Thinking About Booking a Cruise? Here’s What You Need to Know
Stop me if this sounds familiar: you’ve scrolled past glossy cruise adverts, showing happy couples sipping cocktails by the pool, and thought, “That looks nice… but is it really like that?”
Maybe you’re curious about cruising but hesitant to book. You’ve heard the myths: it’s too expensive, you’ll feel trapped on a ship, or it’s only for retirees. At the same time, the idea of waking up in a new destination every morning, with food and entertainment sorted, sounds tempting.
Here’s the truth: cruising is one of the most unique ways to holiday, and there’s a lot more to it than you see in the brochures.
In this article, you’ll discover what cruising is really like, the myths that need busting, and surprising facts most people don’t know until they’ve stepped onboard. By the end, you’ll know whether a cruise is worth adding to your travel bucket list.
Why People Choose Cruises
Cruises have a unique appeal: they bundle together travel, accommodation, food, and entertainment into one package. Here’s why so many people fall in love with them:
Convenience – You unpack once but visit multiple destinations. Imagine waking up in a new city or island each day without dragging luggage through airports.
Value for money – Your ticket usually covers your room, meals, entertainment, and transport between destinations. Compared with paying for hotels, flights, and meals separately, it can work out surprisingly affordable.
Entertainment for everyone – From Broadway-style shows to live music, spas, kids’ clubs, and waterparks, there’s something for every age group.
Relaxation and adventure in one – Want to sit by the pool all day? You can. Prefer exploring ancient ruins or going snorkelling? Excursions cover that too.
It’s this mix of ease and excitement that keeps people coming back.
Myths About Cruises (and the Truth)
You’ve probably heard a few of these before. Let’s set the record straight.
“I’ll get seasick.”
Modern ships are equipped with stabilisers, so you barely feel movement. Unless you’re sailing through rough weather, most passengers don’t notice much sway at all.“Cruises are only for retirees.”
Not true. While older travellers enjoy them, there are cruises for families, solo travellers, adventure-seekers, and even themed cruises (music festivals, food lovers, fitness enthusiasts).“They’re too expensive.”
Yes, luxury cruises can cost a fortune — but many mainstream cruise lines offer packages that are cheaper than a week in a resort, especially when you consider what’s included.“I’ll feel trapped on the ship.”
Most ships are floating cities with pools, gyms, spas, cinemas, shops, and dozens of restaurants. Plus, you’re docking at new destinations every few days, so there’s plenty of variety.
Surprising Facts About Cruises
Here are a few things first-time cruisers often don’t realise:
Cruise ships are huge – The largest ships carry over 6,000 passengers and have everything from zip lines to ice-skating rinks. Some even have full neighbourhoods onboard.
Unlimited food really means unlimited – Buffets are open most of the day, and sit-down restaurants are included in your ticket. Many ships also have speciality restaurants for an extra charge.
Broadway at sea – Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney put on full-scale shows that rival West End productions.
Themed cruises exist – From jazz cruises to Star Wars at sea, you’ll find trips tailored to niche interests.
Wi-Fi isn’t always free – Internet packages can be pricey, so it’s worth planning to disconnect (or budget for it).
What You Don’t See in the Brochures
Cruise companies love to show off the pools and cocktail bars, but here are some real-world tips most first-timers wish they’d known:
Hidden costs – Drinks, excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi often aren’t included. Always check what’s covered in your fare.
Packing smart matters – You’ll need outfits for casual days, evening dinners, and excursions. Some ships still host formal nights, so a dress or suit might come in handy.
Excursions can sell out fast – If there’s something you really want to do (like swimming with dolphins or exploring ruins), book early.
Quiet spaces exist – Ships are busy, but there are always tucked-away lounges or deck spots for when you need downtime.
Is a Cruise Right for You?
A cruise is perfect if you like variety, want your travel made easy, and enjoy the idea of a “floating resort.” It’s not ideal if you hate the idea of being on water for days or prefer planning your own holiday from scratch.
Think of it this way: if you want to combine relaxation, adventure, and a bit of indulgence—with zero hassle of airport hopping—a cruise could be exactly your kind of trip.
Final Thoughts
Cruises aren’t just for retirees or the super-rich. They’re one of the most flexible, surprising, and enjoyable ways to travel. With food, entertainment, and destinations all wrapped into one, they offer something no other type of holiday quite matches.
So, if you’ve been sitting on the fence, maybe it’s time to stop wondering and start planning. Who knows? Your next holiday might just be on the open sea.
👉 Ready to explore your first cruise? Start browsing itineraries today and picture yourself stepping onboard—your cabin, your cocktails, and your next adventure are waiting.
https://www.celebrations-vacation.com/trips
