The Truth About Cruise Culture

Cruises have always had a reputation that swings from dreamy to disastrous.

For some, it’s the ultimate vacation: unlimited food, sparkling blue water, and a floating city that takes you from one tropical port to the next.

For others, cruises are associated with headlines like the infamous “Poop Cruise,” which recently appeared on Netflix, or haunting stories like the disappearance of Amy Bradley.

With such extreme narratives, it can be hard to know what to believe. The truth about cruise culture lies somewhere in between.

You may be asking yourself, “Is a Cruise Worth It?” Let us dive into the deets!

What Shapes Cruise Culture

Cruise culture covers a broad spectrum. You might run into folks happily lined up for bingo and piling their plates high at the buffet, while others are sipping cocktails at a tasting or heading to yoga on the top deck, like us!

The appeal lies in the variety, but that’s also where some of the myths originate. Pop culture loves to highlight the extreme, whether it’s a plumbing disaster on a Carnival ship or a mystery at sea.

While these stories are memorable, the average cruise is much less dramatic than what you see on Netflix.

What You Should Actually Worry About

Safety is one of the biggest concerns people have when booking a cruise. Stories like Amy Bradley’s disappearance fuel those fears, and while rare, they are heartbreaking reminders to be smart and aware while traveling. Here are a few practical tips that really matter:

• Use the cabin safe for your passport, wallet, and valuables.
• Pay attention to your alcohol intake, especially if you’re in unfamiliar settings.
• Be mindful when chatting with strangers both onboard and in port.
• If exploring a port on your own, research ahead of time so you know what areas to avoid.
• Stick with excursions you’ve vetted or those offered through the cruise line if you’re nervous.
• Learn the layout of the ship early on, so you know where to go in an emergency.

Most of these steps are no different than the ones you’d take when visiting any new city.

A cruise is essentially a floating town, and treating it with the same level of awareness is key.

What Happens in International Waters

So, let’s get real here. When you’re in international waters, you’re not automatically protected by your home country’s laws.

Cruise ships typically operate under the laws of the country to which they are flagged, and this can make legal protections and investigations challenging if something goes wrong.

This doesn’t mean cruising is inherently unsafe, but it does mean you should be thoughtful about who you sail with.

Research the cruise brand thoroughly before booking, examining their safety record and reading passenger reviews.

Choosing a reputable line with clear safety protocols can provide you with greater peace of mind at sea.

Myths That Refuse to Die

Cruises are packed with stereotypes.

Here are a few you’ve probably heard; we sure have. We’ll get to the bottom of each:

• “The food is terrible.” Some cruise lines still lean heavily on buffets, but many, like Virgin Voyages, have elevated dining with sit-down restaurants, vegan options, and menus curated by award-winning chefs.
• “You’ll get seasick.” Motion can be an issue, but modern ships are built with stabilizers that minimize it. For those sensitive to movement (hi, it’s me, Shannon!), remedies such as patches or ginger can make a significant difference.
• “You’ll be bored.” Cruise ships today are packed with a wide range of activities, including live entertainment, cooking classes, and spa services. The real problem is deciding what to skip. You can be as busy or as lazy as you want. No judgment.
• “Cruises aren’t safe.” Like any form of travel, risks exist. The statistics exist so you can know the facts about the level of risk. Like planes, cruise ships have excellent safety records. In fact, they are safer than the road you drove on today.

Why We Still Cruise

So why do we still choose to cruise when the headlines can be scary? Because the joy outweighs the noise. We love waking up in a new country without ever having to pack and unpack our belongings.

We view it as an app sampler. You can try out a few different things (ahem, places!) and decide where you want to spend more time later.

We love that there is something for every mood, whether it’s relaxing by the pool or catching a late-night show.

And we love that it fits into our minimalist lifestyle: one suitcase, one cabin, countless experiences.

If you know us, you know that we adore Virgin Voyages. Virgin has quickly become our go-to because it flips the script on what most people expect from cruising. The ships are completely child-free, which changes the atmosphere in such a refreshing way. It is the best cruise line for adults.

Instead of the typical family-focused vibe, it feels more like an upscale floating resort designed for adults who want both relaxation and fun.

With restaurants that replace buffets, quirky entertainment that pushes boundaries, and a fresh take on wellness at sea, Virgin offers an out-of-the-box version of cruising that actually fits the way we like to travel.

The truth about cruise culture is that it’s layered.

Yes, there are risks, and yes, disasters have happened.

But there is also magic in the experience, and with a bit of preparation, it can be one of the most stress-free ways to see the world.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions