What is an Obstructed View on a Cruise and How to Avoid It?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruises are a great way to see the world, but what if your view is obstructed?

Whether it’s a lifeboat, a pillar, or another ship, there are a number of things that can block your view from your cruise ship cabin. This can be a real bummer, especially if you’re looking forward to taking in the sights.

In this article, we’ll discuss what an obstructed view is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose a cruise cabin that’s less likely to have obstructed views.

So if you’re worried about getting an obstructed view on your next cruise, read on for all the information you need.

| Obstructed View On A Cruise | Description | Example |
|—|—|—|
| Balcony obstructed by lifeboats | Lifeboats are typically located on the sides of a cruise ship, and can obstruct the view from balconies. | A balcony on a cruise ship that is obstructed by lifeboats will have limited views of the ocean and the surrounding area. |
| Obstructed view from inside a cabin | Cabins on a cruise ship can have obstructed views due to the location of the cabin on the ship, or due to obstructions such as pillars or walls. | A cabin on a cruise ship that has an obstructed view from the window will not have a clear view of the ocean or the surrounding area. |
| Obstructed view from the dining room | The dining room on a cruise ship can have obstructed views due to the location of the dining room on the ship, or due to obstructions such as pillars or walls. | A dining room on a cruise ship that has an obstructed view will not have a clear view of the ocean or the surrounding area. |

What Is an Obstructed View on a Cruise?

An obstructed view on a cruise ship is any view that is blocked by an object, such as a steep cliff, a building, another ship, or bad weather. Obstructed views can be a major inconvenience for passengers, as they can prevent them from enjoying the scenery and activities that are on offer.

Causes of Obstructed Views on Cruises

There are a number of different factors that can cause obstructed views on a cruise ship. These include:

  • Steep cliffs: Steep cliffs can block views of the ocean and coastline, as well as other ships and landmarks. This is a common problem in areas with a lot of cliffs, such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean Sea.
  • Buildings: Buildings can also block views of the ocean and coastline. This is a particular problem in cities and ports, where there are often tall buildings that can obstruct views.
  • Other ships: Other ships can block views of the ocean and coastline, as well as other ships and landmarks. This is a common problem in busy shipping lanes, such as the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal.
  • Weather: Bad weather, such as fog, rain, and snow, can also cause obstructed views on a cruise ship. This is because these conditions can make it difficult to see through the windows of the ship.

Impacts of Obstructed Views on Cruises

Obstructed views can have a number of negative impacts on a cruise ship experience. These include:

  • Reduced enjoyment of the cruise: Obstructed views can make it difficult to enjoy the scenery and activities that are on offer on a cruise ship. This can lead to passengers feeling bored and restless.
  • Navigational hazards: Obstructed views can also pose a navigational hazard. This is because it can be difficult for the captain of the ship to see other ships and obstacles in the water. This can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Safety concerns: Obstructed views can also pose a safety concern. This is because it can be difficult for passengers to see where they are going and to avoid obstacles. This can increase the risk of falls and injuries.

Obstructed views can be a major inconvenience for passengers on a cruise ship. They can reduce enjoyment of the cruise, pose a navigational hazard, and increase safety concerns. It is important for cruise lines to be aware of the potential risks of obstructed views and to take steps to minimize them.

When you book a cruise, you expect to have stunning views of the ocean, the coastline, and other landmarks. However, there are a number of factors that can obstruct your view on a cruise ship, including steep cliffs, buildings, other ships, and bad weather.

In this article, we will discuss the different causes of obstructed views on cruises, the impacts that these obstructions can have on your cruise experience, and what you can do to minimize the inconvenience.

Causes of Obstructed Views on Cruises

There are a number of different factors that can obstruct your view on a cruise ship, including:

  • Steep cliffs: Steep cliffs can block your view of the ocean and coastline, as well as other ships and landmarks. This is a common problem in areas with a lot of cliffs, such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean Sea.
  • Buildings: Buildings can also block your view of the ocean and coastline. This is a particular problem in cities and ports, where there are often tall buildings that can obstruct views.
  • Other ships: Other ships can block your view of the ocean and coastline, as well as other ships and landmarks. This is a common problem in busy shipping lanes, such as the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal.
  • Weather: Bad weather, such as fog, rain, and snow, can also cause obstructed views on a cruise ship. This is because these conditions can make it difficult to see through the windows of the ship.

Impacts of Obstructed Views on Cruises

Obstructed views can have a number of negative impacts on your cruise experience, including:

  • Reduced enjoyment of the cruise: Obstructed views can make it difficult to enjoy the scenery and activities that are on offer on a cruise ship. This can lead to passengers feeling bored and restless.
  • Navigational hazards: Obstructed views can also pose a navigational hazard. This is because it can be difficult for the captain of the ship to see other ships and obstacles in the water. This can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Safety concerns: Obstructed views can also pose a safety concern. This is because it can be difficult for passengers to see where they are going and to avoid obstacles. This can increase the risk of falls and injuries.

What You Can Do to Minimize the Inconvenience

If you are concerned about obstructed

What Is an Obstructed View on a Cruise?

An obstructed view on a cruise ship is a view that is partially or completely blocked by another ship, a building, or another obstruction. This can be a major inconvenience for passengers who paid for a premium view, and it can also affect the enjoyment of the cruise experience.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to an obstructed view on a cruise ship. These include:

  • The size of the ship: Larger ships tend to have more obstructed views than smaller ships, simply because there is more space for obstructions.
  • The location of the ship: Ships that dock in busy ports or that sail through narrow channels are more likely to have obstructed views than ships that sail in open waters.
  • The time of year: Ships that sail during peak season are more likely to have obstructed views than ships that sail during off-season. This is because there are more ships on the water during peak season, which increases the chances of an obstruction.

Solutions to Obstructed Views on Cruises

There are a number of things that passengers can do to avoid or reduce the impact of obstructed views on their cruise experience. These include:

  • Book a cabin with a higher deck: Cabins on higher decks tend to have better views, as they are less likely to be obstructed by other ships or buildings.
  • Choose a cabin on the starboard side: The starboard side of a ship is less likely to be obstructed by other ships, as it is the side that faces away from the shore.
  • Avoid sailing during peak season: Sailing during off-season can reduce the chances of an obstructed view, as there are fewer ships on the water.
  • Be flexible with your expectations: If you are unable to get a cabin with a clear view, try to be flexible with your expectations and focus on the other aspects of the cruise experience.

Avoiding Obstructed Views

There are a number of things that cruise lines can do to avoid obstructed views for their passengers. These include:

  • Building ships with larger windows: Larger windows allow for more unobstructed views.
  • Designing ships with fewer obstructions: Ships that have fewer obstructions, such as lifeboats and masts, will have better views.
  • Sailing in less congested areas: Sailing in less congested areas will reduce the chances of an obstructed view.
  • Educating passengers about obstructed views: Cruise lines can educate passengers about the possibility of obstructed views and how to avoid them.

Reducing the Impacts of Obstructed Views

Even if a passenger does get an obstructed view, there are still a number of things that can be done to reduce the impact. These include:

  • Using binoculars: Binoculars can help to magnify the view and make it easier to see over obstructions.
  • Moving around the ship: Moving to different parts of the ship can often provide a different view.
  • Taking advantage of alternative viewing areas: Many cruise ships have alternative viewing areas, such as observation decks and lounges, that offer unobstructed views.
  • Being flexible with your expectations: If you are unable to get a cabin with a clear view, try to be flexible with your expectations and focus on the other aspects of the cruise experience.

Obstructed views on cruises can be a major inconvenience, but there are a number of things that passengers and cruise lines can do to avoid or reduce the impact. By following these tips, passengers can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience, even if they don’t have a clear view.

What is an obstructed view on a cruise?

An obstructed view on a cruise is a view that is partially or completely blocked by another ship, structure, or land. This can be a major inconvenience for passengers who want to enjoy the scenery from their stateroom or balcony.

What are the causes of obstructed views on a cruise?

There are a number of factors that can cause obstructed views on a cruise, including:

  • The size of the ship: Larger ships have more decks and cabins, which means that there are more opportunities for obstructions.
  • The location of the ship: Ships that dock in tight spaces or near other structures are more likely to have obstructed views.
  • The weather: Wind and waves can cause ships to move around, which can temporarily block views.
  • The time of day: The angle of the sun can also affect views, especially from balconies.

What are the effects of an obstructed view on a cruise?

An obstructed view can have a number of effects on passengers, including:

  • Disappointment: Passengers who are expecting to have a clear view of the ocean or other landmarks may be disappointed if their view is obstructed.
  • Frustration: Passengers who are unable to see the scenery may feel frustrated and annoyed.
  • Loss of enjoyment: Passengers who are unable to enjoy the scenery may find their cruise experience less enjoyable.

How can I avoid an obstructed view on a cruise?

There are a few things you can do to avoid an obstructed view on a cruise, including:

  • Choose a ship that is not too large: Smaller ships have fewer decks and cabins, which means that there are fewer opportunities for obstructions.
  • Choose a cabin that is not located near other structures or in a tight space: Cabins that are located near other structures or in tight spaces are more likely to have obstructed views.
  • Be aware of the weather: If the weather is windy or there are waves, be prepared for your view to be temporarily blocked.
  • Choose a cabin with a balcony: Balconies offer the best views, so if you are concerned about obstructions, consider choosing a cabin with a balcony.

Can I get a refund if I have an obstructed view on a cruise?

It is possible to get a refund for an obstructed view on a cruise, but it depends on the specific circumstances. If the obstruction is caused by something that is out of the cruise line’s control, such as weather or other ships, you are unlikely to be able to get a refund. However, if the obstruction is caused by something that is within the cruise line’s control, such as a poorly-designed cabin, you may be able to get a refund or a partial refund.

What if I am not happy with the obstructed view on my cruise?

If you are not happy with the obstructed view on your cruise, you should talk to your cruise line’s customer service department. They may be able to offer you a refund or a partial refund, or they may be able to move you to a different cabin.

an obstructed view on a cruise can be caused by a variety of factors, including the location of your cabin, the height of your ship, and the weather conditions. While an obstructed view can be disappointing, it is important to remember that there are many other factors that contribute to a great cruise experience. By choosing the right ship and cabin, and by being aware of the potential for obstructed views, you can still enjoy a memorable cruise vacation.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • An obstructed view on a cruise can be caused by a variety of factors, including the location of your cabin, the height of your ship, and the weather conditions.
  • The best way to avoid an obstructed view is to choose a ship with a low profile and a cabin that is located high up on the ship.
  • If you do have an obstructed view, there are still many ways to enjoy your cruise vacation. You can spend time in the pool, spa, or casino, or you can go on shore excursions to explore new destinations.
  • By being aware of the potential for obstructed views, you can still have a great cruise vacation.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.