Cruising offers a unique and often luxurious way to travel, but it’s not without its share of frustrations.

While many passengers disembark feeling satisfied and relaxed, others encounter challenges that can dampen the experience.

By exploring the most common cruise complaints, we can better understand what issues passengers frequently face onboard and how to address them. Let’s dive in!

Common Issue: Crowds and Overcrowding

One of the top cruise passenger complaints is overcrowding.

With thousands of people on a single ship, common areas like pools, buffets, and lounges can feel packed, especially during peak times.

Long lines for activities, restaurants, or even elevators are often frustrating.

Overcrowding can make what should be a relaxing vacation feel hectic and stressful.

How to avoid this: Consider booking smaller or mid-sized ships if you prefer a more intimate setting.

Cruise lines like Azamara or Viking Ocean Cruises specialize in smaller ships, offering a more exclusive experience.

Additionally, traveling during off-peak seasons can reduce the likelihood of large crowds. Early mornings, especially before breakfast hours, tend to be quieter times to explore common areas.

During port days, many passengers disembark, leaving the ship’s facilities less crowded—a perfect opportunity to enjoy pools, spas, or fitness centers without the usual hustle and bustle.

Common Issue: Cabin Noise Problems

Cabin noise ranks high among common cruise problems.

Thin walls and ceilings mean you might hear your neighbors, hallway chatter, or even the ship’s engines.

For light sleepers, this can make it hard to fully relax and enjoy the trip.

Late-night parties or early morning announcements can further disrupt the peace.

How to avoid this: Choose cabins away from high-traffic areas like elevators, theaters, or nightclubs.

For example, on Royal Caribbean ships, booking a cabin on higher decks or at the aft section can minimize engine noise.

Avoid rooms directly under pools or dining areas where furniture movement might be heard.

Planning ahead and consulting deck plans can help you find quieter locations.

Investing in noise-canceling headphones or a white noise machine can also make a significant difference.

Common Issue: Dining Delays and Food Quality

Dining on cruises is a big draw, but it’s not always smooth sailing.

Passengers often complain about long waits for dinner, especially in main dining rooms.

Others feel that the food quality doesn’t match the hype, particularly in buffets.

Some passengers also find the limited variety in dining options repetitive, especially on longer cruises.

How to avoid this: Specialty restaurants typically offer a more refined experience, albeit at an extra cost.

Carnival Cruise Line, for example, has the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, which is highly rated for its exceptional service and quality.

To avoid long waits, book dining reservations as soon as you board the ship.

Dining earlier (around 5:30 PM) or later in the evening (after 8 PM) can reduce wait times.

If you enjoy buffets, visit during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon or after the lunch rush.

Some ships also feature grab-and-go dining options for a quick meal.

Common Issue: Limited Pool Space

Pools are a favorite feature on cruise ships, but they’re often a source of frustration.

Cruise passenger complaints frequently mention how difficult it is to find a spot by the pool or how small the pools feel relative to the number of guests onboard.

On hot, sunny days, the pool area can become uncomfortably crowded.

How to avoid this: Check for ships with expanded pool areas or adult-only zones.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Spice H2O” offers an adults-only retreat with less crowding.

Arrive early to snag a sun lounger or opt for private cabanas when available.

If you’re a late riser, consider visiting the pool after lunch, as morning crowds may thin out by then.

Alternatively, port days often leave pools emptier as passengers explore ashore, creating an excellent opportunity to enjoy them.

Common Issue: Unscheduled Itinerary Changes

Changes to the itinerary, such as skipped ports or altered routes due to weather, rank among the most disappointing issues onboard.

While safety is the priority, passengers often feel let down when they miss a much-anticipated destination.

These changes can also disrupt pre-planned excursions and dining reservations.

How to handle it: Read the fine print in your cruise contract, which typically mentions that itineraries are subject to change.

Travel insurance can also help offset costs if a canceled port affects your pre-booked excursions.

Disney Cruise Line, for instance, is known for offering onboard credits or alternative activities when such changes occur.

If you’re disappointed by a missed port, use the extra time onboard to explore new activities, such as spa treatments or unique dining experiences.

Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises, may extend time at alternative ports to compensate for missed ones.

Common Issue: Seasickness and Motion Discomfort

For first-time cruisers, seasickness can be an unwelcome surprise.

Even on modern, stabilized ships, rough waters can cause discomfort for some passengers.

Symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue can put a damper on the trip.

How to avoid this: Opt for midship cabins on lower decks where movement is less noticeable.

Princess Cruises’ MedallionClass ships are known for their advanced stabilization technology, reducing the risk of seasickness.

If you’re sailing during potentially rough seasons, such as winter crossings in the Atlantic, pack seasickness remedies like ginger tablets, acupressure bands, or over-the-counter medications like Dramamine.

Calm regions like the Caribbean or Mediterranean during summer months are ideal for those prone to motion sickness.

Common Issue: Internet Connectivity Problems

In today’s connected world, slow or unreliable Wi-Fi is one of the most common cruise problems.

Cruise ships rely on satellite internet, which can be costly and slower compared to land-based connections.

Many passengers express frustration at the high prices for subpar service.

How to manage expectations: Research the ship’s Wi-Fi plans before booking.

Royal Caribbean’s “VOOM” internet is marketed as the fastest at sea, providing a more reliable connection.

Download important files, movies, or apps before you embark to minimize reliance on onboard internet.

Some ports of call also provide free or inexpensive Wi-Fi. For example, cafes or libraries near the port in cities like San Juan or Nassau often offer good connectivity at reasonable prices.

Common Issue: Service Concerns

While many passengers rave about the attentive service on cruises, others encounter problems such as slow responses to requests, unfriendly staff, or mistakes in billing.

Service inconsistencies can detract from an otherwise enjoyable experience.

How to address this: Report any issues to guest services as soon as possible.

Celebrity Cruises is known for its proactive guest service team, often resolving complaints promptly.

If you notice recurring service issues, consider addressing them with the ship’s hotel director.

Providing feedback at the end of your trip can also help cruise lines improve their service and ensure better experiences for future guests.

Common Issue: Chair Hogging

“Chair hogging” is a term used to describe passengers who reserve loungers by the pool for hours without actually using them.

This practice is a frequent source of frustration.

Despite policies to discourage this behavior, it remains a common problem.

How to handle it: Some cruise lines have started enforcing time limits on reserved chairs.

MSC Cruises, for example, uses pool attendants to monitor and free up unused loungers after a certain time.

If you prefer a quieter experience, visit the pool early in the morning or late in the afternoon when chair availability improves.

Choosing less popular areas of the deck can also help you find available seating.

Common Issue: Noise in Public Spaces

Beyond cabin noise, loud public areas can also be challenging.

Whether it’s children running around, loud music, or crowded dining spaces, noise can detract from the serene vacation you envisioned.

Public events and poolside parties often amplify the noise.

How to avoid this: Seek out quiet zones or adults-only areas onboard.

Holland America Line offers the “Explorations Central Lounge,” a serene area perfect for reading or relaxation.

Many ships also offer libraries, observation lounges, or other peaceful spaces to escape the noise.

Evening hours tend to be quieter in lounges and observation decks as guests head to shows or dinner.

Common Issue: Tendering Delays

For ports that require tendering, delays can be a major issue.

Waiting for your turn to board a smaller boat to get ashore can eat into your valuable time at the destination.

Tendering delays often lead to complaints about missed excursions or shortened port visits.

How to avoid this: Book excursions directly through the cruise line to receive priority tendering.

Carnival Cruise Line offers “Faster to the Fun” passes, which can include expedited tendering.

Arriving early to the tender station, particularly before scheduled excursions, can help secure an earlier spot.

If you’re not pressed for time, consider waiting until mid-morning, when the initial rush has subsided.

Common Issue: Unexpected Fees

From gratuities to drink packages and specialty dining, unexpected fees can leave passengers feeling nickeled and dimed.

Cruise passenger complaints often include surprise charges that weren’t made clear upfront.

These fees can quickly add up and exceed initial expectations.

How to avoid this: Research what’s included in your fare and budget for extras.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers “Free at Sea” packages, which bundle perks like drink packages and Wi-Fi for added savings.

Carefully reviewing your final bill before disembarkation can also prevent surprises.

Some cruise lines, such as Regent Seven Seas, include nearly all amenities in the base fare for a truly all-inclusive experience.

Common Issue: Cleanliness Complaints

With so many people in close quarters, cleanliness can be a concern.

Passengers sometimes report dirty cabins, unclean public areas, or even outbreaks of illness like norovirus.

Ensuring sanitary conditions on large ships is a constant challenge for cruise lines.

How to address this: Report cleanliness issues immediately to staff.

Disney Cruise Line is known for its rigorous cleaning protocols and proactive measures to ensure passenger health.

Frequent handwashing and using hand sanitizer can also reduce the risk of illness.

Many cruise lines have hand sanitizing stations placed at dining venues and other common areas, so take advantage of these resources.

Common Issue: Lack of Personal Space

Finally, the lack of personal space is a recurring issue.

Whether in crowded elevators, at the buffet, or during embarkation and disembarkation, being surrounded by people nonstop can feel overwhelming.

This can be especially challenging for introverted passengers.

How to cope: Seek out less crowded areas onboard, like the promenade deck or an observation lounge.

Balcony cabins also provide a private outdoor space for relaxation.

Scheduling quiet time in your cabin or participating in less popular activities like morning yoga or late-night stargazing can help recharge your energy.

Final Thoughts on Cruise Complaints

Cruises can offer incredible experiences, but being aware of potential issues onboard can help you prepare and make the most of your trip.

By understanding these common cruise problems and taking proactive steps, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy your vacation with fewer frustrations.

With a bit of planning and realistic expectations, cruising can still be a dream getaway.

Plan Your Next Cruise!

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