Cruisers are some of the most opinionated travelers I’ve ever met.

And I say that with love. 😂

Ask a group of cruisers about the best cruise line, whether a drink package is worth it, or if you really need a balcony cabin, and suddenly you’ve started a debate that could last until the next port.

After taking quite a few cruises ourselves, we’ve developed some opinions too.

So let’s have a little fun.

Here are a few cruise opinions that might get somebody’s cruise card revoked.

1. You Don’t Have to Get Off the Ship at Every Port

There. I said it.

When we first started cruising, getting off at every port felt like part of the assignment.

The ship docked somewhere new, so obviously we needed to get off and explore.

Now?

Sometimes staying onboard is the excursion.

If we’ve visited a destination several times—or simply need a slower day—there’s something wonderful about watching everyone head ashore while we enjoy a much quieter ship.

• The pools are less crowded.
• Restaurants can be quieter.
• You can actually find a chair.

And sometimes sitting on the ship with a drink overlooking the destination is exactly the vacation moment you needed.

2. A Balcony Isn’t Always Worth the Money

I love a balcony cabin.

Morning coffee overlooking the ocean? Yes, please.

But would I tell every traveler that they need one? Absolutely not.

On a short cruise where you plan to spend very little time in your cabin, an interior cabin could be the smarter choice.

On a scenic itinerary or a cruise with several sea days, that balcony may be worth every penny.

This is why I always say there’s no universally “best” cabin. There’s a best cabin for the way you travel.

3. The Buffet Isn’t Always the Best Place for Breakfast

The buffet is convenient, but sometimes I want somebody to bring me my coffee.

Especially on vacation.

One of the things cruisers sometimes overlook is breakfast in the main dining room or another included venue.

Instead of navigating the morning buffet rush, you can sit down, order breakfast, and actually start the day at vacation speed.

Now, if I need to get off the ship for an early excursion? That’s a completely different story. Give me something quick and let’s go.

4. Drink Packages Aren’t Automatically a Good Deal

This one can start an argument quickly.

A drink package can be incredibly convenient.

But convenience and value aren’t necessarily the same thing.

Before buying one, think realistically about what you drink.

Not vacation-fantasy you. Actual you. 😂

If you drink enough beverages that the package makes sense—or simply value knowing most of your beverage costs are already covered—it may be perfect.

If you’re buying it because everybody in a Facebook group told you that you “have to,” do the math first.

5. You Don’t Have to Do Everything on the Ship

This might be one of the biggest lessons cruising has taught us.

• You can miss trivia.
• You can skip the show.
• You can take a nap instead of going to the deck party.
• You can sit on your balcony and do absolutely nothing.

That’s still cruising.

We’ve learned that trying to experience everything can sometimes leave you needing a vacation from your vacation.

6. Formal Night Can Be Whatever You Want It to Be

Some cruisers LOVE getting dressed up.

Others would happily eliminate formal night forever.

We’re somewhere in the middle.

There’s something fun about getting dressed up, taking pictures, having dinner, and making an evening of it.

But I also don’t think everyone needs to treat cruise formal night like they’re attending the Met Gala.

Follow the cruise line’s dress requirements, wear something that makes you feel good, and enjoy your evening.

7. The Biggest Ships Aren’t Automatically the Best Ships

The newest mega-ships are incredible.

Waterparks. Shows. Neighborhoods. Restaurants everywhere. Activities you couldn’t have imagined finding on a cruise ship 20 years ago.

But bigger doesn’t automatically mean better.

Sometimes a smaller ship provides exactly the experience you’re looking for.

Some travelers want the ship to be the destination. Others want the ship to take them to the destination.

Neither traveler is wrong.

The Real Unpopular Cruise Opinion

Here’s mine:

There is no single “best” way to cruise.

There’s only the cruise experience that works best for you.

That’s one reason we’re careful about declaring one cruise line, ship, cabin type, or itinerary the absolute best.

We can tell you what we liked. We can show you what we experienced. And as a travel advisor, I can help someone understand which options may fit the vacation they’re trying to create.

But ultimately, cruising is personal.

And that’s what makes these debates so much fun.

Now It’s Your Turn

I gave you mine. Now I want yours.

What’s your cruise opinion that might get your cruise card revoked?

Maybe you think balconies are overrated. Maybe you love the buffet. Maybe you never buy the drink package. Maybe you stay onboard at a familiar port every single time. Maybe you secretly hate formal night.

Or maybe you think your favorite cruise line is better than everybody else’s—and you’re prepared to defend it. 😂

Drop your unpopular cruise opinion in the comments.

No judgment.

Well… maybe a little judgment. 😂

But this is a safe space for cruisers.

— Charvon
Parkers On The Go