I’m sure the title is going to cause a whole legion of cruise connoisseurs to take up arms against me, but that’s ok. I’ve taken exactly two cruises in my lifetime, not counting cruises to Alcatraz or Milford Sound. No, I’m talking about real cruises with shows, buffets, and bingo. I went exactly thirty five years without cruising, but in the last two I’ve been twice.
I never really thought I’d like a cruise in the first place, but my dad was going by himself (again) and paying the price of two people (which I think is complete BS, but that’s another post). I decided to tag along. After all, it wasn’t costing him anything more, and we could keep each other company. We left out of Galveston for a five night trip with stops in Progresso and Cozumel, Mexico. The second trip was this past New Year’s. For our Christmas presents, my dad sent my brother, sister-in-law, two nieces, my husband, and me on a four night cruise to Mexico that included a single stop in Cozumel.
Hanging with my family was the best part of cruising.
Before you think I’m sounding like a big-ole spoiled brat, I want to say that I am VERY appreciative of my dad and his generous gifts. I may hate the cruise concept, but I love my family. That’s why I went, and I’d go again if they wanted to. I had a great time with my family. We laughed, spent valuable time together, and ate a whole bunch. In a family effort, my husband was even crowned the sports trivia champion of the ship. Both cruises were wonderful in regard to time spent together, and they gave us memories to last a lifetime. For those reasons alone, I’m glad I went.
I just wouldn’t choose to take a cruise for one of my vacations.
And you know what? That’s just fine, because it takes all kinds. Some people loathe the idea of hopping on a plane for twenty hours and spending a month exploring. I think it sounds like heaven.
So what exactly is it that I hate about cruising?
I feel stuck: I like to blaze a trail when I’m on a trip, and walking from the ship’s pool to its casino isn’t the same. Wandering the streets of a city or hitting the open roads and exploring the countryside are the things I love about traveling. The short port-of-call stops just don’t cut it for me.
Standing in line to get back on the ship isn’t my idea of fun.
Cheesy Entertainment: Look, I love a good Broadway show as much as anyone, but I just don’t see the entertainment value in a cruise. I’m not expecting Tony Award winners taking the stage, but really, come on. When I look through the day’s itinerary and the only thing that jumps out at me is the hairiest chest contest, it’s pretty bad. The dance contests, scavenger hunts, karaoke, miniature golf, and trivia contests all feel like a middle school slumber party. This probably explains why my nieces had such a great time.
There’s only so much miniature golf one can play.
The Hustle: I know cruise ships have a simple goal, which is to make as much money as possible. I get it, but I don’t like it. Every little thing seems to have some sort of money-making goal behind it. An art auction? Really? Announcements come from the speaker proclaiming it time for the free wine tasting. Everyone hears “free” and “wine” but wind up spending a pretty penny when it’s all said and done. And while I’m on the subject of alcohol, geeze, I hate the idea of being at the mercy of the cruise ship when it comes to the cost of a drink. Their high prices and strict guidelines have turned otherwise honest people into boat bootleggers. Give me a neighborhood store in Rome where I can take a gallon jug and fill it up with red wine for 15 Euros. Not only do I get more bang for my buck, but I also get an authentic Roman experience.
Cruise ships make a ton of money off of booze.
Fellow Cruisers: For the life of me, I have no clue what makes some people lose all coothness when they get on a cruise ship. Just because the buffet is near the pool doesn’t mean it’s ok to get your Caribbean jerk chicken, black beans, and fried plantains while not wearing shoes or a shirt. Seriously! Rudeness abounds everywhere, but it seems to be magnified more on a cruise ship because you’re confined to such a small space. It doesn’t help that you have to see the same damn people every day. I particularly loathe this when it comes to the casino. I fashion myself an excellent blackjack player, and simply come unglued when players sit at my table and play crazily. With so few tables, it’s hard to find a place without such people. I can’t stand floating around with drunk, belligerent, or inconsiderate people who are only concerned with themselves and have no regard for others. I realize that I will and do encounter these people in all forms of travel, but on a cruise I’m stuck with them for the duration of the trip.
Yes, those are balloon penises on their heads.
No Culture: Probably my favorite aspect of traveling is experiencing other cultures and immersing myself in them. Whether that be finding locals-only restaurants, hitting the markets, or just walking the streets, I don’t want to spend my trip with Joe Blow from Houston. I’m from Houston. I didn’t take time from work and money out of my bank account to rub elbows with somebody I could have met at home. And I seriously don’t like being herded like cattle through duty free shops while docked.
Is this supposed to be a taste of Mexican culture?
Nothing says “Mexico” like a sombrero, tequila, and vanilla, right?
Passengers in Cozumel must walk through a duty free shop to board the ship.
I’m sure I’ll get comments about how not all cruises are like the ones I describe. That there are European luxury river cruises that I’d surely love or that some ships stay in port overnight and stuff like that. Here’s the deal. If you want to put your money where your mouth is and send me on a cruise in an effort to change my opinion, I’ll gladly accept. Besides, it’s not like I want to hate cruises. It’s just that I’m not going to spend my precious vacation days or dollars on a cruise.
Did you know that this post led to an interview on BBC? Check out, “A Brush with Fame: BBC & My Cruise Contempt”.
Michelle Parker via Facebook
April 19, 2012Amen, I second that!! I know I should never say never BUT….I pray im never on a cruise ship again.
Michelle
February 6, 2017So completely how I feel. #neverevercruise
Lisa
July 2, 2022I will neverrrrr go on a cruise again. I was disgusted. I couldn’t wait to get off. You nailed it! You checked off every box~ just generic and tacky and gross. The nicest ppl were the crew members I felt so bad for them having to deal with all the rude guests day in and day out. I do have a new appreciation for a drink called the Miami Vice tho. Again, so tacky lol ~ Horseshoe Bay on Bermuda was my respite~ I could’ve stayed on that beach with the soft pink sand forever(minus the dead Portuguese man-of-wars you had to dodge while walking the beach….) while on the ship I just felt I guess like I couldn’t get away~ it was all there all the time ~ the drunk people, the tacky entertainment, tacky music, unappetizing food, tiny room… just yuk yuk yuk
Jansee
February 2, 2018I got sick with food poisoning and got very homesick staying in my stateroom getting well. My hubby got sick 6 hours after eating from the beautiful salad bar….then our adult son got diarrhea the last day of the cruise. Rotten luck I guess. I just wanted to go home. Then I had a raging sore throat on the plane from New Orleans back to Seattle. Then some a-hole slammed his body into mine in a very uncrowded area of the airport….nothing missing but I assume it was a pickpocket? Such fun.
Howard Mendoza
March 19, 2018Absolutely agree 100%. Our in-laws paid for a family cruise last year. My wife and I suffered through one long week of complete misery wondering why anyone would ever choose a cruise. As we were herded off the ship at departure my wife and I looked at each other and shouted….”never again”. One year later our in-laws presented us with a mandatory “family cruise” that we were pressured to endure because the favorite son loves cruises. Our time on The Oasis of The Seas was the worst 8 days of hell that you could possibly imagine. For someone who hates cruises, the notion of spending a week at sea is repulsive. Shops and bars that should be open are closed in the middle on the day. Many things worth doing are too crowded to enjoy. The alcohol package is absurd. The mandatory “Family meal” in the main dining room took three hours of every evening, people are rude and annoying and the only place you can go to get away from them is your cabin. If you love cruises you accept all the flaws; if you hate cruises, every moment brings more agony. Cruises are designed and operated for the benefit of the crew and the Cruise Lines….they are determined to extract as much money from each passenger as possible. My wife and I announced to her family that we would never cruise again; they were appalled.The bottom line is that huge crowds, strict schedules, and bad service is not our idea of vacation.
lola dimarco
April 19, 2012this is SO FUNNY! even if some disagree and love to cruise – they have to admit this is one hilarious post! you are the master of coining phrases!
Leah Travels
April 19, 2012I’m glad you think so, Lola. Like I said, to each his own. I just don’t happen to love cruising and that’s ok. I don’t have to. Although, being a boat bootlegger would be fun. 😉
Leah Travels via Facebook
April 19, 2012Haha, Michelle Parker. I can see how it would stifle you. I’m right there with you, at least on a traditional cruise ship.
CruiseOne Sheila Malone via Facebook
April 19, 2012As a travel agent I think cruises are great for certain types of trips. I agree that travel should be about losing yourself in culture & finding that great locals spot,but there are times when I just want to relax & be pampered. Cruises are great for that! I think it’s all about the type of trip you want to have 🙂
Leah Travels via Facebook
April 19, 2012Exactly CruiseOne Sheila Malone. I agree 100%. Cruises were a great way for my mom to travel when she was sick. They can be as low key as you wish them to be. My dad loves cruises too. I don’t fault anyone for liking them, they’re just not my cup of tea.
Curt
April 19, 2012Honestly, I’ve never been on a cruise. The closest I’ve been to a cruise was taking a high-speed ferry from England to Holland. I thought it was pretty cool, but it was only a few hours. I confess, though, if the opportunity presented itself, I’d take an Alaska cruise.
Leah Travels
April 19, 2012The Alaskan cruise is the only one that ever tickled my fancy even a little. Still, I’m not sure if I can get the bad taste out of my mouth from cruising with the masses. I’m glad I tried it though. What if I’d loved it? I’d never know if I didn’t ever go. Give it a shot, I say.
Brenda
September 17, 2022I just got back from a beautiful Alaskan cruise, my second cruise and honestly…..my last. While I am so thankful for the trip of a lifetime and the beauty of Alaska….,.I will never get on a cruise ship again. This was my second cruise ( one to Bermuda) and I can’t agree with you more on cruising. It’s just not for me. Tight quarters, cafeteria food that request a dress code, liquor package I couldn’t possibly drink into a deal, money traps everywhere on the ship for items, services, food that no one should pay that much for. I tried to opt out of the entertainment nights at the theatre to read a good book but family wasn’t having it, plus I felt bad that they would think I was being spoiled or no fun. I was stuck doing things I really didn’t want to do on the ship for 7 days. First day back home , husband positive for covid, third day…me. There were fun times because of who I traveled with but no culture value at all. Port of calls were a blast because we had control of that time and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. No more cruises for me..
@mrsoaroundworld
April 19, 2012Thank you thank you thank you! I have never been on a cruise.. and this is exactly why! I knew I wasn’t alone. And get me on a 20h plane journey anytime.. and even better if *up in the front*
Leah Travels
April 19, 2012I’m not trying to discourage anyone else from trying a cruise. It’s just not for me. I’m not sure if it’s the entire concept of a cruise or the ship/company/clientele with me on my cruises. I’m not closing the door completely to cruising. I’m just not spending my money on it. 😉
Ana Silva-O'Reilly via Facebook
April 19, 2012And if we all liked yellow, wouldnt life be boring?
Leah Travels via Facebook
April 19, 2012So true, Ana Silva-O’Reilly. What a perfect way to put it.
Tamara Foreman Byars via Facebook
April 19, 2012I have never been on one myself. I have wanted to go I must admit. But can’t seem to find it worthy of my time. Its hard to say I would hate it when I have yet been on one. But I too feel like I would go postal on some folks. I know many who go on them religiously and though some are quite pleasant and have manners and morals instilled in them. Most of them I would dump overboard within 30 minutes of setting sail. So since you are a worldly traveler and have been on two of them, I will say I will take the advice of My Wanton Wanderluster and stick to non cruise travel endeavors.
Leah Travels via Facebook
April 19, 2012If you’ve wanted to go Tamara Foreman Byars, then you should give it a try. You might love cruises. You do make a valid point; you might dump a few overboard before the boat departs. So on second thought, perhaps you ought not cruise. LOL!
Tamara Foreman Byars via Facebook
April 19, 2012Then again I may have several that would do the same to me! I would probably benefit one of the ones wearing a balloon penis on my head!
D.J. - The World of Deej
April 19, 2012I have cruised probably a half dozen times as an adult (once on the Triumph pictured above), and I have enjoyed them less each time. The ports are pretty unimpressive when you’ve been all over the world, and like you say, putting up with the people is a difficult task. I have found an approach to cruising that works pretty well for me. We always get a balcony stateroom, and I tend to sit out there for hours on end reading. We often skip the ports and use that as our pool day, because everyone is off the ship. In a nutshell, they are great for a long weekend, but beyond that I’m not a big fan anymore…
Leah Travels
April 19, 2012Did you take the Triumph out of NOLA? It just moved from there to Galveston this winter, I believe. My dad rarely steps foot off the boat anymore, and even then it’s just to check out the duty free. I had a great time in Cozumel because my family and I made it fun. We got off the tourist track and found a market five or six blocks off the main road. We ate lunch and walked around. I hear you about using the days at ports as pool days. I used them as spa days. I’ve found that they’re willing to give discounts on those days for spa services since most people are out and about. It’s a different world when everyone is off the ship. I quite enjoyed it then. Great idea on the stateroom. I would imagine it is a pleasant place to relax and read.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin
April 19, 2012Remind me not to tell you about the time Gerard and I took a cruise.. and liked it. LOL. I quite enjoy the cheesy entertainers. But I totally hear you. My mom said the same thing when she went to Cozumel. We went to the Mediterranean so I think it’s a different experience. 🙂 Hilarious post btw. Haha
Leah Travels
April 19, 2012I’m glad you did! It’d be a shame to spend your time and money on something you didn’t enjoy. There is something to be said for cheesy entertainment. But don’t pour water down my back and tell me it’s raining. What I mean is, don’t try to sell it as the best thing since Wicked on the Broadway stage. I know better. LOL! BTW, I do have a feeling that a Mediterranean cruise would be a bit different than the ones I went on. My mind isn’t totally clouded by the vision of over-priced umbrella drinks. 😉
John
April 19, 2012I’m struggling with this issue now as I decide how to visit Alaska. The whole family wants to come and we want to see it by boat. If it were just my sister and I, we’d be taking the public ferries and camping on the decks (THAT sounds like an adventure). But my parents aren’t really into that kind of thing and are interested in a cruise. I’ve never been on one before – your article didn’t make me feel much better about it!
Leah Travels
April 19, 2012Don’t let me put you off, John. An Alaskan cruise might be different that ones to the Caribbean. I’m not sure about the size of the ships and the amount of time at port for Alaskan cruises, but look into that before making up your mind. If your parents want to see it that way, then do it. I promise you that the time you spend together will outweigh any sort of bad feelings you have about being on a cruise ship. You know what they say, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Well, I did. Twice. It’s just not for me, but I’d go if my family wanted to go.
Just One Boomer (Suzanne)
February 12, 2013For all I know, you’ve already been on your family Alaska cruise or decided against going. We went on an Alaska cruise with a group of 10 family members whose ages spanned 77 years. There was definitely a herding cats aspect to the experience, but we all agreed it was a fine way to travel with multiple generations of family. The truth is that there are some places in Alaska that you have to fly or boat to (including the capital, Juneau?). I’m not sure how Leah feels about commenters linking to outside posts (she can always delete it), but here’s a link to the guest post I wrote about our cruise on another blog:
http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2013/01/15/multigenerational-alaska-cruise/
Sabrina
April 19, 2012I’ve never been on a cruise, but you just confirmed what I feared they would be like 🙂 Some biology friends of mine (very independent travelers) did an Antartica cruise and loved it and a friend of mine from Germany years ago did a cruise on a sailboat with maybe 30 people in the Carribean. So, I think there are exceptions. But by and large, I think I wouldn’t like a cruise either.
Leah Travels
April 19, 2012Now, I think you have to put Antarctica in a completely different category. And as far as the sailboat, that might not be so bad either. But as for the megaships, I’m not a fan. If the price was low enough, it might be worth your time to take a ship out of Galveston to see for yourself. But by and large, most independent travelers aren’t the biggest cheerleaders for cruises.
Arianwen
April 20, 2012I’ve never been on a cruise, but most of the reasons you list for not liking them are my reasons for never having booked one! If you find one worth doing though, I’d like to hear about it.
PS. I’m impressed with your family’s jumping ability!
Leah Travels
April 20, 2012I would think that a cruise that docks longer, doesn’t have as many days at sea, and is on a small boat would be more enjoyable than the megaships. Like I said, I’m willing to give another shot if someone wants to try and change my mind. 🙂 And yes, I come from a long line of outstanding jumpers! LOL! Thank you.
Murray Lundberg
April 20, 2012I love cruising – if you tried a line other than Carnival, on an itinerary with ports that excite you, you might see the attraction. The things you like to do, “Wandering the streets of a city or hitting the open roads and exploring the countryside…” are possible on many itineraries.
Leah Travels
April 20, 2012I haven’t tried another. Like I’ve said in some of the other comments, I’m not sure if it’s the cruise line or the entire concept I don’t care for, but I think it’s the latter. Being in such close quarters for an extended period of time with the same people is something I don’t care for. I’m not sure changing cruise ships would help in that regard. I am more than happy to travel alone (and do often), so traveling with 30, 300, or 3,000 others is not my idea of fun. In addition, I really don’t like being tied to a specific itinerary. If I’m in a place I love, I don’t want to have to leave it. Or on the flip side, if I hate a place, I don’t want to have to stay. I want to be able to go with the flow and a cruise ship doesn’t offer that for me.
As I said, I don’t judge or fault others for loving and taking cruises. I just have not enjoyed my experience with them.
Sara
September 8, 2014Every word you have written could’ve come from my keyboard. A cousin of mine from New Zealand came to SF and visited me for 10 days, then took a CRUISE home! Oh my. It took 3 weeks I think, and the itinerary read ‘At Sea’ most days.
If someone asked me to envision hell, that would pretty much be it.
Puzzled, I continued probing for the attraction, and ‘being fed’ didn’t quite resonate. I told her, ‘You know how many exquisite dinners you could have at home for 5K? – and afterwards you sleep in your big bedroom vs your balcony-less teeny stateroom.” It was 5K because she was travelling solo.
I’m exactly like you. I take off on vacation without an exact itinerary, and go where the wind takes me. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I travel without reservations because that sort of boxed planning doesn’t work for me, and in my 63 years haven’t slept in the street yet 🙂
Francesca
April 20, 2012I was anti-cruises until I went on one. And I’ve been on only one, but I had the best time. Yes, I wish we could have stayed longer at certain ports, and that I could have experienced more culture, but it was an overall positive experience. Now, when making travel plans, is a cruise the first thing we consider? No. In fact, it’s been ten years since my first, and last, cruise. I’m not entirely ruling out another one, though.
Leah Travels
April 20, 2012Thanks for sharing your experience, Francesca. Where did you cruise to may I ask?
Lisa
April 20, 2012Our family has gone on 5 cruises and quite enjoyed them, although I will admit that the two that were in the Caribbean didn’t have the most interesting ports of call. We went on a multi-generational cruise to Alaska on Princess which I think is a great way to see the state if you are traveling with kids and/or seniors. We have also sailed on Princess in the Baltics (Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, St. Petersburg, Gdansk, and Tallinn) and Celebrity in the Mediterranean (Rome, Santorini, Athens, Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Salerno). While the limited time in port didn’t allow us to thoroughly explore these places, it did give us enough exposure to know whether or not we would like to return there on a land-based vacation. Another plus for us is that our kids love cruising because it gives them the opportunity to spend a little bit of time away from us and with other kids in the evening or on sea days. The atmosphere on the ships that we have cruised on has been far more subdued than what you experienced and I’m not sure that anyone in our family would enjoy cruising on any of the so-called “party ships”.
Leah Travels
April 20, 2012I agree that cruises are a great option for families. My dad took my two nieces on one and he didn’t have to worry about keeping up with them that much, plus the kids had lots of stuff to do. I think all three of them enjoyed the experience. You’re about the 100th person to mention how great an Alaskan cruise is. I’ve been telling my dad to go on one of those. Cruises were especially were good for when my mom was going through chemo. She could go back to the cabin any time she needed rest or didn’t feel good. I don’t think you could go wrong with the Mediterranean in a dingy. Haha!
Suzy
April 22, 2012I have never been on a cruise for many of the reasons you say you hate them. I would die not being able to get off of the boat and shake up my itinerary by going somewhere else.
Leah Travels
April 22, 2012Exactly, Suzy. The idea that I’m at the mercy of someone else’s itinerary doesn’t make me a happy camper. I’d like to be able to shake things up if I want to.
Shereen
April 22, 2012Are we long-lost sisters? Because I agree with you on all these points 🙂 I want to get up and go exploring and not have to wait in line to get off a boat and then be restricted by when I have to get back on. We made the most of our last cruise and planned our own excursions, but I still said the next time I actually cruise again, it might be a river cruise in Europe, but we’ll see. I would rather spend a couple weeks seeing everything I can in ONE place.
Leah Travels
April 22, 2012We sure might be long-lost sisters. Haha! It seems that people have very strong feelings in either direction when it comes to cruising, either love or hate. I guess it boils down to being told what to do and when. I never did care much for that, and I certainly don’t want it for a vacation. To each their own though. I’ve had lots of people tell me about other cruises, and I think there are some better options than the ones I took. However, I don’t think it solves my fundamental issue with cruising. And that’s ok!
Raf Kiss
April 23, 2012I never took a cruise, and if it would depend on only me, I would probably NEVER take one. Reading this post, I can already feel the kind of atmosphere on a ship like that… I liked the “Love Boat” show on TV when I was a kid, but I think the reality is a lot less flashy and enjoyable. Minigolf on a boat? Seriously? 🙂
The only kind of cruising I do is on my motorcycle, along the beaches of Brazil… free as a bird to go where I want and do what I want, without tax free shops.
I’m pretty sure I would be bored to death on the second day. Maybe if they give me a guitar and put me on stage I could have a good time, but I doubt the audience would like my songs 🙂
Great post… like your way of telling the story.
Raf
Leah Travels
April 23, 2012Ok, so you’re cracking me up, Raf. I’ve never heard you sing or play the guitar, but it might be more entertaining than what I experienced. At the very least I’d get a good chuckle. I can see how this type of vacation would drive you mad. It seems that you’re happiest on your bike exploring. Hell, you live in Brazil! Why would you need to go anywhere else anyway?
Kit Whelan
April 23, 2012You have summed up all the reasons I probably never want to go one a cruise! Unless it was free, I guess 🙂
Leah Travels
April 23, 2012Haha, Kit. There are very few places I wouldn’t go if they were free. You only live once, right?
Andi
April 24, 2012I agree with everything you said!
Leah Travels
April 24, 2012So, you’re not a cruise fan either, Andi. I don’t see you as a cruise person…too confining.
Joaquín
April 24, 2012I think cruises are worthy if you are taking a river cruise (no other way, correct), either in Europe, the Yangtsee, the Amazon, the Mekong, etc. Cruises are also perfect as people mentioned if you go to Antarctica or Alaska, but one area that hardly no one has mentioned is that high-end Cruises are something completely different, starting from the size of your room, and everything free inside (of course, you already pay with the high cost of the ticket for those high-class amenities). Traditional big ships lines such as Carnival, Holland, etc. can be quite claustrophobic after a while, being also a pain the distances you have to walk to go to the pool, the restaurant, the casino, etc. I have taken only one cruise for a week to the Caribbean, it was fun, and was enough for 10 years. Hopefully the next one will be to a place like the ones mentioned in the beginning of my comment. I rather travel in a different mode of transportation, where you can either plan your trip or travel ans stop wherever you want for the time you want.
Leah Travels
April 25, 2012I’m in 100% agreement, Joaquin. High-end cruises seem to be on a completely different level. Of course, the same could be said with high-end hotels. In the same city, I’ve stayed in a five star hotel and a three star hotel. I feel that I had an overall better experience staying at the five star hotel. You get what you pay for, that’s for certain, and cruise ships are no different.
Shauna
April 24, 2012I completely agree! You and I need to travel together more often, we love the same trips! This is awesome, too funny!
Leah Travels
April 25, 2012You know I’m ready and willing. Just give me a month or so to get into shape. You’re a hiking machine.
Roy Marvelous
April 25, 2012Interesting to hear different points of view on cruises. I’ve never gone as a guest but I’ve been working on cruise ships for the last 2.5 years.
To be honest, it doesn’t appeal to me at this stage in my life. But if I had small children or was old and retired, I’d probably love going on board as a guest.
Leah Travels
April 26, 2012It’s interesting that you work on cruise ships. The one thing I really enjoyed about cruising was talking to the people working on the boat. Everyone seems to be from such diverse places, and I really liked hearing how they ended up on the ship and what they are looking forward to by going home. It really is fascinating to hear all the stories.
Liz
May 7, 2012I have never been on a long cruise but a recent three hour long harbor brunch cruise made me shudder at the thought of a real one. I would hate it for all the reasons you’ve listed above and I’ve always been a spontaneous and free wheeling traveler so I would really hate the restrictions and the regimented schedule. I also have some very bad experience and impressions of certain cruisers. I was laying on a very nice pristine beach at St. John, VI, with a friend just enjoying the quietness and beauty of the Caribbean sea. All of a sudden a crowd of about 100 or more people came hurdling down the beach like a stampede, all running into the water while screaming and talking very loudly. It was like paradise just turned into a Walmart, complete with kids hitting at each other and parents yelling at them to stop hitting at each other. We realized the cruisers have crashed so we packed our stuffs and went to the beach bar and waited out until they leave so we can enjoy the beach again. An hour later someone sounded a whistle and everyone came hurdling out of the water and picked up their stuffs and start filing out with the guide. The moment the last one of the left I can hear the birds chirping and the waves came slapping at the sand. It was paradise again, only it was littered with all sorts of trash and plastic bags those cruisers left behind. We were so disgusted, so spending a week with 3000 people like that in a confined space at sea, yeah I am afraid I will jump overboard before the ship docks.
The only cruise I will ever consider taking is the Antarctica one, just because there aren’t a lot of options getting there.
Leah Travels
May 7, 2012I’m laughing so hard at your Walmart analogy! I referred to one of my cruises as Walmart on the Water. It was awful. At lest you were able to resume your lounging in paradise after they left. I’m sorry your day was ruined by a bunch of rude people. I can see why you have a bad taste in your mouth.
Rachel
May 8, 2012Cruising on a large scale has never particularly appealed to me, for most of the reasons you’ve mentioned. In fact it sounds like all the worst aspects of travel shoved together on a boat. Frances Mayes has a chapter on a Mediterranean megaship cruise in her memoir A Year in the World, which is hilarious at moments and pretty much confirms my apprehensions.
In fairness, my grandmother’s done a few that sound a bit better (Alaska and New England coast) and she and my mom spent a week on the Queen Mary II from New York to Southampton in 2010. They really enjoyed it, and I might be tempted to go one day if I ever have the cash. The ones I would consider doing at this stage in my life are a river cruise, like along the Danube, or maybe an Adriatic coast cruise (STA keeps sending me emails about them, and it’s hard not to be tempted). Definitely think a smaller boat is the way to go–we did the overnight cruise on Milford Sound, which was limited to 38, and that was a great experience.
Leah Travels
May 8, 2012Thanks for the tip on the book. Sounds like something I would enjoy reading. As you mentioned, there are some exceptions to my broad generalization. I think the Alaska and Queen Mary II would be fantastic, along with the Danube too. BTW, I didn’t know they did an overnight cruise on Milford. I looked into the one on Doubtful, and it looked wonderful. Ultimately, I decided not to do it though.
Jeremy Branham
May 16, 2012I’ve written a very similar post – 3 vacations I won’t take. One of them is a cruise.
Leah Travels
May 16, 2012Nice to know I’m not the only one. I’m curious as to what the other two are.
Fidel
June 9, 2012I feel you on your reasons for not liking cruises. Aside from travel to Canada and Mexico, a cruise to the Bahamas via Orlando was my first international trip in 2009. I loved it at the time but now that I have more countries under my belt, I realize how boring cruises are. You have to stick to their tight schedule and do all the things they think you will have fun doing. I know some ports are better than others, particularly on a Med cruise, but still, you have to constantly watch the clock and make sure you are aboard the ship when it is ready to go.
The food buffets are really the only plus side. The cruises get into your pockets with the alcohol and gambling charges.
I think the only time I’d take a cruise again if it was on a singles only cruise and the ports were worth seeing.
Leah Travels
June 9, 2012All very good points, Fidel. I think a cruise would be a great introduction to international travel. It gets one’s feet wet, so to speak. I hate to admit it, but I’m kind of fond of a buffet, too. That is, as long as everyone in the buffet line has their shirts on.
Josh
June 9, 2012Your writing is very generic. You use every over-used phrase known in the U.S. and for someone who praises autheticity, you cleary don’t have a genuine opinion. You are just writing because you think its cool and maybe someone will give you attention. Just limit yourself to taking pictures and giving them titles, and leave the ”real” writing to actual people who have talent.
Leah Travels
June 9, 2012Thanks for stopping by, Josh. While I appreciate your comment, I’m not sure what it has to do with cruising. And please don’t take offense when I say that I don’t put much stock in the opinion of someone who misspells two words and misuses another when criticizing my writing.
Kristen Selvera via Facebook
June 9, 2012U owned him!
Whitney Martin via Facebook
June 9, 2012I hate cruises too
Jody
June 9, 2012Leah, I love your writing and your stories! Josh cracked me up, but to each his own. I can’t go on a cruise because my husband watched some stupid show about rogue waves. I had other issues as well, so you helped me answer some of my issues because you went. I won’t rule out a cruise but…probably won’t happen.
Leah Travels
June 9, 2012I don’t know about these rogue waves, Jody. Good thing I didn’t when I actually went on a cruise or I’d been paranoid. As for the less-than-glowing review of my writing ability, it’s like water off a duck’s back. Whoops! That just might be one of those overused phrases I apparently use. 😉
Frank DiCesare
June 9, 2012As an “actual” person who has made real money writing real stories for real editors of real publications for more than 15 real years, I give Leah all the real credit in the real world for launching a real blog that offers readers a real insight into real places most other real people will have neither the real time nor the real money nor the real guts to visit.
Leah Travels
June 9, 2012Thanks, Frank. That means a lot coming from a real writer like yourself. You know, I like a man that can keep it real.
Navin
June 9, 2012I hate cruises, I been on this got’dang cruise for almost 4 weeks now with another week to go and, I aint seen any liquor. This damn ship don’t even move…lol.
(Hope my grammar is correct)
Leah your writing is great, wish I can travel all around and see some of the places you have seen.
Leah Travels
June 9, 2012You’re way too funny, Navin. I know you’re ready to get off that giant boat that never moves. Thank you, and I know you’ll see the world. You’ve already seen parts I’ll probably never see.
Robin Winzenread Fritz via Facebook
June 9, 2012Josh sounds like he needs a time out…..
Leah Travels via Facebook
June 9, 2012Well, Robin, I suppose that wouldn’t hurt, but I should give him a pat on the back. Saturday is usually slower in regard to traffic, but not today. 😉
Heathers Harmony via Facebook
June 10, 2012I can only completely agree with you!
Josh
June 12, 2012I wrote my comment on a whim, didn’t take it too seriously to spell check. Forgive the 2 misspelled words, I know you enjoy your time nit-picking everything and finding a complaint to attach everything to. 90% of your writing is complaining about something, get laid and enjoy a moment; furthermore, you don’t seem to do anything adventurous and out of the ordinary in your travels. Your writing there for is nothing special, a Triple A Travel Guide would give a more accurate description. The truth is, I skimmed your article and drew an assessment of your personality… Arrogant, megalomaniac and simply put “bitchy.” Trolled a reaction out of you and I’m satisfied with my finding. I’ve traveled the world already in my younger days, 29 now and working as a RN in pediatric care, and if I had complaints I wouldn’t remember them, I just always thought traveling was a luxury and to be appreciated. I went to Zimbabwe in 2008, and helped show kids what America was like, and I gave my sandwich to a kid each day I was there, and you’re complaining about “Scavenger Hunts and how much booze cost,” your nothing special.
Leah Travels
June 12, 2012Thanks for stopping by again, Josh. I’ve been meaning to thank you for doubling my traffic on Saturday. And I’m so excited that you were able to come to the conclusion that 90% of my writing is complaining. That means you’ve read every single post! I guess I should thank you again for increasing my numbers. Perhaps you should subscribe to my site so you won’t miss a post.
karen
June 22, 2013You are the one who sounds bitchy.arrogrant ,megalomaniac. Maybe you should get laid.
Bea
August 30, 2018If only he had taken the last sandwich fro Cass Elliott and given it to Karen Carpenter…
Bruce Brooker
May 1, 2018Cruise culturally imperialistic. They are for tourists. Cruises are not for travelers. Lumbering about on an obnoxious cruise barge with 3000 brain dead tourists is the perfect example of mass tourism. Cruises offer zero culture, no connection with local population, and that exploitive vibe of ” helping some 3rd world economy” Of course that would be attractive to westerners, amerikans in particular.Cruise shps pay very little tax and have shoddy environmental records. They fly “flags of convenience ” . If you are unfamiliar with that term, look it up. Cruises are for frightenedCERIBRO MUERTO TURISTAS. Cruises are the scourge of the high seas.Obnoxious, imperialistic…pigs on the water.
TravelMan
September 1, 2018Imperialistic, brain dead, zero culture, aha a backpacker without any prejudice….
Raf Kiss
June 12, 2012Oh my, I hope Josh doesn’t go and visit MY blog… But then again, I did have some “real” (mis)adventures during my trips 🙂
Cheers
Raf
Leah Travels
June 12, 2012Oh, Raf, there’s enough of Josh to spread around. Perhaps he can give you some constructive criticism on your writing, blog, or how you live your life. Better yet, since he’s a pediatric RN, he can offer you a psychological review of your psyche. Surely he’s qualified, right?
Katherine Kay via Facebook
June 12, 2012hahahaha love it. And again with the spelling too!! Man needs to be bought a dictionary!
Katherine Kay via Facebook
June 12, 2012I’ve just read his post and your replies – and replies to Raf to everyone in the office – we are all crying with laughter now!! Thanks Josh for making us laugh with your ridiculous comments!
Leah Travels via Facebook
June 12, 2012Yes, Katherine! That means more hits to my site. Josh is the gift that keeps on giving.
Josh
June 12, 2012Hey, taking a negative and turning it into a positive, why couldn’t you do that on your cruise?
Leah Travels
June 13, 2012I’m always about finding the silver lining in situations. Perhaps you should go back and read the article you glanced over. The positive I mentioned was spending time and making valuable memories with my family. To make it easier on you, I’ll tell you that it is found in paragraph three. And thanks for stopping by again. Yesterday, the traffic on this particular post exceeded my newly-published post.
The Lazy Travelers via Facebook
June 12, 2012josh fed american sandwiches to the children of zimbabwe, he is a gentleman.
Josh
June 12, 2012The kids a work with don’t get a chance like you and that make me sick because I know that they’d enjoy any moment we could provide them, you and your followers seem to think its all fun and games. Try doing something outside yourselves for a once day in and day out, I do and the people I work with have less complaints in a year than you do in this single blog. Bring on the sarcasm!
Leah Travels
June 13, 2012Oh, Josh, it’s really hard to hear you from that high horse you’re on. You really are making yourself look more and more silly with each stroke of the keyboard. If you knew anything about me, you’d know that I was a teacher for a decade. I’ve helped thousands of kids both in and out of the classroom. I’ve given food, clothes, and money to those that didn’t have any, even though it wasn’t part of my job description. I could go on and on about the things I’ve done “outside” of myself, but I think it cheapens my efforts. So, my dear Josh, instead of belittling my readers and me, why don’t you take a look at yourself and ask, “Am I setting a positive example with my words to the children I’m claiming to help?” Remember, when you point the finger there are three pointing right back.
Leah Travels via Facebook
June 12, 2012Oh, I know, Lazy Travelers. He’s a regular Angelina Jolie.
Lily
June 12, 2012You’ve pretty much summed up why I also have no desire to go on one of these big cruises. I think I’ve heard most of those who go say that it was the only way to travel together and afford it as a family. I guess those of us who have options are blessed.
Leah Travels
June 12, 2012Anyone who has the chance to travel is blessed for sure. It’s pretty easy to get a deal on a cruise, especially if you live near one of the port cities. I can see why you’ve heard that statement about group travel. Often the actual cruise is reasonable, but getting their from Indiana can be costly. There are lots of people who simply love cruises and I’m just fine with that. I’m not going to tell them not to go. It’s simply a matter of taste, and that’s a subjective thing.
Laura
June 12, 2012Leah, I grew up going on long road trips with my parents and then when I was in high school and college they started touring the world. My parents taught me travel was exciting and something to be savored. Six years ago my dad finally realized he had enough money saved for their retirement and he needed to spend a “little” of it. He took the four of us on one last family trip to the Mediterranean for a posh class 12 day cruise. I’m so glad I didn’t back out and tell him I didn’t want to go because I’m not a “cruise person”. My memories of climbing to the top of the Parthenon, and sitting quietly with my mom (she was very ill) and watching the gorgeous Croatian coast from the observation deck are memories that even the most intrepid, exotic vacation filled with harrowing adventure and solo challenges can never replace. And really, isn’t that what travel is about? The experience?
Your post was thoughtful and you paid great respect to your family and your dad’s generosity. Perhaps you can persuade him to join you on a backpacking trip!
Leah Travels
June 12, 2012First off, I’m sorry to hear about your mom. The reason why my parents started taking cruises is because my mom was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. Even when she was in remission she was weak, so cruises were great for her. She could go rest anytime she wanted.
It’s because of the loss of my mom that I wanted to go on those two cruises. At nearly 40 years old, how often does one get the opportunity to vacation with their family? My brother and I haven’t been on a trip together in probably 25 years. I wasn’t going to let that opportunity pass me by. I’m so glad you went, too. And you are exactly right. Travel is about the experience. And in our cases, those experiences made lasting memories with our families. Good for you and thanks for stopping by.
Leah Travels via Facebook
June 12, 2012Absolutely, LILY! We must make sure we meet. And thank you very much.
Kristin VanderHey Shaw via Facebook
June 12, 2012He sure is a desperate troll! I bet it’s a jealous woman making up stories. An pediatric RN who gives out sandwiches in Zimbabwe? Gimme a break.
Heather Castro via Facebook
June 12, 2012You owned him coach!! Haha loved it
Lebawit Lily G via Facebook
June 12, 2012Yes we must meet! And I agree with Kristin – the “i fed the kids in Africa” line – how very “different” of him. Ugh.
Cecilia Edwards via Facebook
June 12, 2012Oh Mylanta!!!!
Navin
June 12, 2012Leah, I was going to post a wise crack, as you know I’m good for it, but that last post “Oh Mylanta” was just too damn funny and I lost my train of thought. Better find Josh for some help and a sandwich.
Leah Travels
June 12, 2012Mmmmm….sandwiches. Perhaps, bacon? 😉
Raf Kiss
June 13, 2012Starting to feel sorry for the guy here… you should change the post’s title: “I hate cruises… but Josh is great” (you know, for giving away his food and all…) 🙂
Robin
June 13, 2012Just had time to read the post, Leah, and loved it! Honest reporting is worth its weight in gold these days.
I’ve never been on a cruise for some of the very concerns you highlighted, number one being the feeling of being trapped. I’m a walker too, and if I can’t get out and explore – REALLY explore – it’s just doesn’t seem like a vacation. If I come home having not gotten lost at least once, it’s a wasted opportunity.
I have a feeling when I visit Venice in September, I will be lost on a regular basis. Sounds like a good excuse to find a cute gondolier and have him paddle me home. 🙂
Here’s to future great travels, Leah, and keep up the wonderful blog posts. Those of us with maturity, perspective, self confidence and a life are able to enjoy them without the hateful comments.
Leah Travels
June 13, 2012Yes, yes, yes! Robin, you are going to have the best time in Venice. And I certainly approve of the gondolier plan. 😉 I like the idea of getting lost, too. You never know what you’ll find or what trouble you’ll get into. To me, getting away from a plan often yields the most memorable results. And thank you for the kind words. It really means a lot coming from a great writer such as yourself.
Leah Travels
June 13, 2012Raf, that’s a great idea and you gave me a really big chuckle this morning.
Leah Travels
June 13, 2012The Lazy Travelers, Lebawit Lily G, Katherine Kay, Kristin VanderHey Shaw, Heather Josh is back for more. He’s talking about y’all now. 😉
Tamara
June 13, 2012I personally think its very immature to judge someone you have never meet by an article they wrote. So you traveled the world good for you and you fed one kid a sandwich per day over what a 10 day period? I have fed hundreds in soup kitchens. And have given blood, food and clothing and money to the less fortune hundreds of times. Again, where’s my noble peace prize to humanity? Mr Josh, I have known hungry and homelessness. When i was a teenager living with my drug addicted mother right here in America. So I don’t need some self loathing asshole who seems to have had a silver spoon put in his mouth since he’s well traveled at an early age who gave up a f*cking sandwich to a kid for a few days. To belittle me or my friends who have helped more people than I can think of, just because she didn’t like cruises. Again as she stated, she LOVED THE MEMORIES WITH FAMILY.
Second I have not only known Leah and her family for years and have to say that even though me and Leah haven’t seen eye to eye on some topics, she and her family are good people all around. Her parents where great teachers in and out of school and gave countless afternoons and weekends to help their students.
Leah, I love reading your blog. It gives me a chance to see the world while staying right at home. I apologize for going off on a fellow reader, but it struck a nerve. For someone who preaches humanity he sure knows how to try and belittle someone. Hypocrite!! Ugh people like him really bring a sour taste in my mouth! Keep writing Leah and am glad this one jerk won’t stop you from reaching your goals!
Tamara
June 13, 2012I know I will be critiqued on my writing.
Josh I have worked in the medical field and actually know what RN’s make. And if you are in a speciality field you tend to make more money. Nurses make way more than the average teacher. So why don’t you take half your salary and help some of these kids out. Why did you just feed one sandwich to one child a day, why not at least 10 a day? Just asking?
Let me say this. I am not well educated nor am I well traveled. But I have become successful by my own rite. I don’t live in a fancy house or drive a fancy car. I have 5 beautiful, intelligent, talented kids, that’s my success. I have an adoring husband who provides for us. We have over come a lot. My oldest attends college and majoring in Law. Our other children are well on their way to becoming what they aspire to become as well. I have known both sides of the grass. Greener and dead. And personal can’t stand to see some attack someone they don’t even know because you don’t happen to like what they wrote. Or feel that they are bratty, well to do, pompous rich folks. How dare you? coming on this blog and boasting about showing what Americans are really like? Well you are truthful in that, most Americans are exactly like you Mr Josh. Thinking because they helped few kids they are heroes and are of worth. When actually you aren’t worth the time I am spending to rant to you. COMPASSION IS NOT ABOUT AWARDS, KINDNESS ISN’T ABOUT BOASTING, they are about doing things right because you can wake up in the morning and look at yourself in the mirror and like who is staring back at you. YOU HAVE NO CLUE how many kids, people in general that this woman and her family has helped. EVEN IF IT WAS JUST WITH A KIND WORD. So honestly go screw yourself and your pompous over generic attitude
Leah Travels
June 14, 2012I am blown away by your passion, Tamara. You’ve shared things that I either didn’t know or had forgotten. I am that much more happy for you and the life you’ve created. I am proud to call you my friend.
Karlin Thomson Hall
June 13, 2012I love it!!!
Jody
June 13, 2012Isn’t it amazing what a negative comment can generate? This is how I look at it, I have seen small town newspapers print articles or letters to the editor that generate responses, which helps that small town newspaper sale more papers, not a bad way to increase business but…I say…just ignore it…Josh is obviously a lonely, sad person and needs the interaction he is getting with his negative comments and we can and should defend our precious Leah but if we just ignore Josh, he loses and we don’t lower ourselves to his level.
Love my travels with Leah, keep taking me with you dear friend.
Leah Travels
June 14, 2012Good analogy and assessment, Jody. I toyed with not even publishing the comment, but that’s not how I want to run this site. Just because someone doesn’t agree with me or my outlook doesn’t mean that I’m not going to allow them to voice that opinion. Josh was rude, but not abusive or threatening. I know who I am, so his opinion of me was more entertaining than anything.
D.J. - The World of Deej
June 13, 2012So this is where all the fun is! I should figure out how to create a troll filter. I bet it would make a fortune, and help fund my travels to uninteresting places…
Leah Travels
June 14, 2012I’ll go in on half of that troll filter and we can both set off on uninteresting adventures to uninteresting places together…with our better halves, of course. 😉
April Eicher Thurman
June 13, 2012What a tool! Loved your Jolie comment! 😉
Katherine
June 13, 2012Go Tamara – that is a fantastic and well put response to the ‘twit’. I love your passion and honesty, and for having Leah’s back.
Leah Travels
June 14, 2012Tamara is world famous for her spunk. I’m glad she’s my friend and not my enemy. 🙂
Nathan Nehmer
June 13, 2012What a…something I shouldn’t say here!!!!
Kandice
June 13, 2012Leah I love love love what you write. You crack me up and like Tammy said, you allow me to travel while I sit in my classroom getting paid very little to help MANY. Keep doing what you do best. @josh I appreciate that you are there to help those children but please don’t continue to put yourself above those that you don’t even know. Leah and her family have helped MANY, me being one of them. They are good people with opinions that did not hurt anyone. So to write negatively about her shows a lot about your true character. As we teach our kids, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
Leah Travels
June 14, 2012Thank you, Kandice, for the very kind things you’ve said about my family and me. Enjoy your well-deserved summer off. 🙂
Tamara
June 14, 2012Kathrine, the passion is that I can’t stand hypocrites! There is so much humanity in humans but way less humans in humanity. Looking back I probably should have refrained from my rant. For I was walking a fine line in being one of them. But to comment on something that has nothing to do with the article is just dumb. Like I said, me and Leah may not see eye to eye on things but to imply she’s not helped kids or people in general is just down right disrespectful.
Leah you probably didn’t know for you were gone when I moved back. It’s life and for a while I was hardened by the fact that life isn’t fair. But I over came it and moved on. Took me awhile but it can be done.
Kandice, lol well I ever not be known as Tammy? LOL The passion is that we as humans need to put more into humanity. And stop judging! We tend to judge others based on what we are lacking.
As I said before, I love reading your blog. If I ever get the chance to travel to far away places it gives me points of references. I love your whimsical style and you never cease to make me LOL while reading about your advantages! I am looking forward to your Go With O series!! Since I did send a picture I kinda feel like I helped so how! Keep up the good work.
Leah Travels
June 14, 2012Yep, you’ll always be Tammy. 😉 And, yes, you are a part of my Go with Oh trip. You’ll find out more in a few months how.
Sara Davila
June 14, 2012This guy is a trip!
Heathers Harmony
June 14, 2012WOW! Where to even start with someone like Josh??
Katherine
June 14, 2012So I think it’s a resounding Go Leah – and Go Tamara! 🙂
Tamara
June 15, 2012LOL Katherine! Well I am planning and hoping to be visiting London and Denmark next year. Thanks to some good friends that have offered their couches. Whoop whoop. I am plan on taking up couch surfing, or at least for a few days. On only on couches I know are not surrounded by sharks. 🙂 But am really anticipating The Go With O series. Maybe I can stowaway in a crate of Maui Gold Pineapples:-)
Katherine
June 17, 2012haha love it – and you’ll love couch surfing. It’s huge here in NZ and I’ve couch surfed overseas too. Such a great exeperience. If you need help with London locations then give me a shout – I’m sure Leah’s been there though too.
Anita Mac
December 26, 2012Hmmm…have only done one cruise. It was a disaster! I think the concept of sailing around to different islands is great, but having seen the parts of town with all the tacky tourist stalls geared towards cruises, I know it isn’t for me! Thankfully, I didn’t come across the penis heads like your photos…but I don’t think I will be changing my mind anytime soon to find them! I am with you Leah – they aren’t my thing!
Brad
December 28, 2012If you can call the overnight Harwich/Hook-of Holland a cruise, or or Wellington/Picton , it’s OK. It’s a way of getting somewhere. The other stuff I could never deal with. No adventure is involved.
Brad
December 29, 2012“or or”- Geez.
Just One Boomer (Suzanne)
February 12, 2013Josh, get a life — or better yet, write an obnoxious comment on my blog to generate outrage and therefore, traffic. 😉
Moving on. I’m leaving for a 7 day Hawaiian islands cruise in 4 days. I’ve been on quite a few cruises. I think that even the mass market ones are great for an intergenerational family vacation. We’ve also enjoyed others we’ve gone on. No one forces you to go to the hairy chest contests and I’ve always been able to find a quiet place on deck somewhere to be able to look at the water and read. (If you want peace and quiet, stay away from the pool!) I see you haven’t crossed visiting Mayan pyramids off your “to do” list yet. One of our favorite cruises left from New Orleans (we enjoyed the ride down (and up) the Mississippi and from the port of Progresso, we went on an extensive trip to the ruins at Uxmal which I had last been to in 1974! On the way back to the ship, we explored Merida some on our own. We also visited Chichen Itza from a cruise, and the San Blas Islands off Panama and other Mayan ruins in Guatemala.
We’re usually quite reserved, but we’ve enjoyed meeting some people we never would never otherwise probably had a chance to speak to at an assigned dinner table on a cruise. It was a cruise that left from Charleston, S.C. (It was a “get me outta here” February cruise (from the frozen, gray NE US). We are blue people from a blue state. I worked as a poll watcher for Obama (both times). Most of our dining companions thought he was a Kenyan, Muslim, Communist. We were the only people at the table who didn’t own any guns. It was good to get out of the bubble and hear what other folks I never talk to think.
Wow, I apologize for going on and on and on, ad nauseum. Here’s a link to a blog post I wrote about how there’s room for all types of travel. (If your comment policy is no links out, obviously feel free to delete the link.)
http://www.boomeresque.com/independent-or-assisted-travel/
Leah Walker
February 20, 2013Oh, that Josh is something else, right? Thank you for all your insight on cruises and sharing your experiences. I’d be more than willing to give cruising another chance if it were a small ship probably in a foreign country. Honestly, I love airports and train stations. I love knowing that if I change my mind and want to stay an extra few days or leave early then I can. It’s a control issue as much as anything. It takes all kinds and I’m fine with that. I’ll check out your link. Thank you for stopping by and sharing.
Brad
February 14, 2013http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/14/travel/cruise-ship-fire
Leah Walker
February 15, 2013Yep…that ship is the one featured in all the photos. Glad I wasn’t on it then.
Ronnie
February 28, 2013Definitely agree with your article. The only problem is getting my girlfriend to understand lol. She is a hardcore pro cruiser, and I’m very much against.
As a side note though, I’d say you’re probably better off with the manufactured Mexican culture of sombreros, tequila, and vanilla, rather than the trifecta that’s closer to reality of drugs, kidnapping, and murder.
Leah Walker
March 5, 2013Oh, I think you’re between a rock and a hard place, Ronnie. I guess you’ll just have to alternate trips. OH, and hahaha to the trifecta. On the border it’s sadly true.
robertsfamily
March 31, 2013My wife and I just got off of our 3rd and final cruise. Your comments ring so true here. The Carnival Magic was like being on a floating shopping mall on Christmas Eve except everyone was drunk and their kids were unattended. Never again!
Leah Walker
March 31, 2013Oh my… I’m going to have to steal that quote from you about Christmas Eve and the mall. Instead of PeopleOfWalmart.com, I’m going to start a site called, PeopleOfCruiseShips.com. In fact, I’m going to go buy the domain right now!
Katherine | Kapcha The World
April 10, 2013My friend suggested we have a look at cruises the other day. I was like hell no read this post. Even the travel agent laughed and said that we perhaps weren’t in the right age bracket yet! lol
Leah Walker
April 13, 2013Good girl! I sure hope her mind was changed.
Teresa
April 10, 2013I just stumbled upon this old post and have to leave my 2 cents 🙂 I LOVE to solo travel and explore on my own (with my own schedule and NO tour groups). My husband only likes to cruise when he has his vacation time so we cruise once a year together, I actually love cruising but do NOT like Carnival (hate is a little extreme–its not really their fault, just the demographics that cruise with them typically). I would definitely suggest taking a different cruise line and NOT going to Mexico before making a final decision on cruising, I agree with everything you disliked about your cruise experience and I can say that I do not experience those feelings on Norwegian and Princess. My favorite cruise to date was on Norwegian out of NYC to Bermuda (where we docked for 3 days). Sailing from NYC (and past the Statue of Liberty while “I’m Proud to be an American” played was priceless–I am also retired military). I was able to use the ship as my “hotel” with unlimited meals and explore all day ON MY OWN using the awesome transportation system in Bermuda (bus and ferry). A 3 day all inclusive pass was $28. The airfare to Bermuda alone would have cost almost as much as the cruise (not to mention the very expensive lodging and food costs there). I had as much time alone and away from crowds as I wanted to each day. Another favorite port when we cruise Princess is St Thomas, USVI. The best way to describe that gem is by reading my latest blog post on my website $10 to Paradise at http://www.TTsTrippin.com (sorry if its not appropriate to put my site here–just started blogging and website in Feb and still learning the ropes). I am getting ready to write my next blog post on the 3 major cruise lines and why I feel Norwegian is just right (for me). It’s called “Goldilocks and the 3 Cruise Lines”. The entertainment on Norwegian was as good as the shows I had just watched on Broadway in NYC. Carnival is the equivalent to a Middle School Talent Show—–NO comparison. I urge you to give cruising another shot–just talk to me first and I’ll help you pick the best one for YOU 🙂 I’m not a cruise or travel agent and no one pays me to say these things either, just don’t want you to miss out on potential future GREAT cruise experiences. PS–If you still are in Galveston, I live in San Antonio–we should totally get together for “Travel Tea Time”!
Jennifer
May 8, 2013I came across this, because I wanted to know if I was the only one out there who hates cruising. I absolutely love to travel, and went on my first (and last) cruise a few weeks ago, and I hated it. I went with my family and everyone hated it. The biggest problem was being confined. Once you’re on the ship, you’re on it – no way of getting off. Another thing was we’d been told there was so much to do and like you – very little even I got our interest. Last but not least, we loved the ports we went to – Nassau and Key West – but we had very little time there – at least the amount I would have liked. We’re the type of people that when we go on a trip we want to be always doing something, seeing something new, being in different places. The original goal was for us to go on an Alaskan Cruise if we liked cruising and that’s out….looks like we’re going totally on land with a few hours cruising the glaciers. 🙂 A few days after we got home from our cruise, the cruise line called wanting to give us a free cruise (we pay the fees). My Dad told them that he just got home from a cruise and had no interest in spending another week of his life in a 6×6 cell on a floating prison ever again. 🙂 This is the first time I’ve seen your website and I’ll be back often – you’re giving me lots of ideas! 🙂
Leah Walker
May 14, 2013Your dad’s comment cracks me up! I really laughed out loud. I think that Alaska by land sounds great. I’ve heard that it’s a great way to see the state. Let me know how it goes.
Sal
May 20, 2013Nice take on the fake glam of cruises like these 🙂
Leah Walker
June 13, 2013Thanks, Sal. It wasn’t hard to write given my stance. 🙂
Navin
August 25, 2013Sad Face,
So I just got back from my first cruise, it was not too bad. I remembered this article when I was booking it and said “Hmm, hope it goes ok..lol.” But my girlfriend went before and she said it would be great, and in all honesty, it really was great. Looking back, I think of a cruise as a dessert sampler. We stopped at three ports, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Definitely will be going back to Jamaica for a full length vacation. So, even though you are my go to travel expert, cruising is not that bad.
Leah Walker
September 11, 2013Well, if you’re going to spend that money, I’m glad you liked it. But, don’t you get to be in the middle of the ocean on a moving vessel already AND get paid to do so?
Tracy
September 12, 2013Thank you! Wonderful. I feel the same. I’ve taken two cruises as well (one to Cozumel out of NOLA, one to Alaska). I have vowed NEVER to take another. You mention three things I don’t often see written about — The hustle, the lack of culture, and the rude fellow cruisers. I had one guy whap into me so hard, he nearly knocked me down. And he ignored it completely, just kept walking. Then there were the men describing their diarrhea in detail at a table right next to me, peppered with liberal F-words. I got up and moved. The lack of culture–I felt so intellectually UN-stimulated. I felt like I was expected to do nothing but party and shop while on shore. I did go on (overpriced) shore excursions so I could see Chichen Itza and the like. That was clearly the best part.
But the worst part has to be the hustle — being made to feel like a rube. They tell you to come learn about your next shore stop — so they can point out all the cruise-ship owned jewelry stores. Art auctions, really? So they can hustle grannies into thinking they’re making “cultural” investments. Jewelry on board — just save your money until the last day, it’s going to be 80 percent off. And I didn’t go cruising to buy jewelry or watches anyway! BORING! I felt like I was trapped in a shopping mall.
Most of the food was sub-par, except for specialty restaurants we had to pay extra for on Norwegian. But yes, there’s a lot of it. If you’re an indiscriminate eater, the type who loves buffets, you’ll probably love it. I hated it.
Leah Walker
September 15, 2013I’m so glad I’m not the only one. I would have been disgusted had I hear that conversation you did. Bleh…just rudeness! Great point on the sale of the jewelry. I forgot about the fire sale the night before docking.
Susie
September 29, 2013I am always hesitant to say that I have no interest in cruises for fear of appearing rude in front of someone who loves them. But it seems that I have come across the spot that is appropriate to announce my thoughts. I have been on a river cruise with my husband and good friends. We enjoyed it immensely partly because of the nice people we met. Also, my husband was not well and so this was something he could do, see the countryside and have a good time without ever getting off the ship if he didn’t want to. I took the kids and grand kids on a Disney Cruise which was enjoyed by all but, like you, that was more about being with family. That big ship confirmed for me that I don’t want to go on a cruise again.
I just finished a month in Vienna, Austria with a friend. We think this is the perfect way to travel. We rented an apartment for the month and lived like regular people. We shopped at the markets trying the local produce, meats, and cheeses which the shop keepers were happy to explain preparation techniques. We used the public transportation which is amazing. We rarely waited for more than 3 minutes for the next connection and it allowed us to access all points of interest within the city and outskirts. I was blown away by how friendly everyone was and how helpful. We could take as long as we wanted going through a museum or church instead of being herded by a tour director. By being in the community for a length of time, we learned of events and places that would never be frequented by a tour. We bought tickets to several concerts in advance and heard wonderful productions of interest to us. A month gives you time to put the pieces together of all of the history, art, music and culture to form a more solidified picture of a region. We also made an effort to network before coming over so that we would have some locals to contact with questions or ideas. That proved to add a great deal of interest to our adventure. We have also analyzed the cost and decided after paying for airfare and rent for the apartment (which was about $2800) we didn’t spend much more than we would have spent living our lives at home. I hope to explore some city or region in the world in this way every year.
Roberta
October 7, 2013The brief cruises you took attract the uncouth because they are cheap. Take a three week cruise through the Mediterranean and see mostly older people in their various national dress on formal nights, see local entertainers like flamenco dancers, visit magnificent ports. You get what you pay for. If you don’t like shilling, take a Disney cruise. My husband and I have taken 27 cruises and have enjoyed them all. We also take lengthy land trips. We are headed for 3 weeks visiting Christmas markets in various cities in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Budapest in a few weeks. There is room for pleasure in both types of traveling. The ease of roaming the Mediterranean from Istanbul to Barcelona is lovely– no unpacking, no wondering about food poisoning, etc. I think of a cruise as a “sampler.” You don’t have much time in a port, but you can see if you’d like to come back.
Try a longer, classier cruise. Then your judgement about cruising will have some validity.
Steve
November 21, 2013I took a cruise to Alaska with my wife, sister-in-law, and her husband this past August. It was at their invitation (though we payed our own way) so I went along with it. After all, who wouldn’t want to see Alaska? Anyway, after reading your account and comparing it with my own, I can only wholeheartedly agree; especially about the “hustle” thing (this is the exact word I used when I described my feelings to my wife). I don’t think I’ve ever felt more blatantly targeted. I knew we were in trouble when we attended a talk put on by the “Director of Shopping” advising us where to shop for “the best deals” (can anyone say kickback?). The shows were mediocre. We live close to Branson, Missouri and can see far better shows for much less cost. Sheesh! I am so remorseful of blowing probably my only chance to see Alaska on such a cheesy experience. The expense far outweighed the value in my opinion. On a positive note, I purely enjoyed seeing the Alaskan country; but when you have to be back on that boat after just a few hours the experience tends to be somewhat wilted. Also, we enjoyed the meals and felt the dining staff took very good care of us. Finally, after our return home, the cruise line sent us an e-mail for our feedback. Although I shared similar opinions with them, I never did hear back from a representative from the cruise line to inquire why I answered their questions the way I did. We only received more e-mails from them trying to entice us into yet another cruise. Parasites!
Chris P
November 26, 2013I have traveled my whole life(now 41) and have never been on a cruise. We have been in many “ports of call” when cruise ships pull up and find it to be miserable as 5000 people disembark from a ship to “experience everything” in 5 short hours. then in the evening when everyone gets back on “the boat” to get their free dinner the area becomes fun again. We spent a wonderful long weekend in Key West, wonderful except when ships came thru. One shop keeper told me that the cruise patrons done seem to ever buy much, but he started carrying these “I love to fart” t-shirts and he sells through tons of these. all the cruisers seem to love them.
I am thinking about starting my own tshirt line “I refuse to cruise”
Leah Walker
November 30, 2013I know exactly what you’re talking about, Chris. I was on Maui enjoying a leisurely walk along the beach when the cruise ship rolled in. Ugh…Let me tell you, I’d buy that shirt of yours.
The Only Gould
December 3, 2013Hi Leah
Your post says what I was trying to say here.
http://occasionaltravels.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/i-took-a-cruise-i-didnt-like-it-apologies-to-ms-perry/
I too came away from our cruise wondering why I hadn’t had the time of my life, and I wrote this post to break it down. You articulate a number of the reasons I was disappointed, and I do hope people read this ‘flipside’ post – there are far more articles raving about cruising than stating the negatives.
Leah Walker
December 9, 2013I loved your post! Thanks for sharing. I might give a cruise another shot, but I will NEVER spend my own money to do so. Sounds like you won’t either.
Cory pomly
January 6, 2014Even though I disagree with you at least you have taken a cruise. Many judge without going and that’s a mistake. The number of folks I know who changed their mind about cruising for the better were more than those who did not like them.
Also sounds like you had a small ship. In my opinion the big ships are like a resort hotel.
It does appear cruising is not fir you. But many people do not like “trail blazing” and just want to relax and be pampered.
Leah Walker
January 17, 2014I was on a very large ship, and that’s what I think part of the problem was. I’m not a big fan of crowds. I’ll do another cruise again, but it will have to be a better fit.
James Beach
January 26, 2014After doing other research and then reading your comments, I feel I would dislike a cruise for many of the same reasons you mentioned. Thanks for sharing. PS, you might want to edit your first paragraph, not sure what you were trying to say when you wrote: “No, I’m about talking real cruises with shows, buffets, and bingo.” (Did you meant to say, “No, I’m real cruises with shows, buffets, and bingo…?
Leah Walker
January 26, 2014Thanks for that edit.
Robert
February 9, 2014That’s the best article on cruises!
I’m so with you on this one! the thought of them makes me feel claustrophobic and bored.
Who wants to do stupid activities that you can do anywhere and everywhere.
I love to look at the ocean from the beach, or maybe a speed boat,
Experiencing a different country and other cultures, just can’t be gotten from on board a big azz boat with people you’re virtually ok, literally trapped with.
Leah Walker
February 15, 2014Obviously I agree, Robert. Thank you! 🙂
Fatal Blade
April 2, 2014It’s even worse when you’re a teenager, trust me. You’ve outgrown the toys and the games that the cruises offer to the “youth”, and everything that looks moderately cool is only for the adults. Of course, you can bring a laptop, but internet costs a ton of money and most of the computer entertainment today is linked to the internet. You cant work out in the exercise room because they only allow people of 18 and above. There was a swimming pool but it was extremely dull and the boat kept shaking so I wasn’t too happy about that. On night on the cruise, I was up eating and drinking (caffeine) and I couldn’t get to sleep until 2 in the morning. By the time I woke up, we have already arrived at one of the destinations but my family left me behind. When I tried to get off the boat, one of the snooty workers told me: “you have to stay with your parents.” I tried to explain to them that I could call them and find them by myself, but they refused to let me off the boat. The specialty staff, such as piano players, trainers, and bar tenders are all so nice to the adults and the children, but treat the teenagers like garbage. Half way through the cruise, I resorted to playing the piano (the piano players didn’t know I was playing because I would play late at night). I didn’t see any problem with it, there wasn’t anyone in the piano lounge and the people on the cruise (not the employees) even said that it sounded nice. The day after however, I was kicked off because only the staff could play. At that point I was angry because there was nothing to do but eat, drink, read, sleep. After the cruise, I had to go back to school. (And fyi this was on the last week of August) Cruises suck massively.
Genna Smith
April 15, 2014I went on a 4 day cruise with my partner, we are both middle aged, but he goes frequenlty alone also
He is retired so has more time. I just felt really out of it, becfause everyone seemed to be so excited about nothing
There was far too much food and I felt just sooooo guilty about all the wastage and it is definitely not a thing anyone who has a severe social conscience should do…It just seems more like a greed fest than anything else. I can understand why honeymoon couples would want to go on a cruise, that is fair enough.
The fact that we also had a massive fall out on the cruise but could not escape each other made it much worse.
We are not together anymore needless to say, but I shall steer clear of anyone who enjoys cruises from now on.
I am not being or maybe I am being judgemental..I do not care if other people want to stuff themselves and put on weight and get off their face on alcohol every night. Let them do that, fine. I found the dancing and the entertainment very difficult too, and as I cannot dance I wished someone had warned me. I also had no evening wear…..on a cruise!!!
People just said you don’t need any. Yeah right. The main purpose of the evening was for the females to dress to impress the males. The Captain’s Gala was mind numbingly boring. You keep cruising and enjoy it those who want to.
I shall be off on a Turkish adventure holiday next year..
Bye!
RobG
August 25, 2014I was doing research for one of my articles on Cruise Deals Expert, searched for “why cruise ships are bad” and found your post . 🙂
Your points are valid and I completely understand your concerns. Fellow passengers can greatly affect your cruise trip experience and unfortunately they often ruin it. If you have a nice stateroom with balcony, you can avoid the crowds for some time and you can also choose cruise brands that have a different target market. Smaller cruise ships with a niche cruise location have often better travellers than the big brands that sell cruise package from “top to bottom”.
Anyway… I hope you will have a better cruise experience next time. Maybe in Alaska or the Antarctic. 😉
Jennifer Causey
November 8, 2014Haha! I recently started following you on Instagram, and decided to check out your blog. Love this post. I used to 100% agree with you. I went on a horrible Caribbean cruise when I was in my 20s (friend’s idea), and avoided them like the plague since then (I’m now 45)…until my husband and I decided one year that, with our limited vacation time, it made more sense to see the Greek Islands that way. We did a lot of research on which cruise line would be best for us, and had a spectacular time. It really was one of the best vacations I’ve ever taken, and like you, I’ve been all over the world. Since then, I’ve gone on an Alaska cruise which sucked (UGH to those cheesy Old West small towns, and only one of the seven days was scenic cruising), and a Baltic cruise that I could take or leave. So, I’ve determined that Med cruises, with the right ship/cruise line, are what I like. I get a room with a balcony so I can stare at the sea in privacy. The European ports have enough culture for me (went to Ephesus, an overnight in Istanbul, Santorini, etc.). Plus pre/post cruise in my favorite city, Rome. So, I hear what you’re saying, but I’m now a “love CERTAIN cruises” person!
Leah Walker
November 17, 2014I’m actually going to take my first European river cruise in the spring. I’ll let you know how that goes.
J CP
December 30, 2014Completely agree plus:
1) susceptible to infectious diseases due to being confined?
2) ocean view gets old pretty fast when all you see around you is waters
3) bad quality food; the plentifulness is sure to give people a sick feeling as it would be harder to exercise self control in that environment
4) you come back tired after sensory overload
5) though visually clean a dirty environment in reality due to lack of regulations
6) the excitement about cruise vacation is delusional if you deeply think about it
Jenny Pruim
January 4, 2015Leah, you summed up perfectly how I felt when I was forced to take a cruise for work purposes. I am the type of person to claim I love all types of travel, from deluxe to dirt paths, guided tours to independent home stays, domestic, international, expensive, cheap, etc. But I met my match on a Caribbean cruise.
Besides the abject cheesiness (even too much for me, a Wisconsin cheese head), the likes of which you describe so well, I felt unsafe. I, who have hitch-hiked in Africa & Latin America, and chose to go to the Middle East right after 9/11 because the airfare was so inexpensive. Somehow being 9 floors down on a huge ship with people next to me partying all night like rock stars (I know matches and alcohol were involved), I felt safer sleeping on the deck where I could jump off when the fire starts. I’d call my husband and parents and claim that I now know what “depression” means and am quite sure that most mysterious cruise ships deaths are people like me who couldn’t take it anymore. NEVER again.
I am glad to say I am mostly recovered, thanks to having since then cleansed myself with a culinary trip to Vietnam and several trips to the interiors of Latin America.
salvatore fiengo
January 26, 2015Very True! i’ve just came back from a cruise, waiting all year round to enjoy my precious vacation from working so hard and what a waste it was. A cruise ship is basically a giant prison casino and this is coming from a person who won his vacation money back from the casino. Besides that theres nothing much to do apart from unteresting shows, not so funny comedy shows, only one club to go to at night, the restaurants were good but it’s just food that i’m able to do back at home myself. That’s what it exactly is, it’s your home in the ocean nothing is different. 17 floors, but in reality you will only be using 3. The third day i was in the cruise ship i was counting the days that i would be back home while banging my head on the wall. When I got back home I discouraged my friends and all the people i know to never embark on one. The whole point of travelling is either exploring the culture, laying down on the beach and partying. Yes you visit different islands and there are excursions but the prices triple considering that your travelling from the ship, might aswell visit the island itself by plane you’ll save money, trust me i’ve been to couple of places. I have much more negativity to say. A cruise is just for people who want to vegetate and be boring. Worst vacation ever!
LIGHTBASICS
February 14, 2015That’s almost exactly how I described what I imagine a cruise to be like to GF last night. I said something like, “If you don’t like to shop or gamble there’s nothing else to do . . . also you must have to stand in long lines to eat . . . plus, the pool must be ridiculous. I mean, how are 4,000 people possibly able to comfortably enjoy using just a handful of swimming pools?
Vid
February 5, 2015Haah 🙂 Very well said and put together. Savi and I stand guilty for liking cruise vacations – we treat them as our getaway after all the hectic travels through the year. Do agree with most of your reasons though – our favourite bit is to sit in our balcony cabin, enjoy the evening dining, and explore the ports of call by ourselves 🙂
LIGHTBASICS
February 14, 2015Leah:
I read your original article (funny!), but only skimmed a few of the comments. Wow! “You need to get laid?” Really? Anyhow, your review confirmed all of my worst fears. A couple of years ago, my dad begged me to go–I refused (he died recently, and I still don’t regret not going).
Now, my GF wants me to go on a cruise. Your most resonating statement was that you felt as if you had never left America. God, I would hate that. That peculiarly American style of “fake” everything (faux-architecture retail facades, heavily “branded” chain-restaurants, everything in Las Vegas, etc.). When we first met, my GF wanted me to take her to Citywalk in Los Angeles, which is basically a large outdoor food court, attached to the entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood (which actually isn’t in Hollywood). Heck, I work at NBC/Universal and have to shoot events there all the time–why would I want to go to “work” in my free time? I digress. Thank you for your cogent review!
SC
October 26, 2015I just stumbled across this and couldn’t agree more. I don’t understand the appeal. All the parents I know end up on Disney cruises, which seem so unimaginative to me. They mostly say they like it because they don’t have to see their kids and they can drink all day without having to cook and clean. Pretty low standard if you ask me. Many articles and comments I read talk about how much more affordable cruises are. This is insane to me– a Disney cruise for four people is thousands and thousands of dollars. Have these people actually put their destination into expedia to see how much it would be to go to a resort in Hawaii, Jamaica, etc? There are options other than being trapped on a floating hotel.
Dutchmike
December 31, 2015Yes you are right ! he says 3 years after the original article but then again i only just found your page so for me its new.
Cruises are in many ways terrible, i once calculated the amount of time spend of the ship in a 2 week Caribbean cruise, it was slightly over 34 hours, not wanting to join the herds in the excursions i took a few taxi’s or local tours. So you basically see next to nothing from where you are going to.
Then there is the lure of the ship “there is free lunch there and a safe and good one instead of a dubious street seller with food right here, ok lets go back”. Once lunch is consumed on the ship you don’t feel like leaving anymore and that was the day already.
But ! i still like them and decided to admit to myself that a cruise is not about the destination at all, it is about sitting around eating, drinking, reading and being mildly entertained at night by the show, which gets considerably better the more alcohol you consumed beforehand. i chose ships wisely and always wait for an offer as cruising isnt worth that much cash, specially considering the walk in closet they call Staterooms.
In between cruises i take the backpacks and walk into Asia for a big big contrast. Maybe vacationing is about contrast with your daily activities, if you are busy and working all the time, a cruise might fit, if you are not working maybe “roughing” it is more the way to go.
So yes i hate cruising, the same way in which i hate fast food, i don’t want it, don’t need it, but still like it and go back ! Help 🙂
Shez
January 8, 2016I haven’t been on a cruise but I know I’ll hate it for all the reasons you mention, plus given that I spend all day talking in meetings etc at work, I hate having to make small talk with people I’ve never met and am unlikely to ever meet again. My ideal holiday is a deserted beach and then finding a nice quiet local taverna at night, with a few days of off-the-beaten-track discovery. Unfortunately my husband has a big birthday this year and wants to do a cruise because people (with different holiday tastes to us!) have built it up to be this amazing experience. We will go. We will hate it. We will enjoy each other’s company.
Martina
January 16, 2016Thank you so much for your comments. My husbands family LOVES cruises and I positively detest it for all the reasons you mention in the article and more! Thanks for making me feel not so alone! 😉
Alison
April 25, 2016From your description, it sounds like you took a mass-market ocean cruise on a popular itinerary. Have you looked into river cruises? You spend more time in port, there are more refined passengers and the food is amazing. Or you can do an un-cruise if you’re into adventure. There’s Hurtigruten that sails to Norway for the Northern Lights, Lindblad to the Galapagos or the Baltics and a few that sail to Antartica. Did you use a travel agent, by the way? A TA would sit down and ask you your preferences to make sure you got the right cruise for your personality. Best of luck!
Leah Walker
May 3, 2016I did take a mass-market cruise and have since taken two river cruises, which I liked better. However, I’ve still not found a cruise for me. You can see what I think about the river cruise here: http://leahwalker.com/leahtravels.com/places/giving-cruising-another-chance-with-viking-river-cruises
Kim
June 22, 2016I loved this post. I’d rather fly to each stop and spend more time. Great post! Thanks … I must go follow you on social media because I see we have similar interests!
chris Placona
September 26, 2016we went on 4,, 2 on carnival, 1 on NCL and 1 on MSC. Carnival was the best of the bunch, NCL was the dirtiest MSC took the award for the rudest.
I have friends that love it, I quickly realized CRUISING SUCKS. lots of glitz and glitter but smoke and mirrors,
Its easy to sneak on booze weather from the ports or embarkation,
we just cancelled an NCL for next year. When they asked why i wanted to cancel I simply stated Cruising Sucks.
Kevin M
March 25, 2017I was looking for a mutually-affirming opinion on this topic and it is very well-stated. I completely agree with you on all points. I can’t imagine a worse (popular) way to travel and explore.
The Bill Burr Netflix special “Walk Your Way Out” has a great bit about cruise ships, and the people who enjoy them.
Melo
May 16, 2017Thank you for this. My wife keeps bugging me about going on a cruise and I keep saying no. I know my reasons but couldn’t quite explain it. This does. I completely agree with everything you said.
LIZ
June 10, 2017Your review is SPOT-ON, and if anything, too kind. LOL.
We just got back from a similar cruise (Galveston-Cozumel-Progresso) and it was truly disheartening. I feel like I lost so much faith in humanity. I really didn’t know what to expect from our cruise (I should have done more research) but I truly WANTED to like it. It was my honeymoon, a gift given to my husband and I by my extremely sweet and generous in-laws. Everyone I talked to beforehand seemed to gush the “you’ll love it” refrain, so I had no reason to assume otherwise. I should have found your review earlier! Haha.
Anyway, this is a list of everything we hated about the cruise… it was the Carnival Valor BTW:
-We had no cell phone service for the duration of the trip and could not call family. We were totally isolated and trapped on this shitty boat with no connection to the outside world, which felt extremely isolating
-Our stateroom was dirty. I found a toenail in my room
-I found 2 hairs in my food
-Our room was ok, but people we sat with at dinner complained of the thermostats in their rooms not working. Another couple had their luggage lost for several days.
-Terrible television… half the channels are just Carnival informercials
-Stupid announcements always coming over the intercom telling you where and when to do things (like see a show)
-Party type atmosphere that I assume would appeal to people with an IQ of about 85
-Everything felt disjointed, for example, renaissance-style auditorium playing salsa music
-Generally BAD MUSIC everywhere on the ship… and on our excursion they played Bruno Mars. SMH.
-The art was kitschy as fuck, and the art auction was so tasteless and ignorant it made me want to drown myself in the sea
-Very understated library
-Everything was EXTREMELY overcrowded. There were 3,600 passengers and 1,200 crew members. It was like being stuck in a Vegas casino for 5 straight days with no escape.
-Prohibitively expensive drinks
-A general atmosphere that encourages overindulgence, mindlessness, and consumerism
-Unethically sourced blood diamonds
-Watches
-Shit
-Shit
-Shit
-Sub-par “comedy” and as you said, corny shows with little entertainment value
-Basically the entire crew was composed of people from other countries, and there was a strange dynamic of us (Americans) literally leaving our trash everywhere for these crew members (who were all working incredibly hard, by the way) to pick up after us. It just somehow said so much about America in a way I can’t articulate very well right now.
-Alcohol, gambling, and shopping is the focus… everyone is constantly pandering to sell you stuff you don’t need
-Exorbitant and wasteful
-Lack of quality entertainment
-Cliche, gaudy
-NO CREATIVE SPACES, ONLY CONSUMER SPACES
-As you said, many rude people. I complimented one person’s shoes and her response was a (very cold) “thanks… I had to wear these because I couldn’t wear my other ones, the heels with rhinestones.” (like seriously, who says that? LOL)
-There were a bunch of kids running around unsupervised dropping ice cream cones in elevators
-I also overheard people saying things like “OMG! I got a 32 carat amethyst ring for $40! Lifetime warranty, AND I can UPGRADE!!!!!”
-Horrible customer service: On day 4, after being out of contact with my family for several days, I went down to ask someone in guest services if there was I way I could make a phone call. He simply told me, “sure, just dial 36+1”, not mentioning the $2/min service charge (which WAS listed in small print in one of the brochures they gave us but was NOT posted by the phone or within the phone system), so we had a $150 charge for phone calls. It was my fault for not reading the information in the barrage of trash brochures they put in our room every day, but their phone policy could (and should) have been much more transparent. When I went to complain about the predatory, opportunistic nature of this situation, the people in guest services were dismissive and unapologetic and refused to waive even a portion of the calls. Just a word of warning: assume these greedy capitalist bastards are going to nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING THEY POSSIBLY CAN.
In a nutshell, our cruise felt like a bunch of materialistic garbage with very little cultural or intellectual value.
We did enjoy the excursions in Mexico, though spending a few hours in port was only a short reprieve from the misery of “cruising”.
Also, I made the mistake of criticizing Carnival’s policies on their Facebook page, where hoards of Cruise-apologists came out of the woodwork to tell me that Carnival was the best thing since sliced bread and I must be in the wrong. People who defend corporations over actual human experiences are a special type of stupid.
Chris
August 9, 2017I have to admit that I have never been on a cruise. I have considered it, because im into travel photography and certain cruises will get you to several different destinations efficiently. However everything I have ever read about cruises, makes me believe that the actual concept is a very culmination of every little thing I hate about travel and tourism. The cattle herd of people pushed through every port that ship stops at, the “activities” (what are you 3 years old?), the cheesy, terrible, eye roll inducing night time entertainment. Finally, being surrounded by a mob of obnoxious people and not being able to get away. It just sounds like a bad nightmare. I stopped going to resorts many years ago, and just make all my own arrangements. Its cheaper, gets me exactly what I want and I get to learn something about destination cultures. I think I will let others “enjoy” the cruises and do travel my own way.
marenilona
August 9, 2017A really nice experience can be had on the Alaska ferry. It”a large car ferry that goes from Whittier in Alaska to Prince Rupert, Canada.I had a four berth cabin with shower and washroom to myself and it was wonderful. Nothing is organized but there is enough to do. The food was good. There are three stops along the way and the ones in Sitka and Juneau were excellent. There was enough time to explore and have dinner at the top of a hill. Time to see the totem poles and watch the bald eagles soar over a canning factory for their meals. Time to go for a nice long walk. It was for three days and I found that this was just the right amount of time to be on the water.
Grahamy Cameron
October 30, 2017I just came of a cruise to the Bahamas wife my wife. Four nights on the Royal Caribbean ship Majesty of the seas. Nothing, and I mean nothing on board in the way of activities appealed to me. I don’t like karaoke, gambling, stand up comedy, or pool deck parties. This was a problem. As was the attitude of some of the passengers. Although most of them were fine and pleasant I automatically reel from people who tell me they love the bongo and the the slot machines.
Anyway, my biggest gripe was sitting in the dining room. You are assigned a table. If you find it difficult eating in front of other people you are going to have a real hard time on this ship. I imagine most of them are like this.
I requested a table for two and we were seated next to a table for four. We were practically sitting on each other’s laps. It quickly became obvious that they didn’t want anyone in their vicinity, and it became clear to them that I did not want to be sitting so close to them. So the four night were awkward resulting in us skipping the fourth night and going to the buffet. It got to the point that they were whispering and I was whining to my wife that I wanted to move.
I do not know if I could or would go back on another cruise. The drinking on board that ship frightened me. The constant selling annoyed me. And the lack of anything remotely interesting made it hard going. But we sun bathed, read our books and walked round the decks. We certainly enjoyed the sun.
But so many people with so little in common (with me anyway) made it quite tedious and tiresome but on a plus we did get away from our kids for a few days and were able to spend some time together. If you’re thinking about cruising I would think about it very carefully. Once on board, there is no escape.
EAurelia
June 15, 2018My family and I will be taking a cruise in August. It certainly was not my idea and only agreed to go because my parents wanted to do something special for their 50th anniversary. I cannot even tell how much anxiety this trip is giving me thinking about the crowds, the consumerism , the herd mentality, the wastefulness, the cheesy entertainment, etc etc. This is so anti everything I want to do on any vacation. But I have to go, so any tips on how to survive 8 days on a floating mall?
Leah Walker
June 20, 2018I’d bring a couple of good books, some nice headphones, and plenty of sunscreen. Hang at the pool or find a quiet corner on the boat.
David
August 2, 2018My sentiments exactly. I HATE being boxed in. I feel like a caged animal. I took one cruise on Royal Carribean and told myself never again. Such a waste of money to look at the same people and the same 2 main floors( my ship deck and the main deck) for 3-5 days or more. I want to live free, and go with the flow which is why I became a travel agent and enjoy flying direct to whatever country I choose to on my own terms and itinerary.
Nan
June 13, 2019I went on a day trip to the Bahamas and you return the same night. That was decent. For an entire week. No thank you. The only one I may consider to exploration of Alaska or even Hawaii as I am visiting all 50 states with only a few left including these two. I agree with your statements and people will have different opinions which is fine. friends are wanting to go on one next years and I am passing. I can find better use of my money
Lisalu
August 15, 2019Wow! Somebody who hates cruises for EXACTLY the same reasons I do (I’ve only been once, never again. At least not Carnival.) My top three issues were 1. Lack of culture: seriously, the COMPLETE lack of culture. For instance, on our 8-day Caribbean cruise we visited Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica. As a traveler, I am interested in the places I visit, meaning the history and the culture. So you’d think that SOMEWHERE on this gigantic ship they could maybe have an informative lecture series about the building of the Panama Canal, the Mayan pyramids, the Costa Rican ecosystem or anything that intelligent people might want to know about the ports of call. No, rather we were invited to events like, “The Hairy Chest Contest on the Lido Deck.” 2. The rude people. Absolutely, positively the worst experience with 3000 other people I can imagine. People apparently lose their minds once they step foot on a cruise ship – at one point I was practically body-slammed out of a buffet line by a big Stetson hat wearing cowboy and his hoedown-attired wife who evidently believed that if they didn’t get to that buffet before I did it would all be gone (and no, I’m not fat!) I just walked off in disgust, and ended up taking most of my meals in my stateroom because I just couldn’t bear seeing the pigs bellying up to the trough. When getting on an elevator to take us up two levels – maybe a 10 second ride – people kept cramming in until the elevator couldn’t close and we were all stuck there just trying to breathe but no one would get off so we could ascend. No one could wait 20 seconds for the elevator to do a return trip – or for gosh sakes just take the damned stairs (which is what I did for the rest of the trip.) At the ports of call you would have thought the ship was on fire the way people pushed and shoved to get off. After the first time, I just waited until everyone else had disembarked before I even bothered. And at the pool, people would get up the morning, go put their towel on a deck chair, and leave it there all day (even while they were lunching or napping in their rooms) expecting that they now “owned” the chair for the day. Selfish and inconsiderate much? 3. The entertainment was stupid – like one of those variety shows from the 1970s awful. After one show, I skipped the rest. So basically, I avoided the buffets, avoided groups of people, and avoided the shows. I HATED that cruise! (I only enjoyed the ports of call, off on our own for the day.) Bottom line: when we arrived back in Miami and were assigned our color-coded disembarkment time, we were told that we had the option to disembark at 7:00 am IF we required no assistance. Otherwise we had to wait until our assigned time. You better believe I was on that gangplank at 7:00 am with all my bags getting the hell off that ship!
Ali
October 1, 2019You went on a 5 night carnival cruise, on one of their oldest ships. Of course you hated it. Try cruising princess, celebrity, or Norwegian to destinations in Europe and it’s WAY different. 🙄
Leah Walker
October 2, 2019It’s the concept I hate, not the ship.
kara
January 18, 2020I need help… I have to go on an Alaskan cruise in July and I REALLY don’t want to go. I’ve been on one other cruise a number of years ago and I hated it. By the end, while we were “at sea,” I gave up and watched TV in bed. I hated it for all the reasons listed above. More personally to my trip, there was a starving dog in one of the poor towns we visited in our hideous, enormous tour bus followed by three police trucks to protect us, and seeing that dog and not being able to help it broke my heart. My feelings of helplessness, compounded with the consumerism, waste, lack of culture, ugly Americanism, gluttony, etc, made me feel depressed. Those last few days at sea were so claustrophobic. Now my husband’s family has booked another Princess cruise to Alaska with a big group of extended family members. I have tried to get out of it, believe me, but, understandably, my husband wants to go because he wants to spend time with his family who all live across the country from him. His parents are getting older, his father had cancer, and we spend tons of time with my parents, so I feel I should go on the cruise. Also, we have a toddler who is the pride and joy of his grandparents. I could see my not going on the cruise, but they’d be very disappointed if my son didn’t go and there’s no way I can bear being apart from my son while he’s in a giant floating casino on the water. Falling overboard is a serious concern for me. Adding to all this is what I suspected with the last cruise but hadn’t researched, which is the environmental toll cruise ships take on the environment. Going to Alaska on a cruise seems depressing and ignorant. Am I going to see melting icebergs? What if I see a starving polar bear? Any advice on how I can not only survive this cruise but actually have an okay enough time to not spoil it for my husband? He has even offered (tongue in cheek, perhaps) to do some kind of community service to pay for the carbon footprint of this cruise.
Courtney
September 29, 2020THANK YOU!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
reluctantdaughter77
April 16, 2021Chiming in a bit late but I’m so glad I came upon your article. My mom wants me to go on a cruise with her and all the reasons I’m just not that keen on the idea you have listed. Not to mention the nightmares I had about being on a cruise and falling into the water or being at a port and the ship pulling off without me and I’m stuck in a foreign country….yeah silly I know Although I’m an introvert I still like to go out and I mean going somewhere whenever I want and not waiting till were at port and staying as long as I want. And not being able to access my phone call me a cell junkie but three or more days of not being able to call someone I would be on the border of insanity. And not really impressed with golfing or pampering. Plenty of spas where I live and offering a facial at a much lower price and plenty of movie theatres. Though I like a good game of blackjack, I’d sooner keep my feet on the ground and go to a nearby casino. My mom thinks of course is hellbent on taking a cruise and thinks I’m being unreasonable and that I’m the only one who has these misgivings. Nice to know its not just me
Bruce Brooker
November 25, 2021The cruise industry is a racist and culturally imperialist wasteland. Cruise barges fly flags of convenience. A U.S. cruise barge, “sailing” out of Miami flying Liberian colours? Reasons? Eliminating the need to follow environmental restrictions and rules, paying taxes and treating the staff like indentured servants. These floating behemoths lumber from port to port, disgorging their glassy eyed, bovine cargo to surely test environmental infrastructure of these ports of call. Yes, cruises are for vapid consumerist tourists. Tourists who care little about anybody but their own empty tourist lives. Boorish behaviour, entitlement, and the thought that, when they are in port, the locals must put on their comical sombreros and do the Mexican hat dance, and bloody well smile and laugh while debasing themselves for these crass, selfish consumers, or otherwise cater to them because “they sure like our money, don’t they”. Cruises suck QED.
Candy
February 23, 2022I am just seeing this article today. I found it when googling “Travel Agents who hate ocean cruising”. I have been a travel agent for 4 years, deciding to do this job when I retired from my previous career spanning 43 year. I started with a personal preference of land tours because I see time on board as a waste when you could literally have boots on the ground with more time to explore. Now after 4 years my disgust for ocean cruise lines has bloomed. Their volatile fare pricing is like a shell game to me. It screws over so many people. Today I wanted to add a guest to a preexisting booking. If I were to be newly booking these two ladies today, they would have paid $2608 for the cabin. But since I am adding a guest to a booking that was made last October, they will have to pay $3836 for the cabin. It is disgusting and should be unethical and illegal, but alas, it is not. If I stay in this business, and that is a big IF, I will not book ocean cruises. Period. I don’t think river cruise companies or land tour companies do this, but perhaps I am naïve. Thanks for letting me vent.
Lisa
July 18, 2022I agree 100%! I went on a Disney cruise in 2016, and didn’t like it then due to family circumstances. I thought I’d give it another try this past month with a shorter Royal Caribbean cruise. This one was much worse…how much trivia can you play?? Entertainment was awful, food was good in the dining room, but just how much of the day should be spent eating?? Buffet was awful, as well as room service. The port was the only redeeming part of the trip. Never again!!
Janet S
September 3, 2022I don’t get cruises either, I find them just plain boring. I prefer to spend my time in an airbnb in the middle of a city to get the feel of the culture and lives of those who live there. I loved Paris, Amsterdam, Estonia, Vancouver and more but just as happy visiting states in the USA. You nailed my feelings too
Woody
January 22, 2023Thanks, Leah. You have written this well. I just completed a cruise with family and the family time was wonderful…. But travel should open minds, and there are no minds being opened on a cruise ship. The only personal growth happening is to peoples waist-lines as they glutinously (and wastefully) devour their included meals.
I especially agree with the point about “hustling”. Every night on the boat I travelled on had a dress theme…. Why? To sell photos, that’s why. It all felt like being in the corniest nightclub you’ve ever mis-spent your youth in… For days at a time. Yuk.
Everyone likes to go on holiday and not everyone likes to be challenged by travelling to really different places – so cruise liners will likely have customers for many years to come. But to me the whole thing felt like a 20th C excess that we all really need to be getting over in the 21st C.
Sink the cruise ships. Let’s travel.
Al LeFeusch
January 27, 2023Cruises are the absolute worst. I hate casinos, I hate bars, I hate drink people, buffets nauseate me, being on a set itinerary sucks, being stuck in a boat sucks, standing in line sucks, the entertainment absolutely sucks. It’s horrific. There is literally no redeeming quality about a cruise and anyone who enjoys them i completely inept at travel.
Yep. I said it.
Holly
March 10, 2023I refuse to take a cruise with my husband. He thinks it would be the dream family vacation. We are taking a family vacation to the Florida Keys next year. He’s mad that I won’t cruise instead. He does very little research when it comes to anything. I told him my sister and I will take a trip to the Florida just us, no kids in 3 years or so. His response was that he and his buddy will take a cruise then. Good luck. I might send him this article next time he starts bemoaning the fact that I won’t go on a cruise.
Dawn
March 31, 2023Just…thank you! Agree 100%
Alex
October 8, 2023You hit the nail on the head with this post. My girlfriend and I just finished a cruise and we couldn’t quite put into words what we disliked so much about it. We’ve traveled extensively and decided to give a cruise a shot. We were miserable. It felt like a floating prison that was filled with people we were trying to get a break from. The bonus was that we experienced some places that we had not traveled yet, and we plan on revisiting on our own in the near future. Give us the busy streets of Mexico City or Hong Kong, the warm waters off the coast of Belize, or the non-stop parties of Latin America any day over bingo, art auctions, or flavorless buffets any day.
Melissa Howell
November 3, 2023Thank you so much for putting in words what I’ve tried explaining so many times before!