A cruise can be a wonderful way to see the world. You unpack once, wake up to a different city almost every day and you’ll come back with memories as well as new friends. And yet, unless you’ve been on a cruise, the myths you hear can make you question whether it’s the right choice for you. Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1 Only old people go on cruises
This might have been true in the 50s but today, they’re a great option for family holidays. Cruises with short itineraries are actively targeting a younger, more adventurous demographic.

From playrooms for toddlers to waterparks, theatres, trendy spas, shopping boulevards and more, cruise lines are making sure there’s something for everyone. Short cruises from Singapore like the 2-nights Melaka cruise and the 3-nights Penang – Port Klang Cruise are very popular with families and young adults. So are the domestic Cordelia cruises like the 3-nights Kochi Lakshadweep to Mumbai Cruise and 3-nights Goa Lakshadweep to Mumbai Cruise.

That said, 7-night cruise are the most popular choice for cruises to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean. You get to visit at least 5 destinations on such cruises. Since these are long haul destinations, families often combine the cruise with a land holiday.

Myth #2 Cruises are expensive
A cruise can seem expensive but only until you consider what it includes. The cruise price offers a lot more than just your ocean transportation between ports. It covers your accommodation, all your buffet meals, in-between snacks and entertainment onboard. Some cruises include a selection of on-shore activities too.

The growing competition between cruise lines could get you a sweet deal if you book a cruise package in advance or during the off-season. You can also take advantage of seasonal sales like Black Friday. In addition to discounts on the cruise package, you could also get onboard credit vouchers, free Wi-Fi packages, and discounted rates for companions, as well as for third and fourth guests. So, you’re getting a lot more value for your money.

Myth #3 I’ll get seasick
It can take you a day to get your sea legs but that doesn’t guarantee sea sickness. In reality, you’re not likely to feel much movement unless you’re sailing over choppy waters. Today, most ships have stabilizers that smoothen the ride. They also use advanced weather monitors to avoid stormy routes.

If you’re still worried, book a cabin in the middle of a lower deck. This is where you’ll feel the least movement. You can also carry anti-nausea medication. Try a cruise that doesn’t spend too much time in the open water for your first experience. The 4 Nights Mediterranean Cruise by Costa Cruises is a good choice.

Myth #4 You get very little time on shore
A cruise is like a taster menu. It lets you sample the local flavours at every port. The idea isn’t to see everything but rather, to see enough to decide whether you want to come back for a more immersive holiday. Most cruises sail during the night and give you a good 8-10 hours on shore. This is usually more than enough to visit the port’s tourist highlights on a guided excursion.

A growing number of cruises do include overnight stays in their longer itineraries. For example, the 10 nights Asia: Osaka, Jeju, Nagoya & Mt. Fuji cruise includes an overnight stay at Osaka while the 14 nights India, Sri Lanka & Thailand cruise includes 2 overnight stays at Penang and Cochin.

Myth #5 They aren’t safe
Unfortunately, cruises make headlines only when there’s a mishap. The chances of something happening to your cruise are actually very low.

The international rules governing cruise navigation, fire safety and security are very strict. And all ships must comply with these rules. The crew is highly trained too. When you go onboard, you will also have to go through a safety drill so you know what to do in the case of an emergency. For your peace of mind, get insured with a policy that covers healthcare and emergency evacuations when you’re booking your cruise package.

Myth #6 They’re boring
The MSC World America debuting in 2025 has a ride that swings you over the sea! Boutiques, bars with live music, stage shows, slot machines, movie theatres and swimming pools are common features in the Princess Cruise fleet. Do you still think you’ll be bored on a cruise? Most cruises have so many activities, you can do something new every day! Combined with the on-shore activities, you’ll do more on a cruise than any other holiday.

Myth #7 It’s too formal
Gone are the days when you were expected to wear tuxedos and evening dresses on cruises. Today’s family cruise ships operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and many other cruise lines have a more relaxed dress code. Comfort takes priority. But you’ve got to agree - dressing up makes experiences special. The ship’s main restaurants and bars usually follow a smart casual dress code. Wear an outfit you’d pick for a dinner date.

Planning cruises from India
The best way to debunk a myth is to test it. Book a cruise and experience life on the seas for yourself. As a first-time cruiser, the choices before you can be intimidating. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ll help you pick the best cruise itinerary, choose a comfortable cabin, recommend excursions and take care of all the little details to ensure you have a smooth holiday. We’ll also help you navigate visa processes, insurance packages and book flights to and from the cruise endpoints. Get in touch and let’s start planning.