Summary: Most peoples' reasons for not taking a cruise are based on one or more common myths about cruising. Here are the realities about cruise costs, weight gain, claustrophobia and more.
With new and larger ships coming into service every year, cruise travel is more popular than ever: cruising is the fastest-growing segment of the travel market during the past five years. If you're still undecided about taking a cruise, lets dispel some of the popular myths about travel on the seas:
Myth No. 1:
Ill feel claustrophobic.
Reality:
These ships are huge-words fail to describe just how big they really are--and there's a ton to do. Enjoy dozens of bars and restaurants, plus pools, sundecks, casinos, tracks, fitness centers, spas, shops and entertainment venues. Being onboard is more like roaming around a sprawling luxury resort complex than being confined to a hotel. If you don't feel claustrophobic at a major shopping mall, you'll do just fine on a cruise ship.
Myth No. 2:
My kids would be bored.
Reality:
All of the major cruise lines offer organized programs and camps for children and they usually have a blast. They can participate all day or only in specific activities. This provides for both fun family time and a chance for parents to relax on their own. Daycare and babysitting services also are available.
Myth No. 3
Ill gain weight.
Reality:
While cruises are known for having plenty of food available, cruise lines are very aware of the healthy-eating lifestyles of a growing number of cruisers. Every meal offers healthy choices as part of their already extensive food selections prepared under the direction of some of the greatest chefs in the world. Plus, there are plenty of activities on board and off to help people burn away any extra calories during their vacations.
Myth No. 4
Ill get sick.
Reality:
Even if you suffer from motion sickness during car rides or on airplanes, it is still unlikely you will become seasick on a cruise ship. Due to their immense size and stabilizers that all ships are equipped with, you probably will not notice any motion at all. Some parts of the ocean, however, are rougher than others. If you do get seasick, medications are available on board to get you back on your feet quickly. As to getting noro virus-this stomach flu is actually much more prevalent on land than it is at sea.
Myth No. 5
Cruises are expensive.
Reality:
A cruise is actually one of the best travel values out there. Most cruises include your selected shipboard accommodations, 24-hour cabin service, standard meals in the dining room and/or various buffets, ports of call and most entertainment aboard the ship. Children's programs also are included. Airfare and transfers may also be available for an additional fee. A seven night cruise costs about 35 percent less than seven nights at a comparable resort. Sites like CruiseCompete.com--where competitive bidding by agents reduces your cost--help consumers save even more.
