaxing and quiet beaches.
When you get to shore, most of them go to the same spot and that gets crowded quickly.
That might be a good time to have the ship’s pool all to yourself since the other passengers are at the beach.
“Must Find Service!”
Most ships charge for wifi, so if you don’t feel like paying, you’ll be out of service while out at sea.
It’s a great time to detox from your phone and enjoy the vacation.
And if you’re with family or friends, it will be easier to spend quality time with them since you aren’t distracted by your phone.
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