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CruiseCompete.com dispels cruise vacation myths

DES MOINES, Iowa, February 1, 2005 - Thinking about a cruise vacation, but just not sure if it will be the right vacation? With new ships and record occupancy rates, cruise travel is more popular than ever. Not surprisingly, cruises have become the fastest-growing segment of the travel market during the past five years. To sway those still blowing in the wind, it is time to dispel a number of popular myths about travel on the seas:

Myth No. 1:
Cruises are expensive.
Reality:
A cruise is actually one of the best travel values out there. Most cruises include your selected shipboard accommodations, 24-hour cabin service, standard meals in the dining room and/or various buffets, ports of call and most entertainment aboard the ship. Children's programs also are included. Airfare and transfers may also be available for an additional fee. A seven night cruise costs about 35 percent less than seven nights at a comparable resort. Sites like CruiseCompete.com - where travel agents compete to offer the best deal - help consumers save even more.

Myth No. 2:
People only take cruises when the weather turns cold.
Reality:
Cruise travel is a year-round pastime. Sure, it is a great way to beat the cold, but families also take cruises during the summer months when children are out of school. Cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas run year-round. The Alaska cruising season runs May through September; Europe between April and November; Bermuda, April through October; and Panama Canal, between September and April.

Myth No. 3:
Cruises are too long.
Reality:
Cruise lengths actually vary significantly to meet personal tastes. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, during 2004 itineraries of 1-5 days accounted for 31 percent of the cruise market; itineraries of 6-8 days made up 57 percent of the market; and 9-17 day sailings accounted for 11 percent. Less than one percent of all cruises booked lasted longer.

Myth No. 4:
There's nothing for men to do on a cruise.
Reality:
Cruise ships are floating resorts, with plenty of fun for men as well as women. The flurry of activities on board a cruise ship is amazing and most men will be dazzled with too many entertainment choices. Typical activities include shore excursions, water sports, pool activities, fitness centers, live entertainment, casinos, bingo, dance lessons, talent contests, karaoke, wine tasting, rock wall climbing, spas, movies and much more. Most days are spent in exotic ports with plenty to see and do. Golfers can play challenging, top-ranked island courses (extra fees may apply); gourmets love the dining; explorers find adventure in every port.

Myth No. 5:
Kids are bored on a cruise.
Reality:
All of the major cruise lines offer organized programs and camps for children and they usually have a blast. They can participate all day or only in specific activities. This provides for both fun family time and a chance for parents to relax on their own. Daycare and babysitting services also are available.

Myth No. 6
There are no medical personnel on board a cruise ship.
Reality:
Virtually every cruise ship has a fully equipped medical facility and staff on board to handle almost any emergency. The cruise lines also have precautions in place if a person has to be evacuated to a hospital on land (be sure to purchase trip insurance, most cover these types of medical emergencies). Prescription medication should be kept close at hand in a purse or carry-on, rather than in checked luggage. It also is a good idea to carry a written list of medications with dosages in case they are lost.

Myth No. 7
Cruise ships spend all their time at sea.
Reality:
Cruise vacationers actually have the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time on land. Virtually every cruise features multiple ports of call, giving travelers a chance to visit beautiful, secluded beaches, vibrant cities and popular tourist sites, as well as enjoy breathtaking scenery. Every port offers a unique experience. Ships usually arrive in port early in the morning, allowing plenty of time for shopping, dining, visiting historical sites and exploring the area. Planned excursions, arranged by the ship's staff or local sightseeing companies, also are available for an extra cost.

Myth No. 8
Everyone gains weight on a cruise.
Reality:
While cruises are known for having plenty of food available, cruise lines are very aware of the healthy-eating lifestyles of a growing number of cruisers. Every meal offers healthy choices as part of their already extensive food selections prepared under the direction of some of the greatest chefs in the world. Plus, there are plenty of activities on board and off to help people burn away any extra calories during their vacations.

Myth No. 9
A cruise ship cabin is claustrophobic.
Reality:
An inside economy cabin does tend to be small and usually lacks a window but, in actuality, people spend very little time there besides sleeping. An outside cabin (ocean view) has a window or porthole, while a balcony (verandah) cabin has a glass door leading to a balcony usually equipped with a small table and chairs. Most ships feature larger suites for those who truly need more space.

Myth No. 10:
Some people become seasick on cruises.
Reality:
Even if you suffer from motion sickness during car rides or on airplanes, it is still unlikely you will become seasick on a cruise ship. Due to their immense size and stabilizers that all ships are equipped with, you probably will not notice any motion at all. Some parts of the ocean, however, are rougher than others. If you do get seasick, medications are available on board to get you back on your feet quickly.

Myth No. 11:
You lose touch with the world on a cruise.
Reality:
While some people relish the thought of getting away from it all, the cruise industry realizes many folks like to stay in touch. Many of the newer ships have business centers with fax capabilities and Internet access. Cruise ships also publish a daily newsletter with major news, sports scores and stock quotes. Most cabins have televisions and telephones enabling you to call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. Calls can be made from most ports too. Cell phones, however, will not work at sea.

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CruiseCompete.com is operated by CruiseCompete, LLC, an independent company with offices in Des Moines, IA and Farmington, MI. CruiseCompete is not owned by or affiliated with any travel agency.

For more information or visit www.cruisecompete.com