Even in this age of widespread information, there are still many myths about cruising that keep many people from experiencing its wonders. Today, we set the records straight by debunking the top cruise myths.
Myth #1: Cruises are expensive
There was a time when cruising was exorbitant, but that’s no longer the case today. In fact, cruises have become quite cheap. At Cruises.com.au alone, you can look for a staggering number of options worth below $500 with some going as low as $260, which is way cheaper than the iPad you’re going gaga over.
Myth #2: Cruises are only for Seniors
Not true. While some cruises are known to cater specifically for older people, there are actually many different types of cruises and, there is actually a good distribution of ages among passengers. Case in point: the age groups of P&O Cruises passengers is as follows: 31 per cent are aged 0 to 29, 49 per cent are 30 to 59, and only 20 per cent are over 60.
Myth #3: Cruises are boring
This is highly unlikely since you might not even have enough time. You can go ice skating, rock climbing, play mini golf, attend fitness classes, jog around the top deck, swim in the pool, take a splash in the water slide, read in the library, eat in all the restaurants, watch an evening show, relax at the spa, explore the ship, or take a nap. We’re not even talking about the ports of call yet.
Myth #4: The dress code is too formal
While there are cruises with formal dress codes, these are mostly limited to the main dining room during dinner. Still, cruises are mainly laid-back and informal. Formal nights happen more frequently in expensive cruises, but budget cruises are much more casual and relaxed.
Myth #5: I’ll be forced to follow a rigid schedule
Your ship will strictly follow its itinerary, but this has nothing to do with what you want to do during the cruise. For instance, if you’ve visited the port previously, you can stay on the ship and relax there. If you want to take a tour, that’s also up to you. You even have the option to sightsee by yourself. As for all the activities mentioned above, you can do those anytime as well.
Myth #6: I’ll put on weight during the cruise
Cruise ships have many healthy dining choices. You can even request to have your meals cooked a certain way so that you can stick to your dietary restrictions. And if you get carried away with the food, you can always work those off in the gym.
Myth #7: Passengers get the norovirus in most cruises
Oddly, people associate the norovirus with cruise ships or other sea vessels; this is incorrect. The virus has been linked with cruises because health officials need to monitor infirmities on ships, not at resorts or hotels. Yes, outbreaks occur in cruises, but the likelihood of this happening in your average seven-day cruise is less than one per cent—not in “most cruises”.
Myth #8: The ship feels confining
Au contraire, cruise ships provide a great sense of space. High ceilings, huge windows, pale colours and other design techniques give ships an expansive feel. Granted, if you get an inside cabin (which has no window), it feels somewhat cramped; but with so much stuff to do on a sprawling ship, the only time you’ll stay in your room is when you sleep.
Myth #9: I’ll get seasick
Very few passengers actually get seasick, thanks to new-fangled features like ship stabilisers (i.e. fins placed under the ship’s waterline to reduce the ship’s side-to-side motion) and computerised equipment to minimise the up and down movement. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the ship doctor can prescribe medications to keep the symptoms at bay.
