Top Ten Cruise Concerns - 2024
As the busy summer cruise season is in full swing, the sales and customer care teams at Iglu Cruise have analysed the most common concerns raised this
year by guests wanting to know more about cruising. As an expert, Iglu Cruise has the answers to alleviate all concerns, and the expertise to match each
customer with the right cruise.
1. I’m not sure my children will enjoy it, and will they be safe
The number of families with children travelling on a cruise each year is steadily increasing. In fact according to the latest research by Cruise Lines International Association, 28% of cruisers are part of a wider multigenerational group, comprising three or more age groups. On board, there are age-specific groups for children and young people, together with age-appropriate activities and entertainment. You can forget the outdated view of a cruise where the atmosphere is stuffy and formal. The focus of the cruise is typically the pool deck and the internal atrium - where kids are visible at all times, and you will have no concerns for safety. But book early—a year ahead—to ensure there is space for the kids. Cabins are well geared up for up to 4 sharing, some with separate sections to provide a division between adults and kids.
Choose MSC for a brilliant family cruise. Iglu Cruise offers 12 nights for £3,988 (was £5,236) for a family of four sharing an inside cabin, full board, on the ‘Canary Islands from Southampton’ cruise on board MSC Virtuosa, departing Southampton on August 9th, 2025.
2. I don’t have a huge budget, but want to try cruising
Try a short cruise, which could be only as far as around the British Isles, and get a feel for how you enjoy the experience. There are cruises for as little as three or four days, which is ample time to work out the layout of the ship and how exploration of ports and destinations is arranged. You could also look for a pure all-inclusive cruise, so you are clear that everything is paid for up front.
Choose a Winter Escape from Malaga to Gran Canaria, all-inclusive for four nights. Iglu Cruise offers 4 nights from only £594 per person, all inclusive, departing on November 28th, 2024, from a wide range of flights from regional UK airports. It’s an all-inclusive cruise with flights, luggage, overseas transfers and tips included.
BRAND NEW! Winter Escape from Malaga to Gran Canaria, 28 November 2024 | 4 Nt | Marella Discovery 2
3. I don’t want a big ship with lots of noise
Look for a ship with fewer than 1,500 passengers, to enjoy a quieter, calmer experience. In fact there are ‘adults-only’ cruises, and tiny cruise ships with sails, to cater for those preferring more luxurious and tranquil cruises. You could argue that the smaller the ship, the higher the fare, but budget-friendly smaller-ship cruises are available from lines such as Ambassador and Fred. Olsen.
Choose ‘Canaries, Cape Verde & Morocco’ from Tilbury with guest speaker, TV’s Fred Dinenage, for 23 nights from £1,624 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin, full board, on board Ambassador’s flagship Ambience.
4. I really want to stay fit and healthy whilst enjoying my cruise
It’s entirely possible to plan to maintain an exercise routine on a cruise, and a little forward planning will pay off. Firstly be aware of what facilities there will be on board; imagine jogging on a treadmill and looking out to sea: it’s possible. Exercise classes are available on some lines, and will need pre-booking or booking on the first day of the cruise. Many cruise line gyms are extremely well equipped, and you’ll be able to choose your moment to maintain your fitness. If you’re a runner, you can plan to run around a port on docking, or take advantage of the on-ship running tracks. In short, anything’s possible.
Choose a Virgin Voyages cruise, with wellness classes such as HIIT, cycling and meditation included. Iglu Cruise offers ‘French Daze and Ibiza Nights’ fly cruise from Barcelona for 7 nights from £1,229 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin, full board, on board Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, departing from a range of UK airports on September 15th, 2024 and including transfers and tips.
French Daze & Ibiza Nights Fly Cruise from Barcelona, 15 September 2024 | 7 Nt | Scarlet Lady
5. I want to include my parents along with the kids
Many families are choosing to cruise in a group because there is something for everyone all on one ship. What’s more, members of the party can choose whether they stay on the ship or go on shore excursions, meaning that the entire group does not need to stick together at all times. On board, there’s everything from talks and craft, spas, cinemas, clubs and fun, so everyone is happy. You can arrange to be in nearby or next-door cabins if you wish.
Choose P&O Cruises for the perfect cruise for the whole family. Iglu Cruise offers ‘Southern Cruise Break from Southampton’ for 7 nights from £710 per adult sharing a two-person cabin, plus a family of four from £3,085 per family, full board, with no tips required, departing for October half term on October 26th, 2024.
Half-Term FREE UPGRADE! Southern Cruise Break from Southampton, 26 October 2024 | 7 Nt | Iona
6. I’m worried I will suffer from sea sickness
This is one of the most common cruise concerns, especially and inevitably from new-to-cruise guests. Our tips are to choose a cabin mid-ship to lessen a reaction to swell, more commonly felt at the front and back of a ship (fore and aft). In fact you can choose your exact cabin at time of booking if you choose, so you can be sure where you’ll be on a deck plan. Book early to secure the perfect mid-ship cabin for you. Top tip, choose a ‘Select Fare’ on your P&O Cruise to choose your cabin number and location.
Choose ‘Western Mediterranean from Southampton’ for 14 nights from £847 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin on a Select Fare, full board with no tips required, on board P&O Cruises’ Arvia, departing on March 30th, 2025.
NEW PRICE DROP Western Mediterranean from Southampton, 30 March 2025 | 14 Nt | Arvia
7. I only have a small amount of leave, can I still get a cruise?
Yes! No-one is left out. Try a 3 night cruise direct from Southampton to northern Europe for example, or a short break to Belgium for Christmas Markets in December. MSC even has a 2-night break to France, perfect for a quick getaway.
Choose ‘France Getaway from Southampton’ for 2 nights from £269 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin, full board, on board MSC Virtuosa, departing on August 22nd, 2024. Tips are included.
8. I’m a smoker, can I still cruise?
If you smoke cigarettes, there are dedicated smoking areas on ships, so check this is so on the cruise ship you are eyeing up. Smoking doesn’t have to be a barrier to cruising.
9. I have mobility issues, can I still cruise?
Yes, you can, and cruising is growing so quickly as travellers realise how easy it is for everyone to travel. Make sure you use a cruise travel agent such as Iglu Cruise to ensure the cruise line can accommodate your needs, and pick the right cabin for your requirements.
10. Is it possible to totally relax on board, and ignore all the excursions?
It really is, and the top tip is to book a long transatlantic cruise, or any with many sea days showing on the itinerary. This means there’s plenty of time to enjoy every nook and cranny on board, go for many spa treatments and simply chill out and make total use of the ship’s facilities. Look for a repositioning cruise where many days are at sea as the ship is maneuvered to its new season’s home, or an itinerary taking in destinations you already know well and won’t give you FOMO. When others get off the ship for excursions, stay on board, and get a reduced-price spa treatment. A top tip is to go straight to the spa on arrival to ensure all the treatments and times you are after are confirmed for you.
Iglu Cruise’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dave Mills says, ‘
Our expert team is here 7 days a week and with a website full of useful information, for any cruise concern, no matter how big or small. It’s natural that these concerns arise, and almost always, there’s a solution, so anyone can cruise. It’s great to be helping cruisers of all ages to get on board, and to suggest itineraries and lines that perhaps our guest has not thought of. We’re here for free information, all week long.’
About Iglu.com
Iglu.com is Europe’s largest online travel agent of cruise holidays, trading as Iglu Cruise in the UK, and Planet Cruise across the UK and Europe. Independent since its launch 25 years ago, pioneering, multi-award-winning Iglu Cruise offers millions of holidays from 3,000 ports to 30 incredible destinations worldwide, and is the primary partner for all major cruise lines.
Crowned Online Agency of the Year 2023, Iglu offers unique, fast and easy online search and booking, and personal, unbiased advice from the 100-strong expert team. Iglu Cruise is an ABTA-bonded travel agent selling cruises and ATOL-bonded fly-cruise packages, and works with the industry to support sustainable travel. Awarded a customer satisfaction score 97% or higher by Feefo.