Disappointing photos show what it's actually like to go on a cruise

May 2024 · 7 minute read
Updated

When I booked my first cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, I expected breathtaking views of the world between relaxing swimming and sunbathing sessions.

From images of cruising I've seen, I expected to be able to relax and enjoy some pool time. Buena Vista Images/Barry Winiker/Getty Images

But my experience cruising for the first time didn't quite meet my expectations.

The author on the top deck of Wonder of the Seas. Joey Hadden/Insider

I sunbathed in a loud, crowded pool area when I was lucky enough to find a chair. I spent more time waiting in lines than I had anticipated. And I saw much of the world from behind other people's heads.

Wonder of the Seas from the window of a ferry. Joey Hadden/Insider

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The disappointment started before I was even on the cruise. Since I don't live nearby my cruise's departure city, my trip began with a flight and a budget hotel room near my port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The author in a hotel near the port. Joey Hadden/Insider

When I arrived at my port city's airport, I waited 45 minutes for a hotel shuttle to pick me up. This was the first of many crowded bus rides, and I wish I had called a cab.

Hotel shuttles picking up guests from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Joey Hadden/Insider

The next day, I piled into a hot bus with several other cruise guests as I headed to the port.

A bus taking cruisers from a hotel to the cruise port. Joey Hadden/Insider

I didn't think the Fort Lauderdale port was very picturesque, but I didn't expect it to be.

A view of the port from the bus. Joey Hadden/Insider

There was a long line to get inside the cruise terminal, and I should have known by this point that I'd stand in many more lines during my cruise.

People waiting in line at the cruise terminal. Joey Hadden/Insider

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Inside the cruise terminal, there was another long line to get through security. While I waited, I chuckled to myself as I read signs that said, "Adventure begins here."

People waiting in line inside the cruise terminal. Joey Hadden/Insider

Once aboard the ship, I was excited to view the ocean as we sailed away, but I was blocked by tall, thick glass and couldn't find a place to stand.

People standing on the top deck as the ship sails away. Joey Hadden/Insider

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The ship was so large that I got lost a few times during my stay. I found the maps on each floor to be helpful, though.

A map of one deck and a hallway of cabins. Joey Hadden/Insider

As I explored the ship during my weeklong stay, I was surprised to find that even the world's largest cruise ship felt overcrowded at times to me.

People enjoying the top decks of the largest cruise ship in the world. Joey Hadden/Insider

While people seemed to be enjoying themselves, many of the communal decks looked and felt to me like just crowded malls.

People perusing the shops and restaurants on board. Joey Hadden/Insider

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There were crowds and lines virtually everywhere I went, including the buffet.

A crowded buffet on the world's largest cruise ship. Joey Hadden/Insider

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The pools were also usually busy.

A crowded pool on the world's largest cruise ship. Joey Hadden/Insider

A Royal Caribbean representative told Insider there were 19 pools, plunge pools, and whirlpools accessible to guests aboard Wonder of the Seas.

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And the pool decks were typically just as crowded.

A crowded section of the world's largest cruise ship. Joey Hadden/Insider

Even though there were rules against saving chairs with towels, I saw plenty of people doing it, so finding a spot to relax was stressful.

People sitting in chairs on the top deck. Joey Hadden/Insider

A Royal Caribbean representative told Insider crew members might remove items from lounge chairs after 30 minutes. Still, they must also consider families and groups who may be in the pool or going to the restroom when enforcing rules like these and must use their best judgment.

If I waited until the evening to find a spot, I found it too windy and cold outside to enjoy the pool.

The author "enjoying" the wind on the top deck in the evening. Joey Hadden/Insider

Cruise ships tend to be full of activities, but I found many of them had long lines.

People waiting in line to go down a slide. Joey Hadden/Insider

At port stops, I waited in lines to go through security every time I left and returned to the ship. While I found this annoying, it made me feel safer.

People waiting in line at a security checkpoint. Joey Hadden/Insider

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The lines continued at each port, crowded with others who were excited to begin their tours.

People waiting in line to ride a ferry. Joey Hadden/Insider

I often had to battle through crowds just to find signs for my excursions.

People looking for their excursion groups. Joey Hadden/Insider

It was exciting to explore new places at each stop, though some of this exploration was from the window of another hot bus.

Inside a hot tour bus. Joey Hadden/Insider

A Royal Caribbean representative told Insider the cruise line worked with local tour operators for its excursions, so air-conditioning standards varied.

And when I was finally doing the cool thing I booked, like walking across a suspension bridge amid the treetops, my view was sometimes blocked once more by everyone else who booked the tour, too.

People crossing a suspension bridge in Roatán, Honduras. Joey Hadden/Insider

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According to a crew member I overheard, roughly 5,000 other people were aboard the ship, so I understand why the cruise felt so crowded. I think that if I were to book a less crowded cruise next time, I might enjoy it more.

The top deck early in the morning before it becomes crowded. Joey Hadden/Insider

Read more: I took my first Caribbean cruise and quickly learned that cruising is a lifestyle that's not for me

Next time, I think I'll book during the offseason to avoid crowds.

People enjoying the top decks of the largest cruise ship in the world. Joey Hadden/Insider

While my first cruise didn't meet my expectations, I have hope that I can enjoy a cruise one day.

The author at a port in front of the world's largest cruise ship. Joey Hadden/Insider

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