15 cruise myths that stop you from having a great vacation

There is a stereotype that cruises are for newlyweds and retirees. This may have been the case in the past, but these days, cruising on modern ships is something completely different. Everyone has heard the myths about cruising, and many people are negative. The truth is that not all ships are created equal and your experience will largely depend on factors such as the carrier, ship size, cabin type and itinerary. Here are 15 of the most common cruise myths that keep many people from having a wonderful vacation at sea.

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1 Myth: On a cruise, I will end up in a crowd of people

This problem is most often found on older poorly planned vessels, especially in places such as restaurants and theaters where passengers can gather in groups. USA Today. When designing new vessels, more dynamic zones were thought out in terms of the flow of people. It may also seem to you that on large cruise liners (for example, carrying more than 5000 passengers) there are too many people in each section of free space. It is not true. As ships increase capacity, they also increase the number of decks, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues to accommodate more passengers.

Myth 2: Cruises are for old people

It’s true that American retirees often have the time and money needed to travel for long periods, but although some lines serve people of a certain age, there is much more fun for holidaymakers than tea and board games in the afternoon. Now there are even special destinations for people aged 18 to 20 years, and even on modern ships more than ever, many travelers aged 20 to 30 years.

Cruise lines cater to people of all ages with exciting offers for everyone: chef menus inspired by famous restaurants, wonderful children's animation for young couples with little ones, excellent adults-only areas, innovative spa treatments, shore excursions - from flyboarding in the Caribbean to glaciers in Alaska.

3 myth: I will become a hostage of this ship

If you are worried that you will have an attack of claustrophobia on a ship in the middle of the ocean or if you will not have the freedom to come and go at any time, do not worry. Of course, you will not get anywhere from the ship while it goes from port to port, but this usually happens at night, when you are busy with such things as dinner, visiting shows and sleeping.

If you choose a route with several days at sea or without them at all, in the morning you will wake up in a completely new place, which will limit the feeling of being stuck on board the vessel. Be sure that if you need to leave the ship in an emergency, the crew will be able to take the necessary measures.

In addition, with so many amenities on board, you can completely forget that you are generally on a ship, and thanks to the large open deck space, it is easy to avoid the feeling of confined space.

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4 myth: I will become infected with norovirus

Fact: According to the CDC website, more than half of all reported cases of norovirus in developed countries come from nursing homes, hospitals and other health care settings. Health officials track all cases on cruise ships, but that doesn't always happen on land. So while the virus isn't as common on board as it is on shore, you're more likely to hear about outbreaks on cruise ships than what's happening on land. While sailing, most ships offer ready-made hand sanitizer at every turn, and you'll be constantly reminded to wash your hands - especially after using the toilet and before eating - which is the most effective defense against getting sick.

Some vessels also try to limit the spread of germs by prohibiting self-service in the restaurant during the first 48 hours of travel (the amount of time it takes norovirus to incubate). In cases where the virus spreads on board (which usually occurs in places where a large number of people live in confined spaces), infected passengers are quarantined and the affected vessels are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized in accordance with industry protocols until until the next group of travelers is allowed on board.

5 Myth: Cruises are Dangerous

Fires. Power outages. Huge waves. Harsh seas. Hurricanes. Passengers “fall” overboard. You've heard about all this in the news, but before you panic, here's what you should know: Statistically, cruising is one of the safest forms of travel. The U.S. Coast Guard inspects all ships leaving U.S. ports quarterly to ensure that machinery and emergency procedures are working.

In addition, each ship has its own special team of mechanics and engineers who are trained to resolve any malfunctions that may arise. Crew members undergo rigorous training through safety training to prepare for emergencies. All major vessels have airborne teams of doctors and / or nurses to solve medical problems, while dispatch rooms on all vessels use equipment designed to prevent hurricanes and minimize the effects of excessively stormy waters.

As for the "fall" overboard, the chances are low if you are not where you should not be. Most balconies and external decks have high railings or partitions so that no one falls overboard.

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6 Myth: Cruises are all drunk

This is not the case with most cruise ships - even those known for their "holiday" atmosphere. Will passengers drink too much? Certainly. This happens in any place where there are a lot of bars and liquor. However, bartenders routinely refuse service to anyone who appears to be drunk, much the same as on land.

If you are worried about avoiding a drink-friendly environment, consider a longer cruise and avoid short weekend cruises or swimming in warm weather during spring break.

7 Myth: I Will Be Bored

You may be under the impression that you won't have enough entertainment on your cruise. But on many ships you can surf, skydive, rock climb, rollerblade, learn to make cupcakes, splash in pools and water slides, attend Broadway plays, watch acrobats and magicians, and enjoy al fresco movies on the pool deck. , drive a simulated Formula 1 race car, buy drinks from a robot bartender, play bowling and video games, dance the night away at a disco, enjoy pirate parties (in costume, of course), learn a new language, go wine tasting, gamble to the casino, attend enrichment lectures, sing karaoke - the list goes on and on.

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8 Myth: I'll Be Too Busy

A cruise is exactly what you make it into. Any ship will have a daily list of scheduled activities, but whether you attend them or not, and the pace and volume at which you attend them, your schedule is entirely up to you.

If your goal is to get away from it all and escape the hustle and bustle of life on board, you'll find plenty of quiet lounges, libraries and other secluded corners where you can hide away, sip a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise over the horizon, curl up with a book or play a game of board games. game with a travel companion. All main ships also have spa areas; head there and pamper yourself with treatments from massages and facials to manicures and teeth whitening. At least you can always hide in your cabin. Book a suite or room with a balcony if you plan to spend your holiday relaxing in privacy.

Myth 9: A cruise is not a cultural experience.

Of course, you may not have several hours to explore each port on your route, but there are still many ways to get authentic, unique impressions from walking around the places you visit without following the crowd on bus tours or souvenir shop tours . For example, several lines offer shore excursions that allow you to follow ship chefs to local markets, buy local products, and even cook them on board. Others allow passengers to book trips to homes where local families take travelers, usually for lunch or cultural events such as dancing or arts and crafts.

If you really need more time at each destination to indulge in local culture or nightlife, look for routes that offer long or night port calls. Or consider different types of cruises (e.g. river cruise). Some lines (for example, Fathom from Carnival Corp. and Canadian Cuba Cruise) offer volunteer opportunities that allow passengers to work side by side with locals.

10 Myth: There are too many kids on cruises

If your goal is a vacation without other people's children, there are many ways to organize this. First, children are more likely to be taken on shorter, less expensive and less exotic routes, especially during the summer months and holidays when school is not in session. They're also more likely to be found on lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Disney that have kids' clubs.

However, this does not mean that you should exclude these lines. Since they offer great animation for the little ones, you are less likely to see them or run into problems while swimming. If you do not want to meet children at all, there are ships that strictly prohibit taking children with you (Adonia, Arcadia and Oriana P&O) or set age restrictions for passengers under a certain age (Voyages to Antiquity, Grand Circle, Saga Holidays).

11 Myth: On a Cruise I Gain Weight

It is completely up to you. Of course, it's easy to spoil yourself with a stunning array of food options available around the clock. But if you follow a lunch schedule and serving sizes that are comparable to what you eat at home, you will not have problems maintaining weight, even if you decide to take more than one dessert in a restaurant. For those who are worried about their health, many lines mark on their menus more healthy options for dishes.

In addition, if you use the stairs instead of elevators on board and actively go on shore excursions while in ports, you may even find yourself several kilograms lighter at the end of your voyage. Almost every ship can boast an on-board fitness center (some more expensive and high-tech than others). If you motivated yourself to train at home, then on the ship you will cope with this task.

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12 myth: I will get seasick

You may be prone to seasickness, but there are many ways to prevent it before your cruise begins. Possible remedies include acupressure bracelets, prescription patches that are applied to the skin behind the ear, and a variety of pills—both prescription and over-the-counter.

Some vessels offer mint, green apples, and all that contains ginger for those who suffer from seasickness. If you use pills, it is best to start taking them before you board the ship, but it is never too late to fight it on a journey. If you find yourself in this situation, head to the middle of the ship and look at the horizon (preferably from a place outside where there is fresh air) to help restore your balance.

13 Myth: I have to dress smartly

Of course, it can be fun to put on a tuxedo or ball gown and enjoy delicious food, but not everyone thinks so. In addition, all this formal attire is inconvenient and impractical to take with you in a suitcase. The good news is that most cruises give you the opportunity to give up formalities, especially if you don’t have in the main restaurant. You can dine in a host of other alternative places. The most common is the buffet, but many ships offer other options (some free and some for an additional fee) where the dress code will not be so strict.

There are also ships that don't offer formal dining at all, including Norwegian, as well as Quantum and Anthem of the Seas (with the exception of one dining room).

14 Myth: I have to dine with people I don’t know

In the early days of the cruise, if you are not traveling with a large group, you are assigned a certain lunch time at a large table with other passengers, which really makes you eat and chat with completely strangers. Someone really like it, someone not.

If you want to have lunch on your own, ask the head waiter to help you. Most ships have a flexible power schedule, which can also be an option in your case. Then you can come for lunch or dinner at any time during the set period to take a table on your own (or with a group if everyone wants it).

15 Myth: Don't Go Alone on a Cruise

Of course they do - and you can too. While single occupancy in double cabins always means additional expense, several ships (including Norwegian Getaway, Anthem of the Seas, Costa Favolosa, Queen Mary 2 and Holland America's Koningsdam) have single occupancy cabins specifically designed for those traveling without companies.

Some include access to separate lounges and events for those on board without companions. Although this concept can be intimidating for some, solo cruises expand the possibilities and this is a great way to meet new people.

Cruising is one of the most social forms of travel, so if you're looking to make friends, be sure to check the schedule on the first couple of days of your sailing for any solo-oriented gatherings, request seated dining, or larger tables. Participate in onboard activities (karaoke, quizzes, game shows) that will allow you to express yourself or join the team.

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