Myths busted: Why it’s finally time to embrace cruises again
By Joshua Haigh
Cruising was once considered a thing of the past. Just a few decades ago, the mere idea of going on a cruise under the age of 50 was completely ridiculous, people just didn’t do it. But now, in 2017, things are changing.
MSC are helping refresh the way we experience cruises, and they’re succeeding in bringing a much younger audience to the unforgettable holiday experience. In fact, we bet half the things you thought about cruises aren’t even true!
Why would I want to go on a cruise with a bunch of old people?
Don’t worry, you’re not going to be stuck making small talk with someone’s Nan. While the average age for MSC cruises is 45, that dips much lower depending on the destination. So who knows, maybe you’ll find a Jack Dawson after all – only this time he’ll actually make it off the ship.
I’ll be stuck on a ship for a week, I’ll just get bored and want to leave
Another really big misconception, actually. MSC Meraviglia currently runs a seven day cruise, and six of those are port days, so you can freely explore four countries in a week. Basically, you’ll be a jet-setting queen.
I don’t want to spend my evenings listening to X Factor-style singers and playing bingo!
While this used to be a thing, cruises have changed drastically in the past decade or so. MSC have a brand new Cirque Du Soleil show that was designed especially for passengers, there’s partnerships with brands like Masterchef, and there’s even huge events like an open deck white party. So it won’t all be Celine ballads, don’t worry. Not that we have anything against our Canadian queen. Basically, you’ll be a Real Housewife, only hopefully with less wine throwing.
Aren’t cruises just really expensive anyway, I could get a package holiday for half the price!
Like most destinations, bargains can be found everywhere if you take the time to look. Unlike hotels, everything on MSC cruises is full-board, so you won’t spend a penny while on there – unless you want to, of course. Basically, you can get anything you want, when you want it. Just how we like it.
There’s different packages depending on what you want to eat and drink, and seven nights start at £599 per-person from March 2018. Or for a bargain explore the Mediterranean on a 7 day cruise onboard MSC Opera for £269pp, departing 14th April 2018.
I don’t want to be stuck going to the same restaurant over and over again…
There are so many dining options available. On MSC Meraviglia there is everything from a serve yourself buffet where they make Mozzarella fresh everyday to a sushi bar, and Teppanyaki restaurant. So essentially, you could eat at a difference restaurant every night of the week.
On holiday I can escape from the hustle and bustle, but I’m trapped on a ship so I won’t be able to do that?
If you upgrade to balcony cabin, you can separate yourself from the crowds all in the comfort of your own room. You can even request to have dinner there, if you want extra peace and quiet. If you want to be a bit fancier, then there’s also the Yacht club. You have access to a private dining room, lounge, bar and pool area that only members have access too. You can feel like the celeb you were born to be.
Won’t I just be throwing up everywhere by day two because of sea sickness?
Surprisingly not, because unlike boats and ferries, cruise ships have stabilisers that keep the ship steady during rough seas. So that’s less time throwing up, and more time topping up your tan or drinking wine.
I don’t want to be in bed by 10pm, if I’m on land I can go to a club and drink into the early hours. A cruise can’t offer me that, can it?
While you may have two or three favourite evening venues in your hometown, there’s up to 20 bars, lounges and restaurants to explore on MSC cruises. There’s outdoor dance-floors, romantic bars and lounges, and even a huge gala evening where the entire ship becomes one moving party. Think gay pride, but with the added benefit of being able to retreat to your room. If it’s a certain type of music you’re after, then keep an eye out for future events.
Back in September this year MSC Magnifica hosted the MDRNTY Cruise, an electronic music festival at Sea which saw DJ’s such as Sven Vath and Damian Lazarus take to the sea on a 4 day voyage that visited ports including Ibiza and Barcelona.
I don’t want it to be a Little Britain ‘I’m the only gay in the village’ type thing, do gay guys even go on cruises anymore?
MSC cruises actually host several LGBT+ events, including Drag Stars at Sea cruises in 2016 and 2017. Openly gay Hollyoaks star Ross Adams travelled earlier this year with MSC, so who knows, maybe you’ll bump into your celeb crush too. Fingers crossed we’ll bump into Zac Efron.
You can find out everything else you need to book a MSC cruise here.