Never been on a cruise and don’t want to go on a cruise?
Gaynor Speakman (59) might just change his mind.
She has been on 70 cruises, runs her own travel consultancy, called Not just Traveland here she reveals seven cruise myths she hears regularly, from ‘the ship will get bumped’ 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 if she’s changed her mind…
Myth 1 – I can’t sail alone
“Cruising can be ideal for solo travellers,” says Gaynor, who is based in Bolton. ‘Norwegian Cruise Line excels at this, as it offers a coffee lounge for solo travelers to casually meet 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 encounters on cruises.
Myth 2 – I’m going to get seasick
Gaynor says: ‘Cruising has come an incredibly long way in terms of adaptations at sea. Many ships have fin stabilizers that reduce the roll and pitch of the vessel. Most of the time you don’t even realize you’re moving until you hear the soft hum of the engine. At worst, ginger tea and cookies are great for reducing seasickness.’
Gaynor Speakman has been on 70 cruises – and here she debunks seven myths and offers her top tips for mastering the ultimate cruise experience
Myth 3 – cruises are full of snooty people
Go anything but stuffy, says Gaynor.
She explains: ‘A lot of people think cruises are stuffy, stuffy places, but they’re wrong. Yes, there are great cruises that beautifully create that elite, customized experience.
‘For example, Cunard offers bells, white glove service and VIP access to certain parts of the ship and restaurants depending on your cabin grade. Celebrity Cruises offers luxury with exceptional food and beverage options.
‘Conversely, many other cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages and NCL both have very relaxed dress codes where you can wear whatever you want. Plus you can chat with staff, some of whom eat in the restaurants next to you.’
Myth 4 – the ship will be rammed
‘People who have never traveled before often tell 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 hold just under 5,000 people, but it has so much space that I sat in the ship’s open-air Central Park for nearly an hour, sipping a glass of wine enjoyed and saw no one. Ships are so well designed that they have quarters and parts of the ship that can be very quiet.’
Myth 5 – I will be bored
Gaynor, who runs her own travel consultancy called Not Just Travel, says ‘boredom is impossible on a cruise ship’
Cunard offers bellboys, white glove service and VIP access to certain areas of the ship and restaurants, says Gaynor
“Boredom is impossible on a cruise ship,” declares Gaynor. ‘With a host of activities available on board modern ships – from ice rinks to indoor skydiving and aerobatic shows and from cinemas to go-karting, cookery classes and even gin making – there is something for everyone of any age.’
Myth 6 – cruising is for old people
‘Once considered the ideal holiday choice for affluent retirees, cruising has undergone a remarkable transformation,’ says Gaynor, ‘capturing the hearts of a much wider audience.
Today, families with young children, couples in their 20s and 30s, and empty nesters are all embracing cruise vacations—not as a one-time indulgence, but as a staple of their annual travel plans. The trend is clear: repeat bookings now outnumber first-time bookings as many who dip their toes into the world of cruising find themselves hooked and return year after year to explore new destinations and experiences.’
Myth 7 – the entertainment will be terrifying
Virgin Voyages has a very relaxed dress code where you can wear whatever you want, notes Gaynor – plus, you can chat with staff, some of whom are eating in the restaurants next to 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 factor that into your cruise price. What you can experience on a ship, included in the price of your cruise, is likely to cost hundreds of pounds to see on land.
‘Royal Caribbean’s spectacular drone show The Effectors brings Broadway talent to sea, combining stunning performances with a fleet of drones hovering above the audience.
‘MSC Cruises offers exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows, unique shows made specifically for their ships – experiences you won’t find anywhere on terra firma.
And, did you know that P&O Cruises’ musical director is none other than Gary Barlow?
“Cruise lines are constantly raising the bar, partnering with the latest 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 capturing the best cruise experience
Nail down what you want first – before looking at prices
Gaynor explains: ‘The best way to ensure you have your dream yacht is to know what you want from the holiday, rather than focusing on price. You might get a good cruise deal, but if it’s not the type of cruise you want and you’re on the wrong ship, you’re not going to have the best time. For example, Royal Caribbean is great for families and flexibility and has the most amazing kids clubs. MSC is ideal for budget conscious travelers. Child-free Virgin Voyages are best for couples and Celebrity and Cunard offer luxury experiences.’
When to book to get a good deal
‘A lot of the time cruises get booked up very quickly,’ says Gaynor. ‘P&O Cruises voyages and Princess cruises are booked two to three years in advance. The majority of standard cabins for 2025 school holiday sailings with P&O Cruises and MSC are already gone. Some round-the-world trips were booked as soon as the dates were released.
“However, if you’re not too bothered about where you’re going, 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 indoor cabin can be perfect
‘Many seasoned cruisers swear by inside cabins,’ says Gaynor
‘For many, the idea of staying in an interior cabin – essentially a standard hotel room without a window – doesn’t sound appealing at first. However, the price difference between cabin types can be significant. Choosing an inside cabin on your maiden voyage allows you to enjoy the cruise experience at a lower cost. If you fall in love on a cruise, you can always upgrade to a balcony next time.
‘Many seasoned cruisers often swear by inside cabins. They are a cost-effective option and provide a blissfully dark environment ideal for a good night’s sleep. On modern cruise ships packed with amenities, many travelers view their cabin as little more than a functional place to sleep, shower and recharge, saving their budget for dining, activities or excursions.’
My Smart Hack for ‘Window Views’
Upset 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 have webcams that stream live views of the ocean. Leave the feed on overnight, and while it will be dark at first, 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 feeling of natural light.’
Craving solitude? A balcony cabin offers tranquility
‘For those who appreciate 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 also varies by cruise line—some offer simple chairs, while others, like Virgin Voyages, elevate the experience with features like hammocks.
‘For those who appreciate quiet moments and a private retreat, a balcony cabin is worth it,’ says Gaynor
“Once considered the ideal vacation choice for wealthy 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 ultimate stress-free experience? Use a sailing 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 discuss exactly what you want as soon as trips go up for sale.
‘Many travel agents have gone on countless cruises and ship visits while in port and therefore know where, when and which cabin you should go for. Plus, their concierge-style service doesn’t cost a cent!
“The cruise company pays their commission, not you, and the prices are the same as if you booked directly.”
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 might have enough cabins, but if they’re at a certain age in the kids’ clubs for kids, 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 are allocated to children around that age, then you won’t see availability for you. So, if you have children, it’s best to book early to make sure you get your place.’
Want a little extra 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 is. You get a different type of cabin, a private members pool, restaurant and VIP access to the spa, plus fast lines from the ship at the port and a higher deck with better views.’
Go to www.facebook.com/NotJustTravelGaynor for more.
