Cruise claims explored

The claim is … cabins are tiny.

True. It’s not uncommon to find a single cabin has a shower so small you can’t raise your arms above your head with your elbows bent, and your bed has a corner sliced off to fit the space available!

The claim is … you'll put on 10 pounds.

Not necessarily true. You can deal with the constant supply of tasty food by visiting the gym, doing morning exercise classes on deck, walking around the deck rather than lounging on it, and dancing the night away.

The claim is … dining with strangers is a nightmare

Sadly, this is usually true. If you don’t speak a common language, or have nothing in common, sharing a table for ten or fourteen days can lead to you loathing your dinner companions. More relaxed dining systems avoid this problem.

The claim is … shore excursions are a rip-off.

It can be true, but it can be false. The convenience factor should be considered – it’s great not to have to make arrangements for yourself, and in ports where you don’t speak the language it can be wonderful not to have to worry. But shore excursions certainly aren’t cheap.