The complete and ultimate guide to booking your first cruise for beginners, with everything to know on how to book a cruise.
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8 cruise myths vs reality: The truth about cruising before you book
Thinking about booking a cruise? Discover the truth behind eight common cruise myths, from seasickness, costs and food options to crowd expectations and the idea that cruising is only for a certain type of traveller.
Cruising has become one of the fastest-growing ways to holiday, offering the chance to visit multiple destinations while only unpacking once. Modern cruise ships cater to families, couples, solo travellers and adventure seekers alike, with everything from luxury dining and live entertainment to wellness facilities and shore excursions.
Despite their growing popularity, plenty of misconceptions about cruising remain. Some people think cruises are only for retirees, while others believe they're expensive, crowded or boring.
If you've been hesitant to book your first cruise, here are some of the biggest cruise myths and the reality behind them.
RACV Members get 15 per cent off RACV Travel Insurance.* You can also find your perfect cruise with RACV Travel & Experiences.
Common cruise myths and misconceptions
Myth 1. Cruises are only for older travellers
One of the most common misconceptions is that cruises mainly appeal to retirees.
While cruises have long been popular with older travellers, thanks to their convenience and relaxed pace, today's cruise lines cater to almost every age group and travel style.
Many ships feature water parks, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, laser tag, escape rooms, kids' clubs and dedicated teen spaces. Others focus on luxury, wellness, gourmet dining or expedition experiences for travellers looking for something more adventurous.
Whether you're travelling with young children, as a couple, with friends or solo, there's likely to be a cruise that suits your interests and budget.
More: Choosing a cruise - which cruise line is right for you?
Cruises can appeal to travellers of all ages and holiday styles. Image: Getty
Myth 2: Cruises are too expensive
Cruises can be more affordable than many people realise.
Unlike many land-based holidays, most cruise fares include accommodation, meals, entertainment and transport between destinations in one upfront price. Some cruise lines also include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities or shore excursion credits depending on the fare or package.
When comparing costs, consider everything that's included rather than looking solely at the advertised fare. You can also save money by:
- booking during promotional sales
- travelling during shoulder season
- choosing an inside cabin if you don't plan to spend much time in your room
- booking well in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals if your travel dates are flexible.
Like any holiday, luxury options exist, but there are cruises available across a wide range of budgets. RACV Travel & Experiences can help you find the perfect cruise.
More: 10 reasons to book with a travel expert
Myth 3: You'll feel seasick the whole time
Many first-time cruisers worry they'll spend their holiday feeling unwell.
The reality is that modern cruise ships are significantly larger and more stable than older vessels. Advanced stabiliser technology helps minimise movement, particularly in calm conditions. Many travellers experience little or no seasickness throughout their cruise.
If you’re concerned about motion sickness, there are a few ways to make your cruise more comfortable.
- Choose a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck, where movement is generally less noticeable.
- Pack over-the-counter motion sickness medication after speaking with your pharmacist or doctor.
- Wear motion sickness wristbands if they work for you.
- Spend time looking at the horizon and getting fresh air if you begin to feel queasy.
If you're particularly prone to motion sickness, consider cruises that visit calmer waters or travel during seasons when conditions are typically more settled. You could also choose a river cruise, where motion sickness is far less of a factor and itineraries still take you to incredible locations.
More: What helps with motion sickness for car, boat, and plane travel
Myth 4: You'll be bored at sea
Some people imagine long days with little to do while travelling between ports. In reality, many cruise ships are destinations in themselves. Depending on the cruise line and ship, activities may include:
- live theatre productions
- comedy shows
- cooking demonstrations and classes
- fitness classes and sporting facilities
- swimming pools and water slides
- spas and wellness centres
- trivia competitions
- live music
- movie nights
- enrichment lectures
- wine tastings.
There are many cruise itineraries with minimal sea days, giving you more opportunity to explore in port. Many travellers find there isn’t enough time to experience everything available during their voyage.
Of course, if your ideal holiday involves relaxing with a book beside the pool or watching the ocean pass by, there’s plenty of time for that too.
There are plenty of spaces to unwind on a cruise ship. Image: Getty
Myth 5: You'll be stuck with thousands of people
Cruise ships can carry thousands of passengers, but they're designed with multiple restaurants, lounges, entertainment venues and outdoor spaces to spread people throughout the ship.
If you prefer quieter experiences, many cruise lines offer adults-only pools, specialty dining restaurants, spa areas and peaceful observation lounges away from the busiest areas. You can also look for adults-only cruises or ships without casinos if those are features you’d prefer.
Smaller ships and expedition cruises can also offer a more intimate experience with significantly fewer passengers.
Choosing the right cruise line and ship can make a big difference if you're looking for a more relaxed holiday.
More: When is the best time to go on a cruise?
Myth 6: Cruise food is all buffets
While buffet restaurants remain popular for casual dining, they're only one part of the onboard food experience.
Most cruise ships offer several complimentary dining venues, including full-service restaurants with multi-course meals. Many also feature specialty restaurants showcasing cuisines such as Italian, Japanese, French, steakhouse and seafood.
Dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, are widely catered for when advised in advance.
Food quality has also improved considerably over the past decade, with some cruise lines partnering with celebrity chefs or focusing on regional cuisine inspired by the destinations they visit.
Research your travel destinations carefully to help choose a cruise. Image: Getty
Myth 7: You have to join organised shore excursions
Cruise lines offer a wide variety of shore excursions, but joining one isn't compulsory.
Many ports give travellers the flexibility to explore independently, whether that means wandering through historic towns, visiting beaches, hiring bicycles or using local public transport. How much you can see will depend on how long the ship is in port. If you choose to book your own excursion, allow plenty of time to return, as the ship may not wait for passengers who are late back!
Organised excursions can provide convenience, local expertise and peace of mind, particularly in unfamiliar destinations or where attractions are located some distance from the port.
Before deciding, research each destination carefully and allow plenty of time to return to the ship before departure if you're exploring independently.
Book with an RACV travel agent to get help booking preferred shore excursions in advance, where possible.
More: The best European river cruises
Myth 8: Cruises aren't environmentally conscious
The cruise industry has invested heavily in reducing its environmental impact.
Many newer ships are more fuel-efficient and feature cleaner propulsion systems, advanced wastewater treatment, improved recycling programs and technologies designed to reduce emissions while in port.
Some cruise lines are also introducing shore power capabilities, allowing ships to connect to local electricity rather than running engines while docked where infrastructure exists.
Travellers can also reduce their own environmental impact by following local guidelines, avoiding wildlife disturbance, using reusable drink bottles where permitted and supporting responsible tourism operators during shore visits.
* RACV Member discount applies to the premium only (not applicable taxes).
Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Limited (ABN 44 004 060 833, AR No. 1243563) (RACV) is an authorised representative of the RACV Travel Insurance insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548) (Tokio Marine). Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty Ltd (ABN 69 001 488 455, AR No. 1313066) is an authorised representative of Tokio Marine, and administers RACV Travel Insurance as the managing agent on behalf of Tokio Marine.
Terms, conditions (including eligibility criteria), exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply. Any advice is general advice only, and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you purchase, please consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) / Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determinations (TMDs) available on RACV’s website, or on request from RACV.
