5 Reasons I Feared Cruising
As someone who has always harbored a healthy dose of skepticism toward the idea of embarking on a cruise vacation, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the reality versus my preconceived notions. So much so, that I have already booked our next sailing. My apprehensions ranged from disdain for tourist traps to concerns about motion sickness and the fear that my children would be bored stiff on the cruise line I picked. However, as we embarked on our 7 night Western Caribbean cruise on the Sky Princess, I quickly realized that many of my worries were unfounded.
Fear #1: Tacky tourist traps
Before setting sail, I cringed at the thought of being herded like cattle through crowded tourist traps, bombarded with overpriced souvenirs and gimmicky attractions. My way of avoiding this scenario involved quite a bit of pre-planning. I made sure to heavily research each port to find the vacation activities that would be a fit for my family. Many times this required navigating the ports to find our guide or a taxi that would take us away from the hustle and bustle. We were able to enjoy the culture and local offerings of each destination without feeling like stereotypical tourists.
Fear #2: A vacation full of crowds, lines, and cramped quarters
Before setting sail, the idea of being confined to a floating city with thousands of other passengers sounded like a nightmare. I also worried our cabin would be a constantly cramped mess. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness and variety of areas to venture on the ship. Whether I sought solitude in a quiet corner of the ship or craved social interaction in bustling communal areas, there was always a place to escape the crowds and tailor the experience to my preference. The pool deck got busy on sea days but it was manageable. As far as our digs.. we booked a “mini-suite”. While we were all still in the same room, the sleeping space and the “living area” were separated by a curtain. The sofa transformed into a bed, and another bed pulled from the ceiling. This gave the kids “bunk beds” and their own space. We had plenty of room. We also had plenty of storage so things weren’t all over the place. Our cabin steward helped us keep things tidy as well. My unexpected favorite location ended up being our cabin balcony. I had no idea how peaceful it would be to sit out there at any time of day. We also did not encounter lines for anything on our ship. I know this is not the case with all ships and cruise lines.
Fear #3: Deep-fried everything
As a food enthusiast, the prospect of being confined to mediocre buffet fare for the duration of the cruise left me skeptical about the culinary experience onboard. However, I quickly learned that cruise dining is a culinary adventure in itself. From gourmet restaurants serving exquisite cuisine to diverse dining options catering to every palate, the food exceeded my expectations at every turn. I was very pleased with the variety of options on board. Of course, there were burgers and pizza to be had, but there were also many healthy and delicious options as well.
Fear #4: Motion Sickness
Motion sickness has plagued my daughter on many a car ride. And when she is miserable, so is everyone else. Truly, had she been sick for the duration of the trip, cruising would have been a one-and-done experience for us. We came on board armed with all of the over-the-counter options available. We never had to reach for them. Modern cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art stabilizers that minimize the sensation of motion, ensuring a smooth and comfortable voyage for even the most sensitive passengers. We even had a couple of evenings with rough seas and it never bothered anyone. I found this a pleasant surprise.
Fear #5: Bored kids
I felt a mega-ship with all the bells and whistles wasn’t going to be a fit for our family. While the cruise line we chose had family options, it is not exactly marketed towards kids. My son is one of those kids that needs activities. On many vacations, my husband often ends up playing catch with him.. for hours. I worried that the kids wouldn’t enjoy the offerings available to them. To my surprise, the kids loved the kids club and the activities on board. They met friends and begged to go to the kids club right after breakfast daily. My husband and I were able to go to the gym at the same time in the morning without tag teaming. We even had a “date night” without a sitter! Everyone loved the Broadway-style shows, game shows, trivia, pool games, and music onboard. This made for some great family time. The week was the perfect mix of family time along with some nice “kid-free” time for my husband and me.
Conclusion:
My skepticism toward cruising was rooted in fears of overcrowding, subpar dining, seasickness, and bored children. However, as I embarked on my first cruise adventure, I discovered that many of these concerns were unfounded. The cruise line we picked worked great for our family, but it may not be right for everyone. I recommend working with an advisor to find the right fit for your vacation. An advisor can also help you decide on the right excursions in each port that will be perfect for you.