Cruising’s biggest myths busted

Hitting the high seas is a bizarrely polarising form of vacation – some have a cult-like obsession with it while others wouldn’t contemplate it. Here, we bust some of the common myths.

“Oh, I’m not a cruise person.” We’ve all heard it. Some of us have probably even said it. Hitting the high seas is a bizarrely polarising form of vacation – some have a cult-like obsession with it while others wouldn’t contemplate it.

But perhaps it’s time we dispelled those reservations and discovered what all the fuss is about, especially for families struggling to afford the soaring cost of a weekend at the beach.

Even the most modest of getaways is sailing out of reach for many as crippling living costs crunch household budgets.

There’s fun, relaxation and value to be found on the high seas, however, where the inclusive cost of a three-night trip on a Carnival Cruise Line is comparable to a single night’s accommodation on the Gold Coast.

This modest fee includes a huge range of activities and an endless supply of food.

And the enjoyment of the total service can’t be underestimated for an exhausted parent with small children, who can revel in the complete break from cooking, cleaning, laundry and entertaining tireless children.

Hitting the high seas.

Carnival’s Luminosa, the 11-deck ship with space for nearly 3000 guests which sails from Brisbane through the warmer months, has bottomless culinary options from early in the morning to late at night – the burrito bar and constant flow of hand-tossed pizzas is a particular treat and are all included in the cost of the cruise.

The Lido Marketplace is also included in the price for meals from early in the morning until dinner.

The bargains extend to the finer meals, with the best restaurant on-board, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, featuring sweeping views of the seas where succulent lobster and a broad range of steaks are included in the additional $72 three-course feed.

For an extra $26, the restaurant will provide wine pairing for each meal.

If your nose curls up at the thought of syrupy frozen daiquiris, the talented staff at the Alchemy Bar can mix high-quality cocktails to suit your expectations.

The boat has a number of dining options.

The boat is a hive of activity for children of all ages with a basketball court on the roof, mini golf on one balcony, and Camp Ocean kids’ club to take expert care of your precious ones for an additional fee through the day and into the evening.

And for those who left the children onshore, there are a host of options to escape for peace and quiet including the adults-only pool and deck as well as the high-class spa that can be accessed, for an additional price, over two levels offering treatments such as massages, sauna, hydrotherapy pool and steam room.

I travelled on a three-night voyage with my wife and two small children, aged one and three. We were located in two state rooms joined through the balcony, which was ideal because it allowed us to securely put our children to bed in the two cots provided on-board.

The rooms were also spacious enough to accommodate two cots – and the dedicated attendant was attentive and incredibly friendly.

The rooms across the Luminosa range from internal state rooms on the inside of the ship with options for bunks, to the grand vista suite with prices increasing according to comfort level.

Carnival Luminosa balcony room.

Our voyage, which is perfectly pitched as a weekender to allow reluctant travellers to dip their toes into cruising before committing to an extended trip at sea, ventured into the ocean without a stop until we returned to Brisbane.

And while this may appear odd at first glance, it did provide security for the journey given we weren’t at the mercy of bad weather. Our trip took place during Cyclone Jasper in Queensland’s far north, which meant some passengers were anxious about possible cancellation.

But without a stringent path, the cruise was free to journey into the high seas without being lashed with rough water. My family particularly enjoyed the Dr Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (additional $12 per person) – our children loved the interactive performances and colouring-in games while we enjoyed the delicious breakfast and views over the back of the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president Kara Glamore says some potential passengers fear they’ll run out of things to do and see.

“At Carnival, for days when you’re at sea, we offer over 45 on-board activities including comedy and Broadway-style shows, pasta-making classes, our Seuss at Sea program and even a Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea,” she says.

‘Camp Ocean’ kids club.

Glamore says that another myth is that cruising is best being suited for retirees, which she insists is utterly incorrect.

“For families, we have our much-loved theme nights, family games and Sail Away parties and for those travelling with friends or a partner, our cruises offer indulgent spa treatments, specialty dining experiences and (on other cruises) an action-packed shore excursion program,” she says.

“We also find that those who are new to cruising aren’t always aware of how much is included in the standard cruise fare. Not only are so many fun activities, kids’ clubs, pools and gym included but also a great selection of delicious dining options.”

Glamore says a cruise with Carnival is perfectly suited for families with the “excellent value” of the fare including dining, entertainment and activities.

“When you book a cruise with us, your accommodation and entertainment such as shows, trivia, karaoke, and movies are all included,” the vice president says.

“For little ones, we also offer our Camp Ocean kids’ club program on-board all our ships (children 2-11 years), Circle C for tweens and Club 02 (15-17 years), included in the ticket price.

“For our smallest sailors aged six months to two years we offer our Turtles program at select times during your cruise, which includes a variety of special activities, playdates and music.

“Our ships also offer the Night Owls babysitting for families with children aged 6 months to 11 years.”

The playfully themed Seussapalooza is also a huge hit for the whole family, Glamore says.

“There is a Dr Seuss characters’ parade, an interactive story reading with the characters, a Green Eggs and Ham breakfast experience and more,” she says.

Life on the high seas is energising and entertaining, with a mesmerising array of creative and hilarious activities.

But there’s also nothing quite like enjoying a glass of bubbles on your own private balcony staring out over the uninterrupted ocean.

The author travelled as a guest of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Luminosa Cruise Ship

Three-day getaway from Brisbane

from $484 per person twin share interior. departing March 6, 2025
Carnival.com.au