Cruise Myths – Revealed & Busted

You may have heard myths about cruising and not sure if they’re true or not. If you’re thinking of taking your first cruise, there are a few things you should know.

Cruising is no longer just for the retired set – in fact, a record-breaking 1.9 million holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took an ocean cruise recently! So what’s stopping you? Maybe it’s because you think cruising is expensive, or that you’ll be stuck on a boat with nothing to do. Well, read on as I bust 11 first time cruise myths!

1: Cruising is Expensive

Wrong! With so many cruise lines and ships to choose from, there are now options to suit every budget. And remember, your cruising fare includes your accommodation, meals, entertainment and transportation – so you can save money by not having to worry about any of those things while you’re on holiday.

2: I’ll be bored on a cruise ship

Absolutely not! Cruise ships are packed with activities and entertainment options to keep you busy from morning till night. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, join an onboard excursion, or dance the night away in a nightclub, there’s something for everyone on a cruise ship.  Some ships even have rope courses and water-parks that rival any all-inclusive hotel.  Many have West-End style shows including Million Dollar Quartet, Mamma Mia, Tangled: The Musical & Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.  Think how much a trip to the West-End costs!  It’s all included on your cruise.

3: Cruises are for old people

Not anymore! Cruising is becoming increasingly popular with younger travellers, and there are now plenty of cruise lines that cater to this demographic. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, look for a cruise line that offers themed nights, onboard clubs and other activities geared towards a younger crowd.  Newcomer Virgin Voyages offers amazing dining, unique entertainment and the Scarlet Night is not to be missed (I ended up fully clothed in the pool).

Still not convinced cruise ships are just for older people? Watch the video below about Virgin Voyages

4 : I get seasick, so cruising is not for me (most common cruise myth)

This is one of the most common cruise myths – but it’s also one of the easiest to dispel. Modern cruise ships are huge and stable, so it’s very unlikely that you’ll even feel any motion while you’re onboard. And if you do start to feel a bit queasy, there are plenty of remedies to help. From over-the-counter medications to seasickness bands. So don’t let this myth stop you from cruising – it’s really a non-issue.

Still have more questions about cruising? I’d love to chat with you and help dispel any other cruising myths!

5: I’ll be stuck on the ship the whole time

While it’s true that you’ll spend most of your time on the ship while you’re cruising, that doesn’t mean you’ll be bored. There are plenty of things to do onboard including world-class entertainment, an array of restaurants, relaxing spa, duty-free shopping or just chilling by the pool.  Plus, you’ll be docking at some cool ports around the world.

So don’t worry, you won’t be stuck on the ship the whole time. Another cruise myth dispelled!

6:  I won’t be able to meet people on a cruise

No need to be a single-pringle on your first cruise. There are plenty of opportunities to meet people while you’re cruising, from group activities and onboard events to simply chatting with your fellow passengers at the pool or in one of the ship’s bars or lounges. I’ve struck up many conversations in the spa pool for example.

7: There’s nothing for my kids to do.  They’ll get bored (an easy to dispel cruise myth)

Cruise ships are now packed with kid-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained. Most cruise lines offer kids clubs that cater to different age groups, with supervised activities and games.  And don’t forget about all the other family-friendly activities onboard including movies, pools, arcades and more. Royal Caribbean & Norwegian are some of the best cruise lines for kids.  Your little ones (and not so little ones) can make new friends with kids of similar ages too.  Plus, it’s safer onboard compared to most hotels.  Unlike most beach-front hotels, they can’t wander off the ship so you’ll know they’ll always be safe onboard.

8:  I won’t have any privacy onboard

The cruise myths keep on coming. There are plenty of opportunities to find some alone time on a cruise ship, from quiet spots around the pool to your own private balcony (if you book a cabin with one).  If you want to really escape the crowds, consider booking a suite, which will give you plenty of extra space to relax in privacy.

9: I won’t be able to stay connected while I’m cruising

Most cruise ships now offer Wi-Fi access, so you can stay connected while you’re cruising. However, it’s worth noting that the service can be patchy in some areas of the ship and it’s generally quite slow. So if you really need to stay connected, it might be worth buying a local SIM card when you’re in port. The old cruise myths about being cut-off from the world is no longer true.

10:  Cruise ships are crowded and noisy

This one really depends on the cruise ship you’re on and the itinerary you choose. If you’re cruising during peak season or on a popular route, then it’s likely that the ship will be busier than usual.  However, there are plenty of quieter itineraries and ships to choose from if you want to avoid the crowds.  All cruise ships have a quiet corner where you can read a book or be alone with your spouse or travel companions. Although a cruise ship with over 3000 passengers can seem crowded at times, it is no more than most hotels, restaurants, or resorts. Luxury cruise ships usually have plenty of space per passenger and many spacious common areas.

11: I have to dine at assigned times and with people I might not like

Most cruise lines offer flexible dining options these days, so you don’t have to eat at set times or with people you don’t know.  If you want to eat at the same time each day, you can usually pre-book your table.  However, if you’re happy to eat when and where you like, there are usually plenty of options available, including buffet-style restaurants, cafes, bars and room service.  And if you want to avoid the crowds, you can always order room service and have your meal delivered to your cabin.

Bonus Cruise Myth: It’s very complicated and overwhelming trying to book a cruise

As a cruise specialists, we’re here to help you find the perfect cruise for your first time setting sail.   We’ll be there with you every step of the way from finding the right cruise line and itinerary to booking your cabin and answering any questions you have.  So don’t worry, it’s not as complicated or overwhelming as it seems. Just give us a call or send an email and we’ll take care of everything for you.

So there you have it – 11 myths about cruising that have been debunked!   I hope this has inspired you to take your first cruise and see for yourself just how great cruising can be.  Get in touch to start planning your first cruise.  Happy cruising!