We’ve long said that if we’re on a ship, we’re happy. There are, however, a few areas where we think the industry as a whole could stand to make some improvements. Now, we’re not talking big stuff like suggesting that for every 20 times we cruise, they give us a free trip. (Although how awesome would that be?) Instead, we’re talking about things that seem totally within the realm of possibility. Check out our list, and then hit the comments to tell us what you think could stand a bit of improvement!
1. Internet Availability
We live in the 21st century, and yet sometimes when at sea, it feels as if our ability to access the internet is only one step removed from two tin cans connected by a string. We can put a man on the moon, so surely someone can figure out how to let us stream The Martian without the signal dropping or it costing an arm and a leg!
2. Baked Potatoes
We like to eat, and when on cruises, we certainly never go hungry. But more often than not, we skip this particular starch because it inevitably arrives at the table either hard as a rock in the middle, stone cold or – yum! – both. There’s only so much even a mountain of bacon bits can do to help in that scenario!
3. Slamming Doors
How is it that they’ve figured out how to put everything from a go-kart track to a surfing simulator on ships, and yet they can’t figure out how to design a stateroom door that doesn’t slam every time someone goes out of it? And if you’re located next to one of the Crew Only passageways? The best thing we can say is that you definitely won’t sleep in and miss Early Risers Trivia!
4. Adults-Only Areas
While some ships are better than others about keeping the under-18 set out, far too often guests themselves have to make sure that unwanted children – whether their own or someone else’s – know where they’re not wanted… or allowed.
5. Smoking Sections
Where there’s smoke, there’s ire… from both those who puff and those who don’t. The lines have banned smoking on balconies (which is both a hazard and annoying to non-smoking neighbors) and in most public areas on ships. But the “designated” areas where smokers can legally light up are getting smaller and smaller, often resulting in the casino – generally a smoker-friendly zone – becoming nearly unbearable for non-smokers!
As a cruise lover, what’s something you think your favorite line could improve?
