Pouring cold water on cruise myths
Trips offer value for money if you take advantage of packages
Cruises are boring
Cruises offer something for everyone. The entertainment doesn’t only begin when the sun sets as there’s plenty to busy yourself with during the day. Stephanie Vlachos from Johannesburg said she enjoyed her cruise from Durban to the Mozambique Portuguese Islands. “There was never ‘bored’ on that ship. There were dance-along competitions, amazing shows every night and engaging contests during the day. Other attractions include swimming and rock climbing. I also took full advantage of the spa and the gym.”
Cruises are expensive
Yvonne Fitzpatrick, an account administrator from Cape Town, said cruises offer value for money. “I find that cruises offer exceptional value for money, especially if you’re selective about the different excursions that you opt for. My husband, John, also usually takes advantage of the cost-effective drinks packages on offer – this is a great way to save money,” she said.
The notion that cruises are expensive is one of the reasons why someone may decide not to look into this particular type of holiday. However, if you take the time to crunch the numbers, it becomes evident that cruises may prove to be cheaper than most getaways.
You’ll spend your days seasick Seasickness is unlikely to be a concern on newer cruise ships. Most cruise ships are large enough to keep seasickness at bay and have stabilisers to help reduce the amount of rocking that takes place. Of course, you are encouraged to bring along your seasickness medication.
You’ll feel confined on a cruise If you think you’ll go crazy on board, you probably won’t even think about it. The vast majority of cruises include daily stops at ports along the way, giving you ample time to explore a new destination, sample the local cuisine, and snap a few selfies in front of the area’s most notable sights.
Local traveller, Trish Smith, said of her Greek Mediterranean cruise: “We hit all of the leading party spots including Rhodes, Santorini, and Mykonos, and we also stopped for a few hours in Turkey. We had time to experience an ice bar and even rode a donkey.”