- Have you never been on a cruise and have no desire to go on one?
- GaynorSpeakman, aged 59, might just have the ability to alter your perspective.
- Vote in our poll below to tell us if she did convert you to cruises...
- READ MORE: Here are 10 reasons Tokyo should be on your bucket list for 2025
Have you never been on a cruise and have no desire to go on one?
GaynorSpeakman, aged 59, might just alter your perspective.
She has completed 70 cruise trips and operates her own travel consulting business via an agency. Not Just Travel , and here debunks seven common misconceptions about cruising she often encounters, ranging from 'the ship will collide with something' to 'I'll feel queasy onboard.'
As an added treat, she shares valuable advice for ensuring the ultimate cruise experience – such as why opting for a windowless cabin might be beneficial. Keep reading to discover more insights and cast your vote to let us know if she has influenced your perspective...
Legend 1 - I am unable to go cruising solo.
'Cruising can be ideal for solo travellers,' says Bolton-based Gaynor. 'Norwegian Cruise Line excels in this as it offers a coffee lounge for solo travellers to meet up casually with like-minded people. It's a relaxed, informal arrangement that works well and puts no pressure on anyone. Long-term friendships and even marriages have resulted from meetings on cruises.
Myth 2 - I'm going to get seasick
Gaynor remarks, "When it comes to accommodations aboard cruise ships, significant progress has been made. Numerous vessels now feature fin stabilizers designed to minimize the ship’s movement from side-to-side and up-and-down. Often enough, passengers remain unaware they’re navigating through waves unless they catch the soft sound of the engines running. In situations where motion sickness does occur, ginger tea and cookies prove quite effective for alleviating symptoms."
Myth 3 - cruises are full of snooty people
Gaynor asserts that cruises are far from being stodgy.
She explains: 'A lot of people think cruises are stuffy, snooty places, but they're wrong. Yes, there are wonderful cruises that create that elite, bespoke experience beautifully.
'For example, Cunard provides bellboys, white-glove service and VIP access to certain parts of the ship and restaurants depending on your stateroom grade. Celebrity Cruises offers luxury with exceptional food and drink options.
'Conversely, many other cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages and NCL both have very relaxed dress codes where you can wear what you want. Plus, you can chat to staff, some of whom dine in the restaurants alongside you.'
Myth 4 - the ship is going to be rammed
'People who have never cruised before often say to me that they thought the ship would feel like a ferry,' says Gaynor. 'Cruising is miles apart! One of the world's largest ships, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, can host just under 5,000 people, but it has so much space that I've sat for nearly an hour in the ship's outdoor Central Park enjoying a glass of wine and have seen no-one. Ships are so well-designed that they have neighbourhoods and parts of the ship that can be very quiet.'
Myth 5 - I'll be bored
'Boredom is impossible on a cruise ship,' declares Gaynor. 'With a mass of activities available onboard modern ships - from ice rinks to indoor skydiving and aerial aerobatic displays and from cinemas to go-karts, cookery classes and even gin-making - there is something for everyone of any age.'
Myth 6 - Cruising is only for older folks.
According to Gaynor, 'Cruising was once considered an ideal vacation option primarily for wealthy seniors but has now dramatically evolved, appealing to a significantly wider range of people.'
'Today, families with young children, couples in their 20s and 30s, and empty nesters are all embracing cruise holidays - not as a one-off indulgence, but as a staple of their annual travel plans. The trend is clear: repeat bookings now outpace first-time reservations, as many who dip their toes into the world of cruising find themselves hooked, returning year after year to explore new destinations and experiences.'
Myth 7 - the entertainment will be embarrassing
'Entertainment on cruise ships is currently among the most advanced, inventive, and thrilling experiences available,' according to Gaynor.
Consider the expense of attending premier shows in London’s West End within the UK — now imagine this incorporated into your cruise fare. The entertainment offered onboard a ship, covered by your cruise payment, could easily amount to several hundred pounds if purchased separately on dry land.
'Regal Caribbean presents an impressive drone spectacle called 'The Effectors,' merging Broadway-caliber talents with aerial displays featuring a fleet of drones soaring overhead for a captivating experience.'
MSC Cruises provides unique Cirque du Soleil productions, specially created for their vessels – entertainment that cannot be found on land.
'By the way, have you heard that the musical director for P&O Cruises is Gary Barlow?'
Cruise lines keep pushing boundaries by forming alliances with leading entertainment firms and inviting famous personalities to create remarkable experiences aimed at surpassing rival offerings. This leads to an exciting and constantly changing vacation choice where you won’t need your wallet.
Gaynor's tips for snaring the best cruise experience
Nail down what you want first – before looking at prices
Gaynor explains: 'The best way to ensure you have a dream cruise ship is to know what you want out of the holiday, rather than concentrating on price. You might get a great cruise deal, but if it's not the type of cruise you want and you're on the wrong ship, then you're not going to have the best time. For example, Royal Caribbean are great for families and flexibility and have the most amazing kids' clubs. MSC is ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Child-free Virgin Voyages are best for couples and Celebrity and Cunard offer luxury experiences.'
When to book to get a great deal
'A lot of the time, cruises get booked up extremely quickly,' says Gaynor. 'P&O Cruises voyages and Princess cruises get booked up two to three years in advance. The majority of the standard cabins for 2025 school-holiday cruises with P&O Cruises and MSC have already gone. Some round-the-world trips are booked up as soon as the dates are released.
'However, if you're not too bothered about where you go, you can usually get a good last-minute deal on a cruise less than three months before you travel.'
Are you a first-time cruise-goer or looking to save money? A room without a window might be just right for you.
Many people may initially find the notion of booking an interior cabin—basically a regular hotel room lacking a view—to be less attractive. Nonetheless, the cost variance among different cabin categories can be substantial. Choosing an interior cabin for your first sailing allows you to savor the cruise adventure more affordably. Should you become enamored with cruises, you could consider upgrading to a balcony on future trips.
Many experienced cruiser enthusiasts frequently vouch for interior staterooms. These accommodations offer an economical choice and create a comfortably dim setting perfect for a restful night’s sleep. In today’s cruise vessels equipped with numerous facilities, several travelers see their cabin primarily as a basic space for sleeping, bathing, and rejuvenating, allocating their funds instead towards meals, entertainment, or tours.
My nifty trick for enhancing window vistas
If the absence of a window makes you uneasy, Gaynor suggests an easy solution: treat the cabin’s TV as your “window.” Many cruise ships have webcams broadcasting live footage of the sea. You can leave this stream running all night; although it will start off dark, you’ll see a simulated sunrise when dawn breaks or get a real-time look at your approaching destination. This method effectively mimics natural lighting quite well.
Seeking alone time? A balcony cabin provides serenity.
According to Gaynor, "If you appreciate peaceful times and seek a personal sanctuary, investing in a balcony cabin might be worthwhile." She explains, "Having your own external area where you can read a book or listen to the calming ocean sounds offers an unparalleled indulgence. Moreover, the degree of comfort differs among cruise lines; whereas some provide basic seating arrangements, companies like Virgin Voyages enhance this amenity with extras such as hanging beds."
'No matter whether you choose an interior cabin or opt for a balcony, there’s a choice available to match each traveler's preferences and financial limits.'
Looking for the ultimate stress-free experience? Hire a cruise expert – it won’t cost you anything!
Gaynor clarifies: "Planning your initial cruise trip or choosing an unfamiliar cruise line might seem daunting. Therefore, it’s beneficial to collaborate with a seasoned cruise specialist travel agent who can guide you through the entire procedure and secure precisely what you desire once bookings become available."
'Many travel agents have gone on countless cruises and ship visits while they are at port and so know where, when and which cabin you should go for. Plus, their concierge-style service doesn't cost a penny!
'The cruise company pays their commission, not you, and the prices are the same as if you booked direct.'
How kids clubs can block your booking
Gaynor shares: "A lesser-known benefit of booking ahead is securing spots in children's clubs."
A ship might have plenty of cabins, yet if all the spots in the kids clubs for children within a specific age range are filled, that family won’t find room to accommodate them.
Children’s clubs maintain specific staff-to-kid ratios—should your four-year-old be part of an age group where all available spots assigned to kid’s club staff members are taken, then booking options will not open up for them. Therefore, if you’re traveling with kids, it's wise to reserve their spot well ahead of time to guarantee admission.
Looking for some extra exclusivity? Consider joining a club.
If you're looking for exclusivity without breaking the bank," explains Gaynor, "cruise lines like MSC provide a special ‘ship-within-a-ship’ option exclusively for their Yacht Club Members. This includes distinct cabins, a dedicated member’s pool, a private dining area, and priority entry to the spa amenities. Additionally, they enjoy expedited disembarkation processes when arriving at ports and have access to superior decks offering enhanced vistas.
Head to www.facebook.com/NotJustTravelGaynor for more.
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