Many of the following phobias can come into play when someone is suffering from a fear of cruise ships. It can be triggered by specific situations such as waiting in line. Long lines to get on and off the ship, lines at the dining buffet, and lines to get your photograph taken can trigger agoraphobia in some people. The simple knowledge that you are “stuck” on the ship in the middle of the ocean may be enough to trigger a panic attack. Claustrophobia can also be a factor at some of the ship’s events. Large crowds tend to gather during showtimes, in some cases providing standing room only. If crowds make you claustrophobic, you may wish to skip some of the shows. If you participate in shore excursions, you will find yourself on a boat or a bus with 20 or 30 other cruisers, most of whom are eager to get to know the others in the group. Even if you go it alone in port, you will be greeted by hawkers hoping to braid your hair, sell you jewelry, or simply tell you all about island life. It’s easy for those with a tendency to fear illness to become afraid. Prior to the coronavirus, which has been a game changer for the cruise ship industry, the number of outbreaks was actually quite small, and each outbreak affects only a small percentage of passengers. Whether you suffer from hypochondriasis (fear of illness) or nosophobia (fear of a specific disease), being in close contact with others for an extended time could trigger your phobia.
