Cruisers Say These 8 Things Need to Be Banned From Ships Forever

Cruising might just be the best way to holiday — endless ocean views, delicious food, and entertainment on tap. But even the most die-hard cruisers have a few gripes about life at sea.

We asked our Facebook community: “If you had the power to delete one thing from cruises forever, what would it be?”

Hundreds of responses poured in, from serious suggestions to some very tongue-in-cheek ones. We’ve rounded up the eight most common answers cruisers gave – see if you agree with this list, and don’t forget to share what you’d ban in the comments!

1. Kids (Especially in Hot Tubs)

This was by far the most common response – cruisers have strong opinions about kids in adult spaces, especially hot tubs.

Many commenters said they’d happily ban children from the hot tubs altogether, while others just wanted them to stop splashing or turning the whirlpools into play pools.

While families are a huge part of cruise culture, the message was clear: many adult cruisers want at least a few quiet spaces to relax without noise or splashing.

Tip: If you prefer a kid-free hot tub, look for ships with dedicated adults-only areas such as Serenity (Carnival), The Retreat (Celebrity), or the Solarium (Royal Caribbean). These areas are typically 18+ and designed for a more peaceful experience.

2. Smoking (Casino or General)

Second on the list was smoking, particularly in the casino. Even cruisers who love to spend time at the slots or tables said the smell of smoke is a dealbreaker.

For some people, this was a health concern, while others simply disliked having their clothes and hair smell like smoke after a quick visit to the casino. Several comments called for cruise lines to make casinos smoke-free or at least improve ventilation.

Cruise lines have been slowly responding to this feedback; some ships already have smoke-free nights in the casino or designated non-smoking areas, but many cruisers are asking for a total ban.

If you’re sensitive to smoke, check your ship’s smoking policy before booking. Some lines, like Disney Cruise Line, are already fully smoke-free indoors, while others publish detailed deck plans showing where smoking is allowed.

Related reading: 15 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting a Cruise Ship Casino

3. Chair Hogging / Loungers

Chair hogs, also known as “deck chair reservers”, were another hot topic. These are the passengers who claim a prime poolside lounger early in the morning by dropping a towel, book, or flip-flop on it… and then disappear for hours.

“Chair hogs — especially by the pool.”
“The idiots who take lounge chairs on deck and then never sit in them all day, while you’re circling the decks 10x in 3 hours to find a seat.”

For many cruisers, nothing is more frustrating than walking around the pool deck and seeing every chair “taken” but hardly anyone sitting in them. Some people even suggested crew members should start enforcing time limits more strictly.

Recommended reading: 7 Ways to Beat the Poolside Chair Hogs on Your Next Cruise

4. Disembarkation Process & Luggage Rules

Packing up and saying goodbye is already the least fun part of a cruise, but many passengers said they’d happily delete the whole disembarkation process if they could.

For many, the frustration isn’t just about packing – it’s the feeling that the last evening of the holiday is cut short. Instead of enjoying that final dinner or show, passengers are busy folding clothes, organising suitcases, and setting alarms for an early wake-up.

Then comes the next morning: waiting for your group to be called, lining up with hundreds of other passengers, and juggling hand luggage while you make your way through the terminal. It’s no wonder so many cruisers said they’d delete disembarkation day if they could.

5. Dress Code & Dining Behaviour

Another common complaint centred around what people wear — and how they behave — in the main dining room.

Some cruisers said they miss the days when formal night felt like a special occasion and everyone dressed up. Others mentioned being annoyed by what they saw as sloppy or disrespectful dining-room behaviour, from baseball caps to beachwear.

On the flip side, there’s a growing group of passengers who prefer the more relaxed approach cruise lines have taken in recent years, arguing that it makes the dining experience more comfortable and accessible. This is one of those topics that tends to divide cruisers, formal fans versus casual diners, and judging by the comments, the debate is far from over.

6. Sales & Upselling

While some people love browsing the shops and taking advantage of onboard sales, others said the constant upselling is one thing they’d happily see disappear.

Several cruisers mentioned feeling pressured by crew members trying to sell drink packages, spa treatments, speciality dining, and even watches and jewellery – sometimes during meals or when they were trying to relax.

This complaint wasn’t just about money; it was about the feeling of being interrupted. For some, it takes away from the holiday vibe when every interaction seems to come with a sales pitch.

Related reading: Things You Should Never Buy On A Cruise

7. Lines & Queues

No one books a cruise hoping to spend it standing in line, but waiting was a common complaint.

Whether it’s waiting to board the ship, queuing for tenders in port, lining up for the buffet, or standing around for a coveted poolside burger, some passengers felt that queues were eating into their holiday time.

Most agreed that cruise lines are getting better at managing crowds, but it’s still a frustration for those who value every minute onboard.

8. Teens Running Around

While many cruisers love seeing kids and teens enjoying themselves, late-night noise and pranks made this one of the top gripes.

“Teenagers running down the halls at 1am stealing do not disturb signs and putting them all on one cabin door. Has happened twice on the cruise I’m on lol.”

It’s not so much daytime fun that annoys passengers, it’s when loud groups of teens are racing through the hallways late at night or disturbing people who are trying to sleep. For light sleepers or those with early morning excursions, it can be enough to spoil the experience.

Wrap-Up: What Would You Delete?

Cruisers may not agree on everything, but these eight complaints clearly struck a chord with the community. From chair hogs to smoking in the casino, these are the things many people would happily see disappear from cruise life forever.

What about you? Would you ban kids from the hot tubs, make the casino smoke-free, or ditch formal nights altogether? Or is there something we missed that drives you mad on a cruise?

Share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear what you’d add to the list.

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