Just about everyone who has gone on a cruise has enjoyed themselves and found the experience to be memorable and worthwhile.

According to statistics provided by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), over the next three years, over 50 million North Americans indicate intent to cruise. To date, approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population has ever cruised.

Then there is a group of people who are hesitant of traveling by ship because they have some preconceived notions that they have received from secondhand or third-hand sources.

These beliefs are preventing them from actually cruising to either prove or dispel their beliefs.

Here are some common cruise myths and fallacies that I have heard over the years. All I ask is that you read with an open mind.

One major misconception that people have with cruises is that all destinations are just beaches, plus the cruise ship is party central. On the contrary, cruise ships travel to all parts of the world and there are plenty of cruise destinations that may appeal to any type of traveler. Many modern cruise vessels are refined floating resorts with first class facilities and fine dining.

Many folks think that with 3,000 plus passengers onboard, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship the “Epic” makes for a crowded voyage. This is not your father’s Navy ship.

It is purpose built to handle the crowds with multiple dining rooms, lounges, theaters and other amenities. Having said that, hotels and restaurants can be crowded too. Have you ever tried to get into a Bob Evans on a Sunday morning just as the after-church crowd arrives?

Many people are scared of going on cruise trips because they think that cruise ships are unsafe and can sink anytime. This is not true, as most of the itineraries are sailing within an hour or so of land. Only the handful of yearly Trans ocean crossings truly sail the open seas.

Modern cruise vessels have very stable platforms and steer around any weather issues. Gone are the days of the Titanic and today people can have fun on board without being concerned for their safety.

Another major misconception is that a cruise is an all-inclusive vacation. Wrong! They are a fairly inclusive product. The standard cruise does not include everything. Your cruise ticket includes your stateroom, transportation to ports of call, many shipboard meals, entertainment and activities. Everything else, like bottled water, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments and other extra features are paid for separately.

Sit down and compare the costs of a cruise vacation versus a similar land based one and I’m confident that you’ll see that a cruise is a great value!

October is “Wave” month for the cruise industry. There will be boatloads of discounts and special promotion available. I’ll be posting many of these offers on my “Worlds Largest Cruise Night” website http://wlcn.cruising.org/TheTravelProfessor.

Steve Call