When you think of cruising, you might be imagining stunning cruise ships, amazing cruise food and beautiful destinations. While all that can be true, as many cruise passengers point out, it’s not always smooth sailing.
In fact, even those who love cruise travel, share that there are some pet peeves that annoy them. I recently asked avid cruisers on our social media page about their pet peeves about cruises. After hundreds of comments from real cruise passengers, I saw there were some common threads.
There were also some interesting points that I hadn’t heard before, but that resonated with other fellow cruisers. With that said, take these gripes with a grain of sea salt – because despite the rants, we all still adore cruising! All cruise puns are intentional.
Avid Cruisers Reveal Their Cruise Pet Peeves
1. Chair Hogs
“They literally put shoes on deck chairs at dawn to ‘reserve’ them, then vanish till lunchtime!”
No list of cruise pet peeves is complete without the dreaded chair hog. Imagine excited cruisers ready to relax, only to find every prime spot “claimed” by a towel and a lone flip-flop. One commenter fessed up: they move “ghost towels” to free seats for others – rebellious, but sometimes necessary!
2. Elevator Chaos
“Elevator etiquette… or lack thereof. It drives me nuts!”
From folks skipping those already waiting in line, to refusing to let people exit before they board, passengers called this the top frustration afloat. Wheelchair users and those with mobility issues share that this is one of their biggest frustrations on a cruise.
3. Kids Running Wild
“I love kids, but not when I have to dodge them like it’s an obstacle course!”
Whether they’re racing through corridors late at night or turning the adult hot tub into a splash zone, unsupervised little ones rank high on many cruisers’ lists of irritations.
4. Smoking and Vaping Woes
“The casino smoke seeps into everything… the hallways, the buffet… my lungs.”
While many agree smokers need a designated spot, others lament the smell creeping out to adjacent areas. Even with designated smoking areas in the casino, many cruisers complain the smell drifts into nearby halls, stairs, and other public spaces.
It can be particularly frustrating for anyone sensitive to secondhand smoke. Some cruisers share that the worst are those who light up on their balcony (even when not allowed), sending the smell of smoke into neighboring cabins.
5. QR Code Menus
“Just give me a menu! We have to pass around phones just to see what everyone wants to order!”
Many cruise lines have swapped out traditional paper menus for digital versions, requiring you to scan a QR code at your table. While it can be eco-friendly, it’s a hassle for those looking to unplug or who don’t have reliable Wi-Fi on board.
6. Formal Night Fashion Police
“Don’t judge me if I don’t want to pack a giant ball gown – my suitcase has weight limits!”
While many love dressing to the nines, others can’t or simply don’t want to lug formal attire. Some also mention disabilities that make it hard to bring extra clothes.
These days, most cruise line dress codes are fairly flexible these days. Of course there’s always the buffet, where there are few dress code rules at all.
Related: 25 Best Cruise Outfit Ideas to Wear for Women
7. Line Jumpers
“A single-file queue is not advanced calculus, people.”
From the bar to the buffet, to guest services and disembarkation lines, cruise passengers can’t stand it when people cut in line. It’s even worse to see 10 extra friends and family members join one person who “saved a place”.
8. Speakerphones & Bluetooth Music
“We already have live shows on board—do we really need your personal DJ booth, too?”
One of the biggest modern complaints is when people blast their playlists or take phone calls for everyone to hear. Many cruisers ranted about hearing personal phone calls on speaker or kids’ cartoon videos during dinner. One commenter said: “I don’t need to hear about Aunt Linda’s foot surgery while I’m sipping a pina colada.”
Related: 35+ Prohibited Items You Can’t Bring on a Cruise (that may surprise you)
9. Nonstop Upselling
“We’re on vacation, not in a timeshare pitch!”
Massage deals, specialty dining packages, jewelry raffles – some cruisers say the constant push for extra-cost goodies can be overbearing. “I just want to lounge and sip my drink,” wrote one commenter.
10. Latecomers at Shows
“They arrive late, shuffle to the front, then leave early. Double interruption!”
When seats fill up fast, waltzing in halfway through the performance is sure to raise eyebrows. One passenger said they’ve watched front-row-latecomers do the “Oops, wrong seat” dance more times than they can count.
11. People Who Never Say “Please” or “Thank You”
“Seeing how hard the crew works, the least we can do is show gratitude.”
Several commenters singled out rude travelers ignoring politeness altogether. A simple smile and “thanks” can go a long way for the crew who work so hard on a cruise.
12. The Buffet Etiquette Faux Pas
“I’ve seen people pick up a roll, sniff it, and put it back—finger-lick included!”
Despite having tongs within reach, cruisers report occasionally witnessing others use their bare hands and then place unwanted items back on the buffet. If you ever wondered why those hand-sanitizing stations exist (or even full serve buffets), this is a clue.
13. Door Slammers
“Cabin doors are heavy. Please don’t slam them like you’re launching a catapult!”
Light sleepers often complain about getting jolted awake by doors slamming late at night. Whether a cabin door to the hall or a balcony door, these are heavy and can “slam” inadvertently.
Related: 30 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
14. Nickel-and-Diming or Upsells
“Drink package. Specialty dining package. Water? Soda? You name it, they want to sell it.”
Cruising used to be more inclusive. Now, some travelers feel every turn is an opportunity for an add-on sale or “upgrade.” While some enjoy the variety, others find it exhausting.
15. The Biggest Pet Peeve of All: Not Being On a Cruise
“I guess my biggest cruise pet peeve is not having one booked right now!”
We saw this comment pop up again and again. Ultimately, for all the complaining, one universal truth emerged: people just can’t wait to get back on board.
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