Never sailed before but considering a cruise? There are a lot of factors that come into play while deciding if a cruise is the right vacation choice — including the makeup of your fellow passengers.
Let's start off by setting the record straight: You shouldn't obsess too much about the possibility that you'll get seasick, or get bored on the ship, or not mix well with the other passengers on board. Here are 5 cruise myths busted and 5 more cruise vacation myths.
So let's tackle the basic question: What kind of people go on a cruise?
If you've been on a cruise before, you already know the answer: People just like you go on a cruise. With 23 million people a year taking cruises, there is a little bit of a cruiser in all of us.
Here's how I answer the question when friends ask. Some answers may surprise you!
Who goes on a cruise?
People who want to see the world. Cruisers don’t just wear floral shirts! Cruise ships travel all around the world, which means cruisers do, too. (Don't believe me? Check Cruiseable's Bliss Filters and click a region.) In fact, a majority of cruises occur outside of the Caribbean. Cruise vacations offer cruisers the opportunity to encounter new cultures and new people from across the globe. Istanbul! Fiji! Rio!
People who want to explore. When at a port of call, cruisers like to make the most of their time in a new location. Sometimes this means going on an organized tour, and other times it means setting out to explore on your own. Either way, those on cruise ships do like to experience the offerings at their ports of call. Even if sometimes that means a trip to the closest beach.
People who like to sample new things. A cruisers a bit overindulgent? We cruisers would simply say we like to sample new foods, drinks, music, art, and more. But, most cruise ships have sports areas and gyms to burn those extra calories. So keep in mind: Those who cruise can also stay fit!
People who are open-minded. Unlike others who are so quick to judge us, cruisers are not closed-minded. They love trying new things, meeting people from all over the world, and seeing new places, all while having fun! Isn’t that what travel is supposed to be about?
People who are social. Cruisers are friendly and outgoing. Whether you are a fellow traveler or a local, cruisers love to get out there and chat. Heck, they might even become your friend! Who doesn’t like to meet people who share similar interests while traveling?
People who are generous. Cruises are a great vacation value, but even when we score a good deal, cruisers pay it forward. Cruisers show their appreciation to the crew for exceptional service with kind words and tipping above and beyond the customary “prepaid gratuities.” We are also more than happy to share tips with other travelers to help them make the most of their vacation.
People who like to have fun. Can you ever have too much fun? Not really. Fun can be anything from reading a good book poolside, to enjoying a spa treatment, to ziplining through a rainforest, to sipping on a piña colada, to dancing the night away to your favorite tunes. It's your vacation!
People who travel often. Cruisers love to cruise; however, that does not define us. Yes, we are a loyal bunch and love to share our stories of sea days past, but cruisers are also worldly. Many cruisers have traveled the globe, not only by sea, but by land and air.
People who want lasting memories. Whether it is dressing up and taking formal photos or roaming around ports of call with a Go Pro, cruisers want to document vacation adventures. From purchasing souvenirs to participating in ship activities, cruisers make the most of their vacations. After all, aren’t you going on vacation to make memories that will last a lifetime?
So there you go. Not only are the ports of call and the ships themselves worth the trip, but also meeting fellow cruisers can make your vacation truly memorable. And, after only one cruise, you might just become a lifelong cruiser yourself!
Your take
Are you a cruiser? What does it really means to be a “cruiser”? What kind of folks do you meet on a ship? Please leave a comment below.
Other articles in our series New to Cruising
- 10 cruise tips every beginner should know
- 5 tips to help first-timers plan a great cruise
- How to find a cruise ship size that's right for you
- 5 tips on how to make the most of your time on a cruise
- What kind of people go on a cruise?
- What is there to do on a cruise ship?
- What is there to do at night on a cruise?
- What you can do in port during a cruise
