Nowadays, a family cruise vacation is made easy with a mind-boggling 1,800-plus ports of call and 160 ships from which to choose, plus endless cost-saving promotions. Cruise for three days or three months. Be on a 100-passenger ship or one with 3,000 guests. It's a cruiser's call. For those still vacillating, here are a few misconceptions debunked.
Cruising Offers Value for Money
- Myth 1: It costs too much.
Reality: A cruise vacation is an excellent value. Think of the ship as a floating resort with only a few extra costs. One price buys the cabin, all meals and in-between snacks, entertainment, onboard activities, an itinerary to diverse ports of call and lots of pampering. If travelers don't want to fly, there are dozens of embarkation ports within driving distance.
- Myth 2: The family will get bored.
Reality: There's more to do than ever imagined. Fill the days with sports activities, spa treatments, educational lectures, card games and fun events such as Trivial Pursuit. Lounge around the pool, or curl up with a book in the library. On some ships, discover miniature golf, putting ranges, basketball courts, rock climbing walls, boxing rings and ice skating rinks. Add to the mix with kids' zones, teen hangouts and comfort spots for grandparents. At night, put on those dancing shoes, try a hand with lady luck in the casino, enjoy spectacular Broadway-style shows, or listen to a pianist tickle the ivories. Do everything or absolutely nothing. Remember whose vacation it is.
- Myth 3: The family will get seasick.
Reality: With stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information and effective preventative medicines, chances of getting seasick are practically nil.
- Myth 4: The family has to eat at the same time and same place. The kids will hate gourmet food, and Dad can't follow his diet.
Cruising Caters to All Tastes and Diets
Reality: Cruising caters to each person's taste. Opt to eat in the dining room, a pizzeria, an espresso bar, poolside deck or any number of dining venues or specialty restaurants. Here's an opportunity to try gourmet cuisine or go for traditional favorites. If children want pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream, they'll find it here. Menus also include healthy and tasty fare for those who relish vegetarian, low-carb or low-fat dishes. Food is generally available 24 hours a day.
- Myth 5: There's no way to stay connected to the outside world.
Reality: Most ships have cell phone access, Internet cafes, wi-fi zones, satellite TV and fax access. The ship's daily newsletter may also include news, stock quotes and sports scores.
- Myth 6: The family won't know what to do in port.
Reality: Oftentimes it's a challenge to choose from so many offerings. Explore independently, or take an organized shore excursion. Ride a raft over river rapids, climb a waterfall, go bargain shopping or hop on a sightseeing tour. For sun and fun, learn how to windsurf, sail, snorkel or scuba dive. Or just bask on a beautiful beach.
- Myth 7: Family members will probably complain that the cruise is too long.
Reality: Actually, the most common complaint is that the cruise ends far too soon.
Now that the myths have been debunked, it's a good time to plan a cost-saving family cruise vacation with just the click of the mouse.
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