Cruise Myths Debunked
Kathryn Freeman • September 10, 2024
There are so many myths flying around about cruising, it's easy to see why to some the very idea of leaving dry land may not appeal. However, as with all myths, they are just that - a myth.
Not convinced? Read on...
You'll Get Seasick
You might, but it doesn't happen to as many people as you might think. Cruise ships have stabilisers which act to reduce the motion that waves may cause while you are onboard, unlike on smaller vessels and ferries.
If you are prone to seasickness, we always recommend booking accommodation in the middle of the ship, where you will feel the least movement. You may also wish to choose a cabin with a balcony, so you can relax and enjoy the fresh air while you find your sea legs.
Most people tend to find they don't even feel any movement after the first day onboard, but if you do find yourself feeling a little bit queasy, all cruise ships have a medical centre onboard and will be able to help alleviate your symptoms.
Cruise Holidays are Expensive
It's all relative as they say! While at first glance, a cruise may seem more expensive than the average package holiday, but that's before you realise what's actually included in your cruise holiday.
Cruise holidays offer incredible value for money, including accommodation, flights and transfers (when flying to your embarkation point abroad), full board with a huge array of eateries to choose from, pools, gyms, sports facilities, activities and spectacular entertainment, all included in the price of your cruise.
You will find cruise companies offer discounts for single parents, children sharing a cabin with their parents (and even free child places), age related discounts, loyalty rewards and so much more, making your cruise even better value for money.
You'll Get Bored
With so many activities, events and amenities onboard, plus an array of shore excursions and experience s, how could you ever get bored on a cruise ship!?! You could be breakfasting on your balcony in the morning as you arrive in port, before joining an excursion to explore, taking a cookery class in the afternoon, followed by a spa treatment and then dancing the night away after dinner and a show.
The beauty of cruising is that you will always find an itinerary and a ship that is right for you.
There's too Many People Onboard
Cruise ships are designed to be spacious. Whether you choose a large or a small ship, they're designed with guest comfort in mind and that means enough space for everyone. There are lots of open spaces, atriums surrounded by several floors of windows allowing the outside in, lots of seating, quiet areas and a huge range of amenities, meaning passengers will be spread throughout the ship and not on top of each other.
You Have to Dress Up
Cruise holidays allow people to dress as they choose, much like you would on any other type of holiday. While most cruise lines ask that you don't wear swimwear away from the pools, there aren't usually any other dress codes as such. Opt for smart casual in restaurants onboard, like you would at any other restaurants on dry land and during the day it's all about comfort over glamour.
There are of course celebration or theme nights where you might want to dress up, but it certainly isn't compulsory.
The Food is Terrible
You'd be hard pushed to find truly terrible food onboard a cruise ship these days. With celebrity chefs carefully crafting menus and an abundance of choice when it comes to where to dine, you are guaranteed to find something to tantalise those tastebuds.
On most ships you're likely to find a buffet restaurant offering a range of options from varying cuisines, often around the clock. Plus fast food options and what are considered the main dining rooms offering waiter service. You'll also find speciality restaurants and cafes offering everything from exquisitely executed tasting menus to afternoon teas.
There's Lots of Hidden Extras
Depending on what you want from your cruise, you can simply pay the fare and that's it. This could be because absolutely everything is included in the fare from your drinks to your excursions on a luxury ship, or because you simply choose a cruise that allows you the option to tailor it to your liking.
The choice is entirely yours.
Cruises are for 'Old People'
While the majority of cruise customers are over the by no means 'old' age of 55, you're equally likely to find a young couple onboard on their first holiday together or a multigenerational family group. There's huge growth in the under 55s cruise market with 32% of millennials (someone born between 1981 and 1996) having taken a cruise in the last 5 years.
You Don't Get Enough Time in Each Port
The average stay in most ports will be for at least a day, with some cruises staying put for slightly longer. You get the opportunity to go ashore and explore independently, take advantage of the multitude of excursions available or simply make the most of some quiet time onboard the ship.
Cruising is a fantastic way to get a taste of what a destination has to offer, with many people returning to the same destination again - whether that's on a cruise or by choosing to spend a week or so there.
Getting On and Off the Ship Takes Ages
With most cruise ships carrying well over 1000 people (and that would be considered a small ship), it's easy to understand why you'd think it can take forever to embark or disembark. However that isn't necessarily so. When you receive your boarding pass, you are allocated a specific time to board and you won't be allowed on the ship if you arrive too early. At Southampton for example, some cruisers have been thrilled to find they're on the ship within 15 minutes of arriving at the port which certainly beats immigration at the airport!
The same goes for disembarking - you'll be given a precise time to leave, ensuring you can avoid the queues as much as possible.
We're sure you've heard many an other cruise myth in your time. Did you have any preconceived ideas about cruising you found not to be true? Join the conversation on our facebook page.
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