Cruising myths debunked!

Two million people embarking on a cruise, a landmark which was surpassed two years earlier than predicted. River cruising has also seen growth in popularity, with passengers from the UK increasing. Perhaps most tellingly, nine out of ten first-time cruisers take another cruise within 12 months.

Don’t knock it until you try it

Cruising has something for everyone and if booked right with some keen research you’ll soon be calling yourself a seasoned cruiser. The itinerary and visiting ports of call is a small factor to consider but most importantly the cruise liner that you sail with will be what makes or breaks your relationship with holidays at sea, there are over 50 different liners out there, they all offer something different, they have their own target market and its our job as your local trusted travel agent to find your match.

Let’s start the match making right now and debunk the top cruising myths...

Cruising is for the elderly:

I think I need to start this debunking by highlighting how our own perceptions of what can be considered ‘elderly’ is changing , with people remaining fitter, healthier, and more active for longer than before - cruise liners are reimagining their facilities onboard to cater to this.

Over the last few years, the average UK cruise passenger age has remained largely unchanged at 56, an age below retirement, although internationally the average cruiser is younger still at only 46, which is the lowest average age for 20 years.

Cruising is now less likely to be viewed as just for elderly thanks to the rise in mega-ships that offer non-stop fun and entertainment for families, from bumper cars to zip lining and waterparks, there’s more onboard these ships than your average beachfront hotel. We have also seen new cruise liners such as Virgin Voyages offering adult only sailings with a Virgin twist, their target market is aged in their 30-40’s their branding is hitting the spot with the use of social media and well-known influencers.

The idea of an average or typical cruisers age is getting weaker as the amount of choice increases, widening the appeal. From the age of 0 to 100, there is a cruise ship for you.

Cruising is too expensive:

Cruising was considered to be almost exclusively for the wealthy. Some of the ticket prices can look expensive at first glance but cruising is one of the best-value-for-money styles of holiday you could have, as it’s so inclusive. A typical cruise will include accommodation, entertainment, full board dining, beverages with breakfast, visiting many destinations and the service of a friendly crew.

We see real value for money when it comes to activities, if we look at the price for a family of four to go out for lunch (£60), go on the bumper cars (£10), have ice creams (£15), go zip lining (£70), go swimming (£25), watch a show (£130), take part in a yoga class (£20) that comes to £330, if they were onboard one the family-friendly ships it would cost £0 as its all included and can be enjoyed every day!

Some cruise lines are more inclusive – there are several ocean and river cruise lines which throw in all-inclusive drinks, some include all excursions while others offer a great deal of flexibility with prepaid drink and dining packages as optional extras. Bundles can be really personalised to suit your priorities. It’s a bit like buying a bundle for satellite TV, you may be interested in the sports or films packages, but won’t need the documentaries; similar bundles can often be found for cruising.

I would be seasick:

I have some sympathy with this concern that makes some non-cruisers hesitant to cruise, as I am a sufferer. However, the comparisons non-cruisers make with ferries is unfair and not reflective of a cruise experience, particularly with continuing advances in technology for cruising. There is also an important distinction in a ferry’s purpose as a means of transportation between A and B for shorter distances, and a cruise ship’s purpose as a style of holiday, so comfort is of greater importance and consideration when cruising.

Every cruise ship has stabilisers fitted, these work superbly, with mini-golf, pool tables and a bar suspended on the side of the ship; the captain needs to keep it as steady as can be. Nobody wants a game hindered by rolling balls or a cocktailed swished in one’s face. As a passenger onboard are the world’s largest cruise ship during a hurricane, I can confidently say seasickness is not a worry.

I’ll be stuck at sea with nothing to do:

Another classic cruising myth. Itineraries vary massively, and days at sea will largely depend on that; for example, cruising from Southampton for a Mediterranean cruise will entail more days at sea than flying straight to the Med and boarding the ship on arrival, a trans-Atlantic voyage is largely about the journey, rather than the destinations, as ports of call are few and far between.

This will be down to personal taste, and for many people, days at sea are a chance to relax and enjoy the ship’s facilities. However, whichever itinerary you pick, you wouldn’t be ‘stuck at sea with nothing to do’. Put simply; you can do as much or as little as you like. Nowadays, ships are packed full of activities and onboard facilities, and the bigger the ship, the more choices you have. Some ships have become a destination in their own right.

Cruising is too formal:

This cruising myth may well be related in part to the perceptions of cruising being exclusively for the wealthy and/or elderly, but like those myths it is not reflective of the reality of cruising.

Traditionally, cruise ships had quite strict dress codes, particularly for formal night plus there were set dining times, at a set table, where you’d sit each night. Richard Branson himself said that Virgin Voyages would ‘throw out the traditional cruise dining rule book’ and get rid of the ‘stuffy formalities.’ Although Branson, who has never gone on a cruise before, does not seem to realise that this so-called cruise rule book has already long been thrown out by cruise lines, as nowadays, things have changed.

Dress codes have loosened a lot, with some cruise lines opting for a ‘country club’ atmosphere, and formal night as an option only. Some have even completely abolished formal nights. Dining has also become more open, partly because ships nowadays have a number of different dining venues on offer. It is very much your cruise, your choice on attire, your choice on dining venue.

Cruising really is for everyone, it’s not just for the rich, the formal, or the older crowd. These days, there are cruises to fit every style, budget, and age group, when you book with your local award-winning travel agent, Flitch Travel , we’ll help you find the perfect cruise at the best value, making the whole experience easy and stress-free.

A cruise holiday can be one of the most fantastic, flexible, and fun ways to travel. Give it a try!

Yours truly,

Rebbeca – Owner of Flitch Travel