Why Cruises No Longer Appeal to Me – And the Travel Style I Prefer Now

The cruise industry experienced remarkable growth, with around 32 million passengers setting sail in 2024 — a 6% increase compared to 2019. Yet despite this surge in popularity, I’ve found myself stepping away from cruise travel altogether.

My reasons go beyond personal preference, touching on deeper concerns about environmental impact, authentic travel experiences, and what I truly value in exploration. My perspective shift happened gradually, influenced by mounting evidence about cruise ships’ environmental footprint and my growing desire for more meaningful travel.

Let me share why cruises have lost their appeal for me and what travel style has captured my heart instead.

The Environmental Wake-Up Call

The environmental impact of cruise ships became impossible to ignore once I started digging into the data. Cruise ships create 24% of the waste generated by ships in the ocean and cruise ships have significantly high CO2 emissions per passenger.

Even more shocking was learning that the 218 cruise ships in Europe released four times more sulfur oxide than all of the cars in Europe.

The sewage issue particularly bothered me.

Large cruise ships generate substantial amounts of sewage, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands of gallons per week for ships carrying thousands of passengers.

The Greenwashing Problem

Many cruise lines promote their environmental initiatives, but the reality tells a different story. Many cruise operators have begun investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative to traditional marine fuels.

But while burning LNG generates less carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions compared to other fossil fuels, it remains a highly polluting source of fuel.

Bryan Comer, director of the marine program at the International Council on Clean Transportation, has criticised LNG usage as a “misleading solution” and an example of attempting to appear environmentally friendly without truly addressing climate issues.

The Carbon Footprint Reality Check

A person who takes a five-day cruise on a cruise ship, even the most efficient one, will be responsible for generating about 500 kg of CO2. This is about twice the total greenhouse gas emissions of an aeroplane flight.

The research from the International Council on Clean Transportation revealed that the world’s largest and most efficient cruise ships emit about 250 gCO2/pax-km. Based on the data in ICCT’s most recent transatlantic aircraft emissions inventory, the industry average carbon intensity ranges from approximately 10 gCO2/pax-km to 130 gCO2/pax-km.

This means cruising produces roughly three times more CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer than flying.

The Authentic Experience Dilemma

Beyond environmental concerns, I realized cruise travel wasn’t delivering the kind of authentic experiences I craved. The brief port stops felt rushed and superficial.

The cruise ship itself becomes a bubble that insulates you from the real destination. You’re eating international buffet food, surrounded by thousands of other tourists, and missing the genuine interactions that make travel meaningful.

I found myself questioning whether I was truly experiencing these destinations or just checking them off a list.

The Overcrowding Impact

6 million cruise passengers in 2024, and this massive volume creates serious overtourism problems in popular ports.

The infrastructure in many ports simply can’t handle the sudden influx of visitors.

Local residents often complain about cruise passengers crowding their streets, restaurants, and attractions before disappearing again by evening.

Cities such as Venice and Amsterdam have imposed restrictions or outright bans on cruise ships due to their detrimental effects on air quality, marine ecosystems, and cultural landmarks.

My Shift Toward Slow Travel

Instead of cruise travel, I’ve embraced what researchers call “slow travel” – and it’s transformed how I experience the world. According to Hilton, immersing oneself in a destination for an extended time to fully experience the culture is gaining popularity.

a growing number of American travelers find slow travel appealing, and I understand why. Slow travel is not just a way of moving through space but a more profound engagement with the world.

Rather than visiting seven countries in seven days, I now spend weeks in single destinations.

The Rise of Sustainable Transportation

A reflection of this is Conde Nast Traveler tapping train travel as something to watch. The resurgence of luxury train travel aligns with slow travel, where the focus shifts from speed to savoring the journey.

Train travel offers a new and unique way to see Europe which may be better than air travel as travellers are able to admire the landscapes as they pass through, all while letting someone else do the driving.

Slow travelers are interested in eco-friendly accommodations and might also choose sustainable transportation methods like trains or bicycles.

Embracing Alternative Destinations

Another trend is the rising popularity of alternative destinations, known as dupe destinations. A growing awareness of the negative impacts of overtourism on popular destinations drives this.

“Townsizing” is all about the small-town vibes in chill locations. “The idea here is to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities and vacation somewhere that is more charming and authentic,” Panchal says.

I’ve found incredible experiences in places like rural Portugal, small Japanese mountain towns, and forgotten corners of Eastern Europe.

The Local Immersion Experience

Slow travel promotes less touristy activities like visiting local markets, eating at family-owned restaurants, attending cultural events or festivals, and participating in activities that support the local economy.

I now stay in locally-owned accommodations, eat at neighborhood restaurants, and participate in community activities.

Consumers are choosing to immerse themselves in local cultures, communities, and experiences rather than rushing through multiple short trips.

The Health and Wellness Factor

Cruise ships present unique health challenges that I’d rather avoid. Risks to specific groups include the spread of infectious diseases, including 2020 pandemic outbreaks widely reported on some cruise ships.

As nearly a third of adults are chronically sleep-deprived and an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans battle sleep disorders or disruptions, the strong appeal of this trend showcases travel as a wellness activity.

The slower pace reduces travel stress significantly.

Supporting Responsible Tourism

A notable shift is underway: instead of “revenge travel” (traveling as often as possible), consumers are now embracing “slow travel” – opting for fewer trips that are more meaningful and engaging.

Slow travel not only reduces the carbon footprint but can offer a more fulfilling, less stressful travel experience.

Long-term trends point toward a more sustainable and equitable tourism model that benefits both travelers and host communities.

My journey away from cruise travel toward slow, sustainable exploration has been transformative.

While industry projections show continued growth in cruise passenger numbers, I’m moving in the opposite direction. The environmental costs, lack of authentic experiences, and contribution to overtourism make cruises incompatible with my travel values.

Instead, I’ve discovered the joy of truly connecting with destinations through slower, more thoughtful travel that benefits both me and the places I visit. What do you think about these different approaches to travel?

Tell us in the comments.

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