Questions, Misconceptions, and Strategies to Enhance Your Bold and Adventurous Cruise Experience
Heyy there! Just back from my first cruise around the Baltic Sea with Princess Cruises on the Regal Princess. I know what you're thinking - "cruises are for old folks, right?" Well, I'll tell ya, it ain't all granny boats and bad food. Let me spill the tea on what I learned.
1. Is cruising for old people?
Nope! While there was definitely an older crowd on board, I made plenty of cool friends - from families, couples to a gang of my age mates. Some people were even there because it was the only way they could travel. There's something for everyone, so age is just a number, am I right?
2. Are cruise ships prisons you never escape from?
Turns out, cruise ships, like the Regal Princess, are giant floating cities! There were more than ten unique places to eat and drink, various shops, multiple pools, a spa, a gym, and a theatre. I was only on the ship for two full days with longer port days on this route, so I spent most of my time exploring new destinations. If I were to cruise again, I'd opt for a multi-stop itinerary with fewer sea days.
3. Is cruise wifi terrible and expensive?
The wifi was decent and called Medallion Net. It's not free, but it's not a rip-off either. I'd say it's still better than some wifi in hotels or airports. Plus, who needs WiFi when you're sipping cocktails beneath the stars in a new port?
4. Will you spend the whole trip stuck on a bus?
Nope! You don't have to book an excursion for guided tours - most of the time, you can just jump off the ship and roam around the city on your own. I did have to book a tour in St. Petersburg, Russia due to visa laws, but elsewhere, I was free to explore as I pleased.
5. Do cruises mean group sickness?
When it comes to getting sick on a cruise, there are exceptions. I didn't come down with anything worse than a hangover on my trip. With proper hand hygiene and avoiding buffets like the plague (they have their downsides), you should be able to cruise without catching any unpleasant bugs.
6. Is everything a buffet?
No, there are many dining options, from sit-down to formal to casual grab-and-go spots. While some buffets are a part of the cruise lifestyle, there are plenty of other choices that offer a more refined experience.
My advice? Skip the buffets and opt for local restaurants whenever possible. Not only does it save you from buffet crowds, but you also get a taste of authentic cuisine and support local businesses.
7. You won't meet people?
Absolutely not! There are plenty of opportunities to mingle, from formal nights to clubs and interest groups. If organized events aren't your thing, simply find a bar or hot tub, and before you know it, you'll be besties with strangers from all over the world.
8. Everything is expensive?
Not quite. While there are some costs, like drinks, excursions, and souvenirs, there are also free activities, like using the gym, playing basketball, or joining quizzes and workshops. If you watch your spending, you can have a fun and reasonably priced cruise.
9. Are cruises all-inclusive?
Not all cruises are all-inclusive, but some offer packages that include drinks, dining, and amenities. Just remember to check what's included in your cruise before booking.
10. Can I go on a cheap cruise with my mates?
You bet! Share a dorm-style cabin with your pals to save some dollars. A cruise is a fun way to travel as a group and enjoy all the benefits of a pre-planned vacation without designating a "leader."
11. Is there any culture on a cruise?
At first glance, it might seem like a cruise is devoid of culture, but think again! Mixing with the crew and passengers allows for rich cultural exchanges, and chatting with locals in the port cities gives you a real taste of life beyond the boat.
12. Will miss out on half the stuff in the place I want to visit?
A Baltic Sea cruise lets you see multiple cities in a short period, making it perfect for either exploring new locales or getting a taste of various destinations to plan future trips. Embrace the adventure, and remember - you can never see everything in one go!
13. Will some Frank Sinatra wannabe be crooning in the theatre every night?
While you'll find some classic tunes and Vegas-style entertainment, the Regal Princess also offers various shows, from full productions to live game show versions and current chart hits. There's plenty to keep you entertained—you might even discover a hidden talent or two!
14. Cruises are bad for the environment - Fact!
The cruise industry has significant environmental impacts, especially with its reliance on fossil fuels and large-scale operations. Emissions of air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and waste are major concerns, as are effects on marine ecosystems.
Environmental-friendly solutions exist, like alternative fuels, shore power, and advanced waste management, but the industry needs to make strides in adopting sustainable practices for long-term, eco-friendly cruising.
If you're interested in learning more about the environmental impact and solutions for the cruise industry, check out World Wildlife Fund and SeaWeb. They're doing amazing work to create sustainable oceans and support the cruise industry in reducing its footprint.
Now that you know the real scoop on cruising, what's stopping you from setting sail on your great adventure? Just be mindful of environmental concerns and support sustainable practices to ensure a fantastic ocean voyage for all!
Regal Princess DetailsPrice: From £999pp for an interior stateroom based on twin-share*Destinations: Warnemunde, Germany, Oslo, Norway, Copenhagen, Denmark, Stockholm, Sweden, Helsinki, Finland, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Tallinn, EstoniaDuration: 11 days
*Prices and availability depend on various factors, so be sure to research and book accordingly!
- Exploring a new destination by cruise offers an exciting lifestyle blend of traveling and experiencing diverse cultures, food, and attractions while onboard a floating city.
- Finding alternatives to buffet meals during a cruise is essential for those seeking a more refined culinary experience, with many options for sit-down, formal, and casual dining available.
