Everyone’s Cruising. Here’s Why You Maybe Shouldn’t

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The cruise industry is definitely having a moment, as it grows by leaps and bounds. I mean, take these statistics into consideration:

• By the end of 2025, an estimated 37.7 million people will have cruised, up from 34.6 million in 2024.
• In the past 2 years, 31% of passengers were first-time cruisers
• 82% of cruisers plan to take another cruise
• 25% of cruisers sail at least twice per year (11% take 3 to 5 annual cruises)

And yet, cruising represents only 2% of global tourism. Which means that for every person who cruises, many don’t. Which is fine – to be honest, there are some people who probably should never cruise.

If you get seasick

This one should go without saying. If you get seasick, cruising will probably not be for you.

My mom never went on a cruise in her life. And that was probably a good thing because she swore up and down that just looking at a boat made her feel nauseous.

Of course, there are all sorts of remedies for seasickness out there, both prescription and over the counter. And if you happen to hit really smooth seas, you might not have a problem. But until you know whether or not you have your sea legs, I’d suggest going on a short cruise, maybe just 2 or 3 nights, to see how you do.

If you’re claustrophobic

Cruise cabins are not like hotel rooms. They can be tiny. And the less luxurious your cabin, the smaller it will be.

If you have a tendency to be claustrophobic, you might want to splurge on a suite. Or at least plan on spending a lot of time outside of your cabin.

If you love to get to your destination and savor it

If you love to travel somewhere and have time to explore all its nooks and crannies, cruising might not be for you. Although some cruises will spend the overnight at one location, for the most part you’ll only spend a few hours (think 6 to 10 hours or so, give or take) before it’s time to float on to your next stop.

You may have time for a short excursion, but if you’re someone who relishes experiencing every little bit of a city, you won’t really get that done if you’re on a cruise.

If you don’t like being nickel-and-dimed for everything

When you pay for a cruise, that’s all you’re paying for – your cruise, and your meals. After that, there can be upcharges galore. Depending on your cruise line, you may have to pay extra for:

• Soda
• Coffee & tea
• Alcohol
• Wi-Fi access
• Specialty dining
• Excursions
• Spa
• Casino
• Classes/activities
• Certain kids’ activities (typically evening activities and/or nanny service)
• Gratuities

That may not bode well for you if you don’t like having to pay for each little thing.

If you’re shy or an introvert

Most cruise lines still use main dining rooms with assigned seating. And it’s rare that you’ll be seated just with your party, or, if you’re sailing solo, alone. You’re most likely going to be seated at a table for 8 or 10, with people you don’t know. If you don’t like talking to strangers, that can be… awkward.

If you’re concerned about germs

When you’re on a cruise ship, you’re generally in close quarters with a few thousand other people. And some of them don’t wash their hands nearly as well or as often as they should. So besides the possibility of respiratory illness being caught from one person to the next throughout the course of your cruise, there’s also the risk of stomach bugs spreading.

Cruising is not for everyone

So yeah…cruising is not for everyone.

That being said, some of the things we mentioned can be “fixed” depending on which cruise line you go on. Virgin Voyages, for example, doesn’t charge for soda, basic internet access, etc., and tips are included in their price. They also use a “restaurant” style of dining, so if it’s just you and your partner, or you as a solo, you can have a table alone and not have to share it with 8 of your new best friends/tablemates (who you may or may not like).

But yeah…despite the cruise industry’s year-over-year growth, cruising may still not be for everyone.

Feature Image: Jim G. // flickr // CC BY 2.0

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