Cruise Ships Are Not Always As Wonderful As Travel Companies Want Us To Think

Boarding a cruise ship is where the fun begins.

But sometimes you end up waiting in a crowded line in the hot sun for hours.

The pool deck of a cruise ship can be the perfect place to relax and work on your tan.

But you might have trouble finding an open chair.

Sometimes, dolphins play in the wake of cruise ships, making for some spectacular sightseeing.

But mostly you’ll be seeing a whole lot of this.

Your cruise ship accommodations might be spacious, with a sitting area washed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Or they could be dim and cramped.

Some cruise ships have bathrooms that are on par with those of a luxury hotel.

And then there are bathrooms that feel more like they belong on a dorm or locker room.

When it’s time to disembark, the ship might pull up next to a bright, tropical island.

Not every port is super scenic, though.

Docking at the beach is pretty epic.

Until you have to share it.

Your cruise ship dining experience might rival that of a fancy restaurant under the stars.

But usually it will feel more like a cafeteria.

There’s no shortage of alcohol on cruise ships, from glasses of wine to fruity cocktails.

But some passengers might take the drinking a little too far, turning your experience into a frat party.