+ CRUISING: Misconceptions

No ship reviews this month (a suggested trip never worked out) but for February expect an up-to-date report on Fred Olsen’s Borealis plus RCCL Seven Seas Grandeur.

Editor-in-Chief Malcolm Ginsberg gave a popular talk over the holiday period entitled “Cruising is a Complex Business” but this time around added some misconceptions about cruising, which was also well received. It originated from an Ambassador Cruise Line marketing mailing but has been developed. 


1. Cruising is complicated

The app has taken over.  This is a fact of cruising life and, if you can handle your mobile device, life on board can be easy.  However, to help you even further most lines have screens all over the place, and you can always ask a crew member, or even a fellow passenger.  It is a good way to make friends.


2. Cruising is just for older travellers

While retirement offers more time for long holidays, cruising is for everyone. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure with family or friends, cruising offers a unique and relaxing experience for people of all ages.  Child-free cruises are available from most lines.  Or you can go on Disney.  Grown-up children can try Virgin! Ambassador, an over 50’s cruise line, runs multi-generational cruises in school holidays, with no age restriction.


3. Cruise ships feel crowded and claustrophobic

It is true that some cruise lines’ ships have got larger and larger until they resemble floating cities.  But this is a misconception.  The large ships are roomy and most are well designed to give a flow, with plenty of elevators.  Queuing for dining is fast disappearing and the canteen style in the self-service restaurants has gone for ever. Staff hover to help.  Just use the ship’s app to make a booking, and you may be bleeped ten minutes prior to your reservation.  Wheelchairs can be a problem, but just be patient.


4. You have to dress up for every meal

Back in the day, people had to take suitcases full of formal attire for cruises. But not today. Many cruise lines have formal evenings, but all offer a more casual alternative usually with the same food.


5. Cruises are boring and repetitious

This is perhaps the oddest of all myths – how could a holiday that takes you to different destinations nearly every day be dull? What is more, days at sea will be equally entertaining, due to a wide range of amenities, including everything from informative talks to West End-style theatre shows.


6.  Everyone suffers from motion sickness

Modern ships are fitted with highly effective stabilisers to keep pitching and rolling to a minimum, even in the roughest seas. What is more, weather forecasting has come a long, long way in predicting patches of unfriendly seas which the ships are very successful in avoiding. We know of people who have never stepped off land but feel sick when thinking of going to sea!


7. Boarding can be hard work

Some cruise lines offer include (or offer) a home pick-up.  By taking advantage of this facility, you will not see your luggage until arriving in your cabin.


8.  You must tip

Not so. Some lines are all inclusive and tipping is refrained upon.  With others you have choice.  Either pay a day rate or look after crew members who have gone out of their way to be helpful.


9.  Some shows are very “blue”

These are always late at night and children are banned.  And for the borderline cases (18 or there abouts) staff are entitled to check the passenger’s status age-wise (but usually don’t).


10.  AND FINALLY

Cruise companies want you to return.  Do not take no for an answer (without being rude) when you have a request at the service desk or concierge.  Escalate your problem.  Returnees are good business and cruise companies strive for them.  They want you to be an ambassador (sorry about the pun).


CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME. 

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READERS' COMMENT

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 200 words maximum

Simon Hedges, United Kingdom

You must be joking, or thick. Maybe it is me. Blue jokes need to be funny.

John Smythe, Winchester

Cruising can be complicated. Not any longer. Even MSC is easy at Southampton.

Simon Small, North London

Forget about buying local tours. The visit will be spoilt if you spend your time worrying about being left behind. Spend your money with a ships package. It may be expensive but it’s less worrying.