A woman who has been on 70 cruises has revealed the seven myths people always worry about.
Gaynor Speakman, 59, runs her own travel consultancy through agency Not Just Travel and is an expert on all things cruises.
She told MailOnline that people often believe certain myths about going on cruises and has offered some advice to those new to the holiday.
The first myth she debunked is that you can’t go on cruises alone. Ms Speakman said: « Cruising can be ideal for solo travellers. Norwegian Cruise Line excels in this as it offers a coffee lounge for solo travellers to meet up casually with like-minded people.
« It’s a relaxed, informal arrangement that works well and puts no pressure on anyone. Long-term friendships and even marriages have resulted from meetings on cruises. »
She also noted that people always worry about getting seasick but says cruising has come an « incredibly long way » with many ships having fin stabilisers that reduce the rolling and pitching of the vessel.
The expert explained: « Most of the time, you don’t even realise you’re moving until you hear the gentle hum of the engine. Worst case scenario, ginger teas and biscuits are great at reducing seasickness. »
Ms Speakman said many travellers worry that they’ll be surrounded by snooty people on cruises, commenting: « Yes, there are wonderful cruises that create that elite, bespoke experience beautifully.
« For example, Cunard provides bellboys, white-glove service and VIP access to certain parts of the ship and restaurants depending on your stateroom grade.
« But other cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages and NCL, have very relaxed dress codes where you can wear what you want. »
The cruise expert said those new to cruises are concerned about how busy the boat will be: « People who have never cruised before often say to me that they thought the ship would feel like a ferry. Cruising is miles apart!
« One of the world’s largest ships, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, can host just under 5,000 people, but it has so much space that I’ve sat for nearly an hour in the ship’s outdoor Central Park enjoying a glass of wine and have seen no-one.
« Ships are so well-designed that they have neighbourhoods and parts of the ship that can be very quiet. »
She added that people often think cruises are only for pensioners but revealed cruising has undergone a « remarkable transformation, capturing the hearts of a much broader audience ».
« Today, families with young children, couples in their 20s and 30s, and empty nesters are all embracing cruise holidays – not as a one-off indulgence, but as a staple of their annual travel plans. »
Ms Speakman’s final debunked myth was that cruise entertainment is cringey, However, she insists it is « now some of the most high-tech, innovative and exciting you can find ».
“Royal Caribbean’s spectacular drone show The Effectors brings Broadway talent to the seas, combining stunning performances with a fleet of drones that soar above the audience.
« MSC Cruises offers exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows, one-of-a-kind performances crafted specifically for their ships.
« Cruise lines are continually raising the bar, forging partnerships with cutting-edge entertainment companies and enlisting celebrity hosts to deliver show-stopping experiences designed to outshine the competition. »
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