Falling overboard? Is everyone getting sick on every sailing? Let’s debunk some cruise myths and sensationalized rumors people still believe.
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After 20+ years of cruising, I’ve heard it all. “Aren’t you worried about falling off the ship?” “Don’t you get stuck in storms?” “Don’t you get bored?” I’ve gotten these questions from friends, coworkers, and even strangers once they find out we’re cruise people.
Some of the myths are small details, including the notion that a formal night “requires” a ball gown (it doesn’t). Some are just leftover ideas from cruises in the ’90s. And some are full-on panic scenarios that people claim to have seen on social media.
None of these myths is worth missing out on trying a cruise vacation at least once.
Go ahead and grab your life vest and life ring. Not because you’ll need them, but because there are still people out there who genuinely believe some of this stuff.
You can fall off the ship if you’re not careful.
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Here I am, casually not falling off the cruise ship.
People love bringing this one up. And yes, people do “fall” off the ship. We see it in the news reported that way. Right? So it must be true.
The reality? You have to really be doing something you should not be doing in order to fall off as easily as people make it sound. Unless you’re climbing where you shouldn’t be or seriously intoxicated, you’re not going to trip and tumble overboard. Cruise ships are designed with high railings, solid barriers, and plenty of signs telling you to behave. It’s not something that “just happens.”
In almost every reported case, the person either jumped, climbed somewhere they shouldn’t have, was heavily intoxicated, or—rarely—was pushed. It’s not casual or accidental the way people think it is.
This cruise myth sticks around because of headlines, but it’s far from an everyday risk.
Cruise ships get slammed by huge waves.
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Huge waves? Not quite. This is what a typical sea day actually looks like.
Cue the TikTok videos of swaying chandeliers, plates crashing, and giant waves slamming into the ship during a surging storm. And somehow, the footage is crystal clear, taken from what appears to be a drone hovering above the chaos. Who exactly was out there flying it? Thanks, AI.
Yes, cruise ships can feel movement, but most of the time it’s smooth sailing. Captains do their best to avoid storms, and modern stabilizers make a huge difference. Big swells can happen, sure, but they’re not part of your average cruise experience. And if something wild ever does happen (like a rogue wave), it makes headlines for a reason — it’s rare.
If this were a regular occurrence and something to truly worry about, we wouldn’t have seen 34.6 million cruisers in 2024, with the cruise industry on track to welcome over 37 million passengers in 2025.
Cruise ships are unsafe.
This one comes up more often than you’d think. People hear about rare accidents or overhyped headlines and suddenly assume cruise ships are a risky way to travel. But in reality, cruising is one of the safest vacation options out there.
Cruise lines follow strict safety protocols. The crew is trained extensively, there are multiple security checks, mandatory muster drills, and constant monitoring from the bridge. Ships have medical centers, surveillance systems, and procedures for almost everything. You’re statistically far more likely to get hurt driving to the port than on the ship itself.
Is it zero risk? No. But neither is flying nor staying at a hotel. Cruising is safe, just not sensational enough for the news unless something goes wrong.
Cruises are all-inclusive.
This is a common cruise myth that is often repeated. Most mainstream cruise lines are not all-inclusive in the sense that you won’t have to pay for anything more outside of the upfront package. The basics are included: your cruise fare covers your cabin, meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, entertainment, some ship activities, and transportation between ports.
However, drinks (including soda), specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and excursions are extra. It’s convenient, but not truly all-inclusive the way some resorts might be.
Some luxury cruise lines do offer fully all-inclusive experiences — a few even include excursions. Virgin Voyages is probably the closest mainstream cruise line to that idea, with tips, Wi-Fi, and basic drinks included. But alcohol and excursions still cost extra.
Cruising is just for retirees.
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This cruise myth might have been true a few decades ago, but it’s definitely not the case anymore. Cruises today are for everyone. Some cruise lines may lean toward an older demographic, but many now attract families, couples, younger adults, and solo travelers. Newer ships are built with a wide range of ages and interests in mind.
Timing also plays a significant role. During summer, spring break, or holiday cruises, you’ll see people of all ages onboard. During off-peak months, yes, you may see more retirees onboard because they often have the flexibility and savings to travel whenever they want.
The average cruiser in 2024 was just 46.5 years old, and 36% of cruise passengers were under 40. Even Gen Z and Millennials are cruising more, especially on lines like Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
You’ll be bored on sea days.
Being bored on a cruise ship is kind of a you problem. It depends on your travel style and the ship you choose, but honestly? There’s usually plenty to do. Shows, trivia, live music, pools, the spa, food, reading, walking the deck, people-watching… You can fill your day easily.
Or do nothing. That’s the beauty of it. You can be as busy or as relaxed as you want. It’s your vacation.
You’ll feel seasick the whole time.
Some people do get seasick; it happens. But the idea that you’ll be queasy the entire time? That’s not the norm. Most modern ships are massive, well-balanced, and equipped with stabilizers. You sometimes forget you’re even moving.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, there are plenty of ways to manage it: Bonine, seabands, prescription patches, eating green apples (cruise crew swears by this and it does work), choosing a midship cabin, or picking itineraries known for calmer waters (like the Caribbean).
I’ve cruised with my best friend, who gets seasick when she cruises (and she loves to cruise). She takes medication, keeps her sea bands on, and once the nausea passes, she thoroughly enjoys the cruise.
So, yes, seasickness is real, but it’s not a guarantee that you will feel it, and it won’t be present the whole time.
You have to book excursions through the cruise line.
Not true. Cruise-sponsored excursions are convenient and also guarantee that the ship will wait for you if it’s running late, which is one of the top reasons most cruisers book with the cruise ship. They are not the only option, and they are usually more expensive.
You can book local shore excursions independently as long as you book them correctly within the time frame that you’ll be in port and make sure you’re back on board the ship before all-aboard time.
You don’t even have to book any excursions. You can enjoy the port as you see fit, as long as you respect the local laws. Just be back on the ship before ‘all aboard’, or the ship will leave you.
Formal night means gowns and tuxedos.
Not unless you want to. Once upon a time, cruises would fully dress up on formal nights. These days, formal night isn’t even always called that anymore — now it’s “chic night,” “evening wear night,” or “dress to impress.” Some people go all out, but many just wear a sundress or a button-down with slacks and call it good.
Most cruise lines have suggested attire policies, and there are still basic dress code standards. You probably won’t be allowed into the main dining room in a swimsuit, flip-flops, or a bathrobe — yes, that actually happens. While some cruise lines are more relaxed than others, there’s still a line.
Truthfully, a lot of people don’t want to dress up at all. So if dressing formal isn’t your thing, you’re not alone, and you definitely won’t be the only one skipping the heels or tie..
Cruise ships are claustrophobic.
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This cruise myth often comes from people who haven’t cruised yet. They picture tiny cabins, long hallways, and nowhere to go if it rains. But cruise ships are basically floating resorts, with open decks, lounges, restaurants, cafes, spas, and shows — there’s always something to do, even indoors.
Yes, cruise cabins can be compact (especially inside cabins), but most people just use them to sleep, shower, and get changed between activities. I’m actually claustrophobic, so I always book a balcony cabin at the very least. I’ve never once felt boxed in.
It really comes down to choosing the right cabin and ship. Newer ships often have more open designs, and some cruise lines are known for larger staterooms. If you’re nervous about space, there are plenty of options that can make your first cruise feel more comfortable.
Everyone gets norovirus on cruises.
It can happen, and when it does, it makes the news. But it’s not every sailing. I’ve cruised for over 20 years and never had it. And ships take cleanliness seriously with hand-washing stations, signs everywhere, and constant cleaning. Honestly, I’ve seen better hygiene protocols on cruise ships than in many restaurants on land.
Cruise crew are always cleaning and monitoring high-touch areas. Still, the reality is that norovirus outbreaks are usually linked to passengers not washing their hands properly or ignoring posted hygiene protocols. Just wash your hands (a lot) as you should be doing, skip the buffet if you’re nervous, and maybe don’t touch every railing you walk past, if you’re really that worried.
It’s a cruise myth that gets attention, but it doesn’t reflect the day-to-day experience. You can also contract norovirus from staying at a hotel.
Cruise food means nothing but buffets.
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This cruise myth likely originates from the days when midnight buffets and poolside bbqs were front and center (and no longer a thing), but eventhen, the main dining room was an option.
The buffet is available (and can be pretty good), but there are also main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, casual quick spots to eat, and room service options. On many of the newer, bigger ships, you can eat somewhere different every day, and still not try it all.
And honestly? You don’t even have to visit the buffet at all if you don’t want to. I know avid cruisers who skip it entirely every trip.
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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
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