Whether you’re a first time cruiser or a repeat cruiser, these things can ruin your cruise! In fact, one of the cruise mistakes we made really had an impact on our past cruise vacation!
Some of these cruise watch-outs are avoidable, while some of these things are beyond our control. However, you’ll want to avoid some of these cruise mistakes, whenever possible.
Not being prepared for the different things that can happen while on a cruise can lead to a miserable time, and have the potential to ruin a cruise. This post is full of cruise tips for first time cruisers & anyone who wants to have a better cruise vacation!
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Watch-Out for These Things That Can Ruin a Cruise
1. Sunburn & Heat Stroke
While sunburns might look funny in pictures, there’s nothing amusing about the pain and discomfort you’ll feel if you get too much sun.
Many cruise passengers don’t realize how much time they may be spending in the direct sun on the lido deck or on the beach in a cruise port. Not applying and reapplying sunscreen of a cruise mistake for many cruisers!
This can lead to extreme sunburns, heat exhaustion or sun stroke. Most of the time symptoms will pass. However, it can lead to a medical emergency.
While sunburn can usually be treated with an aloe vera gel, it can be extremely uncomfortable. Several years ago, my husband didn’t want to put on sunscreen.
Unfortunately, this resulted in an awful sunburn and heat illness. We even missed formal night as he felt awful!
In case you’re wondering… Yes, I still have to remind him to apply sunscreen and reapply often.
2. Packing a Passport in a Checked Bag
Packing a passport or government ID (if applicable) has unfortunately ruined some cruisers before they even started! Since cruise travelers need to present their passport and documents when boarding on embarkation day, they should never be packed in your luggage.
Once the luggage has been loaded onto the cruise ship, its almost impossible to retrieve it during the boarding process. Unfortunately some cruise passengers have been denied boarding – so sad!
Always keep your passport, government identification and travel documents on you on embarkation day.
3. Missing the Cruise Ship
We can all agree that missing the cruise ship would be a nightmare scenario for any cruiser! There are a few ways this can and does happen.
Not Flying in a Day Before the Cruise
Good cruise advice usually includes a recommendation to fly in or arrive in to your cruise embarkation port at least a day before a cruise. This is because flights can be delayed and anything can happen en route to a destination.
Cruise ships will leave, even if cruise passengers have not arrived before sailaway.
Going to the Wrong Embarkation Port
It happens! Cruise passengers occasionally go to the wrong port to embark on their cruise. One that confuses people sometimes is Port Everglades, located in Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral, located in Coco Beach near Orlando, Florida.
Getting to the Port on the Wrong Day
Check and double check your cruise date. Unfortunately, human error happens and there have been cases of people who have arrived at the cruise terminal a day after their cruise ship has departed.
4. Cruising with the “Wrong” People
Cruises can be great group vacations, but not when you cruise with the “wrong” people. Cruising with friends or family who don’t have the same expectations for a cruise vacation can be frustrating.
People may be nice, but you may not be compatible travel companions. Unfortunately, many cruisers have horror stories of cruising with the in-laws or sharing a cabin with a “former” friend.
5. Major Change of Itinerary
While many potential issues are avoidable, a major change of itinerary is beyond your control. However, it doesn’t mean that it won’t have an impact on your cruise.
Most of the time changes in itinerary will be minor, but if there is a storm or hurricane, a major change is often required.
This can result in a Bermuda cruise turning into a Canada New England cruise or other potential changes. I love Canada and New England, but if you’ve packed for the Bermuda beach, this can be an issue.
The best thing you can do is enjoy the cruise anyway, and be flexible if changes happen.
6. Not Bringing Seasickness Medication
Speaking of weather related issues, cruise passengers should always pack an over the counter sea sickness medication (or other prevention) just in case.
The motion of the ocean won’t bother you if you feel good. However, getting motion sickness on a cruise can have you heading to bed and missing out on the fun.
7. Drinking Too Much on Embarkation day
Over-consuming alcoholic beverages on embarkation day, can be a bad start to a cruise. Many cruise passengers report that drinking too much on the first day of their cruise, caused them to miss out on day 2 and just not feel great overall.
Of course, drinking too much on any day of the cruise can be an issue. While it probably won’t ruin a cruise, it can ruin a day or an evening. If you’ve got a drink package, this is one mistake to avoid.
8. Lost Luggage
Having your luggage lost is a huge hassle for any traveler! However, its especially annoying for cruise passengers as shopping can be limited both on a cruise ship and in ports of call.
Use an Airtag or GPS Tracker
Use an airtag or GPS tracker (ie. Tile) to keep track of your luggage. This is especially good for cruise passengers who are flying to their cruise ship.
However, we now use air-tags whenever we’re traveling, even by car.
Pack a Carry-on Bag
Be sure to pack a couple of changes of clothes, undergarments and a swimsuit in your carry-on bag. This way, even if your luggage is lost or misplaced, you have some options.
9. Picking the Wrong Cruise Itinerary
I’m convinced that 90% of enjoying a cruise, is due to picking the right cruise line, cruise ship and itinerary! Unfortunately, so many people book their cruise based on price or suggestions from well meaning friends, but this can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction.
Plus, itinerary as an important factor when planning a cruise. If you go on a beach holiday, rather than a more cultural and sightseeing travel experience if that’s your preference, you won’t be happy.
10. Not Being Prepared for the Weather
At the risk of encouraging people to overpack for their cruise, not being prepared for the weather can make you miserable. Be sure to check the weather reports before you travel, and take the outerwear needed to be comfortable during your cruise vacation.
If the destination can be rainy, bring ponchos and raingear. Pack a lightweight warm jacket for Alaska cruises. Bring a handheld or neck fan for hot weather Caribbean cruises.
11. Getting Sick
Whether its norovirus, a cold or anything else, its no fun being sick while on a cruise! While you can take all the precautions to avoid getting sick on a cruise, it can still happen.
The best thing you can do is make sure that you’re prepared with a small first aid kit and medical travel bag. Be sure to pack antacids for a sore stomach, cold medicine, throat lozenges and over the counter pain relief.
Hopefully, you’ll feel better once you get some rest and it won’t have a huge impact or ruin your cruise holiday.
Video: Things that Can Ruin a Cruise to Avoid
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Final Thoughts
Cruises are great, easy, fun vacations! However, there are a few watch outs to be aware of, that can negatively impact a cruise.
Have any of these things ever happened to you? Please let me know your experience and any additions we should add to this list, in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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