Cruising has no shortage of traditions, from formal nights to towel animals, and many of them have been around for decades. Some are beloved, while others feel outdated or unnecessary in today’s cruising world.
Curious to see which ones cruisers would gladly say goodbye to, I asked the Life Well Cruised Facebook community this very question, and the response was overwhelming.
With more than 500 replies, the conversation quickly turned into a lively debate. Some answers were funny and lighthearted, while others touched on traditions that spark real controversy among cruisers.
It turns out that while many of us love the timeless charm of cruising, there are definitely a few traditions passengers would be okay leaving in the past.
With that said, here are 15 cruise traditions passengers say they’d be happy to see go!
15 Cruise Traditions Passengers Say They’d Be Happy to See Go
1. Automatic Daily Gratuities
Ilana from Life Well Cruised kicked off the discussion by admitting she’d be fine seeing the end of the automatic daily gratuities debate. Ilana said: “Automatic daily gratuities (don’t hate me, but I’m ready for this debate to end, just include tips or a service charge.)”
This comment received more than 250 likes and opened the floodgates for discussion. Many cruisers agreed that the back-and-forth about gratuities has gone on long enough, and they’d prefer a simpler approach where tips are already factored into the cruise fare.
2. Parade of the Waiters in the Main Dining Room
Another member from the Life Well Cruised Facebook community said, “Parade of the waiters in the main dining room!” This was echoed by many others who felt the tradition has run its course.
Personally, I think it can be a nice way of showing appreciation toward the crew. However, if the crew members would prefer not to do this, I would be totally fine if cruise lines decided to remove it.
Some cruisers pointed out that after a long day of hard work, the last thing the dining staff needs is to sing and wave napkins. Others suggested that simple recognition, like heartfelt applause or kind words, could be a better way to honor them.
3. Soliciting Photos (and Other Upsells) During Dinner
A user from the Life Well Cruised Facebook community shared, “Soliciting photos!! Especially while at dinner. If we want pictures taken we will ask!!!” I could not agree more. Being interrupted during a meal to pose for a photo feels unnecessary and takes away from the dining experience.
In fact, I find soliciting in general to be frustrating, especially while dining. On one Royal Caribbean cruise, we purchased The Key and were looking forward to the complimentary lunch that comes with it. Instead of a calm, relaxing meal, we had crew members coming up to us trying to pitch specialty dining packages. The pushy tactics were disruptive and really don’t belong in the dining room.
Related: Is The Key Worth It On Royal Caribbean? My Experience
4. Formal Nights
A member from the Life Well Cruised Facebook community wrote, “Formal nights! Just serve the lobster please.” Many cruisers agreed with this sentiment, saying they could do without the dress codes and pageantry. It’s worth noting that formal nights have changed a lot over the years.
At one time, they were a staple on every cruise and often meant tuxedos and gowns. These days, they’ve become much more relaxed.
Personally, I still enjoy the idea of formal nights, though I don’t think cruisers need to go all-out like in the past. A “dress your best night” feels like a happy balance, giving guests the option to look sharp without the pressure.
5. Kids on Ships
A Life Well Cruised Facebook community member said simply, “Kids on ships.” This one drew nearly 100 likes, showing that quite a few cruisers would be fine leaving this “tradition” behind.
Of course, cruising with families is a big part of the industry, so kids onboard are here to stay. On the bright side, adult-only options like Virgin Voyages have become very popular and may really appeal to those who prefer to sail without children
It’s definitely worth considering if you’re interested in an adult-only cruise vacation.
6. Theme Nights
Theme nights are a bit of a divisive tradition. Some cruisers find them over the top or unnecessary, while others absolutely love the chance to dress up and join in the fun. I’ve been on many cruises where passengers really embraced the theme, even packing special outfits just for that evening.
Personally, I’d like to keep the theme nights. They add a sense of excitement and community onboard, and they give guests who enjoy dressing up a chance to shine.
Of course, participation should always be optional so everyone can enjoy the evening their own way.
7. Cruise Ducks
Cruise ducks are one tradition that really divides opinions. To be honest, it’s a trend I never fully got into myself. That said, plenty of cruisers seem to absolutely love it, and I’ll admit that whenever I spot a duck tucked away on a ship, it does catch my attention.
While some may feel the cruise duck craze is a bit “overdone,” I think it’s ultimately a harmless and fun tradition that adds a quirky, unique touch to cruising. It’s the kind of little surprise that can bring a smile to someone’s day.
Related: Cruise Ducks: Tips, Rules & Everything You Need to Know
8. Paying Extra for Wi-Fi
One cruiser shared, “Paying extra for Wi-Fi.” I think almost everyone can agree with this one. In today’s world, internet access has become a necessity, not a luxury, and most land-based travel already includes it as a standard amenity.
Cruise ships have come a long way in improving connectivity, but charging extra for Wi-Fi still feels outdated. Virgin Voyages was the first major cruise line to include Wi-Fi for all guests, and it set a great example.
Hopefully, this becomes the industry standard in the near future so staying connected at sea doesn’t come with an added price tag.
9. Mr. Sexy Legs, Belly Flop Contest, and Other Poolside Activities
One cruiser shared that they could do without “Mr. Sexy Legs, belly flop contests, and other poolside activities.” This is one I really disagree with. Personally, I find these activities fun and a great way to get passengers involved during a sea day.
They bring energy to the pool deck and create lighthearted memories for those who want to join in.
Of course, not everyone enjoys that kind of entertainment. The good news is that most ships offer adult-only pools or quieter areas where you can escape the noise.
Furthermore, if poolside contests really aren’t your thing, it might be worth trying a cruise line that caters to a more mature crowd. For example, you won’t see a Mr. Sexy Legs competition happening on a Holland America ship!
10. Tacky Photo Props and Posed Backdrops
Another cruiser mentioned those “tacky photo props/backdrops and unnatural photo poses photographers make you do.” This tradition feels like it’s already fading, and honestly, that’s not a bad thing.
Years ago, it was common to walk through the photo gallery and see hundreds of printed photos lined up, most of which would never be purchased. These days, the pushy photo sessions and cheesy backdrops are far less common.
I think photo stations are perfectly fine as long as they’re set up in ways that don’t disrupt the flow of the ship or get in the way of guests. For those who enjoy professional portraits, it’s a nice option, but it’s probably best if the days of awkward poses and oversized props stay in the past.
11. Smoking in the Casino
Smoking in the casino may not be a tradition in the same sense as formal nights or theme parties, but it has long been the norm on many cruise ships. For non-smokers, this can make spending time in the casino unpleasant.
The good news is that cruise lines have been making changes in recent years. Some ships now limit smoking to specific areas of the casino, while others have gone completely smoke-free.
I’ve also noticed dedicated smoking rooms on lines like MSC and Norwegian, which make the experience far more enjoyable for those who want to gamble without being surrounded by smoke.
12. Towel Animals
Towel animals are one of the more controversial cruise traditions, with some people saying they could do without them. Personally, I could not disagree more. Having cruised since I was four years old, towel animals always remind me of my youth and they never fail to put a smile on my face. Plus, if you don’t like them, you can simply ask your stateroom attendant not to make them.
The unfortunate reality is that towel animals are becoming less and less common on cruise ships. That’s why, when I do come across one in my cabin, it feels extra special. For me, they’re a small but meaningful tradition that captures the playful spirit of cruising.
13. Cost for Single Fares
The single supplement has long been a standard across most cruise lines, often doubling the fare for those traveling alone. For years, this made cruising a pricey option for solo travelers.
Thankfully, many cruise lines are now beginning to change that. Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, introduced studio cabins designed specifically for solo cruisers, allowing them to avoid the extra charge.
With solo travel emerging as one of the biggest travel trends, it’s likely we’ll see even more cruise lines follow suit. While the single supplement has been a long-standing practice, the industry seems to be moving toward making cruising more accessible and affordable for those who choose to sail solo.
Related: Best Cruises For Solo Travelers – Everything You Need To Know
14. Fist Fights
Now, fist fights aren’t exactly a cruise tradition, but unfortunately they’ve been making headlines in recent years. I think all cruisers can agree there’s no place for fighting onboard.
A cruise should be about relaxation, fun, and making memories, not drama. At the end of the day, we’re on vacation, and there’s simply no reason to bring problems from home onto the ship.
Leave the stress at the pier and enjoy the journey.
15. Forced Disembarkation at the End of the Cruise
A member from the Life Well Cruised Facebook community joked, “Forced disembarkation at the end of the cruise…” This comment got a good laugh because, let’s be honest, every cruiser would happily agree with it.
If only we could keep the vacation going forever, right? Sadly, this is one tradition that no cruise line is ever going to let go of.
Related & Popular Posts:
- 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
- What to Pack for Your First Cruise
- What To Wear on a Cruise Vacation
- 10 Things That (Almost) Always Surprise New Cruisers
- 15 Things to Bring on a Cruise from Home (to save money)
- 75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips
- 20+ Best Cruise Dresses: Amazon Ladies Resort Wear
- 10 Things to Never Do on a Cruise Ship Balcony
- 25 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips You Need to Know
- 12 Things to Do as Soon as You Get Into Your Cruise Cabin
- 17 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
Which cruise tradition would you be happy to leave behind, and which one do you hope never goes away? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan
