Cruises - Common Misconceptions

Cruises - Common Misconceptions About Cruises

Cruise ships have long been floating hotels, but today they are more like floating cities. As such, they have all the exciting things to do that any great city will have all within easy reach.

Still there are a number of views commonly held by those who haven't actually been on a cruise. Those views may be keeping them from even exploring the possibility of taking one. So, exposing some of those misconceptions may help.

Lots of people, not unreasonably, believe that cruises are dominated by the elderly or late-middle aged. While it's certainly true that many cruise goers have a bit of gray in their hair, today all different ages go on cruises. Family trips are increasingly popular and kid-specific facilities and activities are offered by all the lines now.

Teens and 20-somethings form a larger percentage of cruise goers than in the past. Many in this age group have funds from generous parents and their own savings, so they are taking advantage of cruise discounts and the shorter cruises. Even though retired individuals often have more free time and spare income from years of saving, they are no longer the majority of cruise passengers.

Also there are many theme cruises for travelers that have specific interests such as music, lecture series, sports, gourmet food, etc. Picking one of these cruises will insure you will be on board with those who share similar interests, and activities. Theme cruises usually occur once or twice a year, so advance planning is necessary.

Cruises in the past sometimes had very set schedules, for eating and recreation or entertainment, and has turned off many potential travelers. All that has changed. Though major meals do occur between certain hours, there are lots of alternatives today. There are in-between meal buffets, and alternative dining options for the more independent traveler. In essence, you can eat anytime or anywhere you choose.

A similar objection to cruises that is sometimes raised is a view that there are not enough of a choice of activities. That, too, is certainly no longer the case. In times past a walk around the deck, a little table tennis, or a good book were just about the only options.

Today, there are more things to do on board than any one person could enjoy in 10 cruises.

Aside from the daily musical and theatrical performances, and casinos, today there are so many alternatives for entertainment that you can amuse yourself a dozen different ways at any time of the day or night. You can choose from activities like bowling, ice skating, rock climbing, basketball, golf, shuffleboard, deck tennis, and ping pong. Most cruise lines also offer daily exercise classes, and many have jogging tracks. For those who like to work out on their own, you will be pleased with the state of the art exercise gyms.

Also you can pick up a new skill, or even enjoy some of your favorite hobby activities. Most cruise lines offer scuba certification and snorkeling instruction. Others offer cruise travelers the opportunity to enjoy hobbies such as scrap booking, photography, dancing, wine tasting, etc.

If you prefer something a little more sedate, there are dozens of choices such as card games, computer games, on board auctions, or you can take in a movie at the theater. The new mega ships have tons of interesting boutique shops, and state of the art spa facilities as well. And for book lovers - some of the on board libraries have a great selection, as well as being extremely comfortable. And of course you can always opt to simply lie around and soak up the sun, swim or relax in the jacuzzi too.

Even apart from all the fun and interesting activities, the ship itself has fascinating things to see. Touring most of these behemoths that sail the seas today would take a good two days or more all by itself.

Note: Even with a vast array of on board activities, some travelers do not want to be confined on board a ships for days at a time. The only cruises that are this confining are European cruise that cross the Atlantic, and some U.S. cruises. So if the thought of sailing for days before reaching land is an issue, you might want to think twice before booking these particular cruises.

Once you get acquainted with all the on board ship activities, then it's time to visit all those exciting cruise port destinations. Do a little prior homework about each destination, and take advantage of all the information given by the cruise director. Please check out our posting on offshore tours and activities for more information.

Then by the time you've become worn out with tourist hopping, shopping and sightseeing, you'll be ready to return to your cabin for some rest, and the get ready for your next days activities.

It just doesn't get any better than that!


Bon Voyage!

Linda Thompkins, Travel Consultant
Travel 2 the Caribbean
http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com

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