Top 10 Cruise FAQs and Myths Busted

My first cruise was about seven years ago.

My parents were visiting Brendan and I in Vancouver, and they invited us on a cruise that travelled up Alaska’s Inside Passage. We were hardly going to say no, although we’d never considered going on a cruise before.

I mean, cruises are just for old people, right?

Well, it turned out we were wrong. We had so many preconceptions about cruises, but the experience we had blew those all out of the water. We loved it, and since then I’ve been on a number of cruises, each of them just as incredible and enjoyable as the first.

But I still get loads of questions about cruises, and so in this blog post I’ll be answering the most common cruise FAQs I get asked, as well as debunking some common cruise myths.

1. Is a cruise for me?

I can hardly think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy a cruise.

Although…If you love getting away from cities and people, and you usually choose to go camping or get away to the great outdoors where you can hike and be among the wilderness, then a cruise probably isn’t for you.

But if you love to discover new destinations, enjoy good food and impeccable service, and you like to relax a little bit along the way too, then you really should consider trying a cruise.

Imagine trying to see Istanbul, Ephesus, Mykonos and Athens in four days by land. It wouldn’t be impossible, but it sure wouldn’t be easy. The same thing is not only possible, but totally relaxing when you do it by cruise – it’s just one of the reasons why it’s a great way to travel.

You might also like: 10 Reasons to Love Travelling by Cruise

2. Will I get to see any of the destinations on a cruise?

YES!

It’s a common misconception that the cruise stops are so short all you’ll have time to do is hop off the ship, have an ice cream and get back on board, claiming that you’ve seen a new destination.

But you’d be surprised how much you can see while your ship is in port. If you get off early, you should have plenty of time. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you might have a half day, a full day, or even an overnight stop in each port of call.

Of course, it’s not the same as spending a week in a new destination and really getting to know it, but it’s a great chance to see somewhere new and decide where you’d like to return to one day to see more.

You might also like: An Istanbul Cruise Stop Itinerary

3. Is a cruise all-inclusive?

What’s included really depends on your cruise line and what kind of package you have booked, but most of the time a cruise includes your meals (from the standard on-board restaurants) and soft drinks. Sometimes tips are included, sometimes they’re not.

Most of the time you’ll need to purchase a drinks package for your alcohol (or purchase drinks individually), but on my recent Azamara Cruise some wines and beers were included in the price of a cruise ticket.

The things you’ll need to pay extra for are, typically:

• Specialty dining (at the ship’s fine dining restaurants)
• Photographs taken by the ship photographers
• Spa treatments
• Shore excursions
• Gambling
• Gifts and other on-board store purchases

Of course, you could enjoy a cruise without any of these additional expenses – it really is up to you how you choose to cruise.

4. What should I pack on a cruise? Is it formal?

Once again, this depends on your cruise line but in general, cruise wear is relatively casual until the evening.

If you’re relaxing by the pool your beachwear is fine, although in most other common areas you’re expected to wear shoes and cover up a little. Once evening hits, it’s out with jeans and in with smart trousers, skirts or dresses. And for the guys, it’s a shirt-and-chinos kinda vibe.

Your cruise might feature a formal night, but don’t panic! Most women wear a cocktail dress rather than a full-length ball gown, unless you’re travelling on a cruise line like Cunard. Then you’ll probably need your fanciest frock.

You might also like: How to Pack for a Cruise

5. Is a cruise safe?

This question kinda baffles me, tbh.

Nevertheless, it’s one I’m asked at least once every time I travel on a cruise. I’m still not sure whether it’s pirates or sinking that people fear (or, in one case, being pushed overboard…really!) but I’ve never felt remotely unsafe on a cruise.

Of course, nothing in life is without risk, but there’s absolutely no need to feel fearful about cruising. All the best technology and most rigorous safety and training goes into each and every cruise.

6. Will I get seasick on a cruise?

Now this is one common cruise theory that isn’t just a myth.

Turns out, I’m quite sensitive to seasickness, so even on the calmest Mediterranean waters I’ve been known to feel queasy.

I don’t let it stop me, though. A few motion sickness tablets is usually enough to keep the nausea at bay, but if you want to be extra sure, book a cabin with a balcony near the middle of the ship (i.e. not at the bow or stern) that’s not too high up.

Oh, and ginger ale should help, too.

7. Are cruises just for old people?

Absolutely not.

I’ve met young couples, groups of friends, families and yes, older people on cruises.

Because of the massive range of things to see and do during a cruise, there really is something for everyone. If you want (or need) to take it slow, you can do so. If you prefer a fast pace, that’s fine too. Want to party the night away? You can do just that, or you can have a relaxing evening and an early night.

Cruises are, categorically, for any age group.

8. Is cruise food really bad?

OMG no!

Cruise food is the BEST!

Steak, lobster, smoked salmon, truffle, fresh sushi, exquisite crème brûlée…these are just some of the incredible things I’ve eaten on board cruise ships. In fact, I’ve never had a single bad meal on a cruise, which is pretty impressive given just how much I’ve actually eaten on board!

I can’t emphasise this enough: cruise food is delicious.

9. What is it like on a cruise ship?

I could try to explain it to you, but instead I’m going to show you. Here’s a little video I made during my recent cruise on Azamara Journey, thanks to Kuoni.

10. Will I get cabin fever on a cruise?

I can only speak from experience and vouch for the fact that I’ve never once been bored on a cruise.

If you do feel like you’d go a bit crazy, there are a few things you can do to make sure you pick the right cruise for you.

Firstly, go for a larger cruise ship where there are more restaurants, bars and activities for you to choose from. Secondly, make sure you pick an itinerary that includes loads of stops and few – if any – days at sea. This should keep you so busy you’ll barely get the chance to see all that’s on board the ship.

And finally, keep an eye on the daily cruise schedule – there’s loads to keep you entertained while you’re at sea!

Thanks to Kuoni for hosting such an incredible trip!

Have you been on a cruise? Did it exceed any of your expectations?

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