Wait in line to get on the ship
Wait in line to get off the ship
Wait in line for shuttles
Crowded dining halls and buffets
Mediocre food at best (Royal Caribbean)
Ship smelled of mildew
Every bathroom smelled like a porta potty
Upsells upsells upsells. The whole ship experience felt like being in a prolonged timeshare sales pitch.
There were more presentations on shore shopping tips, future cruise deals and overpriced tourist trap cruise line excursions than worthwhile entertainment options. Thank goodness it was Alaska and I could avoid all of it by simply standing outside and taking in the scenery.
I know I sound a little contradictory when I say it was still worth it to get a taste of Alaska. Alaska is just that beautiful and unique. Cruising felt like bringing all the worst parts of Disneyland to a place that doesn't require them.