Expectation: This itinerary is PERFECT!!!
Exasperation: Well, maybe, in a perfect world. Unfortunately, the world has its' moments that do not always cooperate. I think the first thought that you have to keep in mind is that multi-page Cruise Contract that you acknowledged receiving. Among a few other things, somewhere it may say that "....we reserve the right to change the itinerary......" Well, knowing that, you have to keep in mind that conditions and situations outside your control can occur. Such things as challenging weather and heavy seas may lead to ship delays to a port arrival, a mechanical or electrical problem could alter your itinerary, there could be unforeseen unrest political or civil unrest at one of your itinerary countries where out of safety for the passengers and crew a decision to change the itinerary takes place. Another consideration is to carefully review your perfect itinerary. Perhaps at one of your stays, you would be required to take a 'tender' (a ship's life boat or contracted boat) to take you from ship to shore. If the ship's Officers deem the waters to rough, the tenders will not be available and the port will only be seen from the ship. These are of course, worse case scenarios. Your cruise may be as perfect as you have planned!
Expectation: There is so much to do at each port. I want to do everything!!
Exasperation: It's a great idea to have a plan for your excursions. If you can pre-plan your excursions online before your cruise, it will save valuable time. The lines onboard at the excursion desk can be quite long. And, one of the reasons to cruise is to enjoy the cruise and not wait in a line.
You will find that organizing at least some of your excursions will allow for the efficient and enjoyable use of your time and create those amazing memories. Remember, it's a vacation! Now, your time is yours to use it as you want. It's important to keep that in mind. For instance, when I was working in Alaska, the ship may be arriving at the dock at 6 AM and an excursion meeting and setting off at 7 AM. So, if all goes well, you will be getting up at 5 AM, maybe have room service or go to the early buffet breakfast (continental) before getting in the queue for the excursion as you wait for local Customs to clear the ship for passengers to go ashore. It is very exciting. You just need to be prepared for a few 'hurry up and wait' days. Getting off the vessel at a more leisurely time may be more suitable to getting the most out of your time.
Expectation: My stateroom will have been cleaned and prepared before my return from shore.
Exasperation: It was a VERY long day of activities ashore and you need a rest. You return to your stateroom and it has not been made up! Ships have varying ways in which to address these issues. Where once staterooms were cleaned once a day and turned down in the evening, now there is just once daily cleaning. It varies as to the ship. Some have a light outside your stateroom to indicate your room is ready for cleaning. Some ships have a card you place on your stateroom door. Regardless, you do have a card in your stateroom where you can contact your stateroom attendant and request a cleaning. It again varies. Where there is only one visit to clean per day, a passenger may request to have their stateroom cleaned either in the morning or late afternoon. Ask your attendant when you see him/her on your first day onboard when they introduce themself to you.