Cruise lines are rolling out ships that are bigger than anything we have ever seen before. This often means more activities, bigger rooms and more space to have fun. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to sailing on a large cruise ship that many passengers don’t even think about.
Long Treks
The bigger the ship is the longer it will take you to get from one activity to another. This isn’t usually a big deal unless you are trying to navigate a bunch of crowds or have little ones that get tired easy. Many of the larger cruise ships do have a lot of activities that are close to one another so your best bet is to do these activities first and then move to another section of the ship rather than going back and forth.
Obstructed Views
So you think because you are on a massive cruise ship you’ll get a good view of the ocean? Well that’s not always the case. The design of some of these ships makes it harder to see out and many of the state rooms don’t have views of the ocean. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have virtual balconies in some of their rooms that show real time views of the ocean. While it’s not quite the real thing, it’s pretty close. If you want to get a good view of the ocean, you can always ask a crew member as they will know the best places to go on the ship.
Crowds
Large cruise ships equate a lot of people. This means crowds and long lines at times. If you plan on seeing a show or trying out specialty dining, you’ll need to make reservations to ensure a seat. You also need to allot enough time to get to these venues as you may have to navigate a lot of people or wait longer than usual for an elevator. If you aren’t into crowds or just need a little escape, you don’t necessarily have to retreat to your room. Many ships have places that tend to be quiet like a Solarium or even a reading room.
For many passengers, the drawbacks of a large ship are worth it for all they can experience. One of the many nice things about large cruise ships is that there’s always something to do and there are a lot of options when it comes to activities. Cruisers tend to really get their money’s worth despite all the little inconveniences.
