5 Smart Reasons To Avoid High Season Summer Cruises

Dreaming of a summer vacation on the open seas? Endless sunshine, sparkling waters, and the promise of exotic destinations sound appealing, yet there are reasons to pause.

While cruising during the summer months might seem like a no-brainer, the reality can be far less idyllic. The truth is, peak season comes with its own set of challenges—some of which might make you think twice about setting sail during this popular time of year.

1. Ships Operate Beyond Capacity

Cruise ship capacities are based on double occupancy of staterooms. However, the actual number of guests on board can vastly exceed that number. How? This is possible because children are allowed to share the room with their parents, enabling cruise lines to accommodate far more passengers than their official capacity suggests.

Newer ships have more staterooms designed to accommodate third and fourth guests, so families and groups can easily book cabins that house more people.

While this may seem like a great way to save money and keep everyone together, it also means that the public areas of the ship can feel incredibly crowded.

More passengers translate to longer lines at buffets, crowded pools, and a higher demand for everything from dining reservations to sun loungers.

The strain of operating beyond capacity doesn’t just affect your comfort—it can also impact the quality of service.

With more guests to cater to, the crew is stretched thin, which may lead to slower service, fewer personalized experiences, and an overall decrease in the luxury and relaxation that cruises are known for.

2. Fully Booked Activities

If you’ve booked a modern cruise ship because of the incredible onboard activities available—like thrilling water slides, Broadway-style shows, gourmet dining experiences, or exclusive spa treatments—you might be set for disappointment during high season.

With the ship operating at or beyond capacity, even those who plan ahead and make reservations early may find themselves competing with hundreds of other passengers for the same limited spots.

The result? You might end up missing out on the very experiences that drew you to the cruise in the first place.

3. Busy Ports

High season means that everyone is on vacation, and that includes other cruise ships too. When you dock at a popular port during summer, don’t be surprised to find multiple ships arriving on the same day. This leads to overcrowded ports, longer lines, and a less enjoyable experience overall.

Not only does this impact your ability to explore the destination at a leisurely pace, but it also affects the availability and quality of shore excursions.

With so many passengers from various ships vying for the same limited spots, you might find yourself unable to book your desired activities or, perhaps even worse, stuck in overcrowded tours that detract from the experience.

This congestion can also lead to a lackluster interaction with the local culture. Overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists, some local businesses and attractions may resort to offering more generic, touristy experiences rather than the authentic, immersive encounters you might enjoy during less busy times of the year.

4. No Bargain Deals

If you’re hoping to snag a great deal on a summer cruise, think again. High season means high prices. Cruise lines know that demand is at its peak during summer, and they capitalize on it by raising prices across the board.

You’ll likely pay more for the same cabin, the same excursions, and the same experiences compared to off-peak times.

Because of the likelihood of the cruise selling out, discounts, promotions, and last-minute deals are hard to come by. You may end up spending significantly more for your vacation than you would if you traveled during the shoulder seasons.

5. Protests From Locals

The influx of tourists during the high season isn’t just hard on travelers—it’s tough on the local communities as well.

In recent years, there have been numerous reports of local protests against cruise ships, particularly during the peak summer months.

Residents of popular destinations, from Venice to Barcelona, have expressed frustration over environmental impact, pressure on local infrastructure, and the diminishing quality of life due to the constant influx of tourists.

This July, more than 100 organizations banded together to protest mass tourism on the streets of Barcelona, while locals on the island of Mallorca put together a visual overcrowding protest on a beach in the vacation hotspot.

These protests can sometimes lead to changes in port schedules, restricted access to certain areas, or even a less welcoming atmosphere overall. A Royal Caribbean cruise ship was recently stopped from docking in Amsterdam by climate protestors, while the Barcelona protests saw cruise ship passengers squirted with water pistols.

While cruise lines and ports are working to address these concerns, it’s something to consider as protests will be at their peak in high season.