Or maybe you haven't booked a trip because you don't fit the passenger "profile" of being "newly wed or nearly dead."
Whatever the case, it's time to toss those misconceptions overboard and join the more than 800,000 Canadians expected to take a cruise this year.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association, an organization that represents 24 cruise lines that cater to the North America market, the number of Canadians cruising has tripled in 10 years. This increase is attributed in large part to new cruise destinations, innovative ship design concepts, exciting on-board and onshore activities, new themes and a multitude of cruise lengths.
I, myself, was once a non-cruiser, believing I was too high-energy to be stuck on a ship for a week, forced to watch cheesy entertainment out of boredom and sit with stuffy strangers in pretentious restaurants.
However, much to my surprise, it was love at first sail. Here are my top five myths and realities that helped turn the tide:
Myth #1: Cruises are for honeymooners and the elderly
Actually, cruises are incredibly diversified with literally a cruise holiday for everyone. Families are abundant on Caribbean cruises, while European river cruises generally attract an older crowd. Check out the ship's amenities prior to booking, which will tell you something about the targeted demographic. If the ship has climbing walls, water slides and a zip line, you can be assured lots of kids will be on board.
Myth #2: I'll be bored Far from it.
At times I have been so busy I craved some down time. On a recent cruise aboard the Norwegian Jewel, I played tennis and ping pong, was entertained by an a cappella group, a ventriloquist and a comedian, enjoyed a deck party and chocolate extravaganza and snorkelled in Belize and Roatan. That's the nice thing about cruising - you can be as busy or lethargic as you want.
Myth #3: Ships are too claustrophobic and crowded
Yes and no. If you really do have a fear of confined spaces, you may find your stateroom a tad tiny, especially an interior room because there is no window or balcony. And the minuscule size of the showers is legendary, providing fodder for the ship's comedians. However, since these floating hotels can be up to three football fields long and 21 storeys high, there are still lots of places to go to find some solitude, both day and night.
Myth #4: I will get seasick
Small boats may make you go green around the gills but that doesn't necessarily mean a cruise ship will too. The newest ships have stabilizers that eliminate a lot of the motion. And if you are prone to motion sickness, avoid hurricane season and book a cabin with a window, preferably mid-ship where there is less movement. Also, talk to your doctor about wearing a scopolamine patch behind your ear, which is effective in preventing nausea.
Myth #5: Cruises are expensive
Not true. The economic downturn last year made cruising even more affordable than usual, as cruise lines dropped prices in order to fill ships. That trend is continuing. Some examples: Carnival has been advertising a seven-day western Caribbean cruise for $409 on the Valor while Royal Caribbean offered up a seven-day southern Caribbean cruise for $449 aboard the Adventure of the Seas. These prices were for inside staterooms and did not include airfare, gratuities, excursions or alcohol (which can double the price). However, even $800 or $900 for five-star food and service is still a great deal when compared to similar quality all-inclusive resorts.
And, the third and fourth passengers in a cabin are usually half price.
Reality #1: Remember, it is a business
You may have booked an inexpensive cruise, but remember, cruise lines excel in getting passengers to continue to spend once on board. Whether it's on photographs, specialty restaurants, bingos, casinos, spa treatments, gold by the inch or T-shirts, you are constantly encouraged to ante up. Therefore, be ever vigilant.
Reality #2: Ease and convenience
There's no better way to sample a multiple of islands. You don't have to pack and unpack, nor wait at airports for an inter-island flight. And many cruise lines have gone or are experimenting with freestyle dining, instead of reserved seating. Some have also done away with formal nights, so you no longer have to pack your tux and gown.
Reality #3: You can go anywhere your heart desires
Well, almost. Cruise ships travel the globe, stopping in thousands of ports.
Whether it's Antarctica, the Baltics, Alaska or the Mediterranean, the world is at your gangplank. And, if you have money to burn, you may want to consider a continent-hopping world cruise, which typically lasts between 90 and 120 days.
Reality #4: Now that's entertainment
Bigger and better ships translate into more elaborate entertainment. Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest ship that began sailing late last year, features the Broadway show Hairspray, while Norwegian Cruise Line's new behemoth, Epic (which launches in late June), will feature the Blue Man Group and Second City improv cast members. Even the smaller ships put on first-rate shows, spending millions of dollars on the productions.
Reality #5: The food is as good as they say
This is where cruise lines really shine. The 24-hour smorgasbord of restaurants ensures no one is ever hungry, and the quality is excellent. It is also the perfect opportunity to try an appetizer or entree that you wouldn't dare order back home. Cold peach soup or escargot, anyone?
Christina Jonas is a freelance writer who recently returned from her sixth cruise.
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