The Dark Side Of Living On A Cruise Ship

Living on a cruise ship is the dream, right? Picture yourself swapping a daily grind for sunrises at sea, a new exotic destination every few days, and a life free from the usual responsibilities. Nothing would be better, right? Well it turns out – that’s not always the case.

Lynnelle is a solo traveller who sold her belongings to embrace life at sea, reveals in her YouTube video Exposing the Dark Side of Living on a Cruise Ship that the reality isn’t as dreamy as it seems.

Don’t worry – she still loves her unique lifestyle. But there are some important challenges that come with it, and if you were ever considering this as an option then you’ll definitely want to heed her advice…

The Noise Nightmare

One of the most interesting revelations from Lynnelle’s experience is around the noise level in cruise ship cabins.

The walls, she warns, are incredibly thin. From the sounds of chairs scraping across the pool deck to rowdy late-night entertainment or noisy neighbours, finding peace and quiet can be tough. If you’ve cruised before then you might already be aware of this.

On a week-long cruise it’s something you can usually deal with, but living on a ship? That lack of peace could be much more impactful – something you might not realise until you live it every day.

Cabins close to high-traffic areas, such as theatres or the pool, are especially prone to noise. If you’re hoping for serene quiet in your cabin, Lynnelle suggests doing thorough research to choose a quieter location.

And don’t forget earplugs, a white noise machine, or even noise-cancelling headphones to help drown out the unwanted sounds. Still, complete silence is a rarity.

Cramped Living Spaces

Living in a cruise ship cabin can be a major adjustment, especially when it comes to space.

Imagine taking your bedroom, halving it, and then squeezing in a queen-sized bed, nightstands, and everything else you need. That’s how Lynnelle describes life in a cruise cabin.

For those who enjoy wide-open spaces or need room to spread out, cruise cabins can feel cramped. Bathrooms are even smaller, so organization is key.

Lynnelle recommends minimalist packing and creative storage solutions, but even then, expect to feel the squeeze if you’re living in a cabin long-term.

Of course, you could always book a suite, but that’ll cost you…

Repetitive Meal Options

While the food on cruise ships is generally good, Lynnelle acknowledges that it can get repetitive after a while.

Menus tend to cycle every week, and for picky eaters, options may be limited. However, the variety offered across specialty restaurants and themed dining nights can still be exciting for food lovers.

Cruisers often break up the monotony by dining onshore during port stops, sampling local cuisine, and giving themselves a break from the onboard offerings.

Unreliable WiFi

For digital nomads or those who rely on constant internet access, Lynnelle has some frustrating news: WiFi on cruise ships can be spotty.

The satellite connections can be slow or unavailable in remote areas or poor weather conditions. Streaming, uploading large files, or even casual browsing can become a challenge.

Lynnelle suggests downloading content in advance and using offline tools when possible. If you need to get work done, try to time it when the ship is docked, as the WiFi tends to be more reliable in port.

Some cruise lines are getting better, with more advanced forms of Starlink WiFi being installed, but reliability can still be an issue.

Suggested read: How to Stay Connected At Sea For Less

The Introvert’s Dilemma

Cruising is all about socialising, and that can be a challenge for introverts.

This image captures a lively scene at a cruise ship pool, with a large crowd of people gathered around and inside the pool. Many are sitting along the edge, dipping their feet in the water, while others are actively splashing and enjoying the sun. The atmosphere is festive and social, with people of all ages participating in the fun. The upper deck, visible in the background, is lined with additional passengers watching the action below, all under a bright, clear sky.

Lynnelle, who values her alone time, explains that it’s tough to get true solitude on a cruise ship. The same faces appear everywhere – at meals, in the elevators, and on deck.

If you’re someone who recharges through isolation, this lifestyle might be draining.

While some quiet zones like adults-only areas or libraries are available, they’re not always as peaceful as they seem. Social activities are abundant, from group dinners to spontaneous chats, and introverts may find it hard to escape the constant interaction.

To make it work, some introverted cruisers wake up early to take quiet walks on deck or schedule solo exploration during port days. But be prepared for social encounters wherever you go.

Extroverted? You’ll have no problem.

Seasickness Struggles

The “motion of the ocean” is something even the most seasoned travellers have to contend with. Although Lynnelle has never been seasick, she admits that rough weather or the ship’s location can make the experience more intense.

For newcomers to the cruise life, Lynnelle advises choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck to minimize the effects of waves.

If seasickness is a concern, remedies like acupressure wristbands, ginger supplements, or prescription drugs can help. And don’t forget about staying hydrated and enjoying the fresh air on deck to ease the discomfort.

Suggested read: My Top Tips To Prevent Seasickness When Cruising

Healthcare on the High Seas

While having access to onboard medical services is a major perk, Lynnelle points out that the ship’s medical centre isn’t equipped to handle serious health issues.

The image shows an inside view of a hospital room, viewed from the doorway. It features a modern Hill-Rom hospital bed centered in the room, with medical curtains partially drawn around it. To the right of the door, there's a sign reading "GREEN ZONE". The environment appears sterile and well-equipped for patient care.

Routine doctor visits or treatments for minor conditions might set you back a few hundred dollars, but more serious health issues could require an expensive evacuation to a land-based hospital.

If you’re someone with ongoing health concerns or need regular check-ups, living on a cruise ship can present challenges.

It’s crucial to have emergency healthcare insurance, plan for land-based check-ups (including dentist visits – don’t forget those!), and keep a well-stocked medical kit onboard.

The Price Tag

Guess what? Turns out living on a cruise ship isn’t exactly super-cheap.

Lynnelle explains that the annual cost of an inside cabin can run around $88,000, and if you opt for a balcony, the cost can easily exceed $100,000.

And that’s just for the cabin. Speciality dining, excursions, onboard activities, and souvenirs add up quickly.

For example, specialty meals can cost $50 or more, and excursions range from $100 to $300.

When you add in extras like spa treatments or photography packages, the cost of living on a cruise can become a significant financial commitment.

You’ll earn a number of bonus perks with most cruise lines, as you rise through the loyalty program rankings, but there’ll still be things you’ll need to budget for.

Things Can Get Emotional…

While life on a cruise ship offers adventure and new experiences, Lynnelle shares one of the more poignant aspects of the lifestyle: the fleeting nature of relationships.

Fellow travellers are typically on board for a short time, meaning friendships can feel temporary. Though she makes connections with crew members, the professional boundaries often limit deeper friendships.

Despite this, Lynnelle embraces the opportunity to meet new people from around the world and has maintained connections with a few passengers through social media.

While it can be isolating at times, she finds joy in the ever-changing community of fellow cruisers.

I love that she’s given this perspective as it’s not something you’d normally think about when planning a life on a cruise ship – and yet it is something that can be overcome.

Lynelle’s Love for Cruise

Despite all the challenges, Lynnelle wouldn’t trade her cruise life for anything. For her, the freedom from daily chores, constant travel, and ever-changing destinations make the drawbacks worth it.

She describes her lifestyle as a “soft life” and appreciates the simplicity it offers.

Every week brings new cultures, experiences, and adventures – without the hassle of packing and unpacking. And while the occasional struggle may arise, the rewards of the journey outweigh the discomforts.

If you’re considering this lifestyle, it’s wise to take a few short cruises first to see if it’s a good fit for you. If you can handle the noise, the small spaces, and the costs, you might just find your own version of paradise at sea.

Make sure you check our Lynelle’s video on the dark side of cruising, and the rest of her YouTube channel.

TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!

Don’t miss these offers…

See cruises

If you found this interesting, please share!

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.