Cruise holidays – 4 myths debunked
Cruising is fast becoming people’s number one holiday choice, with something to suit all types of traveller. From visiting multiple destinations, to keeping you entertained every minute of every day; there are so many benefits to cruising that you may not have even considered.
It’s time to scrap the stereotypes, so we’ve picked out some of the common myths about cruising to show you what life onboard is really like. And if you’re stuck for what to do for your next holiday, we’re sure our top reasons to take a cruise this year will have you convinced in no time.
Cruises are expensive
Cruises are often mistaken for being very expensive, but this couldn’t be more wrong. What you must remember is that most cruise prices are on an all-inclusive or full board basis, and you often get your flight included in the package.
Once on the ship, you spend little to no money, and sometimes you even get given credit to spend whilst onboard depending on the cruise line you travel with. You’ll get to choose from several restaurants onboard, some of which are award-winning menus headed up by world-class chefs.
Evening entertainment comes in abundance and on the big cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Seven Seas Cruises, Norwegian and Disney Cruise Line, you can expect shows of West End calibre, all included in the price!
You’ll also have access to all the facilities you would expect in a resort and more! Along with your standard swimming pools, spas and fitness centres, think shops, casinos, restaurants, bars, cinemas and nightclubs. You won’t be short of things to do, and the best part is you won’t waste any of your precious holiday time on travel days because your holiday starts the minute you step on the ship.
Cruises are boring
The worst part about going on holiday is the actual time it takes to travel to a destination, our pre-holiday dreams of sipping a cold glass of Pinot Grigio and perusing the duty free often turn into the nightmare of queuing at security and then racing to the gate only to wait on the runway for an hour! However, on a cruise ship you get the VIP treatment straight away. You are escorted to your cabin or suite to settle in, pop the kids off to the kids’ club and head to the bar for a drink before you’ve even left the harbour.
You won’t have to worry about keeping yourself entertained, there’s always plenty for you to do onboard, so days at sea will still feel like a holiday. Every minute you’re away will be time for you to relax and enjoy your holiday, making seeing the world totally effortless, allowing you to really maximise quality time by yourself or with loved ones.
Cruises are said to be incredibly good for mental health and wellness, as they allow you to completely disconnect from the outside world. While you’ll still have access to Wi-Fi and other amenities, being on a cruise is like living in your own little city at sea, where you can meet and socialise with other cruisers.
There’s not enough time in port
Although some ships only stay in some locations for the day, there are many ships that stop in ports overnight, giving you more time to explore the destination. However, you often arrive early in the morning giving you maximum exploring time with the chance to arrange your trips on land before you reach the destination.
You may think something like island hopping in South East Asia is only made for backpackers, but not anymore. One of the biggest advantages of a cruise is that you get to visit multiple destinations during your trip, giving you the opportunity to see more of the world, often exploring destinations you never would have considered before.
So, if the thought of living out of a backpack isn’t for you, making yourself at home on a ship is a great alternative and it allows you to travel in comfort without having to worry about your next move.
Cruising is for old people
Cruises are certainly relaxing, but they’re not just reserved for the retired. On board the ship there is something for all ages, so whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or even alone, you’re sure to feel right at home.
From fancy dress parties for little ones, to club nights and theatre shows for the adults, you can choose from a variety of entertainment and activities to suit you. The number of options onboard means you can tailor your cruise experience to the holiday you want.
On a cruise the world is your oyster! You can party one night, but have a romantic dinner the next, or sunbathe by the pool in the morning and try out an evening dance class. You can experience a million different holidays in one when you choose to cruise.
Most cruise lines are family friendly, but just like resorts, you can opt for an adult-only cruise if you want to spend some quality time together. Cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages are completely stamping out the myth that cruises are just for the older generation, with state-of-the-art ships being built with nightlife, food and entertainment that you just can’t get on land.
Want More Information?
If you’d like more information on any of the trips noted above, or would like to discuss other travel plans you have in mind, get in contact with our in-house travel consultant, Sian Pages, on sian@longhurst.co.uk.
Sian will be more than happy to spend time talking you through your options; remembering her service is delivered at no cost to clients and professional connections of Longhurst.
Happy Adventures!
