We're Busting 9 Cruising Myths

Thinking of dipping your toe into cruising? If so, we’re willing to bet you’ve done some online research about cruise vacations — and that you’ve come across reviews like “cruising is boring” and “you’ll get seasick”. But those statements simply aren’t true. In fact, there are a lot of cruising myths and rumours floating around out there.

That’s why we’ve decided to set the record straight on nine common cruising misconceptions. Keep on reading to find out what you can really expect to experience on board.

• Myth #1: There’s a high chance you’ll get seasick 
• Myth #2: You’ll run out of things to see, do and experience
• Myth #3: Cruise vacations are only for couples and families
• Myth #4: Cruise ships are always overflowing with kids
• Myth #5: You don’t need a passport or visa to travel on a cruise
• Myth #6: Travel insurance isn’t necessary for a cruise vacation
• Myth #7: All babies are permitted on board
• Myth #8: Kids can stay in their own cabins
• Myth #9: You shouldn’t drink the tap water on a cruise

Fact: It’s nearly impossible to feel movement on board
No one wants to spend their holiday with their head hanging overboard. Luckily for you, cruise ships are bigger and better than ever been before. With stabilizers and modern technology, it’s nearly impossible to feel the sway of the ocean. Currently, Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship — it’s 362 metres long and weighs a whopping 236,857 tonnes. There is simply no moving that baby!

If you’re more susceptible to motion sickness but still want to go cruising, ask your doctor for anti-nausea medication. Another tip is to choose a cabin at the centre of the ship, where it’s more stable. 

Fact: Cruise ships are decked out with pools, restaurants, spas and more
Many passengers think they’ll suffer from “cabin fever” while cruising. To which we say: look at your ship’s deck plan! Today’s cruise ships are decked out with restaurants, swimming pools and waterslides, spas, shopping centres, mini-golf courses, surf simulators, rock-climbing walls and so much more. There are also daily activities, shows and other events that take place from morning to night, making it easy to fill your days at sea.

Fact: Cruise lines have services, amenities and itineraries that appeal to solo travellers
It goes without saying that there are endless amenities and activities for families and couples on board. But there’s also plenty for solo travellers to do! Some events even cater specifically to these individuals.

Passengers also have the option of indulging in a little “me time” while on board. Head to the spa for a relaxing massage or opt into activities (such as trivia, dancing lessons or cooking classes) that allow you to learn a new skill and meet like-minded travellers. Plan ahead and you could even score a stateroom with no single supplement, which means you can spend your hard-earned savings on yourself instead.

Fact: Some cruise lines limit the number of children on board
Cruises are certainly a popular choice for families, so you’ll likely be travelling with kids. However, your ship won’t be overrun with them! For the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, many cruise lines cap the number of children on each sailing. Not to mention, many cruise ships have adults-only areas. 

Of course, you can also ask your travel consultant about cruise lines that have been designed with adults in mind. Viking Cruises and Virgin Voyages have a selection of adults-only itineraries.

Fact: Passport and visa requirements vary depending on your port destinations
Even if you’re not visiting an overseas port, you still need either a government-issued ID or a valid passport. If you’re taking an international cruise, you must have a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. Depending on the nature of your itinerary, you may need to obtain a visa before travelling or the cruise ship may arrange this on your behalf.
 
Check requirements with your Cruise Specialist prior to your sailing date. 

Fact: Travel insurance is always good to have — and is sometimes required
It’s a good idea to protect every one of your trips with travel insurance — and cruises are no exception. Without it, you may be charged for visiting the medical centre on board or for needing emergency evacuation services during a more serious incident. In some case, you can even be refused entry into port destinations if you don’t have adequate travel insurance.

It’s important to ensure that your insurance policy is adequate for your cruise. Ask your travel consultant about insurance packages that are specifically tailored to cruise vacations. That way, you can truly relax as you set sail.

Fact: Babies must be at least 6–12 months old
For domestic cruises, infants need to be at least six months old. For international cruises, and any cruise itineraries that have more than two or three consecutive days as sea, infants must be at least 12 months old. Cruise lines enforce these policies for the safety and wellbeing of your little one.

Fact: Kids need to stay with an adult
Cruise lines encourage families to take stay in larger staterooms and connecting cabins, but some exceptions can be made. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, may allow guests aged 12 and under to stay in a separate cabin — as long as it’s directly across the hall from or next door to their parent or guardian. Carnival Cruise Line guests aged 13–17, meanwhile, can occupy a stateroom up to three doors away from a parent or guardian. 

Generally speaking though, cruise passengers must be at least 18 years old to stay in a stateroom alone.

Fact: The tap water on board is perfectly clean and safe to drink
You really don’t have anything to worry about here. In fact, you can use cruising as an opportunity to practice sustainable tourism — just remember to bring a reusable water bottle! That said, you’re also able to purchase bottled water on board, if you’d prefer (some drink packages even include it). 

So…now that the myths have been busted, are you ready to book a cruise vacation? Check out our current cruise deals or chat with a travel consultant to start planning your trip.