Scared to plan a cruise holiday because you are preoccupied with what-if scenarios? We assure you there is nothing to worry about while on a cruise experience. In fact, we are going to unveil the truth about cruises. So, how about we de-bunk 50 cruise myths to get clarity about cruise holidays?
1. Cruising means just sailing on the endless sea
Not at all! A cruise holiday itinerary has a few days sailing on the high seas and a few days docked at the port of call. It means you spend time on land as well as on the sea.
2. Cruise holidays are dull
Cruise holidays are packed with recreational entertainment, wellness experiences and delectable dining experiences. So, you wouldn’t find a single dull moment on a cruise trip. There are cruise holidays, where you can sail for a few days and then camp up at a private island and enjoy a leisure vacation within the privacy of an island resort reserved exclusively for cruise guests.
3. Cruises make you seasick
The sea swells are the main reason for sea sickness. If you are prone to it then opt for cruises that do not cross rough seas. Don’t venture out for extreme cruise adventure vacations such as Antarctica cruises. Stick to Arabian or Mediterranean cruises that sail on serene, calm waters.
4. Cruises are for elder people
That’s the news in the past. Now, cruise companies have fleets of ships designed to entice younger crowds. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), there has been a gradual increase among millennials choosing cruise holidays. Nowadays cruises ensure that they craft itineraries and services that are ideal for young tourists and solo adventurers.
5. It is too expensive
A common notion about cruising is that it can burn a hole in your pocket. In reality, cruise holidays come in all varieties to suit your budget. The duration, ship and destination you choose decide the cruise holiday prices. With great price deals and discounts from cruise operators, the expense can be further cut down offering a reasonably affordable cruise holiday of your lifetime.
6. All cruise ships are the same
You can find ships of all kinds – right from colossal ships like Royal Caribbean Icons of the Seas which can accommodate 7600 guests to Crystal Cruise-Crystal Symphony which caters to just 600 passengers onboard for a trip!
7. It’s too much of a hassle
This is particularly untrue. In fact, for a cruise holiday, all you need to get is a visa and a cruise booking and you are all set. No need to worry about booking stays, charting out sightseeing to visit and arranging transportation. Everything is taken care of the moment you book a cruise vacation.
8. Cruises are dangerous
Many people feel that cruises are dangerous, accident-prone zones. There is always the chance of getting lost inside the ship or going overboard. Cruises have very strict rules, regulations and protocols in place and ensure utmost concerns and safety of passengers. The crews are efficiently trained to handle situations. The ships have modern safety measures and sufficient lifeboats, rafts, and medical aid onboard.
9. The rooms are claustrophobic
Some passengers might feel rooms on a cruise can be stuffy and less spacious. But with time, modern cruise ships have evolved and today you can find cabins of varying sizes right from staterooms featuring large windows, and cabins with balconies and verandahs to penthouses and luxury suites.
10. Cruises are not for relaxation
Quite the contrary! Cruising is an incredibly relaxing vacation option where you wake up each morning to stunning ocean views and enjoy leisurely breakfasts. You spend your days lounging by the pool, reading a book on your balcony, or indulging in spa treatments. With all your meals, entertainment, and activities included, you have the freedom to simply unwind and let go of everyday stress.
11. Cruises are unhygienic
Many tourists feel that cruises are a cesspool for germs and hence spending weeks long on a ship can definitely get you sick. Modern cruises stick to a high regime of cleanliness and strict sanitization protocols. Cruise lines prioritize passenger health and safety and all public areas, dining rooms, and cabins are thoroughly cleaned multiple times daily.
12. Cruise vacations are sedentary holidays
If you think all you are going to do on a cruise ship is just sit and watch the view or eat and gain weight, you are wrong. A cruise ship offers a variety of entertainment and recreational activities and is teeming with swimming pools, saunas, Jacuzzis, spas and a gym where you can keep yourself active. A cruise holiday isn’t a sedentary holiday. Moreover, certain cruise ships come equipped with huge wall climbing sections, VR gaming zones and thrilling rides to encourage heart-pumping activities.
13. Kids would find cruise holidays boring
There are cruise lines designed with kids in mind. Many cruises have onboard splash parks, amusement rides, play zones, workshops and so much more. In fact, Disney has a Disney cruise line entirely dedicated to making kids delighted to enjoy the world of Disney at sea.
14. There are limited dining options
If you feel that you can’t get good food on a cruise, you are missing out so much! Most cruise lines have a range of restaurants serving grab-and-go treats to gourmet dining options. Some even have celebrity chefs with handcrafted menus and signature dishes at your service.
15. Cruise holidays are all long sea journeys
You have a variety of cruise holiday providers offering an eclectic choice of destinations for different durations. If you prefer a short cruise vacation, you can choose cruise ship packages that sail for just a couple of days as well!
16. All shore excursions are mandatory
While shore excursions offer a guided experience, they are entirely optional. You have the complete freedom to explore on your own, relax on the ship, or simply enjoy the port city at your own pace.
17. Your cruise might leave without you while on shore excursions
This simply doesn’t happen. Cruise lines have strict procedures in place to ensure all passengers return to the ship on time. When you disembark a ship at any post, you’ll be given a designated return time. If you miss that time, the ship will wait for a reasonable period. Cruise lines prioritize passenger safety and would never intentionally leave anyone behind.
18. You can’t take pets onboard a cruise holiday
Pets are not allowed onboard a cruise ship except service animals. As of now, Cunard Cruise – Queen Mary 2 is one exemplary cruise that allows guests to spend their vacation onboard with their pets as well.
19. Shore excursions are tiring and far away
Shore excursions are designed to be enriching experiences, not exhausting ones. Many excursions are carefully planned with transportation and activity levels in mind. Moreover, advancements in cruise ship technology have brought ports closer to many destinations, minimizing travel time and maximizing your exploration time.
20. An all-inclusive cruise holiday means everything is included
All-inclusive cruise holiday extends only to stays in cabins, meals except speciality dining, and onboard activities and entertainment. Shore excursions, gratuities, internet access, and beverages are some of the additional services which are chargeable.
21. You cannot eat whenever you want while on a cruise
That’s not entirely true! While dining times may have some set schedules, most cruise ships offer flexible dining options. Many ships offer late-night snacks and 24-hour room service to satisfy those unexpected cravings.
22. You have to be ‘best-dressed’ on a cruise
Don’t fret much about what to wear on a cruise. Cruises are all about relaxation and many offer a casual atmosphere to be enjoyed in comfortable attire. Formal attires are only needed for evening shows or speciality dining experiences.
23. There aren’t enough lifeboats during emergencies
The new age of cruise liners has advanced navigation systems, quick communications and fully equipped lifeboats with life jackets as per passenger capacity and other safety measures in place to respond to emergencies quickly. There is no reason to worry at all!
24. Cruise holidays spend more time at sea and less time on land
Cruises offer a fantastic balance of sea and land experiences. On a cruise holiday, you can enjoy relaxing days at sea with onboard entertainment, dining, and activities, and unique offshore adventures on diverse ports of call.
25. Poor connectivity onboard a cruise ship
You might feel that you can’t use your cell phone on a cruise ship due to network issues. However, most cruise ships now offer Wi-Fi, though it might come at a cost.
26. You can’t find vegan or gluten-free options
Most cruise lines cater to dietary restrictions. They even have menus specifically designed for vegans and those with gluten sensitivities, allowing passengers to enjoy a variety of culinary delights without compromising their dietary requirements. Just let them know in advance.
27. You have to follow a strict schedule onboard a cruise
There will be daily schedules for planned activities and dining times, but you have the liberty to plan the day on your own. Cruises offer dining and entertainment in a flexible manner. So if you sleep in and miss breakfast, it doesn’t mean that you will have to go hungry till the next meal time. There are plenty of other options to explore and enjoy.
28. You don’t need a visa while on a cruise holiday
Cruises visit multiple nations and you need to acquire a visa for each one of these as applicable depending on your nationality and the visas you need to apply for.
29. Cruise ships get overcrowded
The new-age cruises will accommodate guests as per the capacity and not more than that. Even so, a large cruise ship can easily space out guests with ample public spaces onboard the ship.
30. You’ll miss out on the nightlife
Many ships have a vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, extravagant live entertainment, DJ nights, casinos and late-night shows for you to enjoy after sunset.
31. You have to stay on the ship during port stops
The whole point of a cruise is to explore different destinations. You’ll typically have several hours at each port to alight and enjoy shore excursions. Some cruises even offer overnight stays in certain ports, giving you ample time to explore.
32. You will have to socialize with other guests
There is absolutely no obligation for you to socialise with other guests. While it is highly recommended on a cruise ship, everything is about your comfort. If you are a private person, you are more than welcome to spend your time as you wish on board a cruise holiday and be yourself. Many ships offer quiet lounges, adult-only areas, and spa facilities for relaxation.
33. Cruises are particular about ‘lights off’ time
There are no strict lights out time onboard a cruise. Cruise holidays may have protocols and rules in place, but it isn’t strict about when you should return to your cabin at night. In reality, the cruises offer amazing entertainment, dance and live shows that go on for wee hours at night. While some quiet areas might dim lights later at night, most public spaces remain lit. You can choose to stay up late or retire to your cabins whenever you feel like it.
34. We would lose track of time on a cruise holiday
The idea is exactly that of a cruise holiday, that you forget time and reality and just enjoy gliding in the vast blue sea and enjoying timeless moments. However, if you want to check the time, the ship maintains its own time and adjusts it as you cross time zones. The captain will also announce the day and the staff ensures to change the day and dates across all signboards on the ship.
35. You can only cruise on the sea
River cruises are equally popular where you can explore destinations while gliding along majestic waterways such as the Rhine and Danube on elegant, small-sized intimate cruise boats.
37. You’re obligated to tip every single staff member on a cruise ship
Tipping policies vary by cruise line. Most cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity charge to your fare.
38. Cruises are only for the Caribbean and Mediterranean destinations
If you believe that, then you are in for a surprise! There are cruises to every corner of the world, from Alaska to Australia, from Arabia to even Antarctica!
39. You have to participate in everything onboard a cruise holiday
Cruises offer a wide range of activities to keep guests entertained. There is no compulsion to take part in every experience. You can pick and choose what you want to do. It’s your vacation!
40. Cruises are not for romantic travellers
Many cruises such as Virgin Voyages and Carnival Cruises operate adult-only cruises to give romantic guests intimate experiences such as enjoying romantic dinners with breathtaking ocean views, relaxing couples’ massages at the spa and more.
41. You’ll miss out on local cuisine
Many cruises offer local dishes during port stops, and some even have themed dinner nights. Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises are known for their global culinary excellence. Such cruises incorporate the flavours of the destinations they are sailing to into their menus as well.
42. You can’t get a good night’s sleep on a cruise
You do not have to worry about losing your sleep on a cruise holiday. Modern cruise ships have spacious, soundproof cabins with large, luxurious beds to prioritize sleep quality. Some cruises even offer a pillow menu for its premier-class guests!
43. The cruise industry has little experience in travel destination visits
The popular cruise holiday providers in the world have cruises operating for many years, sailing to countless destinations around the globe. They offer unique itineraries and even specialize in luxury expedition cruises to remote, exotic destinations.
44. All ships are massive floating hotels
Not all cruises are giant ships with thousands of cabin rooms stacked one after other. Guests can also explore options of sailing on small cruise ships carrying less than a thousand passengers with niche experiences.
45. You can’t smoke onboard a cruise
Cruises do have strict no-smoking policies in place for indoor venues. However, there are dedicated areas allotted onboard a cruise for guests to have a smoke. Some even have cigar lounges for a more upscale experience.
36. You can book cruise holidays any time in the year
Even though you can book a cruise any time, it’s not always the best time to go everywhere! Different places have different seasons and cruises also sail to each place after considering the sea weather and clear ambiences. Some places are better to visit in the summer when it’s sunny and warm, while others are nicer in the winter when it’s cooler.
46. Guests have to share dining tables
It varies from cruise to cruise. Some cruises may assign seating at large dining tables but new-age cruises have a variety of dining venues to cater for all tastebuds, have larger seating spaces and hence don’t designate seating arrangements. Guests in luxury suites often have personalized, exclusive private dining rooms to enjoy intimate meals.
47. You feel cut off from the world, family and friends
You might feel far away from your friends and family only if you are a solo traveller. But then again, you get to make new friends! In any case, you don’t have to stress about how to communicate with family and friends on a cruise. The cruises are equipped with modern intercoms to call family staying in other cabin rooms. It also has Wi-Fi so connecting with the real world is no problem at all!
48. You might be surrounded by families and loud children
Cruise ships are amazing for family holidaymakers but also ensure that kids do not disturb other fellow travellers with designated play areas and public spaces. Cruises have adult-only areas and activities where you can escape to have a calm and relaxing ambience.
49. Cruises are ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experiences
Many people enjoy cruising regularly, exploring different destinations and trying various cruise lines. It is up to you! As a cruise traveller if you loved your experience, go ahead and book the next cruise holiday.
50. Cruises are not environment friendly
The cruise industry has time and again faced environmental challenges. But with current, modern, innovative technology and scientific advancements, more ships are choosing an environmentally responsible strategy that includes the use of liquefied natural gas, enhanced waste management systems and more. Cruise holidays are more environmentally friendly, and they aspire to improve even more.
Hope this myth-busting helps you see cruising in a whole new light. So, are you all set and ready to sail to an exotic destination?
