15 Things That Annoy Cruise Passengers the Most

Over 37 million people will board a cruise ship in 2025 and that number is projected to be even larger for 2026.

PhotoAiD, an online passport photo service, conducted a survey among American cruisers to see what annoyed them the most when they take an ocean cruise.

Even with the many things that annoyed them, 84% said they were likely to take a cruise again with only 6% saying they were unlikely to return.

So what annoys cruisers the most? Here are the top 15 complaints among American cruise passengers.

The number one complaint was rude or inconsiderate behavior by other passengers that includes drunkenness, loud arguing, and inappropriate attire in dining areas.

Coming in second is the high cost of drink packages. Drink packages were added by cruise lines 10-15 years ago and the price of them has steadily risen over the years.

The third biggest complaint is something that many of us, including myself have complained about. It is smoking or vaping in prohibited areas including on cabin balconies.

Rounding out the top five are expensive onboard essentials (sunscreen, toiletries, and medication) and hidden fees and mandatory charges (gratuities, service fees, and port taxes.)

The number six biggest complaint is line cutting at buffets and shore excursions.

The seventh complaint will become less common since more cruise lines are building piers at private islands. But it’s long lines for tender boats at ports that don’t have docking facilities.

The eighth, ninth, and 10th biggest complaints are unsanitary habits (not washing hands at buffets, coughing without covering), long waits for seating at buffets and specialty restaurants, and difficultly securing reservations at specialty restaurants.

The 11-15th biggest complaints on ocean cruises are:

• Busy buffets and dining rooms at peak times
• Limited seating on sun decks
• Excessive public displays of affection
• Chair hogs
• Crowded ports

Other complaints from cruisers were poor elevator etiquette, overcrowded pools and hot tubs, and not enough seating in entertainment venues.

The company analyzed hundreds of complaints online and asked respondents to weigh in.

You can see more about their study and a complete list of the biggest cruiser complaints here.