Why Does MY Digital Camera Take Blurry Pics?

I have a Sony Cyber shot DSC-W5 and about 2/3 of the time the pictures come out blurry. This has happened since I got the camera a while back. I just thought it was me, but now I've let other people use it and it happens to them too. A tripod for steadyiness is too cumbersome for vacations and parties, so that's out of the question.

What can I do about this problem?

It must be frustrating to have many of your photos come out blurred, but moving the camera while pressing the shutter button is the most likely cause. But it wouldn't happen all the time...and cameras these days react faster, so 'camera shake', caused by 'shutter lag' should not always be a problem.
I also, wonder if you are actually giving the camera time to lock in the focus first (AF points will turn green).
One way to prevent 'shutter lag' is by half pressing the shutter button, and when it locks in the focus, you can then recompose your shot, or wait for the right moment before pressing the shutter button all the way down. (while holding the camera steady).
But, your camera apparantly works quite quickly, with shutter lag at less than 1/10th of a second when pre-focused and only 3/10 of a second including autofocus...so blurry photos should not always happen. Make sure you are using 'Memory Stick Pro'.
Have you set the camera up on a tripod to test whether it will actually take good shots? (select the timer option so there will be no movement of the camera when you press the shutter button).
Do you use Auto?...because that should give you good results most of the time...only use the other settings when you understand fully how they work.
Make sure the lens is actually clean (only use a lens cloth or microfibre cloth to clean with).
Do you know the best way to stand and hold your camera to help prevent camera shake?
Read the first link below...scroll down till you get to 'Photography tip #2'.
Good luck, and don't give up.

drink less

check the lens.if it is smudged or not.

Check the camera settings...For example when my camera is set on night mode i have to keep very still or else the pictures will be blurry. Try setting it to Auto. Also if you press the button first a little and then press it all the way down to take a picture it helps the camera focus before taking a picture...Hope that solves your problem!

maybe the peeps you taking pic's are blurry. take your camera in and have it checked out or ask santa for a new one

you might want to check and make sure that your "macro close-up" is turned off. look for a symbol that looks like a flower. that's what it was for me when i was getting blurry pictures.

Read all of the above answers for good suggestions, but I find that a common reason for blurry pictures on a P&S camera is the dreaded shutter lag. Just be sure to keep the camera steady until you know that it is done taking the picture! This usually takes a good second BEYOND the point when you push the button to take the picture.