There are many myths about both cruise ships and cruising in general floating around the internet. Having cruised for over a decade I have heard them all.
It’s time to set the record straight for you. I am going to go over the common cruise myths that I constantly hear and give you the truth based on my own, personal experience cruising around the world.
1. I will get seasick and/or ill on the ship
This is one of the biggest worries for people who have never been on a cruise ship before. We have all heard and seen the stories online of a cruise ship hitting big waves in a storm.
It can happen…however, it is really rare. For most cruisers, there may be a choppy area that you go through. However, most of the cruise is smooth sailing.
I get motion sickness in the car, and on rides at the theme park, and I have never had a problem. If you are worried, I would suggest that you bring some motion sickness medicine, such as Dramamine, with you in case you need it.
You can also wear the bracelets or patches that help minimize any problems. We also suggest bringing ginger tablets or candies.
There are a wide variety of precautions you can take just in case. I have never needed any of it, but I always have it with me in case I need it.
The other worry is getting an illness while on the ship. For some reason there is this belief that certain illnesses (Norovirus) only happen on cruise ships.
This is not true at all and, again, there are precautions you can take to minimize the likelihood of it happening. Just like cold and flu season, if you are in a crowded area it is more likely that you will get ill.
This is why every year the flu runs rampant through schools. But, just like during flu season you can take precautions to prevent it from happening to you while on a cruise ship.
Most important is to practice good hygiene while on board the ship. Wash your hands consistently, especially before eating. Try to not touch your face because this is how most viruses are spread.
Just use the same common-sense practices that you use while on land. While the media likes to hype it up and make it seem like illnesses are breaking out on cruise ships every day.
The truth is that it is rare and is preventable if you take the necessary steps to prevent it.
2. Cruises are all-inclusive
While this is true for some of the high-end, luxury cruise lines. Anyone who has been on a cruise will tell you, this is definitely not true.
Cruise lines like to suck you in with those low prices you see in the ads. However, you need to consider all of the additional costs in order to know the true price of the cruise.
For example, the mainstream cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, you have to pay for any specialty drinks, excursions, and specialty dining you want to enjoy.
However, with that said a cruise is still a great value for the price. When you compare it to a land vacation that’s when you will really see how much you get for your money.
The room and food, except for specialty dining, is included. All of the entertainment and shows are included. The pools, games, and activities are included.
Many also offer packages that you can pay ahead of time so that when you get on the ship it is more of an all-inclusive experience.
Pro Tip: Book your experiences and packages ahead of time. Not only will this give you a more all-inclusive vacation experience, it will guarantee you get to do everything you want. Many of the most popular excursions sell out quickly. Some even before you board the cruise ship.
3. Cruise ships are over-crowded
This is a myth that we hear all of the time, especially when discussing the big cruise ships, such as the Harmony of the Seas. People worry that they are going to feel like a sardine in a can.
This is completely untrue. Yes, there are times that you will be in a crowd or waiting in a line such as getting off the port for an excursion or if you show up right when the dining room opens for dinner.
Pro Tip: If you have a set dining time for dinner, show up 5 to 10 minutes after it starts to miss the crowd and long line. By this time, they should have let everyone into the dining room so you can just walk up to the podium and be taken to your assigned table.
During the day, even on sea days, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and relax on the ship. I have never had a problem finding a quiet place throughout the ship where I can read a book or just relax while enjoying a drink.
Just stay away from the areas that have the activities going on and you will be fine. Many times, you can go into one of the lounges where there are no activities taking place and it will be nice and quiet for you to relax and chat with friends.
One of our favorite places to do this on Princess Cruises is the Skywalkers Nightclub. It is pretty empty and quiet during the day and offers you incredible views.
4. Cruises only go to boring destinations
There are so many cruise ships sailing, that you can pretty much go anywhere in the world you want. As long as it is close to water, you can experience it.
This has opened up even more with smaller ships and river cruise ships becoming more and more popular. You no longer have to stick to the oceans.
Now you can experience the small towns and villages along the rivers and inter-coastal waterways. Whether you want to go to Antarctica, Africa, or sail down the Amazon river you will find the perfect cruise to do it.
5. Cruises are only for older people
Even with all of the commercials showing the family having a blast on the big cruise ships, I still hear this myth thrown around. I think each year it gets less and less, so hopefully this myth will be completely gone in the next few years.
Many people still have the old-fashioned cruise industry in mind. Back then it was more of a luxury experience so the people who could afford it tended to be older.
There are some cruise lines that still cater to this type of experience such as Cunard Cruises and Silverseas Cruises. However, many of the mainstream cruise lines cater to families so they have things that every age group will enjoy.
The newer ships now have water slides, go kart racing, ice skating rinks, and more to draw in the younger crowd.
6. Cruises are just for partiers
This is the complete opposite of number five. Even so, both are common myths that we hear often. I think that this myth circulates due to the short, spring break cruises that a lot of younger people drink their way through.
However, there are many cruise lines that cater to families or older clients. A great cruise line for families is the Disney Cruise Line.
I say this a lot, but if you choose the right cruise you will have an amazing vacation. Many people who don’t like their cruise experience isn’t because they don’t like cruising, it’s because they chose the wrong ship to go on.
7. Cruises aren’t safe
I think this comes from all of the stories that you hear about people getting injured or robbed while onboard the ship. It is important to remember that many of these cruise ships hold thousands of people on them.
You need to take the same precautions that you would take when you are vacationing in a city around the world. You can be robbed anywhere, especially when you are leaving your valuables around for anyone to grab.
People seem to think that they are in some miracle bubble on a cruise ship where nothing bad could happen.
I hate to burst that bubble, but bad things can happen anywhere so you need to be smart and take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.
8. I’ll be stuck dining with the same people every night
While this could be true if you wanted it to be, it isn’t an absolute. Most cruise ships offer an open dining option instead of the traditional set dining time.
This allows you to go to the restaurant for dinner just like you would at your local restaurant near your house. It is more flexible and you can sit alone or with different people each night.
If you like the traditional dining, you don’t have to eat there every night. Try the different specialty restaurants or eat at the buffet some nights.
Spend the evening by the pool or have room service and relax. You can mix up your dining routine if you don’t want to be stuck with the same people at the same table every night.
There are a wide variety of options besides just the main dining room for dinner. Your cruise experience is what you make it so you are never stuck with what you don’t like. Change it up and try new things.
9. I’m going to be bored on a cruise
There are so many different types of cruise ships that offer a wide variety of activities. If you are bored on a cruise it’s because you either chose the wrong ship for you or because you aren’t willing to get out of your comfort zone and try new, fun things.
If you want to learn there are a wide variety of classes you can take. If you love food and wine there are cooking demonstrations and tastings that you can check out.
Want to be active? Check out the dance classes and other activities available on the ship. There are things for all age groups to try out.
If you are on a ship and bored, it’s because you did something wrong. There are always things to do and check out on the ship so get out of your room, go explore, and see what you discover.
10. I’ll be claustrophobic in my room
If you have issues and can’t handle small space then you definitely should not get an inside room. They are very small and have no windows to bring fresh air and light.
However, if you choose the right category and room you will have no problems. Cruise ships have large, bright rooms for you to enjoy. Some even have multiple bedrooms and a living room. You just need to choose the right room for your needs.
I would suggest that once you choose the right ship go online and check out the floor plans and pictures for the rooms you are thinking about to make sure they will work for you.
11. I will gain weight on the cruise
This is a common complaint that people have. It is easy to go overboard on the food options and eat more than you need to. I have heard people that have gained 5 or 10 lbs. during their cruise.
However, there are so many ways to stay healthy that if you are smart you won’t have any problem. The cruise lines offer a wide variety of healthy food choices, they have activities and classes to keep you active, you can enjoy the gym on board to work out.
One thing that I always do on the ship to stay active is to use the stairs. I also take part in the dance classes and activities. These are simple ways to help combat this issue.
Also, you don’t have to eat all of the food. If you normally don’t eat breakfast, then don’t do it while on the ship. This is a complaint that you can have for any vacation you go on.
Be mindful and you shouldn’t have any problems.
12. There isn’t any good food on a cruise
There are so many options when it comes to food on a cruise ship that you will find something that you like. I have had food that didn’t really impress me and I have had food that was amazing and I craved it when I got back home.
I will say that some cruise lines are better than others when it comes to the quality of the food. However, I have never been on a cruise line where I couldn’t find something that I liked.
If you aren’t a big fan of buffets, then you don’t have to eat there. The dining room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You also have the specialty dining restaurants to check out.
You also have the must-try foods from the destinations you are visiting while you are in port.
13. Cruises are too expensive
This complaint comes about because people compare the price of a cruise to the price of a hotel room in the destination that they want to visit.
Yes, if you compare the cruise to just the hotel room it can be more expensive. However, you have to take into account all of the stuff you are getting besides just a room.
You are getting food, activities, and entertainment on a cruise. You will have to pay for all of those in the destination you choose to vacation in.
If you add up all of those things, I can pretty much guarantee the cruise is going to be more affordable most of the time. Cruises are a great value for the money, especially for families.
Plus, on a cruise you are visiting a wide variety of places. You won’t get that from a hotel room.
There you have it, the top 13 common cruise myths debunked. Did we miss any cruise myths? Do you agree or disagree with us on any of them? Let us know in the comments below.