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When you think of cruising, you probably picture stunning cruises, delicious cruise fare, and beautiful destinations. As many cruise passengers point out, while all this is true, sailing isn't always smooth sailing.
In fact, even those who love cruising admit there are a few things that annoy them. I recently asked avid cruisers Our social media pages About their dissatisfaction with cruise ships. After receiving hundreds of reviews from real cruise ship passengers, I discovered a few common threads.
There were also some interesting points that I hadn’t heard before but resonated with other fellow cruisers. That being said, take these complaints with a grain of salt – because despite them, we still love cruising! All cruise puns are intentional.
Avid cruisers reveal their cruising woes
1. chair pig
“They literally put their shoes on the deck chairs at dawn to 'keep' them and then disappear until lunchtime!”
No list of cruise ship annoyances would be complete without scary chair pig. Imagine an excited cruiser ready to relax, only to find that every prime spot is “occupied” by a towel and a flip-flop. One commenter admitted: They move “ghost towels” to make room for others – rebellious, but sometimes necessary!
2. Elevator chaos
“Elevator manners…or lack thereof. It's driving me crazy!”
From people jumping over people already in line to refusing to let people off before boarding, passengers say this is their biggest frustration. Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility say this is one of their biggest frustrations on cruise ships.
3. Children run wild
“I love kids, but not when I have to dodge them like an obstacle course!”
Whether it's running down the halls late at night or turning the adult hot tub into a splash area, unsupervised little ones are high on many cruisers' list of worries.
4. Problems with smoking and e-cigarettes
“The smoke from the casino seeped into everything … the hallways, the buffets … into my lungs.”
While many agree smokers need a designated spot, others lament the spread of odors into adjacent areas. Even though casinos have designated smoking areas, many visitors complain that the smell wafts into nearby lobbies, stairways and other public areas.
This is especially frustrating for anyone who is sensitive to secondhand smoke. Some cruisers say the worst are those who light up cigarettes on their balconies (even though they're not allowed), spreading the smell of smoke into neighboring cabins.
5. QR code menu
“Give me a menu! We’ll have to pass the phone around to see what everyone wants to order!“
Many cruise lines have replaced traditional paper menus with digital versions, requiring you to scan a QR code at your table. While it's environmentally friendly, it can be a nuisance for those who want to unplug or don't have reliable Wi-Fi on board.
6. Official Nighttime Fashion Police
“Don't judge me if I don't want to bring a huge prom dress – my suitcase has a weight limit!”
While many people like to dress up, there are also those who can't or simply don't want to wear formal attire. Some people also mentioned disabilities that made it difficult to carry extra clothing.
These days, most cruise lines have pretty flexible dress codes. Of course, there's always a buffet, and there's no dress code at all.
Related: 25 Best Cruise Outfit Ideas for Women
7. jumper
“Friends, single-file queues are not advanced calculus.”
From bars to buffets to guest services and disembarkation lines, cruise ship passengers can’t stand people jumping in line. What's even worse is seeing 10 additional friends and family members join one person who “saved their spot.”
8. Hands-free phone calls and Bluetooth music
“We already have live entertainment on board – do we really need your personal DJ booth?”
One of the biggest complaints in the modern era is people playing their playlists or answering their phones loud enough for everyone to hear. Many cruisers complain about hearing personal phone calls or children's cartoon videos on the speakers during dinner. One commenter said: “I don't need to hear about Aunt Linda's foot surgery while I'm drinking pina colada.”
Related: 35+ Items That Are Not Allowed on Cruise Ships (This May Surprise You)
9. Continuous upselling
“We’re on vacation, not a timeshare!”
Massage deals, specialty dining packages, jewelry raffles — some cruise lines say the constant push for extra-cost items can be overwhelming. “I just wanted to take a break and have a drink,” one commenter wrote.
10. latecomer
“They show up late, shuffle to the front, and then leave early. Double interference!”
When seats fill up quickly, a waltz mid-show is sure to grab attention. One passenger said they had lost count of the number of times latecomers in the front row had danced “Oops, wrong seat.”
11. People who never say “please” or “thank you”
“Seeing how hard the staff is working, the least we can do is express our gratitude.”
Some reviewers singled out rude travelers who had a complete disregard for manners. A simple smile and “thank you” can go a long way Crew working hard on the cruise ship.
12. Buffet etiquette faux pas
“I’ve seen people pick up a roll of paper, smell it, and then put it back – including licking their fingers!”
Despite having pliers within easy reach, the cruiser occasionally saw others placing unwanted items back on the buffet with their bare hands. If you're wondering why these hand-washing stations (or even a full buffet) exist, here's a clue.
13. Door closer
“Cabin doors are heavy. Please don't slam them like a catapult!”
Light sleepers often complain of being awakened by the sound of doors slamming late at night. Whether it's a hatch to the hall or a door to your balcony, these doors are heavy and may “slam” inadvertently.
Related: 30 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruise Needs
14. Nickel and dimming or upsell
“Drink packages. Specialty meal packages. Water? Soda? You name it, they want to sell it.”
Cruising used to be more inclusive. Some travelers now view every turn as an opportunity for an add-on sale or “upgrade.” While some people enjoy the variety, others find it tiring.
15. Biggest worry: not taking a cruise
“I guess my biggest worry is not booking a cruise right now!”
We see this comment come up time and time again. Ultimately, despite all the complaints, one universal fact emerged: people couldn't wait to get back on board.
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