10 Reasons You Might Want to Cancel Your Cruise

We love a good cruise. There’s nothing quite like sailing off into the sunset, cocktail in hand, ready for a week (or more) of stress-free travel. Cruising can be fun, convenient, and, all in all, kind of magical.

But, we also love being honest with you. Travel is a personal experience, and what’s wonderful for one person might be a total headache for another. 

We’re not here to bash cruises or judge anyone who swears by them. We’re just laying out the other side of the story. If you’re on the fence or wondering why some people avoid them, here are a few reasons why.

It’s Not Great for the Environment

Let’s start with one of the biggest issues: the environmental impact. Cruise ships are essentially floating cities and, with that, comes a major carbon footprint. According to a study by Transport & Energy, European cruise ships emitted as much sulfur dioxide as 1 billion cars in 2022. That’s not just a minor blip; that’s a serious pollution problem.

In addition to air pollution, cruise ships also dump wastewater into the ocean. Even though there are regulations in place, enforcement is spotty. The Friends of the Earth environmental group has consistently given many cruise lines poor grades on transparency and environmental responsibility. So, if you’re trying to travel more sustainably, cruising might not align with your values.

It Can Feel Really Crowded

Most cruise lines pack thousands of passengers onto a single ship, especially the bigger lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival. During peak season, that means you’ll be sharing the buffet, the pool deck, and every onboard activity with a small army of other people.

Even with a well-designed ship, the crowds can be overwhelming with long lines at the lunch grill, a struggle to find a lounger, and busy common areas that never seem to calm down. If you’re someone who values peace and quiet on vacation, this could be a dealbreaker.

Excursions Can Feel Rushed and Overpriced

One of the best parts of cruising is getting to visit multiple destinations without unpacking your suitcase. But, sometimes, the reality of port days doesn’t live up to the dream. Shore excursions can be brief, tightly scheduled, and, sometimes, not all that authentic.

You might have just six to eight hours in port, which includes the time it takes to disembark and return. That leaves you rushing through cities that deserve days of exploration. And let’s not forget the cost. Many cruise-sponsored excursions are significantly more expensive than if you booked something locally. If you’re a traveler who likes to linger, explore at your own pace, and really immerse yourself in a place, this aspect can prove to be a major disappointment.

Hidden Fees Add Up Quickly

Cruises often market themselves as all-inclusive but, in reality, there are plenty of extras that can sneak up on you. Specialty restaurants, alcohol, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, gratuities, onboard activities, and even bottled water can all come with an extra charge.

Here are 20 sneaky ways cruises trick you into spending money. If you’re budgeting carefully or expecting a set-it-and-forget-it type of trip, this can lead to some serious sticker shock.