If you haven’t been on a cruise because you’re afraid you’ll get seasick, have nothing to do, have to queue for awful buffet food or be stuck on a vessel with thousands of other passengers, you’re exactly the right person to plan a cruise holiday.
All is clam on Lake Jozini…until you stick your toes in the water or put a sardine on the end of your fishing line. All kinds of teeth are lurking under the surface for a game catch. Image: Teagan Cunniffe
The best trips are the unexpected adventures, the ones that exceed your expectations without even trying. If you’ve cruised once, you’ll likely to take to the seas again when you see the value and the experiences on offer, says Cruiseabout Marketing Campaign Manager, Divan Viljoen.
“Cruises can be a blissful escape for travellers of all ages, but it’s important to select the right cruise line and ship according to your needs and interests. It can be an overwhelming process, with so many experiences from which to choose, so consult with a cruise specialist to make the right decision.
“The last thing you want is to find out you weren’t offered a drinks package and now have to pay extra for tipple throughout the trip.”
To help first-timers (and cruise skeptics) get started, Cruiseabout asked field specialists for an inside perspective on typical expectations vs reality scenarios when it comes to the world of cruising.
River cruising
Expectation: Lower standard vessels, with little to do.
Reality: Well-equipped vessels with top-notch activities.
People often confuse ocean cruising with river cruising and the two are very different. River cruising is growing in popularity and guests are always blown away when they join one for the first time, says Lieria Boshoff, Brand Manager, Uniworld River Cruises, South Africa.
“Cruising on a river is peaceful. There are no huge waves to make the ship move about and thus no need to worry about motion sickness. The ships are much smaller than ocean cruise vessels and can dock in the heart of the smaller, fairy-tale villages as well as big capitals.
“Don’t expect a standard, low-key vessel either, in reality certain river cruise ships are more like floating boutique hotels. For example, Uniworld’s fleet features original works of art by artists such as Picasso and Julian Opie, sumptuous décor, the latest technology and first-class amenities.”
Also read: Exploring Lake Jozini by houseboat
Cruise accommodation
Expectation: Claustrophobic, tiny cabins.
Reality: Paying a little extra and getting a balcony, or suite.
Ask your travel expert for a few types of staterooms to compare prices.
“Guests are often price conscious and may only request the least expensive option when for a small amount, they could simply upgrade from an inside to an ocean view stateroom, or from an ocean view to a balcony stateroom. Some cruise lines also offer a free upgrade to a higher stateroom, or additional on-board spending money. All you need to do is ask your cruise specialist,” advises Sandy McCarthy, Whitestar Cruises.
Seasickness
Cruise ship. Image: Sheila Jellison
Expectation: Bed and toilet bowl bound.
Reality: Some seasickness is a probability but it’s not as common as you think.
Most of the people I speak to after their first cruise say that they wish that they had started earlier, says Ian Mathews, Sales and Marketing Manager at Triton Cape.
“Cruise ships have stabilisers which control the rolling of the ship. It’s the rolling of the ship that typically makes passengers feel a bit off. The stabilisers are automated and work off the navigation systems, while the captain will try his utmost to steer away from large swells but sometimes this is not possible. If you are worried, be sure to get outside for plenty of air and avoid excessive drinking the night before you set sail.
“People also eat differently on holiday so sometimes the rich food gets to them and they feel unwell. They’ll also then mistake it as being seasickness, when really they just need to stay away from too many rich meals, which might be hard, as food on cruise ships is always fantastic.”
Overcrowding
Expectation: Too many people, and most of them will be old.
Reality: Meeting like-minded travellers of all ages, including silver surfers.
Believe it or not, there are quite a few options available that specifically target a new generation of younger travellers, says Boshoff.
“When travelling on a U by Uniworld cruise guests will be surrounded by like-minded travellers and enjoy onboard activities like mixology classes, silent disco’s, yoga, paint and wine classes To top it all, guests will be sailing on a sexy, matte black ship. It’s not your average cruise, and definitively not what most expect when thinking of river cruising.”
Cunard is a more traditional cruise line with a British heritage. Their ships offer a more classic cruise experience and appeal to a broader range of guests who are generally 50 plus. Your travel specialist will help you steer away from those lines if you’re looking for a younger crowd, adds McCarthy.
Although ships sail with up to 4,500 passengers, they are built in such a way that you don’t feel as if you are in one huge space all the time, as areas are separated by pools or shops, adds Matthews. “I have been on these large ships and never felt that I was with 4,499 other passengers.”
Time on board
Expectation: I’ll mostly be cruising and snoozing.
Reality: Playing laser tag, mingling with robot bartenders and dancing the night away.
“You can easily while away your time by the pool with a good book and cocktail but when there’s on-board bumper cars, observation pods, hot tubs, climbing walls, water slides, ice bars, and go-cart tracks, you might find it hard to try to sit still. Not to mention some ships offering up to 28 dining options including Italian, French, Mexican, Argentinian, Teppanyaki styled restaurants, and of course variety of onshore excursions,” says Thaybz Khan, Marketing Executive at Cruises International.
Some expert tips for first-timers:
- Make sure you know exactly what’s included in the package when making the booking and before travelling. Suppliers often mention they are all-inclusive but when guests arrive onboard they are told that they will only receive complimentary alcoholic during meals and need to pay gratuities.
- Review the onshore excursions. The hardest decision on your cruise is often deciding which excursion to choose and with so many included excursions it makes it easier if you do your research and decide beforehand.
- Before you set sail, take a look at a map of the ship to get a rough idea where the main areas, restaurants and activity centres are. It will help save time if you have a rough idea where things are beforehand.
- Award-winning entertainment including musicals and class shows are usually complimentary, but this is always good to check beforehand.
- Before embarking on a longer cruise, try a shorter local cruise between 2 and 4 nights, to Pomene (Mozambique) or Walvis Bay to get a taste of what to expect.
- Life on a cruise during the day is typically casual, but at night, many passengers opt for formal attire during dinner and entertainment. Keep this in mind when packing.
Picture: Pixabay
