Many people dream of taking a cruise, but when it's time to actually book, doubts start to creep in. Will I get seasick? What if it's too crowded? Isn't it more expensive than just going to a resort?

These are valid concerns. But the truth is, cruising has evolved a lot over the years, and most of these objections don't hold up once you know the facts. Let's look at the eight most common cruise objections and the real story behind them.

1. "I'm worried I'll get seasick and it will ruin my whole trip."

The concern: If you've never cruised before, it's natural to wonder: What if the motion makes me miserable the entire time? Nobody wants to spend their vacation in bed instead of by the pool or exploring new ports.

The truth: Modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers that minimize motion, making the ride surprisingly smooth. Additionally, there are easy solutions such as choosing a mid-ship stateroom on a lower deck where the ship has more stability, using motion patches, or taking over-the-counter remedies. The majority of first-time cruisers who worry about seasickness end up surprised at how little it affects them (if at all).

2. "I'll get sick—aren't ships full of germs?"

The concern: For many first-timers, this is a big one. You picture thousands of people sharing buffets, using the same elevators, and walking the same hallways. With everyone in close quarters, it's easy to assume germs spread like wildfire and that catching a cold, or worse, on a cruise is almost inevitable.

The truth: Cruise ships follow some of the strictest sanitation and health standards in the entire travel industry. Cruise ships that call on U.S. ports are subject to unannounced inspections through the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program, which enforces some of the strictest environmental health standards in the travel industry. Most ships score well above the passing grade of 85, often earning 95 or higher. (CDC Vessel Sanitation Program)

Crew members are constantly cleaning and disinfecting public areas, and handwashing stations and sanitizer dispensers are everywhere (you'll even be encouraged to use them before entering dining areas). In fact, many ships have stricter hygiene protocols than hotels or airports.

Yes, illness can happen anywhere people gather, but you're just as likely (if not more likely) to pick up germs at a crowded airport, airplane, or theme park than you are on a modern cruise ship. Plus, every ship has a medical center on board with trained doctors and nurses, something most resorts can't offer.

3. "What if it's not safe?"

The concern: For people who haven't cruised before, safety is often a top worry. You might picture accidents at sea, hear news reports about rare mishaps, or even wonder what would happen if someone fell overboard. When you're miles from land, it's natural to ask, "Will I really be safe out there?"

The truth: The reality is that cruising remains one of the safest ways to travel. Here's why:

Strict safety systems and protocols – Cruise ships are built to meet rigorous international safety standards and must pass regular, thorough inspections before sailing. People onboard are not navigating blindly; they're backed by technology, training, and procedures designed to keep them secure.
Mandatory safety drills – At the start of every cruise, passengers participate in a "muster drill" to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of an unlikely emergency.
Even improbable incidents are extremely rare – things like falling overboard, while scary to imagine, occur in just 0.00004% of cases, according to data from the Cruise Lines International Association. Many of these are linked to reckless or intentional actions—not accidents.
Numbers tell the story – A study commissioned by industry experts found that, even as cruise passenger numbers rose 55% between 2009 and 2018, incidents aboard ships declined by 37%. Man-overboard cases dropped by 35%, according to The Times and Wikipedia.

4. "I'll feel trapped."

The concern: For someone who hasn't cruised before, the idea of being "stuck on a boat" for days can sound claustrophobic. You might picture small cabins, crowded hallways, and nowhere to escape until you dock again. If you like your personal space, this can feel like a dealbreaker.

The truth: The reality couldn't be more different. Today's cruise ships are floating resorts; some are even closer to floating cities. They're designed with open spaces, endless amenities, and so much variety that most guests find they don't even have time to experience everything in one sailing.

Sheer size: The largest ships in the world, like Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas, stretch nearly 1,200 feet long with more than 20 decks. That's taller than many skyscrapers and longer than three football fields.
Unmatched variety: These ships feature multiple pools, full-scale theaters, comedy clubs, shopping promenades, spas, fitness centers, waterparks, and even neighborhoods. Some have Central Park-style green spaces with thousands of live plants, others have surf simulators, ziplines, and skywalk attractions.
Space for everyone: With this much room, it's easy to find your vibe, whether that's enjoying lively poolside entertainment, ducking into a quiet lounge, or grabbing a book and relaxing on a private balcony. You're never stuck in one place.
Changing scenery: And don't forget the ports. Most cruises stop at multiple destinations, meaning that every day (or two) you're in a brand-new place with a new experience waiting for you.

Instead of feeling trapped, most first-time cruisers are surprised at how much freedom they have—whether that’s finding a quiet spot to themselves, joining in the fun, or exploring a brand-new port the next day. The only thing you won’t feel on a modern cruise ship is stuck.

5. "Cruises aren't really all-inclusive—aren't there hidden fees?"

The concern: At first glance, cruise fares can look too good to be true. People often wonder, "Sure, the cabin price looks low, but once I add drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, and gratuities, won't the bill skyrocket?" Nobody likes feeling surprised by costs after they've already committed to a trip.

The truth: Cruises are actually one of the best vacation values you can find, especially compared to land-based trips. The core of your vacation is already bundled into the fare: lodging, meals, entertainment, and transportation between destinations. That's a lot of value packed into one upfront price.

For example, imagine a week at a beach resort. You'd pay nightly hotel rates, then add three meals a day at restaurants, nightly shows or activities, taxis or rental cars to get around, and tips for every service. Suddenly, what looked like a good deal on paper balloons into thousands more than you expected. With a cruise, those same elements, room, food, shows, activities, and transportation from port to port, are included from the start. In fact, on some of the largest ships, there's so much included entertainment and dining variety that many guests say they couldn't experience it all in one sailing.

Even better: Many cruise lines now offer drink packages, Wi-Fi bundles, or "all-inclusive" style promotions that cover gratuities and extras. This means you can set your budget before you sail and relax knowing there won't be any surprises.

Working with a travel advisor helps here, too—we can walk you through exactly what's included, which packages make sense for your travel style, and how to lock in a trip that's both affordable and stress-free.

6. "It will be too crowded."

The truth: Cruise ships are intentionally designed to disperse people, not cram them together. Even the biggest ships, with guest capacities over 5,000, spread those travelers across dozens of dining venues, multiple pools, theaters, lounges, and activity zones. In fact, the larger the ship, the more options there usually are, so everyone isn't doing the same thing at the same time.

Dining variety: Beyond buffets, ships offer main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, cafés, and grab-and-go spots, so mealtimes are naturally staggered.
Entertainment choices: With multiple shows, live music venues, comedy clubs, and movie screens all happening at once, crowds tend to thin out.
Plenty of space outdoors: Pool decks are just one option. You'll also find adults-only sun decks, solariums, jogging tracks, and tucked-away lounges with ocean views.
Options for every style: If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere overall, luxury and boutique cruise lines carry far fewer passengers while still offering top-notch service and amenities.

Most guests are surprised to discover that even on the world's largest ships, there are quiet corners where you can sip coffee, read a book, or enjoy the ocean breeze without anyone around. Crowds are far less of an issue than people imagine.

7. "Cruises hurt the environment."

The concern: Many travelers today want their vacations to align with their values, and that includes caring for the planet. You may have heard news stories about cruise ships emitting pollutants, generating waste, or harming delicate destinations. It's understandable to wonder: Isn't cruising bad for the environment?

The truth: Like every area of travel, cruising does have an environmental impact. However, the industry has made significant strides in sustainability in recent years, and many cruise lines are leading the way with green innovations that surpass what most hotels or resorts currently offer.

Cleaner fuels: New ships are being built to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the cleanest-burning fuels available at scale. Others are being fitted with advanced exhaust-cleaning systems to reduce emissions.
Waste reduction: Many cruise lines have eliminated single-use plastics onboard, increased recycling, and invested in advanced waste treatment systems that exceed international regulations.
Energy efficiency: Modern ships are designed to use less energy, with LED lighting, smart air conditioning, and technologies that reduce fuel consumption.
Protecting destinations: Shore excursions are increasingly focused on eco-friendly practices, such as small, group tours, conservation projects, and partnerships with local communities.
Industry-wide accountability: Organizations like CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) have committed to achieving net-zero carbon cruising by 2050.

The key takeaway: Choosing a cruise line that prioritizes sustainability enables you to travel responsibly without compromising your experience. In fact, cruising can often be more environmentally efficient than land-based vacations, since a ship combines hotel, restaurants, and entertainment into one shared footprint while moving thousands of people at once.

8. "Cruises aren't for people like me."

The concern: Many people still hold outdated stereotypes about cruising. You might think cruises are only for retirees playing bingo, gamblers spending hours in the casino, or families with young kids running wild in the pool. If you don't see yourself in those groups, it's easy to assume cruising isn't your thing.

The truth: Cruising today is incredibly diverse, and the five major lines I recommend each offer something unique depending on your travel style:

Celebrity Cruises – Perfect for those who love modern luxury, incredible dining, and a chic atmosphere without stuffiness. Think rooftop gardens, world-class entertainment, and a resort-style experience.
Royal Caribbean – A match for active travelers and multi-generational families. With ships like Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, you'll find record-breaking waterparks, sky-high attractions, and plenty of spaces for adults to relax while kids and teens have fun.
Norwegian Cruise Line – Ideal for travelers seeking flexibility. With "Freestyle Cruising," you're not locked into set dining times or dress codes. You'll also find Broadway shows, lively nightlife, and private areas, such as The Haven, for a more exclusive feel.
Disney Cruise Line – Not just for little kids! Disney Cruises are loved by families with teens, young adults, and even couples who want a bit of Disney magic paired with fine dining, Broadway-caliber entertainment, and adults-only lounges and spaces.
Virgin Voyages – Designed exclusively for adults (18+), Virgin offers a fresh take on cruising with incredible dining (no buffets!), late-night entertainment, wellness-focused activities, and a trendy, festival-at-sea vibe.

No matter your age or travel style, there's a cruise line designed to fit your personality and what you want out of a vacation. Cruises today are anything but one-size-fits-all.

If one of these objections has been holding you back, now you know the real story. Cruises can be safe, affordable, fun, and a perfect fit for many different types of travelers.

Thinking about a cruise but still unsure? Let's chat. I'll help you find the right cruise line, ship, and itinerary that fits your comfort level and travel style.

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