From Seasickness Myths to Windowless Cabins: Insights from 70 Ocean Voyages

• Have you never gone on a cruise and have no desire to go on one?
• GaynorSpeakman, aged 59, might just have the ability to alter your perspective.
• Cast your vote in our poll below to let us know if she turned you onto cruising...
• READ MORE: Here are 10 reasons why Tokyo should top your must-visit list for 2025.

Have you never been on a cruise and have no desire to go on one?

Gaynor Speakman, aged 59, might just have the ability to shift your perspective.

She has completed 70 cruise voyages and operates her own travel consulting business via an agency. Not Just Travel , and here debunks seven common misconceptions about cruising she often encounters, ranging from 'the ship will collide with something' to 'I'll feel queasy onboard.'

As an added treat, she shares valuable advice for ensuring the perfect cruise—such as why opting for a windowless cabin might be beneficial. Keep reading to discover more insights and cast your vote to let us know if her suggestions have altered your perspective...

Legend 1 - I am unable to go cruising solo.

'Solo travelers might find cruising particularly appealing,' suggests Gaynor from Bolton. 'The Norwegian Cruise Line stands out because it provides a coffee lounge specifically designed for single passengers to connect informally with others who share similar interests. This laid-back approach ensures nobody feels pressured. Many long-lasting friendships and even some marriages have originated from these encounters during cruises.'

Myth 2 - I'm going to feel nauseous on the sea

Gaynor remarks: "When it comes to accommodations at sea, cruising has made significant progress. Numerous vessels now feature fin stabilizers that minimize the ship’s rolling and pitching. Often, you remain unaware of the motion unless you catch the soft sound of the engines running. In cases where discomfort does occur, ginger tea and cookies effectively help alleviate symptoms of seasickness."

Myth 3 - Cruises are packed with pretentious individuals.

Gaynor asserts that cruises are far from being stodgy.

She clarifies: "Many believe that cruises are overly formal and pretentious environments, but this perception is inaccurate. Indeed, numerous cruises excel at crafting an exclusive, tailor-made experience with great finesse."

For instance, Cunard offers bellboys, white-glove services, and exclusive access to specific areas of the vessel and dining venues based on your cabin category. Celebrity Cruises, meanwhile, delivers opulence with top-notch culinary and beverage choices.

On the other hand, numerous cruise lines like Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) feature quite lenient dress codes, allowing passengers to wear whatever they prefer. Additionally, guests can interact with crew members who often join them for meals at the restaurant tables.

Myth 4 - the vessel is set to collide with another ship.

People who haven’t sailed before usually tell me they expected the ship to resemble a ferry," explains Gaynor. "But cruising is entirely different! The Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, one of the biggest vessels globally, can accommodate almost 5,000 passengers yet offers ample room. On several occasions, I’ve spent close to an hour sipping wine in the ship’s open-air Central Park without encountering another soul. These ships are meticulously designed with distinct neighborhoods and sections where you can find peaceful solitude.

Myth 5 - I'll feel bored

Boredom cannot occur on a cruise ship," asserts Gaynor. "Modern vessels offer an abundance of activities—from ice skating rinks to indoor skydiving and acrobatic shows, along with movie theaters, go-kart tracks, cooking lessons, and even gin distilling—ensuring there’s something appealing for every individual regardless of their age.

Misconception 6 - Cruising Is Only For Older Folks

Previously considered the preferred vacation option for wealthy senior citizens, cruising has experienced significant changes," states Gaynor, "now appealing to a far wider range of people.

'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. The trend is clear: repeat bookings now outpace first-time reservations, as many who dip their toes into the world of cruising find themselves hooked, returning year after year to explore new destinations and experiences.'

Misconception 7 - the entertainment will be embarrassing

'Entertainment on cruise ships is now among the most advanced, inventive, and thrilling experiences available,' according to Gaynor.

Consider the expense of attending premier shows in London’s West End within the UK — now think of this incorporated into your cruise fare. The entertainment offered onboard a ship, covered by your cruise fee, could easily amount to several hundred pounds if seen outside in theaters.

'Regal Caribbean presents an extraordinary drone spectacle called 'The Effectors,' merging Broadway-caliber artistry with aquatic adventures, alongside a squadron of aerial drones performing overhead for viewers.'

MSC Cruises presents unique Cirque du Soleil productions, specially created for their vessels – entertainment that cannot be found on land.

'By the way, do you happen to know that the musical director for P&O Cruises is Gary Barlow?'

Cruise lines keep pushing boundaries by forming alliances with leading entertainment firms and inviting famous personalities to create extraordinary experiences aimed at surpassing rival offerings. This leads to an exciting and constantly changing vacation choice where you won’t need your wallet.

Gaynor's advice for securing the ultimate cruise experience

Determine exactly what you desire prior to examining the costs.

Gaynor elaborates: "To guarantee your perfect cruise experience, focus on understanding exactly what kind of vacation suits you instead of just looking at cost. Even if you find an excellent bargain, it won’t be enjoyable unless it aligns with your preferences and you’re aboard the right vessel. Take Royal Caribbean as an instance; they excel when catering to family needs and provide flexible options along with top-notch children’s facilities. If affordability is key for you, consider MSC Cruises. Meanwhile, those seeking adult-only environments should look into Virgin Voyages, which cater well to couple vacations. For opulent cruising, both Celebrity and Cunard deliver luxurious voyages."

When should you reserve your booking for an excellent price?

A significant portion of cruise bookings tend to fill up very rapidly," states Gaynor. "Voyages offered by P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises often see reservations made two to three years ahead of time. Many standard accommodations for 2025 school holiday cruises with P&O Cruises andMSC have already been secured. Certain around-the-world trips become fully reserved immediately after their schedules are announced.

If you aren’t particularly concerned with your destination, you often have the opportunity to secure an excellent late-stage booking for a cruise within two weeks of departure.

Are you a first-time cruise-goer or trying to save money? An interior cabin might be just right for you.

Many people may initially find the concept of staying in an interior cabin—basically a regular hotel room without windows—to be less attractive. Nevertheless, the price gap among different cabin categories can be substantial. Choosing an interior cabin for your first sailing allows you to savor the cruise adventure at a reduced expense. Should you become enamored with cruises, you could consider upgrading to a balcony on future trips.

A lot of experienced cruisers frequently vouch for interior staterooms. These accommodations offer an economical choice and create a pleasantly dim setting perfect for getting a good night’s rest. In today’s cruise vessels equipped with numerous features, many passengers see their cabin primarily as a practical space for sleeping, bathing, and resting, choosing to allocate their funds towards meals, activities, or tours instead.

My nifty trick for enhancing window vistas

If the absence of a window makes you uneasy, there’s an easy solution according to Gaynor. She suggests using the cabin's television as your “window.” Many cruise ships have webcams broadcasting live footage of the sea. You can leave this stream running all night; although it will start out dark, you’ll see a simulated sunrise when daylight arrives or get a real-time look at your upcoming destination as you near it. This method effectively mimics the effect of natural sunlight quite well.

Seeking alone time? A balcony cabin provides serenity.

Gaynor suggests that for individuals who appreciate peaceful times and a secluded getaway, opting for a balcony cabin can be well worthwhile. ‘Being able to step out into your personal outdoor area to read a book or listen to the calming ocean sounds offers an unparalleled indulgence,’ she explains. Additionally, the degree of comfort provided differs among various cruise lines; whereas certain companies might only provide basic seating options, brands like Virgin Voyages enhance this feature with extras such as hanging beds.

Regardless of whether you opt for an interior cabin or splurge on a balcony, there’s a choice available to match each traveler's preferences and financial limits.

Looking for the ultimate hassle-free experience? Hire a cruise expert – it won’t cost you anything!

Gaynor elaborates: "Planning your initial cruise or one with a new-to-you cruise line might feel daunting. Therefore, it’s beneficial to collaborate with a seasoned cruise specialist travel agent who can guide you through the procedure and ensure they're prepared to secure precisely what you desire once bookings become available."

Many travel agents have embarked on numerous cruise trips and explored ships during port stops, thereby gaining insight into the best cabins to choose from, including optimal locations and timing. Additionally, their concierge-like services come without any extra charges!

'The cruise company covers their commission, not you, and the rates remain the same as booking directly.'

How children’s clubs might prevent your reservation

Gaynor shares: "A lesser-known benefit of booking ahead is securing spots in children’s clubs."

A ship might have plenty of cabins, yet if the kids clubs reach their limit for children within a specific age group, that particular family won’t find space available.

Children’s clubs maintain specific staff-to-child ratios—should your four-year-old be part of an age group where all available spots are taken by the current staffing allocation, you might not find openings. Therefore, if you plan on using these facilities with your kids, it's advisable to make reservations well ahead of time to secure their places.

Looking for some extra exclusivity? Consider joining a club.

If you're looking for exclusivity without breaking the bank," explains Gaynor, "cruise lines like MSC provide a special 'ship-within-a-ship' option exclusively for Yacht Club Members. This includes distinct accommodations, a dedicated members’ swimming area, a separate dining spot, and priority entry to the spa facilities. Additionally, they enjoy expedited disembarkation processes when arriving at ports and have access to cabins located on upper decks offering superior vistas.

Head to www.facebook.com/NotJustTravelGaynor for more.

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