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Travel

Debunking negative myths about cruising

By PATTI COVELLO PIETSCHMANN
Published October 8, 2006

If you've never taken a cruise you're missing the boat.

Cruising is simply the best hassle-free way to see the world. You only pack and unpack once. If you don't live in the port of embarkation, usually only one round-trip flight is necessary. And you get to live on a floating hotel that transports you to exotic, tropical and interesting parts of the world. So what's stopping you? Perhaps it's a fear of the unknown. So to help jump-start your nautical spirit, here are a few myths and truths of cruising that may assuage any apprehensions:

1. Myth: They feed you nonstop until you turn into the Goodyear blimp.

Truth: Although food is plentiful, nobody force-feeds you; you do the fork lifting all by yourself. And today all ships offer spa cuisine, diet-controlled portions and lots of exercise options from jogging tracks to gyms and beyond.

2. Myth: It's boring.

Truth: Only if you think non-stop diversions aren't stimulating. Most ships provide head-spinning activities from cultural lectures to disco dancing, casinos to computer classes, evening shows and performances, shore excursions, aforementioned spa options and world-class gyms, shopping arcades in which to max out the credit card, casinos in which to lose your shirt (or win a T-shirt if you hit a slot machine jackpot), current movies in a theater or your stateroom, and more. More cerebral pursuits include well-stocked libraries, computer centers with Internet hookups, reading, writing and daydreaming.

3. Myth: I'll feel claustrophobic.

Truth: Most ships now sport bigger staterooms and suites, many with outside verandas. You can leave the doors open day and night or go out for a fresh breath of air on a whim (just stay off the balcony railing). The new, bigger vessels have acres of deck space. Some are as large or larger than a football field.

4. Myth: I have to be dressed up all the time.

Truth: Sporty attire is acceptable on all ships during the day. Many ships have adopted a more casual dress code for evenings or offer casual dining venues. Some cruise lines no longer require tuxedos on formal nights and others ask only that the man wear a jacket and tie and women an appropriate outfit.

5. Myth: I'll be too unconnected with the world.

Truth: The Internet is available on most ships, though sometimes exasperatingly slow (and a bit pricey). Just about every port, even the most remote, has Internet service these days as well as inexpensive phone cards for sale. I once paid $20 for a phone card in Australia that had so many minutes on it I gave it to a crew member to use on the day we disembarked.

So what's your worry?

Patti Covello Pietschmann is a freelance writer in Los Angeles who specializes in spas and cruises.

[Last modified October 6, 2006, 11:52:01]