Our expectations are often very different from reality, and today we are gonna show you how that applies to cruise ship vacations. Many of us are led to believe that cruise ships are a gateway to luxury on a budget but well, the reality is quite different.
Let’s take a look at some photos that will show you exactly how cruises ships compared to our expectations with what is actually offered. Let’s just say that after finishing this article, you won’t be as excited about your next cruise vacation.
Boarding as you imagine
In the movies, boarding a cruise ship is a glamorous experience. Imagine snuggling up with some of your best friends and taking a great photo in front of endless waters and blue skies with a luxury cruise ship behind you and a few well-dressed people setting the stage for an epic journey.
In reality, you are climbing a long walkway with people cramped on all sides. While some cruise ships might have some pomp and circumstance for your arrivals, for most it’s just an endless waiting through security check-ins.
Boarding in reality
Unfortunately, boarding a cruise ship is often more like taking the subway than walking on the red carpet. Remember that cruise ships make money based on the number of people present, so you can expect the boat – and the boarding area – to be full. This is a taste of the reality of a cruise ship.
The sun will be blaring over your head while you listen to children cry and the elderly to ask a million questions. It is certainly not the perfect way to start your dream vacation and it’s better to come prepared to spend hours waiting!
The jacuzzi as you imagine
One of the great things that makes a cruise ship attractive is being able to swim in a pool or lounge in a jacuzzi in the middle of the ocean, with the sun and the blue sky all around. Most people don’t imagine themselves crowded, among several other travellers, but rather stretched out, enjoying the view and relaxing.
You probably imagine the stress of your professional life melting away as you relax in a quiet space where no one bothers you. You probably imagine yourself sneaking out onto a silent bridge, late at night, accompanied only by the sound of your breathing and that of the waves.
The jacuzzi in reality
Do you remember boarding? Well, that entire crowd also wants to enjoy the same amenities as you. This means that if you want to use the jacuzzi, you could find yourself sitting squished between several strangers.
If you do not have any personal space problems, its all well and good but you should keep in mind that there are thousands of people on a cruise with you and that there are only a limited number of spas. So, no matter what the time of the day is, expect a few strangers to be a part of your time.
The pool as you imagine
Cruise ships are supposed to represent luxury, so the pool area is basically the epicentre of the entire experience. The ads always show vibrant colours, endless rows of chairs and lounges where you can enjoy the sunshine and of course, a spacious and clean pool.
Everything is in perfect condition, because the staff, almost invisible, keep everything clean and sparkling. There is nothing to worry about when you are onboard one of these incredible cruise ships.
The pool in reality
Surprise, surprise! You weren’t the only person who thought that the pool would be the best place to relax, so the next time you get a chance to be on the cruise, know you will be lucky if you find a free chair and room inside the swimming pool, itself.
You can bet that the huge amounts of crowds seriously affects the cleanliness of the stagnant pool water and something best to avoid, during peek hours. If you really want to go on a swim in the pool, time your trip just right and you might find it empty!
The bedroom as you imagine
The pool and jacuzzi are a bit crowded. But the only place where you can enjoy a little personal space is in your bedroom, right? This is where you can retire with your partner for a romantic evening or just to relax in bed. Of all the places on a cruise ship, this is the only place where you can really unwind.
Basically, you’re going to have a nice hotel room to hang out with. The sheets will be cleaned daily and the staff will even leave you a free little gift! All of this is advertised as the norm on most cruise ships, well the truth is a bit different.
The room in reality
Even if you have a lot of privacy in your room, it won’t do much for you except sleep, because it’s probably barely larger than the space needed for the bed. The room will not be very modern either.
You can lie in bed and watch the tiny television that probably won’t be a flat-screen or take a nap, but don’t be surprised if your boat has thin paper walls which allow you to hear everything around you with disturbing clarity!
The bathroom as you imagine
Okay, so the room is a bit small. However, everything can be solved with a decent bathroom, especially if there is a jacuzzi tub, which would solve all your issues about personal space, to begin with.
You can turn on this jacuzzi and organize your own private party in your bathroom. You can even put your laptop on the sink and relax with your favourite show. Plus, let’s not forget about the luxurious free shampoo and conditioner you get.
The bathroom in reality
The problem is that space is scarce on cruise ships and therefore, you should not expect a bathtub to be made for two, or even have a bathtub at all! You will have a basic sink, shower, toilet and a few square meters of precious space.
If you dreamed of taking a relaxing bath, you can forget about it. Even if there was a bath, this unpleasant lighting is enough to make you want to get out of there as quickly as possible.
Enjoy the ocean view as you imagine
The amenities may not be what they are supposed to be, but what about the ocean? Having the sea as far as the eye can see, it’s pretty cool, isn’t it? In addition to the beauty of the sparkling seas, there is the possibility of seeing dolphins swimming through the waves and even seeing one or two dorsal fins!
You will see Mother Nature in all its splendour. You will see sharks hunting whales, waves crashing on your mighty ship and giant sperm whales. You can spend a whole day just looking at the sea and avoiding the masses around you.
Enjoy the ocean view, the reality
In fact, when you are staring at the sea, it is very unlikely that you will see whales surfing, dolphins doing acrobatics in flight or even the dorsal fin of a great white shark. Your boat is so high that it would be difficult to actually see what is going on in the ocean. Instead of cool animals, you will probably see a lot of water.
Water, water and more water as far as the eye can see, that’s all you’ll get to see. It’s fine and cool for a few hours but stare at it long enough and you might just get a little kooky! Funnily enough, The best you can hope for is a very rainy day. At least you will see incredible waves.
The staff as you imagine
If you’ve imagined something similar to this for what service onboard your cruise ship will look like, you should get prepared to be disappointed. Unless you take a super expensive luxury cruise, you will not see staff in fancy uniforms, aboard your ship. This is not to say that the staff will not be helpful, of course.
Ship staff will want to make sure everyone has the best possible stay on board the ship. Also, It is more likely that they are overstaffed compared to average hotel service. After all, who wouldn’t want to work on a cruise?
Employees in reality
When you take a look inside the accommodation of the employees who work on cruise ships, it reveals the amazing truth behind their daily lives. These overworked staff members do not even have their own bedrooms!
Employees work long hours and if you think customers have a little space to sleep, take a look at these rooms! Think of the fact that they can’t even resign and go away like a normal worker!
Excursions as you imagine
Sure, the cruise ship may not be the most spacious or pleasant place to stay in, but they are an economical way to travel to several countries and tourist destinations, plus a cruise trip is an adventure and an experience beyond the plane trip.
Most cruises stop at islands, harbour communities and other fun places, so you can expect all kinds of scenic tours. You get to rub shoulders with the locals and organically experience each destination.
Excursions in reality
Not all of the places you’ll stop on your cruise will be Instagrammable, and they may not look like the brochure (that’s a trend here, isn’t it?). There are things like the weather that you can’t control, as well as the stops for excursions, which can be boring.
You will get off the boat and you will immediately be met with a cesspool of tourists and no locals in sight, expect the ones peddling you to buy cheap souvenirs! It is around this time that you will wonder why you did not book a flight to Rome or Paris.
Music as you imagine
Each cruise liner provides entertainment while you sail or even during your stopovers. However, you probably shouldn’t expect renowned artists or high-end concerts unless they have been expressly guaranteed for your trip.
While you wait for Def Leppard in front of the stage, you probably imagine yourself cheering and going wild as you did at the age of 17. But sadly, You will more than likely someone with talent, but probably not a big name.
Music in reality
The entertainment on a cruise ship can consist of a multitude of distractions, yes we are calling them distractions. Most times, they are old bands who seem to not know any songs for this decade!
And if it is Karaoke night, you can expect to spend your night listening to Sharon’s songs going all out on Barbra Streisand all night. If you’ve thought about going to the music hall for a romantic evening with your wife, stay in your room and listen to a CD, instead!
Dinner as you imagine
Ah, it’s mealtime! After a long day of fighting for a place in the jacuzzi and watching the ocean explaining to your loved ones that they will probably not see dolphins at sea, it is finally time to move on to a meal worthy of royalty.
You expected the best cuts of meat, classy service and maybe even a glass of wine to top it off. Why not? It’s the holidays! You probably assumed the ship cannot afford to save money on the meal like everything else.
Dinner in reality
Again, the culprit here will be the fact that the ship has to serve hundreds of people to be profitable. This means individual service is no longer on the agenda and you can expect a buffet-style experience. That doesn’t mean the food won’t be good. Do your research in advance and you will discover that the food is probably delicious!
It’s about reading reviews and finding the best in the business. Your dream meal will end up looking more like a cafeteria than a five-star restaurant but you can at least expect a clean table.
The other vacationers as you imagine them
On your cruise liner, you expect exactly what you saw on the brochure or on the company website, right? Handsome people in their twenties and thirties enjoy drinks and dinner with a serene sea view.
Cruises do a good job of highlighting the fact that you can find people of all ages on their boats. You might even think that cruises are a great place to meet your soul mate or find a lifelong friend.
The other vacationers in reality
Let’s face it: Most people in their 20s don’t think a cruise ship is the best way to spend their vacation. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’d better go to the beach or to an all-inclusive vacation centre.
As you embark on this cruise, you will probably find that the age of the passengers is a little higher and that the variety of people is similar to what you would find at Walmart (for better or for worse), especially with affordable cruises.