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Every cruise year seems to come with its own set of onboard annoyances, but lately, I’ve noticed something different. Instead of complaining quietly, cruisers are openly saying, “Enough is enough.”
We asked Ship Board Cruiser readers on Facebook to share “What cruise trends need to stop in 2026?”
After reading through hundreds of passenger reactions and hearing the same stories echoed again and again, it’s clear there are a few behaviors people desperately want left behind as cruising moves into 2026.
This isn’t about being uptight — it’s about basic courtesy when thousands of people share the same floating space.
When Kids Take Over the Ship (And Not in a Good Way)
This was, by far, the most talked-about issue.
Most cruisers aren’t anti-kids. They’re anti-unsupervised kids — especially when parents seem to mentally clock out the moment they board.
The biggest frustration centers around pool areas and hot tubs.
Adults expecting a quiet soak often find themselves surrounded by kids splashing, swimming, eating snacks, or treating the hot tub like a mini water park. It’s not just annoying — it can be unsafe.
But the complaints don’t stop there.
Passengers also mentioned:
- Kids running full speed through hallways late at night
- Doors being slammed repeatedly
- Yelling and screaming outside cabins
- Children wandering into adult-only spaces
I’ve cruised long enough to know that ships already offer kids’ clubs and teen zones for a reason.
Wanting parents to use them isn’t unreasonable — it’s respectful to everyone else onboard.
Chair Hogging: The Poolside War That Never Ends
If there’s one cruise tradition no one asked for, it’s chair hogging.
You know the drill: towels placed on prime loungers at sunrise, then not a soul returns until lunchtime — or later.
Meanwhile, guests actually ready to relax are left circling the deck like sharks.
Some cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, have introduced time limits and removal policies, but enforcement is inconsistent. That’s where frustration creeps in.
I’ve heard from cruisers who:
- Wait patiently and get nowhere
- Watch chairs sit empty for hours
- Eventually, remove the towels themselves
It’s become such a common issue that many guests are calling for stricter, clearly enforced rules rather than “policies on paper.”
Hygiene: A Bigger Issue Than People Admit
Nothing makes cruisers tense faster than the word outbreak.
Early in the year, a gastrointestinal illness was reported on a long sailing aboard Holland America Line, and it reignited concerns about onboard hygiene — especially in buffet areas.
Passengers voiced frustration over:
- Guests skipping handwashing before eating
- People boarding while clearly sick
- Coughing and sneezing without covering mouths
- Kids are touching everything in sight
Cruise ships place handwashing stations everywhere for a reason. Ignoring them doesn’t just affect you — it affects thousands of fellow passengers in close quarters.
Other Behaviors That Still Rub People the Wrong Way
While those three topics dominated complaints, plenty of smaller annoyances kept popping up:
- Smoking outside designated areas
- Ignoring dress codes in dining rooms
- Complaints about constant add-on charges
- Duck-hunting chaos spilling into public spaces
On their own, these may seem minor. Combined, they shape the onboard atmosphere — and not in a good way.
My Take as a Frequent Cruiser
Cruising works best when everyone remembers one simple thing: you’re sharing the ship.
No one expects perfection. Kids will be kids. People make mistakes. But courtesy shouldn’t disappear just because you’re on vacation.
If there’s one “trend” I hope truly ends in 2026, it’s the idea that being on a cruise excuses inconsiderate behavior.
A little awareness goes a long way — and makes the experience better for everyone onboard.
Because when people are respectful, cruising is still one of the most enjoyable ways to travel
