In short
Most cruise myths are out of date: modern ships suit all ages, seasickness is rare on large ships, and you do not need formal clothes. Some are half true: extras cost money, and popular ports can be busy. Check what your fare includes and pick a route and season that suit you.
The myths at a glance
| Myth | Verdict | In one line |
|---|---|---|
| "It's only for older people" | Out of date | Large ships are built for every age, from kids' clubs to night clubs |
| "I'll be bored" | Mostly untrue | A port almost every day on most routes, and plenty to do on sea days |
| "I'll be seasick" | Rarely | Large ships are stable; choosing the route and cabin helps |
| "It's too expensive" | Depends | Cabin, meals and transport are in one price; extras are not |
| "All-inclusive means everything" | Half true | Meals and shows yes; most drinks, Wi-Fi and excursions usually not |
| "You need formal clothes" | Out of date | Smart casual most nights; dressing up on gala nights is optional |
| "Too little time in port" | Half true | Usually six to ten hours — enough for one city, not for a whole region |
| "It's complicated to plan" | Untrue | One booking covers your bed, meals and route |
"It's only for older people"
That picture comes from the cruises of decades ago. Today's large ships have water slides, kids' and teen clubs, sports courts, theatres and night clubs alongside quiet lounges and libraries. The mix of guests depends mostly on the route and the season: in school holidays you see many families, outside them more couples and retirees. If you want a lively ship, choose a large ship on a popular route in the holidays; if you want a calm one, travel outside them.
"I'll be bored"
On most routes in Europe and the Caribbean the ship is in a new port almost every day. Sea days have a full programme — shows, classes, talks, pools, the spa — and nothing is compulsory. People who like a lot of variety should look for itineraries with many ports and few sea days; people who want to rest should do the opposite. See what a typical day on a cruise looks like.
"I'll be seasick"
Large modern ships have stabilisers, and most guests feel little or no movement. It is more noticeable on open water such as the North Sea or the Bay of Biscay in autumn and winter, and less in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean in season. If you are worried: choose a calm route for your first cruise, a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck, and take what usually helps you. The ship's medical centre also has remedies. See how to choose a cabin.
"It's too expensive"
A cruise fare usually includes your cabin, meals in the main restaurants and buffet, entertainment and the transport between all the ports. Compare it with a trip where you pay separately for hotels, meals and getting from city to city. What makes a cruise more expensive than expected is the extras: drinks, specialty restaurants, excursions, Wi-Fi and the daily service charge. Knowing that in advance makes the budget predictable. See money and tips on a cruise.
"All-inclusive means everything is included"
Not on most cruises. Meals in the main dining room and buffet, water, tea and coffee at the buffet and the shows are included. Most other drinks, specialty restaurants, excursions, the spa, Wi-Fi and laundry are paid on board, unless your fare includes a package. Check what your booking includes before you sail.
"You need formal clothes"
Most evenings are smart casual. Many lines have one or two gala nights a week, when lots of guests dress up — but it is never required, and the buffet is open for anyone who prefers to keep it relaxed. One nicer outfit is enough.
"There's too little time in port"
This one is half true. A typical port stay is six to ten hours: enough to see the centre of a city or spend a day on the beach, not enough for a region. Some itineraries include an overnight stay in a port. If ports matter most to you, look for routes with long stays or overnights, and decide before you go what you want to see in each place.
"It's complicated to plan"
It is one of the simplest trips to plan: one booking covers your bed, your meals and the route. What you do need to check is your documents for every country on the route, travel insurance and how you get to the departure port. Our first cruise checklist and the guide to documents and visas cover that. Not sure yet? A short cruise of 2–4 nights is an easy way to find out.
Common questions
Are cruises only for older people?
No. Large modern ships have activities for every age, from kids' clubs to night clubs. The mix of guests depends on the route and the season; in school holidays there are many families.
Will I get seasick on a cruise?
Most people do not on large modern ships. For your first cruise, choose a calm route such as the Mediterranean in summer and a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck.
Is everything included on a cruise?
Usually not. Meals in the main restaurants, shows and most activities are included; most drinks, specialty restaurants, excursions, Wi-Fi and the service charge are extra.
Do I need formal clothes on a cruise?
No. Most evenings are smart casual. Dressing up on gala nights is optional, so one nicer outfit is enough.
Is a cruise boring?
Not for most people: there is a port almost every day on many routes, and sea days have a full programme. If you need variety, choose a route with many ports and few sea days.
How the club fits in
Through the club you book the same sailings and choose how to pay: the member price (INsider Pricing), about 17% below the retail price, or your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the price of qualifying bookings. They do not add up in one booking. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing in the club's search. More about club price vs. standard booking.
General information; inclusions, dress codes and port times differ by cruise line, ship and itinerary. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.