Traveling by cruise ship offers a convenient and affordable way to visit exotic locations and enjoy memorable experiences, but these common pitfalls can lead to minor annoyances or even turn a dream vacation into a nightmare.
Here are 6 things to avoid on a cruise ship.
Latest: What's Your Favorite Type of Vacation? Relaxing or Exploring?
1. Overspending — Booking a cruise includes food, lodging, and many options for entertainment and activities, but an endless bombardment of extras can
quickly add up, USA Today warns. Things to watch for include costs of Internet access, soda, souvenirs, shore excursions, photos, and spa treatments. Travelers can track their tabs at the purser's desk, special kiosks, and on the TVs in their cabins to avoid sticker shock at the end of the trip.
2. Security pitfalls — USA Today also cautions vacationers not to forget about basic security. Comparing cruise ships to office buildings, hotels, or small towns, the news site urges travelers to remember to keep cabin doors locked, always be aware of surroundings, secure valuables, and pay attention during mandatory safety drills.
3. Getting sick — Falling ill is one sure way to put a damper on a dream vacation. Along with washing your hands, staying hydrated, and
getting plenty of rest, Cruise Critic said travelers can ward off illness by wearing sunscreen; avoiding overindulging at the buffet or having one too many alcoholic beverages; making time for physical activity; and checking destination information for advice on where to avoid local water, ice, and fruit. Cruisers can fight seasickness with help from medication and acupressure wristbands, or even by eating ginger candy, getting fresh air, or booking a low-deck, midship cabin.
Tell Us: What Part of the World Do You Like to Visit?
4. The pool — Cruise ship pools often are overcrowded, with only a fraction of the chairs needed to
accommodate everyone, The Travel Channel notes. Some alternatives include scouting out adult-only areas and decks that offer open-air seating away from the pool.
5. Waiting for tendering — Late morning hours are often the busiest time for tendering to shore at island ports, and
Cruise Fever recommends getting up early to avoid the rush. Tendering can begin as early as 7 a.m. at some ports, giving travelers more time to enjoy their vacation and less time standing in line.
6. Island vendors — Cruise Fever also suggests to avoid buying excursions through local vendors instead of booking through the cruise ship. Though you may find a better price, those options often don't allow for refunds and the ship isn't guaranteed to wait for you if you are late getting back from the excursion.
Vote Now: Should the Government Be Doing More to Promote Tourism in America?
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.