After more than 40 cruises across just about every major cruise line over the past 20 years, I can confidently say that cruising is one of the best ways to travel. I love the excitement of embarkation day, the sea days with nothing on the agenda but relaxation, and the thrill of waking up in a new port.
However, after two decades at sea, I’ve also seen the patterns: the little things cruise lines keep doing that make seasoned cruisers like me (and many of you) roll our eyes. After talking with thousands of cruisers in the Life Well Cruised community, we’ve noticed some recurring themes about what frustrates even the most dedicated cruise fans.
While we understand the cruise industry faces unique challenges, here are the top concerns cruisers have raised and why addressing them could make everyone’s vacation better.
10 Things Avid Cruisers Wish Cruise Lines Would Stop Doing
1. Constantly Raising Prices Without Adding Value
This tops the list of cruiser frustrations, and frankly, we get it. “Raising the prices. I can’t afford to cruise any more,” shared one member of our Facebook community. Another frequent cruiser pointed out the real issue: “Hiking up prices while removing services/benefits/amenities.”
Why cruise lines do this: The cruise industry operates on thin profit margins, and they face rising fuel costs, port fees, and regulatory requirements. Post-pandemic recovery has also created pressure to recoup losses while managing increased operational costs for health and safety measures.
What cruisers want: Better communication about what drives price increases and ensuring that higher prices come with maintained or improved value. Consider checking out our cruise money hacks for ways to get better value from your cruise investment.
2. Making Gratuities More Complicated Than They Need to Be
The gratuity debate never seems to end, and cruisers are tired of the confusion. “Not including gratuity in original cruise fare! It would end all the drama,” suggested one community member. Another was more direct: “Stop playing BS games with ‘gratuities’! We all know your dirty little secret: Automatic gratuities are not gratuities at all!”
Why cruise lines do this: Separate gratuity charges allow cruise lines to advertise lower base prices while ensuring crew members receive compensation. Different countries also have varying regulations about service charges versus wages.
What cruisers want: Transparency and simplicity. Many would prefer all-inclusive pricing like Virgin Voyages offers, where service is truly included. If you’re confused about cruise tipping, our cruise tipping guidelines can help clarify the process.
3. The Disembarkation Drama
Nothing kills the cruise high quite like the end-of-cruise logistics. “Disembarking! I hate it but they always make me get off with some lame excuse like the cruise is over!” joked one cruiser, while another was frustrated by “Kicking us out of our cabins at the end of the cruise before it’s time to disembark!”
Why cruise lines do this: Cruise ships operate on incredibly tight turnaround schedules. They need time to clean, restock, and prepare for the next group of passengers, often with just hours between sailings. Early cabin checkout helps crew manage this massive logistical operation.
What cruisers want: More flexibility and better communication about the disembarkation process. Check out our cruise disembarkation tips to make your last day smoother.
4. Nickel and Diming Everything
The frustration here is real. One cruiser perfectly captured the feeling: “You can sail on this 7 night cruise for $699. Then if you want a balcony that’ll be $3,000 more! WiFi..$49.95/day. Premium drink package..$89.95/day. Gratuities!..whatever you got left!”
Why cruise lines do this: Unbundled pricing allows different types of travelers to choose what matters to them while keeping base prices competitive. It also helps cruise lines compete with airlines and hotels that use similar pricing models.
What cruisers want: More transparency in advertising and perhaps some middle-ground packages that bundle popular items. Princess Cruises’ Plus package is a good example of this approach. Our guide on things that cost extra on a cruise but are worth it can help you prioritize your spending.
5. Building Ships That Feel Like Floating Cities
“Ditch the mega ships!! Hideous,” declared one cruiser, while another simply said “Building megaships” when asked what cruise lines should stop doing.
Why cruise lines do this: Larger ships achieve better economies of scale, allowing cruise lines to offer more competitive pricing per passenger. They also provide more diverse amenities and entertainment options that appeal to different age groups and interests.
What cruisers want: More variety in ship sizes and options for more intimate cruise experiences. Some lines are responding – check out our comparison of small vs big cruise ships to find what works for you.
6. Sailing at Full Capacity During Peak Times
“Stop sailing at full capacity,” requested one cruiser, while another wanted cruise lines to stop “filling your boats with so many people and get back to serving better food!”
Why cruise lines do this: Cruise ships have high fixed costs whether they’re 70% or 100% full. Operating at capacity helps keep per-passenger costs down and makes cruises more affordable for everyone.
What cruisers want: Better crowd management strategies and perhaps seasonal capacity adjustments. Consider sailing during shoulder seasons when ships tend to be less crowded.
7. Charging for Activities That Used to Be Free
“I feel like more and more of the activities on sea days cost money or try to get us to buy something. I want more included activities,” shared one frustrated cruiser.
Why cruise lines do this: As cruise prices have remained competitive, lines look for additional revenue streams. Premium experiences also help manage capacity at popular activities.
What cruisers want: A good balance of free and premium activities, with clear communication about what’s included. Lines like MSC and Holland America still offer many complimentary activities. Our guide to free things to do on a cruise can help you find included entertainment.
8. Letting Food Quality Slide
“Cutting the quality of food,” was a simple but pointed complaint from one cruiser, echoing concerns many have about declining dining standards.
Why cruise lines do this: Managing food costs while serving thousands of meals daily is challenging. Supply chain issues and inflation have also impacted food service across the industry.
What cruisers want: Consistent quality and transparency about dining options. Some lines, like Princess and Holland America are investing heavily in food quality improvements.
9. Not Enforcing Their Own Rules
“Quit turning a blind eye to kids clearly of an age to need diapers in the pool! Quit ignoring it when kids crash the adult-only areas! Quit making guests the police!” complained one community member about inconsistent rule enforcement.
Why cruise lines do this: Staff sometimes prioritize avoiding confrontation with guests, especially when dealing with families. Training thousands of international crew members on consistent policy enforcement is also challenging.
What cruisers want: Fair and consistent enforcement of posted rules for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Clear communication about policies and consequences helps set proper expectations.
10. Making Last-Minute Itinerary Changes
“Changing itineraries. I was really looking forward to Barbados and Antigua on our next cruise, and they removed them and added Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. Not an even trade in my opinion,” shared one disappointed cruiser.
Why cruise lines do this: Weather, port infrastructure issues, political situations, and scheduling conflicts sometimes force itinerary changes. Cruise lines prioritize passenger safety and operational feasibility.
What cruisers want: Better communication about potential changes and more consideration for passenger preferences when possible substitutions exist. Travel insurance can help protect your investment when major changes occur.
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The Silver Lining
Here’s what gives us hope: many cruise lines are listening. Virgin Voyages has revolutionized the all-inclusive model. Celebrity continues raising the bar for premium experiences. Carnival is overhauling its loyalty program based on guest feedback.
The cruise industry thrives on happy customers who return again and again. When experienced cruisers voice concerns, smart cruise lines listen and adapt. As one community member wisely noted, “All these complainers keep coming back. LOL.” That’s because, despite these frustrations, cruising still offers something magical that keeps us returning to the sea.
What do you think? Have you experienced any of these issues on your cruises? What would you add to this list? The cruise industry has shown it can evolve and improve when passengers speak up constructively.
Planning your next cruise? Check out our cruise hacks and tips to make the most of your vacation, regardless of which cruise line you choose.
