At Cruzely, we’re big obviously fans of taking a cruise. The sun, the atmosphere, the beautiful beaches, and the chance to get away and disconnect in a way that’s just not possible on land is pretty special.
However, we are also realists and know that cruising isn’t always for everyone. There are some unique characteristics of cruising that you don’t find in traditional vacations like staying at a resort or going to Disney World. And for some people, those differences can be a complete dealbreaker.
So what are the signs that cruising isn’t for you and that you should never bother getting on the ship? Here is when you’ll want to avoid sailing for a vacation.
You Can’t Handle Crowds
Cruises come in all sizes, from small ships with a few dozen people all the way to ships that can carry 10,000 passengers and crew when full. When most people think of cruising, it’s aboard a larger ship that holds at least several thousand passengers. And honestly, that’s the style of cruise that the vast majority of people sail.
In that case, if you’re someone that doesn’t deal well with crowds, then cruising likely isn’t for you.
To be sure, there are always places to escape crowds. Your cabin is your space free from others. Ships are also so large that there are always public areas hidden away that get less foot traffic.
You will inevitably have to deal with crowds, however. The pool deck on a sunny day at sea will be packed. Check-in at the pier, mealtimes, and evening shows will also see lots of people in one area. No, you won’t constantly be in a sea of people, but there’s no arguing you won’t see some crowded situations.
You Need Every Meal to Be Spectacular
Food is a big part of cruising, and many people rave about the meals they have. There are definitely restaurants all over the ship, but if you’re someone that is really into food, cruising might not be for you.
We’ll admit, we are not foodies. That said, we feel like the food on a cruise ship can be hit or miss. The rule of thumb is that if you’re going to shell out extra for a meal on the ship, it’s going to be a good meal. We’ve eaten a number of specialty restaurants for an extra charge and never come away disappointed.
The included food, however, is a different story. Some meals are fantastic. Some just don’t hit the mark. The biggest issue seems to simply be quality. When you’re trying to feed thousands of people within a few hours, the food can feel like it’s mass produced.
No, you won’t go hungry on a cruise. It’s just that anyone really into food likely won’t be blown away.
You Can’t Stand Having a Schedule on Vacation
On a cruise, your day is yours to spend how you want. Other than making sure you’re back on the ship by the “all aboard” time you can do what you want, when you want.
Still, there is a stereotype that cruising is a very structured, scheduled vacation. That is true in some respects. Namely, there’s a daily schedule of activities — from what time the trivia contest is to when the dining room opens to when the evening show starts — that you need to pay attention to. In fact, you’ll likely find yourself looking at a schedule time after time during your cruise.
True, you don’t have to be anywhere at any time if you don’t want to, but if that’s the case, then you’re going to miss out on a lot. For people that prefer not to have anything scheduled at all, a cruise may not be ideal.
You Like to Sleep In
Are you someone that likes to sleep in on a vacation? Then we will just say don’t go on a cruise. Cruise ships are definitely for early risers.
In your cabin, you’re well-insulated from the noise of surrounding rooms so you aren’t likely to hear your neighbors. Cabin doors, however, seem to let sound through easily. So when people walk by your door and are talking in the hall, you can hear them easily. By 8-9 a.m., you’ll hear all sorts of people coming and going, doors slamming, and conversations happening.
Then there are the early morning ports of call. Typically a ship reaches port around 6-7 a.m. if there is an 8 a.m. arrival time listed. At that time you’ll hear and feel the ship shudder and shake as the engines put on power to maneuver the ship into position. You often can’t sleep through it if on a lower deck.
Once the ship is docked and people are allowed to go ashore, there will also be an announcement letting everyone know, which usually comes early in the morning.
Bottom line, we find it near impossible to sleep late while cruising.
Being Nickeled and Dimed Drives You Nuts
There are all sorts of cruise lines out there catering to different tastes. So if you don’t like being nickeled and dimed, then many of the higher-end lines have anything you want on the ship included.
The largest mass-market lines are a completely different story. If you’re someone sailing on a line like Carnival or Royal Caribbean or NCL, then extra charges are the name of the game. People that really don’t like that fact should avoid sailing.
It’s extra charges for drinks. There is food included but upgrade charges for nicer dining options are everywhere. Wi-fi? Extra charge. Spa treatments? Extra. There are also gratuity charges that are applied to your account automatically.
Yes, there is a lot included with your fare, but extra charges are common.
You Have a Fear of the Ocean
Thalassophobia — also known as the fear of deep bodies of water — is a common fear among some people. If you’re someone that suffers from it, then obviously a cruise isn’t going to be your cup of tea.
Honestly, cruises do a good job of making you feel secure. Railings are on every open deck and they are high — coming up to just below your chest. Meanwhile, many activities are indoors to where you aren’t even open to the sea at all.
Still, there will be times where the ship is out of the range of any land, and it can be an unnerving feeling if you’re not used to it. The time that really gets to us is being out on the deck at night, seeing no lights around and realizing just how far you are from everything in the middle of the dark ocean.
You’re Not Ok With Seeing Tourist Traps (Caribbean)
There are definitely cruises that can take you to places that expand your horizons, are far-flung, and unique destinations. The typical cruise, however, isn’t so much a cultural exploration as it is a chance to get away from the grind and get some sun while visiting beautiful beaches.
So if you’re someone who prefers cultural enrichment over swimsuits, then no, the common Caribbean cruise isn’t for you.
Frankly, many of the Caribbean ports have been built up to “tourist trap” status. There are ways to get out and see the real side of the destination, but typically only after passing through stores selling kitschy souvenirs and bars selling cheap drinks with loud music.
Meanwhile, private destinations from the cruise line are a perfect beach day and cater to cruisers (and are a lot of fun), but they don’t offer much in the form of culture.
Again, there’s nothing wrong with just having fun at the beach during a cruise. If you’re looking for some sort of deeper sense of travel, a cruise won’t be for you.
