If you’re planning your next holiday, a cruise might not be the first option that comes to mind, however, according to the 2014 Australian Cruise Industry Source Market Report published by CLIA Australasia, 4% of Australia’s population has cruised with that number increasing every year.
With the opportunity to explore a number of destinations in one trip, an abundance of on-board facilities and the option to do as little or as much as you like, it’s easy to see why this type of holiday is so appealing.
If you’re not convinced that cruising is for you, here are five myths busted that might just change your mind…
1. I’ll get bored
If you’re worried you’ll be stuck for things to do on-board, you couldn’t be more wrong!
Cruise ships are floating playgrounds crammed with activities, amenities and entertainment to keep you busy while at sea. With action packed daily schedules on offer accounting for every hour of the day; you can play sport, try rock climbing, take a quiz, hit the gym, have a massage, learn a new skill, attend a lecture or art auction, go to a dance class or play bingo – and that’s just before lunch!
At night the ship is abuzz with multiple dining options, comedy acts, karaoke, Broadway style shows and live DJ’s spinning tunes in the nightclub. Try your luck in the casino or enjoy a quiet cocktail with friends in the piano bar. Your biggest problem will be fitting everything in!
2. I don’t want to be on a big ship with all those people
With the cruise industry booming, there are now more cruising options than ever before with something to suit everyone. From small boutique yachts catering for 100 to 3000+ passenger resort style ships that are destinations in themselves - and plenty in between. If you’re unsure whether an ocean cruise is your style, opt for a river cruise sailing down the Rhine, Nile or Mississippi. Enjoy a coastal trip through the Norwegian Fjords or New Zealand’s Milford Sound where the scenery will have you mesmerised. Take an expedition ship through the Arctic Circle or visit less-travelled ports on a tall-ship.
3. Cruising is only for retirees and grandparents
A common misconception is that cruises are only for the elderly, when in fact, cruising caters for all ages. While there are certain cruises enjoyed mainly by retirees, particularly the longer voyages, there are plenty on offer for more youthful clientele.
Honeymooners or singles could opt for a South Pacific cruise where they can relax by the pool, snorkel in postcard perfect beaches and be pampered at the spa by day. In the evening they can enjoy glamorous dining, a few drinks and a show before hitting the nightclub.
Cruise lines such as Disney and Royal Caribbean are perfect for families where the kids will be entertained while parents can enjoy their holiday relaxing by the pool, cocktail in hand.
4. Cruising is expensive
Not just for the cashed up, cruising is in fact great value. Where else would you find a holiday that includes meals, transportation, accommodation, entertainment and state of the art facilities? All you need to budget for is alcohol, shore excursions, gambling and beauty treatments. Starting at around $100 per person a night, there’s a cruise for every budget. With many luxury cruise lines now including alcohol and shore excursions, the only money you’ll need to spend is on souvenirs.
5. The cabins are small and claustrophobic
Depending on your budget, there are spacious and light-filled cabin options available on most cruise ships.
An inside cabin won’t have a window, so if you see your room as simply somewhere to sleep, this is generally the most economical option. If you prefer having some natural light and a window to gaze out of, an outside (ocean view) cabin is for you. For that fresh sea breeze and your own private outdoor space to relax in, a balcony or verandah is the best bet. The difference between each of these options can be as little as $10-$20 per person per night so it’s a matter of deciding where your priorities lie.
If you’re looking to indulge, a suite is often the most expensive and luxurious option. This will offer spacious and lavish accommodation and often come with added perks of a butler and extra amenities.
For families there is the choice of a family cabin or two next to each other with an interconnecting door, while handicapped cruisers are catered for in specially designed wheelchair access cabins.
