Overcrowded cruise ships, expensive beverages, subpar safety, and exorbitant prices? You've probably heard it all before, but now we're debunking all the myths about cruise vacations.
It might be challenging to imagine what a cruise vacation can actually offer until you've experienced it yourself. Whether you're traveling alone, with family, or as a couple, cruise vacations are very popular among many because this particular type of vacation includes so many different experiences all in one package.
If you're in charge of planning your vacation, it can take a lot of time and energy to book a hotel, arrange transportation, provide meals, plan activities, and ensure that everything fits together in terms of timing.
When you choose to go on a cruise vacation, you get both accommodation, meals, and activities for the whole family, all while you sail out into the vast and exciting world.
Despite the many advantages, there are still many people who hold various misconceptions about what a cruise vacation is like and who goes on such types of vacations.
That's why we've decided once and for all to dispel all the myths and preempt any preconceptions.
Myth #1 - All shipping routes are the same
False ✗
There are so many different sailing itineraries that you'd never finish if you tried them all. There are classic itineraries such as a trip around the Western Mediterranean, which is pretty much the same for all shipping companies, but also a multitude of routes that change from week to week.
In addition, shipping companies also offer unique itineraries when ships need to change destination from summer to winter season. For example, you can sail from Copenhagen to Barcelona or perhaps from Genoa to Miami.
Today, we offer hundreds of different routes with the shipping companies we work with, so there's definitely something for everyone - and the myth that all sailing routes are the same? Well, that's been well and truly debunked.
Myth #2 - Cruises are boring
False ✗
The idea that cruises are boring is perhaps a traditional myth among younger audiences. However, most ships today have so many different activity options that it's impossible to get bored.
Here's an overview of some of the activities available on many of the ships we offer tours on:
- Surfing simulator
- Ice skating rink
- Skydiving simulator
- Go-cart track
- Climbing wall
- Laser tag
- Tennis court
- Minigolf
- Fitness centre with team training
- Fairground rides (carousels, bumper cars and roller coasters)
- Water rides.
- Several swimming pools and jacuzzis
- Wellness centre (on some ships it's even included in the price)
- Massages
- Classes and courses (e.g. dance, food, make-up, hair or drinks)
- Theatre performances and shows
- Lawn for picnics or croquet
- Casino
- Library
Of course, what you find fun and what you find boring is a matter of taste and quite individual. But one thing's for sure - there's no shortage of activities if you're on board a cruise ship. Check what's on offer on the ship before you book your holiday. The bigger and newer the ships, the more facilities and activities there tend to be. The above list is just a rough list. You can see exactly what activities are available on your holiday under the ship's info.
Ps. If you're not already convinced, there's also the fact that you'll be visiting a wide range of exciting countries where you can go ashore and explore the local sights.
Myth #3 - Drinks are way too expensive
True ✓ and false ✗
On some cruise lines, drinks are included in the price, on others they are not. This is probably where most people go wrong if they haven't realised that drinks are not included in their trip.
Drinks are more expensive to buy on board than if you buy a drinks package. That's why all cruise lines offer drink packages in different price ranges, depending on whether you want them with or without alcohol. These can be purchased before the cruise. Research and decide which drink package you want before you set off.
Myth #4 - It's always the same boring buffet food
False ✗
Boring salad bar, heated food, lacklustre brunch? Think again. Most cruise ships today are equipped with a world-class kitchen. Depending on which cruise line you choose to travel with, you can enjoy culinary experiences ranging from Japanese to Brazilian cuisine.
If you have special dietary needs, no problem. Many of the cruise lines we see today work with award-winning chefs and offer a wide range of allergy-friendly, gluten-free and vegetarian dishes, so everyone can eat on board. If you're looking for a more intimate experience, several ships even offer the option of a private dinner, so you can enjoy an evening alone.
Bonus info: Most people think that the buffet is the only place to get a free breakfast, which is why they often go there. That's actually not the case. For breakfast and lunch, you can also order à la carte in one of the main restaurants at no extra cost - just like in the evening. Some cruise lines have room service included and you can order and have breakfast delivered to your own cabin and enjoy it with a view from your own balcony.
Myth #5 - Cruise ships are not safe
False ✗
Are cruise ships safe? It's a question that's often asked. Perhaps there's an old fear in people from the story of the Titanic, but don't worry - cruise ships are safe and there's no need to worry about major accidents or sinkings. The danger of sinking is statistically low, and past incidents have only served to increase the safety of cruising today.
Another concern that has crept in during the Covid 19 pandemic is the risk of infection outbreaks and the fear of being trapped on the ship in the event of an accident. However, there is no need to worry here either. There are many hygiene measures in place on ships, such as using hand sanitiser, disinfecting common areas and thoroughly cleaning cabins. If you're worried about being "trapped" on a cruise ship like you were at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, you can rest assured that those scenarios won't happen again. Cruise lines have made agreements with the harbours they visit so that they are always able to get passengers ashore in the event of an outbreak.
Plus, a cruise holiday is the perfect bubble in these times, as everyone is tested before boarding and during the journey. So, we would almost dare to say that cruise holidays are one of the safest forms of holiday in these times.
Read more about the cruise lines' many safety measures here
Myth #6 - Cruises are only for older people
False ✗
It's a fun myth that cruising is a retirement holiday. It's true that in many cases it's a very senior-friendly holiday, and that as a pensioner you can enjoy the many benefits that can be found on the ships.
But did you know that cruises are also great for family holidays, couples holidays or if you're travelling with friends? On a cruise, there's plenty of fun and colour, relaxation, self-indulgence and much more!
In the cruise world, there are ships to suit everyone - it's just a matter of choosing the ship that best suits your needs.
Myth #7 - Cruises are expensive
It's all relative.
Obviously, an all-inclusive holiday will cost more than if you choose a holiday where meals and activities are not included in the price. But everything is relative! Most cruises have become so competitively priced that today there's not much difference between traditional all-inclusive charter holidays and cruises.
There are many ways to make it cheaper to choose cruising as a holiday option. For example, there are several cruise lines that allow children under 12 years old to sail for a very low price. There are also cases where there are volume discounts if you book your holiday together.
At the end of the day, cruises are not necessarily more expensive than other all-inclusive holidays. In most cases, it will be the flight tickets that will be the deciding factor in whether the price is higher.
Myth #8 - Cruise ships are claustrophobic
False ✗
When you hear that there's room for 8000 people on a ship, it's easy to think that it's crowded. That's not the case at all. The ships are huge. So big that it's hard to find your way around. Several of the shipping companies mark the carpets with the ship's sailing direction to help guests' sense of direction and make sure they don't get lost.
Of course, it depends on the individual and when you feel overwhelmed and surrounded by too many people. However, most cruise ships today are so large that there's plenty of room for all guests, staff and more. On the big ships, there's plenty of space, air and light, and there's plenty of opportunity to take walks in an open environment. In fact, it's often only during the boarding process that you'll notice the crowds of people.
What most people are referring to when they say that being on board a cruise ship can be claustrophobic is that you're out at sea and don't have the opportunity to get off before the ship docks again. However, with the size of ships today, there's minimal risk that you'll feel claustrophobic on board.
If you do tend to feel claustrophobic, you may want to book an outside cabin, or even a cabin with a balcony where you can go outside and get some fresh air directly from your room - all to yourself.
Myth #9 - Cruises only visit the most touristy ports
True ✓ and false ✗
There are many different cruise ports around the world, and it's true that there will be a risk of running into the so-called 'tourist traps'.
Some cruise ports can be packed with tourists, which can make it difficult to find unique experiences. The busiest, and therefore most touristy, harbours are usually in Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean islands.
Whether you're sailing in high or low season also plays a role in how many tourists you'll encounter on your trip. That said, there are so many options when you're in harbour that it's always possible to find little gems where there are no tourists. Of course, there is also the option of choosing routes that visit smaller and unknown places where you won't feel like you're in the middle of a tourist trap.
Myth #10 - Not enough time in the harbour
True ✓ and false ✗
Again, it's individual how much time you want to spend at different destinations.
If you go on a cruise, you will often sail at night and be in harbour during the day. Depending on the day-to-day itinerary, you'll typically be in a new place when you wake up in the morning.
Some may feel that this may not be enough time to explore on land - especially if you have a strong desire to see some sights that may be a little further away from the harbour. If that's the case, we recommend booking one of the cruise lines' own organised tours to ensure you make it back before the ship sails on.
Alternatively, there are also cruise lines that offer overnight cruises in the city you're in. However, in our experience, most guests are happy with a short day in port, where they have time to stroll around the city, do some shopping and experience the local charm before moving on.
Myth #11 - You have to wear formal clothes and everyone is a snob
True ✓ and false ✗
It is true that there are dress codes on most cruise ships. It varies from cruise line to cruise lines what the dress code is - but in the vast majority of cases, it's NOT all dress and fancy dress. You're on holiday, so of course everything is casual.
If you're looking for a good guide to what the different categories of dress codes entail, here's an overview:
- Casual - Casual clothing. Men: light-coloured trousers and a T-shirt. However, in most cases, shorts and sandals are not allowed in restaurants. Women: the same as men, or a regular skirt or dress.
- Elegant/sport casual - This is a little nicer than casual. Here, men are often seen wearing a suit jacket. However, a tie is not required. Women: Here again, trousers, skirts or dresses that are not too short or low-cut are allowed.
- Informal - Slightly nicer clothes. Men: Nice trousers with a suit jacket and preferably a tie. Women: Nice dress or skirt with a nice top.
- Formal - It's time to get your best clothes out. It will not be a fixed dress code that you have to wear this kind of clothing for the entire trip. Usually it will be for the captain's cocktail party, other events or similar events. Men wear tuxedos and women wear dresses. If you don't have such clothes in your wardrobe, don't worry. It can be rented on board.
In recent years, cruising has become much more mainstream and therefore formal dress codes are less common. However, there are still some things that are not acceptable. For example, in most places you are not allowed to wear sandals and shorts during the evening meal.
Myth #12 - Cruises are not for big families
False ✗
It's true that it was once standard on cruise ships that most rooms were only suitable for two or four guests. But over time, most cruise lines have responded to the growing interest from families in travelling on a cruise together. As a result, family suites have been added to most large ships.
On Royal Caribbean International's larger ships, you can find examples of suites that sleep up to eight people in two bedrooms. If you choose an Ultimate Family Suite, for example, you can expect an extremely child-friendly experience with a large two-storey suite with a slide from the first floor down, as well as plenty of entertainment in the suite, including air hockey, a small cinema and video games. However, all cruise lines also offer family cabins of the more standard (and affordable) kind, which can accommodate a family of 4 or 5.
All cruise lines also offer several child-friendly services, such as free evening babysitting, so parents can enjoy a relaxing, child-free evening, safe in the knowledge that their children will be well looked after by trained staff. And many also have fun kids' clubs for different age groups.
Myth #13 - You get seasick on cruises
False ✗
The short answer is: No, you don't get seasick on a cruise.
Most cruise ships are huge. The big cruise ships, which are around 15 stories tall and hold between 3000-5000 passengers, rock minimally - and most of the time not at all. There can even be violent storms and high seas, and even then you'll hardly notice you're travelling at sea.