Cruise ship
Why are Brits wary of cruises because of sea sickness?
Most of us will have travelled on a ferry or other small boat at some point in our lives and it's very common to suffer from seasickness on those vessels, so I can completely understand that people will assume the same thing will happen on a cruise ship. cruise ships are built to be as comfortable as possible no matter where you are sailing to and they use technology such as stabilisers to keep the ship from moving about too much. The ships' advanced navigation system will also help to show any storms in the area so that the ship can alter course to avoid them.
Why is there a common misconception that older people and children might get bored?
I think a lot of people still have the misconception that cruise holidays are stuffy and formal so they think that there won't be anything to entertain children. In reality, most ships have extensive children's clubs and areas for children aged 3 to 17 years of age and the activities on offer are tailored to suit the age groups. Sports facilities, water parks and even water slides are common place on family-friendly ships, plus well-known characters such as SpongeBob, Shrek, Mickey Mouse and Noddy who make appearances with the likes of Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Lines and P&O Cruises. The children's clubs are free and run throughout the day and into the evening so there are plenty of chances for Mum and Dad to have some relaxing time together too!
Many think that all you do is sit and eat, so how have cruises got this reputation?
With all these huge new ships advertising lots of different places to eat at all hours of the day, it's very easy to assume that you're going to roll off the ship at the end! It's important to remember that there is so much else going on too though, so this doesn't necessarily mean you will be eating 24/7. On both sea and port days there are always different activities happening, whether that's sports tournaments or just simple pub quizzes, plus when you're in port the majority of the time you will be off the ship exploring the destination you're in.
People feel that there might not be enough time at the ports, is this a probability?
Sometimes you may only be in port for half a day instead of a full day, but these are quite rare and it's quite normal to have at least 10-12 hours in port. Most ships dock directly in the main town or city of interest so getting about it easy, and there will always be tours and excursions that you can look into so that you can maximise your time. Some cruise lines also have extended stays where the ship is docked overnight which gives you several full days plus an evening to experience the destination you're in. If you do only have a limited time in port then make sure you have done some research before you go so that you know which points of interest are most important for you to see or do; there's nothing worse than wasting time debating on whether to hit the beach or the shops!
Why could other holidays seem more appealing?
I think a lot of people feel a great deal of apprehension about trying a cruise holiday because they're stepping out of their comfort zone into the unknown, so a city break or beach holiday is the 'safe' option because you'll know exactly what to expect. The thing to remember with a cruise is that you're generally getting exactly the same experience as you would in a hotel; it's just that the hotel moves with you to each new port. It’s also important to remember just how much is included in the price you pay for a cruise; accommodation, meals, entertainment and leisure activities are all in, so if you compared it to what is included on a land-based holiday, you'll probably find that it's much better value. Plus, you get to wake up somewhere new every day!
Is sickness a common problem on cruises?
Sickness on cruise ships is rare, either through people suffering with seasickness or because of other illnesses. Those who do suffer with seasickness will find lots of different products that can help to counteract the symptoms, such as tablets and wristbands. Cleanliness is very important on a cruise ship as it helps to stop the spread of any illnesses that may be brought onboard. It's important to wash your hands as often as possible and the majority of ships have the alcohol gel at the entrance to each restaurant. Surfaces such as hand rails, door handles and lift buttons are also cleaned on a regular basis.
Why shouldn’t these misconceptions put you off going on a cruise?
For every objection or misconception there is an answer or fact that is difficult to argue with, and I think that alone speaks volumes about why more people should try cruising. If you think cruises are just for wealthy people, take a look at all the great deals that are around at the moment; some 4 and 5 star cruises start from less than £50 per day! If you think cruise ships are too formal, take a look at the likes of Norwegian Cruise Lines, who are completely informal and don't have any formal nights. If you think you're going to be bored, have you seen Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships?! Rock climbing walls, surf machines, ice skating rinks, a shopping promenade, a water park, a full size spa and even a zip-wire are all onboard! Cruise holidays are a fantastic way to see the world and with everything that is included, they are fantastic value for money considering the difficult times the majority of us are still facing. Holidays in general are no longer a luxury, they are a necessity, so why not give cruising a go so you can see what you've been missing out on!