Never cruised before?
I was one of these, way back in 2016. A bit of background, I hated water. We switched from travelling by ferry to France to using the tunnel, because I couldn’t cope with a channel crossing without feeling travel sick (I am generally not a good traveller and suffer from a great deal of motion sickness – I take tablets for a day at a theme park!). We went to Walt Disney World every year and my husband suggested that we try a Disney Cruise as an add on. I was nervous but figured, it was Disney, I might like it, and reassured myself that it was only a 3 night cruise so if I hated it and/or was sick, it wouldn’t last long.
Well, it’s probably quite obvious that I loved it and we have now done twelve cruises on five different cruise lines. Now, a cruise would be my preferred way to travel.
What do I enjoy so much?
The biggest thing has to be that you can visit so many destinations without packing and unpacking. You go to bed and when you wake up the next morning you are in a new destination. Yes, you only get a taster of that destination, but you still get to experience it. And of course some people use it to decide where to go back to for a longer holiday. We loved Stockholm so much when we went on our Baltic cruise last year that we went back this year for a long weekend. You can choose an itinerary which visits multiple countries to give you a taste of different cultures (such as a Baltic, Mediterranean, or Caribbean cruise) or you can choose one which has multiple ports in one country to explore the culture in more detail (such as a Japanese, Greek Island, or New Zealand cruise).
I also like the fact that once you get back on the ship everything is there. Dinner time? Just walk down to the restaurant. Want a drink? Head to the bar and don’t worry about getting an uber home! There are many concerns people have about cruising and many myths that need busting!
Myth 1: It’s too expensive
There is a cruise line for all budgets. If you work out the cost per person per night and think about what you are getting for that then you realise it is actually good value for money. It includes all of your meals and entertainment and when you look at it per night you will often find it is comparable to a lovely resort. You can add on a drinks package, or you can pay as you go – so you have the flexibility that you often won’t get with an all-inclusive resort. It is also possible to sail out of the UK, and therefore you avoid having to add on an airfare.
Myth 2: I will feel seasick
I totally understand this one, as that was my biggest concern. I’m not saying that it never happens but it is rare. Ships these days are very well stabilised and it can sometimes be hard to feel any movement. It is definitely not like a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais! The Captain also has access to technology which allows them to avoid bad weather, and they do so whenever possible. Some itineraries are more prone to rough seas than others, and this is where I can help you with picking the right one.
Myth 3: I will feel too confined
For some people, the idea of being ‘trapped’ on a floating hotel in the middle of the ocean is terrifying. And trust me, the cruise lines know this, and so they design ships which help to thin out the crowds. Yes, sea days are can feel more crowded as everyone is on board, but I have certainly felt more crowded on land. I recently cruised on a ship with 2700 passengers and there were times when I felt like there were only a handful of people on board. I’ve also cruised on a ship with 5200 passengers and yes, it did feel more crowded than the other one, but finding quiet places to relax was not a problem. There are tips and tricks for all different situations and different ships, which I can advise you on. Generally, luxury cruise lines will have more space per passenger than main stream cruise lines, but like I always say, there will be a cruise ship that is just right for you.
Myth 4: It’s too boring
Some cruise ships do offer limited facilities for entertainment and rely on you to amuse yourself. However these days it is far more common for them to offer facilities and activities to keep you busy all day. Very often people will come off these cruises lamenting the fact that they didn’t have time to do everything they wanted to!
Myth 5: Cruising is only for the old and wealthy
The average age of a cruiser in 2023 as 46. This is dropping year on year. Most cruise lines are dropping their formal night requirements and ballroom dancing lessons, to fit in with the demand from their guests. Family cruising is on the increase. These days there is something for everyone (even those who still want those more traditional and formal experiences). If this is a concern for you then I can find you a cruise line that is not stuffy and formal, and that caters for a more modern cruiser and a younger demographic.
Myth 6: Cruising is prone to mishaps
The cruise line industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries and is also one of the safest forms of holidays. It is almost impossible to just fall off into the sea. Do be reassured that the level of danger is incredibly low.
Myth 7: Cruise ships are unsanitary incubators for viruses
This is a valid belief as you do sometimes hear of outbreaks of norovirus on ships. But the reason you hear about them is because they are considered big news. This is because all cruise ships are required by law to make an outbreak public. You can get equally bad breakouts of viruses in a hotel – it just doesn’t make the news as they are NOT required by law to declare it. All cruise lines encourage you to use the wash basins or hand sanitiser next to the restaurants (to the extent that crew members will often be standing there making sure that you do!). It is estimated that you are 0.008% likely to catch norovirus on a cruise, and 750 times more likely to catch a bug on land.
Still not convinced? Let me know your concerns and what you would want from your first cruise, and I’ll help you find the right one. Or if this has convinced you to give cruising a go, then you know where I am :)
