Dispelling the myths (video clip)

 

CRUISING: DISPELLING THE MYTHS

An increasing number of people are broadening their horizons. They want to see more of the world, enjoy new experiences, and demand a better standard of hotels and service. Today’s cruise ships can meet these needs, offering resort-style facilities, entertainment, cuisine, and service that are second to none. At the same time, cruising provides the opportunity to visit almost any part of the world in complete comfort. Most of the world’s great cities are seaports, and with the add-on land packages now available, a substantial proportion of the most attractive sightseeing destinations can be visited on a cruise.

If you haven’t been on a cruise, you could be missing out on a fantastic holiday experience. Clearly, cruising has a lot going for it, or it wouldn’t be enjoying such rapid growth.

So let’s dispel the myths…

 

‘But I would be BORED…’

For some, the image of a cruise is two weeks sitting in a deck chair with nothing to do but watch the endless sea go by. For others, it is quite the opposite – a kind of glorified holiday camp with non-stop tannoy announcements coercing you into all sorts of undignified and embarrassing games and pastimes.

The reality is quite different. There is simply no way you could be bored on a cruise. There is so much to do and see. Your ship is essentially a floating resort hotel, with all the facilities you would expect ashore – and more besides. If you are energetic, there are fitness programmes, swimming pools, golf driving ranges, clay pigeon shooting, and traditional deck games such as shuffleboard, deck quoits, and deck tennis.

If you are intellectually inclined, there are lecture programmes covering your ports of call – their history, wildlife, and more – as well as talks by experts on a wide variety of subjects. There are craft classes, bridge and dancing lessons, and cooking demonstrations; the list is long.

As for entertainment, there are highly professional Broadway- and Las Vegas-style shows in the evenings. There is a cinema showing the latest releases, a casino, nightclubs and discos, bingo, concerts, and usually several bars if you just want a quiet drink and a chat.

So far, we’ve only talked about what goes on while you are on board. Don’t forget that you are also travelling from place to place at the same time. Almost every other day, you will be ashore exploring a new city or country, either independently or on one of the many organised excursions available. On a Baltic cruise, for example, you could visit six or seven different countries in a fortnight and experience some of the most fascinating cities in northern Europe. With all this going on, who could possibly be bored?

That said, you don’t have to take part in everything. If you want to sit in a deck chair gazing at the sea for two weeks, no one will disturb you.

 

‘But it’s too EXPENSIVE…’

If you spend £100,000 on a luxury suite for a three-month world cruise, then yes, it’s expensive! On the other hand, you could spend as little as a few hundred pounds for a week’s Mediterranean cruise, or a little over a thousand for two weeks in the Caribbean – including transatlantic flights. In other words, there is something to suit every budget, depending on the level of luxury and destination you choose.

With cruise companies keen to fill their ships, pricing is often very competitive, making cruising excellent value for money. Importantly, when comparing a cruise with a land-based holiday, you are not comparing like with like. Have you ever added up the total cost of your holiday – food, entertainment, drinks, taxis, and so on? These extras can quickly add up.

With a cruise, however, the price typically includes transfers, accommodation, meals, drinks such as tea and coffee, nightly entertainment (including shows, films, concerts, and dancing), and a wide range of daytime activities. On top of this, you benefit from a level of service and cuisine often equal to – or better than – many five-star hotels.

And, of course, your floating resort is transporting you from one destination to another. There is little doubt that cruising offers outstanding value for money.

 

‘But cruising is just for the ELDERLY and RETIRED…’

The image of elderly couples wrapped in blankets along the promenade deck still lingers for some people. In reality, today’s cruise holidays attract people of all ages – young and old alike – including honeymooners, couples, and families.

For example, the average age of a Royal Caribbean passenger is around 37, while Carnival’s shorter cruises attract an average age closer to 28. Longer voyages do tend to attract older travellers, largely because they require more time. However, most cruises have a broad mix of age groups, and the demographic is getting younger all the time.

Even older passengers often seem to take on a new lease of life once on board – there’s something about a cruise holiday!

 

‘But I might feel out of place with all those POSH, RICH PEOPLE…’

The old class-based ships are long gone. Today, everyone is treated as a first-class passenger. Regardless of what you paid for your cabin, you enjoy the same food, service, and facilities.

Cruising attracts people from all walks of life, and any social barriers that may exist ashore tend to disappear at sea. In fact, cruises provide a great opportunity to meet a wide variety of people in a relaxed environment. Many lasting friendships – and even romances – begin on board.

There is also no need to worry about dressing formally all the time. A cruise is a holiday, and most of the time you can dress casually – jeans, T-shirts, or whatever you feel comfortable in. There may be a couple of formal evenings, but generally a smart-casual style is perfectly acceptable.

Cruise ships aim to create a friendly, relaxed, and unpretentious atmosphere. They want you to enjoy your holiday – and come back again.

 

‘But I’m not a GOOD SAILOR…’

The word “seasick” rarely appears in cruise brochures – not because it’s being hidden, but because it is seldom a major issue.

Modern cruise ships are large and equipped with stabilisers that significantly reduce movement. Additionally, cruises are usually planned in favourable weather conditions. You can also fly directly to your departure port – such as Malaga, Venice, Miami, or San Juan – avoiding rougher sea routes.

Moreover, you’ll spend plenty of time ashore, so extended periods at sea are often limited.

On the rare occasions when there is some movement, remedies are readily available. And if necessary, you can simply take it easy for the day – your sea legs will soon follow!

 

Final Thoughts

Feeling a bit more confident about cruising?

If you’re now considering a cruise for your next holiday, it’s worth taking the time to choose the right one. Booking the cheapest option without guidance may lead to disappointment.

At Hallmark Travel, we have extensive first-hand experience of cruise destinations and ships. We can help you find the cruise that best suits your preferences, budget, and expectations – from fun-packed Caribbean trips to expedition cruises in Antarctica, cultural journeys, or luxury voyages.

Whether it’s ocean cruising, river cruising on the Nile, Rhine, or Danube, or something more unusual, there’s a perfect option out there for you.

If you'd like to know more email me: charmaine@hallmarktravel.com

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