Disappointing photos show what it’s really like to go on a cruise

I flew to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the night before my cruise, since seasoned cruisers recommend arriving at your port city the day before your cruise in case of delays and cancellations. I stayed at a budget hotel near my departure port.

This was the first of many crowded bus rides during my trip. Looking back, I wish I had called a cab — especially since the next morning, I piled into a hot bus with several other cruise guests on the way to the port.

Once inside the cruise terminal, there was another lengthy line to get through security. While I waited, I chuckled to myself as I read signs that said, “Adventure begins here.”

My obstructed view of the ship leaving Fort Lauderdale was as frustrating as standing behind taller patrons at a concert.

But I found the maps on each floor to be helpful.

While people seemed to enjoy themselves, many communal decks looked and felt like crowded malls.

With a whopping three large pools and several plunge and whirlpools on the outdoor decks, I was surprised to find that these spaces were crowded throughout the day. And 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.

A Royal Caribbean representative told Business Insider that 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, using their best judgment.

From the cruise ship buffet to activities like waterslides and mini-golf, I felt like I spent more time waiting in line than enjoying the ship. For example, I waited in line for three hours to play a round of laser tag that lasted less than 20 minutes.

At port stops, I waited in lines to go through security every time I left and returned to the ship. This wait time was less annoying than the other lines because it made me feel safer.

I often had to battle through crowds just to find signs for my excursions and keep up with my tour guide.

The Royal Caribbean rep told Business Insider that the cruise line worked with local tour operators for its excursions, so air conditioning standards varied.

I hoped to capture an empty image of this majestic jungle bridge, but I couldn’t do so without losing my tour crew.

The most enjoyable parts of my cruise were early morning walks on the top deck before other cruisers swarmed in. I left thinking that if I were to book a less crowded cruise next time, I might like it more.

So in 2023, I booked a Mediterranean cruise on a medium-sized ship. It was a seven-day adults-only cruise with Virgin Voyages, and I enjoyed it much more than my first week at sea.