Myths and truths about cruising…..part 2

Typical Dining room

4. Dinners will be formal and I’ll have to sit with the same people all the time

These perceptions deter many who would otherwise happily try a cruise. The truth, however, is that most of the larger lines offer more flexible and informal dining options than they used to, and open-seating policies in their main restaurants. If you’re worried, check before booking. Royal Caribbean has “my time” dining, Celebrity has ”Celebrity Select”, P&O has freedom dining for example where passengers can eat at any time in any of the ship’s restaurants  and turn up at any time from 6pm to 9.30pm and even request a table for two.

As for dress, yes, most lines rule out shorts, flip-flops or T-shirts, but that’s true of many restaurants ashore. Black-tie dining, will probably only need to make an appearance for two smart nights on a shorter trip. Some however will make it clear with strictly no casual wear on formal nights.

Tip: Find out how many restaurants are on board and what the seating and sittings are. Book for a ship’s specialty restaurants and, in the main dining room, ask the maître d’ if you want to spend time on your own – tables for two are often available on request.

5. I won’t be able to get online

Communications can be expensive at sea. Wi-Fi hot spots are becoming more common and ships are making better provision, with more terminals available and technical help to hand. If keeping in touch is an absolute priority, even if just to check the essential  Facebook news you should expect to pay about 50 cents a minute. For serious surfing, buy a package.

Tip: Catch up on email when you’re in port. Internet cafes are found the world over and many cruise ports and port side cafes and bars offer free Wi-Fi.  You’ll see when you get off ship as many of the crew head to the same place to contact their family back home.

6. I’ll get bored

This is highly unlikely. The buzzword in cruising is enrichment,there are opportunities to learn fencing, improve your photography skills, learn to ice skate, rock climb, cook or ballroom dance. I promise you , you will not get bored.

Me scaling the heights of the Independence of the seas!

I hope this has helped a little, but if you have any questions i’m sure you’ll get in touch.

Also let me know the daftest thing you’ve heard on a ship……..just for a laugh!

Give me a call on 0800 408 6107 or drop me an email on [email protected]

Haydn