Ah, the allure of cruising the high seas! Imagine boarding a luxurious vessel in a sun-kissed port destined for idyllic island adventures, a sunny destination like Miami, Florida, and then heading out to some islands in the Bahamas for sun-soaked experiences or perhaps embarking on a European river cruise to explore historic towns and marvel at renowned landmarks. Cruises have long been popular for vacationers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
However, not all experiences are created equal. For some unlucky guests, the reality of their cruise didn’t quite match their dreamy expectations. While many travelers still revel in their unforgettable cruise memories, the photos we’re about to share reveal a hidden side that may make you think twice before setting sail. We’ll dive into the surprising aspects of cruise life these passengers encountered, exposing the shocking truth behind their once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
Bon Voyage
When you first arrive on the dock, you see your cruise ship off in the distance. It looks majestic as it is gently bobbing on the emerald-colored waves of the ocean, and it is an excellent time for a photo op.
As you approach the loading area, you see that it is actually crammed with people jostling to get on board with all of their luggage and get settled in their cabins before you depart. This can be a very hectic experience that might even involve getting elbowed, so watch out.
The Pools
In cruise brochures, the pool always appears to be one of the highlights of the cruising experience. It often has pool toys floating around, maybe a wave pool, and lots of other activities you can do.
The pool is an area everyone on the ship gravitates to, which means it is often chock full of people who are drinking and having a good time. It is not one of the most relaxing areas on the ship, unless you want to listen to pumping music from the DJ and start dancing with your fellow passengers. Everyone needs to boogie once in awhile.
Relaxing on Deck
While you may picture yourself sitting in a deck chair in the sunshine enjoying a cocktail while you listen to the gentle waves below, in reality, this is very unlikely.
In fact, the decks are so crowded that very quickly all the deck chairs are occupied. So, passengers often drag out mattresses to sit on. Not only is it unsightly to look at, but it is also loud and busy and there is so little room for everyone.
The Staterooms
Your stateroom or cabin is where you will spend quite a bit of time unless you decide to never sleep. If you shell out the big bucks then your cabin will look like a modern hotel room, jacuzzi, and all. On the other hand, if you decide to go for a more budget-friendly cruise then your room will more likely resemble a more modest motel room.
All that matters is that the bed is comfortable and you can get a good night’s rest. A cruise is about what you are going to see, not what where you’re going to sleep after all.
Avoid the Nautical Naughty Corner
Ever heard of the brig? No, not a charming European village, but a cold, grim jail cell on a ship. It’s where they stash cruise passengers who morph into unruly buccaneers, upsetting the smooth sailing of others.
Your gavel-banging judge? Non-existent. Your sentence? Holiday life imprisonment in the brig till the ship anchors and transfers you to local authorities. Their location? Probably not the country you packed your sunglasses for!
Taking in the Waters
Many passengers who have traveled on cruises will tell you that when there are rough seas the decks are almost certainly going to flood. We don’t mean the pool decks we mean the lower desks.
You see, after rough seas, cruise ships can take on water and passageways and rooms n the lower decks can be flooded. While you would think this was only a one-time occurrence, it is actually quite common.
Cruise Cuisine
Most cruises offer a range of dining options, from buffets to a la carte menus. Some cruises do have amazing dining experiences, but those are usually at an additional cost. A lot of the time the food is served buffet style and is a lot like cafeteria food. This buffet-style cooking leaves a lot to be desired.
Serving the food buffet style allows the kitchen to produce a mass amount of food very quickly, and feed the hundreds or even thousands of people aboard the ship. Often this food sits out for hours before you even get to it.
Overboard? It’s not a Pool Party!
Things can get complicated if a passenger takes an unplanned dip in the vast ocean, like trying to find the last piece of chocolate in a vast dessert buffet. Well-meaning spectators might toss debris overboard as makeshift markers – it’s the maritime version of dropping a pin on Google Maps.
The Cabin Bathroom
When you imagine the bathroom on your luxury cruise liner, you think it will all be gleaming marble with expensive finishes. Maybe a giant bathtub and a walk-in shower. Unfortunately, because space is tight on cruise ships, most bathrooms are kind of all-in-one.
Tile and some porcelain is normal, but your shower will actually be your entire bathroom which can be both convenient or the beginning of a slippery slide. Everyone should bring some shower sandals when going on a cruise. This will help you avoid some potentially sudsy situations and keep you from slipping and sliding all over the room.
Crew Food
It seems the only people eating well on a cruise are the first-class passengers because, like most passengers, the crew and staff also eat buffet style.
However, unlike the passengers, this food is a lot less appetizing, and a lot of the time, it is passenger food that has been ‘repurposed’. For example, the leftover gravy from the passengers was served to the staff as soup after the chef added a little water.
Ocean For Days
We’ve all watched Disney’s The Little Mermaid and seen Ariel frolicking with all different types of exotic sea animals. Most cruisers hope to see some dolphins following along in their ship’s wake, jumping out of the water and doing some tricks.
In reality, unless you go diving or snorkeling, there is a very low chance of seeing anything while onboard the ship. These sea animals like to stay in the depths, rather than out in the open.
Working On A Ship
Working on a cruise ship seems like it could be pretty glamorous. You get to travel all over the world, stop at every port, and meet tons of interesting people in the process. Living aboard a ship isn’t easy, though.
The employee level is full of tiny little rooms with two to four people living in them. Everyone gets their own bunk, but it means you get pretty up close and personal with everyone you work with.
Arrival
Those pictures that show breathtaking scenery of golden sand beaches and swaying palm trees as you make your way into port are beautiful. Docking is something all ships have to do when they are ready for their passengers to disembark and head out on activities.
Ports themselves are not very scenic though. Usually, it is just a cement structure surrounded by some fairly murky water with a few palm trees dotted along the shore.
Onboard Entertainment
Unless you have signed up for a Backstreet Boys cruise, the music onboard is going to be less than professional. You will have a wide array of genres to choose from, such as classical piano, smooth jazz, and even some stars doing covers of crowd-pleasers like Dolly Parton.
It will never be as good as the real thing. So, for this portion of the cruise, just grab a cold beverage and sit back and relax to the genre of your choice.
Fine Dining
If you have seen the movie Titanic, you may expect a fine dining experience where everyone dresses for dinner and meals are served in fine china. Well, just like the buffet menu, the dining room is also a bit of a letdown. Instead of a lavishly decorated dining room, most cruises have massive dining halls that are loud and packed with guests.
While there are some waiters who serve specific tables, dining on a cruise ship is similar to eating at the food court.
Big Brother on the Big Blue
On a cruise, you’re the star of your own 24/7 reality TV show – minus the privacy button. Security is tighter than a sea lion’s flipper grip.
Expect the omnipresent eye of surveillance tracking your every move, everywhere, except your room. This isn’t just to catch any midnight snack thieves but to ensure safety, record incidents, and review mishaps. It’s akin to the airplane’s black box, with less crashing and more splashing.
Emergency Drills
It’s not all smooth sailing. Every cruise is required to have several emergency drills to prepare the passengers for possible disasters. These drills are called muster drills, and they are supposed to help passengers familiarise themselves with the emergency procedure.
While these drills are indeed necessary, you are likely to end up on a crowded deck in the heat with the other passengers for an afternoon. Staff often leave the passengers lined up on deck while instructions are shouted out, and as a result, these drills can take up a lot of time. If the complaining of other passengers isn’t bad enough, muster drills normally aggravate staff and alarm young children.
Real Life Cruise ship Trauma
In a chilling event that exposes the darker aspects of cruise vacations, a woman was forcibly removed from a hot tub by ship security. Witnesses report that she was visibly distressed as she was led away. Shortly afterward, she jumped off the ship, hitting her head on the side and colliding with lifeboats on her way down.
This harrowing incident raises questions about the adequacy of cruise ship security and emergency response measures. While cruise vacations are often romanticized as carefree getaways, this event serves as a sobering reminder that they aren’t always the idyllic experiences we imagine.
Midnight Munchies
Sometimes, when hunger strikes in the middle of the night on a cruise ship, the usual gourmet offerings aren’t within reach. That’s when passengers get innovative. As seen in the image, someone combined plain white bread with what appears to be whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel or syrup.
While it might not be a five-star chef’s specialty, it’s a testament to the lengths we’ll go to satisfy our late-night cravings. So, if you find yourself awake and hungry on your next cruise, remember: a little creativity can lead to some unexpectedly weird snacks!
Cruise Ship Toilet Woes
Cruise ship cabins, though luxurious, can sometimes present unexpected surprises. Take, for example, the unusually shaped toilet depicted in the image. Far from the standard design most are accustomed to, its elongated rectangular shape raises eyebrows and possibly comfort concerns.
It’s a gentle reminder that not all aspects of cruising are smooth sailing. While such design choices may leave passengers puzzled or even slightly discomforted, they undoubtedly make for memorable stories. So, if you find yourself facing such a peculiar porcelain throne, take a moment to laugh at the quirkiness and embrace the unique experience.
Tent City
While the sun might be fun, too much is a bad thing. That’s why sometimes the deck may look more like a tent city than a luxury cruise ship.
Staff often put up sun protection that, while it is practical, it’s quite an eyesore to behold. Passengers fill the deck in pleasant weather and many even construct their own sun protection using beach towels and sheets taken from the cabins.
Lost Luggage
Just like with most airlines, lost luggage can happen when you travel on a cruise ship. Sometimes luggage can get left behind when you first get on the ship, leaving you with no clothing and necessities for the rest of the cruise.
Often luggage is left out in the rain or sun, and things get damaged easily. If your back is left out in rainy weather like this, you better hope your bag is waterproof.
The Uninvited Guest
On a luxury cruise, a passenger’s journey took an unexpected turn. After a COVID diagnosis, he was isolated in his cabin, left longing for the vibrant dining atmosphere and gourmet buffet usually enjoyed onboard. A snapshot depicts his situation: wearing a cheerful lei, he sits discontent with his TV dinner, a stark contrast to the lavish meals he’d expected
This incident, while unusual, emphasizes the ever-present reality of the pandemic. Even the most glamorous vacations aren’t immune to such unforeseen changes, proving that safety remains paramount, no matter the setting.
Cooped Up
If you think a cruise makes for a great family vacation, you may want to think again. While there are special programs to keep kids entertained, these programs don’t run 24/7.
Often there are only a few activities planned for kids throughout the day and evening which frees up a lot of time for your kids to be bored. This means that for a lot of the trip, your kids will be cooped up in the cabin, often with no TV. So be prepared for close quarters and a lot of nagging and fighting.
Shuffle Along
When you go on a cruise, be prepared to play a lot of shuffleboard on deck. Shuffleboard was an iconic game played on many cruises at the turn of the 20th century, and it is still played on cruise ships today.
Usually played on the promenade deck, many cruise programs include set times to play this anachronistic game. If that doesn’t sound too bad then keep in mind that most of your time spent playing shuffleboard will involve standing on deck watching others play as you wait for your turn.
No Lifeguard on Duty
While many cruise ships have some gorgeous swimming pools on deck, very few cruise ships actually employ lifeguards.
This means that the busy pool areas are not patrolled by lifeguards, and children must be attended to by parents at all times. If you expect lazy days at the pool during your cruise, you may find your pool time is spent watching over unattended children. With pools overflowing with swimmers during peak hours, swimming can be quite dangerous.
Ocean View
While rooms in the internal part of the ship are much cheaper, the topside rooms are guaranteed to have a beautiful ocean view. Well, actually, this is not always the case.
This is because many of the lower ‘ocean view’ decks have lifeboats. These massive lifeboats can completely block your ocean view. So while you may pay the extra money for a view, you may find that come check in, all you have is a view of the lifeboat.
Plenty of Karaoke
No matter where you go onboard, you may find that you end up listening to an inordinate amount of Karaoke music. That’s because many of the bars and lounges have a Karaoke system set up so that passengers can entertain themselves when no entertainment is scheduled.
As many cruises come with complimentary drinks, a lot of the passengers who shouldn’t be singing find the courage to sing anyway. So from off-key best friends to flat couple duets, you are going to hear a lot of it.
All Ages
Some cruises will offer an age-specific demographic so that older, younger, or even single people can know if it is a cruise they want to purchase. That being said, if you don’t look into the age range of the cruise you are going on, you may be in for a bit of a surprise.
The demographic for most cruises is an older crowd, and if you are in your 30s or 20s then you may have a bit of trouble finding people to hang out with.
The Cruise Ship
When you first begin researching what cruise you want to go on and where you see page after page of glossy white cruise ships that appear to have just left the shipyard. Those gleaming white sides look like they are ready for anything.
Some ships are not as white as they once were, and this is due to lots of use and other exposure to the elements of the ocean. Saltwater corrodes a lot of surfaces which leads to some wear and tear.
The Endless Drinks
Most people imagine they will be drinking artfully crafted cocktails, like mai tais, Pina Coladas, and strawberry daiquiris. This is not quite the case, although those drinks can definitely be found in certain areas. Usually, all the free alcohol comes in the form of beer and mixed drinks that just have a shot and some soda mixed in. It’s not fancy, but it will still get the job done.
Plus, it tends to be included in the price of your cruise, so you can go wild. The unlimited free alcohol also means that the quiet ambiance of the ship that you expected might be ruined by throngs of drunk passengers.
Scary Sailing
Aside from all that rain and dark clouds, sailing into stormy weather can be quite terrifying to experience firsthand.
When the seas are rough, and the ship passes through a thunderstorm, guests are often confined to certain areas, and it is common for the ship to get struck by lightning. It is also scary when rough seas shake these gigantic liners. Although you could be perfectly safe onboard, the experience can be incredibly scary for even the bravest
Mingling
Some men will go on cruises thinking that it is the optimal place to meet some women for a fun cruise fling. The thing is, you will probably be joined by a group of other men looking for the exact same thing, which can mean standing out from the crowd can be hard.
When heading out on a cruise, just go with the intent of having fun with your friends, rather than all the girls you are going to try and meet.
The Onboard Casino
Playing a few hands of blackjack or spinning at the roulette table can be a nice way to pass an evening. Maybe you and your loved one can dress up and make it an event. However, most cruise ships don’t have a full Las Vegas-type casino onboard.
Instead, they have a variety of different slot machines for you to try your hand out. This can be fun, too; all you need to do is push some buttons and maybe win big.
King Of The World
We all remember the iconic scene in Titanic with Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack and Kate Winslet as Rose. They are standing at the prow of the ship shouting in glee, going, “look, I can fly” or “I’m the king of the world.”
This scene is one that many cruise-goers want to recreate. It never looks quite as good as the original though and a lot of people just look like they are about to do a swan dive into the ocean.
Sticklers for Punctuality
Here’s a surprise: cruise ships don’t give two barnacles if you’re late! Missed the departure? Be ready for a wave (and we’re not talking about a friendly hello) from the ship as it vanishes over the horizon.
It’s as if the Titanic left without Rose and Jack because they were shopping for souvenirs! So, keep that ship departure time sacred, and always carry your documents. Who knows when you might have to plan an impromptu vacation in a new city?
Romantic Moments
Couples love to go on cruises. They get to get away from their regular 9-to-5 hustle and bustle and simply spend time together. It’s a great way to become closer to your partner and create some new experiences together.
That being said, an overloaded cruise full of families, retirees, and 20-somethings looking to have a good time may not be the romantic experience you envisioned. That’s why specialty cruises exist now. Bring the romance!
The Weather
We all want to imagine that the weather will be perfect for our entire cruise, sunny skies, calm seas, and sunsets that last forever. But we’re not in charge of the weather and that means it can turn whenever it wants.
Sometimes a storm will blow in, and it will rain for a few days, which forces everyone to stay indoors. This can make for a less-than-exciting cruise experience, but that is why you need always to have some board games and books.
Going To The Beach
The beaches in brochure photos always look pristine. There are a couple of sun loungers, an umbrella, and a coconut ready to be sipped on. Most of the time, the cruise ship will just moor offshore and ferry its passengers over in smaller zodiac boats.
Once on shore, it is a “free for all” of the people going wild and splashing around on the beach. This might actually be a good time to stay aboard if you want the pool to yourself.
Disembarking
When your cruise is finished, you will have to disembark and pass through the port terminal. You might need to go through immigration or simply wait your turn to leave the area. Some of the terminals look like airport lounges, while others resemble a busy immigration points with people trying to get to the front of the line as fast as possible.
Don’t expect this to be the luxurious portion of your experience. Just get through it!
The Onshore Tours
Usually, when you imagine a tour off of a cruise ship, you see yourself riding around in a speedboat, waterskiing, or even jetting off to a different part of the island for some other kind of adventure. A lot of the time, you make it to shore and you are put on a tour bus with some of your fellow passengers and sent on your merry way.
You still get to see the island but from the land rather than the shore. Just read very carefully about what activity you have signed up for.
There’s One for Every Quirk
With fierce competition in the cruising world, every voyage is as unique as a narwhal’s tooth. Companies pull out all the stops, from free cappuccinos to a hot tub for every guest, to attract customers.
Ever heard of “Murder Mystery” themed cruises? They exist! Choosing the right cruise is like picking your perfect sea-faring soulmate. So, do your research, match your preferences, and set sail toward an unforgettable holiday!
G’day Captain
Last but not least, we come to the captain of the ship. We all imagine a swarthy sea-faring man who has tales to tell, but most of the time, you won’t even meet the captain. He or she tends to stick to the captain’s deck, where they are able to monitor the weather and the ship’s systems and ensure that you are staying on course.
All in all, you will have an amazing cruise; just make sure to choose the one that fits all of your criteria and check out reviews before you book!
Onboard Hot Tubs
Once on board, all you want to do is hit the all-inclusive drink bar, grab something nice and cool, and sit back in the hot tub with a view. You get to gaze out over the ocean as the ship zips out of the port.
One thing you need to remember, though, is that hot tubs are small. This means that you will not be alone in there; instead, four or five people might be squished in next to you. You can make some new friends this way, but also you may just want to sit on your balcony in your cabin rather than have to be in such close quarters with complete strangers.
Seasickness
For anyone that has experienced that queasy stomach feeling between nausea and almost being sick, then you know what being seasick feels like. on cruise ships, it’s not all smooth sailing, and even the hardiest sailor can succumb to seasickness. It is incredibly unpleasant, and if you are someone afflicted by it then you may find yourself spending a lot of time on the upper deck.
One of the ways to eliminate the feeling is to constantly stare at the horizon because it doesn’t move. If all else fails at least there is a railing for you to run to, with nothing but the ocean below.
Unmasking the “Special Sauce” Mystery
There’s more to maintaining a cruise ship than meets the eye, and it includes keeping the intricate network of pipes spotless. This necessity gave birth to the peculiar “special sauce” phenomenon in cruise ship kitchens. This sauce, we’re told, is subtly incorporated into numerous dishes served to the passengers.
Former cruise workers shed light on this surprising secret: the “special sauce” supposedly aids in making passengers’ waste softer, ensuring smooth navigation down the toilet pipes. This revelation might forever change how you perceive the culinary delights on cruise ships!
Crew Food – Not So Appetizing
Cooking to impress a crowd is arduous, often leading to dishes that don’t quite tantalize the taste buds. But the culinary revelation from cruise ships is bound to jolt your senses – the crew’s food fare is allegedly far inferior to what guests get to savor.
The crew members are said to be served the most cost-effective meals, oftentimes repeating the same menu day in, day out. For the health-conscious or those with a penchant for nutritious dining, the cruise food experience might be a gastronomical misadventure!
Poop Cruise
While major mishaps are unusual on a cruise ship, they can become an inescapable nightmare when disaster strikes. The notorious tale of the Carnival Sunrise’s infamous “poop cruise” bears testament to this. On Feb. 10, 2013, an engine room fire set off a chain of horrifying events. While the automatic fire system extinguished the flames, the resultant power outage caused the sewage system to back up.
The incapacitated ship was towed back to port, but its 4,000 passengers were subjected to an unthinkable ordeal for a whole week. Imagine living in a tent city without running water, enduring raw sewage backing up into showers, and coping with a diminishing food supply. As one passenger recounted the experience, “It was like a hot port-o-potty.”
Questionable Doctors
Major cruise liners ensure that there’s at least one doctor and a couple of nurses on board, some even housing complete urgent care facilities. However, the credibility of these medical practitioners might send shivers down your spine. An unsettling fact is that many of these doctors, graduates from foreign medical schools, lack relevant experience.
To add to the uncertainty, many wouldn’t be authorized to practice in countries like the United States. So, stepping onto the ship, an injury would bring them to your aid, but their competence could be under question. Until 2014, it was impossible to legally hold a cruise ship accountable for the negligence of its hired doctors.
Bedbugs Hitch a Cruise
One of the unexpected stowaways often making their way onto cruise ships are bedbugs, turning the blissful escape into a horror show. One user of Cruise Critic, gordon046, documented such a skin-crawling experience during a 2016 vacation.
These tiny beasts do not necessarily signify poor hygiene or neglect. Vance Gulliksen, the spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Lines, shared the shocking truth that bedbugs are often smuggled on board within the confines of passengers’ luggage!
Morgues on Board
Ever wondered what might transpire behind the closed doors of a luxury liner? Unbeknownst to most, cruise ships are mandated to possess morgues and body bags by law. Adding a surprising twist, a representative from Carnival Cruise revealed the existence of their “Care Team,” specialists trained to handle the emotional whirlwind of grieving passengers.
The mystery deepens when you learn that the morgue’s size is proportional to the ship’s size. Necessity is the mother of invention, and in case of a space crunch, the crew can become quite resourceful. A former cruise ship worker shared spine-chilling insights on Reddit in 2017. When death does a surprise visit, smaller refrigerators capable of holding one or two bodies serve as temporary morgues. But when that’s not enough, the contingency plan involves walk-in freezers.