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Heard countless cruise myths and wanting to know which ones, if any, are true? This post will debunk 21 cruise myths you may have heard before.
There are tons of sterotypes and cruise myths about going on a cruise vacation.
So many times people let these little things stop them from trying this type of trip but what if I told you so many of these myths aren’t true?
Read along as we debunk 21 common cruise myths that first time cruisers and people who haven’t been on a cruise believe.
This post is all about cruise myths.
CRUISE MYTHS DEBUNKED
1. Cruises are only for old people
The common phrase around cruising is “cruising is for the newly wed and nearly dead.” As far as cruise myths go, this one tops the charts. It however is not true.
When you go on a cruise you will see people of all ages! A cruise truly is for anyone! Take your kids, your spouse, friends, mom, etc.
You will of course see people on their honeymoon and older retired couples living their best life but there will be a broad range of ages as well.
2. I’ll feel claustrophobic stuck on a ship
This of course will always be a personal feeling but is less common than you think!
You might not be interested in going on a cruise because you think it’ll be scary to be on a ship and see nothing but water all around you. (I definitely was scared of that before ever trying a cruise!)
A lot of modern day cruise ships are a lot bigger than you think they are. It feels like walking around a small city or mall. There is so much to do and see you most likely won’t feel clasustrophic at all!
3. I’ll have to dress up for dinner every night
This is a common misconception! Cruises in the past were more formal and high end. Now days you can cruise all different levels of experiences.
There are still luxury cruise lines that expect a certain dress code but most of your common cruise lines people cruise on now are much more casual.
Cruise lines do technically have dress codes for the main dining room but they are not usually inforced. Common examples of things you can’t wear are swim suits and tank tops on formal night.
Other than that you can dress very casually for dinner on a cruise if that’s what you’re comfortable in.
Looking for cruise outfit inspiration from theme nights to formal night to cruise themed tshirts? Check out this curated list of cruise outfits!
4. Cruises are expensive
The cost of cruising is going up and up, even for the more affordable cruise lines. However, this does not mean that cruises are too expensive for a lot of travelers.
You can still find great deals and get discounts with a travel agent.
Tip:
Book your cruise out as far as you can. Cruises work on dynamic pricing. Supply and demand.
As supply goes down with rooms getting booked, cruises can jack up the price for the remaining staterooms on that cruise knowing people will pay.
There are cases where the price will go down from what you booked it at but this is becoming less common. If this does happen reach out to customer service to see if they can take the difference off your final bill. This isn’t always possible though.
Related Content:
THINGS YOU CAN AND CAN’T BRING ON A CRUISE SHIP YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT
17 MUST-HAVE CRUISE ESSENTIALS FROM AMAZON YOU NEED BEFORE YOUR NEXT CRUISE
SHORE EXCURSIONS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHOOSING THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU
5. I won’t be able to use my phone
This is truth and false depending on if your phone plan and if you decide to purchase the wifi package or not!
Some phone plans have international coverage where you won’t be charged an arm and a leg to use your phone. This is not very common though if you live in the US.
It is SO important to check with your phone provider before you go on a cruise to prevent yourself from ann extremely high phone bill.
One option you can always purchase is the wifi package. You’ll still want to turn your phone on airplane mode (and yes your phone will still connect and work on the wifi even on airplane mode).
6. There isn’t any healthy food
This is a huge cruise myth! Many people when they think about going on a cruise they picture endless food, buffets, pizza, ice cream and more.
You also hear about people gaining an average of 5-10 lbs on a week long cruise. This does not have to be the case for everyone.
Cruises actually offer a lot of healthy options both in their buffets and the dining rooms. It is common to see tons of fresh fruit, vegetable medleys, lean meats such as chicken breasts, salads and more.
They also offer sugar free desserts on every single cruise! If you’ve been worried about being able to have some healthy options while on your vacation now you know there are alternatives.
7. I’ll have to wake up early to go on an excursion
This is not always the case!
Cruises do have some excursions that start as soon as the ship is docked early in the morning. However, they also have shorter excursions that may not meet until mid morning or even the afternoon.
If you do not want to wake up early on a cruise but still want to go on an excursion be sure to check the timelines on your cruise planner when choosing one before your cruise.
Another common myth is people thinking you have to book an excursion. You do not. If you would rather do your own thing or are looking to save money, you can still get off the ship without an excursion booked.
8. Cruises are only for partying and drinking
It’s a frequent misconception that people on a cruise are just there to party and get drunk. While drinking can be a big part of a cruise vacation for some cruisers, it is not for everyone.
You’ll usually see more party cruisers on shorter, weekend cruises. People who want a short getaway or they may be on a bachelorette party.
When you go on the longer cruises you will see less of that crowd. It also depends on the cruise line you go on. Carnival is sterotypically known as a party cruise line if you are wanting that type of vibe.
Wanting to know more about cruise drink packages? Check out this post on if the drink package is the right choice for you or not!
9. I’ll be nickel and dimed for everything
Some people believe if they go on a cruise not much is included at all and they’ll have to pay for so much more besides the base price. This is not the case!
While you can pay for a bunch of add ons like a drink package, specialty dining, wifi, shore excursions and more on a cruise, you don’t have to.
There are endless cruises you can go on and not pay anything more than you base price and still have a great vacation!
Read more about what is and isn’t included in the price of your cruise here.
10. I’ll have to share a dinner table with strangers
This is not necessarily true! While cruise lines sometimes place people at tables with other cruises they don’t know, that isn’t something you will face every cruise.
If you’re traveling with a group you can request you all be sat at the same table. Another option you can do if you want to make sure you aren’t seated with strangers is to call customer service and request a table for however many people in your party.
Cruise lines will always try to accommodate your requests as best as they can.
Although, if you are traveling alone or as a couple and do want to make some friends, being sat at a table with other cruises is an easy way to do this!
I have been in both situations on cruises. I do prefer just to be with people in my group but I will say the couple times that I have been sat with strangers has been really fun and we ended up meeting some great people!
11. I can’t cruise alone
A lot of people think because staterooms and pricing are set for a minimum of 2 people per room that they cannot cruise alone. This is not the case.
Unfortunately though if you don’t have a second cruiser in your room they will make you pay a single supplement fee, almost paying double instead of just having to pay for yourself. This is a big issue and complaint in the cruise world.
If you want to avoid that fee some cruise lines do offer solo cabins. Common options are with Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC.
Solo cabins however are few and far between. They can be really difficult to snag because they are in high demand. If you’re interested in cruising solo I would reach out to a travel agent ASAP.
It will be easier for them to find you the accommodations you want than searching yourself.
12. I have dietary restrictions so I won’t have anything to eat
This is a common misconception among cruise myths. While I do want to say depending on your dietary restrictions you may have less choices than your average cruiser, there should still be options you can eat.
Cruise lines have more choices for vegetarians and few set option for vegans. If you have certain allergies I would suggest calling and/or emailing the cruise line you’re going in WAY in advance to let them know of your restrictions.
They will want to accommodate your requests as best they can, some just ask that you give them time to do so instead of boarding the ship without any notice of items you can’t eat.
13. Cruises just have a bunch of kids
This myth really can vary on so many factors! What cruise line you’re on, what ship, what time of year, etc.
If you’re cruising during spring break or summer, you’re more likely to see more children. Going on a cruise on an affordable and/or family centered cruise line, you’ll see more kids.
If the ship has tons of activities and spaces dedicated to children, that’s another chance you’ll have lots of kids onboard.
This is not the case all of them. On most of the cruises I have been on there have not been an overwhelming amount of children. There are definitely cruises you can go on that allow children but you won’t see them splashing in the hot tub or running around the ship.
If you want a completely kid free environment then I would suggest cruising with Virgin Voyages! They do not allow anyone under the age of 18 to cruise with them.
14. I don’t need travel insurance
As far as cruise myths go, this is one that cannot be further from the truth.
There are definitely tons of people who go on cruises that don’t get travel insurance but it is a huge mistake. You never know when something is going to happen and you may end up losings some or all of your money.
Things travel insurance can cover are: flight delays, lost luggage, medical expenses, canceling a cruise last minute, etc.
I have personally had to cancel a cruise the day of due to a medical reason. I thankfully had travel insurance and didn’t end up losing ANY money.
Isn’t it expensive?
People assume travel insurance is really expensive so they don’t want to get it. There are levels to travel insurance. Of course you can get top of the line insurance, but you don’t have to.
I get travel insurance all the time for my cruises for an average of $30 a person.
One of my favorites and a popular choice among the cruise community is Allianz Global Assistance.
15. I’ll get seasick
While motion sickness can happen on a cruise, for the most part people don’t deal with any type of seasickness while on a cruise.
Pro tip: If you’re already on a cruise and feeling sick there are two items people swear by. Drinking a gingerale is one of them or eating a green apple. You can commonly find those in the buffet or even some cafes on your ship.
Related Content:
If you’re concerned about getting seasick on your cruise here are the top cruise motion sickness products.
Top Cruise Seasickness Products:
16. Cruises only go to the Caribbean, nowhere cool
A huge mistake people make is thinking that most cruises only go to the Caribbean. Yes, it is common to see online or in the media a tropical cruise to the Bahamas or Mexico but those are nowhere near the only places cruises go.
Smaller cruise ships can go to the most remote locations you might not realize! Besides the Caribbean you can also cruise to places like Alaska, all over Europe, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Asia and more!
If you’re looking for an adventure to more destinations I would suggest looking into cruises that offer month long cruises all the way up to year long world cruises. They go to so many locations across the globe all by ship!
17. I’ll get hungry having to wait for my assigned dinner time
This is a 100% false when it comes to cruise myths.
If you find yourself hungry but still have hours until your assigned dinner time in the main dining room you still have options!
Some newer, larger cruise ships will have lots of included options you can choose from. At a mimimum though you should have either the buffet open to be able to grab a snack or a cafe that offers things like pizza!
18.I’ll be on a schedule and won’t be able to relax
Definitely not true on a cruise!
One great thing about cruises is they offer TONS of activities every single day that you can participant in!
However, if going to shows, trivia and games aren’t your thing and you want a more relaxing day, you can do this as well! Book a balcony room for a little privacy, tan on the pool deck for hours or relax in one of the hot tubs.
You are not required to do anything on a cruise other than have fun!
19. People can smoke anywhere on a cruise
Among cruise myths, this one is also false!
People are allowed to smoke on a cruise but you are not supposed to in the majority of the ship. They will have designated areas, usually somewhere by a pool, the casino or off to the side of the ship on a lower level.
You are not supposed to smoke in your stateroom.
20. I can’t bring my hair tools
I see this common myth ALL the time in cruise Facebook pages! This is a cruise myth that many people truly believe.
You are able to bring your own hair dryer, straighener and curler. Make sure that your device is compatable with the type of electric plug the ship will have or bring a converter with you.
Cruise ships do offer a hair dryer in the room but from experience, it is not the best. Whenever I decide to leave mine at home to save space in my suitcase I always regret it!
The hair dryer in the room does not have a lot of power so if you have thick and/or long hair, you may be drying it for awhile!
21. I can bring an iron or steamer for my clothes
These items are strictly prohibited from bringing with you on a cruise! A lot of people seem to think they can bring a steamer with them for their clothes.
Unfortunately, you cannot. Cruise ships also don’t have a lot of self serve laundry rooms you can use. There are a few that do but I wouldn’t count on it for the majority of cruises.
If you need your clothes ironed, washed, etc you do have the option of paying for the laundry service on the cruise ship.
There are also some products you can bring from home to help with wrinkles and stains.
Top cruise laundry products:
This product is not the same as ironing your clothes but it definitely helps get out those suitcase wrinkles.
This product and the one below are great options if you get a stain on your favorite clothes while on vacation!
You can use these to wash your clothes in your bathroom sink if you’re in a pinch!
This post was all about cruise myths.
