If you’ve never been on a cruise before, your idea of what a holiday on the high seas will be like has probably been coloured by Titanic and that one bad experience you had on a ferry. You might be worried that you’ll run into bad weather, you won’t enjoy eating cruise food day after day, or it’ll be fun for a couple of days before boredom takes over for the rest of your holiday.
It’s natural to be nervous about experiencing something new, but any experienced cruiser can tell you that when it comes to cruise holidays, there are a few things that you simply don’t need to worry about. To help you conquer your cruise fears, we’ve debunked the most common misconceptions people have about cruising.
“I’ll get seasick being on a rocking ship!”
One of the primary concerns new cruisers have is that they’re going to get seasick and spend their entire holiday trying to stay within close proximity of a bathroom. If you’ve ever been out on a smaller boat, your history with seasickness may have even put you off cruising altogether. Going on a cruise, however, is nothing like taking to the sea on a small fishing boat. Cruise ships are enormous vessels that have been specifically designed with your comfort in mind. From GPS and cutting-edge stabilisation technology to highly skilled captains and crew members, cruise ships have everything they need to make your journey as smooth as possible. While there is a small risk that you will feel a little woozy on a cruise ship, it’s highly unlikely, so best to pack some seasickness tablets even though you probably won’t need them.
“The ship will get caught in a hurricane!”
Hurricane season means epic bargains on dreamy cruise destinations, but it can also bring some trepidation for the inexperienced cruiser. Hurricanes can be violent and dangerous, but a cruise holiday during the season will more closely resemble a paradise destination brochure rather than Sharknado. Cruise captains are trained to use incredibly precise instruments that identify weather patterns and to steer the ship on a smoother course. Most likely, your worst experience in the hurricane season will be a few days of rain while it passes the ship from a distance.
“I’ll die of boredom!”
Most cruise itineraries will have a few sea days between days spent at ports of call, so you might be worried that you’ll start to get cabin fever during the long days spent at sea. However, this is something you absolutely won’t need to worry about. If there’s one thing you can be sure of on a cruise, it’s that you will make some of your best memories on the ship. Cruise ships are packed full of fun experiences and entertainment options, and whether you’re learning a new style of dance, watching a Broadway show, or floating about in a skydiving simulator, there’s one thing you can be sure of: You will never get bored.
“There won’t be any meal options that meet my dietary requirements!”
Cruise food has a reputation for being very hearty and meat-intensive, but onboard dining offers a wide variety of options. Although it is true that cruises are a great place to enjoy some truly indulgent dining with menus crafted by some of the world’s top chefs, most cruise ships also tend to have a large selection of dining options, from light buffets to speciality cuisine that lets you get a taste of the region you’re visiting. People often don’t realise that cruise dining is also very flexible as it is made fresh-to-order by onboard chefs. This means that vegetarians, vegans, or people with food intolerances can put in special requests to alter dishes to suit them. Check with your cruise line to see how they can cater to your needs.
“I’ll be miserable travelling alone!”
Cruises may seem as though they’re made for two, but a cruise holiday is actually a wonderful option for the solo traveller. With so many people having fun in one place, there are plenty of opportunities for even the shyest lone cruiser to make some great new friends. If you’re cruising alone and worried about not being able to meet people, request to be seated at a large table in the dining room. You’ll soon be breaking the ice with your fellow holidaymakers, and being seated together throughout the duration of your cruise will give you plenty of time to get to know each other.
Participating in classes and group activities is also a great way to meet people with similar interests. While you may have to pay extra as a solo cruiser on some cruise ships, several lines now have single cabins designed specifically for people to discover just how fun a solo cruise holiday can be.
“I’ll have to adhere to a strict dress code!”
Whether the thought of getting dressed to the nines fills you with a flutter of excitement or leaves you cold, there’s no need to worry about dress codes for formal nights. Overall, travellers do not get as dolled up on formal nights as they did a decade or two ago, but you’ll definitely see some standout looks. Formal nights provide the perfect time for you to express yourself as you feel fit. Prefer to be a chic wallflower? Go for a cocktail dress or smart suit in a dark or muted colour. Want to turn heads as you walk down the main staircase? There’s no such thing as overdressed on a cruise ship.
“I hate being crammed in crowded areas!”
If you’re more used to quiet holidays, in which you don’t spend time much time with anyone outside of your travel party, a cruise ship with thousands of guests might seem a bit daunting. In fact, the bigger the cruise ship, the more likely you’ll be able to find a private space away from the crowds. From adult-only decks to quiet libraries, cruise ships are set up to let you find a bit of peace and quiet to relax in from time to time. Whether you want to be right in the middle of the action or tucked in a corner with a book, you’ll be able to find the perfect space for yourself on a cruise ship.
With nothing to worry about, why not secure your spots on one of Cruise1st’s amazing cruise holidays? Browse the full range of itineraries online or call our friendly Australia-based cruise experts on 1300 857 345.
