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From 70 Cruises: Debunking Myths & Sharing Top Tips, Cabin Views Optional!

TEDDIE

Have you never experienced a cruise and have no desire to go on one?

Gaynor Speakman, aged 59, might just alter your perspective.

She has completed 70 cruise trips and manages her own travel consulting business via an agency.
Not Just Travel
, and here debunks seven common misconceptions about cruises 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 perfect cruise — 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 altered your perspective…


Legend 1 – I am unable to go cruising solo.

Cruising can be perfect for those traveling alone,” states Gaynor from Bolton. “The Norwegian Cruise Line stands out because they provide a coffee lounge specifically designed for solo travelers to connect informally with others who share similar interests. This casual setup eases social interactions without putting anyone under stress. Many long-lasting friendships and even some marriages have originated from these cruise encounters.


Legend 2 – I might feel queasy on the sea

Gaynor remarks, “When it comes to adjustments for cruising at sea, significant progress has been made over the years. Numerous vessels now feature fin stabilizers designed to minimize the ship’s rocking motion. Often enough, you won’t notice your movement unless you catch the soft sound of the engines running. In cases where discomfort arises, ginger tea and cookies work wonders against nausea.”


Myth 3 – Cruises are packed with pretentious individuals.

Gaynor says cruises are far from being dull.

She clarifies: “Many believe that cruises are overly formal and pretentious venues, but this perception is inaccurate. Indeed, numerous cruise lines excel at crafting an exclusive, tailor-made experience with great finesse.”

For instance, Cunard offers bellboys, white-glove services, and exclusive access to specific areas of the vessel and dining venues based on your cabin category. Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises delivers opulence with top-notch culinary and beverage choices.

On the other hand, several other cruise companies like Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) have quite casual dress code policies, allowing passengers to wear whatever they prefer. Additionally, guests can interact with crew members who often join them for meals at the dining establishments.


Legend 4 – The vessel is set to collide with something.

People who haven’t sailed before usually tell me they imagined the ship would feel similar to a ferry,” explains Gaynor. “But cruising is completely different! The Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, one of the biggest ships globally, can accommodate almost 5,000 passengers yet offers ample room. I once spent close to an hour in the ship’s outdoor Central Park sipping wine without encountering anyone else. These vessels are meticulously designed with distinct neighborhoods and sections where you can find peaceful spots.


Legend 5 – I might get bored


Boredom is out of the question on a cruise ship,” asserts Gaynor. “Modern vessels come equipped with an array of activities—from ice skating rinks to indoor skydiving and acrobatic performances, along with movie theaters, go-kart tracks, cooking lessons, and even gin distilling—ensuring there’s something entertaining for every individual regardless of their age.


Legend 6 – Cruising is only for the older generation.

Previously considered the preferred vacation option for wealthy seniors, cruising has experienced a significant shift,” states Gaynor, “now appealing to a far 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

“Cruise ship entertainment is currently among the most advanced, inventive, and thrilling experiences available,” according to Gaynor.

Ponder over the expense of attending premier shows in London’s West End – now think of how this cost is integrated into your cruise fare. The entertainment offered onboard a ship, which is part of your cruise fee, could easily amount to several hundred pounds if viewed separately on solid ground.

‘Regal Royal Caribbean presents an impressive drone spectacle called ‘The Effectors,’ merging Broadway-caliber artistry with a sky full of soaring drones for an unforgettable experience over the waves.’

MSC Cruises provides special Cirque du Soleil productions, unique acts designed exclusively for their vessels – shows you can’t experience on land.

‘By the way, did you hear that the P&O Cruises’ music director is actually Gary Barlow?’

Cruise lines keep pushing boundaries by forming alliances with top-notch entertainment firms and recruiting famous personalities to create jaw-dropping events aimed at surpassing rival offerings. This leads to an exciting and constantly changing vacation choice where you won’t need your wallet.

Gaynor’s advice for securing the ultimate cruise experience


Determine exactly what you desire first – prior to checking the costs.

Gaynor clarifies: “To guarantee your perfect cruise experience, focus more on understanding what kind of vacation suits you instead of just looking at cost. Even if you find an excellent bargain, it won’t be enjoyable unless it aligns with your preferences and you’re aboard the right vessel. As an illustration, Royal Caribbean excels when traveling with family due to their flexible options and outstanding children’s facilities. If affordability is key for you, consider MSC Cruises. For those seeking adult-only trips without kids, Virgin Voyages cater well towards couple travelers. Meanwhile, both Celebrity and Cunard provide luxurious cruising experiences.”


When should you book to secure an excellent deal?

A considerable amount of the time, cruises tend to fill up very rapidly,” explains Gaynor. “Voyages offered by P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises often see reservations made two to three years ahead. Most regular staterooms for 2025 holiday cruises with P&O Cruises and MSC have already been snapped up. Certain around-the-world journeys become fully reserved immediately after their schedules are announced.

Nevertheless, if you aren’t particularly concerned with your destination, you often have the chance to secure an excellent late booking offer for a cruise within two months of departure.


Are you a first-time cruise-goer or looking to save money? A room without a window might just be ideal for you.

Many people may find the concept of staying in an interior cabin – basically a regular hotel room sans windows – less enticing initially. Nonetheless, the price gap among different cabin categories can be substantial. Choosing an interior cabin for your first sailing allows you to savor the cruise adventure at a reduced expense. Should you become enamored with cruising, upgrading to a balcony could be considered during future voyages.

‘A lot of experienced cruiser enthusiasts frequently endorse interior staterooms. These accommodations offer an economical choice and create a pleasantly dim setting perfect for getting excellent rest at night. In today’s cruise vessels brimming with various facilities, numerous travelers consider their cabin merely as a practical space to sleep, freshen up, and rejuvenate, allocating most of their funds towards meals, entertainment, or tours.’


My smart trick for enhancing window views

Worried about not having a window? According to Gaynor, there’s an easy solution: “Turn your cabin’s TV into your ‘window.’ Many cruise ships have webcams broadcasting live footage of the sea. Keep the stream running all night; although it will start off dark, you’ll see a simulated sunrise when daylight comes or catch a real-time glimpse of where you’re headed as you get closer. This method effectively mimics natural lighting quite well.”


Seeking alone time? A balcony cabin provides serenity.

Gaynor suggests that for individuals who cherish peaceful times and seek their own secluded spot, investing in a balcony cabin can be truly worthwhile. She explains that having personal access to an outside area where you can read a book or listen to the calming sounds of ocean waves offers a special kind of indulgence that’s difficult to surpass. Additionally, she notes that the degree of coziness differs among various cruise lines; whereas some may only provide basic seating options, companies like Virgin Voyages enhance this feature even further with amenities such as hanging beds.


‘Be it an interior cabin or a luxurious balcony, there’s a choice to match each traveler’s preference and wallet.’


Looking for the ultimate hassle-free experience? Hire a cruise expert – it won’t cost you anything!

Gaynor clarifies: “Planning your initial cruise trip or one with a new-to-you cruise company might seem daunting. This is precisely why collaborating with a seasoned cruise specialist travel agent makes sense—they guide you through each step and ensure they secure just what you desire right when bookings become available.”

‘Thousands of cruise experiences and ship tours have been undertaken by numerous travel agents during port stops, enabling them to advise precisely on timing, location, and cabin selection. Furthermore, their personalized assistance comes without any charge!’

‘The cruise company covers their own commission, not you, plus the rates remain unchanged from what they would be if you reserved directly.’


In what ways can children’s clubs prevent you from making a reservation?

Gaynor shares: “A lesser-known benefit of booking ahead is the access to kids’ clubs.”

A ship might offer plenty of cabins, yet if all spots in the kids clubs for specific age groups are filled, that particular family won’t find an available spot.

‘Children’s clubs maintain stringent staff-to-kid ratios—should your four-year-old be part of an age group where all available kid’s club staff members are assigned, then spots might not open up for you. Therefore, if you’re traveling with children, it’s advisable to make reservations ahead of time to secure their spot.’


Looking for some extra uniqueness? Consider joining a club.

If exclusivity at a reasonable cost is what you’re after,” states Gaynor, “certain cruise lines like MSC provide an exclusive ‘ship-within-a-ship’ option designed specifically for their Yacht Club Members. This arrangement grants you special accommodations, including distinct cabins, a dedicated member’s swimming area, a separate dining venue, and priority entry into the spa amenities along with expedited disembarkation processes when arriving at ports. Additionally, these guests enjoy lodging on a higher deck offering superior vistas.


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