…and what to do about it.
It’s too expensive
Cruise Truth: It is far less expensive than you think. There are always sales and special deals. To see where the best prices are at any point in time visit Vacations to Go where you can search for your perfect dates and destination.
You hate crowded spaces
Cruise Truth: Today’s cruise ships are designed to provide plenty of space for everyone. You rarely wait in long lines or feel like you are in a crowd. The best suggestion is to spring for the largest stateroom your budget will allow for so that you have your own private retreat away from everyone else onboard.
You don’t want to get Norovirus
Cruise Truth: Me neither. There is almost always a restroom facility near the buffet entrances. The best way to avoid picking up buffet-itis is to wash your hands after you fix your plate of food, but before you eat. It takes a little practice, but if it keeps your tummy healthy it’s worth it.
You think there’s nothing for your kids to do
Cruise Truth: You may be looking at the wrong cruise lines. Check this story to find out the best choices for family cruising.
Your kids are picky eaters
Cruise Truth: That’s not likely to be a problem on any cruise ship. Between room service, buffets, pizza and burger bars, and dining room meals designed for kids, there should be options that will work.
Someone in your family has a food sensitivity
Cruise Truth: Notify the cruise line in advance of your needs, then also tell your servers each time you dine. And for inspiration, follow my friend Rossana Wyatt, who writes about her gluten-free travels at Life is Full of Adventures.
There might be a hurricane
Cruise Truth: Yes, there might be. Cruise ships travel during hurricane season every year, thankfully without disaster. They may change the schedule or itinerary, and the worst-case scenario is that your cruise might be canceled and re-scheduled.
You read about cruise ship violence or people falling overboard
Cruise Truth: All travel comes with a risk of violence. Your goal is to stay vigilant, as you would on any other vacation, and don’t lean over the rails.
You are sure you will be seasick
Cruise Truth: This is a very real possibility. Talk to your doctor about it if you are particularly concerned. There are prescription patches and medications that can all but eliminate seasickness for most people.
There will be too many old people
Cruise Truth: The average age of passengers on some cruises is north of 55, but if your goal is to avoid the geriatric crowd, stick with cruise lines known to have a younger customer base. Look particularly at Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Note also that cruises in the Caribbean are the most likely to have a young passenger base.
There will be too many children
Cruise Truth: Stick with the tried and true lines of Holland America, Viking Ocean, or a full luxury line like Silversea to avoid children.
You are a Millennial
Cruise Truth: Trust me when I tell you that there will be Millennials on almost any cruise you choose. Maybe it’s a secret society or something.
You think it’s too late to book this season
There are great last-minute deals to be found. Again, I would start the search at Vacations to Go for the sake of simplicity or call a travel agent for help.
You might gain weight
Cruise Truth: That could happen at home on the couch too. Which sounds like more fun?
You prefer the beach
Cruise Truth: This is when itinerary matters. Start your search in the Caribbean, looking for cruises that stop at Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, or any of the private islands owned by the cruise lines. All of those destinations have fabulous beaches just waiting for you. And the best part is that you get to try more than one beach on your cruise.
You like to scuba dive
Cruise Truth: Gary and I have been scuba diving from cruise ships for decades. It’s the best way to try more than one dive destination in a single vacation. Plus, if there are non-diving members of your travel group, there are no worries about leaving them behind while you go blow bubbles. They can do their thing while you do yours.
They don’t go where you want to go
Cruise Truth: Seriously? Cruise ships can get you to almost any part of the world these days. Some, like Azamara, even have overnight excursions that take you far inland from the port, then catch you back up to the ship at the next stop.
I really love cruises! I hope I can go on another one soon. The only thing I struggle with is there is so much good food. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
So true! The desserts are my weakness– especially ice cream.
I am one of those people who doesn’t like cruises, but not for the reasons you list here. I would like to be able to spend more time on land, but the itineraries are made in such a way that you can’t spend more than 8-10 hours the shore, maximum. We go on cruises very seldom and only with the purpose of getting acquainted with a new place. If we like it, then return and explore it at length. If not, at least we’ve got some idea about it. #TheWeeklyPostcard
That’s a perfect reason to cruise! They are ideal for discovering new places that you want to explore further. That’s the case with me and Slovenia! What was just a cruise stopover has now become a place I will return to!
I’ve never been too interested in trying a cruise but my inlaws recently went on one and loved it. They even booked another cruise. So that makes me think: hey, it might actually be kinda cool. I’ll have to look into holland or viking (the child-free ones 😉 ). Thanks for the tips! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Viking is a great place to start. It’s very un-cruisey!
Why aren’t we on a cruise right now? Very good question. While we don’t go often, we thoroughly enjoy cruising and completely agree with every Cruise Truth you’ve mentioned. That’s it…time to book another cruise! 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Amen!
Love this! So much to do and explore on a cruise…. can’t wait for my next one! 🙂
We are doing a big family and friend get together on Royal Caribbean this fall. Counting the days!