7. Cruise Ship Bathrooms Kind of Stink
The reality of most stateroom configurations is that the bathrooms rarely have a window or proper ventilation. The moisture and lack of air flow can make these tiny spaces dank and stinky, even before you add your own “contributions” to the mix. Granted, not all cruise cabins have this problem, but it is a common complaint. Bring some air freshener along to help mask the sewer-like odors that might plague you in a cruise commode.
8. That Private Island Might Not Seem So Private
Some cruise lines in the Caribbean have private islands on their itineraries that sound like a secluded slice of paradise. Just know that when a ship of 3000+ passengers descends upon it, you won’t be living out any Robinson Crusoe fantasies. You might not be the only ship docking there, so you may be sharing sand with thousands more. It’ll be just as crowded and chaotic as any other beach resort catering to those kinds of numbers. We’re not saying you won’t have fun, but if you thought a private island might offer a little peace, quiet and exclusivity, think again.
9. Self-Arranged Excursions are Often Better/Cheaper than the Ship-Sponsored Tours
Cruise lines always try to sell you on their own packaged shore excursions. They emphasize that they’re the only ones to guarantee the ship won’t leave without you should some unforeseen delay occur. However, these are considerably overpriced compared to similar tours you could easily arrange on your own without the cruise line mark-up. These expensive ship-sponsored tours usually involve crowded motor coaches with flocks of cruisers following a tour guide’s flag around a set itinerary like sheep. Often, factory gift shops and tourist-trough restaurants are on the agenda. With a self-arranged tour, you have more freedom and flexibility to design the more intimate, authentic, self-paced experience you want. Most local tour operators are professional and want to treat you right lest a bad online review impact their business. With a little internet ingenuity, you can arrange a local tour before you arrive, or you can find many enterprising guides at the port as soon as you descend the gangway. You can also buddy up with fellow cruisers to share the cost of a taxi van tour for the day. Just get an early start and make sure you head back to port well before the ship sails off into the horizon.
