The 9 Cruise Traditions That Need To Walk The Plank!

There are a surprising number of cruise traditions that have already been abolished as cruise lines have modernised over the years.

Midnight buffets, skeet shooting off the back of the ship, the Baked Alaska parade… In most (but not all) cases, a lot of these traditions have been consigned to the cruise history books.

But what else should be thrown into the sea (not literally) when it comes to cruising tradition?

I asked my Facebook audience about the cruise traditions they hate and it kickstarted some feisty discussions…

1. Paying for WiFi

In a world where even the most average café offers free WiFi with your overpriced flat white, why are we still shelling out for patchy-at-best internet access at sea?

Yes, I know satellites aren’t cheap and we’re literally floating in the middle of the ocean, but come on – it’s 2025.

Many cruisers, especially first-timers, are shocked to find that staying connected can cost as much as an excursion.

Cruise lines – please just include it in the price or at least throw in basic access!

I’m not trying to livestream my life, I just want to check WhatsApp, or make sure I can still help my email subscribers get the best cruise deals…

In all seriousness, I do know that WiFi at sea requires a more expensive satellite connection and so there is justification for a charge. But the price you end up paying can be sky-high, which is why I’m not surprised it was the most common ‘tradition’ people want binned.

2. Formal or Elegant Nights

Ah, formal nights – the Marmite of cruising. Some people live for the chance to dress up, sip bubbly, and take a hundred photos on a staircase.

Others would rather not be judged for wearing smart-casual and enjoying dinner without packing half the contents of their wardrobe.

This one definitely splits opinion, and did so when I asked my Facebook fans. Almost as many people jumped to the defence of formal nights and don’t want it to go anywhere.

I get the appeal, and I’ll admit it can feel special, but maybe make it optional or have a designated ‘come as you are’ dining room for those of us who value comfort over cufflinks. Sometimes you don’t want to have to go hide in the buffet just because you’ve not packed your suits or dresses.

If I’m on a two-week cruise, I definitely don’t need four formal nights. Two is my absolute maximum.

3. Compulsory Gratuities

Here’s a spicy one.

Most of us want to tip fairly, but being automatically charged a daily fee with no real explanation of where it goes doesn’t always sit right. Many people believe in rewarding good service – but would rather do it directly.

Cruise lines argue that pooling tips supports all staff, not just front-of-house, which makes sense. There are a lot of people who work behind the scenes.

It’s why I don’t advocate for removing gratuities when you have the option, especially if it’s just because someone guest-facing has upset you.

Still, giving passengers more transparent choices and control over it might reduce the grumbling and increase actual generosity.

4. Shared Tables

For the extroverts, shared tables are a treat – new faces, interesting chats, possibly even holiday friendships.

For the introverts (or just those who fancy a quiet meal without small talk), they can be a nightmare.

While some love meeting fellow cruisers over dinner, plenty of us would rather not have to pretend we care about Colin’s stamp collection.

Let’s keep the option but make solo or couple tables more accessible without jumping through hoops. A lot of cruise lines have made this move already, but it should be easy to choose your dining preference in advance or by booking a table.

You shouldn’t need to go out of your way to pull the maître d’ aside to ask for a small table as a favour.

5. Set Dining Times

We don’t eat dinner at exactly 5.45pm at home, so why must we on a cruise?

The rigidity of set dining times often clashes with, you know, the whole holiday vibe. Freedom dining or ‘dine when you fancy’ options are increasingly popular for a reason – they fit better with excursions, poolside naps, or just the whim of the moment.

I’m not anti-structure, but I am anti- being rushed out of the hot tub for my dinner just because the clock says that I need to.

6. Art Auctions

No shade if you’ve picked up a painting or two, but many of us are quietly wondering: who actually enjoys cruise ship art auctions?

They often feel like a high-pressure sales pitch dressed up as a cultural event, and most of the art seems… well, it would look a bit weird on your wall.

I’d rather spend that hour sipping wine on deck than bidding on an overpriced seascape I’ll regret hanging next to the telly.

7. Photos With Officers

You’re enjoying your evening, maybe slightly sunburnt, cocktail in hand – and suddenly you’re lined up next to a stranger in epaulettes for a forced photo op.

It’s awkward, often unflattering, and let’s be honest, nobody really wants it. I’m sure the officers are lovely, but can we let them get on with running the ship instead of posing with tipsy guests and answering the same questions over and over?

8. Smoking Areas

This one’s divisive and I think a little unfair on those who do smoke, but more cruisers are calling for smoke-free ships – or at least fewer smoking zones.

It’s not just about health; it’s about walking through a haze of cigarette smoke to get to the buffet. There are designated areas, but the smoke doesn’t respect the signs.

I know smokers have rights too, but at the very least it might be time to rethink the locations, at least on some ships – and possibly add better ventilation while we’re at it?

Suggested read: Princess Cruises Prioritises Smokers Over Children With Play Area Closure

9. Comparing Cruises With ‘The Good Old Days’

Every cruise has that one person (or twenty) lamenting the golden age of cruising – when men wore tuxedos nightly, children were seen and not heard, and there wasn’t a burger bar in sight.

Nostalgia is fine, but times change. Modern cruises are more inclusive, flexible, and – dare I say it – fun for a wider variety of people.

Let’s stop moaning about what’s gone and embrace what’s next. The sea’s big enough for us all.

Final Word

Cruising has come a long way from lobster thermidor in the main dining room, shooting guns off the back of the ship and conga lines around the midnight buffet.

And while some traditions still hold charm for certain passengers, others are frankly overdue for retirement. The beauty of modern cruising is that it’s evolving to suit all sorts – from first-timers in hoodies to seasoned sailors in bow ties.

We won’t all agree on what belongs in the cruise history books (and that’s half the fun), but it’s clear that cruise lines are listening and adapting. That said, there’s still room for improvement – WiFi that doesn’t cost the moon, dining that fits real-life schedules, and less being hustled for a glossy photo you didn’t ask for.

Which tradition would you toss overboard?

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