Cruises are nice. They're relaxing, with fun games and activities on board. You can meet people and more. But, according to Microsoft channel Cheapism and writer Saundra Latham, there are certain types of people that should avoid cruises at all costs
I have never been interested in cruises. Especially after all of the negative news I've seen on the news outlets on TV. After reading this article, I can say I'm definitely never taking a cruise
Germaphobe
-If you fear germs and other bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing agents, then cruises are not for you. Not everyone follows the same health standards. Some people have such poor hygiene habits that, it's because of them, that colds and flus often spread. Even prior to COVID-19, cruise ships made the news almost every other day for an outbreak of this or that. One day, it could be the E.Coli virus. The next day, it could salmonella. The day after that, some sort of nasty stomach bug. Basically, cruise ships have the unfortunate stigma of being floating petri dishes, viruses and bacteria waiting in secret to attack. Not only that, but the cabins have also been included in the bad news because of bed bug outbreaks
Claustrophobic
-If you don't like tight, cramped quarters, cruises are not for you. In years past, cruise ships have gotten bigger, becoming almost like floating cities. Unfortunately, while the ships have gotten bigger, your cabin has not benefitted from extra space. The typical hotel room is about 330 square feet of space while the typical cruise ship cabin is only around 140 square feet of space- a claustrophobe's nightmare
Trying to lose weight
-This is the last place you need to be. Cruise ships have all you can eat buffets, just like many all inclusive resorts in tropical destinations, like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and more. If you're trying to watch your weight, then it will be hard. There are the all you can eat buffets serving up every kind of food to accommodate passengers with different preferences. Poolside grills offer up hot dogs, hamburgers and other unhealthy items. But, there is a way to get around it. Self-control. Simply eat the healthy items at restaurants and you will need not worry about gaining weight. So, essentially, those looking to watch their figure can go on cruises as long as you maintain self control and do it right. And plus, if you do want dessert, see if fresh fruit is offered. It's guaranteed that it will be
Being nickel and dimed
-Sure, being on a cruise is nice. Most food, entertainment and accommodations are included. There are, however, a lot of little things no one tells you are not included. One thing that is definitely not included? Alcohol and soft drinks. Fancy a la carte restaurants. The onboard casino. Spa treatments. These all cost $$$$. Of course, the excursions off the ship cost money, so does the internet access, aka Wi-Fi and the shops on the ship selling souvenirs. So, if you like to drink it up like there's no tomorrow on vacation, then you best bring a lot of $$$$
Seasickness
-Some people suffer from the nausea and vomiting often known as seasickness. The rolling motion of the ocean can often make people queasy. Anyone who has never been on a cruise is in for a surprise. Sure, the ship might have stabilizers to keep it calm, even in choppy waters, but you're still likely to be touched by seasickness, even if you're at the front or back of the ship or on higher decks
Savoring Your Destination
-The whole point of a vacation is to go and have a good time, see the sights, savor the destination. Seasoned travelers warn those who travel that it's not a good idea to hop from one place to another. You won't get the full experience each destination has to offer. It's hard to enjoy a place when you're rushing about. Cruises might be nice, and the on-shore excursions might be lovely, but the hard truth is that you will only have about 5-9 hours to fully explore the area once the ship docks. This is simply not enough time to eat, go sightseeing or do much before it's time to re-board the ship. The main point is if you are the type who likes to wander and see the sights, don't look into a cruise
Immersion in different cultures
-Being on cruise, you can leave the US and feel like you never left. There is not much in the way of international cuisine. The buffet will have what almost every American wants for breakfast-bacon, eggs, sausage. Your dining companions may be from just a few states away, with a slightly different accent. Unfortunately, when the ship docks, you and the other passengers will be funneled into places selling cheaply made, tacky souvenirs. If you're the kind of person that likes to immerse themselves in the local culture of other countries, you're better off avoiding cruises and going to the country you want and immersing yourself in that culture. The locals will like hearing you want to see what the they are up to
No internet
-Cue the horror movie music! Heaven forbid someone go one minute without internet. Some people can't live for a second without internet. But, typically, the whole point of a vacation is to disconnect from technology. Live in the moment. Create new experiences. A lot of cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, but they charge for it. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines offers Wi-Fi for $15 a day. Which means, that if you are taking massive amounts of photos, it would be prudent to upload them to the internet at home, using your own internet that you pay for. Using the Wi-Fi on a cruise ship will be spotty at best because everyone is using the Wi-Fi. Which means that speeds will be reduced to a crawl, at best
You don't drink
-If you are a recovering alcoholic, cruise ships may not be for you. Temptation is all around, with all of the alcohol floating around. There is, thankfully, plenty to do on board that does not involve alcohol. But, unfortunately, alcohol sales will always rule. Whether it's because you're a recovering alcoholic or simply a lifestyle choice to abstain from alcohol, it's completely up to you. Some who don't drink might find it awkward to be around those drinking and feel temptation is knocking at their door
Shy
-Feeling shy? Cruises may not be for you. Cruise ships can be loud, rowdy places sometimes. Not exactly good for someone who is introverted, or shy. A lot of people say that meeting new people is a massive perk to going on cruises. Most of the big cruise ships rely on assigned seating, which means you don't get a choice in who your table mates are. But, sometimes, this can be a good thing. It can give you the push you need to get out of your comfort zone. It's a daunting feeling, leaving your comfort zone, but sometimes it also feels good to try new things
Crowds and lines
-If there is one thing most people hate, it's crowds and lines. No one seems to wait anymore. Being impatient is a new thing. Boarding the ship and disembarking means loud crowds and long lines (or queues as it's said in England). In these lines, people fiddle with their luggage, find their cabin, etc. Also, eating at peak times, expect lines. The main pool deck will also be pandemonium. Trying to snag a choice lounger will be like almost impossible, especially if there are large families with plenty of children. There will be lines and crowds for everything
Solo traveler
-Cruising is more popular with couples and families with kids. Cruise ships have started attracting solo travelers with various things. The only thing keeping solo travelers away is the cost. The reason for the high cost is that you are one person that is occupying the space meant for multiple people. So your cost will be significantly higher. Cruise ships want to utilize the maximum amount of space, meaning they want to fill the cabins on board as much as possible. Meaning the more people they get on board, the more money they will make
Losing track of time
-A lot of people are guilty of that. They get so immersed in one thing that they forget to pay attention to the time. If running late is your trademark, beware of cruises. Cruise ships will not hesitate to leave late passengers behind. If you don't make it back by departure time, too bad, too sad, is the attitude. How you can get around this is by booking cruise-sponsored excursions. The captain of the ship is more likely to wait on these than other occasions. Otherwise, you will need to pay for lodging and airfare to either take you home or meet up with the ship at its neck dock
Eco-Friendly
-If you are eco-friendly, or a tree hugger as some call them, then avoid cruising at all costs. Cruises are not kind towards Mother Earth. There's, for one thing, air pollution. One study reported that passengers on board cruise ships are exposed to 60% higher amounts of pollutants than in normal settings. Next, there's water pollution. Studies show that a cruise ship carrying 3,000 people can produce 210,000 gallons of waste in one week, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. Next comes noise pollution. Studies have shown that noise pollution can affect ocean wildlife. Most cruise lines nowadays are striving to be more Earth-friendly. The only cruise line to get even a C+ rating, according to Friends of the Seas, was Regent Seven Seas cruise line. They got a C+ on their 2022 Cruise Ship Report Card
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