It's not that they're wrong. They're just inexperienced.
Non-cruisers really mean no harm. They have honest and legitimate concerns and I don't want this post to seem to a non-cruiser that we are making fun of them, but as avid cruisers, we hear the same comments over-and-over again about why people haven't, won't or are afraid to go on a cruise. As I said, this column isn't meant to tell those that say these things that they are wrong, but to explain why some of their fears may be unwarranted. As we've said before, the goal of this site is to get folks to step out of their comfort zone and try something new in the world of travel.
I'm afraid I'll get seasick!
This is the comment I get most often from people who haven't cruised and are afraid of going. It's also one of the most understandable. If you've ever been motion sick or even sea sick, it's one of the most miserable feelings in the world. Fortunately, this concern is largely unwarranted in terms of traveling by cruise ship.
My wife (Audrey) gets motion sick as easily as anyone I've ever met. She's never been sick on a cruise ship. Even when things have gotten a little rocky, she took some precautions like sea bands and non-drowsy Dramamine and had no issues.
Some ways to avoid potential sea sickness issues are: booking a cabin in the middle of the ship and on lower decks, traveling on larger ships, avoiding itineraries that have notoriously rough seas, picking port intensive itineraries, and taking medicines and precautions to prevent motion sickness.
Truly, most ships are so large nowadays you can barely feel them moving. Sea sickness is a true rarity on cruise ships. Don't let this fear stop you from going.
I'm afraid I'll feel trapped on ship where I can't see land!
This is one that makes avid cruisers laugh a little under their breath. I've even had first-time cruisers who previously had this concern tell me how goofy they felt after realizing how large the ship was and all there was to do.
If you're worried about this, pick a larger vessel. Many modern day cruise ships are so big that you don't even know you're moving and could spend the entire day at sea and not realize you haven't even looked at the ocean. For me, that's a problem. I love seeing the open ocean. For those worried about feeling trapped, it should ease fears. Picking a port intensive itinerary could also help solve this concern.
I'd get bored on a boat for that long.
First, it's not a boat, it's a ship. Second, you aren't on the ship that long. On a seven day cruise, most will have a minimum of three stops. You will be on land as much as you are on the ship.
Third, there is nothing boring about a modern day cruise ship. There truly is something for everyone. Today's ships feature dive shows, acrobatics, casinos, rollercoasters, bumper cars, sky diving simulators, mini golf, waterslides, and more. I assure you, you won't be bored.
I can't afford a cruise. We just rent a condo at the beach every year.
While it's true that everyone can't afford to cruise and we are very blessed to be able to travel as we do, cruises are much more affordable than you think. The reason the second sentence is there, is because of the grave misunderstanding of what is included in the price of your cruise and what is not included in the price of your condo at the beach.
If you love renting a condo at the beach, do it! It's a great vacation and you can go at your own pace. However, if you are doing that and foregoing the cruise because you think it's more affordable, think again.
Most cruise fares include a ton of food, drinks, and entertainment in their pricing. For example, if a cruise costs $5000 for a family of four, that includes all you can eat food, a variety of drinks, entertainment, rooms, and more for that family. Not to mention unbelievable, bucket-list ports of call. If that same family rents a three bedroom condo on the beach for a week at $4500, they'll easily outspend what they would have on a cruise. That condo rental includes rooms and rooms only. It doesn't include food, drinks, entertainment and other miscellaneous items that may pop up.
Don't get me wrong, there are additional costs to cruises as well, but a chunk of your vacation is paid for in your cruise fare. If you can do a beach condo for a week in the summer, you can swing for a cruise if you'd like and will probably spend less.
Cruises are dangerous.
This one is aggravating. Not aggravation at the person who says it, but at the reason why they say it. Cruise lines for decades have been a target of easy, cheap news stories about incidents on cruise ships. Things that happen on land daily become headlines. It's understandable why some people who've never been would be deterred.
It's important to understand the numbers behind cruise ships. In 2019, 29.7 million people sailed on cruises and there are currently around 400 cruise ships operating every day around the world. On almost every sailing, there are no issues. When you're carrying that many people from place to place, things happen. People do goofy things, illnesses happen, and weather happens. This is context most media coverage doesn't seem to acknowledge.
If you're worried about illnesses, one reason you hear about it is because of mandatory reporting requirements that are in place for cruise lines. Reporting requirement that are not in place for all-inclusive resorts or theme parks. Could you imagine what numbers would like if a certain theme park in Florida had to track and report people who caught the flu there in December?
What about falling overboard? I don't want to downplay or make light of this because accidents happen and some people have lost their lives in some tragic accidents. However, I've been on 18 cruises and can't for the life of me figure out how someone falls overboard. Be responsible, be safe just as you would anywhere else in the world and I assure you, you won't fall overboard.
Cruise ships are a safe and efficient way to see the world. No travel is risk-free and cruises are no different. But I think we can all agree that our daily commute to work is significantly more dangerous.
Cruise ships are too crowded.
This can be true. Cruise ships can be too crowded depending on how many people they are sailing with. However, knowing areas of the ship that are less crowded, when cruises are less crowded, and what ships feel less crowded is important to enjoying your vacation.
Crowding is an issue on all sorts of activities, but like anything, with research, this shouldn't deter you from taking a cruise.
They don't give you enough time at each port.
This can be true, but with guidance from your travel advisor and picking the right itinerary, there are plenty of long port stays and even overnight calls on certain ports that are available. This is where good research comes into play.
Additionally, embracing that you get to visit multiple countries and destinations in a single trip is part of the excitement of a cruise. If you like one of the ports and want more time, make plans to visit it on your next vacation.
Cruising is for old people and families with kids.
This couldn't be further from the truth. While cruising is great for both of these groups of individuals, it's great for people of all ages.
With so many different options of cruise lines, ships, and ports, you can custom fit your experience better than almost any vacation on earth. The old saying that cruising for the newlywed and nearly dead is not applicable in today's world.
There is a cruise, an itinerary, a ship, and time that fits any demographic.
I could never get my spouse on a cruise!
My knee-jerk reaction to this is to tell them to find a new spouse (I'm totally joking). But in all seriousness, don't let this stop you. For starters, show them this article. Then if they still aren't convinced, take a trip with friends, co-workers, or even solo. If you'd like to go on a cruise, I assure you that you can find someone to go with you.
If you are the spouse holding your significant other back from setting sail, give up and go on the darn cruise.
Cruising just isn't for me.
How do you know that? You've never been. Seriously though, it may not be, but do some research and talk to an experienced cruiser and/or travel advisor. You might have fears that are unwarranted or misunderstandings about what this vacation type is all about. If you have those conversations and are still out, then there are plenty of adventures out there for you that don't involve cruise ships and that's okay.
Convinced you might want to learn more about cruising?
CruiseNReview would love to help alleviate your anxiety about taking a cruise. To talk more or to start planning a cruise vacation, e-mail us at info@cruisenreview.com.
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