There are a number of views commonly held by those who haven’t actually been on a cruise. Those views may be keeping them from even exploring the possibility of taking one. So, exposing some of those misconceptions may help.
Lots of people, not unreasonably, believe that cruises are dominated by the elderly or late-middle aged. While it’s certainly true that many cruise goers have a bit of gray in their hair, today all different ages go on cruises. Family trips are increasingly popular and kid-specific facilities and activities are offered by all the lines now.
Teens and 20-somethings form a larger percentage of cruise goers than in the past. With a booming economy, more have the funds from generous parents and their own savings and they’re taking advantage of discounts and shorter cruises. Retired individuals often have more free time and spare income from years of saving. But they are no longer the majority of passengers.
Cruises in the past sometimes had very set schedules, for eating and recreation or entertainment. All that has changed. Though major meals do occur between certain hours, there are lots of alternatives today. There are in-between meal buffets, alternative restaurants and others.
Entertainment of certain kinds, like musical or theatrical performances, of course, have to start at a given time. But today there are so many alternatives for entertainment that you can amuse yourself a dozen different ways at any time of the night or day. Bowling, deck tennis, computer games, card games… the list is endless.
A similar objection to cruises is sometimes raised: that there is too narrow a choice of activities. That, too, is no longer the case. The entertainments mentioned are only a few examples. In times past a walk around the deck, a little table tennis, or a good book may have been about the range.
Today, there are more things to do on board than any one person could enjoy in 10 cruises. Whether your interests are dancing, exercise or physical enjoyment there are choices galore. If you prefer something a little more sedate, there are a dozen choices there as well. Of course, if you prefer to simply lie around and soak up sun or read a book, there are lots of ways to do that, too.
Some people think they’ll be bored on board, with nowhere to go. Even apart from all the fun and interesting activities, the ship itself has fascinating things to see. Touring most of these behemoths that sail the seas today would take a good two days or more all by itself. By that time, with the exception of some U.S. to Europe cruises, you are rarely confined on board for more than a few days.
You’ll find that by the time you long to go ashore to explore new lands, you’ll have that chance. By the time you’ve become worn out with tourist hopping around new cities, you’re ready for some relaxing time on board ship.
Cruise ships have long been floating hotels, but today they are more like floating cities. As such, they have all the exciting things to do that any great city will have all within easy reach. Plus, you have the chance to see foreign cities as well.
It doesn’t get any better than that!