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5 cruise myths debunked

We’ve all been there: in the middle of an argument it suddenly dawns on you that, no matter what you say or do, your opponent is going to take the win. Not because they’ve used reason and logic to secure their triumph but because they have an insatiable need to Always. Be. Right.

It can be incredibly frustrating to enter into an argument with a person like this, but this character flaw can be managed. Remember, a person’s constant need to be right is most certainly masking their desperate fear of being wrong, and in the end, that fear is driving them to prevail by any means necessary. Try these tips to make these arguments and conflicts as painless as possible.

Written by Shanell Mouland. All images: Shutterstock

Cruises are for ‘oldies’ and are just plain old-fashioned

If you still believe this, chances are you’re not as with the times as you might like to think.

Many cruise liners are trading in feather-flapping cabarets and dinners at the captain’s table for rockclimbing, assault courses and simulation surfing.

In fact, cruises are swiftly becoming hubs of cutting-edge digital innovation.

Robot bartenders shake and stir guests’ cocktails aboard select ships; free smartphone apps onboard have become de rigueur; and one liner recently launched a tech-bracelet with more than 130 smart features, including an app enabling you to tailor your cruise every step of the way for a truly 21st-century experience.

They’re crowded and ‘touristy’

As the world shrinks, new and unique travel experiences are increasingly harder to come by.

Cruise ships are adapting to these demands, creating never-before-seen itineraries that leave the crowds far behind.

Trace the forgotten Spice Route, through ancient jungles and along white beaches, past crumbling monasteries and deserted cave temples, backwater fishing villages and local bazaars.

Discover Namibia’s German heritage, Benin’s voodoo traditions and Ghana’s dark slavery sites.

Visit nomadic communities in Madagascar and venture out to tiny Pacific islands, where some of the world’s most fascinating indigenous cultures can still be found.

It’s boring being stuck at sea

Because you can align your cruise to your interests so perfectly these days, if you’re bored on a cruise it’s because you’ve picked the wrong one.

Choose the right cruise and you can finally do all those things you’ve always wanted to as you drift between destinations.

Think scuba diving or wine tasting, photography or yoga.

Some ships have theme parks, water slides and zip lines, and you can skydive without even going ashore.

Isn’t the food a little dull?

Bland buffets are a thing of the past.

Today’s cruises serve up a treat for all the senses.

Embark on excursions to local markets, ranches and farms to source fresh ingredients for cooking classes back on board.

You can hop aboard cruise and enjoy world-class menus from famous chefs such as Curtis Stone, gastropub guru Ernesto Uchimura and many more.

I’ll have to get used to seasickness

Unlike that little old sailboat in the marina, cruise ships, large or small, are equipped with specialised stabilisers that take almost all of the motion out of the ocean.

Once settled on board, you’re likely to forget you’re even afloat.

Booking a cabin in the middle of a deck and lower in the ship, at its natural balance point, can help settle any pre-cruise fears further, despite it being extremely unlikely you will become seasick aboard in the first place.