We all dream of the perfect vacation: sunny days, relaxing by the pool, good food, and beautiful places.
However, a few missteps can turn that dream into a bit of a nightmare.
For this reason, it is important to always be careful and avoid things that can completely ruin your cruise.
Missing the Ship
Definitely, one of the worst things that can happen is missing the ship.
That’s why it’s crucial to arrive at the port well in advance so that you can handle any unexpected delays and still make it on time.
I usually recommend arriving at the port at least two hours before the designated embarkation time.
If you get there early, you might even be able to board the ship faster.
Lost Luggage
Another thing that can ruin your cruise is if your suitcase gets lost. I know something about it because it happened to me a few years ago.
The cruise line gave me some essentials, but I still had to buy clothes and personal items at the next ports.
I can’t lie, it was a really bad experience, because then you don’t enjoy the vacation as much as you should.
And from that day on, I always put a GPS tracker in my luggage and pack essentials in my cruise carry-on, so I have what I need until my luggage arrives.
Getting Seasick
I don’t usually get seasick, but I have traveled with friends who get seasick and realized how bad it can be.
A friend of mine spent two whole days in bed eating only green apples (as recommended by an officer).
Anyway, I suggest you bring some remedies even if you don’t usually get motion sickness.
The ocean can be unpredictable, and the weather can change quickly.
Falling for Scams (Onboard and in Port)
It’s annoying, but cruises are full of little money traps if you’re not paying attention.
Onboard, it can be things like “free” consultations that turn into a hard sales pitch, overpriced packages, or surprise charges that show up on the final bill.
In port, it’s even worse sometimes: fake tour operators, taxi drivers with “special cruise prices”, jewelry deals that aren’t deals, or someone trying to distract you while a friend picks a pocket.
Nothing ruins the mood like realizing you just got played on day two. So make sure you know about and avoid the most common scams targeting cruise passengers.
Sunburn
If your skin is very pale, beware of sunburn.
Many passengers, as soon as they arrive on a cruise ship, go to the pool.
Before doing that, remember to put on sunscreen. It’s no small thing; you can literally ruin your vacation if you don’t.
Severe sunburns can even cause fever, inflammation, and pain.
Check the list of things to bring on a cruise and remember to add a hat, sunscreen, and an after-sun cream.
Booking the Wrong Cruise
It’s quite rare, but choosing the wrong cruise line, ship, or itinerary can lead to disappointment.
That’s why you should always do some research before booking. Find the cruise lines and ships that best match your preferences.
If you don’t know where to start, have a look at the 2026 Ranking of Royal Caribbean ships and the 2026 Ranking of Carnival Ships.
Bad Weather
I know, the weather can be unpredictable, and you are just unlucky if it ruins your cruise.
However, you can still decrease the chances of this happening by booking a cruise during a period when good weather is expected.
For example, you should avoid hurricane season in the Caribbean or October and April for cruises in Alaska.
And if there’s a rainy day, just stay flexible and positive. Changes are sometimes necessary for safety reasons, so don’t be disappointed.
Overindulging
Cruises are the perfect place for people who love food: there is something to eat at any time of the day, and food from any part of the world!
While this is a good thing, you must also think about the negative effects of it.
It’s quite easy to get carried away with food on a cruise, and you can easily feel sluggish or even miss out on activities.
Also, be careful about drinking; people can be banned from the cruise ship if they do something stupid while drunk.
Moderation is key to keeping your energy up and making the most of your trip.
Getting Hit With a Massive Onboard Bill
This one is shockingly common. People go in thinking “I already paid for the cruise, so I’m set” and then the final statement is a slap in the face.
Gratuities, specialty dining, WiFi, drinks, photo packages, spa treatments, arcade, room service on some lines, even small stuff like bottled water can snowball fast.
And the worst part is it doesn’t feel like spending in the moment because it’s just the cruise card.
Set a daily spending limit, turn off auto add-ons if the line allows it, and check the app every evening. It takes 30 seconds and saves a lot of stress.
In addition, have a look at the only 7 Cruise Ship Extras That Are Totally Worth The Money.
Forgetting Essential Documents
I’ve said this in several articles, but I want to say it again here, because it can completely ruin your vacation.
Before leaving home, check that you have all the essential documents with you.
In particular, double-check that you have your passport and visas, including their expiration dates.
Remember that forgetting your documents is one reason you could be denied boarding on a cruise.
Skipping the Muster Drill
It seems that only a few people know this, but the muster drill is absolutely mandatory.
If you skip it, you’ll receive a warning in your cabin, and if you still ignore it, they may deactivate your cruise card.
Consider that muster drills are no longer as they were; they now have a digital component completed directly in the cabin or via the app on your smartphone.
I’ve explained that in more detail in the article on the things you won’t be able to do on cruises anymore.
Booking the wrong cabin
Your cabin will be your home for the entire cruise. That is why you need to be careful and book one that is right for you.
First, consider the cabin type that suits you best. I know you will be surprised, but in some cases, the inside cabin may be the best choice.
Second, consider which deck is best for you. You can find pretty interesting tips in the article where we saw which deck is best on a cruise ship.
Lastly, check the position. As you might expect, some areas of the ship are noisier and more prone to motion than others.
If you’re not an expert, look at these tips to find the best cabin.
BONUS TIP: Other Passengers
One thing that really frustrates me is that sometimes it’s not even you who ends up ruining the vacation, but other passengers.
Unfortunately, I have to admit that over the years, the type of crowd I’ve seen on cruise ships has gotten much worse.
I often come across rude and inconsiderate people, sometimes even aggressive and disrespectful.
If this sounds familiar, take a look at the article about the 10 worst people I’ve met on cruise ships and what to do to avoid them.
