What you explained is what I'd expect someone who's never been on a cruise before to describe a cruise. Sure, there's hecklers at the port immediately off the boat. Walk out of that area and it goes away, like every tourist destination.

Most cruise stops that I've been on have been around 8 hours, which is ample time to experience a bit of a location. I have only been on two cruises, so I'm by no means a seasoned traveler.

Unfortunately, the Caribbean doesn't have a rail system between the islands, so boating is the main option. While most cruises aren't luxury, and to get a suite is $$$, they are comfortable rides, almost assuredly more comfortable than a train, barring rough seas, which I've experienced once, and it wasn't that bad. They are slower than trains, but they have a dozen floors, 100 bars, pools, live entertainment, and a plethora of other things. I have enjoyed some of my at seas days more than some stops. Finally, vastly more interesting destinations is extremely subjective. There are cruises that go all over the world, so the number and choices of destinations is huge.

I'm not going to argue you least point. Like I first mentioned, they're terrible for the environment. All of my words above are just in response to, "why would anyone get one one of these", not to defend the existence of cruises.

It’s all about the attitude you have going into the trip, my friend. There will be hecklers wherever you go, if you set your mind to look for them.

What is a heckler? Like the people who interrupt stand ups? I went on two cruises with my family when I was a kid. And I can assure you the only stand-up anyone experiences is on the ship in between ports.

Dunno what you mean with hecklers but you arrive at a part, tour the city, go eat somewhere, you know, spend time in the destination city and then you move on.