01/12/2024
Cruise Misconceptions/Myths
I pulled this info from various articles and the training that I have completed recently.
1: I’m gonna get seasick.
Yeah, probably not. In fact, there may be times when you don’t even realize the ship is moving. This is primarily due to the ship being equipped with stabilizers, which most cruise ships have nowadays.
2: Cruising is boring.
If I had to guess, I’d say this myth originated from the fact that there’s a perception that the majority of things to do on a cruise revolve around spa treatments and shopping in ports. But the truth is cruises offer so much more than that; they are after all floating resorts with lots of entertainment. From steakhouses, casinos to scotch/wine tastings, ATV rides in foreign lands, roller coasters, broadway/off broadway shows, comedy shows, dance clubs, bars, laser tag, pools, slides, mini golf, go cart racing, ropes, zip lines and more. There’s something for everyone.
3: Taking a cruise is out of my budget.
With so much competition in the cruise space, companies are always looking to fill cabins and often offer discounts and incentives, such as spa treatments or free shore excursions, to ensure their ships don’t leave the docks empty. The earlier you book the cheaper it is, also if you book as a group it’s even cheaper! Plus in most cases you can book a year out and after the initial deposit you can pay the rest out monthly. Also, cruises end up being cheaper than resorts.
4: I’ll never have any privacy/it’ll be too crowded.
Pish-Posh! Cruise ships have come a long way baby, these ships are huge! There are so many different places to hang on board this really isn’t a concern anymore.
5: I’ll have to eat every meal with strangers.
You can, if you want, but don’t have to. Cruises offer flexible dining options, giving cruisers the option of eating at their leisure.
6: There’s nothing to do in ports, except shop.
Of course there’s plenty of shopping usually the moment you step off the ship. But there’s also pristine white sand beaches, jerk chicken in Jamaica, scuba diving, local tours, etc. There’s always several shore excursions to choose from.
7: Eating healthy is not an option.
There plenty of healthy and vegetarian options to choose from. You choose what you eat, healthy or decadent, fried or baked.
8: Cruise ships only leave from Florida.
Cruises depart from major cities all over the US. For example, New Orleans, New England-Boston, Portland, NYC, Baltimore-, Seattle, San Francisco, LA, San Diego, Galveston and that’s just the US! There are even more ports overseas to include England, Italy, Spain, France, Japan, Australia, the list goes on.
9: Cruises are only for old people.
Although this was true once upon a time that time has passed! There’s something for all ages now! Cruise lines are catering to both younger and more adventurous crowds to include trendy, celebrity chef-inspired restaurants, children's and teen's activities, adults-only areas, and active shore excursions.
10: Cruise ships are disaster-prone
Put your worries to rest. Cruises are a perfectly safe form of travel, statistically safer than even flying. The U.S. Coast Guard inspects all ships at least twice per year for machinery and emergency procedures. Each ship sails with its own team of mechanics and engineers. Crew members undergo safety drills to prepare them for emergency situations. All mainstream ships have onboard teams of doctors and/or nurses to deal with medical issues. Also, modern ships have two engine rooms, fire protection measures, with features like sprinkler systems, smoke alarms and fire screen doors -- and a trained firefighting team. The newest ships come equipped with backup navigation bridges. Falling overboard-All balconies and outer decks have high railings/partitions.
11: Everybody will be drunk
Not necessarily, if that’s what you’re looking for try one of the cruise lines known for that "party" vibe. Will there be drunk passengers? Of course, there’s alcohol galore for. Those that want to imbibe however, bartenders generally refuse service to anyone who appears overly intoxicated same as they would anywhere else. Same rules apply.
12: A cruise isn't an immersive cultural experience
That’s a bunch of bullpoopie! How you get your cultural experience depends on which cruise line you travel on whether it’s having locals come on board to share their culture, a local group tour, shore excursion or just exploring on your own. Some even have overnight activities to expand the time to take it all in.
13: There will be too many kids
Like I mentioned previously, you're less likely to see kids running around unsupervised and lacking diversion because there are awesome kids clubs and activities separated by age group. Plus, adults-only restaurants, pools and sun decks onboard allow grownups to escape from their younger shipmates. Or if you’re looking for a completely kids free cruise there are cruise lines that offer them.
14: I have to get dressed up.
This all depends on which cruise line/ship you choose, Princess for example still requires it. Most have a formal night, that you can choose to participate in or not, that happens in the main dining room. The good thing is there are plenty of places to eat on board that formal night isn't even an issue.
15: I can't cruise alone
I have no idea where this poppycock of an idea came from! How are you going to have singles' cruises if you cant travel alone? Some include dedicated solo lounges and activities geared toward those who are onboard without travel companions.
