Hanging out in the sea, you know that the best thing to do is take a cruise; go to the sea, watch all the time, have loads of fun, and eat lots of delicious food. However, I stumbled upon something that you might want to consider at least twice before your next journey.
According to the data offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FBI, between January and March of 2025, 48 crimes were reported on cruise ships, including such serious incidents as sexual assaults and thefts. That’s the highest number we’ve seen in the first quarter since tracking began.
In the last 2 decades, over 300 deaths occurred on board, and most of these occurrences were due to medical circumstances or any incident, such as a passenger falling off the board.
If you are dreaming of having a perfect cruise, stay put, because I am about to reveal 13 dark secrets that are not accessible to most.
Limited Medical Facilities and Emergency Challenges
On most cruise vessels, there are little more than the bare essentials of medical service and small clinics with few professionals. These facilities deal with less severe sickness or injuries but have no capability of coping with critical emergencies. In exceptional circumstances, such as when a passenger has a serious health condition, evacuation to a coastal hospital may be necessary.
This could take valuable time and be costly. The professional experience on board is low, and sophisticated medical tools are not necessarily available. Cruisers with underlying medical conditions or increased health needs should consider extra travel insurance and prepare with the cruise line before boarding.
The Hidden Financial Snares
Cruises are the most inclusive option, with little to no expenses, but lurking charges can easily add up on your receipt. Such add-ons include specialty meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), tips, fitness activities, and spa packages, which are usually not included in the fare.
Even those who buy beverage packages should keep an eye out for extras like tips or specialty cocktails. It can turn an affordable trip into a costly experience, especially if one is unaware of these costs. Always examine the cruise contracts and budget extra to limit your daily expenditure.
Confusing Legal Jurisdictions
Cruise ships have jurisdiction within the laws of the nation in which they are registered, and this might conflict with the laws of the country where the passenger is based. Then that makes it a tangled web when accidents, crimes, or problems happen.
Different legal systems may deter people from reporting incidents or pursuing justice for passengers. This murky jurisdiction challenges travelers’ rights and can leave victims with limited recourse while at sea or after disembarking.
Persistent Health Risks from Infectious Disease
Gastrointestinal diseases such as the norovirus are also more prolific and have been shown to account for more than 90 percent of the confirmed outbreaks on cruise ships, according to CDC statistics. Norovirus can spread very rapidly due to a low infectious dose and its resistance to universal cleaning activities.
The number of cases has decreased in recent years, but outbreaks still occasionally occur, triggering quarantine and massive activity cancellations. To keep themselves and others safe, passengers should adopt strong hygienic practices, such as frequent handwashing and following isolation guidelines (if they exhibit symptoms), to protect themselves and their peers.
Environmental Uncertainties and Weather Interruptions
The cruise routes are subject to the vagaries of the sea and weather. Weather or sea crests may redirect or cancel the stops, derailing the plans, and at least 25 percent of passengers may experience seasickness.
There can be different destinations that have their ecological issues, such as pollution or natural risks, and these issues are not always openly reported. Being aware of the weather forecast and having a flexible activity plan will help you avoid disappointment.
Alcohol-Induced Risks
Features like unlimited drink packages will likely encourage many cruisers to overindulge. Alcohol misuse can lead to dehydration, accidents, and unbearable actions during which medical assistance can be highly restricted, available only at the board.
This may be done by drinking responsibly and placing personal limitations on drinking so that they can enjoy the cruise and still be safe and healthy.
Excursion Safety Concerns
Shore excursions are an exciting way to experience ports, but they also make one vulnerable to unseen risks. Other members of the third party take no strict precautionary measures, and the result may be an accident where the equipment is in bad condition or the guides are novices.
Doing well-prepared research and reading the reviews before a booking prevents risky situations and makes your adventures much safer.
Contractual Pitfalls and Liability Limitations
Before boarding, cruise passengers sign agreements that are frequently cluttered with provisions that reduce the liability of the cruise line. The documentation could limit the compensation or lawsuit attempt in case of injury, lost possessions, or travel delays.
All terms must be read thoroughly; anyone planning to travel should ask questions and look into travel insurance to ensure they are protected in case of unexpected complications.
Surprising Onboard Restrictions
Cruise lines have occasionally surprised passengers by suddenly banning an item or activity without prior notice. This may influence what you bring or do onboard, potentially causing frustrations or penalties.
Seasickness: A Common Yet Overlooked Issue
Regardless of technological improvements in stabilizers, seasickness is a fact for many cruisers, with approximately one-quarter of the passengers being afflicted. This might make you feel nauseated and uncomfortable, especially if you were enjoying your voyage, due to the unfamiliar motion of your ship.
This issue can be easily addressed by packing remedies and booking cabins in the middle of the boat, where movement is minimized.
Insurance Gaps and Travel Coverage Confusion
The passengers also miss out on much of the insurance coverage provided by the ship’s insurance corporation, as the insurance services that cover a cruise line are often not those of the boat.
Additional personal travel insurance is usually applicable in situations such as medical emergencies, adventure activities, or when one must change modes of travel. You learn what is covered by your insurance before you leave, so that you do not get a nasty surprise should something go wrong.
Overcrowded and Noisy Common Areas
Cruise ships typically accommodate thousands of guests, which can result in long lines in the buffet, crowded pools, and crowded public areas. This will influence the relaxation and the enjoyment of amenities at peak season.
Traveling during off-peak periods or on ships with smaller capacity could give a calmer impression.
Environmental Impact and Ethical Considerations
The environmental footprints of cruising include water usage, fuel emissions, and the disposal of waste products in the sea. Specific destinations are overwhelmed by tourists, which has an impact on local populations and ecosystems.
Using operators that have good sustainability policies and do not disobey local laws can offset your impact on the environment.
Key Takeaway
Cruising holds a potential promise of your dream vacation, but no one in reality should ever go without plans for things unnoticed but lurking behind the horizon. Some of the challenges you should be aware of in advance include medical restrictions, surprise bills, state bureaucracies, and health epidemics.
Remaining aware, understanding your contracts, maintaining proper hygiene, and budgeting for extras all contribute to a seamless and safe voyage. Having such unseen cruise risks at the back of your mind will save you from surprises that may distort your sea experience. Not much preparation before the trip will take you a long way in making your trip an absolute delight.
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Don’t swipe until you read this: The 7 best credit cards for 2025 ranked by rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was just spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some seriously rewarding options that can actually boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
How to save on international money transfers: What banks don’t tell you
How to Save on International Money Transfers
Normally, I’d question the secret fees that are hidden in my bank’s international money transfer services. While banks sometimes advertise low transfer fees, they usually do not mention the substantial exchange rate margins that quietly siphon money out of your funds. It shouldn’t be expensive to send money overseas.
I’ve discovered seven practical strategies anyone can use to save on international money transfers. Whether you’re sending a hundred dollars to a family member or paying for a service in a foreign country, these tactics will help you hold onto more of your hard-earned cash.
