The Worst Things that Can Happen on a Cruise (and how to avoid them)
When I think about cruising, I picture a relaxing, stress-free vacation. But let’s face it—some things can go wrong and completely ruin the experience. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about how to avoid these mistakes, and I’m here to share some of the worst things that can happen on a cruise and how you can prevent them.
Worst Things That Can Happen on a Cruise and How to Avoid Them
Forgetting Your Passport
This is every traveler’s worst fear. I always keep my passport, along with photocopies of it, in my carry-on. I’ve also started carrying a digital copy on my phone, just in case.
Traveling with an Expired Passport
I’ve learned this the hard way! Now, I always double-check my passport months before traveling to make sure it’s valid for at least six months beyond the end of my trip. It’s a simple habit that can save you a lot of heartache. Most cruise lines won’t let you board the ship if your passport is expired or almost expiring (within 6 months).
Missing the Ship
I’ve seen this happen to people; the stress is the worst! Whether it’s a flight delay or losing track of time in port, missing the ship is a nightmare. That’s why I always fly in the day before embarkation and stick to shore excursions booked through the cruise line when possible. If I go explore a port on my own, I set alarms to ensure I’m back on time.
Getting Seasick
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a vicious cycle of nausea and misery. I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s no fun! To avoid seasickness, I always pack motion sickness remedies like Dramamine or Sea-Bands. Booking a midship cabin on a lower deck can also help, as these areas tend to feel the least movement.
Booking a Flight Too Early After the Cruise
Disembarkation takes time, and the process isn’t as quick as the itinerary might suggest. Never book flights before mid-afternoon to give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport without stress. What I always do is I spend the night and fly home the next day instead—this way, I can relax and spend some time exploring the port.
Losing Your Luggage
To avoid the stress of lost luggage, I always use AirTags in my suitcases. I also pack a day’s worth of clothes and essentials in my carry-on—just in case.
Overbooking Shore Excursions
I’ve made the mistake of overscheduling and booking back-to-back shore excursions. While shore excursions are fun, they can be exhausting if you book one at every port. Now, I leave some time to explore ports on my own or relax onboard.
Catching Norovirus
Getting sick with norovirus is like hitting the misery jackpot: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea—you name it. I make it a point to wash my hands constantly with soap and water because hand sanitizers don’t cut it. Thankfully, most cruise lines now have hand-washing stations near the buffets, and I never skip using them.
Packing Your Passport in Checked Luggage
This might seem obvious, but I’ve seen it happen. I always triple-check that my passport and travel documents are in my carry-on before handing off my luggage at the port.
Forgetting Medication
I once forgot my son’s EpiPen, which was terrifying. Now, I make a detailed packing list and double-check it before leaving. I also pack all medications in my carry-on.
Changes to the Itinerary
Weather and unexpected conditions can lead to last-minute port changes, which can be disappointing. I’ve learned to manage my expectations and focus on having fun, even if the cruise itinerary changes.
Medical Emergencies
I’ve seen passengers airlifted due to medical emergencies—it’s a sobering reminder of why travel insurance is so important. I never cruise without it.
Issues with Your Stateroom
Unexpected problems with your cabin can quickly ruin your cruise. Once, my cabin flooded due to a plumbing issue—it was a nightmare. While rare, things like this happen. It was a nightmare moving rooms and having to complain at guest services.
Forgetting Clothes for Disembarkation Day
On my first cruise, I forgot to pack clothes for disembarkation and ended up wearing my pajamas off the ship! Now, I pack an extra outfit in my carry-on for the final day, along with toiletries and essentials.
Food Allergy Reactions
Since my son has a nut allergy, I always make it a point to let the cruise line know ahead of time. Onboard, we work with the maître d’ to ensure safe meals, and we avoid the buffet to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Getting Sunburned
The Caribbean sun is no joke! I reapply sunscreen throughout the day and pack aloe vera gel to soothe any burns.
Noisy Neighbors
A noisy cabin can ruin a relaxing vacation. I always choose cabins away from high-traffic areas like theaters and nightclubs and bring earplugs as a backup.
Getting Quarantined
While less common now, post-COVID, quarantine can still happen. I bring extra books and download shows to watch offline—just in case I end up stuck in my cabin.
