The Worst Cruises You Can Take

In the article “The Worst Cruises You Can Take,” Ben Souza discusses some of the least desirable types of cruises that you could choose for your vacation. From maiden voyages with their initial hiccups to short spring break cruises filled with partygoers, there are certain cruises that may not offer the best experience. Additionally, booking the cheapest cruise without considering if it aligns with your preferences can lead to a miserable time. Lastly, large themed groups on standard cruises can change the atmosphere and may not provide an optimal cruise experience.

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Maiden Voyages

The launch of new cruise ships bring excitement with new features, dining options, entertainment, and more. They also bring some growing pains for the first few cruises. It often takes a few voyages to get all the kinks out and I have learned this first hand. I have been on the maiden voyages of many new cruise ships on different cruise lines and they pretty much have one thing in common. It takes a few days for everything to start running smoothly.

On some of these cruises, the shows and entertainment weren’t ready. On others, the app didn’t work right for the first half of the cruise. On others, dining was much slower than usual due to the staff all working together for the first time.

On the bright side, things always ran much smoother by the end of the cruise. If you want to sail on a brand new cruise ship, wait a few weeks and then go on it for the best experience. Royal Caribbean is doing one thing to fix this problem. They told me that they were going to wait a few weeks after they take delivery of the largest cruise ship ever built, Icon of the Seas, before bringing on paying passengers. The cruise line said they want everything on the ship running at 100% before guests come on board.

Short Cruises During Spring Break

Short cruises to the Bahamas or Cozumel during spring break tend to be loud party cruises. Now if this is what you’re looking for, then go for it. However, if you want a quieter cruise, these voyages will not offer an optimal experience.

Cheapest Cruise You Can Book

I get it, sometimes you just want to book the cheapest cruise possible to save money. This often leads to booking a cruise that isn’t right for you. There are cruises for every type of traveler, from those who want an immersive cultural experience in Europe to those who just want a beach getaway in the Caribbean.

I know someone who will never take a cruise again because they did this. Instead of researching or using a travel agent to find a cruise that fit what they were looking for, they booked a cheap party cruise and were miserable the entire sailing.

Cruises with Large Themed Groups

There are two types of group cruises, those who charter the entire ship and those that just have a large group on board standard cruises. This is about the second group. Large themed groups often change the entire atmosphere of cruise ships. They usually have parts of the ship blocked off for them to use (lounges etc.) and it just creates a non-optimal cruise experience.

To see if there is a large themed group on your cruise, Google your cruise ship and the dates of your sailing. If there is a themed group cruise on your sailing, it will show up in search results from their website promoting it.

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Overcrowded Ships

One of the big complaints about cruises is the crowds. The larger the ship, the more people onboard and the more crowded it can feel. This can lead to long lines and wait times for popular activities, difficulty finding lounge chairs by the pool, and busy dining rooms.

If you prefer a more relaxed and spacious experience, you may want to consider smaller ships or less popular cruising times. This can help you avoid the frustration of overcrowded ships.

Poor Food Quality

Food is an important aspect of a cruise vacation, and unfortunately, not all cruises have great dining options. Some cruises may have bland and uninspired menu options, low-quality ingredients, and limited dining choices. This can be disappointing for food lovers or those with specific dietary needs.

To ensure a satisfying dining experience, consider researching cruise lines known for their culinary excellence or specialty dining options. This way, you can avoid the disappointment of poor food quality.

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Uncomfortable Cabins

Cruise ship cabins can vary greatly in size and comfort. Unfortunately, some cabins can be small and cramped living spaces, especially on older ships or budget cruises. These cabins may lack amenities such as storage space, comfortable beds, or even windows.

Additionally, loud neighbors or noise issues can further contribute to an uncomfortable cabin experience. To avoid this, consider upgrading to a larger or more luxurious cabin category or booking on a newer ship known for its spacious accommodations.

Unresponsive or Inattentive Staff

The quality of service on a cruise can greatly impact your overall experience. However, not all cruise staff may meet your expectations. At times, you may encounter delayed or unhelpful service, a lack of personal attention, or language barriers that hinder effective communication.

To ensure a positive and attentive experience, consider researching cruise lines with a reputation for excellent customer service. Additionally, it can be helpful to communicate any special requests or concerns to the cruise line ahead of your trip.

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Inadequate Safety Measures

Safety is a vital aspect of any vacation, and this includes cruise ships. Unfortunately, not all cruises may have adequate safety measures in place. This can include a lack of life jackets and safety instructions, unsafe conditions on deck, or poor emergency response plans.

To prioritize your safety, consider researching cruise lines with strong safety records and positive reviews regarding safety measures. Additionally, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with onboard safety procedures and location of emergency exits.

Hidden Fees and Extra Charges

While cruises often offer all-inclusive packages, there can be hidden fees and extra charges that add up during your trip. These unexpected expenses can include additional charges for onboard activities, specialty dining, or high costs for Wi-Fi access.

To avoid any surprises, it is important to carefully review the cruise line’s terms and conditions, including any additional charges or fees. Additionally, consider budgeting for potential extra expenses to ensure you can fully enjoy your cruise without any financial stress.

In conclusion, not all cruises are created equal and it is important to consider your preferences and needs before booking a cruise. By researching and choosing the right cruise line and itinerary, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable vacation experience.

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