The 7 Shocking Characters You Are Likely to Encounter on Every Cruise Ship

Due of the nature of my work as a cruise director, I have had the pleasure (and at times the challenges) of encountering vast ranges of guests on board the ship. Each sailing has its distinct character, and after years of cruising, there are a few character types that stand out and make every trip remarkable.

Here’s Larry, the last-minute passenger and one of the seven characters you are likely to meet on a cruise. And yes, every cruise journey has him on it. Let’s have a look at why he is Ted Cruise so unique.

My whisper to you — brace yourself. He is loafing around on the deck sipping his Gin and Tonic as the ship is docking. Yep, sounds like a typical Larry thing.

🌄 The Adventurous Spirit: Susan

Susan is the individual who attends every shore excursion briefing, placing the guidebook on her chest while planning for her next “big adventure.” What sets her apart from the crowd is the commitment she possesses, as apparent from diving into every experience offered regardless of challenges synonymous with vacationing. Susan teaches us that adventure is more than an activity. It is a mindset that going on a cruise encourages us to step out of the ‘normal’ setting.

📖 The Storyteller: Stan

Every pool cabin has a Stan who entertains with fascinating stories about previous voyages and life experiences. Their audience comprises of passengers who gather around Stan and trade them with their stories late in the evenings. He reminds us of the powerful magic behind storytelling through personal experiences, bringing us closer together. Whether you want to listen or join in on a conversation, Stan makes the ship feel like home.

😠 The Expressive Observer: Fran

Fran has the tendency to react to everything which she does not shy away from. Whether it’s the common surprise gasp she lets out at a beautiful sunset or in the form of animated critique towards a buffet, Fran never fails to keep the crew on their toes. While her observations may sometimes leach onto my colorful, they do help remind us to pay attention and cater to the case where no guest is left unattended.

🙄 Karen, The Formidable Reviewer

Karen can be touchy, there is no denying that. However, she is that one customer who always returns. It does not matter if it is the cabin temperature or the selection of dessert items; Karen will critique everything on her voyage. In reality, Karen is a lover of cruising. Karen shows us the importance of customer feedback and how even the most difficult guests are a part of the cruise family.

🧭 Kathy, The Adorable Lost Traveler

Kathy seems to have the unique skill of looking positively bewildered on the ship, which is quite amusing. Yes, she is utterly great at getting herself lost, and that is not even on day seven. Kathy gets herself into delightful surprises; from striking a conversation with other passengers to stumbling into trivia games, Kathy’s delightful surprises just seem endless. Kathy reminds us that magic batter does brew when you least expect it.

Oliver, The All Round Fun-Loving Guy

You will meet Oliver at any event, from morning yoga to midnight karaoke. He is perpetually full of energy and continuously cheerful. With those kinds of traits, he tends to motivate each and everyone around him. Oliver helps us believe in ourselves, and teaches us that taking advantage of every second is important while on board.

For many, cruising is more than a vacation—it is a complete world in and of itself. It is an opportunity from people of all walks of life to travel together and share an unforgettable experience. These seven archetypes demonstrate the variety of human behavior that each of us has and how we should cherish each other’s uniqueness.

Let's try to spot those spot those carachtars on your next cruise! Or are you maybe one of them? Are you excited for your next cruise? Hope to see you there!

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