1 CRUISING IS ONLY FOR OLD PEOPLE
Cruise appeals to people of all ages, and the strongest growth among Asian cruiser in the past five years has been in the 30–39-year age group.
2 FOOD IS ALL ABOUT BUFFETS
While most large ships have a buffet, they also have multiple restaurants and cafes included in the fare, as well as specialty restaurants for an extra charge. Many specialty restaurants are headed by well-known chefs, such as Jamie Oliver (Royal Caribbean), Luke Mangan (P&O Cruise Lines.), Nobu Matsuhisa (Crystal Cruises) and David Thompson (Aqua Expeditions).
3 DAYS AT SEA ARE BORING
You will never be bored on a modern cruise ship. The facilities are mind boggling, from huge water parks onboard Carnival ships to skydiving and surfing simulators on Royal Caribbean. If you’re looking for something a little more sedate, Royal Princess and Regal Princess have a glass-floored SeaWalk that juts out over the side of the ship some 40 metres above the ocean. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class ships go one step further with the North Star, a glass pod that is raised to almost 100 metres above the sea for spectacular views. Onboard classes can teach you to speak Spanish, paint with watercolours or manage your personal finances. There are also shops, gyms, jogging tracks, spas, movies and show – you’ll be lucky to manage half of it.
4 YOU’LL BE TOSSED AROUND
Modern ships have multiple stabilisers that significantly reduce the rolling effect of open ocean swells on the ship. You’ll be amazed how quickly you forget you are on a ship, in all but the roughest weather.
5 SHIPS ARE STUFFY AND OLD FASHIONED
While there are dress codes, such as wearing shirts and shoes in cafes and restaurants, casual chic has replaced starchy dress codes. Even Cunard, last bastion of the black tie, is relaxing its rules. Check websites for any that remain.
