Eight Cruise Myths Dispelled

I recently discussed cruising with several people who have yet to experience this wonderful type of vacation. Perhaps because I have been on so many cruises, I initially wondered how they could have such misconceptions. Then, I remembered that I myself had a totally inaccurate sense of what cruising was all about.

Forced bingo and a rigid schedule had defined cruising for me, even though I had never been on a cruise. These preconceived notions of mine were entirely unfounded and delayed my entry into the world of cruising. It is interesting how we can get certain baseless ideas stuck in our heads. (Hey, my excuse is that the internet was in its infancy then and social media was basically non-existent and I never knew anybody who cruised.)

In an attempt to spare potential cruisers from these misgivings, I have compiled a list of some of these misconceptions that I have heard from non-cruisers.

If you have any suggestions or comments, please comment below.

Myth #1 Everybody Gets Sick While Cruising.

My Take

Large crowds do increase the possibility of transmission of disease, but do consider these points when evaluating a cruise vacation:

Cruise ships are required by the CDC to report any outbreak of Norovirus, COVID or any other illness. So, obviously it might sound like everybody gets sick on ships. Schools, hospitals, office buildings or other places where thousands of people gather are not required to report disease outbreaks.

• Cruise ships are required by the CDC to report any outbreak of Norovirus, COVID or any other illness. So, obviously it might sound like everybody gets sick on ships. Schools, hospitals, office buildings or other places where thousands of people gather are not required to report disease outbreaks.
• Cruise ships also have inspections by the CDC that evaluate the cleanliness of the ship. I bet that you rarely see a headline in national news that says that a ship received 100% on that CDC inspection.
• When you register at the cruise terminal, you will be given a health form to fill out. One of the questions asks whether you have had diarrhea, fever or vomiting recently. Unscrupulous passengers lie on this form and possibly contaminate other passengers on the ship.

Consider the number of people on a cruise ship at any given time. Combining the number of passengers and crew adds up to thousands of people in a relatively confined space. I actually get sick of clever non-cruisers who gleefully point out that the ship is a petri dish. I am tempted to ask what the medium is.

What can you do?

Be sure that you are healthy before your cruise. Some people recommend taking acidophilus as a prophylactic before traveling.

Wash your hands frequently. Pay attention to other passengers who might not be health conscious and avoid them.

On several cruise lines, the crew serve you from the buffet to reduce the risk of food contamination. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people touch food at the buffet and then toss it back into the food container.

Myth #2 Cruising is for the Rich.

My Take

This is very true. Cruising is also for those who aren’t rich. In fact, it’s probably one of the best vacation values out there. It often doesn’t cost much more than what it costs to stay at home for a week.

Special promotions run so frequently that they aren’t always so special. Strategic planning can help you find a for cruise to suit your budget and cruising style.

What Can You Do?

Find a good travel advisor who can give you an idea of costs and can work within your realistic budget. If necessary, plan for a cruise a few years out.

Start a cruise fund to save. It’s possible to make regular payments before your cruise date as long as final payment is far enough into the future.

Myth #3 Cruise Lines Nickel and Dime You to Death.

My Take

It’s true that there are some things that will cost you extra on your cruise. The good news is that even without spending an extra nickel or dime, your cruise fare includes food, accommodations and entertainment.

Cruise lines do charge gratuities for their crew and that fee should be considered part of the cost of vacation.

When you eat out at home, don’t you leave a tip or buy drinks in addition to ordering a meal? Iced tea, water, tea and coffee are included beverages.

Alcoholic beverages, carbonated beverages, specialty coffees and some juices are not always included. (This varies by ship and luxury level of ship. If you are on a luxury ship or have a special beverage or dining package or are sailing on a special promotion, you may have almost everything included.)

What Can You Do?

It’s possible to have a bill with a $0 balance after just the gratuities are paid. Some promotions even cover your gratuities. Sorting it all out is most efficient with a good travel advisor.

Educate yourself and be sure that you understand what is included and what is not included. Watch for packages that include beverages, specialty restaurants, onboard credit or gratuities.

Myth #4 I Will Feel Trapped.

My Take

This totally depends on your personality. Do you suffer from cleithrophobia or agoraphobia? Do you prefer being alone? Even if you do, there are solutions that will help.

Rest assured that ships offer plenty of space to get away from the hustle and bustle of the ship if you find that necessary.

Personally, I have always found a quiet place to read a book or enjoy the view. You aren’t required to engage in group parties, demonstrations, bingo or other activities. You won’t be forced to see a mime.

For cleithrophobia, engaging with other passengers in the aforementioned activities might take your mind off your aversion to enclosed spaces. Open decks might become your favorite place on the ship. If you suffer from both phobias, a cruise might not be for you.

What Can You Do?

Find a smaller, more intimate ship. Book a cruise that has fewer sea days so that you can get off the ship more frequently. Avoid long and portless repositioning cruising.

If you suffer from both phobias, a cruise might not be for you.

Myth #5 I Will Get Seasick.

My Take

Speak to your healthcare provider about prevention and treatment. Some people take pills or use a patch, while others use ginger, acupressure or acupuncture to prevent seasickness.

Unfortunately, once you get seasick, relieving the symptoms becomes more difficult than preventing them. Listen to the captain’s weather report and make an informed choice about what you will do.

What Can You Do?

Consider river cruising or an ocean cruise itinerary that sails in more protected waters. Ask your travel advisor for itinerary recommendations.

Ask your travel advisor for itinerary recommendations. If you do tend to get seasick, choose a cabin on a lower deck and in the middle of the ship. Less motion is felt there.

Myth #6 Pirates Will Attack the Ship.

My Take

This is one of the most interesting reasons that I have heard for not wanting to cruise. Anything is possible, including aliens attacking the ship.

And it is true that pirates did attack a cruise ship. Remember that everything comes with a bit of risk. Do you drive a car? Check out that risk compared to other types of transportation.

Although there were instances of pirates attacking cruise ships, it is a rare occurrence. The captain and crew are trained to deal with such events. Your safety is of extreme importance.

Cruise lines monitor world news and events. They may opt to change the itinerary or cancel an itinerary to avoid an area that will put guest in danger.

What Can You Do?

Do your research. Evaluate the risks. Listen to the news. In the end, if you are not comfortable or will constantly worry, you may be better off staying at home or considering a different itinerary.

Myth #7  Cruises Are for the Elderly

My Take

This is similar to my response about cruises being for the rich. Cruises are for the elderly and for many different age ranges. You will usually find older passengers on longer and more expensive cruises. 

Cruising is a great family vacation. Not having to pack up and move everyday is a real benefit of cruising. Your hotel moves with you.

Many cruise lines have special programs for children, which are included in the fare.

What Can You Do?

Again, do your research. Consult with your travel advisor. Read guest reviews.

My best advice is to find a good travel advisor. They can tell you the median age of guests if that is a concern. Just think how much fun it would be to bring grandma and grandpa along with you.

Myth #8  I Will Have to Dress Up! 

My Take

Things sure do change. While some cruise lines maintain the formal night tradition, dressing up is optional on many cruise lines. 

Some guests love dressing up for formal nights; others don’t want to bother. If the cruise line does have a formal night, there may be a certain restaurant requires guests to follow a dress code.

Usually the buffet usually welcomes those who aren’t interested in dressing to the nines. Even formal standards have changed, especially for men. Tuxedos are not de rigueur although some guys still wear them.

What Can You Do?

This record sounds broken, doesn’t it? Again, do your research. Consult with your travel advisor. Read guest reviews.

Start Planning!

Misconceptions about cruise vacations abound. Take the time to investigate and make an informed decision for yourself.

On a recent cruise, a fellow passenger said that I should never sail on a certain cruise line. I asked her what her experience was. She responded that she had never sailed with that particular cruise line.

Do your due diligence and you are certain to find a ship that suits your needs.

Sail Away.