A travel expert who has been on 100 cruises has warned of five to avoid.
Travel YouTuber Gary Bembridge discussed the different types of cruise packages available and the drawbacks of each package – from short cruises to peak season travel.
When you’re spending between £500 and £2,000 per person, you want to make sure you make a good choice.
From inexperienced staff to defective ships to bad weather, these are the five cruises experts say you should avoid.
Travel YouTuber Gary Bembridge advised followers on the different types of cruise packages available – and which ones to avoid
First journeys
While there is a certain prestige associated with being among the first paying passengers on a trip, it can also come with its own set of problems.
Gary warned against going on the maiden voyage of a new ship, as the voyage is often cancelled.
One of those cruises was canceled with just three days’ notice because the cruise wasn’t ready yet, he said.
He then described the slow service, the frustrated people and the staff who were not yet accustomed.
Ships can be left unfinished due to supply chain problems, meaning materials never arrive on time.
Often, at least during the first few voyages, there are contractors on board to monitor and adjust things like Wi-Fi routers, elevators, and even water slides.
He advised instead to look at older ships, with fewer grants and more experienced personnel.
Gary warned against making the maiden voyage on a new ship, as they often cancel the voyage (stock image)
Dry dock
Cruise ships must go into dry dock every five years for safety checks and maintenance.
The ship is moored on the floating dry dock and water is pumped out to lift the ship and boat above water.
This ensures that the entire ship hull hangs above the waterline and can be inspected and maintained.
This period also sees major improvements, such as adding new decks and even cutting ships in half to make the game longer.
Gary says this work is often done in a rush so they don’t lose revenue and things aren’t always finished.
The travel expert advised ‘letting one or two sailing trips pass before you book’.
But he also advised not to be on the ship just before it goes into dry dock, because “everything is being taken out in preparation.”
The main dry docks at Babcock Marine’s Rosyth Dockyard, featuring HMS Queen Elizabeth
High seasons
Gary advised cruisers not to embark during peak season in the Mediterranean, when it is “hot and itchy” and ports such as Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Pisa and Florence are “completely packed.”
During cruises to the Caribbean, the resort ships are full and there is a “crazy party crowd,” he continued.
He added that there are always stories of “arguments and fights breaking out.”
Other ships are full with “400-500 children” during peak season, he said.
The same goes for peak season in Alaska, where cruise ships are full. He recommended looking at the “in-between months” instead, as they are much cheaper and quieter.
For cruises to the Mediterranean, it is best to go in May or September to avoid the crowds.
If you travel during these months, temperatures are more pleasant and sailboat prices may be lower.
Gary advised cruise fans not to board during peak season due to crowds (stock image)
The cruise ship ‘Wonder of the Seas’ of the company Royal Caribbean, the largest cruise ship in the world, is docked in a port in Malaga, Spain
Trial cruises
Another type of cruise that you should avoid are the taser cruises. These are two to three night cruises that are offered as an introduction to cruising, if you have never been on a cruise before or if you want to try out a different cruise line or ship for the first time.
But Gary says they are too big and offer too many activities.
There’s not enough time to try them all and get a good feel for them, he added.
Gary says trial cruises are too big with too many activities (stock image)
Cruises that are sensitive to weather conditions
He also advised people to avoid cruises that travel over weather-sensitive routes.
This is because you cannot use the outer decks and are also extra susceptible to seasickness there.
Moreover, it is annoying that some activities, such as water slides or other courses, are closed.
But this is not because of danger: on a cruise ship, captains can quickly sail away from a storm.
The ships also have a thick steel hull that can withstand storms.
Gary told people to avoid cruises on weather-sensitive routes as operations at the counters may be halted (stock image)
There is also the added inconvenience that some activities, such as water slides or other courses at the office, are closed (stock image)