FAQs

Will I get seasick?
Some of the world's seas are rougher than others: the Caribbean, for example, is generally plain sailing, while the bay of Biscay - en route to the Mediterranean - is famed for its unpredictability.
On the new generation of big ships, you will feel very little movement - these vessels are so large and stable you'll be surprised to see the scenery go by. Older ships are fitted with stabilisers to minimise their movement through waves.
If you invest in over-the-counter motion sickness pills to take until you get your sea-legs, you should be fine. And if not, ship's doctors are old hands at producing the right stuff to settle your stomach.

Will I feel trapped on a ship?
With a different port on offer most days of your cruise, you will be hard pressed to feel hemmed in! In fact, most passengers look forward to days at sea so they can relax and revel in the ships facilities.

Will I be surrounded by older people?
Overall, the age of the average cruise passenger is falling every year, and though some ships do attract an older clientele, many now have a mix of children, young singles and couples of every age. If you really like to party, the Caribbean ships are your best bet.

Do I have to dress up all the time?
The short answer is no - you don't need a Joan Collins - size wardrobe to make the most of a cruise. Though luxury ship passengers do like to put on the style a bit, most cruises have only one or two formal evenings - the Captain's welcome cocktails at the start of a cruise, and his farewell dinner at the end.
During port calls, casual is the order of the day, and on most evenings informal wear - a dress or trouser suit for ladies, casual trousers for gentlemen - will be fine.
If you really hate dressing up, you'll find Caribbean and Far East cruises more casual than those in the Med and Baltic. But for most people, dressing for dinner is part of the whole experience.