A cruise. Does that conjure up bad buffets, awful entertainment and seasickness to you?

It always amazes me just how many misconceptions there are about cruises and one of the biggest challenges of our industry is to help overcome them.

We need to dispel all those nasty myths that circulate, and find the perfect cruise for everyone.

They’re certainly out there – from fun ships from Carnival Cruises and the family friendly fun on-board Royal Caribbean’s brilliant super-liners to the sophisticated elegance of Cunard or Windstar Cruises ships. It’s just about finding the right ship to suit your needs.

So what is it about a cruise that turns people off? Do people think that cruises aren’t cool because they think that they’re associated with the older generation?

I was recently on-board P&O Ventura and I’m always pleasantly surprised at the eclectic mix of people – kids enjoying themselves in the brilliant kids-only zones, families by the pools and couples of all ages enjoying a drink in one of the numerous bars. All enjoying exactly the type of holiday they want to.

The average age of people choosing to cruise is also coming down year on year, and cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises are doing a great job in giving younger generations what they want from their well-earned holidays. That’s great to see.

And when it comes to food, well, seasoned cruisers know just how fantastic the food is on-board. Why is it then that people are always worried about bad buffets and regimented seating arrangements?

P&O Cruises boast a Marco Pierre White and Gary Rhodes restaurant and Ocean Village have James Martin as their celebrity chef. This really helps people overcome the idea that cruises are only about the 24-hour buffet (although that is a distinct perk when you get a bit peckish late night!).

I was excited to hear recently that Oasis of the Seas, launching next year, will have a whopping 20 restaurants! Regimented? Limited choice? Hardly!

I’m told women love to get all glammed up so when they hear about formal nights on-board cruises, nine times out of ten, they get pretty excited. Out come the little black dresses and the bling usually only specially reserved for the Christmas party season.

Men, on the other hand, often cringe at the thought of donning a tux and swooning around on deck like James Bond. It’s great that cruise lines have adopted a ‘fabulous but flexible’ approach, giving people the choice of whether they want glitz and glamour or something a little more casual. In fact, now hardly any cruise lines strictly enforce the black tie dress code for evenings. Another myth dispelled? I think so!

One of Simon Cowell’s favourite put-downs is “I think you’d be more suited to singing on a cruise ship”. Well, I imagine it must have been a while since Mr. Cowell has stepped on-board a cruise ship, because I’m always impressed at the quality of the entertainment on offer.

Even if the stage productions aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, there are also the bars to prop up, the casinos to have a flutter in, or just some live music to sit and enjoy on deck. So Simon – if you’re interested, I’m sure the cruise lines would be happy to prove you wrong!

So what are some of the funniest things you’ve heard about cruising that just aren’t true. From the blue rinse brigade to chewy chicken – leave the most absurd preconceptions you’ve heard recently in the comments section below.

Robin Deller

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