Cruise ships are usually spotless, but some passengers? Not so much.
Crew members spend their days cleaning, polishing, sanitising, vacuuming and generally trying to keep thousands of people in check. But they can’t be everywhere at once. And as soon as you put that many humans together on one floating hotel, someone is going to do something that makes everyone else question civilisation.
From buffet crimes to hot tub horrors, these are some of the most disgusting things people say they’ve seen on cruise ships. You may never look at the self-serve tongs the same way again…
1. Walking Straight From The Toilet To The Buffet
One of the most common complaints from cruisers is also one of the simplest: people using the bathroom, skipping the sink, and heading straight for the buffet.
It’s grim anywhere, but on a cruise ship it feels even worse. You’re sharing serving spoons, handrails, lift buttons, drinks machines and sun loungers with thousands of other passengers.
This is exactly why cruise lines are so enthusiastic about handwashing stations. They’re not being dramatic – they’ve seen things.
2. Touching Buffet Food With Bare Hands
Cruise buffets are wonderful until you witness someone pick up a bread roll, inspect it, decide it’s not worthy, and put it back for the next unsuspecting passenger.
There are tongs. There are spoons. There are sometimes even crew members standing right there.
And yet, some people still treat the buffet like they’re rummaging through their own fridge at midnight.
The worst part is that you only know about the times you actually see it happen. Which is not a comforting thought.
3. Contaminating The Salad Dressing
Some buffet stories are so specific that they somehow become even worse. One cruiser said they watched a passenger wipe his nose, pick up a salad dressing container, cover the open spout with his finger, shake it, then put it back.
No. Absolutely not.
The passenger who saw it said they told staff immediately, which was definitely the right thing to do. Crew can remove contaminated items quickly, but only if someone actually lets them know.
And this is why many cruisers wish more buffet items were served by staff rather than handled by passengers.
4. Licking Fingers Before Touching The Tongs
The whole point of buffet tongs is that people don’t touch the food directly. Unfortunately, that plan falls apart when someone licks their fingers and then grabs the shared utensils.
It’s such a small act, but it instantly ruins the illusion that the buffet is under control.
A good tip? Use hand sanitiser after you’ve collected your food, not just before. You may have clean hands when you arrive, but then you’ve touched the same serving utensils as everyone else.
5. Using The Drinks Machine In Horrifying Ways
Cruise drinks stations usually have signs telling passengers not to press personal bottles directly against the dispenser. These signs exist because people do it anyway.
And then… there was the person who allegedly used the beverage dispenser to wash their hands.
That one deserves a moment of silence.
The drinks station is not a bathroom sink. It is not a bottle-cleaning station. It is not a tiny public shower for your fingers.
6. Putting Bare Feet On Tables
A buffet table is for plates, cups, cutlery and food. It is not for feet.
Cruise ships are relaxed places, and yes, you’ll see plenty of flip-flops, sandals and bare feet by the pool. But once you’re in a dining area, surely we can all agree that feet should stay on the floor.
There’s casual holiday behaviour, and then there’s making everyone nearby lose their appetite.
Speaking of feet…
7. Using A Fork For Foot Care
Most people use the dinner fork for exactly what you’d expect: dinner.
One passenger aboard a Carnival cruise had other ideas, after being filmed using a fork from the dining room to repeatedly scratch their foot. The video racked up tens of millions of views online, with many viewers immediately wondering one thing: please tell me that fork never went back into circulation.
Carnival later said the utensil had been removed from service, although the exact sequence of events became the subject of some online debate after the passenger who filmed it shared follow-up videos.
Either way, it’s probably the strongest argument yet for not thinking too hard about where your cutlery has been before it reaches your table.
This one isn’t from a cruise ship, but a cruise private island. And honestly, it’s made my stomach turn.
I can’t fathom it. Just get fresh pizza, surely? That’s horrendous.
9. Coughing All Over The Buffet
A cruise ship cold can spread fast, especially when people are coughing around shared food, plates and serving utensils.
Nobody expects passengers to hide in their cabin for every tiny sniffle. But if someone is clearly unwell, coughing over food or sitting on a packed excursion bus without covering their mouth is deeply inconsiderate.
Cruises are social holidays. That’s part of the fun. But it also means your germs get to go on holiday too.
10. Bringing A “Poop Sponge” Onboard
Cruise lines have fairly sensible rules about what you can and can’t bring onboard. One item that allegedly didn’t make it through security was an ancient Roman-style hygiene device known as a xylospongium.
If that name means nothing to you, don’t worry. Most people know it by its far less appealing nickname: a “poop sponge.”
A passenger claimed Carnival confiscated the item before boarding after explaining that their family used it as an environmentally friendly alternative to toilet paper. Whether the story was entirely genuine became a matter of debate online, but one thing everyone seemed to agree on was this: some historical inventions are probably best left in history.
Cruise ship hot tubs can look lovely when they’re empty. But once they’re packed shoulder to shoulder with strangers, drinks in hand, things feel a little less spa-like.
One passenger even claimed they saw someone sneeze and then clear their nose into the hot tub water.
And that’s how a relaxing soak becomes a life choice you regret immediately.
Cruise hot tubs are heavily treated and monitored, but mentally? Some things are hard to recover from.
12. Dripping From The Pool Into The Buffet
One cruiser said they saw a passenger go straight from the waterslide into the buffet, dripping wet, shirtless and towel-free.
It’s not the most horrifying thing on this list, but it’s still grim.
Dining areas have dress codes for a reason. Nobody wants puddles of pool water next to the pasta station, and nobody wants to dodge someone shaking themselves off like a Labrador beside the bread rolls.
13. Vomiting And Carrying On
Cruises involve unlimited food, lots of cocktails and, occasionally, a ship that moves more than expected. So yes, vomiting happens.
But one story involved a woman throwing up on deck, then simply continuing to drink and smoke as if nothing had happened.
That’s commitment, but not the admirable kind.
Crew members are trained to deal with messes quickly and safely, but they shouldn’t have to clean up after passengers who act like the ship is their personal student union bar.
14. Changing A Baby’s Nappy On A Buffet Table
There are baby changing facilities on cruise ships. There are toilets. There are cabins. There are many, many places that are not a buffet table.
This one is especially awful because it’s not just unpleasant – it’s wildly unhygienic.
Look, I’m a mum. I get that it’s not easy. Parents have a lot to juggle on holiday, and cruising with babies can be hard work.
But changing a nappy where people eat? That’s a hard no from everyone.
15. Getting Far Too Romantic In Public
Cruises can be romantic. There are sunsets, cocktails, balconies, warm weather and the lovely feeling of being away from real life.
Some passengers, however, seem to forget the “public” part of public spaces.
There were stories of couples getting carried away on balconies, sofas, pool decks and bars. Which is… a lot.
Nobody is saying don’t enjoy your cruise. Just maybe remember that other passengers didn’t book a ticket to your live performance.
16. Refusing To Leave The Casino For A Toilet Break
This one came up more than once, and I wish it hadn’t.
Some people claimed they’d seen casino passengers have accidents rather than leave their slot machine or table game.
Cruise ship casinos are designed to be exciting, but if you’re choosing a machine over basic bodily functions, it may be time to step away.
Also, spare a thought for the crew who have to deal with the aftermath. They deserve medals. And possibly danger pay.
17. Mystery Poop Incidents Around The Ship
And finally, we reach the bottom. Quite literally.
There were multiple stories about passengers finding human waste in places where human waste should absolutely never be – near lifts, in stairwells, and even inside elevators.
This is the kind of cruise story that sounds made up until you’ve read enough of them and realise, with horror, that apparently it happens more than anyone wants to admit.
Accidents can happen, especially with illness or mobility issues, and those situations deserve compassion. But deliberately leaving a mess and walking away? That’s not an accident. That’s a crime against everyone onboard.
Final Word
The good news is that most cruise passengers are perfectly normal, considerate people who wash their hands, use the tongs and don’t turn the lift into a crime scene.
The bad news is that it only takes one person to ruin a buffet, a hot tub, or your faith in humanity.
Cruise ships themselves are usually very clean, and crew work incredibly hard to keep them that way. So maybe the real lesson here is simple: wash your hands, cover your mouth, use the serving utensils, and for the love of all things nautical, don’t change a nappy near the croissants.
Cruisers are a friendly bunch… right up until someone saves six sunbeds with a pair of flip-flops and disappears for three hours.
Spend enough time at sea and you start noticing the little things people do that quietly drive everyone else mad. Some are annoying. Some are baffling. A few should probably be banned altogether, or at least that’s what people will say!
And while nobody likes to admit they complain onboard, cruise passengers can turn almost anything into a heated debate by day three…
1. Chair Hogs at Sunrise
There’s something that’s actually almost impressive about the dedication of cruise chair hogs!
While most passengers are still asleep, these determined early risers are already marching onto the pool deck at dawn, strategically placing towels, books and the occasional lonely flip-flop across an entire row of loungers.
The real frustration isn’t just the saved chairs – it’s that half of them stay empty until lunchtime. Because once they’ve reserved their loungers, those cruisers will nip back to bed, or go enjoy a leisurely breakfast, or even head ashore if the ship’s in port!
Cruise lines constantly threaten crackdowns, but the towel wars continue on practically every sailing. Nothing sparks passive-aggressive muttering faster than watching somebody stroll back to their “reserved” lounger four hours later with zero shame whatsoever.
Cruise ships somehow turn perfectly normal adults into people who abruptly stop in the middle of walkways like they’ve hit an invisible forcefield.
Maybe they’re checking the daily planner. Maybe they’re deciding where to eat. Maybe they’ve spotted a friend three decks away. Whatever the reason, there’s always somebody causing a human traffic jam outside the buffet entrance.
The problem gets even worse on mega ships where thousands of passengers are all trying to move around at once. Suddenly one family stopping side-by-side becomes the maritime version of a motorway pile-up.
Bonus annoyance points if they stop directly outside an elevator. Those guys are awesome…
3. Buffet Queue Jumpers
Cruise buffets can sometimes feel like fascinating social experiments. Most passengers politely shuffle along, waiting their turn for scrambled eggs or roast potatoes. Then there’s always one person who treats the whole thing like supermarket sweep.
Queue jumpers appear from nowhere. They squeeze into tiny gaps. They hover awkwardly beside trays waiting for fresh food to arrive before anyone else can grab it.
And somehow, despite buffet layouts being almost identical across cruise lines, there’s always confusion about where the queue actually starts.
I don’t actually mind a queue-jumper if they’re just nipping in for one or two items. After all, the queue for the bacon my stetch right past the mushrooms, so if you just want mushrooms, go for it. As long as you’re respectful and don’t aggressively push in!
4. Loud Balcony Neighbours
Balconies are supposed to be peaceful little private escapes. But there’s often a decent chance your neighbours will treat theirs like an all-night pub garden.
Some passengers genuinely seem unaware that sound travels incredibly easily between balconies. Conversations, phone calls, music and drunken late-night chats drift straight through the partitions.
Then there are the smokers who technically aren’t supposed to be smoking out there, but somehow think nobody notices. We do notice, though.
The worst offenders are the groups who decide midnight is the perfect time for balcony drinks and storytelling. Lovely for them. Less lovely for the people next door trying to sleep before an early excursion.
Cruise ship elevators bring out survival instincts nobody knew they had.
You’ll wait patiently for several minutes watching full lifts arrive one after another while people inside refuse to move an inch away from the buttons. Then finally one arrives with space for three people… and somehow eight still attempt to squeeze in.
There’s also an unwritten battle over whether to wait or simply take the stairs. On sea days especially, elevators become strangely emotional places.
And somehow there’s always one child repeatedly pressing every single deck button while their parents stare into the middle distance pretending not to notice.
One complaint that is definitely justified though – those people who try to cram into an elevator before letting people get off. Just wait 10 seconds!
6. Theatre Seat Savers
Saving one extra theatre seat for your partner? Fair enough.
Saving twelve seats with cardigans, handbags and cocktails while your entire group finishes dinner elsewhere? Straight to cruise jail.
The pre-show scramble in cruise theatres can get surprisingly intense, especially on newer ships with popular productions, or on ships where the theatres aren’t the biggest. People arrive ridiculously early to claim prime spots, only to defend entire empty rows like security guards.
It becomes even more irritating when late arrivals expect everyone to shuffle around mid-performance so their giant group can sit together. Or worse is when they don’t turn up, leaving the seats empty when others have had to miss out!
Nobody wants to become territorial over seats on holiday. And yet somehow cruise entertainment has a magical ability to turn grown adults feral.
7. Kids Treating the Ship Like a Playground
Most kids onboard are absolutely fine. You barely notice them. Then there are the ones sprinting through corridors at full speed at midnight while slamming cabin doors hard enough to shake neighbouring walls.
Cruise ships naturally give children freedom they don’t usually get at home, which is partly why families love cruising. But occasionally that freedom turns into total chaos while exhausted parents quietly give up trying to intervene. Or they just don’t seem to care at all in the first place.
Stairwells become playgrounds. Elevators become amusement rides. Hot tubs become unofficial swimming lessons.
Nobody expects children to sit silently all cruise long. But there’s definitely a line between “having fun” and “running completely wild across Deck 12”.
8. People Using Speakerphone by the Pool
For reasons science may never fully explain, some cruise passengers genuinely believe the entire pool deck wants to hear their video call.
Maybe it’s a friend back home. Maybe it’s somebody loudly discussing dinner plans. Either way, nobody relaxing beside the pool needs accidental front-row access to someone else’s conversation.
Music played through phone speakers is equally bad. Especially when several people decide to do it at once, creating a strange overlapping soundtrack of dance music, TikTok clips and muffled FaceTime calls.
Cruise ships already have enough background noise without passengers personally contributing to it through terrible phone speakers.
Headphones exist for a reason, people.
9. Unlimited Drink Package Behaviour
Drink packages can absolutely be worth it. Unfortunately they also inspire some truly fascinating behaviour by day two.
Suddenly passengers who barely drink at home become determined to “get their money’s worth” from sunrise cocktails onwards. Pool bars turn chaotic. Frozen drinks appear before breakfast. Somebody always ends up loudly insisting they’re “not even tipsy” while walking sideways.
Most people on a cruise handle drink packages perfectly responsibly. But every cruise has at least a few passengers treating the unlimited cocktails like an Olympic endurance challenge nobody asked for and it does spoil the fun a bit.
10. Cabin Door Slammers
Cruise cabin doors are surprisingly heavy, and this is something everyone discovers approximately once.
And then there’s those handful of passengers who just never seem to learn.
At all hours of the day and night, corridor silence is interrupted by enormous slams echoing deck after deck. Early risers heading for excursions. Late-night wanderers returning from the casino. Families repeatedly entering and exiting adjoining cabins every five minutes.
It’s one of those cruise annoyances that sounds minor until you’re trying to sleep and the cabin opposite appears determined to recreate a SWAT raid at 6am.
The strange part is that people often don’t realise they’re doing it. Meanwhile half the corridor quietly hates them by day four.
11. People Who Never Wash Their Hands
Cruise ships work incredibly hard to keep passengers healthy, which makes it so frustrating when some people completely ignore basic hygiene.
You know how some cruise lines actually pay people to stand outside a buffet and sing songs encouraging people to wash their hands? How have we got to a place where that person is needed?!
And still, some guests will just confidently stroll straight past. Others somehow leave public toilets without touching a sink once.
Then come the buffet horrors – grabbing pastries with bare hands, touching serving utensils after coughing, or letting children treat food stations like interactive exhibits. Yuck!
Nothing destroys your appetite faster than watching somebody sneeze into their hand before reaching for bread rolls. Cruise passengers love complaining about outbreaks onboard, but sometimes fellow guests are part of the problem.
12. Overcrowded Hot Tubs
Hot tubs onboard always look relaxing in promotional photos but there are never enough hot tubs to go around…
On sea days especially, hot tubs become mysteriously overcrowded from morning onwards. Sometimes they’re packed with loud groups clutching cocktails. Sometimes they’ve been unofficially claimed by children cannonballing endlessly while adults hover awkwardly nearby wondering whether to give up entirely.
And there’s always one person sitting directly beside the jets for two straight hours refusing to move. Which is worrying, when they’re often getting drinks.
How are they going to the bathroom? Oh.
13. Last-Minute Pier Runners
Every cruiser secretly loves watching pier runners. Nobody admits it, but it’s true. It’s properly fun.
There’s always a crowd lining upper decks filming late passengers sprinting dramatically toward the ship while security staff wait impatiently nearby.
To be fair, sometimes delays genuinely aren’t passengers’ fault. Traffic happens. Tours overrun. Ferry schedules collapse. But occasionally you can absolutely tell somebody ignored “all aboard” time because they wanted one final cocktail near the beach.
The reason people complain isn’t just the delay – it’s the stress. Nobody wants to wonder whether departure will be held up because someone lost track of time in Cozumel.
Still, everyone watches. And heaven forbid the pier runner acts like they don’t care. That’s when the booing starts!
14. The WiFi Complaints
Cruise WiFi has improved massively over the past few years, yet complaints about it somehow remain completely undefeated.
Guests expect flawless streaming in the middle of the ocean while thousands of other people attempt exactly the same thing simultaneously. Then outrage erupts when Instagram takes three extra seconds to load.
Older cruise internet packages were genuinely terrible, so some frustration is fair. But modern ships now offer speeds that would’ve seemed impossible not long ago.
Of course, that doesn’t stop people angrily testing connection speeds every hour before announcing to Facebook that “the WiFi onboard is unusable” using the very WiFi they claim doesn’t work.
15. People Wearing Swimwear in the Buffet
There’s always debate around cruise dress codes, but most passengers can agree on one thing – nobody really wants to see dripping swimwear beside the pasta station. This is another gross scenario and yet it happens!
Every sailing has at least a handful of guests wandering into the buffet barefoot and soaking wet straight from the pool deck. Sometimes without cover-ups. Occasionally without much else either.
It’s not about formal rules or being overdressed. It’s more the strange combination of wet swimsuits and self-service food areas that feels slightly chaotic. Crew rarely say much unless somebody pushes it too far, so the silent judging falls entirely to fellow passengers trying to enjoy lunch in peace.
16. Cruise Ducks Everywhere
Cruise ducks somehow became one of cruising’s strangest traditions. Some passengers absolutely love hiding tiny rubber ducks around ships for others to find. Families treat it like a floating treasure hunt. Kids get ridiculously excited spotting them tucked beside artwork or hidden near staircases.
Other passengers absolutely cannot stand them. To critics, cruise ducks are clutter. They create mess. They encourage people to crawl around public areas searching behind decorations like detectives in a crime drama.
The funniest part is how seriously both sides take it. Few cruise topics escalate faster online than innocent little rubber ducks mysteriously dividing the entire cruising community into opposing camps.
I’m fine with the duck craze, personally, though I won’t go out of my way to join in.
17. The Buffet Plate Pile-Up
Cruisers often behave very differently around “included” food, as if they’ve never been full before.
Even people who eat modestly at home suddenly return from evening shows carrying towering late-night buffet plates like they’re preparing for hibernation.
There’s always someone balancing pizza, chips, cake, noodles and ice cream simultaneously despite clearly only wanting half of it. Then tables end up abandoned with mountains of untouched food and melting desserts.
Part of it is excitement, just getting giddy at the variety of options available. Partly it’s the weird cruise mentality that encourages people to maximise absolutely everything. You have to get your money’s worth, right?!
Still, watching enormous amounts of wasted food being cleared away night after night can get surprisingly frustrating after a while. Especially when buffet queues are already packed.
Cruise line excursions regularly trigger the exact same conversation onboard.
“Yes, it’s expensive… but what if we miss the ship?”
Passengers know cruise-sponsored tours offer protection and convenience, but that doesn’t stop the sticker shock when prices appear in the planner. Suddenly a simple beach transfer somehow costs the same as a decent restaurant meal back home.
Then there’s the frustration when excursions feel rushed, overcrowded or overly commercialised once you actually arrive.
I use Shore Excursions Group, because their pricing is often much more competitive than the cruise lines’, and they’ll still always get you back to the ship. They have a guarantee – if you miss the ship, they’ll pay for you to meet it at the next port AND give you $1,000pp as an apology. Almost makes me want to miss the ship!
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19. Tender Queue Chaos
Tender ports always sound lovely in theory. Small boats ferrying passengers ashore to picturesque destinations feels wonderfully old-school cruise travel.
Until you’re stuck in a giant queue at 8am holding a numbered ticket while hundreds of equally impatient passengers slowly lose morale around you.
Tendering works reasonably well on smaller ships, but on larger vessels it can become painfully slow. Weather delays make everything worse. Mobility issues complicate things further. And once frustration starts building, the atmosphere changes quickly.
The thing is, you just have to learn to be patient. Trust me, you’ll get plenty of time ashore. Try to let that frustration go!
20. Motion at Sea
Cruise ships are enormous these days, but they still move. That’s generally how boats work.
Even so, every sailing seems to include passengers acting personally betrayed whenever the ocean behaves like… ocean.
OK, on very rare occasions it can be pretty bad…
But on a more typical cruise, even light vibrations become dramatic conversations in elevators. Mild swaying inspires frantic weather Googling. Somebody inevitably declares they “never felt movement like this before” despite cruising annually.
To be fair, seasickness genuinely can ruin trips for some people. But there’s always a difference between understandable discomfort and passengers demanding perfectly still conditions in the middle of the Atlantic.
Cruise lines have mastered the art of selling absolutely everything possible once you step onboard. This varies depending on who you’re sailing with, as some are worse than others, but even on one of the better lines, it’s not always fun to be reminded of extras you’ve not yet paid for.
Speciality dining. Spa packages. Bingo. Art auctions. Photography packages. Premium desserts. VIP seating. Extra attractions. Better drinks. Faster internet. More exclusive sun decks.
Occasionally it feels like you can’t walk ten metres without somebody trying to upgrade something.
Some cruisers genuinely don’t mind it because ignoring sales pitches becomes easy after day one. Others find the constant upselling exhausting, especially when cruises already aren’t cheap holidays to begin with.
The irony is that most people complaining about onboard spending will still somehow return home with a surprisingly large bill anyway.
22. Influencer Photo Shoots
Cruise ships are beautiful places and so naturally people want photos.
But there’s a growing category of passengers turning entire public areas into full-scale social media productions complete with outfit changes, portable lighting and dramatic slow-motion posing.
You’ll spot them blocking staircases, monopolising infinity pools or spending 40 uninterrupted minutes attempting the exact same sailaway shot while everybody awkwardly waits nearby.
Most people taking holiday photos aren’t bothering anyone. It’s the extreme versions that become unintentionally hilarious.
Yes, I’m technically a cruise influencer, and I do use my phone a lot. I usually get up at silly-o’clock in the morning to go film what I need when the ship is dead, so that a) I’m not annoying other guests, and b) it’s easier to film without having people walking in front of my shot. It works so much better.
23. Complaining About the Food… Then Going Back for More
Passengers complain the buffet is repetitive while returning three times daily. They declare desserts disappointing moments before ordering another two. Somebody loudly announces the pizza is “terrible” while actively eating a fourth slice.
Of course, food is subjective and not every meal onboard will be brilliant. But cruise ships feed thousands of people every single day, which is honestly quite impressive when you think about it.
The funniest complainers are usually the ones behaving like unpaid restaurant critics despite clearing every plate entirely.
24. The “Everything Was Better Before” Cruisers
Every cruise has at least one veteran passenger explaining how cruising peaked approximately 15 years ago.
The food used to be better. The service was better. The entertainment was better. Formal nights were better. Passengers were classier. Buffets were quieter. Sunbeds were easier to find. Everything, apparently, has declined dramatically since 2009.
To be fair, some complaints are valid. Cruising absolutely has changed over the years. But certain passengers seem determined to spend entire holidays mourning the golden age of cruising instead of enjoying the one they’re currently on.
Ironically, complaining about modern cruisers has quietly become one of cruising’s most enduring traditions itself.
Cruise ships bring together thousands of people in a floating hotel with unlimited food, limited sunbeds and just enough cocktails to lower everybody’s patience levels slightly by day four. So honestly, it’s impressive things run as smoothly as they do.
Most of these annoyances are harmless, even if they inspire plenty of eye-rolling along the way. And the funny thing is, half the habits people complain about are probably things we’ve all done ourselves at some point – yes, even saving a theatre seat “just for two minutes”.
Still, if you can avoid slamming doors, hogging loungers and blasting TikToks by the pool, your fellow passengers will probably appreciate it.
And if not? At least you’ll give them something to complain about.
Some cruise ships will barely look the same after their 2026 refits.
We’re talking new suite complexes, redesigned pool decks, brand-new restaurants and even entirely new luxury areas being added to older ships.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC and Carnival are all making major changes, but some upgrades are MUCH more exciting than others…
The Most Exciting Cruise Ship Upgrades In 2026
Celebrity Solstice – major bow-to-stern refresh with new venues, redesigned outdoor spaces and upgraded cabins
MSC Poesia – getting MSC Yacht Club plus new restaurants, spa and wellness upgrades
Liberty of the Seas – getting a major Royal Caribbean “Amplification” with new restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces
Harmony of the Seas – large-scale refresh including new dining venues, nightlife spaces and pool deck upgrades
Azamara Quest – new suite categories, refreshed staterooms and redesigned public spaces as part of Azamara Forward
Now, let’s take a look at all of the ship refurbishments in 2026 so you can see if your next cruise will be an upgraded experience…
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice is undergoing one of the most substantial refits of 2026 as part of the Celebrity Renewed programme.
This is a full modernisation, bringing in new venues and reworking existing spaces. Outdoor areas are a major focus, including Sunset Park and an updated Retreat Sundeck, while dining is expanding with options like Trattoria Rossa and Fine Cut steakhouse.
There are also new social spaces such as the Boulevard Bar & Lounge, alongside refreshed entertainment venues and updated staterooms.
It’s a significant transformation that brings Solstice much closer in feel to Celebrity’s newer ships.
Celebrity Beyond heads into dry dock in November 2026 for a much more practical visit.
The focus is on maintenance and resolving technical issues linked to reduced cruising speed, rather than adding new guest-facing features. Given how new the ship is, that’s not especially surprising.
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Infinity completed a minor January 2026 dry dock, centred on routine maintenance and light updates.
There are no major changes to note, and the ship continues with its existing line-up of venues and features.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival has a long list of ships heading into dry dock in 2026, but the scale of changes varies quite a bit. A couple of ships are getting more noticeable additions, while much of the fleet is seeing routine refresh work.
Carnival Conquest
Carnival Conquest has already completed her 2026 dry dock, with a well-rounded mix of updates.
The biggest addition is the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, adding a new social space with a bit more personality. The casino has also been expanded and redesigned, including a non-smoking area – a practical change that’s likely to be popular.
There are also updates to retail areas, Club O2 for teens, and the Warehouse arcade, making it more interactive. It’s not a reinvention, but it’s a solid refresh that keeps the ship feeling current.
Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter’s 2026 wet dock brings a slightly more interesting mix of upgrades.
The Cloud 9 Spa is being revamped with new thermal suite features like saunas, steam rooms and heated loungers, while pool areas are also due a refresh. There are also energy-efficiency improvements happening behind the scenes.
There’s potential for new venues – including a Heroes Tribute Bar or expanded casino – though nothing firmly confirmed. Even so, this looks like one of the more noticeable Carnival updates this year.
Other Carnival Ship Refurbishments in 2026
The rest of Carnival’s 2026 programme leans more towards maintenance and incremental improvements, though there are still a few things worth noting:
Carnival Dream – spring refit focused on maintenance, décor updates and a refreshed Cloud 9 Spa
Carnival Elation – cosmetic updates, water park work, improved connectivity and accessibility tweaks
Carnival Freedom – routine work with possible (but unconfirmed) additions like Guy’s Pig & Anchor and casino expansion
Carnival Legend – maintenance alongside potential new venues such as Bonsai Sushi
Carnival Luminosa – standard upkeep with limited detail so far
Carnival Magic – possible additions like Bonsai Teppanyaki and a Heroes Tribute Bar, though not confirmed
Carnival Pride – typical dry dock with potential venue and casino updates
Carnival Radiance – light-touch updates following a more recent overhaul
Overall, it’s a year of steady upkeep for Carnival rather than major fleet-wide transformation, with just a handful of ships getting more noticeable enhancements.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s 2026 programme is all about its “Amplification” upgrades – large-scale refits that reshape multiple areas of a ship.
Liberty of the Seas is getting a broad upgrade that touches dining, accommodation and public spaces.
New venues include Izumi Teppanyaki, El Loco Fresh and The Lime & Coconut, while the pool deck is being reworked into a more resort-style space. There are also layout changes, with new staterooms added in place of some existing venues.
The casino is expanding, and a Royal Escape Room is being introduced. It’s a wide-ranging update that affects much of the ship.
Harmony of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas is also undergoing a major Amplification, with a strong focus on dining and social spaces.
New additions include Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Samba Grill and The Lime & Coconut, alongside a refreshed pool deck and a significantly expanded casino.
There are also structural changes, with new staterooms being added and some existing venues removed or reduced. It’s a reshaping of the ship rather than a simple refresh.
Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas’ upgrade is slightly more balanced, focusing on dining and nightlife.
New restaurants include Izumi Teppanyaki and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, while the Pesky Parrot and a new live music venue, Sound Cellar, add to the evening atmosphere.
There’s also a refreshed pool deck, expanded casino and additional staterooms. It’s not a complete reinvention, but there’s enough here to noticeably update the experience.
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Windstar Cruises
Wind Class (Wind Star, Wind Surf, Wind Spirit)
Windstar’s “Setting Sails” programme continues across its Wind Class yachts through 2026 and 2027.
This is a phased refurbishment. Earlier work refreshed public areas like lounges, pool decks and dining venues, while the next stage focuses on staterooms. These are being redesigned with new layouts, updated furnishings and improved in-room tech, including interactive TVs.
It’s a gradual modernisation rather than a dramatic overhaul, but across both phases the ships should feel significantly fresher while keeping their small-ship charm.
MSC Cruises
MSC Poesia
MSC Poesia’s March–April 2026 dry dock is one of the more meaningful upgrades in the MSC fleet this year.
The standout addition is the MSC Yacht Club – the line’s “ship within a ship” concept. With 69 suites, a private lounge and sundeck, plus 24-hour butler service, it introduces a much more premium experience that simply didn’t exist on Poesia before.
Elsewhere, there’s a solid set of enhancements rather than a full reinvention. Two new speciality restaurants – a steakhouse and a sushi bar – broaden the dining line-up, while the spa and gym are being refreshed with updated facilities and Technogym equipment. Outdoor areas are also getting some attention, including a new solarium.
Taken together, this is a proper step up. The Yacht Club alone changes the feel of the ship for a slice of guests, while the rest of the updates bring things closer to MSC’s newer standards.
MSC Fantasia’s December 2026 update is far more focused, centring on a redesign of the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant.
The refreshed space leans into a more contemporary look, with darker tones, softer textures and improved lighting. The layout is also shifting slightly to feel more intimate, with design elements that create more privacy between tables.
There’s also a subtle upgrade to the experience itself, including more personalised service touches and closer interaction with the culinary team.
It’s not a headline-grabbing refit, but it keeps Fantasia’s premium spaces feeling current – which matters on a ship that’s been around for a while.
Azamara
Azamara Quest
Azamara Quest is the first ship to undergo the Azamara Forward programme – a wide-ranging refresh that will roll out across the fleet.
Staterooms and suites are being updated with a more contemporary design, while public spaces like the Cabaret Lounge and Sanctum Spa are being reworked. Even smaller details, such as public restrooms, are being upgraded to create a more consistent feel.
Dining is also evolving, with Discoveries Restaurant redesigned and the Atlas Bar concept expanded. A more permanent Chef’s Table space is being introduced too.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of a new Penthouse Deck, bringing new suite categories including Panorama and Grandview Suites.
It’s a thoughtful, top-to-bottom refresh that modernises the experience without losing Azamara’s smaller-ship feel.
Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambience
Ambience completed a three-week refurbishment in January 2026, focusing on refreshing existing spaces.
Cabins and suites now feature updated furniture and additional plug sockets, including USB and USB-C ports. Public areas have been refreshed with new carpets and finishes, while the Green Sea Spa has had a more noticeable makeover.
Behind the scenes, there have been mechanical upgrades and window replacements.
It’s a sensible, practical refit that keeps the ship feeling well maintained without changing the overall experience.
Ventura returned from her February 2026 refit with a wide range of cosmetic updates.
Cabins and suites have been refreshed with new carpets, curtains, lighting and furnishings in warmer tones, while bathrooms and balconies have also been updated. Public areas and corridors follow the same design direction, creating a more cohesive feel.
Key venues have been spruced up too, including the atrium, bars, lounges and restaurants. The Oasis Spa has seen a more notable upgrade, including a new Japanese head spa experience, and the retail area has been modernised.
It’s a classic P&O-style refresh – lots of thoughtful updates that keep the ship feeling fresh without changing what guests already enjoy.
Princess Cruises
Enchanted Princess, Royal Princess & Sky Princess
Princess Cruises has three ships heading into dry dock in 2026, though all are relatively light-touch.
Enchanted Princess (April–May) – routine maintenance and cosmetic refreshes
Royal Princess (late 2026) – upkeep ahead of her Singapore and Australia deployment
Sky Princess (May) – statutory maintenance and minor refurbishment
With all three ships relatively modern, these refits are more about upkeep than transformation.
Holland America Line
Westerdam
Westerdam’s January 2026 dry dock brought a noticeable refresh.
Public spaces have been updated, including enhancements to the Crow’s Nest, and interiors now feel more modern overall. Additional staterooms have also been introduced.
Koningsdam & Rotterdam
Koningsdam (March) and Rotterdam (April) are both undergoing routine dry docks with no major upgrades announced.
For these newer ships, the focus is on maintenance and inspections rather than guest-facing changes.
The Holland America Evolution Programme 2027
Holland America Line has announced plans for a multi-year refurbishment initiative beginning in 2027. It will focus on four Vista-class ships, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Noordam, alongside the Signature-class vessels Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam, as part of a $500 million investment.
Norwegian Sky is set to leave the fleet in 2026 ahead of a transfer to Cordelia Cruises.
In the meantime, the focus remains on routine maintenance rather than refurbishment.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Magic
Disney Magic’s May 2026 dry dock is a short, routine one.
The work focuses on maintenance, inspections and light cosmetic updates such as new carpeting and refreshed lighting. There are no major changes expected, making this a standard upkeep visit.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seven Seas Voyager
Seven Seas Voyager’s spring 2026 refurbishment is a more comprehensive update.
All suites are being refreshed with new furnishings and design details, with more extensive upgrades in higher categories. Public areas are also getting new carpeting and updates.
A new Epicurean Enrichment Studio is being introduced for hands-on culinary experiences, while the Pool Grill is being reworked to include an outdoor pizzeria.
It’s a well-rounded upgrade that brings the ship closer in style to Regent’s newer fleet.
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Final Word
If there’s a theme to 2026, it’s balance.
A handful of ships – particularly in the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity fleets – are going through major transformations that genuinely reshape the onboard experience. MSC Poesia and Azamara Quest also stand out for introducing meaningful new concepts and upgraded accommodation.
Elsewhere, most cruise lines are taking a more measured approach. Routine dry docks, cosmetic refreshes and incremental upgrades dominate, especially for newer ships that don’t yet need anything more dramatic.
That mix makes sense. Not every ship needs a headline-grabbing overhaul, but keeping interiors fresh, adding the occasional new venue and investing behind the scenes all play a role in keeping the experience consistent across the fleet.
Step onboard a cruise ship that’s designed for Asia guests and you’ll notice something feels different almost immediately – and it’s not just the language on the daily programme.
From the way meals stretch late into the evening to the kinds of social spaces that stay busy long after sunset, these ships are designed around habits many western cruise lines barely consider.
Most people assume cruise ships are built to one global template, with only minor tweaks for itinerary. In reality, ships designed for the Asian market often make very deliberate design and programming choices – some obvious, others quietly tucked into deck plans and cabin details.
Some of these features are instantly appealing, others take a bit of adjustment, and a few might genuinely change how you feel about a ship once you’re onboard. And there’s one small detail in particular that tells you more about a ship’s intended audience than almost anything else…
Ships Designed For the Asian Market
Not all cruise ships serving Asia are designed in the same way, and it’s definitely worth knowing which market a ship was originally built for.
The most Asia-focused ships belong to the Dream Cruises brand, but main mainsteam American and European-owned cruise lines also have ships that are marketed almost exclusively for Asian guests.
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas was purpose-built for the Asian market from the outset, while Princess Cruises has taken a more tailored approach: Diamond Princess leans more heavily towards Japanese preferences, whereas Majestic Princess incorporates stronger Chinese influences.
Norwegian Joy is a good reminder that these design choices aren’t fixed – it was originally launched as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Asia-focused ship before being extensively renovated for an American audience.
Cruise lines are still evolving in this space too, with Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure set to become its first ship designed specifically for the Asian market, bringing Disney’s own take on regional cruising preferences.
Cruise Ship Features For The Asian Market
1. Special Dining That Genuinely Reflects Asian Tastes
Cruise ships designed for the Asian market usually treat food as a headline feature, not an afterthought. Rather than adding one token Asian restaurant, these ships build whole dining ecosystems around regional cuisines and eating habits.
Spectrum of the Seas, for example, was designed specifically for Asia and includes venues such as Sichuan Red and a dedicated Noodle Bar, alongside a buffet that places far more emphasis on Chinese dishes than Royal Caribbean’s Western-deployed ships – though still with a lean into world cuisine.
On Genting Dream, dining is similarly central to the onboard experience, with hot pot, Asian specialities and late-night options designed for group dining. These ships recognise that meals are social events, often shared by extended families or groups of friends, and they’re built to accommodate longer, more leisurely dining styles.
For western cruisers, the key difference is that Asian food isn’t “alternative” dining on these ships – it’s mainstream, plentiful and woven into the rhythm of the day.
2. Larger, More Prominent Casinos
While most cruise ships have casinos, Asia-market ships often treat them as a core attraction – and they tend to have more of a focus on table games than slots. Casinos on these ships are noticeably larger and more central than you might expect, with layouts designed to handle high footfall and long playing sessions.
There is also a clear emphasis on VIP gambling areas, reflecting the importance of premium gaming to the Asian cruise market.
Similarly, ships such as Genting Dream position their casinos as flagship venues, closely integrated with nearby bars and late-night dining. The result is an onboard flow that supports social gambling as an evening activity, rather than something you dip into briefly before a show.
Many American cruise ships are now doing similar things with casinos, particularly with a market of cruisers who gamble in order to get perks through casino loyalty programmes.
But there are still differences, especially with the slot-to-table game ratio on the ships.
3. Karaoke Rooms, Often in Private KTV Style
Karaoke is a huge cultural touchstone across much of Asia, and ships designed for this market take it seriously. Ships designed for the Asian market will often host a dedicated karaoke venue where guests can sing throughout the cruise, rather than just on one themed night. The experience is designed to be accessible and social, with constant turnover and a relaxed attitude to participation.
On Majestic Princess, karaoke goes a step further with private karaoke suites that can be booked by small groups.
This mirrors the KTV model popular across East and Southeast Asia, where friends and families sing together in their own space rather than performing in front of strangers.
It’s a subtle but important design difference and can feel surprisingly liberating: no stage fright, no waiting list, just a room, a microphone and a group of people egging each other on. It’s one of the clearest signs that a ship has been designed with Asian social habits in mind.
4. Tea Rooms and a Stronger Tea Culture Onboard
On ships designed for the Asian market, tea is treated as a cultural pillar rather than a background beverage. Instead of tea simply being folded into cafés or afternoon tea service, these ships often feature dedicated tea rooms or lounges focused on high-quality loose-leaf teas and calm socialising.
On Royal Caribbean’s Asia-deployed ships, including Spectrum of the Seas, tea venues are positioned as daytime gathering spaces, appealing to multi-generational groups who may not gravitate towards bars or pool decks. The emphasis is on authenticity, ritual and choice, with menus that go well beyond basic black or green tea.
Disney Adventure, which sails on short cruises out of Singapore, features ‘Bewitching Boba and Brews’, a cafe focusing on fashionable bubble teas.
This approach reflects how tea is consumed across much of Asia: slowly, socially and with intention. It also broadens the onboard social landscape, offering a relaxed alternative to louder venues. For travellers more familiar with coffee-led cruise culture, these tea spaces can feel like a subtle but meaningful shift in how ships accommodate different rhythms of daily life.
5. Smaller Pool Areas and Less Emphasis on Sunbathing
Another noticeable difference on ships designed for Asian markets is the reduced emphasis on large, resort-style pool decks. While pools are still present, they are often smaller relative to the ship’s size, with less space devoted to all-day sunbathing and more allocated to indoor venues.
Some cruisers of Norwegian Joy, a ship originally built for the Asian market but renovated for US guests, have noticed it has a (slightly) smaller pool compared to sister ships.
This reflects different travel habits and itinerary patterns. Many Asian cruises operate on shorter sailings, port-intensive routes, or during seasons when sunbathing isn’t the primary focus.
The weather in Asia is often too hot and humid to be outdoors for long and many people prefer to stay out of direct sunlight. As a result, designers prioritise indoor entertainment, dining and retail venues that remain busy regardless of weather.
Ships like Genting Dream illustrate this balance well, offering pools and outdoor areas without making them the defining feature of the ship. The trade-off is often a livelier indoor atmosphere, particularly in the evenings, with more places for groups to gather, eat and socialise long after sunset.
6. Mahjong Rooms and Dedicated Card Spaces
Mahjong is more than a casual pastime across much of Asia; it’s a deeply social activity that can anchor entire afternoons or evenings. Cruise ships built for this market often reflect that by including dedicated mahjong or card rooms, rather than relying on generic libraries or multi-purpose lounges.
These spaces are designed with long sessions in mind: comfortable seating, appropriate table layouts and a tolerance for noise and animated conversation. On ships such as Genting Dream, mahjong rooms are clearly defined venues, signalling that this is an expected and valued part of the onboard experience.
The inclusion of a mahjong room is a strong indicator of who the ship is really built for. It acknowledges group travel, extended family cruising and social activities that don’t revolve around scheduled entertainment. Even for guests who don’t play, these rooms contribute to the ship’s overall character and sense of cultural specificity.
7. Bidets and Washlets in Cabins and Public Bathrooms
One of the most quietly telling features of Asia-focused deployment is the inclusion of bidets or washlets. On ships operating extensively in Japan and surrounding markets, these are often installed not only in higher-category cabins but also in public restrooms. Diamond Princess is a well-known example, having incorporated bidets as part of its Japan-facing design and refurbishment strategy.
In regions where washlets are standard at home, their absence would be noticeable, so their presence onboard signals a clear understanding of guest expectations. For cruise lines, this is less about luxury and more about normality.
For travellers from regions where bidets are less common, it can feel like an unexpected upgrade. More importantly, it highlights how ships designed for specific markets adapt at a very practical level, right down to the bathroom fixtures, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all global template.
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Final Word
Cruise ships designed for the Asian market aren’t better or worse – they’re just built around different assumptions about how people actually spend their time onboard.
Food is social and central, evenings run late, group activities matter, and quiet comforts are designed in rather than added as upgrades. And maybe that sounds like how you cruise anyway? If so, maybe you’d love an Asian cruise ship even more!
For some travellers, these ships will feel instantly intuitive. For others, they can be a fascinating culture shift, where karaoke rooms replace piano bars and tea lounges rival cocktail venues for popularity. Even details like pool layouts or bathroom fittings start to make sense once you view the ship through that lens.
The key takeaway is that cruise ships aren’t as universal as they look in marketing photos. If you know what a ship was designed for – and who it was designed for – you’re far more likely to enjoy it. And you might even discover a few features you didn’t know you’d been missing.
Cruises are sold as the ultimate stress-free holiday, so why do so many people come home quietly seething about towels, elevators and hot tubs?
I started noticing the same complaints popping up again and again on my Facebook page, so I did what any curious cruiser would do and dug deeper. After reading through thousands of comments from real passengers, some clear patterns emerged and a few of them genuinely surprised me.
From the obvious annoyances everyone expects to the ones nobody warns you about, these are the cruise pet peeves people feel most strongly about.
And yes, there’s one that causes far more arguments than you’d ever imagine.
1. Pool chair hogging and towel reserving
If cruising had an unofficial sport, pool chair hogging would win gold every time.
Towels appear at dawn like clockwork, sometimes draped across multiple loungers, yet the owners are nowhere to be seen for hours. People talk about families reserving prime spots then vanishing off to breakfast, the spa or even back to bed.
It’s not just about the chairs, it’s the entitlement that comes with them. Nobody wants to play towel police on holiday. It’s consistently the top pet peeve because it feels selfish, unnecessary and easily solved with a bit of basic consideration.
Cruise lines are trying to crack down on it – but I don’t think it’ll ever completely stop.
Hot tubs are meant for soaking and relaxing, not turning into splash zones.
A huge number of cruisers complain about kids using them like swimming pools, jumping, splashing and dominating the space while parents look the other way. Most people aren’t anti kids, they’re anti chaos.
Health and safety concerns come up a lot too, especially when rules are clearly posted and ignored. When a small hot tub gets taken over, it stops being enjoyable for anyone else. This one always sparks debate, but it’s easily one of the most passionately mentioned cruise annoyances.
I don’t mind kids in the hot tubs – I let mine use them but I know they’ll behave. What do you think?
Elevators seem to make otherwise polite people forget all social rules.
Common grumbles include people barging in before others can get out, queue jumpers, cramming in when it’s clearly full and repeatedly hammering the close door button before people have the chance to get in.
Personally, I also can’t stand it when people say “let’s go up to go down, it will be faster” during busy periods. While it may be faster for them, it makes it slower for everyone else. That’s just selfish.
Those using wheelchairs or scooters often feel completely ignored, watching lift after lift fill up in front of them. The confined space only makes tempers flare faster, especially at busy times.
For many cruisers, poor lift manners aren’t just annoying, they feel like a basic lack of courtesy that shouldn’t be hard to fix.
4. Unsupervised or unruly kids around the ship
Kids racing down corridors at midnight, shouting outside cabins and roaming the ship late at night without parents nearby comes up again and again.
Most passengers make it clear they don’t hate kids, they just want some peace. Late night noise is especially unpopular, particularly with people who’ve paid good money to relax.
Several stories mention kids doing genuinely unsafe things while parents are nowhere to be seen. Cruise ships aren’t lawless playgrounds, yet some adults treat them that way. A bit of supervision would solve a lot of this frustration.
There are few sounds more jarring on a ship than a cabin door being slammed shut.
Because the doors are heavy, the noise echoes and can shake nearby cabins. Balcony doors are even worse, especially early in the morning or late at night.
Many cruisers point out how easy it is to hold the door and let it close gently.
When it happens repeatedly, it feels careless rather than accidental. For light sleepers, this can genuinely ruin nights of rest, making it one of the most commonly mentioned noise-related complaints.
6. Blocking walkways and entrances
Stopping dead in the middle of a busy walkway seems to be a universal cruise habit. Groups gather for chats, families block corridors and people step out of elevators only to freeze while deciding where to go. The result is congestion, near collisions and rising irritation.
On ships where space is already tight, poor awareness stands out even more.
Most people don’t mind slow walkers or those needing breaks, but stopping without stepping aside drives others mad. It’s less about impatience and more about keeping things moving for everyone.
7. Buffet chaos and lack of flow
The buffet brings out strong feelings, especially at peak times. Complaints include line cutting, people walking the wrong way, hovering indecisively and general crowding that feels unnecessary.
Some describe it as more of a stampede than a dining area. Ignoring signs or basic flow rules only adds to the stress.
For somewhere meant to be convenient and relaxed, it can quickly become one of the most stressful spots on the ship.
Part of this is down to the design of the buffet. For example, if you just want to grab a boiled egg, you may be expected to join long queue past the bacon and sausages. Should you be able to just nip in for the egg? Nobody is sure.
8. Poor hygiene around food and bathrooms
Nothing puts people off quicker than watching someone skip handwashing and head straight to the buffet.
Many ships have ‘washy washy people’ who enforce handwashing. But on those ships that don’t, walking straight past the sinks is sadly becoming more common as people forget what it was like in stricter, more hygenic times.
Lack of hygiene is a huge concern, with repeated mentions of people coughing, sneezing or touching food before putting it back.
On a ship where illnesses can spread fast, this feels especially risky. Some cruisers say they actively avoid buffets after seeing questionable behaviour.
The frustration isn’t just about squeamishness, it’s about shared responsibility. Better habits and a bit of enforcement would make dining areas feel safer and far more pleasant.
Smoke has a way of travelling, especially at sea. Complaints include cigarette smoke drifting onto balconies, people vaping around pools and being forced to walk through smoky casino areas.
Even non smokers who accept designated areas get annoyed when rules aren’t followed. Lingering smells in corridors or cabins can ruin otherwise lovely spaces.
Many feel the issue is poor enforcement or bad ship design. People simply want to enjoy fresh air and shared spaces without inhaling someone else’s habit.
Few things irritate cruisers faster than someone using speakerphone in a shared space.
FaceTime calls in dining areas, loud personal conversations by the pool and kids blasting videos without headphones all come up repeatedly. It feels intrusive, especially when you’re trying to relax.
People often mention feeling trapped, forced to move rather than confront it.
The annoyance comes from the assumption that everyone else wants to hear it. Headphones exist for a reason, and many cruisers feel using them should be the norm, not the exception.
11. Dirty dishes left around the ship
Plates, glasses and trays left in hallways, lifts and stairwells are another surprisingly common gripe.
Aside from looking messy, they can smell and create obstacles, particularly for anyone with mobility issues.
Some passengers aren’t sure what they’re meant to do, while others just assume staff will handle it. Fellow cruisers see it as disrespectful to both crew and other guests.
While rules vary by cruise line, the frustration comes from seeing mess pile up in shared spaces when it really doesn’t need to.
12. Scooters and mobility tensions
Mobility aids themselves aren’t the issue, behaviour is. Some cruisers feel cut off by scooters pushing ahead in queues or charging out of elevators.
Others who actually need wheelchairs describe being completely ignored or blocked by standing passengers. There’s also debate around perceived misuse, which quickly gets heated.
At heart, this is about patience and empathy on all sides. On crowded ships, small moments of courtesy make a big difference. When space is limited, awareness and kindness matter more than ever.
13. Seat and table saving beyond the pool
It’s not just sun loungers. Theatre seats blocked hours in advance, buffet tables held during peak times and one person reserving space for a whole group all annoy fellow passengers.
This often leaves others wandering with trays or missing out on shows altogether. Planning ahead is one thing, but excessive reserving feels unfair.
When space is limited, first come, first served feels like the fairest system. Many cruisers would happily wait their turn if they knew everyone else was playing by the same rules.
14. Overcrowded pools and hot tubs
Even without bad behaviour, pools and hot tubs can feel uncomfortably busy.
Sea days in particular see every splash of water filled to capacity. People mention feeling squeezed, overheated and unable to relax. Hot tubs packed shoulder to shoulder lose their appeal fast, especially when the same people stay in them all afternoon.
Some cruisers simply stop trying and avoid these areas altogether. The frustration is less about people and more about poor capacity management in spaces designed for relaxation.
15. Late night noise in corridors and cabins
Ships never fully sleep, but passengers do. Loud conversations, shouting, arguments and door slamming after nights out are a frequent complaint.
Noise travels easily through corridors and thin walls don’t help. Several people mention having to call guest services just to get some peace.
Most understand others are on holiday too, but there’s an expectation of quieter behaviour late at night. Broken sleep is one of the quickest ways to sour a cruise, especially when it feels avoidable.
16. Dress code frustrations
Dress codes divide opinion, but many cruisers feel standards have slipped too far.
Common complaints focus on beachwear, swimwear or ultra casual outfits in main dining rooms. Others miss the sense of occasion that evening meals used to have.
It’s rarely about wanting formality, more about atmosphere. Dining is a shared experience, and some feel dressing appropriately shows respect for the space and other guests.
For those who enjoy making an effort, seeing guidelines ignored can be disappointing rather than inclusive.
17. Food waste and unpleasant dining habits
Food waste at the buffet bothers a lot of people, especially when plates are piled high and left half eaten. Others mention habits like blowing noses at tables or touching food directly.
These behaviours feel unnecessary and inconsiderate in shared dining spaces.
Sampling is part of buffet life, but excess feels wasteful. For some, watching it happen repeatedly takes the enjoyment out of meals. Dining should be relaxed and pleasant, not an exercise in tolerance.
18. Cabin announcements at awkward times
Being woken up by loud announcements while enjoying a lie in is a surprisingly common irritation.
Night owls and late sleepers often mention early morning messages broadcast straight into cabins. While announcements are sometimes necessary, many feel the timing could be better handled.
Being jolted awake on holiday feels especially unwelcome. It’s not the information that annoys people, it’s when and how it’s delivered.
19. Embarkation and debarkation stress
Getting on and off the ship is rarely anyone’s favourite part of cruising.
Complaints focus on long waits, ignored time slots, crowding and lift chaos. Debarkation day in particular brings out impatience as everyone wants to leave quickly. When passengers ignore instructions, it creates delays for everyone else.
While logistics play a big role, many cruisers feel a bit more cooperation would make the whole process far smoother and far less stressful.
20. Nickel and diming onboard
Extra charges frustrate many cruisers, from drink limits to paid add-ons that appear everywhere onboard. Some feel constantly sold to once they’ve embarked.
Others argue over what all inclusive really means. The irritation usually comes from mismatched expectations rather than the prices themselves.
When costs feel unclear or sneaky, enjoyment suffers. Most people accept cruising is a business, they just don’t want to feel like their holiday is being itemised at every turn.
21. Bar service issues
Slow bar service can test even the calmest cruiser. Long queues, being overlooked and not enough staff in busy areas come up repeatedly.
When drink packages are involved, frustration builds quickly if access feels restricted. Some mention staff chatting while guests wait, which never helps.
On a holiday where drinks are part of the fun, delays feel magnified. A smooth bar experience can make or break the vibe of a sea day.
22. Cruise bragging and social one-upmanship
Cruise conversations sometimes turn competitive. Constant mentions of how many cruises someone’s done, how much they spent or what they’ve booked next can wear thin fast.
Many people just want to enjoy the moment, not compare statistics. The irritation comes from feeling trapped in boastful conversations rather than friendly ones.
Sharing experiences is great, but constant one-upmanship quickly becomes exhausting, especially when nobody asked.
23. Complaining as a pet peeve itself
One of the more amusing themes is people saying their biggest pet peeve is… other people’s pet peeves. Some cruisers believe you can always find something wrong if you look hard enough.
Their view is that you can usually walk away and enjoy your holiday anyway. Others push back, pointing out that basic courtesy still matters.
It adds an interesting layer to the discussion and highlights the balance between reasonable expectations and choosing what’s worth letting go.
24. Smaller recurring annoyances
Beyond the big issues, there’s a long list of smaller but familiar grumbles. Kids pressing every elevator button, strollers blocking hallways, balcony lights left on all night, photographers interrupting dinner and missing amenities all pop up repeatedly.
On their own, they’re minor. Together, they paint a realistic picture of life on a busy ship. They’re the kind of annoyances that make people roll their eyes, laugh and say “classic cruise” rather than completely lose their patience.
Final Word
Wow. If you’d never cruised before, it would sound like a nightmare based on all of that, wouldn’t it?
The good thing is we know that these are, in the most part, minor gripes.
Reading through the comments, one thing is clear. Most cruise pet peeves come down to the same simple issue: courtesy. A little awareness, patience and consideration would wipe out a surprising number of these frustrations.
That said, part of cruising is sharing space with lots of other people, quirks and all. You can either let the small stuff ruin your holiday or laugh, move on and order another drink.
Finding a free sun lounger on a busy sea day can feel like a bit of a lottery – and it’s not because there aren’t enough of them.
It’s the ones that sit empty for hours, “claimed” with a towel, a book, or a lonely flip-flop, while their owners are nowhere to be seen.
Now, several major cruise lines are reportedly trialling a new digital reservation system designed to tackle the issue head-on.
At first glance, it sounds like a simple fix. But once you dig into the details – including paid “premium” spots, no-show penalties, and even the possibility of expanding it beyond loungers – it starts to feel a bit different…
How The System Would Work Onboard
The idea is surprisingly simple.
Guests would use the cruise line’s app to join a daily list for sun loungers, selecting their preferred deck or area. Then, at around 6am each morning, allocations are released.
Crew would go around placing name cards on assigned loungers, effectively reserving them for each guest before the pool decks get busy.
There’d also be a short grace period to claim your spot, with notifications sent through the app to let you know when your lounger is ready – so you knew that you could head to your spot and start relaxing for the day.
What sounds straightforward on paper, though, comes with a few added layers once you look a bit closer.
Aim To End Towel Reservations – But Not Without Trade-Offs
If you’ve ever wandered around the pool deck wondering how every lounger can be “taken” but half of them are empty, you’ll know exactly why this is being introduced.
Unofficial reserving has been a long-standing frustration on cruise ships. Despite policies against it, it still happens – and it’s often the cause of those quiet, simmering tensions between guests.
At the minute, crew are having their time taken up by monitoring loungers and removing the belongings of guests who have left them unattended for too long.
However, this still leads to awkward conversations when cruisers confront crew over their missing belongings, and it’s not always possible for crew to actively monitor all loungers, meaning some guests are left frustrated they can’t get a lounger.
This proposed reservation system doesn’t try to stop reservations altogether. Instead, it brings them out into the open and puts some structure around them.
A Digital Queue With Limited Daily Allocations
Of course, there are a few rules.
Guests would only be able to reserve one lounger per person, and bookings reset each day. You wouldn’t be able to lock in the same spot for the entire cruise.
Availability would also be capped depending on demand, particularly on sea days when deck space is at its busiest.
In other words, it’s still first come, first served – just in a much more organised way.
At least, in theory.
Not All Loungers Will Be Equal
One detail that’s already raised a few eyebrows is how different areas are being categorised.
Loungers directly by the main pool, shaded spots, and quieter deck areas would all be treated slightly differently within the system.
So while you might secure a lounger, where it actually is could vary quite a bit depending on availability.
Option To Reserve ‘Premium’ Locations
And yes, there’s a twist.
Some of those more desirable spots – think prime poolside positions or guaranteed shade – could come with a small additional daily charge.
It’s expected to work in a similar way to other onboard extras, giving guests the option to pay a little more for a guaranteed location.
It isn’t expected to be anywhere near the daily costs that some cruise lines charge for reserving things like sun beds, but early estimates suggest a cost of around $5-10 if you want to pick a lounger in one of the top spots.
It’s likely that guests could still be allocated a premium lounger without paying the fee, but only once those who’ve paid the fee are given priority.
Keeping Groups Together – Within Reason
Travelling with family or friends? The system would try to keep everyone in your cabin booking within the same general area.
But during peak times, cruise lines are suggesting that they wouldn’t be able to guarantee loungers right next to each other, due to the additional complexities this would add to the booking system.
So you might all be on the same deck… just not necessarily side by side. In theory, with a lounger at least guaranteed, you could then look to swap with others in the area to get your party sat together.
What Happens If You Don’t Turn Up
This is where things start to get a bit stricter.
If you don’t claim your lounger within a set window – expected to be by 10 am at the latest – it would be released back into the system for someone else to use.
And in some cases, a no-show fee could be added to your onboard account. There are no indications yet of how much this fee would be.
But, cruise lines are keen to make sure that people don’t abuse the system and reserve loungers they aren’t intending to use – which, in a way, is what’s causing the issues guests already have with loungers onboard.
Repeat No-Shows Could Lead To Restrictions
Miss your slot more than once, and you might find yourself locked out of the system altogether.
Cruise lines are reportedly considering temporary restrictions for guests who repeatedly reserve loungers without using them, stopping them from reserving loungers.
It’s not expected that these limitations would apply to other parts of the ship experience, yet.
Could This Expand Beyond Sun Loungers?
If trials prove successful, this might not stop at the pool deck.
There’s already talk of similar systems being explored for other high-demand areas onboard – including theatre seating and even hot tub time slots.
Hot tubs in particular are a particular gripe for many cruisers, due to overcrowding or to children using them.
The issue of kids using hot tubs is a controversial one, but if the lounger reservation system rolls out, then we could be looking at allocated hot tub sessions, including some designated as being family-friendly.
Which would certainly change the feel of a sea day…
Before You Start Setting Your Alarm…
As convincing as all this sounds, there’s one small detail worth mentioning.
It’s not real.
Well, not yet anyway.
April Fool’s.
Would You Actually Want This?
Jokes aside, the frustration behind this is very real.
Empty loungers being “reserved” for hours isn’t going away anytime soon, and cruise lines are clearly still trying to find ways to manage it.
So while a fully digital reservation system might not be on the horizon just yet… would you actually be that against it?
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Other Cruise April Fools For 2026
Carnival’s Hidden Speakeasy
Carnival are always one of the cruise lines that love a good April Fool’s joke – to the point that they’ll start teasing it a day early! (They do go to a fair amount of effort, so you can hardly blame them).
In 2026 they teased the news of a secret bar in a very special location…
Shhh… Can you keep a secret? Rumor has it there’s something special in the funnel. 🤐 pic.twitter.com/qd10eu5UYZ
Cruise ships are floating holiday resorts and wonderfully lively places to be. But even the most sociable traveller sometimes needs a moment of calm.
Luckily, most ships have a handful of tucked-away locations that many passengers never stumble upon.
These secret sanctuaries are perfect for reading a book or watching the sea roll by when everything gets too people-y.
1. Helicopter Pad
If your ship has a helicopter landing area, it is often open to passengers when not in use.
You may need to find your way through a quiet set of doors at the bow, and sometimes it is only accessible during daytime hours.
But if you manage to locate it, you are rewarded with uncrowded views straight out to sea and a refreshing breeze. It is a brilliant spot to watch sailaways, take photos, or just enjoy the ship slicing through the waves in peaceful isolation.
Pronounced “fo’c’sle”, this is the area at the very front of the ship, sometimes separate from the helicopter pad.
Not every cruise line allows guest access, as this area is often used as the outdoor area for crew members and you may see a crew pool or hit tub here.
However, if yours is open for guests, you can often find benches and railings perfect for Titanic-style sea-gazing, minus the soundtrack.
The gentle hum of the ship at work and the occasional spray of salty mist remind you that you are on a real ocean adventure. It feels like a private spot where only the most inquisitive wanderers arrive.
Be aware though, the forecastle is the windiest spot on the ship. It will be closed in bad weather, and even if it is open, I’d advise taking a hair bobble and definitely no hat!
3. Highest Deck
Many passengers stop at the pool deck and assume it is the top. In fact, there is often a small additional deck above, accessed by a discreet stairwell.
If ever you can’t find a sunlounger, then keep heading upwards and you’re almost certianly sure to find one here. Yes, it may be quite a walk from the pool, and there’s also a chance of encountering some soot from the funnel, but it’s also one of the quietest sunbathing spots on any ship.
The back of the ship is home to some of the most soothing views around, with the wake trailing behind in a never-ending ribbon of white foam.
While aft pools and lounges can be busy, head down if you can and look for small outdoor decks tucked just below or above the main action.
Aft balconies are among the most coveted cabins for a reason, and public areas back here absorb fewer people. Sometimes you’ll even find comfy loungers with the best views on the ship. It is peaceful, hypnotic, and a perfect setting to enjoy a quiet drink with nothing but ocean behind you.
Even if you don’t fancy a massage or hot stone treatment, it may be worth checking whether your ship’s spa offers complimentary or low-cost relaxation spaces.
These can include heated ceramic loungers, calming dark rooms with soft music, or panoramic windows looking out to sea.
Some ships have thermal suites that require a pass, but they are still far quieter than the main decks. It feels like stepping into another world, where the loudest sound is someone gently drifting into a nap.
The promenade deck wraps around the ship and is a classic escape for those who love sea breezes and movement, yet many people forget it exists at all!
Despite being a large space, it rarely fills up, especially near the bow or on the shady side. Bring a book, lean on the rail, or take a slow stroll while listening to the ocean rushing past. Many promenade decks also have games like shuffleboard or double up as a running track.
Many ships even place loungers out here, creating the perfect low-key sunbathing spot. While others chase the poolside soundtrack, you can enjoy the sound of actual waves.
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7. VIP Areas
Many cruise lines reserve some areas of the ship only for VIPs. These are usually guests staying in suites, or those in the highest levels of the loyalty programme (the ones who have cruised many times before).
However, may guests who are entitled to use these areas forget that they exist at all. So if you do splah out on a suite for your cruise, remember that the extra space in your accommodation is just part of the deal.
Be sure to look out for the suite lounge, a dedicated suite restaurant, or a VIP sun deck to make sure that you get the most out of the perks that you paid for.
8. Crow’s Nest
Older ships often have a crow’s nest lounge up forward on a high deck. It may go by different names, but the idea remains the same: huge windows, elevated views, and usually fewer visitors than the main bars.
During the day it can be a haven for readers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys watching the world go by without loud music or crowds.
After dark, many are transformed into more social spaces, so visit early to enjoy the quiet charm.
Also, if you’re cruising on a tall sailing ship – something like those offered by Star Clippers -there might be an actual Crow’s Nest area, although you’ll have to climb the rigging to get there!
9. Library And Card Room
Libraries are classic cruise hideaways, designed for the calm-seeking traveller. They provide comfy chairs, hushed voices, and sometimes even a decent selection of novels and board games.
Card rooms serve a similar purpose, especially on ships that have downsized their libraries over the years.
These spaces are often overlooked because the biggest entertainment happens elsewhere. Whether you are plotting to conquer a crossword or conquering a new thriller, you can count on a bit of peace.
10. Nightclub During The Day
The nightclub might be the loudest venue on board at night, but in the daytime, nobody ever goes there. Most ships keep the doors open, allowing you to wander in for a feel of the space.
If you like cool temperatures, comfy seating, and complete quiet, this is a dream. It is like having your own exclusive VIP lounge, minus the sweaty dancing and questionable DJ remixes.
A word of warning though – it can sometimes smells like stale beer, depending on how good they are at cleaning the carpets.
11. Teen Club (Sometimes Open to All at Certain Times)
Teen zones are normally off-limits. However, some ships open them up during daytime hours when the young crowd is elsewhere. These spaces are designed for chilling out, with gaming chairs, sofas, and sometimes top-notch forward views.
If you spot the doors open, don’t feel shy about popping in. You might find one of the most comfortable and strangely peaceful lounges onboard. Alternatively, you may end up playing Mario Kart on the Xbox. Either way, it’s worth a lopok.
12. The Pool In The Evening
The pool isn’t exactly hidden, but you’d be surprised how many people head indoors at 6pm and never venture outside again until the morning!
Staying by the pool after dark can be a great idea, particularly during warmer weather.
You’ll have plenty of space to swim, hot tubs to yourself, and many ships even offer movies on the top deck. If it’s chilly, they may place blankets out that you can snuggle under while you eat your popcorn.
Many poolside bars stay open after dark too, offering a quieter and more romantic spot to enjoy your evening cocktail.
13. The Back Of The Buffet
The buffet can be one of the busiest places on a cruise ship. Yet many guests often don’t realise that there may be an extra outdoor seating area, right at the back.
If the weather isn’t too warm, you may think that sitting outside for breakfast isn’t really an option. However, due to the sheltered location at the aft, the outside area of the buffet can be a real sun trap.
Some ships also have patio heaters here, making it a real hidden gem.
And even between meals when the buffet isn’t serving food, this can be a great place to sit and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee while admiring the wake views.
14. The Dog Toilet
Cruise ships allow service animals such as guide dogs onboard, and you may never have considered where they do their business.
The answer is that there will be a service animal relief area somewhere outside. If your ship has a promenade deck then you may see it tucked out of the way, or it may only be accessiblt to those in the know through a secret door.
Dog toilets on cruise ships have a patch of fake grass, a trash bin for the waste, and usually either a small sink or some hand sanitiser for the owner.
Here’s a place that I hope you never see on a cruise ship – the brig. That’s the name for the onboard jail.
When crimes are committed at sea, the onboard security officers may have to detain guests while investigations take place or until they can be disembarked at the next port. Some cruise ships have specialised facilities to hold them in.
Not all cruise ships have brigs though. As they’re used so rarely, guests may be confined to their cabins instead, with a security officer placed outside. Balcony door handles can be removed to prevent access to balconies when needed.
16. The Morgue
Another place where you definitley never want to end up on a cruise ship is the morgue.
Given that so many people take cruises each yeat, and that many of them fit into an older age demographic, deaths onboard are inevitable. When that happens, bodies must be stored until its time for them to be disembarked.
Cruise ship morgues usually have space for four to eight guests, depening on the size of the ship. If the morgue is full, other spaces such as food storage freezers may be used instead.
A cruise holiday is full of excitement, but it is the quiet moments that often become the most memorable.
Whether you discover a rarely visited nook at the bow, a shady lounger on the promenade deck or simply decide that your balcony is the best seat in the house, there is always somewhere to escape for a breather.
So, take a little time to explore beyond the obvious. Your perfect peaceful spot may be just a deck or two away.
2025 was quite the year in cruise – some amazing new ships, some incredible announcements about upcoming destinations… There’s certainly plenty of good to look back on.
But, equally, there was plenty of cruise news that wasn’t quite as positive. Tragedies, scandals, controversies – there wasn’t ever really a quiet month!
Here’s a look back at the biggest cruise news stories of 2025. Which do you remember, which did you miss that have shocked you now, and which would you rather forget?
January
World’s Biggest Cruise Ship Sees Popularity Plummet
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas celebrated her first year at sea in January 2025, but review data at the time showed a surprising shift in guest sentiment. Expected to be a fleet favourite, her ranking amongst cruise ships fell sharply in her debut year…
Carnival Adjusts Minor Guest Policy In Potential Crackdown
Carnival quietly tightened its minor guest policy, introducing stricter rules on where under-21s could stay onboard. The changes reshaped family cabin bookings and sparked plenty of debate among passengers. Behind the safety message, some questioned what really drove the update and how it would be enforced at sea….
Carnival Reinforces Rules on Gambling on Cruise Ships
Carnival Cruise Line doubled down on its ban of cash games outside the casino after guests asked if games like Left-Center-Right could be played for money. What sounded like a harmless bit of fun turned into a hot topic, with many cruisers surprised by how strict the rules are and how closely they’re enforced.
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February
Cruise Passengers Allege Mistreatment Following Balcony Fire
A quick weekend cruise turned tense when a balcony fire broke out on Carnival Glory, filling a cabin with smoke and leaving guests badly shaken. Although the flames were brought under control, the real controversy came afterwards, as the passengers claimed they were mistreated by crew during the investigation. Their side of the story raised even more questions.
Carnival Cruise Passenger’s Booking Mysteriously Cancelled – With a Shocking Twist
A couple’s dream cruise nearly fell apart when their booking vanished without warning and a surprise refund hit their bank account. What first looked like a tech glitch turned into a much stranger story involving unexpected access to their account. The twist behind who cancelled the trip left cruisers stunned.
Some Sky Princess guests were left shocked after their future cruises were completely transformed, swapping warm, sun-soaked itineraries for dramatically different routes. What was meant to be one type of holiday suddenly became something else entirely, leaving passengers scrambling to reassess their plans and question why such sweeping changes were made.
March
Cruise Line Abandons Port – Entire Season Cancelled
Cruisers who thought they’d locked in bargain sailings were caught off guard when Princess Cruises quietly wiped out a run of future voyages. Planned trips disappeared overnight, throwing holiday plans into doubt. With no clear answers at first, guests were left wondering what sparked the sudden pullback and where those ships might be heading instead.
Pirate Alert Issued Onboard Cunard’s Queen Anne
Guests aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne were caught off guard when the captain announced extra security while sailing through a region known for piracy. Lights were dimmed, decks were closed, and passengers were given quiet instructions on what to do if something happened…
Tragic Incident Leaves Cruise Passengers Injured Including Four Critical
A routine sightseeing trip for cruise passengers in Barcelona turned into a chaotic emergency after a serious bus collision near one of the city’s most famous landmarks. What started as a simple shore excursion quickly made international headlines, with questions now being raised about tourist safety and mounting pressure on cruise visits to the city.
Terrifying Ordeal As Cruise Excursion Boat Capsizes With 38 Passengers Onboard
What started as a simple island excursion off Cartagena turned into a heart-stopping moment when a small boat carrying cruise passengers suddenly capsized at sea. Dramatic footage showed guests in the water as nearby vessels rushed to help. The incident raised fresh questions about shore excursion safety and how closely operators are monitored.
April
British Couple Travels 10,000+ Miles Only To Be Denied Boarding Over Minor Passport Issue
A British couple’s dream cruise ended before it began when a seemingly tiny passport flaw stopped one of them from boarding in Sydney. After travelling halfway around the world, they were turned away at the terminal, sparking debate over how strict cruise and border rules really are and what counts as “too damaged” to travel…
Passenger Arrested After Violent Assault Aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise
A holiday at sea took a dark turn when a dispute in an elevator erupted into a shocking act of violence aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. What began as a minor disagreement quickly spiralled, leaving one passenger seriously injured and the incident raising fresh concerns about passenger behaviour and safety on busy ships.
Cruise Destination Removed From Schedules AGAIN Due To Unrest
Royal Caribbean pulled Labadee from several itineraries, surprising guests who were expecting to visit the private resort. Ships were rerouted to other Caribbean ports, and the sudden switch sparked speculation about what’s happening behind the scenes. With more sailings likely affected, many cruisers were left watching closely for what comes next.
It’s worth noting that, despite being returned to cruise schedules later in 2025, it has been pulled again over concerns…
May
Beloved Cruise Captain Dies Overnight On Asia Cruise
Passengers aboard Diamond Princess were shaken after a late-night medical announcement was revealed to involve the ship’s own captain. What began as a routine port call turned into a deeply emotional voyage, as guests and crew were faced with an unexpected loss at sea and a story that resonated far beyond the ship.
The Infamous ‘Poop Cruise’ Revisited In Popular Documentary Series
Netflix dove back into one of cruising’s most infamous disasters with a new documentary on the notorious “Poop Cruise”. The episode promised behind-the-scenes stories from passengers and crew who lived through the nightmare, going beyond the headlines to reveal what it was really like when everything went disastrously wrong at sea.
Not A Perfect Day As Fight Breaks Out On Cruise Private Island
A relaxing day at CocoCay took a shockingly ugly turn when a confrontation in the water erupted into a full-blown fight. What started as a dispute over space near private cabanas quickly escalated, leaving guests stunned and sparking heated debate online about entitlement, boundaries, and cruise shore behaviour.
College Graduate Critically Injured On Bahamas Cruise Excursion
A dream cruise celebration turned into a nightmare after a young passenger suffered devastating injuries in a ferry accident near Nassau. What exactly happened to cause the incident still remains unclear, as the passenger deals with the aftermath of the life-changing excursion.
Chaos As Ship Breaks Away From Moorings Sending Guests Into The Water
Strong winds in Sicily turned a routine port stop into chaos when Norwegian Epic broke free from the dock, sending debris flying and knocking passengers into the harbour. What unfolded in Catania quickly became one of the most dramatic port incidents of the year, with frightened guests and serious questions raised about dock safety.
June
Cruise Critics BANNED from 93 Ships After Negative Reviews
Two well-known cruise reviewers were suddenly banned from sailing with every brand in the Carnival group, leaving the cruising community stunned. After years of giving honest opinions, they found themselves completely blacklisted. The reasons were vague, the fallout was huge, and the industry debate that followed was even bigger.
Carnival Completely Overhauls Loyalty Program With Immediate Backlash
Well, this one certainly caused some waves, no pun intended. After teasing an announcement for months, Carnival unveiled a new loyalty program called Carnival Rewards – and broadly speaking, Carnival’s fanbase hated it. There have been several changes announced since, but a lot of the damage has been done.
Royal Caribbean’s Latest Overbooked Ship Offer
Royal Caribbean went through a strange period this year of having several overbooked sailings – meaning very generous offers being made to passengers in a bid to get them to delay or cancel their cruises. If you didn’t mind cancelling last minute, you could get a serious financial win…
Cruise Cancelled Following Fire Onboard
Guests aboard MSC Orchestra faced an anxious night after a technical fire triggered a ship-wide power failure, leaving them without lights, services, or clear answers for hours. The situation forced major itinerary changes and cancellations, with travellers caught in limbo as the ship was taken out of service for urgent inspections.
July
Celebrity Cruises Cancels Sailing The Night Before Departure
Cruisers were left stunned after Celebrity Beyond cancelled a sailing at the very last minute due to unexpected engine problems. What started as a short delay quickly turned into a full cancellation, throwing holiday plans into chaos. Passengers were left scrambling, with many questioning how close to departure a cruise can be pulled.
Pensioner Denied Boarding Cruise At Last Second Over One Missed Detail
An elderly woman’s dream of taking her very first cruise ended in tears when she and her daughter were turned away at the port over a booking error. Their suitcases were already on the ship when they were told they couldn’t sail, sparking outrage and heartbreak in equal measure.
Tragedy As Crew Member Goes Overboard From World’s Largest Cruise Ship
A terrifying emergency unfolded aboard Icon of the Seas when a crew member went overboard, triggering a frantic rescue at sea. What first appeared to be a tragic accident later revealed a far darker backstory, leaving passengers shaken and raising serious questions about what really happened behind the scenes.
Guest Falls From Icon Of The Seas Infinity Pool Railing In Shocking Viral Video
A viral clip from Icon of the Seas had viewers convinced a guest had fallen into the ocean after a risky stunt by the infinity pool. What actually happened was just as shocking, and it sparked fresh debate about onboard safety, reckless behaviour, and how close this moment came to ending in tragedy.
Guests Raise Concerns Over Beach Erosion At Disney’s Newest Private Island
Guests at Disney’s private island began voicing serious concerns after parts of the beach near premium cabanas started disappearing. What should have been soft sand in front of luxury rentals turned into uneven rock and sudden drop-offs, leaving some cruisers questioning whether the area is still safe and what Disney might do next.
August
Royal Caribbean Closes Beverage Package Loophole
Royal Caribbean quietly closed a loophole that many cruisers relied on to save hundreds on drink packages. What used to be a simple call to customer service no longer works, and couples are now facing much higher bills. The change has sparked frustration and raised questions about what pushed the line to act.
Cruise Passengers Tragically Drown During Greek Island Visit
A tragic shore visit left the cruise world shaken after two passengers were swept into the sea at one of Greece’s most famous beaches. What started as a simple sightseeing moment ended in disaster, raising fresh questions about safety during extreme weather and how much warning visitors really get at cruise destinations.
Cruise Guests Hit By Bus In Livorno: One Dead
Cruisers were left shaken after a devastating incident in the port of Livorno claimed the life of a passenger and left her husband critically injured. Guests heard the news directly from the ship, and early reports raised troubling questions about how such a tragedy could happen in a busy cruise terminal.
British Passenger Dies In Onboard Pool
Passengers were left stunned after a British man was found unresponsive in the pool aboard Marella Voyager while the ship was docked in Naples. The sudden tragedy unfolded quietly onboard, with questions around what happened emerging as authorities investigated and the voyage was delayed.
September
Wonder of the Seas Returns To Miami After Onboard ‘Altercation’ Sends Two To Hospital
Wonder of the Seas was forced to make an unexpected return to Miami after an onboard incident left two guests needing hospital treatment. Emergency crews lined the dock as the ship arrived, while conflicting passenger reports spread online. What actually happened onboard quickly became one of the most talked-about cruise stories.
Cruise Passenger Jumps From Rhapsody Of The Seas To Dodge Gambling Debt
A cruise guest shocked passengers after deliberately jumping overboard in port in a bizarre attempt to avoid a casino debt. What first looked like a dramatic stunt quickly unravelled into a much stranger story involving large sums of cash, fake identities, and serious federal charges waiting back on shore.
Cruise Ship MV Gemini Strikes Pier In Piraeus
A routine docking went badly wrong when an ageing cruise ship struck the pier, tearing a hole in its hull and forcing urgent inspections. With the ship already troubled by recent technical problems, this latest mishap has raised fresh questions about how long she can keep sailing and what might come next.
October
Crew Member Dies After Onboard Accident Aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia
A routine voyage turned deeply emotional after a crew member lost their life following an onboard accident. With few official details released, questions quickly spread across the cruise community. The tragedy cast a sombre cloud over the sailing and drew attention to the hidden risks faced by crew behind the scenes.
Disney Dream Overboard Investigation Unveiled – Blame Attributed To Mother
New details later revealed how a young child fell overboard from Disney Dream and why the terrifying incident unfolded as it did. What was first a mystery became a sobering lesson about hidden risks onboard, split-second decisions, and the fine line between a holiday moment and a life-changing emergency.
Family Demands Answers After 80-Year-Old Left Behind by Cruise Ship and Found Dead on Remote Island
A dream cruise turned tragic after an elderly passenger was left behind on a remote island and later found dead. What began as a routine shore excursion raised disturbing questions about headcounts, safety procedures, and how someone could be forgotten. The aftermath shocked the cruise world and left a family demanding answers.
November
FBI Investigates Death Of 18-Year-Old “Straight-A” Student Aboard Carnival Horizon
A routine sailing took a dark turn when a young passenger died aboard Carnival Horizon, prompting federal agents to board the ship on its return to port. With cabins sealed off and investigators involved, the story quickly shocked cruisers and raised difficult questions about what happened – with more details later revealed…
Two Guests Kicked Off Royal Caribbean Cruise For Fighting
Things got messy at sea when a fight between two online streamers erupted on Harmony of the Seas and was caught on camera. What started as an argument quickly turned physical, leading to ship security stepping in and both men being kicked off mid-cruise, leaving shocked passengers and a viral video in their wake.
Cruise Vloggers Banned From Filming After Complaint
A pair of young cruise vloggers found their holiday turned tense after being warned to stop filming ship tours following a guest complaint. Confusion over what’s allowed sparked debate about privacy, content creation and where cruise lines draw the line, leaving many wondering how far filming restrictions could go.
December
Princess Cruises Sued After Theatre Seat Collapse Injures Guest
Cruise lines are no strangers to lawsuits from guests – people often feel entitled to compensation for experiences gone wrong. But this was an unusual one as a guest sued Princess Cruises over a collapsed theatre chair – claiming it caused them significant injury…
Grandmother Jailed in Bahamas After Boarding Royal Caribbean Ship With Firearm
A cruising grandmother was arrested during a visit to the Bahamas after she was found to be carrying a gun – raising serious questions about how she had boarded her Royal Caribbean cruise with it in the first place…
Teacup Chihuahua Is Emotional Support Dog On Royal Caribbean Cruise
A cruiser caused a stir when their viral videos revealed that they were sailing with their chihuahua as an emotional support dog. As you can imagine, many people responded to this viral cruise story with less-than-positive comments…
Family Denied Cruise Boarding After Forgetting One Essential Document
A family was denied boarding after travelling 7 hours to reach their cruise port, all because of a misunderstanding over a key document. While they insisted the cruise line should reimburse them or offer a future sailing date, many other cruisers spoke up on behalf of the cruise line’s rules…
Final Word
From viral dramas and vanished sea days to dock mishaps, bans, breakdowns and plot twists nobody saw coming, the cruise world didn’t exactly sail through calm waters.
Between unexpected detours, onboard drama and moments that shocked even seasoned cruisers, 2025 proved one thing loud and clear: life at sea is never dull.
Now, let’s see what 2026 brings…
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Port Canaveral transfers cost roughly $20 to $50 per person on a shared shuttle, $60 to $120 or more by rideshare or taxi, and $150 to $675 per vehicle for a private car, depending on which airport you land at. Orlando (MCO) has the widest choice and the lowest shared fares, while Melbourne (MLB) is the shortest ride. Sanford (SFB) has one scheduled shuttle, and Daytona Beach (DAB) is effectively a rideshare, private car or rental car route.
This guide compares every option side by side so you can price your own party. All figures are approximate, one way, in US dollars, and based on rates published by operators during 2026. They change often, so confirm before you book. If you are still choosing a flight, see our comparison of the closest airports to Port Canaveral first.
Port Canaveral transfers compared by airport
Airport
Road time
Shared shuttle (per person)
Rideshare or taxi (per car)
Private transfer (per vehicle)
Orlando (MCO)
About 45 min to 1 hr
About $20 to $30
Rideshare about $60 to $120; taxi about $115
About $150 to $300
Sanford (SFB)
About 1 hr
About $50
Rideshare typically $100 or more
About $300 to $350
Melbourne (MLB)
About 40 to 50 min
No scheduled service found
Taxi about $80 to $100
Quote only
Daytona Beach (DAB)
About 1 hr 20 min
No scheduled service found
No published fare; check your app
About $475 to $675
Cruise line transfers are the other choice, but published prices are for MCO: Carnival lists $37.99 per person each way and Disney Cruise Line about $45. If you are flying into another airport, ask your cruise line directly whether it offers a transfer from there.
Orlando (MCO) to Port Canaveral
MCO is the busiest gateway and the only airport with real competition between operators. Shared shuttles from companies such as Happy Limousine, Airport Canaveral and Go Port are advertised at about $20 to $30 per person each way, though most only run in a late-morning window of about 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM on sailing days.
Operators and fares change regularly on this route, and reviews vary, so it is worth reading recent feedback before booking the lowest price. For a closer look at the companies and fares, read our full guide to Orlando airport shuttles, Uber and transfer costs.
Sanford airport to Port Canaveral
Orlando Sanford (SFB) is about 60 miles from the cruise terminals, usually around an hour via SR 417 south and SR 528 east. It mainly serves leisure airlines, including Allegiant, and it has far fewer transfer options than MCO.
Shared shuttle: Go Port lists a sailing-day shuttle at about $49.99 per person each way, picking up between 10:30 and 11:00 AM. The return leaves the terminal at 9:00 AM, and the company advises booking flights home no earlier than noon.
Private car: Go Port lists about $299 one way for up to six travelers. Orange Tours lists about $350 for up to 10 in a van, plus a $25 airport fee and gratuity of about 20%.
Rideshare: Fares from the port to Sanford typically start above $100 and can climb with surge pricing or a larger vehicle.
Rental car: A one-way hire is worth pricing if you land the day before and want to stop on the way. See the rental section below.
The fixed late-morning pickup is the catch. If your flight lands after about 10:00 AM, allow for baggage claim and consider a private car or arriving the day before.
Allow time for baggage claim before a scheduled shuttle pickup. Photo: Markus Winkler on Pexels
Melbourne airport to Port Canaveral
Orlando Melbourne International (MLB) is the closest commercial airport to the port, at around 30 miles. The Canaveral Port Authority puts the drive at about 40 minutes, via NASA Boulevard, US 1 north and SR 528 east, and other route planners estimate closer to 50 minutes.
The airport is small, with services from airlines including Allegiant, American Eagle and Delta, plus seasonal TUI flights from the UK. That makes it a good fit for travelers who can connect through Atlanta or Charlotte.
Taxi: Expect about $80 to $100. Pre-arrange one if you land at a quiet time.
Rideshare: Available through the apps. On comparable routes rideshare usually comes in below a taxi, but check the live quote, because fewer drivers wait at a smaller airport.
Private transfer: We could not find a dependable published fixed rate, so request quotes from Space Coast operators. Sunshine Transportation is one company that lists MLB as a service area.
Rental car: Often the most flexible choice for a short hop, with a one-way drop near the port.
Public bus: Space Coast Area Transit connects the two for around $8, but the trip takes over three and a half hours and involves changes, so it is not realistic with cruise luggage.
Daytona to Port Canaveral
Daytona Beach International (DAB) is the longest of the four routes, at about 75 miles and roughly 1 hour 20 minutes south on I-95, then east on SR 528. Delta, American, Avelo and Breeze serve the airport, so it can suit travelers with a convenient nonstop, but transfer costs can wipe out savings on the airfare.
Florida Sunshine Shuttle lists private transfers from DAB at about $475 for a sedan carrying up to three, $550 for a van of up to eight, and $675 for up to 14, with tolls and airport fees included. Booking site MyTransfers has shown sedan fares from around €330. Rideshare is the likely lower-cost alternative for a small party, but no reliable published fare exists, so check your app before committing to this airport. A rental car can also make sense here, particularly when several people are sharing.
Rental car and parking costs
The port says major rental companies offer shuttles to and from the terminals, so a one-way hire can work. Arrange the drop-off location and the shuttle with the rental company directly, and check its hours on your sailing day. Budget at least $50 a day, and expect one-way rates to run higher.
If you keep the car for the cruise, port parking is $20 per day plus tax, and it counts both arrival and departure days. A seven-night sailing is therefore about $160 plus tax. SR 528, the Beachline, is a toll road; tolls from MCO run about $2 to $5 depending on how you pay, and they are higher on longer routes that also use SR 417.
Check your terminal number before you set off for the port. Photo: Diana ✨ on Pexels
What each option really costs your group
Per-person fares for Port Canaveral transfers look cheap until you multiply them. Here is the Sanford route as an example, using the approximate fares above.
Party size
Shared shuttle total
Rideshare
Private car
2
About $100
$100 or more
About $299 to $350
4
About $200
$100 or more, larger vehicle may cost extra
About $299 to $350
6
About $300
Larger vehicle or two cars needed
About $299 to $350
By six travelers, a private car costs about the same as the shared shuttle and gives you your own pickup time. Cruise line transfers follow the same arithmetic: a family of four on Disney’s $45 motorcoach pays about $180 each way from MCO.
Practical tips before you book
Know your terminal. On SR 528, take Exit 54A for the north-side A Terminals (5, 6, 8 and 10) or Exit 54B for the south-side B Terminals, including 1 and 3. Give your driver the terminal number.
Check for hidden charges. Some private operators add gratuity, airport fees, or fees for arriving at the port before about 10:30 AM. Florida Sunshine Shuttle lists a $125 fee for early port drop-offs, and late bookings can carry surcharges of 20% to 75%.
Aim for the right window. Port parking opens at 10:00 AM for embarkation, and your cruise line will assign a boarding time. There is little benefit in reaching the port hours before it.
Plan the return separately. Debarkation typically runs from about 7:00 to 11:00 AM depending on your line. Rideshare cars and taxis are in heavy demand at that time, so pre-book if you have a flight to catch.
Consider the night before. Flying in a day early protects you from delays. If you have time to spare near the terminals, here are some things to do near Port Canaveral.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get to Port Canaveral from the airport?
From Orlando MCO, a shared shuttle at roughly $20 to $30 per person each way is usually cheapest for one or two travelers. From Sanford, the shared shuttle is about $50 per person. From Melbourne, a taxi or rideshare for a 30-mile trip is typically the best value, and groups of four or more often do better with a private van or a rideshare XL.
Is there a shuttle from Sanford airport to Port Canaveral?
Yes. Go Port runs a shared shuttle from Sanford (SFB) to the cruise terminals on sailing days for about $49.99 per person each way, with airport pickup between 10:30 and 11:00 AM. Check the current schedule before booking your flight.
How far is Melbourne airport from Port Canaveral?
Orlando Melbourne International (MLB) is about 30 miles from the cruise terminals, roughly 40 to 50 minutes by road. That makes it the shortest drive of the four commercial airports serving the port.
Can you take an Uber or Lyft to Port Canaveral?
Yes. Uber and Lyft both operate at Port Canaveral. Expect about $60 to $120 from MCO and upwards of $100 from Sanford, with surge pricing possible. On the way back, cars can be scarce when several ships debark at once, so allow extra time.
Is there a free shuttle from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral?
Not as a standard service. The port says many hotels offer complimentary or scheduled shuttles to the terminals, so a free or low-cost ride is most likely if you stay the night before on a hotel package. Confirm what is included before you book.
One of the world’s most famous “cruise directors” wasn’t actually a cruise director at all. Julie McCoy was a beloved character on the hit TV series The Love Boat – a role that catapulted actress Lauren Tewes to near-household fame.
But behind the scenes, Tewes’ journey was far from plain sailing. A very public battle with drug addiction led to her sudden exit from the show, before she later made a comeback once she regained control of her life.
In this guide, we’ll dive into Lauren Tewes’ fascinating story, from her rise to stardom to the challenges she faced away from the cameras – and where she is now.
1. Lauren Tewes Played Julie McCoy
The Love Boat cruise director, Julie McCoy, was played by actress Lauren Tewes. Tewes had started getting serious work as an actress in 1974 but it was a guest spot on TV show Starsky & Hutch which got her spotted by Aaron Spelling, the producer of The Love Boat.
Tewes’ first big break in acting came for a Lipton Ice Tea commercial in 1974, so she had only been seriously acting for three years when she joined The Love Boat.
Indeed, she was only cast in the role the day before filming started on the third pilot episode – the story goes that she got the phone call telling her she had the part at 9 pm the night before, asking her to report on set at 6.30 am the next day!
Tewes held the role until 1984, when she was fired, although she later returned for one more episode in 1985 and reprised her role for the TV movies in a later season. She has fully reconciled with the show and often makes appearances for reunion interviews.
2. Her Name Is Not Pronounced “Te-wes”
Lauren Tewes pronounces her surname as “Tweeze”. Her full name is Cynthia Lauren Tewes, although she was billed as Lauren Tewes during her acting career. Today, in interviews, she is sometimes referred to as Cynthia and sometimes as Lauren.
She is best known as Lauren, though, and when Princess Cruises invited the actress onto a cruise to celebrate her 60th birthday, they made sure to wish “Lauren” a happy birthday on the big screens on the deck of the ship, although her cake was made out to “Julie”.
There is some confusion over the pronunciation of her surname and some people mistakenly say it as “Tooz”. She has confirmed that “Tweeze” is the correct way to say her name.
3. The Julie Character Was Replaced
The character of Julie McCoy was replaced by her sister, Judy McCoy, at the start of season 8. Judy McCoy was played by actress Patricia Klous, who had made her name in the CBS TV comedy-drama Flying High from 1978 to 1979.
Klous would remain with the series until the main seasons finished in 1986, with Lauren Tewes returning for a guest episode in 1985. When the TV specials began in 1986, Tewes had returned to the role, and Klous was not included.
Klous had actually already appeared on The Love Boat prior to her role as Judy McCoy. She guest-starred in episode 17 of season 5 and then appeared in a more prominent role in the first episode of season 7 as Laurie.
The character of Judy McCoy was often known for being frustrated as others on the show confused her with her sister Julie.
4. Julie Was Written Out of the Show Because of Tewes’ Struggles
On the show, the character of Julie McCoy was written out by saying she got married. But in reality, actress Lauren Tewes was fired from The Love Boat due to a cocaine addiction that had spiralled out of control.
Once Tewes was released from the show, she was able to get past her addiction and make a return, initially making a solo guest appearance and then fully returning for the TV movie specials.
5. Tewes Did Become Addicted to Drugs, but Overcame It
Lauren Tewes developed a drug addiction during her time on The Love Boat, which ultimately led to her being released from the show. She later overcame her addiction, got clean and was able to return to the show.
Lauren Tewes’s cocaine addiction was quite the scandal at the time. In Tewes’ own words, despite the popularity of the drug at the time in Hollywood and TV, to her, it seemed like only she was being punished for her addiction. She admits that the addiction started in the late 1970s, well before she was fired from The Love Boat.
Tewes has since been interviewed about her addiction, where she laments the fact that the tag “former cocaine addict” seems to follow her around, even though she was able to make a return to the show once she had beaten her addiction.
6. Tewes Was Fired Due to Her Addiction
Julie McCoy left The Love Boat between seasons 7 and 8 in 1984. The character did not receive a farewell on the show as the actress playing her was fired in between seasons. Instead, the character’s absence was explained at the start of the first episode of the eighth season.
Considering how Julie, the cruise director, was such a popular role, the writers decided they had to replace her with a similar character, hence the introduction of her sister Judy McCoy. Thankfully for fans and for Tewes, Julie was able to return to the show later.
Tewes was also invited to make an appearance on a special ‘reunion’ episode of Love Boat: The Next Wave. This was a follow-up show that was made in 1998 and only lasted until 1999, taking place on the Sun Princess. The reunion episode saw several Love Boat cast members return.
Julie featured prominently in the episode, with the big reveal that the character had been in love with ‘Doc’ Adam Bricker, played by Bernie Kopell, all along and that he was also in love with her.
Thank god the character finally got a truly happy ending, considering everything she had been through!
7. The Character Was Written Off Without Tewes Appearing
Julie McCoy was written off The Love Boat at the start of season 8. She did not appear in the episode where her character was written off – instead, Captain Stubing, played by Gavin MacLeod, announces to the rest of the crew that Julie has left the ship after getting married.
Julie appeared in one more episode – episode 8 of season 9 – as a guest. She then made a full return to the show for the TV specials, where she announced that her marriage had ended and so she was returning to her job as cruise director.
8. The Story Used Was That Julie Got Married
Cruise director Julie did get married on The Love Boat, although fans don’t see the wedding happen. It happened between seasons 7 and 8, and the storyline is the reason that Lauren Tewes was written out of the show.
Fans would no doubt have been disappointed that such an important and popular character had a major event happen that they couldn’t watch, especially after Julie had been left at the altar in a previous episode.
As far as I can tell, it was never made clear who Julie McCoy had married, although fans often assume it was Marty Chenault – the producer who guest-starred in the second-last episode of season 7 before McCoy left the show, and a character that she had almost married once before.
There are some fans who say that the character of Vicki announced that Marty was the person that Julie married. However, with the latter seasons so rarely repeated and hard to find, this isn’t easy to confirm (source).
9. Julie Had Already Been Left at the Altar…
In the first episode of season 5, Julie McCoy was due to marry her fiancé, Tony, when the ship visited Australia, where he was working on an animal reserve. However, Tony left her at the altar, explaining in a letter to her that he was dying.
The plan for McCoy had been to marry Tony and move to Australia to work with him, but unfortunately, it turned out to be another failed relationship for the character. In a later episode, the crew returned to Australia, and Julie visited David, Tony’s brother.
David explained that Tony had passed away from his illness, and it was revealed that Julie had continued to send him letters.
10. Tewes Is Alive and Doing Well
Lauren Tewes is still alive, and she continues to work as an actress. She has also made appearances with other cast members from the show on various TV interviews to discuss her time on the show.
The actress – and the other cast members of the show – still have close ties to Princess Cruises, the company which helped make the show onboard one of its ships, Pacific Princess. Just watch this clip from an interview with Access Hollywood where the actors talk about how good the newest Princess Cruises ships are:
Tewes’s current relationship status is unknown, but she has been married three times. She married her first husband, John Wassel, in 1977, and they were divorced in 1982.
Her second marriage was to Paolo Nonnis, whom she married in 1985 during her recovery from her cocaine addiction. That marriage lasted 10 years before the divorce.
Her final marriage was to Robert Nadir – she married him in 1996 and they stayed together until his death in 2002 of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
11. Tewes Recently Celebrated Her 70th Birthday
The actress who played Julie McCoy on The Love Boat, Lauren Tewes, was born on 26th October 1953, and so in 2023, she celebrated her 70th birthday.
For her 60th birthday, she was honoured with a special event on a Princess Cruises ship where she was able to film some promotional material for the cruise line, enjoy video messages from other actors from the show, and share a huge cake dedicated to her character.
12. Tewes Has Returned to Acting
Lauren Tewes continues to work as an actor, with some of her most recent work being for the radio drama Murder and the Murdochs, which is a comedy-mystery series available on Imagination Theater radio.
Since leaving The Love Boat, Tewes continued to work as an actor. She made appearances in some of the biggest TV series of the 1980s, including My Two Dads, Murder, She Wrote, TJ Hooker, and Hunter.
She did get cast in a recurring role on the TV show The Fugitive, which ran from 2000 until 2001. She played a police detective in the show.
Lauren Tewes now balances her acting work with her other interests in food. She is believed to be a ‘cheese specialist’ who works with clients to order specialist cheeses, and a trained sous-chef since her time in culinary school in 2004. She actively works as a sous chef for a catering company based in Seattle when she is not acting.
13. Her Estimated Net Worth Is In the Millions
While it is impossible to confirm, most profiles of Lauren Tewes, the actress who played Julie McCoy on The Love Boat, say that she has a net worth of $2 million. This is a reasonable estimate based on her acting experience.
Understandably, most people do not publish their net worth, and it is kept private, since net worth is based on career earnings and assets owned.
However, Lauren Tewes’ net worth is consistently quoted as being $2 million and considering her TV roles, including The Love Boat and other shows, her 50-year career and the fact that she was able to overcome her drug addiction and return to work relatively quickly, would mean that figure is likely to be in the right ballpark.
Final Word
So, now you know what happened to Julie on The Love Boat. A character that always seemed to be at the heart of a new romance was portrayed by an actor going through a very difficult time, and it’s a testament to her that she was able to still become so popular with audiences at home.
It’s also a credit to Lauren Tewes that she was able to move past her drug addiction and continue her career, and hopefully, she will keep working as long as she wants to as an actor, and she can shake off the tag of “former cocaine addict” soon enough, if she hasn’t already.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
