Current statistics shows that only 15% of the population has taken a cruise before. Of those that have cruised, 90% cruise again. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Releases the 2018 Cruise Travel Report: Annual Study of Attitudes, Behaviors and Travel Preferences.
"Travel agents are an integral part of planning the cruise experience, and cruisers rate their agents more highly than non-cruisers.
Cruisers who use travel professionals are also more likely to be satisfied with their experience than those who did not, and they are more likely to book another trip, as well."
I suspect that some of the myths and misconceptions may be influencing people that have never tried cruising before. In this post I’ll take a look at some of the more popular myths and misconceptions.
Myth #1: A cruise is for old people and newly weds
The destination and cruise line, among other things, contribute to the demographics of your fellow cruisers. Several factors influence the passenger mix on a given voyage. Most passengers on a world cruise will be senior citizens, since there aren’t many younger people that are able to get away from work for three months or more.
Certain destinations, such as Polynesia and the Bahamas, may have a number of newly wed couples onboard. The Caribbean will most likely have the largest demographic mixture, although the time of year may also influence the mix of passengers. When school is in session, there will be far less children onboard than during summer vacation for example.
Historically,
certain cruise lines have catered to a particular age segment. For the
most part, that is changing since the industry is seeing an increase in
families (consisting of multiple generations) traveling together. The
major cruise lines have added children’s programs, spa and fitness
programs, internet cafes, sports and recreational facilities, and other
amenities which appeal to all age groups.This doesn’t cover all the possibilities, but I hope you get the idea that regardless of your age requirements, there is a cruise out there that will satisfy your needs. I strongly encourage you to work with a Cruise Specialist who can help you select the cruise that is right for you and your companions.
Myth #2: I will be bored on a cruise
When you arrive at your cabin after embarking the vessel,
you’ll find the daily program of ship’s activities. Every day, your
cabin steward will provide you with the program for the next day in
addition to any other important information (such as reminders about
time changes, invites to special events, etc). While many people, that
haven’t cruised before, feel they will be bored, a quick examination of
the daily program will reveal that there are many activity choices that
you can make each day. The great news is you can be as active or
inactive as you want both onboard the ship and in ports that are visited
during the cruise. The ship has an entire staff devoted to activities
and entertainment. There should be no reason to be bored during your
cruise.
I would highly encourage you to discuss your interests with
your Cruise Specialist while planning your cruise vacation. While you’ll
find many of the same amenities and activities on most ships, there are
certain ships that have added some unique features that might be of
interest to you.
Here's just a sampling of what you can expect during your cruise:
SPORTS, FITNESS, RELAXATION
Spa / Fitness
Center (workout, have a massage, relax, take a course), swim or relax in
one of the pools / hot tubs, jog or walk around the jogging track, play
your favorite sport (basketball, table tennis, golf, miniature golf,
etc). Some ships even have rock climbing, ice skating, bowling, and even
billiards on self-leveling tables. Relax - curl up with a good book (in
your cabin, in the library, poolside, or any quiet spot) or simply find
an empty lounge chair on one of the decks.
ENTERTAINMENT
Take in a show in one of the
lounges or main theater (range from individual performers to high-energy
Vegas-style shows), watch a movie (in your cabin, at a movie theater,
or on some ships - under the stars), try your luck in the casino or at
bingo (extra cost of course), attend karaoke or various events planned
by the activities staff
ENRICHMENT
Attend a talk or learn a new
skill (destination talks, computer skills, learn to dance, scrapbooking
or other arts & crafts). Attend an art auction, wine-tasting or
other scheduled events. The shore excursion desk can help you plan
enrichment and other activities for your ports of call. Spend some time
surfing the net in the internet cafe (or on many ships from your own
PC).
SHOPPING
Shops onboard are duty free just
like they are in ports of call. Typically there will be daily specials
throughout the cruise, so you'll want to check your daily program to
avoid missing your favorite items. These items, if taken home, will
count towards your customs allowances, so be sure to keep that in mind
while shopping. There usually are shopping talks and/or shopping guides
so you can plan your port shopping trips.
THEME CRUISES -- another possibility, if the only thing that keeps your interest is some specialty or theme. Theme cruises are very popular these days. I have helped clients find a theme cruise that interested them. It's also possible to start your own group with others that share your interests. Besides, there are benefits for traveling in your own affinity group.
STILL THINK YOU'LL BE BORED .... what would interest you - let me hear from you
NEXT TIME:
we'll look at a few more myths. Also, email me if there's a topic that
you'd like me to discuss. I'd like to make this blog a vehicle for
sharing ideas and helping you enjoy cruising more.
Continue with: Misconceptions and Myths About Cruising (Part 2)
Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.
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