If somebody would have told me that at the age of 21 I’d have been hooked on cruising, I think I would have just laughed at them, but when I saw the job of Administration Assistant advertised at a local cruise company, I thought “what the heck, let’s give this a go, I love to travel”. Four months later and I was being sent on a cruise ship for a chance to learn about what life is like onboard as a passenger, so I could answer all those questions I kept getting asked time and time again on the phone. Fast forward a few years and I’ve completed 16 cruises, firstly with my parents and then my husband and later on, my children as well. Cruising really is a multigenerational experience as there is something for everyone onboard. It used to be seen as the grey-haired care home on the sea and unless you were 70 or older, it really wasn’t the holiday for you – how wrong could we have been!
I now find myself selling cruise holidays on a weekly basis and it really is to any age – yes there are some companies that are more geared to a certain age or demographic but that’s where I come in, there would be no point in selling a customer a cruise onboard a ship that isn’t going to get them wanting to come back for more. The whole experience is so easy. On my most recent voyage, I arrived at the port and within less than an hour I had stepped onboard, gone to my cabin and was sitting eating lunch in the ship restaurant, no massive queues at security or waiting to board a flight whilst sitting for eight hours or more, being served what can be best described as a “meal” from a plastic/cardboard tray and cutlery before arriving at your destination to stand in more security and passport queues (OK us Brits love a good queue!)
So here are five myths and most common excuses I hear from people as to why cruising isn’t for them:
Myth 1 – I’d feel trapped onboard a cruise ship
Honestly, some of these ships are bigger than the average hotel, holding up to 6,000 passengers and I have never heard anyone tell me they would feel trapped staying in a hotel that only holds 300. I have lost count the amount of people I have booked on a holiday and when I speak to them afterwards the furthest they have ventured is the swimming pool – well you can do this on a cruise ship as well! The mega ships are the length of three football pitches, wider than the wingspan of a Boeing 747 and stand 20 storeys high with vast public spaces which can include shopping centres, waterparks, sports decks, fitness centres, promenades, casinos and even parkland so feeling trapped is far from the truth
Myth 2 – I can’t swim so cruising isn’t for me
OK so I can’t relate to this one personally but for those that choose to fly instead, when did you learn to fly? I can’t fly myself but that wouldn’t stop me from getting in an aircraft and flying across the world. I promise you, no matter how many times you have seen Titanic, there are enough lifeboats for everyone, no matter what deck your cabin is on!
Myth 3 – Cruising is expensive
Yes, cruising was originally seen for the rich, otherwise it was bottom deck under the waterline (Titanic has so much to answer for!). However, this is fast changing due to the large number of ships in the water which is driving down the prices. When you consider all that is included in a cruise – endless activities, free kids’ clubs, world class shows and entertainment, multiple destinations, and all you can eat food you would be hard pushed to replicate that in a resort for the same cost. There are several UK based cruise line companies that offer short break cruises from two or three nights from as little as £200pp.
Myth 4 – Cruising makes you seasick
So, this one I can relate to! I never have been a great traveller right from a young age whether it be in a car, boat, or bus but I have never let it stop me. Look for the bigger ships and when choosing your cabin, head towards the middle and lower decks as the movement is less. There are plenty of seasickness tablets out there that are effective or as a top tip, don’t drink too much fluid without filling your stomach with food. The more liquid that is allowed to “slop” around in your stomach, the sicker you will feel! If all else fails, you will usually find a remedy at the onboard medical centre.
Myth 5 – I’d get bored on a cruise after a couple of daysSome ships are just too big to get bored on, there is so much going on, you just need to listen to announcements, read all the information and keep a track of what is happening where and when. Bigger ships have everything from ice-skating rinks to basketball courts with a few bumper cars thrown in, an indoor sky-diving tunnel, simulated surfing, and a racetrack included. Most ships have fitness and spa facilities, West End style entertainment, casinos, and talks from astronomy to Zumba and everything in between. Not an adrenaline junky? Then why not hit the library, learn to cook, or turn your hand to art or music classes.
If there is one piece of advice I can give anyone that is looking for a holiday, give a cruise a go, what’s the worst that can happen? I would put money on the fact you will not hate it, in fact I’d say at least 95% of all new to cruising customers would go back for more! If you would like help with choosing the cruise for you then I would be happy to give advice and get you booked with the right company. Just contact me on 07903 737959 or email me louisepeddelty@gocruise.co.uk
