Myths about Cruises

Myth #1. It's too expensive.
I've seen literally thousands of cruises online in the $399 range (or less) for 4 days and 3 nights. Why not use our cruise and airline discount certificate to get the best deals possible. Included in the base price with most cruises are all meals, your room, and all activities on board, and you can calculate the tips (the recommended gratuity is at least half of what they should get). It is not cheap to drink and gamble (that's how they make their money - duuh) and also why they can afford to give you a free cruise. You can find cheaper shore excursions negotiating yourself with the local drivers lined up at ports waiting to offer you a better deal (how's $5 a person for 4-hour tour of Island?) Massages on the Russian River cruise (Uniworld) were $20 an hour. Cheapest rates BTW are between the end of August and up to Christmas, but also many "last minute" deals. Get your passport ready so you can take advantage of these specials.

Myth #2. Takes too long...
Cruises come in all lengths, from 2 days to months. BTW, if you'd like to go on a cruise for 5 days or more then you could take a companion for free! Click Here for details.

Myth #3. They don't go anywhere I'd want to go.
That's hard to believe. According to Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and go practically everywhere accessible by water. The Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Orient and more. And don't forget the River cruises, the Volga, the Danube, the Mississippi, the Hudson...

Myth #4. I'm not free during the month of...
Cruises go out all the time! The Caribbean is wonderful year round, but some locations have restrictions. According to CLIA, you can only cruise Alaska between May and September; to Europe between April and November; to Bermuda between April and October; the Panama Canal, between September and April. Of course, as restrictions may change, it would be a good idea to call and check on the destinations and times that you want.

Myth #5. It's too risky because of hurricanes.
Official Hurricane Season is June 1st to November 31st. That's half the year. The CLIA states that "ships are equipped with state-of-the-art weather equipment that keeps the crew fully aware of a storm's position and if there's any danger, they simply change course." Vacationers who cruised during Hurricane Isabel said it was safer than being anywhere on land in the vicinity. They simply changed course and outran it. Another "Cruiser", who "cruised" during Vietnam says they would dip in and out of a hurricane in order to wash the ship. Your Captain knows what he's doing and with a trillion dollar ship at stake (not to mention the countless number of lives onboard) he/she is well qualified to handle virtually any situation... Of course you may end up in Belize instead of Grand Cayman, but you'll be out of harm's way.

Myth #6. I'm not sure I'll choose the best cruiseline.
Having members who have cruised on several lines, I'll tell you they all had good experiences and said that each cruise line had its plusses and minuses. Go online and look around. When choosing, consider price, ports, ships (size, age, accommodations), and passengers (number, interests, ages, etc.) I've never spoken with anyone who'd been on more than one line who had a "favorite". If you've already purchased our hottest certificate (7 Day Tropical Vacation Certificate) you're sure of the dates you want to cruise then simply call us (number located on your cruise certificate) and we'll set you up with

Myth #7. Those ships are too big/too small, the atmosphere is too casual/too fancy, it's all boozing and gambling/all high brow culture and museums.
Cruise ships come in all sizes, from under 220' to over 1000', carrying anywhere from 100 to over 2600 cruisers. Some are casual, some old-world luxury. Some have endless activities like at a resort, while others focus on culture. Many offer enrichment lectures with topics from Renaissance art, to self improvement, to strategic financial planning.

Myth #8. You get treated differently if you can't afford first class.
Doesn't exist any more. All passengers can use all facilities, even guest lecturers! The price of the cruise is based primarily on the cabin size and location, and there's no way to distinguish when you're out and about. Everyone dines together, and all services are just as courteous.

Myth #9. It's too complicated...
Ask someone who's actually cruised to explain to you what it's like in reality. For instance, dress is mostly casual, shore excursions are easy to set up, there are multiple dining options (you can even avoid "formal night" if you like and still eat!), you can get laundry and dry cleaning, there are activities for your children, your bags are delivered to your cabin door... to me, cruising has all the benefits of a trip without about 90% of the hassle - no parking problems, you only unpack once, lots of guidance and people to help you, you can drink because the Captain's always driving.

Myth #10. All you'do on a cruise is eat.
The "average" weight gain on a cruise is 8 lbs., but I have lost weight on some cruises. It's a matter of choice because there are more healthy food options available than you'd find in an onshore restaurant, as well as exercise programs and equipment, dancing, and rigorous excursion options. Make smart choices and you can come back more fit than when you left, both physically and mentally.