The 8 Biggest Cruise Misconceptions That Non-Cruisers Still Believe

Inevitably, when we tell someone who has never been on a cruise that we love cruising, we are often met with some quip. The cruise community has come a long way in dispelling some common myths and stereotypes. However, many travelers still hold on to outdated beliefs about cruising. So, if you are investigating your first voyage, we are here to set the record straight. We take direct aim at some of the biggest cruise misconceptions that still exist.

Cruise Misconceptions That Are No Longer True

Cruises Are Too Expensive

It is true that the cost of everything is up now, and travel is no exception.  But if you compare the increases in cruise fares to expenses included in a typical trip, you will find that cruising is still a better value.

Everything on cruise ships has indeed gone up. Cruise line base fares are higher, as are gratuities, and add-ons like drink packages and Wi-Fi. Yes, cruise lines are also starting to charge for more and more of these “add-ons” like room service for instance.

But cruises are still one of the best vacation values when you factor in accommodations, food, onboard amenities, and entertainment. Once you account for everything included in the cruise fare, cruises typically cost a fraction of other similar vacations.  

You don’t have to take our word for it. A recent analysis suggests cruising is around 30% cheaper than similar land-based trips.

Plus, if you time things right, you can often take advantage of special promotions that provide even greater value. A cruise line promotion might score you a free beverage package, specialty dining credit, or included gratuities. This will help to ease the additional costs for those items that are typically not included in a cruise.

For even more savings, working with a travel advisor can provide additional perks and benefits. Plus, these experts can steer you toward the right cruise line, ship, and itinerary.

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Feeling Trapped on the Ship

A few years ago, we invited some friends and fellow travelers to join us on a trip. Before booking, they asked us if they would feel trapped on a cruise ship.

While we know some non-cruisers have this concern, we were surprised when our friends asked us. We explained they should have no worries as the ship we were going on had many features they wouldn’t even realize were on a cruise ship.

I guess we can see how some people might feel confined on sea days as they have no option to leave the ship, see land, or step foot on solid ground. Yet, there are so many distractions on modern cruise ships that the thought of being “trapped” had never crossed our minds.

This is where the media doesn’t help. Of course, the non-cruisers in our lives like to point out those rare instances where cruise ships have mechanical issues or are delayed getting into port (or miss ports) due to weather. But again, those events are very, very rare.

In fact, there are so many things to do on cruise sea days that we almost forget that we are sailing the open ocean sometimes. We often feel like we are racing to fit everything in as the ship sails from one port to the next. On some of the largest ships in the world definite FOMO can set in. Of course, you can just relax and do nothing as well, but that’s not our style.

Now, if some of the flashier onboard activities don’t interest you, there are still plenty of other amenities onboard to pass the time. There are fitness centers, spas, several boutiques and stores you can browse, etc. Plus, there are open deck spaces to walk and admire the views helping ease any of those confined fears.

Still, we always recommend cruisers download some podcasts or movies to their devices. Or, take along a few books or small games in their carry-on.  

This leads us to another common cruise misconception we still hear from time to time.

Cruises Are Boring

We don’t know why people always think they will be bored on a cruise. Modern cruise ships have so much to do and see that there is never a dull moment.

Family and adventure travelers will enjoy zip lines, ropes courses, water slides, and other onboard amusements. Dance classes, wine/cocktail classes, and demos, as well as cultural experts and historian lectures, are regularly scheduled for those looking for enrichment during the trip. Outgoing travelers will love the onboard game shows, trivia, and dance parties. And the list goes on.

Nighttime entertainment can even include Broadway shows and Tony-award-winning acts. Each cruise line’s offerings cater to a slightly different clientele, so there is undoubtedly a cruise line and ship for you.

Of course, if you simply seek relaxation, you can do that too!

In addition to all the offerings on your cruise ship, you will set sail to several exciting destinations on your voyage. What’s better than waking up in a different port of call almost every day with something new to explore.

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You Don’t Get to Truly Experience the Destinations

With cruises only visiting most ports for a day, there isn’t enough time to truly see a destination. So, these travelers looking for “authentic” experiences from their destinations often think cruising is not for them.  

Cruise lines have listened and created itineraries and options for more in-depth experiences. Many ships now have extended port stays, even overnight stays, at some of the more popular cruise ports of call.

Also, new shore excursion options exist for travelers to get more culturally enriching time ashore. These tours can include food and wine experiences, shopping the markets and preparing a meal with a local chef, behind the scenes tours of popular tourist attractions, and so much more.

Of course, you are not bound to use the tours provided by the cruise lines. You can always explore on your own or book a private (or small group) excursion with a local tour company.

In our travels, we have found many local tour providers who have given us incredible, authentic experiences. The best part is that often these tours are at a fraction of the cost of a cruise line’s offerings.

So, at each stop on your itinerary, there are plenty of opportunities to do and see as much or as little as you want. If you leave a particular port of call wishing you could do more, you can book a trip to return to that city or country.

The one thing we love about cruising is that it offers the chance to see multiple places in one trip. Getting a taste for a destination will help you decide if you want to go back for a longer stay.

On a cruise, it is not a big deal if one port of call is not what you expected. You know that the next day, the ship will dock somewhere new. On the other hand, if you booked an extended stay somewhere and hate it, you are either stuck there or will lose money trying to change your plans.

For our honeymoon, we decided not to do a cruise, as we cruise so much. Instead, we decided to take a land-based trip to a new destination. By the second day, we scrambled to book tours and find additional things to do as we were getting bored at our all-inclusive resort.

You Will Get Seasick

For years, one of our family members refused to go on cruises with us. Her main concern was getting seasick. She gets motion sickness and avoids many amusement park rides as they make her feel uneasy.

But we tried to explain to her a cruise ship isn’t a rollercoaster. Of course, the media doesn’t help with the stories of ships caught in storms. We also tried to assure her that being on a large cruise ship differs significantly from being on a small boat or sailing yacht.

Modern cruise ships have several enhancements, like stabilizers, that significantly reduce the ship’s motion. So, cruisers will hardly feel it if the seas begin to get a little rough. Admittedly, you are sailing, so there is bound to be some motion, but we rarely ever feel it. Of course, this is somewhat dependent on the region in which you are sailing. Sailing the Caribbean is a lot different than sailing to Antarctica!

For those with motion sensitivity concerns, plenty of low-cost options help prevent seasickness. Of course, you should talk to your doctor before trying any seasickness remedy.

For our family member, the sea bands work great.

Suppose it isn’t a worry about seasickness; it’s another claim that cruise ships are floating petri dishes. This phrase irritates me to no end. The truth is that cruise ships are held to some rigorous safety and health standards. However, the media loves to lead with reports of cruise ship illnesses, like the norovirus.

The truth is that there are occasional outbreaks on ships, but these are no more frequent than you would find on land. The slight chance of this happening is no reason to avoid trying a cruise vacation.

You Need to Get Dressed Up for Dinner

While Heidi still enjoys dressing up on cruise formal nights, I could take it or leave it. But that said, many cruisers opt to no longer pack the suits and gowns.

While it depends on the cruise line, we would say on a typical cruise, about half of the cruisers dress up. The other half of the ship wear outfits that range from smart casual to beach attire.

With several casual dining options, room service, and even specialty restaurants, there are plenty of places to dine on a cruise ship that will fit your level of formality. Thus, you do not need to dress up if you don’t want to.

Whether or not you agree with this trend, cruising outfits have become more casual. Either way, those thinking about a cruise and wanting to remain casual the whole trip can certainly do so. Trust us, you will not feel out of place.

We could debate whether or not cruisers who pass on dressing up should be let into the main dining room on a formal night. But, we’ll leave that for another post. In any case, the dining room hosts usually let those who are not wearing that night’s recommended attire still dine in the main dining room.

Now, on other nights of the cruise, most cruise lines’ main dining room dress code is smart casual. This usually means pants or nice jeans and a collared shirt for men. Pants and a nice top or a casual dress are acceptable for women.

Can you wear shorts or other casual clothes to most main dining rooms? While the dress codes say one thing, we regularly see cruise lines seat people in the main dining room with what appears to be a step above pool deck wear. Though, we would never recommend doing that.

Cruises Are Only For Families

Another misconception is that cruising is only for families. Yes, it is true that many of the mega-ships from contemporary cruise lines target families. Those ships offer amenities that appeal to kids, like waterslides, go-karts, and virtual reality games.

But, honestly, we still gravitate to these ships as we enjoy many of these amenities. I guess you can say we are big kids at heart. However, these ships also offer various entertainment and dining options, meaning we never feel overwhelmed by families when cruising as a couple.

But these mega-ships from the likes of Royal Caribbean or Carnival are not the only cruise ships in the market.

Several premium and upscale cruise lines that target adults and couples exist too. Some of these lines, like Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises, are family-friendly but not family-focused. So, cruisers will see far fewer kids. Though, some cruise lines don’t allow any kids at all.

Cruise lines like Virgin Voyages and Viking are for those 18+. We have sailed on both these lines, and they offer drastically different cruise experiences. But, in both instances, it is a nice departure to be on a ship with only adults.

Further, many cruise lines have invested in adding cabins for individual travelers in the recent past. So, cruising has become an excellent option for solo travelers. Virgin Voyages has several cabins on its ships designed for solo travelers. With its more inclusive cruise environment, those traveling alone can feel comfortable meeting new people.

Likewise, Norwegian Cruise Line offers solo cabins that even come with access to a private lounge where you can meet others traveling by themselves. Plus, there is a dedicated host who organizes events and is there to help guide newbie cruisers through the process.

If that’s not enough, there are luxury cruise ships, river ships, and expedition ships for more active travelers and adventurers.

Cruise Ships Are Too Crowded

A frequent concern from those who have never taken a cruise is that they won’t be able to escape their fellow passengers.

After cruising for years on the world’s largest cruise ships, we have never worried about crowds. Heidi and I routinely sail on cruise ships that hold 3, 4, or even 5,000 plus passengers. While there is some occasional queuing at certain times, these ships feature several public areas and venues scattered throughout the vessel to help disperse crowds.

For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-Class mega-ships feature several themed neighborhoods. So, cruisers can enjoy a tranquil outdoor space in Central Park. Or, compete against each other on the sports deck on the top of the ship. Then, adults can enjoy some quiet time at the Solarium while the kids are off in Adventure Ocean.

In fact, all cruise lines design modern cruise ships to offer various venues for all types of travelers. Cruisers will find multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to fit their mood. Family and adult-only areas also ensure you find your happy place.

In addition, newbies often learn that cruisers are friendly and gregarious people. They might even return from their first trip with some new friends.

That said, we will acknowledge that you might find some busy areas on all ships. Everyone will want to see the signature show, so you should expect a line at the theater. The buffet might be formidable to navigate if you go there for lunch at noon on a sea day. And disembarking on the last day of the cruise can sometimes be a challenge too.

So, regardless of the size of the ship, these tips can help ensure your first cruise is smooth sailing.

Comments

What are some other cruise misconceptions that you’ve heard? What advice would you give those newbies considering their first cruise vacation? Drop us an anchor below with your thoughts about cruise ships of today.