Never been on a cruise and don’t want to go on a cruise?
Gaynor Speakman, 59, may just be able to change your mind.
She’s been on 70 cruises, runs her own travel consultancy through agency Not Just Travel, and here busts seven myths about cruises she commonly hears, from ‘the ship will be rammed’ to ‘I’ll get seasick’.
And as a bonus, she offers top tips for nailing the best cruise experience – including why you should consider a windowless cabin. Read on for more and vote in our poll to tell us whether she’s changed your mind…
Myth 1 – I can’t cruise alone
‘Cruising can be ideal for solo travellers,’ says Bolton-based Gaynor. ‘Norwegian Cruise Line excels in this as it offers a coffee lounge for solo travellers to meet up casually with like-minded people. It’s a relaxed, informal arrangement that works well and puts no pressure on anyone. Long-term friendships and even marriages have resulted from meetings on cruises.
Myth 2 – I’m going to get seasick
Gaynor says: ‘Cruising has come an incredibly long way when it comes to adaptations at sea. Many ships have fin stabilisers that reduce the rolling and pitching of the vessel. Most of the time, you don’t even realise you’re moving until you hear the gentle hum of the engine. Worst case scenario, ginger teas and biscuits are great at reducing seasickness.’
Gaynor Speakman has been on 70 cruises – and here busts seven myths and offers her top tips for nailing the best cruise experience. Gaynor is pictured above at Dawes Glacier in Alaska
Myth 3 – cruises are full of snooty people
Cruises are anything but stuffy, says Gaynor.
She explains: ‘A lot of people think cruises are stuffy, snooty places, but they’re wrong. Yes, there are wonderful cruises that create that elite, bespoke experience beautifully.
‘For example, Cunard provides bellboys, white-glove service and VIP access to certain parts of the ship and restaurants depending on your stateroom grade. Celebrity Cruises offers luxury with exceptional food and drink options.
‘Conversely, many other cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages and NCL both have very relaxed dress codes where you can wear what you want. Plus, you can chat to staff, some of whom dine in the restaurants alongside you.’
Myth 4 – the ship is going to be rammed
‘People who have never cruised before often say to me that they thought the ship would feel like a ferry,’ says Gaynor. ‘Cruising is miles apart! One of the world’s largest ships, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, can host just under 5,000 people, but it has so much space that I’ve sat for nearly an hour in the ship’s outdoor Central Park enjoying a glass of wine and have seen no-one. Ships are so well-designed that they have neighbourhoods and parts of the ship that can be very quiet.’
Myth 5 – I’ll be bored
Gaynor, who runs her own travel consultancy through agency Not Just Travel, says ‘boredom is impossible on a cruise ship’
Cunard provides bellboys, white-glove service and VIP access to certain parts of the ship and restaurants, notes Gaynor
‘Boredom is impossible on a cruise ship,’ declares Gaynor. ‘With a mass of activities available onboard modern ships – from ice rinks to indoor skydiving and aerial aerobatic displays and from cinemas to go-karts, cookery classes and even gin-making – there is something for everyone of any age.’
Myth 6 – cruising is for old people
‘Once regarded as the go-to holiday choice for affluent retirees, cruising has undergone a remarkable transformation,’ says Gaynor, ‘capturing the hearts of a much broader audience.
‘Today, families with young children, couples in their 20s and 30s, and empty nesters are all embracing cruise holidays – not as a one-off indulgence, but as a staple of their annual travel plans. The trend is clear: repeat bookings now outpace first-time reservations, as many who dip their toes into the world of cruising find themselves hooked, returning year after year to explore new destinations and experiences.’
Myth 7 – the entertainment will be cringey
Virgin Voyages has a very relaxed dress code where you can wear what you want, remarks Gaynor – plus, you can chat to staff, some of whom dine in the restaurants alongside you
‘Cruise ship entertainment is now some of the most high-tech, innovative and exciting you can find,’ says Gaynor.
‘Think about the price of seeing top-tier West End musicals in the UK – then consider it factored into your cruise price. What you can experience on a ship, included in the price of your cruise, would likely cost hundreds of pounds to see on land.
‘Royal Caribbean’s spectacular drone show The Effectors brings Broadway talent to the seas, combining stunning performances with a fleet of drones that soar above the audience.
‘MSC Cruises offers exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows, one-of-a-kind performances crafted specifically for their ships – experiences you won’t find anywhere on terra firma.
‘And, did you know that the P&O Cruises’ musical director is none other than Gary Barlow?
‘Cruise lines are continually raising the bar, forging partnerships with cutting-edge entertainment companies and enlisting celebrity hosts to deliver show-stopping experiences designed to outshine the competition. The result is a dynamic and ever-evolving holiday option where you can leave your wallet at home.’
Gaynor’s tips for snaring the best cruise experience
Nail down what you want first – before looking at prices
Gaynor explains: ‘The best way to ensure you have a dream cruise ship is to know what you want out of the holiday, rather than concentrating on price. You might get a great cruise deal, but if it’s not the type of cruise you want and you’re on the wrong ship, then you’re not going to have the best time. For example, Royal Caribbean are great for families and flexibility and have the most amazing kids’ clubs. MSC is ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Child-free Virgin Voyages are best for couples and Celebrity and Cunard offer luxury experiences.’
When to book to get a great deal
‘A lot of the time, cruises get booked up extremely quickly,’ says Gaynor. ‘P&O Cruises voyages and Princess cruises get booked up two to three years in advance. The majority of the standard cabins for 2025 school-holiday cruises with P&O Cruises and MSC have already gone. Some round-the-world trips are booked up as soon as the dates are released.
‘However, if you’re not too bothered about where you go, you can usually get a good last-minute deal on a cruise less than three months before you travel.’
First-time cruiser or watching your wallet? An inside cabin could be perfect
‘Many seasoned cruisers swear by inside cabins,’ says Gaynor
‘For many, the idea of staying in an inside cabin – essentially a standard hotel room without a window – might not sound appealing at first. However, the price difference between cabin types can be significant. Opting for an inside cabin on your maiden voyage lets you enjoy the cruise experience at a lower cost. If you fall in love with cruising, you can always upgrade to a balcony next time.
‘Many seasoned cruisers often swear by inside cabins. They’re a cost-effective option and provide a blissfully dark environment that’s ideal for a great night’s sleep. On modern cruise ships packed with amenities, many travellers view their cabin as little more than a functional spot to sleep, shower, and recharge, saving their budget for dining, activities, or excursions.’
My clever hack for ‘window views’
Uneasy about the lack of a window? There’s a simple hack, says Gaynor, who explains: ‘Use the cabin’s TV as your “window.” Most cruise ships feature webcams streaming live views of the ocean. Leave the feed on overnight, and while it’ll be dark initially, you’ll wake up to a virtual sunrise or a real-time view of your destination as you approach. It’s a surprisingly effective way to replicate the feel of natural light.’
Crave solitude? A balcony cabin offers tranquillity
‘For those who treasure quiet moments and a private retreat, a balcony cabin is worth the splurge,’ says Gaynor. ‘Stepping onto your own outdoor space to enjoy a book or take in the soothing sound of the waves is a luxury that’s hard to beat. The level of comfort varies by cruise line, too – some offer simple chairs, while others, such as Virgin Voyages, elevate the experience with features like hammocks.
‘For those who treasure quiet moments and a private retreat, a balcony cabin is worth the splurge,’ says Gaynor
‘Once regarded as the go-to holiday choice for affluent retirees, cruising has undergone a remarkable transformation,’ says Gaynor
‘Whether you go for an inside cabin or indulge in a balcony, there’s an option to suit every traveller’s style and budget.’
Want the best stress-free experience? Use a cruise expert – it’s free!
Gaynor explains: ‘Booking your first cruise, or with an unfamiliar cruise line can be an overwhelming experience. That’s why it’s good to work with a cruise-expert travel agent who can take you through the process and be ready to book exactly what you want as soon as journeys go on sale.
‘Many travel agents have gone on countless cruises and ship visits while they are at port and so know where, when and which cabin you should go for. Plus, their concierge-style service doesn’t cost a penny!
‘The cruise company pays their commission, not you, and the prices are the same as if you booked direct.’
How kids clubs can block your booking
Gaynor reveals: ‘One reason to book early that most people don’t know about is the availability of kids’ clubs.
‘A ship may have enough cabins, but if they are at capacity in the kids clubs for children at a certain age, then there won’t be availability for that family.
‘Kids clubs have strict staff-to-child ratios – if your child is four and all the kids’ club staff for the children around that age are allocated, then you won’t see availability for you. So, if you have children, it’s best to book early to ensure you get your place.’
Want a bit of added exclusivity? Try a club
‘If it’s exclusivity you want for a good price,’ says Gaynor, ‘some cruise lines, such as MSC, offer an exclusive “ship within a ship” experience where part of the ship is purely for their Yacht Club Members. You get a different type of cabin, a private members’ pool, restaurant and VIP access to the spa, plus fast-track queues off the ship at port and a higher deck with better views.’
Head to www.facebook.com/NotJustTravelGaynor for more.
