Because Not Everything About “Classic” Cruising Deserves a Comeback

I love cruising — but I’ll be honest, some so-called “beloved traditions” feel more outdated than charming these days.

Sure, a few old-school customs add character, but others? They’re clinging on like a forgotten souvenir magnet on the back of your fridge.

Here are the 10 cruise traditions I think it’s time to ditch (or at least rethink), straight from my personal cruise experiences and endless conversations with fellow passengers.

1. Shared Dining Tables — Not Every Meal Needs to Be a Social Experiment

I love meeting fellow cruisers… sometimes.

But being seated with strangers for dinner when all I want is a quiet meal? No thanks.

Here’s the problem:

• You either luck out with great tablemates… or sit awkwardly through small talk about someone’s stamp collection.
• Requesting a private table shouldn’t feel like asking for a special favor.

👉 My Ideal Fix: Make solo or small-group tables easy to book — no awkward conversations with the maître d’ required.

2. Compulsory Gratuities — Good Intentions, Bad Execution

I’ll always tip for good service — but the automatic daily charge thing? It feels impersonal and a bit murky.

Why it rubs me (and others) the wrong way:

• There’s little clarity on where the money goes.
• Some people would rather tip directly.
• It feels less like a reward and more like a hidden fee.

👉 My Honest Opinion: Don’t scrap gratuities — just make the system clearer and give passengers more control. Transparency would make a world of difference.

3. Set Dining Times — I’m on Vacation, Not in Bootcamp

Cruising is supposed to be relaxing, right? Then why does it feel like a military schedule when dinner rolls around?

Why I’m over it:

• The fixed dining times rarely fit with real vacation life — excursions, naps, spontaneous poolside drinks…
• Freedom dining works for a reason.
• Who wants to dash from the hot tub just because it’s “your seating”?

👉 What I’d Love: More dine-when-you-want options. It’s not anti-tradition — it’s pro-flexibility.

4. Paying for Wi-Fi — Seriously, Why Is This Still a Thing?

Let me get this straight… I can sit in a café on land and get blazing-fast free Wi-Fi with my overpriced latte, but once I board a cruise ship?

I’m paying a small fortune for a connection that moves slower than a towel animal on a sunbed.

Why it bugs me:

• The price for basic access can rival the cost of an excursion.
• Sometimes, I just want to check WhatsApp or a quick email — not livestream my entire vacation.
• In 2025, this shouldn’t still be a luxury add-on.

👉 My Take: I get that satellite internet costs money, but cruise lines need to build it into the fare — or at least offer basic access for free.

5. Reserving Sunbeds & Loungers — The Petri Dish of Pool Deck Entitlement

I’ve seen this firsthand—and it’s not just about comfort; it’s a community creeper.

People waking up at sunrise, racing to the pool deck, and plopping towels and books to claim loungers—only to disappear for hours.

I’m all for a relaxing sunbathing spot, but this moves from strategic to selfish in no time.

And yes, cruise staff try to enforce the “30-minute rule,” but let’s be honest, enforcement varies wildly.

Cruisers on forums agree:

Saving loungers around the pool drives people crazy 😤—“People get really irate about it when they see spots reserved all day.”

Why it annoys me (and most others):

• It blocks access for latecomers or those who just want a casual sun soak.
• It fosters resentment and an atmosphere that feels less relaxing, more territorial.
• Policies exist, but inconsistent enforcement ruins the vibe.

👉 My Fix: Enforce the 30-minute rule consistently, and maybe allow towel placements after breakfast hours. Or better: introduce app-based reservations or timed lounging slots.

6. Formal or Elegant Nights — The Overdressed Elephant in the Room

I’ll admit… part of me loves seeing everyone glammed up for formal night. It makes the evening feel special.

But here’s the flip side:

• Not everyone wants to pack half their wardrobe for a vacation.
• Feeling forced to dress up (or hide in the buffet) isn’t exactly relaxing.
• Four formal nights on a two-week cruise? That’s overkill.

👉 My Wish: Make it optional or offer a “come as you are” dining room. Let those who love it go all out — and the rest of us enjoy dinner without swapping flip-flops for formal shoes.

7. The “Back in the Good Old Days” Comparisons — Can We Stop Already?

Every cruise seems to have that one person waxing poetic about the golden age of cruising.

You know the type:

“Back in my day, everyone wore tuxedos every night, kids were silent, and there wasn’t a burger bar in sight!”

I get it — nostalgia’s fun. But here’s the thing:

• Cruises have changed — and for the better, in a lot of ways.
• They’re more inclusive, affordable, and family-friendly now.
• Constant comparisons just kill the vibe for new cruisers.

👉 My Take: Let’s embrace what cruising is now. There’s room for tradition and fun.

8. Art Auctions — Are We Still Doing This?

I know some folks enjoy the spectacle, but cruise art auctions often feel more like a high-pressure sales pitch disguised as a cultural event.

Here’s why I’m over it:

• Most of the art seems overpriced or mass-produced.
• The “rare collectible” hype? Feels a little… stretched.
• I’d rather spend that hour sipping wine on deck than bidding on a seascape I’ll regret hanging over my sofa.

👉 My Honest Thought: Unless you’re a serious art collector, treat cruise art auctions as light entertainment — not shopping trips.

9. Smoking Areas — This Debate Isn’t Going Away

I know this is divisive, and I get that smokers have their rights. But as a non-smoker… walking through a cloud of cigarette smoke on my way to the buffet? Not ideal.

The issue:

• Smoke doesn’t stick to “designated areas.”
• Some ships have smoking zones in high-traffic spots.
• It’s about health, comfort, and keeping public spaces pleasant.

👉 My Suggestion: Maybe rethink where those areas are — and boost ventilation. Everyone deserves to enjoy the fresh sea air.

10. Photos With the Officers — Let’s Retire This Forced Photo Op

Picture this: You’re half sunburned, holding a drink, and suddenly… you’re lined up for a photo with a complete stranger in uniform.

Why does this tradition feel awkward?

• It’s often staged, rushed, and rarely flattering.
• The officers are probably wishing they could skip it, too.
• Does anyone really want a framed photo with the hotel director they met for 30 seconds?

👉 My Vote: Let the officers do what they do best — run the ship. I’ll skip the awkward photo, thanks.

It’s Time for Cruising to Keep Evolving

Don’t get me wrong — I love a little tradition. But cruising today isn’t about tuxedos, forced photos, or overpriced Wi-Fi.

It’s about flexibility, fun, and making memories your way.

Let’s retire the stuffy old habits that don’t serve us anymore… and keep the traditions that enhance the cruise experience.

The future of cruising looks pretty exciting — as long as we leave a few outdated customs in the wake.