Imagine the chaos that would erupt onboard if a passenger pulled out a shotgun and fired it from the top deck. Within minutes, security would swarm, passengers would panic, and the Coast Guard would be en route. But rewind a few decades, and skeet shooting at sea was a real thing, no joke, no scandal.
It’s not just firing live ammo that’s vanished from cruise ships. Some lines used the wake as a driving range. True formal nights are fading fast. And those beloved free perks? Many have quietly disappeared, only to be replaced by app check-ins, upcharges, or nothing at all.
New thrills keep hitting the high seas—but what about the classic cruise traditions quietly fading into history? Here are 21 things longtime cruisers may remember, and first-timers won’t believe they were ever real. For some, it’s pure nostalgia. For others, it’s a reality check before the next sailaway.
Golfing Off the Back of the Ship—Yes, It Really Happened
Fancy taking a 3-wood club, a bucket of balls, and driving them straight into the ocean? “No way!” you might say. But believe it or not, some cruise ships used the aft deck as a driving range. Passengers could sign up to drive golf balls and master their swing at sea.
Of course, for some cruisers, it’s a quirky memory from a more carefree era. For newer guests, it sounds entirely made up—but it used to happen on some ships.
Today’s golf offerings are more modest, featuring mini golf courses on some upper decks or indoor golf simulators. Yes, less dramatic, but definitely more sustainable.
Shotguns at Sea? You Won’t Believe What They Used to Fire Off the Stern
Shooting clay pigeons off the back of the ship seems unbelievable, but cruise ships once handed out real shotguns. Skeet shooting at sea was a scheduled activity—right there on the daily planner. Imagine no waivers, little to no protective gear, and no formal ability assessments.
It used to be a highlight of some cruise lines—guests lining up and blasting skeets from a moving vessel. But unsurprisingly, the explosive onboard activity is relegated to the cruise history books. Apart from the safety and environmental reasons, it was a few insurance nightmares waiting to happen.
Skeet shooting from a cruise ship was wild, and for a time, completely normal on specific premium cruise lines.
Topless Sunbathing Decks—Gone, But Not Forgotten
Going topless when sunbathing was once a thing in the 80s and 90s, especially on some European cruise lines. Some ships had designated topless areas, tucked away on upper decks or in secluded sun zones.
At the time, it was simply part of cruise culture. Many seasoned cruisers recall it as just another option, no big deal. Fast forward to modern cruising, and “getting the decks bare up top” is more likely to get you a visit from security and a ban from the cruise line.
Today, cruise lines aim for broad appeal and a family-friendly image, so topless sunbathing is firmly off the deck plans.
Curious where clothing is still optional at sea? Some cruises keep the no-tan-line tradition alive. Discover how nude cruises work in my all-bared guide to nude cruises.
Ice Sculptures So Massive They Required Chainsaws
Hard to believe, but one of the most popular activities on board was watching ice sculpture carvings. Cruisers would gather to watch chefs take chainsaws and chisels to massive ice blocks—then carve elegant dragons, swans, and dolphins. They weren’t just decorations but a full-blown event.
You may still find ice sculptures on some cruise ships slowly melting quietly near the buffet line. But in the age of mega cruise ships with water slides, zip lines, and bumper cars, ice carving no longer has the appeal it once had.
Miss the golden days of cruising? Discover what other fun activities and perks have quietly disappeared too. Here’s my guide to Things Royal Caribbean Has Quietly Taken Away.
Champagne Waterfalls & Midnight Buffets—Here’s Why They’re Disappearing
There was a time when midnight meant more than just a late-night snack. Guests dressed to impress, live music filled the atrium, and white-gloved stewards poured bubbly down towering champagne pyramids.
Just steps away, the midnight buffet offered a jaw-dropping spread—shrimp towers, chocolate sculptures, whole roasted everything. Now it’s grab-and-go pizza or snack bars to satisfy those midnight hunger cravings.
The midnight champagne and buffets were elegant, over-the-top, and completely unforgettable.
Today, most ships have phased it out. Some premium lines still offer a toned-down version, and much like flat champagne, the spectacle has largely fizzled. Rising costs, safety concerns, and changing guest preferences made it harder to justify.
Many cruisers miss the glamour. For others, midnight now means pizza in flip-flops. Either way, that golden-glass glow is mostly a thing of the past.
You’re Not Imagining It—Turndown Service Is Disappearing Too
It used to be a quiet luxury: return from dinner to find your bed turned down, curtains drawn, soft lighting set, and maybe even a chocolate on your pillow.
Now? Many cruise lines have quietly cut evening turndown altogether. Unless you’re sailing on a premium line—or specifically request it—you’re getting once-a-day service, at best.
For longtime cruisers, this feels like a loss. That second visit wasn’t just about neat sheets—it was part of the pampered cruise experience.
Most new guests don’t expect it. However, those who remember the old standard say it’s one more little detail that made cruising feel like a five-star experience.
Free Room-Service Breakfast? That’s Disappearing
Still sailing a cruise line that offers free room service breakfast? Grab it while you can. It’s one of those quietly disappearing perks many don’t notice—until it’s gone. Complimentary morning delivery is slowly disappearing to the dismay of many longtime cruisers.
Many cruise lines now charge a service fee, even for basic breakfast items. Others limit what you can order without incurring an extra charge. And if you don’t check the fine print? That $0 cereal might come with a surprise $7 tray charge.
No Tux? No Problem—Rental Shops Are Gone Too
Believe it or not, you didn’t always have to pack formalwear. Cruise lines once offered full tuxedo rentals—jacket, pants, shoes, even cufflinks—delivered right to your cabin. You’d pre-book with your measurements and arrive at your cabin to find a smart tux hanging there. Then, you breezed to formal night looking sharp without lifting a finger.
As dress codes loosened and “elegant casual” took over, rental services quietly disappeared. Now, it’s bring your own—or skip the suit entirely.
For longtime cruisers, it was one of those small luxuries that made the night feel special. Today, on some cruise lines, you’ll be lucky to spot a tux in the entire dining room.
Where Did the Internet Lounge Go? Hope You Brought a Smartphone
Remember the days of onboard internet cafés? Rows of desktop computers, printed instructions, and a line of guests checking email or printing boarding passes. Today, most of these lounges have disappeared. But it’s hardly surprising, given the improved WiFi and widespread smartphone use.
Now everything’s app-based, from dining reservations to muster drills, digital tickets, daily deals, and checking your onboard account.
The amusing thing is that many newer cruisers are unaware that these computer rooms ever existed. But for those who preferred a keyboard and mouse—or didn’t travel with tech—it’s a frustrating loss.
Modern cruising assumes you’re always connected. Without a phone or tablet, you’re basically offline.
Daily Paper Newsletters Are Disappearing—And People Are Upset
The daily newsletter—whether it was the Fun Times, Cruise Compass, or Princess Patter—was once a cruise staple. Slipped under your cabin door each night, it told you everything: showtimes, dress codes, port info, drink specials. Now, if you want one, you’ve got to ask.
Like most companies, cruise lines are phasing out printed materials in favor of mobile apps. But not everyone likes the change. Cruise forums are packed with comments about many who miss circling events with a pen, reading the newsletter over breakfast, or saving it as a keepsake. For some, it was part of the ritual.
Tech is faster, but the paper made cruising feel more personal.
Ship Photos from Real Cameras—Now It’s All Selfies and Smartphone Shots
Cruise photographers still roam the decks, but the experience has changed—and so has the price. Gone are the days of printed photo walls and buy-only-what-you-love moments. Now it’s digital bundles, facial recognition, and surprise charges at the end.
For many, it’s become a pricey add-on. Dozens of shots, but no physical prints. Just digital files, you’ll likely need to print yourself at home, meaning even more expense.
Now? Most photos are taken on phones, edited in apps, and shared before the ship even leaves port. The gallery still exists on some ships, but many have gone digital or ditched it entirely.
For longtime guests, it’s one more tradition that’s become less personal—and a whole lot more expensive.
Remember the Must-See Video? It’s Gone
Millennial cruisers would hardly believe it, but ships once filmed a full cruise highlights video—sunset sailaways, belly flop contests, dance-offs, formal night glamour—and played it on the cabin TVs before the last night.
You could even buy a DVD to take home (does anyone still own a DVD player?). Some cruisers still have stacks of discs from past sailings.
Today, that “must-see” video is gone and replaced by social media, phone clips, and TikTok vacation reels. For newer guests, the idea of staff-produced cruise recaps sounds totally outdated, even an invasion of privacy.
But for longtime travelers, it was a fun, cheesy, unforgettable souvenir—and a moment of “hey, that’s us!” before packing to go home.
Goodbye Library Lounges—Hello Empty Bookshelves and WiFi Promos
Cruise ship libraries used to be quiet gems—plush chairs, shelves of books, puzzles in progress, and a peaceful spot to unplug.
Now? Many of those spaces are gone, repurposed, or barely stocked. What was once a true reading lounge is often just a few forgotten shelves and a sign promoting the ship’s internet package.
Most newer cruisers don’t even notice, let alone be bothered. But for longtime guests, it’s a quiet loss. A space that felt calm, personal, and totally uncommercial.
Digital books and faster WiFi may be convenient, but they don’t replace the charm of flipping pages at sea in a comfy lounge.
You Can Still Smoke on Board—Just Don’t Light Up on Your Balcony
There was a time when lighting up on your private balcony was considered part of the cruise experience—morning coffee, ocean breeze, cigarette in hand. Not anymore. Your balcony isn’t the private space you think it is, and you cannot light up in your cabin.
Most major cruise lines now ban smoking on balconies entirely, with hefty fines and strict enforcement. Smoking-designated zones on board are generally restricted to the casino and a portion of the deck.
Not sure where you can still smoke at sea? Rules vary by cruise line, but here’s my guide on How to Get Away with Smoking on a Cruise Ship.
Don’t Bother Looking for a Porthole Cabin—They’re Virtually Gone
Believe it or not, some older cruise ships had porthole cabins with windows that actually opened. Fresh sea air, no balcony needed.
Today? That feature is nearly impossible to find. Modern ships are designed for efficiency, safety, and centralized air systems, and sealed windows only. Most “oceanview” cabins now come with fixed glass and zero breeze.
Some modern cruise ships have infinity balconies—a wall-length window drops halfway at the push of a button. Some love them. Others say it feels like a glorified oceanview without a true balcony experience.
The Vanishing Towel Animal Tradition—Here’s Why It’s Disappearing
For years, towel animals were a cruise highlight and nightly surprise—monkeys swinging from hangers, swans lounging on your bed, sometimes even wearing your sunglasses.
But on many cruise lines, this tradition is fading. Fewer staterooms receive them at night, and some guests have to request them in advance. The reason? Time, labor, and sustainability. Folding towel animals takes extra staff hours and adds to laundry loads—something cruise lines are under pressure to reduce.
Many longtime cruisers feel it’s a loss of fun and personality. Newer guests may not even be aware that it was a thing. Sadly, one more whimsical touch that is slowly disappearing.
Goodbye Muster Drill Crowds—But Don’t Miss the Deadline
No one’s sorry to see this one go. The old-style muster drill meant cramming shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of strangers, wearing a life jacket, and sweating in the sun while someone yelled instructions over a crackling speaker.
Today, most cruise lines use a streamlined e-muster system. Watch a short safety video on your phone or cabin TV, check in at your station, and you’re done. It’s faster, quieter, and way less stressful.
But there’s a catch—virtually no access to facilities until it’s completed. Tech made muster better, but it’s still mandatory. Just do it early and enjoy the rest of sailaway.
Formal Dining? Nah, I Ate Lobster in Shorts Last Night
Formal nights in the main dining room used to feel like a night at the Oscars. You know, glitzy gowns, tuxedos, multi-course menus, and a hushed, elegant atmosphere. But ask seasoned cruisers, and most don’t miss the over-the-top, stuffy experience. Instead, smart casual or formal casual is the norm that most cruise guests love.
As dress codes relaxed and “come as you are” culture took hold, the formality of cruise dining faded fast. Want to order lobster in shorts? On most cruise lines, no one bats an eyelid.
Some lines still offer optional dress-up nights, but many guests skip them entirely or head to the buffet instead. For longtime cruisers, it’s a big shift. The ritual, the elegance, the sense of occasion—like it or loathe it, it’s all become optional, and comfort outranks refined elegance at sea.
No More “Real” Straws—And Those Candy Ones Are the Worst
Plastic straws have disappeared from cruise ships, just like in most places now. But not everyone likes them. Cruisers complain about drinks with soggy paper flopping halfway through, or sticky novelty straws that melt into your mojito. The solution? Bring your own reusable metal straw to avoid the mess.
It’s a small change, but one that surprises new guests. Cruising’s gone greener, but your drink might suffer without a bit of planning.
Want to know what else seasoned cruisers always pack (and what they leave behind)? Check the cruise packing mistakes list.
Free Champagne at the Art Auction (and Everywhere Else)
It’s probably the worst-kept secret on board: wander into the art auction and enjoy a glass of bubbly, on the house, with no bidding required. All you must do is endure the grueling 90-minute sales pitch. But not everyone knows that the perk used to extend beyond the gallery.
Champagne flowed at the captain’s parties, shopping talks, and even some port seminars. It was part of the cruise charm—little luxuries everywhere.
Today, the cork’s already popped on complimentary champagne, and most of that free-flowing fizz is gone. Champagne at events is rare, and when it’s offered, it’s often just one pour per guest, if that, and sometimes, just sparkling white wine, not the real thing.
Many cruisers miss the sparkle. The art auctions are still there, but with fewer bubbles, they feel a little flat.
What We Miss, What Surprised Us and What’s Next to Go?
You’ve just cruised through a list that left some readers smiling with nostalgia—and others saying, “Wait, that was a thing?” That’s the beauty of it. Cruising continues to evolve, dropping old traditions while introducing new ones every year.
One cruiser put it best: “What felt like a staple in 2005 is now a trivia question.” Yes, some moments are gone, and some things should be left in the past. But the good news is that new memories are waiting. However, the big question is: What’s next to go that we all love?
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