For many folks, the cruise is the ultimate vacation. If you’re planning on going on your first cruise, then there is a high probability that you’ll be coming away with the same feelings. That is not to say that there won’t be challenges and annoyances. Those can happen on any trip but they often feel amplified on a cruise ship simply because you have no “escape.” It will help to venture forth into your cruise knowing what things might drive you crazy and how to deal with them. Here are a few to consider:
Slow Internet
Wi-Fi networks on land have made great strides in the last couple of years. By now, you should have a good signal at your home and place of work. That is what you expect but on a cruise ship it is a whole new ball game. After all, there aren’t many cell towers in the open waters. It can be very frustrating not to be able to check your emails or catch up with your social media feeds. Then again, this is a vacation and unplugging wouldn’t be the worst thing that can happen. The best solution is to wait until the ship docks at a port. You’re sure to latch on to the local Wi-Fi then.
Cruise Ship Paparazzi
It might seem like everywhere you go, there is someone on the cruise angling to take your photo. Those “paparazzi” will roam the dining halls and decks hoping to snap a picture of your fun. Unfortunately, they always seem to pop up at the most inopportune time. Plus, you’re already taking plenty of photos for free. You can have an official posed shot but on your terms. Just tell the photographer that you would love to schedule a photo and then set up a time. They probably won’t bother you then until then.
The Post-Spa Upsell
What you have to know about spas on most cruises lines is that they are operating independently from the cruise line. In other words, they’re on their own to make money. The actual treatments are their bread and butter but you might find that some spas like to jump on the post-spa upsell. This is where they try to get you to invest in all kinds of potions and lotions. Fending off the sales pitch can put a damper on your treatment. You’ll want to “cut them off” at the beginning. Just tell them that you’re happy with everything you’ve got and you only want the treatment and nothing else. They’ll get the hint in the hopes of a good tip.
And the most annoying…
Chair Hogs
There are some folks who will show up at the crack of down to “stake out” deck chairs and then show up for fifteen minutes just before sundown. That means you’re pushed out of a seat. Those same chair hogs might also show up at the cruise theater and “reserve” a whole row of seats. The way to combat the seat hog is to play their own game. You can get up at the crack of dawn, too. Then nap in the chair! You could also splurge on an exclusive sun-deck zone with reserved seats. Some of those come with a bigger suite.
