The Most Common Myths About Cruising, Debunked

When people hear “cruise,” they often imagine crowded buffets, deck chair wars and cartoon mascots running the kids’ club. It’s no wonder some travelers — especially those who lean luxe — write cruising off entirely. But that image couldn’t be farther from the experience offered by today’s high-end cruise lines, and luxury cruising is seeing an uptick in bookings by a whole new group of travelers.

Why? Think butlers instead of bunk beds. Michelin-level cuisine instead of buffets. Curated kids’ programming that feels more boutique than babysitting. The modern luxury cruise is a seamless and sophisticated way to travel the world without packing and unpacking at every stop.

If you’ve avoided cruising because you thought it wasn’t for you, it might just be because you’ve only seen one side of it. Here, we bust some cruise myths and show why high-end cruising could be your new favorite way to explore the world.

10 Myths About Cruising That Just Aren’t True

Myth 1: All cruise ships are massive, impersonal megaships.

It’s true that the biggest ships at sea can carry more than 6,000 guests, but luxury cruise lines deliberately take the opposite approach. High-end lines like Seabourn, Silversea, Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas operate much smaller ships – typically between 250 and 750 guests. That smaller size translates to a more intimate, personalized experience where crew members remember your name (and your drink order).

Even upscale ships with more capacity, like those from Oceania or Viking, are midsize at most and still prioritize guest comfort and spacious design, meaning fewer crowds, more attentive service and no jostling at the breakfast buffet.

Myth 2: Cruises are for older people.

Luxury cruising may once have been dominated by an older crowd, but that’s changing. Today’s high-end lines are welcoming multigenerational families, younger professionals and adventurous couples with kids in tow. Lines like Explora Journeys and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are attracting a younger demographic with wellness-focused programming, immersive shore experiences and sleek, design-forward ships that feel more like boutique hotels than traditional cruise ships.

Myth 3: It’s all buffets and bland food.

Not even close. Luxury cruises have redefined onboard dining, offering gourmet cuisine crafted by world-class chefs, often with menus inspired by the regions you’re visiting. Expect fine dining with wine fairings, a la carte options with no extra charge and a complete absence of assigned seating or set dining times.

On Explora I, for example, you’ll find five upscale restaurants ranging from pan-Asian cuisine at Sakura to wood-fired Mediterranean dishes at Marble & Co. Grill. Seven Seas Splendor features Chartreuse, a French fine dining venue inspired by chic Parisian bistros. Seabourn Encore offer the Grill by Thomas Keller, serving elevated American classics from the Michelin-starred chef behind The French Laundry. Meanwhile, Silversea’s Silver Moon impresses with its S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, which includes a test kitchen and curated shore-based culinary experiences.

Myth 4: It will be crowded.

That might be true on a megaship, but high-end cruise lines design their ships for space and calm, personalized service. Scenic Eclipse, for example, sails with just 228 guests, featuring a luxurious spa, indoor and outdoor plunge pools and multiple dining venues, all without a crowd in sight. Ponant’s Le Bougainville carries just 184 guests and features an underwater lounge for quiet marine viewing — no waiting, no noise. Then there’s SeaDream Yacht Club, whose 112-passenger yachts feel more like private charters. Even when it’s time to go ashore, luxury lines stagger their excursions and offer smaller group sizes or private tours.

Myth 5: It’s just a floating hotel; you don’t really see the destination

If your vacation goal is to really experience a destination, a luxury cruise might be the most comfortable way to do it. Many high-end cruises are smaller and offer overnight stays in off-the-beaten-path ports and destinations larger ships can’t reach. Silversea’s expedition ships, like Silver Endeavour, take guests to the Arctic, Galapagos and Antarctica with expert-led Zodiac landings and naturalist guides. Ponant offers themed cultural sailings, such as its music and art cruises in partnership with the Louvre that include private museum access or guest lectures.

Myth 6: Cruises are too structured and scheduled.

The old stereotype of cruises requiring set dining times, formalwear-only nights and rigid itineraries doesn’t apply on luxury ships. High-end cruise lines focus on freedom, flexibility and personalization. On Four Seasons Yachts, launching in 2026, expect total freedom: private water toys, custom itineraries and concierge-style service. UnCruise Adventures and Aurora Expeditions often don’t even publish set excursion schedules, adjusting based on tides, wildlife sightings and guest interest.

Myth 7: There’s nothing for kids to do.

You won’t find water slides or breakfast with princesses on a luxury cruise, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great option for families. The approach is just different. It’s more like “adventure with mom and dad” than “drop the kids at the club.” Some luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Crystal offer seasonal youth programs with activities such as cooking classes, language lessons and destination-based games designed for curious young travelers. Seabourn and Silversea occasionally feature family-themed sailings with expedition teams or wellness programming suitable for older kids and teens.

Myth 8: High-end cruises are too expensive.

It might look that way at first glance, but once you break down what’s included, luxury cruises can deliver far more value than some land-based stays. Regent Seven Seas Cruises includes round-trip flights (often business class on international routes), hotel stays, gratuities, shore excursions, premium drinks, Wifi and even valet laundry. Ponant, Silversea and Seabourn offer similar all-inclusive pricing, which often covers Zodiacs, enrichment lectures and butler service. Families, in particular, can benefit from select sailings like Disney Cruise Line’s premium European itineraries and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, which offer reduced or included child fares.

Myth 9: Accommodations are cramped.

Not on upscale cruises. The term “cabin” doesn’t even do justice to what most lines offer: residential-style suites, full marble bathrooms, balconies and walk-in closets. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima features 89 suites, all with private terraces and king beds and many with living rooms and soaking tubs. Windstar Cruises’ Star Plus Class ships offer larger suites with two bathrooms and French balconies. You can also find sprawling suites like Regent Seven Seas’ Regent Suite aboard Splendor and Grandeur, which measure more than 4,000 square feet and include two bedrooms, a private dining room for up to 12 guests, an in-suite spa with unlimited treatments, a Steinway piano, a personal butler and a private car and driver in every port.

Myth 10: You’ll get seasick.

Worried about getting queasy? You’re not alone. But many modern ships are equipped with advanced stabilizer technology, including Viking’s Ocean fleet, which is engineered for smoother sailing in notoriously tricky regions like the North Sea, and the Scenic Eclipse, which uses custom-built stabilizers and a reinforced hill to absorb motion during Antarctic crossings. Prefer calmer waters? Pick a Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise or stick to rivers, which offer zero swell. You can also contact your doctor in advance to discuss any appropriate seasick mitigation measures.

Bonus Myth 11: Cruises are difficult to book.

With so many ships, cabin types, itineraries and price tiers, planning a cruise can feel overwhelming. Add in things like shore excursions, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and figuring out which lines welcome families, and that “easy” vacation may feel anything but. The good news: Ciao Bambino’s Travel Advisors know the ins and outs of each line and can match your family with the right brand, itinerary and accommodations based on your style, budget and goals. We’ll also take care of the extras, such as transfers, flights, hotels and tours, so you can actually relax from sail-away to disembarkation.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all ideas for family cruise vacations on Ciao Bambino

Cruising with kids: 11 great destinations to explore by ship

The ultimate guide to choosing the best cruise ship cabin

6 reasons to set sail on a river cruise with kids

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.