You have probably heard these lies from cruise skeptics before. They come up with various reasons why they don’t want to go on a cruise, often creating a long list of lies. The worst part is that people believe these lies. As someone who has been on over 25 cruises, I know the truth and feel the need to debunk them. I’m also sharing my travel websites password tracker as a free printable below.
1. I’ll Get Sick
This is a common cruise lie that I hear time and time again. The media often reports any case of norovirus or illness that occurs on a cruise ship, which creates fear and anxiety among people. However, the truth is that it is pretty rare to get sick on a cruise. I have been on numerous cruises and have never gotten sick, and neither have my friends and family members who cruise multiple times a year.
The cruise industry has taken significant measures to improve hygiene and sanitation, such as adding handwashing stations at buffets, assigning staff to remind people to wash their hands, and upgrading ventilation systems. The CDC conducts unannounced inspections twice a year, and most cruise ships score pretty well. Find out more about the dirtiest and cleanest cruise ships according to CDC.
2. It’s Too Crowded
Many people have the misconception that cruise ships are crowded, but that’s not true. Cruise ships these days are designed with crowd control in mind. There are multiple pools, restaurants, buffets, lounges, and decks, so even though there may be thousands of people on board, you won’t feel crowded.
The newest Royal Caribbean ships have neighborhoods that cater to different age groups, so you can choose a spot that suits you. For instance, if you don’t want to be around kids while cruising, you don’t have to be. Check out my tips on simple ways to escape the crowd on a cruise ship.
3. I’ll be Surrounded by Old People
This is another stereotype that’s not true. The median age of cruisers is 46.5 years old, and only 33% of cruisers are over the age of 60. In fact, Millennials are a major cohort that the cruise industry sees as enthusiastic cruisers, with 88% of millennial cruisers planning to cruise again. Many cruise ships offer attractions that appeal to a younger crowd, such as roller coasters, bumper cars, and go-karts, making them mega resorts that attract multi-generational cruisers.
4. It’s Dangerous
Some people are afraid of cruising because they think it’s dangerous. This is a misconception that is often amplified by the media. News headlines about rare occurrences, such as men overboard, pirates, or passengers dying on board, sometimes make cruising appear more dangerous than it actually is.
5. I’ll Get Sicksick
One of the most common myths about cruising is that people will get seasick on the ship. This misconception is fueled by images of boats sailing through storms with furniture being tossed around. However, going on a cruise does not necessarily mean experiencing seasickness.
Most cruise ships have stabilizers, which make choppy waters barely noticeable. Additionally, choosing the right time to sail (not during hurricane season) can help avoid seasickness. I’m personally prone to seasickness but that has not kept me from cruising, read my tips on how to cruise without seasickness.
6. It’s Only for People Who Love to Eat
When people think of cruising, they often imagine all-you-can-eat buffets and unhealthy food options. However, there are plenty of healthy options available on cruises. Smoothie stations, lighter fare, and sugar-free desserts are just a few examples.
Many cruise ships also cater to dietary needs, ensuring that passengers can maintain a healthy lifestyle while cruising. There are some foods that I stay away from check out my list of foods I’ll never eat at a cruise buffet.
7. I’ll be Surrounded by Kids
Some people worry that if they go on a cruise, they will be surrounded by noisy and rowdy children. However, most cruise ships have kids’ clubs to keep children busy, which means that they are not often seen outside of this area.
Additionally, many cruise ships have adults-only spaces, including pools and decks. You can also book adults-only cruises with Viking and Virgin Voyages.
8. I’ll Get Claustrophobic
Another myth about cruising is that people will feel claustrophobic on board. In reality, most cruise ships are like mega-resorts, with plenty of space to explore.
Cruise ships are so large these days that it is easy to forget you are on a ship at all. They have everything from pools to restaurants to shops, making it feel like you are in a big floating hotel.
9. There’s Nothing to Do
Ok, I get annoyed when people say this. You know they have never been on a cruise before when they say there is nothing to do. Truth is, it’s the opposite. There is so much to do on a cruise ship, you don’t have enough hours in the day to do it all.
There are countless activities to enjoy on a cruise, such as going down a water slide, trying indoor skydiving, dining at a celebrity chef’s restaurant, learning how to cook, getting a couples massage, or attending an art auction. You will never get bored.
10. It’s too Formal
People who have not been on a cruise recently often think that dressing up is mandatory for dinner, but that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, dressing up is optional, and most people wear smart casual attire. You don’t need to wear a gown, tuxedo, or even a suit.
11. I Don’t Get to Truly Experience a Place
It’s true that you won’t have much time to explore a place when you’re on a cruise, but you can still have a more immersive experience. Expedition cruises are becoming more popular, taking travelers to places like Antarctica.
Some itineraries also include spending a few nights at ports, such as Bermuda, where your cruise ship is docked in Bermuda for a few days.
12. You’ll Be Offline
One of the common misconceptions about cruises is that people assume they will be offline during the trip. However, the truth is that most cruise ships have WiFi available, making it easy to stay connected throughout your vacation. You can certainly work remotely while you are on a cruise.
Being on a cruise hasn’t stopped me from working remotely, making Zoom calls, and emailing with just the cruise Wi-Fi subscription. And it’s not prohibitively expensive; you can get Wi-Fi for $25 a day.
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13. It’s too Expensive
Another myth about cruises is that they are expensive. However, this is false. In fact, cruises are one of the most affordable types of vacations. If you are savvy and can book last-minute deals, you can go on a cruise for as little as $50 per day.
Many people believe that cruises are expensive because they only look at brochure prices or full fares. However, in reality, no one ever pays the full fare on a cruise.
Most people receive a discount off the full fare and enjoy additional perks like onboard credit, free beverage packages, and kids sail free. Going on a cruise is an excellent way to save money on a vacation. Check out my tips on getting great deals on last-minute cruise bookings.
15 Caribbean Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
14. Too Scheduled
Another common misconception about cruises is that they are too scheduled. While it is true that cruise ships provide daily planners with schedules of activities and mealtimes, passengers are not obligated to follow the schedule.
Cruises offer flexibility and the freedom to take it easy and dine whenever you want. In fact, cruising is perfect for those who do not want an overly scheduled vacation.
Cruise Essentials
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Cruise Lanyard
Bring cruise lanyards; to make your life easier so you are not constantly looking for your cruise card!
Towel Bands
Towel bands are great in keeping your beach towels in place! So, they are slipping off the pool lounge chairs!
Power Strip
Definitely bring a cruise-approved power strip so you have more outlets for charging your devices. Cruise cabins never have enough outlets! Please double-check with your cruise line, as some do not allow power strips and will only allow USB charger cubes.
Packing Cubes
Use packing cubes to make cruise packing easier. These cubes will help keep your clothes organized. Unpacking is easy because you just need to take the cubes out of your luggage and put them in the drawers and shelves—so easy! Assign a color for each person in your cabin so you don’t get your cubes mixed up.
Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag
This anti-theft crossbody bag is perfect for travel. It features a slash-resistant design and RFID-blocking technology for added security. It even comes with a side pocket to hold your water bottle.
Luggage Tags
For safety, make sure every luggage and bags are labeled with a luggage tag. I like these custom luggage tags that you can order and personalize with your information.
Passport Neck Wallet
Keep your passport and other travel documents safe in this passport neck wallet.
Magnetic Hooks
Bring magnetic hooks to organize your cabin and keep it clutter-free. These hooks are for hanging baseball caps, cruise lanyards, goggles, bathing suits and towels.
Detergent Travel Packets
These detergent travel packets are great for handwashing bathing suits in the sink.
Anti-Seasickness
This anti-seasickness medicine is a go-to to combat seasickness on a cruise. If you have kids, make sure you bring the chewable version. If you are looking for a natural solution, try these acupressure bands.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Cruise cabin sinks are notoriously small. Get a hanging toiletry bag to make it easier!
Cruise Travel Planner Printable
Get our comprehensive cruise travel planners to stay organized before and during your cruise. It includes pre-cruise and post-cruise itineraries, a cruise port planner, sea days planner, packing lists, cruise budget tracker and more!
- Caribbean Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
- Alaska Cruise Travel Planner (28 pages)
- Mediterranean Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
- Mexico Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
- Baltic Cruise Travel Planner (29 pages)
- British Isle Cruise Travel Planner (29 pages)
- Bermuda Cruise Travel Planner (29 pages)
- Bahamas Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
Cruise Travel Insurance
It’s smart to always buy cruise travel insurance. Get a quote for CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) if you are going on a cruise during hurricane season.
Wrinkle Releaser
Keep your clothes wrinkle-free and odor-free with these travel size Downy wrinkle releaser.
Shore Excursions
Cruise shore excursions are expensive, I suggest doing a quick price comparison with Viator to see if you can get the same tour for less.
Get Your Free Travel Websites Password Tracker
Sign up once and you will get access to ALL exclusive content on this website. After unlocking the printable, just save the printable image and then print it. Use it to keep track of all the usernames and passwords from various travel websites. I hope you like it!
Check out my other cruise tips and packing lists:
Alaska cruise packing list
Mediterranean cruise packing list
25 Things People Forget to Pack on their Cruise