Cruise & Cruise Line

10 Biggest Myths About Going on a Cruise Vacation

Image: PHOTO: Millennial cruisers. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Image: PHOTO: Millennial cruisers. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Jason Leppert
by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Fri January 13, 2017

Have you always wanted to take a cruise, but a few concerns have been a hangup? Let's debunk the most common cruise travel myths once and for all.

Cruise Ships Are Unsafe

Accidents can occur anywhere, but to the contrary of the myth, cruise travel is statistically safer than air travel-the golden benchmark for safety. If you as a passenger use common sense and are mindful of your own personal safety, you'll have nothing to worry about onboard.

Seasickness Is Almost a Given

Ships do move with the motion of the ocean but not nearly as much as you might think. Newer, larger vessels are more stable than their predecessors, and certain routes and times of the year are calmer than others. Consider inlet voyages or a river cruise and avoid stormy seasons if you're concerned.

[READMORE]READ MORE: How You Can Help Fight Norovirus on Cruise Ships[/READMORE]

Cruise Ships Are Viral Breeding Grounds

Thanks to the mainstream media's undue attention given towards Norovirus, everyone has surely heard of the gastrointestinal bug, but outbreaks are statistically rare onboard, and you can protect yourself by simply regularly washing your hands.

Quarters Are Cramped

Contemporary cruise ships tout larger cabins or at least better-outfitted ones with more-efficient use of space. Expectedly, they will not be as large as shoreside equivalents at a hotel, but they are still very comfortable, and larger suites are available for those who would prefer.

Decks and Public Spaces Are Overcrowded

Sometimes, popular areas onboard can become busier, but there are usually plenty of other places to go for a quiet retreat. Look for higher passenger-space ratios for cruise ships with more available room per guest.

It Will Just Be a Booze Cruise

The drunken debauchery once associated with cruises has thankfully died down. They are far more intellectual now and well behaved accordingly. If you want to avoid any element of weekenders, seven-day or longer sailings are ideal.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Choosing a Stable Cruise Ship to Avoid Seasickness[/READMORE]

There's Nothing to Do Onboard

In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. As cruise ships get bigger, the abundance of activity, entertainment and dining options rapidly expand with them. You will absolutely not be bored onboard.

Cruise Ships Are Isolated from the Destination

Cruise ships are, in a way, destinations unto themselves, but they do still sail to actual international ports-of-call, allowing every passenger the opportunity to explore ashore or stay onboard as much or as little as they please.

Cruises Are Too Expensive

There was a time when cruise travel was pricier, but with a massive amount of cruise lines and ships now in the market, per berth rates have decreased significantly, making cruising one of the best values in travel.

Cruises Are for the Newly Wed and Nearly Dead

As the cruise industry evolves, so too does its demographic. Cruise ships do remain a great option for honeymooners, but the average age of cruisers has dropped substantially. In fact, the passenger quantity of Millennials and Generation Z is beginning to match and now exceed that of Boomers and Generation X.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert - Senior Writer, Cruises and Cruise Travel - is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 100 sailings...

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...