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 vacation.
Can you imagine what these things might be? I have prepared a list with the 10 most frequent!
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 planning the trip to arrive at the port at least two hours before the designated embarkation time.
Often, if you get there early, you might even be able to board the ship faster.
To always be prepared for the worst, remember to check out our guide on what happens when you miss a cruise ship.
Lost Luggage
Another thing that can ruin your cruise is if your suitcase gets lost. I know something about it because it sadly happened to me a few years ago.
The cruise line gave me some essentials, but I still had to buy some clothes and some personal things at the following ports.
I can’t lie, it was a really bad experience also because then you don’t enjoy the vacation as much as you should.
From that day I always put a GPS tracker in my luggage and pack essentials in my cruise carry-on to ensure I have what I need until my luggage arrives.
Getting Seasick
Fortunately, 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 can change quickly. In addition, by bringing medicine from home you will save a lot of money since even for seasickness you can get huge medical bills on cruise ships.
Sunburn
If your skin is very pale beware of sunburn.
Many passengers as soon as they arrive on a cruise go to the pool or to enjoy the beaches of the magnificent places they are visiting.
Before doing that remember to put on sunscreen. It’s no small thing; you can literally ruin your vacation if you don’t. The most severe sunburns can 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 conduct extensive research before booking. Check which cruise lines and ships are closest to your personal preferences.
If you don’t know where to start, I recommend the list of Royal Caribbean ships from best to worst and Carnival ships from best to worst.
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.
In any case, if you encounter bad weather just stay flexible and positive. Changes are sometimes necessary for safety reasons and don’t be disappointed.
Overindulging
Cruises are the perfect place for people who love food: there is something to eat at any time and there is practically food from any part of the world!
While this is a good thing, one 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 drinks and don’t drink too much alcohol, you could be banned from the cruise ship if you do something stupid because you are drunk.
Moderation is key to keeping your energy up and making the most of your trip.
Forgetting Essential Documents
I have already said this in several articles but I want to say it again here since it is something that can completely ruin your vacation.
Before leaving home, check that you have all essential documents with you. In particular, double-check that you have your passport and visas and their expiration dates (they are usually among the most important ones).
Remember that forgetting documents is among the reasons why you can 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 in the past; now they have a digital component that is completed directly in the cabin or with 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 all the 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 what deck is best on a cruise ship.
Lastly, evaluate 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.
