BUSTED! 7 Cruising Myths That We Hear Often

Hola everyone & Happy New Year!

I know it has been a while since I have been around these blogging streets but things have been wonderfully hectic helping you all create amazing memories!

I hope that you all are having an awesome start to 2023 and that you are looking forward to the year of travel!

Since we are currently at the height of Wave Season ( think of this as Black Friday for cruise lines) I've had to answer, more like bust some cruising myths. What I have noticed is that most of these myths come from people who have never set foot on a cruise ship🫣. I understand that being on ship in the middle of the ocean is not meant for everyone however, let me put your mind at ease on a few cruising myths which may be keeping your from sailing.

1. Seasickness is inevitable:

Seasickness affects some more than others – particularly women and children. However, most ships are well-equipped to deal with it. Booking an outside cabin in the middle of the ship is said to help as they're located on a natural balance point. If you find yourself getting seasick, head on over to guest services for some anti-nausea tablets. Something to keep in mind is that most ships nowadays have stabilizers which make for a smoother ride!

*** Tip: Pack a bottle of NON-Drowsy Dramamine. Take as directed about 30 mins before sail away or if you noticed that sea a bit rough, if you are worried about possibly getting seasick.

2. Cruises are only for older people:

From removing formal dress codes and introducing brand new, state-of-the-art ships that appeal to families and young couples, cruises have definitely thrown off their stuffy image. Modern ships now feel like the equivalent of staying at a luxury resort but with the advantage of waking up somewhere new every day. Rather just being something for those who are retired, the average age of those cruising is now 47, according to a report by CLIA, (Cruise Lines International Association)

3. People are always going overboard:

It’s actually more dangerous to drive a car than go on a cruise, as the odds of falling off are 1 in 6.25 million. If you do find yourself in the water, sea survival expert Mike Tipton, a University of Portsmouth professor and co-author of Essentials of Sea Survival offers this top tip: “The best thing you can do in the first few minutes of immersion is try to rest, relax, float.” However once in the sea your chances of survival are around 15%, so always be sensible when on deck (ie don't recreate that scene from Titanic after one too many cocktails...).

Please be responsible and use common sense. DO NOT climb on the balcony railing trying to get that Instagram shot or jump off the ship into the sea ( a few have done it while the ship was docked in port), you can get hurt and you will be banned from ever sailing again. Usually when one cruise line bans you for doing something that stupid and dangerous, they ALL follow.

As you can see we're not just falling off the ship like the media makes it seem. 🤓

4. Sea days are boring:

The prospect of a sea day – when the ship doesn’t stop at port – used to be associated with genteel activities such as napkin folding. But that was in the days before the bottomless imagination of cruise ship activity directors. Aside from painting classes, cinemas and cookery courses, Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class ship has a 75-foot outdoor pool, standard outdoor pool, an indoor pool and several hot tubs. Or if you want to kick back or explore all the ship has to offer sea days are great to find hidden gems around the vessel. Steve and I absolutely love sea days. We just lounge around by the pool all and just relax.

5. I'll get tired of the food:

If you’re imagining a sad beige buffet, think again: cruise ships take dining seriously with some offering over 20 restaurants with menus created by internationally-known celebrity chefs such as Thomas Keller, Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri. Dishes often reflect the port of call too. Windstar Cruises' chefs do market tours with passengers, and as they shop for the ship, may hand you things to try. And all ships now cater for those with dietary requirements, offering gluten-free menus too.

6. I'll be bored:

Absolutely not! Cruise ships are packed with activities and entertainment options to keep you busy from morning till night. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, join an onboard excursion, or dance the night away in a nightclub, there’s something for everyone on a cruise ship. Some ships even have rope courses and water-parks that rival any all-inclusive hotel. Many have West-End/Boradway style shows including Million Dollar Quartet, Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You just to name a few. Think how much a trip to the West-End or Broadway costs! It’s all included on your cruise. For you sports fans, watch the big game at the amazing sports bar and for you thrill seekers, zip line from one side of the ship to another ( some of these may be an extra charge but you get the point). You can make your cruise vacation as action packed or relaxing as you want.

***TIP: Using a travel agent will help determine which cruise line is the better match for you, or you and your traveling party!

7. Causing is expensive:

Wrong! With so many cruise lines and ships to choose from, there are now options to suit every budget. And remember, your cruising fare includes your accommodation, meals, entertainment and transportation – so you can save money by not having to worry about any of those things while you’re on vacation. In my post What's Included in Your Cruise Fare I go into detail on what it is that you are paying for.

**Tip: Book a year or 2 in advance to get the best deals. Do not forget Wave Season, lots of deals!

These are just a few of the many myths surrounding cruise ships. I will chuck that to the horrible unfavorable coverage that cruises get from the media. But we know the truth! When in doubt reach out to me or a travel professional, we can clear things up for you!

Happy travels friends ❤️

What other myths have you heard? Let me know in the comments!

Have any travel tips? Or suggestions on what topics you want to read about? Email me at zahi@holabeachestravel.com

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