If you are anything like me, you absolutely love to travel. And traveling to multiple destinations during one trip is even better! But the downside to that might be having to pack and unpack all of your stuff multiple times. Nobody wants to waste precious vacation time doing that, right?
That is just one reason ocean or river cruise vacations are a traveler's dream! You get all the benefits of visiting multiple destinations without the hassle of packing. I don't think there is any other type of travel that allows you to visit so many different places while only unpacking once!
Sadly, many people will not even consider an ocean cruise due to some myths and misconceptions floating around out there about them. (Pun definitely intended!)
So let me share with you the typical reasons why travelers won’t give an ocean cruise any consideration, and why those reasons are incorrect.
1. Cruises are for the "over 60" crowd.
Perhaps in the earliest years of the cruising industry you would find mostly senior adults aboard a cruise. However, apart from some cruises that specifically cater to senior adults, most cruise lines are very family-friendly. Therefore, you will find passengers of all ages, including all types of families, honeymooning newlyweds, and even college spring-breakers depending on the time of year.
2. Cruise food is terrible.
One of the things many cruisers enjoy is the endless food found aboard. While some cruise lines may prepare better food than others, in general the vast culinary experience is nothing to balk about. Even the pickiest of eaters can find something they’ll enjoy aboard a cruise. And if you do try something you don't like, definitely let your server know. They work incredibly hard to make sure you have a great experience, and will likely get you something new to try!
3. There isn’t enough to do on a cruise.
If you cannot find something to do aboard your cruise, then you must not be looking very hard! Whether you want to relax at the spa, enjoy some sun by the pool, play trivia games, learn to dance, enjoy quality entertainment and much, much more, there is something going on throughout the entire day. You can stay as busy or be as relaxed as you want aboard a cruise ship. Honestly, my thought is that is not enough time to do everything I want to do!
4. I don’t want to get seasick.
OK, so maybe this isn't a myth. It's actually one of the biggest concerns I hear from new cruisers. If you are prone to motion sickness, then it's a good idea to stay away from the smaller cruise ships. However, you are not as susceptible of feeling much movement on large cruise ships. Your stateroom location is also very important in preventing seasickness. So, be sure to ask for my recommendation for the best location on board your ship that will help minimize the effects of motion sickness. I have several more tips and tricks regarding seasickness that I can provide for you too.
5. Too many people on a cruise.
There is no denying this, particularly when talking about the mega ships. However, the various cruise lines do a really good job at keeping everyone entertained and moving around to minimize the feeling of being crowded. As an introvert and a frequent Disney Cruise Line cruiser on ships that have a 4000 passenger capacity, I have never felt overwhelmed that it was too "people-ey." Plus, as Your Friendly Travel Planner, it is my job to find the right cruise ship if large crowds aren’t your thing.
6. Cruises are bad for the environment.
It's absolutely necessary that we all do our part to minimize harming the environment. The best cruise lines understand this and began implementing changes and procedures to reduce their environmental impact many years ago. Some changes have been small, like eliminating single use items like straws. Other changes have been much bigger, like modifying engines to use liquified natural gas (LNG) instead of diesel to drastically reduce harmful emissions.
7. Cruises are expensive.
There is a cruise for every budget. For those willing to go last minute and are not concerned with the location of your stateroom, you can catch some incredible last minute deals. Like airlines and hotels, cruise lines want every stateroom sold. So, they deeply discount any unsold rooms within a couple weeks of sailing. While you might want a nice balcony room, your budget could say otherwise. But remember, while you might be staying in a budget-friendly room without a view, you still get to enjoy all the exact same food, activities, and entertainment as those staying in higher cost rooms. I want everyone to be able to experience an incredible cruise vacation, so I love sharing the money-saving tips and researching the best deals to get you on that ship!
Most passengers who get past the misconceptions they have about cruises and sail on one will find they had a great time and can't wait to sail again. So, if you are still unsure about ocean cruising, please contact me with any concerns and questions. Who knows, you might be surprised and convinced that a cruise vacation is exactly what you want!
Or maybe you are already ready to set sail? Then just click here to request a complimentary vacation consultation. I can't wait to hear from you!
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