How Can I Convince My Significant Other to Go on a Cruise?

You may be sold on taking off on a cruise, but what if your wife/husband/partner/significant other isn't interested? Sure you can cruise alone, but you'll probably have more fun if you bring your partner along.

While you don't want to force anyone into doing something they don't want, chances are if they're against cruises, they just don't realize how many different kinds of cruise vacations there are out there. There really is something for everyone. Also, many people have some preconceived notions about cruises that just aren't true.

According to Cruises 101, some of the most common cruise myths people have are that...

1. Cruises are boring
2. Cruises cost too much
3. Only retired people take cruises
4. Ships are crowded
5. You'll get seasick

If you're trying to convince someone to go on a cruise with you and they're balking because they believe one or more of these myths, let me help you change that person's mind (hey, I'm here for you!).

First off, if someone thinks a cruise is going to be boring, chances are someone hasn't seen the list of all the things there are to do on the big mainstream resort ships these days.

If you like fine dining, there are all sorts of eating options throughout the day (you can find something to munch on even in the middle of the night). If you're trying to stay fit, you can head to the gym and pump iron or sign up for classes such as kickboxing, yoga, or pilates. If you're a golf fanatic, many ships have computerized driving ranges that analyze your swing and help you improve. Do you like to learn things when you travel? You can find all sorts of classes and lectures to attend from cooking to digital photography to histories of the areas you're visiting. If you just want to relax, you could take in an after-dinner show, watch a new release movie, lounge by the pool, or curl up in a deck chair with a book.

As you can see, there are lots of things to do on a cruise ship--some even have rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks--and I can't imagine how anyone would be bored. We haven't even mentioned all the ports of call you'll visit and the interesting shore excursions available.

Ok, but what about price? Cruise vacations are only for the rich, right?

Actually, cruises are extremely affordable vacations. Sure, you can find luxury cruises that are pricey, but there are more cruises out there that are affordable for middle income families.

You can find weeklong trips that take you to the Caribbean, for instance, for about $700 a person. This includes your cabin, the cruise, your entertainment, and all the meals you can eat.

If you're not ready to cruise for a week, start with a 3-day trip for a couple hundred dollars. Cruises are a very economical way to see different countries. And best of all, you only have to unpack once.

But only retired folks cruise, right?

Actually, you'll find people of all ages on cruises. You can find young singles looking to party, honeymoon couples on their first vacation together, and families with kids, as well as retired folks enjoying traveling now that they don't have to work any more.

No matter what age you are, you probably won't feel out of place on a cruise.

But what if you hate crowds? With all these people we've mentioned, a cruise ship can sound crowded.

Well, the large resort ships do have a lot of people, thousands in fact. But they're big ships too, so you probably won't feel hemmed in by crowds everywhere you turn. However, if being on a ship with so many people makes you uneasy, then just sign up for a cruise on a small ship. You can find ships that only take 50-200 people out at a time. These small ships can often get to the less touristy ports, too, places big ships just can't find room to dock.

Okay, okay, a cruise is sounding pretty good, but what if you're prone to seasickness? Hey, as someone who gets car sick, I totally understand, but chances are you won't even feel the sway of the ocean most of the time. Today's ships have stabilizers that keep things pretty darned comfortable. Also, they tend to sail around islands or in protected gulfs, which are calmer than the open sea. But if you're worried about seasickness, simply take some medication along. Over-the-counter Dramamine works well for many people.

There you have it: some of the biggest cruise myths debunked. Hopefully this article will help you convince your significant other that a cruise vacation could indeed be a lot of fun for both of you.