Tips For Travellers (Gary Bembridge)

I Won’t Do These 7 Cruises. Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Either!

Gary Bembridge, a two‑decade cruise veteran, outlines the seven types of voyages he will never book again and explains why most travelers should steer clear of them. He frames the discussion around real‑world experiences, emphasizing that not every cruise delivers value despite attractive pricing or brand reputation. He warns against short “taster” cruises, which have become weekend party vessels that mask a line’s true service. A 50‑night world cruise on Queen Victoria proved costly and sea‑heavy, offering only 12 ports. Maiden voyages and ships fresh from refit—such as Explora Journeys, Cunard’s Queen Anne, and MSC Divina—suffered from untested systems, crew inexperience, and unfinished amenities. Charters that occupy large portions of a ship, limited port dwell times on Panama Canal and Alaska itineraries, peak‑season overcrowding, and sailing during hurricane or typhoon seasons also rank high on his regret list. Specific anecdotes illustrate each point: his mother’s overwhelming experience on a Cunard taster, the relentless sea days on the world cruise, the cancelled Queen Anne maiden voyage, paint fumes on MSC Divina post‑refit, and a Regent Seven Seas charter that closed half the ship’s venues. He also cites friends who missed key Alaskan attractions due to brief port windows and a rainy‑season Oceania Riviera trip that lost several ports to storms. The takeaway for consumers is clear: conduct thorough research, verify charter presence via simple Google searches or ThemeCruiseFinder.com, prioritize itineraries with generous port time, and travel in shoulder seasons to avoid crowds, inflated fares, and adverse weather. By applying these filters, travelers can protect their investment and ensure a cruise experience that matches expectations.