Category: Uncategorized

Cruises are amazing — floating hotels with buffets, waterslides, and endless excuses to wear stretchy pants. But there is one thing that can ruin the vibe faster than soggy pizza at midnight: that passenger.

You know who I am talking about. The one everyone else on the ship side-eyes while muttering “bless their heart.” So, in the name of fun, relaxation, and preserving the sacred cruise buffet line, here is my rant:

1. The Chair Hog

If you toss a towel on a pool chair at 6 a.m. and vanish for five hours — congrats, you have become the villain of the pool deck. Nobody is impressed with your towel-saving strategy, Karen.

Cruise Karma Rule: If your butt’s not in the chair, the chair is not yours. End of story.

2. The Elevator Button Masher

Newsflash: the “close door” button is decorative. Hitting it twenty-seven times will not magically warp-speed us to Deck 12. Also, do not get on for one deck when there are twenty of us crammed inside. Take the stairs, champ. Consider it a down payment on tonight’s midnight nachos.

3. The Buffet Line Warrior

The buffet is not the Hunger Games. No need to hover over the shrimp cocktail like you are guarding buried treasure. And please, for the love of gravy, do not cut the line. You are not storming the beaches of Normandy — you are waiting for mashed potatoes. Relax.

Cruise Buffet Strategy: Grab it, move along, come back for round two. We all know you will.

4. The Hallway Opera Singer

At 2 a.m., after “just one more drink,” you might feel moved to belt out Sweet Caroline in the hallway. Spoiler: the entire deck did not buy tickets to your concert. Cabin walls are thinner than a tortilla chip — and just as crunchy when you step on them.

Save the performance for karaoke night, where the worst you will get is polite clapping.

5. The Deck-Party Olympian

I love a good party. But if you are double-fisting margaritas and leading the Macarena at 11 a.m. while the rest of us are still digesting breakfast — maybe pace yourself. Security does not hand out medals for “Most Enthusiastic Passenger.”

Water between cocktails. You will thank yourself… and so will your liver.

6. The Rule Breaker Extraordinaire

Sneaking into “crew only” doors, ignoring dinner dress codes, or trying to smuggle a blender onboard in your carry-on… you are not a rebel, you are just making everyone else cringe.

Pro tip: The rules are not to ruin your fun; they are to keep you from becoming a cautionary tale at the muster drill.

Final Thought

Cruises are meant for fun, relaxation, and maybe a little too much dessert. Do not ruin it by being that passenger. If we all play nice, we can keep the sea friendly, the chairs available, and the shrimp cocktail flowing.

Until next time, I am Brian — and remember to Take the Trip!

(And if you absolutely must sing in the hallway at 3 a.m., at least make it Bohemian Rhapsody. Go big or go home.)

Hey travelers, Brian here—your trusty guide on all things travel! If you are thinking about booking a cruise in 2025, I have got some insider info that might just save you from a few surprises (and headaches) once you are on board.

Cruising has always promised fun, relaxation, and a floating city’s worth of amenities. But in 2025, the cruising world is shifting—some changes you will not see right away, but you will definitely feel them. Here are the secret cutbacks cruise lines do not want you to notice before you buy that ticket.

1. Fewer Complimentary Extras

Remember when your cruise fare included drinks, Wi-Fi, and even some shore excursions? Those days are fading fast. More cruise lines are unbundling services, meaning what used to be “free” now comes with a price tag. Want that daily cappuccino? That is extra. Planning to stay connected? Wi-Fi packages now often cost a small fortune, especially if you want decent speeds.

Case in point: Carnival Cruises now only offers orange juice at breakfast — all other juices come with an upcharge. It is a slight change, but it sets the tone that “free” is shrinking. Plus, Carnival has added new onboard rules like no portable radios or fans allowed in the nightclubs, aiming to control noise and crowds—but it is buzzkill if you love to bring your own tunes or stay cool while dancing.

2. Reduced Onboard Entertainment

Big Broadway-style shows, live music, and variety acts are still around, but many ships have trimmed back the number and quality of performances to cut costs. You might find more recycled or prerecorded shows rather than fresh productions. The once-vibrant nightlife is quieter, with fewer venues open late or fewer themed parties.

And Royal Caribbean is now charging a whopping $15 per movie to watch films in your cabin! That is right, you are in-room entertainment system is no longer part of your fare. Want to catch a flick after dinner? That will be $15 a pop.

3. Dining Downsizing

Buffets are smaller and more regulated, often requiring reservations to reduce crowding. Specialty dining options may have higher cover charges or limited availability. The “free” dining experience is evolving, and those who do not plan ahead could miss out on the full flavor.

4. Cabin Size and Amenities Shrinking

Newer ships sometimes prioritize more cabins over larger suites, so expect smaller rooms with less storage space. Some upgraded amenities like minibars or in-room coffee makers are becoming less common or are being removed altogether.

5. Cutbacks in Staff and Service Levels

With rising operating costs, many cruise lines have reduced staff numbers, meaning longer waiting times and less personalized service. The days of your every whim being catered to might be slipping away, so patience and a friendly smile go a long way.

6. Drink Package Restrictions Getting Tighter

Take Princess Cruises for example: their popular Princess Plus drink package used to offer 15 drinks a day, mostly non-alcoholic drinks like sodas, coffee, and bottled water (which did not count against your total). Now, in 2025, both alcoholic drinks and sodas count against your 15 total drinks per day, so you have to be strategic with your sips. Bottled water and coffee remain separate, but this is a big change for anyone who liked mixing it up.

7. Do Your Homework: Check Social Media & Message Boards

The best way to avoid surprises is to get real-time feedback. Check social media platforms for recent reviews and firsthand experiences. Sites like Cruise Critic have active message boards where cruisers share up-to-date tips, report changes, and answer questions. If you are unsure about a cruise line’s current policies or onboard atmosphere, ask away! The community’s advice can save you time, money, and frustration.

Every day it seems like cruise lines are looking for ways to make more money while offering less for more.

It is the reality cruise lovers face in 2025—expect to pay more for things that were once included, with fewer perks in return. But with a little planning and insider knowledge, you can still enjoy an amazing cruise without getting caught off guard.

What Can You Do?

Read the Fine Print: Always check what is included and what is extra before you book. Plan Your Budget Carefully: Account for Wi-Fi, drinks, specialty dining, movies, and excursions. Book Early or Look for Packages: Some cruise lines offer better deals or perks for early birds. Manage Expectations: Know that cruising in 2025 might not be quite the same as it was a few years ago.

Cruising still offers incredible value and unforgettable experiences, but being aware of these secret cutbacks will help you sail smarter and avoid surprises.

Until next time, I am Brian — and remember to Take the Trip!

(And if your cruise Wi-Fi goes out, just pretend you are really “disconnecting” on purpose.)