Cruise myths busted

Cruising has changed a lot in recent years – but a few stubborn stereotypes still refuse to leave port. From dress codes to dining times, expert Josh Naylor sets the record straight on some of the most common cruise myths.

Cruising is only for old people.

Cruising today is anything but one-size-fits-all. The ships, styles and experiences on offer are incredibly varied – and so are the people who choose them, from couples and families to solo travellers and groups of friends.

You might be sailing on a sleek expedition ship exploring remote coastlines, a lively mega-ship packed with pools, shows and waterslides, or a tall sailing ship such as those from Star Clippers, where the romance of traditional sailing attracts a relaxed, adventurous crowd.

The key is choosing the right cruise for you – something our cruise experts are brilliant at helping with.

Modern cruise ships are too big for me

While some cruise ships are incredibly large – Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, for example, can carry around 7,600 passengers at full capacity – there’s a huge range of ship styles to choose from. 

A Kuoni Cruise & Stay holiday can just as easily be a boutique, small-ship experience. Think sailing Portugal’s characterful Douro River with AmaWaterways, where ships host around 100 guests and drift through a landscape of terraced vineyards and historic quintas. Or island-hopping through the Seychelles aboard an Emerald Cruises superyacht with just 128 guests on board. 

In other words, cruising doesn’t have to mean big ships, big energy. It can be intimate, relaxed and wonderfully personal.

Cruise evenings are all black tie and ballgowns

Cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes in recent years – especially in the luxury space.

Many now favour resort casual by day and a stylish look in the evening. That might mean a collared shirt and chinos for men, and a floaty dress or jeans with a nice top for women. Smart trainers or sandals are perfectly acceptable on many ships too.

Of course, some lines still lean into the glamour. On Cunard’s Queen Anne, for example, you might find the occasional Gala Evening. But joining in is entirely optional – you could just as easily enjoy a relaxed dinner or a drink in a more casual venue like the Golden Lion pub.

Cruising is all about choice, and with such a wide range of cruise lines available, we can help you find the one that suits your style perfectly.

I’m worried I might feel seasick

It’s a common concern – but modern cruising has come a long way. Today’s ships are fitted with stabilisers designed to reduce movement and keep things smooth. Choosing the right itinerary can help too. Sailing the Mediterranean in summer or hopping between Caribbean islands in winter often means calm conditions.

There are also a few insider tips. A mid-ship stateroom on a lower deck tends to experience the least movement – which is why these cabins are often considered prime real estate.

Still unsure? A river cruise could be the perfect introduction to cruising, with gentle sailing and minimal motion.

I’ll spend a fortune on tipping

Gratuities are a normal part of cruising and are shared among the crew who look after you throughout your trip – from your cabin steward to your favourite bartender.

The typical amount varies by cruise line but is usually around $15–$20 per guest per day. Many travellers choose to add pre-paid gratuities to their holiday cost so everything is sorted before they even step on board.

Even better, some cruise lines include gratuities as standard, meaning there’s nothing extra to think about while you’re away.

Boarding a huge ship must be chaos

It’s actually a very slick process. Cruise lines stagger check-in times so guests arrive gradually rather than all at once. When you arrive, your luggage is checked in and delivered to your cabin later, leaving you free to explore the ship straight away.

Disembarkation at the end of the cruise works in a similar way, with scheduled departure windows that keep things running smoothly.

Food and drinks on board will be pricey

One of the joys of cruising is how much is already included.

Most ships include meals across several restaurants, along with tea, coffee and soft drinks. If you’d like alcohol or speciality drinks, many cruise lines offer drinks packages.

You’ll also often find speciality restaurants with unique menus – sometimes with a small cover charge, sometimes included, depending on the cruise line.

I have to choose my dinner time in advance

While some ships still offer traditional early and late sittings, many now offer flexible dining. That means you can choose when and where to eat, often across several different restaurants. Some ships also allow you to reserve speciality restaurants in advance for particular evenings.

Your Personal Travel Expert can talk you through the dining options for your chosen cruise.

I have to get off the ship at every port

Not at all. Some travellers love exploring every destination, while others treat port days as the perfect time to enjoy a quieter ship. That could mean a spa treatment, a leisurely lunch on deck, a few peaceful hours by the pool or wandering the ship while everyone else is ashore. You can join organised excursions, explore independently, or stay onboard and relax – the choice is entirely yours.