Common Myths About Cruising – What’s the Real Story?

Prior to my first ever cruise nearly 15 years ago I had some reservations based on common myths about cruises. I was willing to try it but really did not think I would enjoy it due to those concerns I felt were totally real. Well, they weren’t and I loved it. So let’s dive into some of these common myths and get to what the truth is!

Cruises are Boring

If you are bored on a cruise and can’t find anything fun to do you’re simply trying to not have a good time. While there are still an abundance of “old fashioned” activities – shuffleboard, ping-pong, bingo and trivia – cruise ships are now equipped with waterparks, go-karts, rock climbing walls, zip-lines and even roller coasters. There is as much or as little to do on a modern cruise ship as you prefer.

Cruises are Expensive

The cost of a cruise can vary depending on what you want to do and what type of cabin you book. While it’s possible to spend a great deal of money on a cruise, it is also entirely possible to not spend so much. When you really consider everything you are getting – accommodation, meals, transport to many different locations, shows, shore excursions and more – the cost per person per day really is reasonable if you were to compare what it would cost to accomplish all of that on a land based vacation.

Time at Port Is Too Short

As we have pointed out in previous posts, there are cruise options with overnight stays in various ports. Granted, there are times when the arrival time at the port is early and the departure time is also early leaving you only a few hours to explore the port city. Most days, however, the time in port is all day. Sometimes departure is even not until late into the evening allowing many hours of time in port to explore.

Endless Dull Buffet

The buffet choices on some cruise lines are better than others. You have so many other options there is no reason to present yourself at the buffet for every meal. You can book meals at specialty restaurants. The main dining rooms generally have a new menu each night in addition to several standard options available every night. If you’re staying in a suite you can have your butler serve you a special, private dinner. You can also go to local restaurants in port cities.

Germ Breeding Ground

It’s a given that in a confined space full of people who have varying ideas of what good hygiene means you will have some degree of spread of germs. In the past it was common for ships to have outbreaks of norovirus. Nowadays you see hand sanitizer stations everywhere on ships and surfaces are wiped down regularly to reduce the risk of infection. People are still people and I still see some leaving the restroom without washing their hands as well as eating while browsing the buffet. I travel with my own sanitizer and use it after touching anything onboard including menus, door knobs, or elevator buttons.

Regimented Vacation

Maybe the most ridiculous myth on this list! When you book a cruise you select one that will offer you things you are interested in. Participation in any activities is entirely up to you. With so many things to choose from you can custom design your cruise to your own personal likes.

Endless Waiting in Lines

There are some things onboard where there is always a line – customer service, internet services, embarkation and disembarkation – but even these can be reduced or even eliminated in various ways. Having a higher loyalty status can grant you preferred embarkation privileges both for day of sailing as well as in ports. Again, booking a suite gives you a butler and concierge access and they can do many things for you, thus freeing you to not have to stand in line.

Risk of Theft

There have been a lot of stories lately about instances of theft onboard cruise ships but most are simply not true. Granted, there are some port cities where it is wise to not carry a purse or expensive camera or phone openly. The biggest concern in port cities seems to always be pickpockets, but even this risk can be reduced or even eliminated by taking simple, practical steps to not be a victim. Always store your valuables in the safe in your room. When you go ashore only take what you will need in order to explore and re-board the ship. I have never experienced an instance of theft onboard any of the ships I have sailed nor had any issues in port cities either.

Sea Sickness

As we always say, better living through modern medicine. If you know you are prone to motion sickness then take the steps to reduce the impact onboard. We have seen guests use everything from the little circular patches worn behind the ear (generally require a prescription from your physician) to the bracelets with the button that applies acupressure to alleviate nausea. Most claim these measures bring enough relief for them to enjoy the cruise. Keep in mind that modern cruise ships are generally big enough that the motion is minimal and you might not even feel like you’re on a ship at all!

Bad Weather

Unlike land based vacations where if bad weather rolls in you are stuck indoors, on a ship the course can be adjusted to avoid encountering bad weather. Sometimes it’s unavoidable and you may have a rainy day or 2 but depending on the itinerary and time of the year you can count on the weather not ruining your cruise vacation.

Poor Value

As we already covered in the cost of a cruise, the overall value of everything you get onboard a ship for what you pay is generally quite good depending on your selections. Sure, there are lots of things onboard you can spend money on that I would not consider to be a good value – art, expensive watches or jewelry, clothing, spa treatments – but keeping those costs to a minimum will result in the overall value you get worth the price you paid.

Only for Couples

Yes, the majority of rooms are based on double occupancy but many offer having a 3^rd and even 4^th guest at no additional charge, making a cruise a potentially great value for families. There are also more and more cruise lines offering single cabins to solo passengers. The activities onboard are also varied so as to appeal to all varieties of guests, not just couples.

Limited Vacation Choices

With everything from round the world cruises to a nearly endless list of options of ports to visit on a cruise ship, your choices are anything but limited. Your bigger problem might be figuring out how to take the time off from work to go everywhere you’d like to visit! Cruising has come a long way from simple passenger shipping as it began. Whether you want to just soak up the sun or explore expedition locations, there is likely a cruise that can offer exactly what you’re looking for.

Conclusion

I hope I’ve managed to dispel these myths if any or several of them are preventing you from booking an amazing cruise vacation. I can honestly tell you that I have thoroughly enjoyed nearly every single cruise I have ever gone on and I am always excited for the next one! – René