Disappointing photos show what it's actually like to go on a cruise

The disappointment started before I was even on the cruise. Since I don't live nearby my cruise's departure city, my trip began with a flight and a budget hotel room near my port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

I didn't think the Fort Lauderdale port was very picturesque, but I didn't expect it to be.

There was a long line to get inside the cruise terminal, and I should have known by this point that I'd stand in many more lines during my cruise.

And the pool decks were typically just as crowded.

Even though there were rules against saving chairs with towels, I saw plenty of people doing it, so finding a spot to relax was stressful.

A Royal Caribbean representative told Insider crew members might remove items from lounge chairs after 30 minutes. Still, they must also consider families and groups who may be in the pool or going to the restroom when enforcing rules like these and must use their best judgment.

The lines continued at each port, crowded with others who were excited to begin their tours.

It was exciting to explore new places at each stop, though some of this exploration was from the window of another hot bus.

A Royal Caribbean representative told Insider the cruise line worked with local tour operators for its excursions, so air-conditioning standards varied.