The Bucket List: some questions new cruisers ask

If you have never cruised you probably have questions.

Many people have never cruised because of their fear of the unknown along with what they “think” they may know─their perceptions.

If you are like me you have already discovered that sometimes your perceptions are wrong!

The idea of cruises conjures up in the mind scenes from “Titanic” (snobby rich folks playing shuffleboard and dining each night in gowns and tuxedos) or “The Love Boat” (lots of shameless match-ups between guests and crewmembers), or if it involves the notion of people constantly falling overboard or perhaps even being attacked by pirates, you clearly need to bring your preconceived beliefs in line with the reality of modern cruising.

To give you more insight into the contemporary cruise experience, I’ve answered a few of the most asked cruise questions.

Is cruising expensive?

Cruise prices range from extremely cheap sale fares (sometimes as low as $75 per person, per night) to very high pricing of suites on luxury lines.

Remember that your cruise fare includes your room, meals in main dining venues, activities, and entertainment─ not to mention transportation from destination to destination.

When you factor in all of this you can often save money by booking a cruise, as opposed to a land-based vacation.

Will I get sick?

You may have read news articles about outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships. You can stay healthy by exercising personal hygiene and washing your hands often and by using the hand sanitizer found in dining areas and by the ship’s gangway.

As for seasickness, most ships are so big and well stabilized that you can hardly tell you’re moving, especially in the calm waters of the Caribbean or Alaska’s Inside Passage. Any queasiness can usually be relieved by an overthe-counter medication like Dramamine or Bonine.

If you are very prone to seasickness, ask your doctor before you leave home for the Transdermal patch (my wife has used this very successfully and she gets woozy backing down the driveway), available by prescription.

Is Cruising Safe?

Ships must follow an extraordinary number of rules and regulations that protect the safety of both passengers and crewmembers while onboard. The Coast Guard conducts rigorous quarterly inspections of all ships that operate from U.S. ports, looking to make sure they comply with emergency response requirements.

The industry has seen some high-profile and tragic incidents, but these occurrences are actually quite rare, given the millions of people who cruise each year.

Also note that cruise ships are like mini-cities, and you should take the same general travel precautions you would on land.

Will I Get Bored?

Absolutely not! There’s something to do in nearly every corner. To get your heart pumping, shoot some hoops, or visit the ship’s gym.

For intellectual stimulation, you can listen to guest speakers, participate in Bridge tournaments or attend classes on how to make towel animals.

There are pools for soaking and swimming, boutiques for shopping and spas for pampering. You can participate in contests, do crafts, watch movies or simply grab a book and get a tan. Or really get in high gear with recreational options like water slides, rock climbing walls, ropes courses, laser tag, surf simulators, go-karts, etc.

Plus, remember you’re not on the ship all the time. Most itineraries include a variety of different ports of call and you should be thinking: Shore Excursions!

Ready to book your next dream vacation or want to learn more about what is best for you? Contact Mike Hunter at 678-901-0993.