Disadvantages of cruise travel
Cruise travel is not for everyone. Although many enjoy cruises, some travelers prefer a different type of vacation. Before embarking on a cruise, take some time to consider whether this is the best travel method for you. Be sure to research information on the specific companies you are considering, as well as read reviews from other clients. Also consider talking to those you know who have traveled on cruise ships before and see if that sounds like something you would enjoy. It is important to get more information than a simple recommendation from someone. What one person finds fun may not be fun for you, so it’s important to find out why a person did or did not enjoy a cruise experience.
Some do not enjoy cruises simply because of the nature of traveling on a ship. Those who are prone to motion sickness may not enjoy being in a boat due to the high probability of experiencing motion sickness. Severity differs for everyone and dizziness is usually not serious, but it can still be an unpleasant experience and ruin a vacation. Consider whether this is something you are concerned about or not. Medications and wrist bands help those with dizziness, but they are not effective for everyone. For some people, dizziness runs its course relatively quickly, but only you can decide if this is a possibility you are willing to face.
Others are afraid of sailing because of the possibility of the ship sinking. Only you can decide whether or not you are a person who cares about this possibility. It may be helpful to do some research. Any type of trip has inherent risks, of course. Some are terrified of air travel, but still travel on cruise ships. Others travel frequently on airplanes, but would not consider taking a cruise. It is true that being on a boat is a different type of experience than any other form of travel. Some are not so worried about the sinking of the ship, but they are afraid of being in the open sea, unable to see the coast. Only you can decide if being in the ocean bothers you or not.
Perhaps the most common fear of cruise ships in the past decade has been based on media coverage of viral outbreaks on cruise ships. In the past two years, this problem has improved, but most travelers are familiar with outbreaks of viruses such as the Norwalk virus. These viruses run rampant on cruise ships due to the large number of people who are in close proximity to each other for long periods of time. Although general precautions can certainly decrease a person’s chances of contracting a virus on a cruise ship, it is true that illnesses are more difficult to avoid on a ship.
Along with viruses, cruise ship crime has also become widely publicized. It is important to research each cruise line and get accurate statistics. Also, read the reviews and information to learn how incidents are handled and make sure you understand the level of security that will be on the ship. Fortunately, most cruise ship crime is property crime rather than violent crime, and this is relatively common with any type of travel.