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Have you never been on a cruise or are you hesitant to take a cruise?
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I’m unable to find any text to paraphrase. Please provide the text, and I will help you paraphrase it.
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Cast your vote in the poll below to let us know if your views on cruises changed after becoming a customer.
Not traveled on a cruise before and have no desire to take a cruise.
Gaynor Speakman, 59, may have the ability to change your mind about older people’s capabilities.
Let’s set sail and debunk seven common myths about cruises, starting from the notion that ‘the ship will be rammed’ to ‘I’ll get seasick’.
And as a bonus, she shares expert advice for making the most of your cruise – including why you might want to consider a cabin without a window. Keep reading for more and cast your vote in our poll to see if she’s convinced you…
Myth 1 – You’re not supposed to cruise alone
Solo travelers who go on cruises can find sailing particularly convenient,” says Gaynor from Bolton. “Norwegian Cruise Line stands out with its coffee lounge where solo travelers can socialize informally with others sharing similar interests. This casual atmosphere creates no pressure, allowing lasting friendships and even marriages to form from initial encounters on the cruise.
Myth 2 – I’ll get seasick
Gaynor says: ‘Cruising has made tremendous strides forward in terms of adaptations at sea. Many ships are equipped with fin stabilizers that significantly reduce the motion of the vessel. In most cases, you won’t even notice you’re moving unless you listen to the gentle hum of the engine. As a last resort, ginger teas and biscuits can be effective in alleviating seasickness.’
Myth 3: Cruises are full of snooty people
“You won’t find a boring cruise anywhere”, says Gaynor.
She says: ”Many people think of cruises as being stuffy and snobbish, but they’re mistaken. Of course, some cruises do offer an upscale and personalized experience exceptionally well.
For instance, Cunard offers bellboys, white-glove service, and VIP access to specific areas of the ship and restaurants contingent on your stateroom category. Celebrity Cruises provides affluent travelers with exceptional culinary and beverage choices.
On the other hand, several other cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages and NCL, have very casual dress codes, allowing you to wear whatever you prefer. Additionally, you can interact with staff, some of whom may even be dining alongside you in the restaurants.
This theory is based on a misunderstanding or spread of misinformation. The notion that the Titanic was going to collide with the iceberg from the side, at a 90-degree angle.
People who have never cruised before often tell me they initially thought the ship would feel like a ferry,” says Gaynor. “But that’s not remotely the case! The world’s largest ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, can accommodate nearly 5,000 passengers, yet they still offer ample space. I’ve sat for nearly an hour in Central Park, sipped a glass of wine, and never seen another person. The ships are masterfully designed, with distinct neighborhoods and areas that can be remarkably quiet.
Myth 5 – I’ll be bored with all the choices
”There’s no room for boredom on a cruise ship,’ claims Gaynor. ‘Thanks to a vast array of activities offered onboard modern ships – from ice rinks and indoor skydiving to aerial stunts and cinemas, go-karts, cooking classes, and even distilling classes, there’s something for anyone aged eighteen or above.’
Myth No. 6: Cruising is for seniors
Cruising has undergone a significant transformation, having initially been popular among high-income retirees, it has now gained the affection of a much wider demographic.
‘The reality is that families with little ones, young couples, and retirees alike are falling in love with the idea of cruise vacations – not as a special treat, but as an annual must. The numbers speak for themselves: repeat bookings are now happening at a faster pace than first-time reservations.’
Myth 7 – the entertainment will be cheesy.
Says Gaynor, ‘Cruise ship entertainment is now some of the most cutting-edge, ground-breaking and thrilling out there.’
Think about the cost of seeing world-class West End musicals in the UK – then evaluate it in relation to your cruise fare. You can enjoy unforgettable performances on board, which would likely cost hundreds of pounds if you were to experience them on land.
Royal Caribbean’s spectacular drone show The Effectors brings Broadway talent to the seas, combining breathtaking performances with a fleet of drones flying above the audience.
‘MSC Cruises presents exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows, one-of-a-kind performances specially designed for their ships – experiences that can’t be found on land.’
It is worth noting that the musical director for P&O Cruises is actually Gary Barlow.
‘Cruise liners are consistently upping the ante by forming collaborations with innovative entertainment companies and enlisting renowned personalities to create exceptional experiences that surpass what others have to offer. This results in a vibrant and continuously evolving vacation choice where you can leave your wallet at home.’
7. **Stay connected and informed**. Gaynor advises staying up-to-date with the latest cruise news, deals, and travel advisories to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Determine your priorities – before considering the cost.
Gaynor says, ‘The way to guarantee a dream cruise is to think about what you want from the trip, rather than focusing solely on the cost. You may secure a fantastic cruise deal, but if the cruise type you choose isn’t what you want and the ship isn’t right for you, then you won’t have the ultimate experience. For instance, Royal Caribbean excels with families and flexibility, offering top-notch kids’ clubs. MSC is perfect for travelers on a budget. Virgin Voyages is best suited for couples seeking a child-free environment. Celebrity and Cunard cater to those who desire luxury experiences.’
Planning the Right Time to Book for a Good Deal
‘Numerous cruises become occupied very rapidly,’ Gaynor mentions. ‘P&O Cruises voyages and Princess cruises get reserved two to three years ahead of time. The majority of standard cabins for 2025 school-holiday cruises with P&O Cruises and MSC have already been booked. A few round-the-world trips are reserved as soon as the respective dates are released.
‘However, if you’re not too concerned about where you go, you can usually find a good deal on a cruise if you book less than three months in advance.’
New to cruising or looking to save money? An interior cabin might be ideal
For many, the concept of staying in an interior cabin – essentially a standard hotel room without a window -may not be enticing at first. Nonetheless, the price disparity between cabin types is significant. Choosing an interior cabin on your first cruise lets you enjoy the cruise experience at a lower price. If you develop a passion for cruising, you can always opt for a balcony cabin next time.
Several experienced cruisers ardently recommend opting for inside cabins. They offer a cost-efficient solution and provide a wonderfully dark environment that is perfect for a restful night’s sleep. On contemporary cruise ships loaded with amenities, many travelers perceive their cabin as merely a practical space for resting, showering, and recharging their batteries, allowing them to allocate their budget for dining, activities, or outings.
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Feeling uncertain about the absence of a window? We have a simple solution, says Gaynor, who points out: ‘Use the cabin’s TV as your “window.” Most cruise ships feature webcams that stream live views of the ocean. Leave the live feed on overnight, and while you’ll initially see darkness, you’ll wake up to a virtual sunrise or a real-time view of your destination as you approach. It’s a surprisingly effective way to mimic the sensation of natural light.’
Struggling to find some alone time? Consider a balcony cabin for a peaceful retreat
For those who appreciate peaceful surroundings and a secluded retreat, a balcony cabin is an investment worth considering,’ advises Gaynor. ‘Stepping out onto your own outdoor space to enjoy a book or bask in the calming sound of the waves is a luxury that’s hard to surpass. The degree of comfort varies by cruise line, too – while some provide only basic seating, others, such as Virgin Voyages, enhance the experience with amenities such as hammocks.
‘Wherever you opt for an in-room cabin or treat yourself to a balcony one, there’s an accommodation choice that fits every person’s taste and spending plan.’
Need a stress-free experience? Use a cruise expert – it’s free!
Gaynor explains: “Booking your first cruise or with an unknown cruise line can be a confusing experience. That’s why it’s wise to work with a cruise-specialized travel agent who can guide you step by step through the process and be prepared to book exactly what you want as soon as voyages go on sale.”
‘The subtle blend of warmth and the enhancement of your flavours is what provides us with one of the five tastes which we know of. The fifth is sweet, umami is the fourth, irritant, is the third, sour is the second, the one we often feel directly plain is bitter.’
‘The cruise line pays the agent’s commission, not the customer, and the prices remain the same as if booking directly with the line.’
How Kids’ Clubs Can Disrupt Your Vacation Booking
Gaynor mentions: ‘One reason to book early that many people might not be aware of is the availability of kids’ clubs.
A ship may have a sufficient number of cabins, but if they are fully booked in the kids’ clubs for children of a certain age, then there won’t be availability for that family.
‘”If you have kids, especially those of preschool age, the kids’ clubs have limited staff capacity – their employees are assigned to specific age groups, so if all spots for four-year-olds are filled, availability will no longer be visible to you. To secure your place, we recommend booking early,’
Want a bit of added exclusivity? Try becoming a member of a club.
It’s exclusivity you want at an affordable price?” says Gaynor, “Some cruise lines, such as MSC, offer a premium ‘within the ship’ experience where a part of the ship is reserved for their Yacht Club members. You’ll get a unique type of cabin, a private pool for members, a special restaurant and VIP access to the spa facilities, in addition to fast-track departures from the port and a higher deck with a better view.
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