Cruising has undergone significant changes in recent years, leaving many passengers feeling disappointed and nostalgic for the golden days of luxury at sea.
From reduced services to extra charges, cruise lines have implemented various cutbacks that leave cruisers grumbling.
Let’s dive into the seven most disappointing trends that have everyone talking about cruise cutbacks.
1. The Return of In-Person Muster Drills
Remember when muster drills were a quick and painless part of embarking on your cruise adventure? You could just watch a short video on your stateroom TV, then quickly scan your card at your assigned muster station?
Well, many cruise lines have reintroduced in-person muster drills, ending the brief era of digital convenience brought on by the pandemic. This change has been met with mixed reactions from passengers, to say the least.
The complaints often centre around poor organisation and overcrowding, with passengers feeling that their precious holiday time is being squandered. ‘ChiefMateJRK’ on Cruise Critic didn’t mince words when describing the return to in-person drills as “a wasted 40 minutes of my life that I will never get back.”
I too experienced one of the most depressing muster drills ever on Ambassador Cruise Line. We had to stand outside on the deck for at least 30 minutes, with no chairs available for any of the older or larger people who appeared to find the experience uncomfortable.
When the muster drill started, with so many people crowded around it was impossible to see the life vest demonstration properly anyway.
2. Reduced Choice and Lower Quality Food In the Dining Rooms
One of the most significant areas of discontent is the noticeable decline in dining options and food quality over the years. Many cruise passengers have reported a reduction in menu choices and a drop in the overall culinary experience, particularly in main dining rooms and buffets.
A Royal Caribbean passenger expressed their disappointment on Cruise Critic, noting a “significant drop in quality compared to pre-COVID experiences” on the Grandeur of the Seas.
Another cruiser claimed that their dining experience on Navigator was “the worst we’ve experienced” compared to six previous Royal Caribbean cruises.
The cutbacks seem to go beyond just quality. Cruisers have pointed out the disappearance of higher-cost items from menus, such as lamb chops. It’s clear that cruise lines are tightening their belts, but at what cost to passenger satisfaction?
Cheese boards, once a symbol of indulgence, are now often served pre-plated, taking away the fun of selection and presentation. Even luxury touches, like the beloved port-infused Stilton cheese, have been removed from some cruise lines’ offerings.
These changes have left many cruisers feeling shortchanged, especially when cruise fares haven’t necessarily decreased to reflect these cutbacks.
3. Housekeeping Reductions
The days of returning to a freshly made bed and spotless bathroom twice a day seem to be behind us. Many cruise lines have reduced their housekeeping services from twice daily to once daily, a change that hasn’t gone unnoticed by passengers.
On Cruise Passenger, Lissete expressed her preference for evening cleaning: “I don’t mind once daily, but I’d like it to be done while we’re at dinner… I like coming back to a fresh bed and bath when turning in at night.”
This reduction in service is also placing more pressure on the room stewards. “kelkel2” on Cruise Critic highlighted the increased workload: “I think the room stewards have to be some of the hardest-working individuals on the ship.”
Many passengers have noticed that stewards are now responsible for more rooms, leading to a decline in the personal touches that once made cruising feel so special.
The loss of nightly turndown service, complete with towel animals and chocolates on pillows, has been particularly hard for long-time cruisers to swallow. These small gestures once contributed significantly to the feeling of being pampered on holiday.
4. Nickel-and-Diming
One of the most frustrating trends is the introduction of fees for services that were once complimentary. Room service, for example, now often comes with a charge.
Princess Cruises is just one of the lines that has implemented this change, much to the chagrin of passengers who enjoyed the luxury of breakfast in bed without an extra cost.
On Cruise Community, cruisers have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with these additional charges. One user summed up the sentiment: “The headline price of a cruise has come down… more and more reliance is placed on charging for anything we want.”
Even small amenities haven’t escaped the chopping block. Some cruise lines have removed complimentary toiletries from cabins, while others have cut back on elite benefits without prior notice.
These changes have left many cruisers feeling like they’re being nickel-and-dimed at every turn, diminishing the once-inclusive nature of cruise holidays.
5. No More Little Luxuries
It’s often said that the devil is in the details, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the cruise industry’s recent cutbacks. Many of the small luxuries that once made cruising feel special have disappeared, leaving passengers longing for the good old days.
Gone are the fresh flowers in cabins and main dining rooms, the complimentary cakes with coffee, and the nibbles and canapés in certain bars. On some ships, even practical items like facecloths in cabins are now only available on request.
Suggested read: 17 Most-Requested Extras From Cruise Cabin Stewards
These changes might seem minor, but collectively they contribute to a significant shift in the cruise experience. As one cruiser on Cruise Community put it: “It has been dumbed down to a point where it is simply a sea-based holiday rather than a special experience.”
The absence of little cards reminding passengers of time changes or the discontinuation of cruise logs at the end of the trip might not break the bank, but they do break with tradition. These small touches once added to the sense of adventure and the unique nature of cruise travel.
Suggested read: 27 Most Thoughtful Little Touches on River Cruise Ships
6. Lacklustre Entertainment
While the main shows and activities on cruise ships remain largely intact, there’s a growing concern about potential future charges for entertainment. Some cruisers worry that shows or lectures, which have always been included in the fare, might soon come with an extra fee.
The traditional cruise atmosphere has also taken a hit. Sailaway parties, once a highlight of embarkation day, have reportedly diminished in scale and excitement on some ships. This has left some passengers feeling that the cruise experience has become more mundane and less celebratory.
On Reddit, one cruiser shared their recent experience: “Completed a 7-day Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan on the NCL Viva. Felt underwhelmed; lacked the usual ‘magic’ experienced on prior cruises.”
This sentiment is echoed across various cruise forums, with passengers noting a general decline in the overall cruise atmosphere. The reduction in activities, and the perceived lack of effort in creating special moments, have left many wondering if they’re getting less bang for their buck.
7. Diminishing Staff Interactions
Perhaps one of the most significant changes noticed by cruisers is the reduction in personal interactions with staff. This shift is partly due to technology advancements, such as the increased use of tablets for ordering in restaurants and bars. Although these innovations can improve efficiency, they often come at the cost of the warm, personal service that many cruisers value.
On Reddit, one passenger noted that “servers primarily used tablets for service, affecting personal interaction.” This technological barrier, combined with reduced staff numbers and increased workloads, has led to fewer opportunities for meaningful exchanges between passengers and crew.
Kobie Edwards shared on Cruise Passenger: “I know they are busy, but long gone are the days where you had a quick chat in the hallway or a hello in passing.” This loss of personal connection has not only affected passenger satisfaction but also impacted tipping habits. Cruisers feel less inclined to reward service that feels impersonal or rushed.
The reduction in staff-to-passenger ratios has put immense pressure on crew members. Jason McIntosh empathised with a room attendant who was “just trying to hang out for his 15-year service bonus to feed his family.”
Navigating the New Cruise Reality
It’s clear that the cruise industry is navigating choppy waters. From dining dilemmas to vanishing luxury touches, these changes have significantly impacted the experience that many passengers have come to know and love.
While cruise lines grapple with post-pandemic recovery and economic pressures, some are left wondering if the value proposition of cruising has fundamentally changed. The loss of small luxuries, reduced personal interactions, and the introduction of additional charges have many questioning whether cruise holidays still offer the same magic they once did.
The loyal guests of P&O Cruises have been particularly vocal about the cutbacks made over the past few years, with over 20 things no longer on offer.
However, it’s worth noting that not all experiences are negative. Some passengers continue to find joy in cruising, adapting to the new reality or exploring different cruise lines and destinations to recapture that special feeling. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these cutbacks are temporary measures or a permanent shift.
One thing is certain: passengers are vocal about their dissatisfaction, and cruise lines would do well to listen. A balance must be found between cost-saving measures and making cruising a unique and cherished holiday experience.
For now, cruisers may need to adjust their expectations and perhaps be more selective in their choices to ensure they get the experience they’re looking for. As one wise cruiser put it, it might be time to “personalise experiences rather than paying for all-inclusive options.”
Despite the challenges, the allure of the open sea and the promise of adventure continue to draw people to cruising. It’s up to both cruise lines and passengers to navigate these changes together, finding new ways to create memorable experiences.
Related Posts:
- Revealed: The Changes That Will Make Loyal Guests Switch Cruise Lines!
- Beginner’s Guide to Cruising: Must-Know Tips From Past Guests
- The One Cruise Etiquette Tip EVERYONE Should Know!
- 21 Mistakes That New Cruisers Make All The Time
- 20 Things That P&O Cruises Used To Offer That They No Longer Do
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.
See now I struggle to comment, as some of the complaints are ridiculous, people need to either “get over it” or “put their hands in their pocket” simple.
You can NOT pay low hundreds and expect an elite or personal service.
If you want that sort of high level detail, then pay, but be prepared to pay not hundreds but thousands each..
I can’t cruise influence or go branded, as I will not lie, I will not be told what to post, thing is people don’t want the true facts, Ive turned down a few things and selling stuff via my cruisescape_uk but will not be a sellout..
Sadly this decline is just modern times and how it is, adapt or move on, they are.
Me, well I’m sat on P&O Arvia right now, transatlantic reposition, me and P&O is not a great mix, they refuse to take advice, already a run in yesterday with a horrible crew member.
I will carry on cruising and cruise drone footaging and commenting lol!
One thing I noticed was I accidentally dropped a coffee on our bed. We tried to clean it up that morning but the bed sheets were stained. When we came back, since, I guess, it wasn’t sheet changing day, the steward just made the bed. I had to call to have the sheets changed, then I felt obligated to tip fir a service that I felt should have taken place anyway.
Jenni, you are right on the ball about the declining levels of service. My wife and I endured n an European Royal Caribbean cruise last August. Each one of the points you covered we encountered. As well on each of the excursions that we went on, we fought though a crowd.
We were not happy.
What about changing the itinerary after you lose the ability to get any money back or cancel. Losing ports, overnights and more days at seas because the ship is going slower to save fuel?