I've been on 70 cruises - here are 7 myths busted, from 'the ship being rammed' to 'I'll get seasick'. Plus, my top tips (including the joys of a WINDOWLESS cabin)

• Have you ever been on a cruise and would prefer not to take one in the future?
• Gaynor Speakman, 59, might just be able to alter your perspective.
• Vote in our poll below and let us know if she successfully converted you to cruises.

You've never been on a cruise and don't feel like going on one?

Gaynor Speakman, who has lived for 59 years, may potentially alter your opinion.

And here, she debunks seven common myths about cruises, ranging from 'the ship will be rammed' to 'I'll get seasick'.

And as a bonus, she shares expert advice for making the most of your cruise vacation – including why you might want to consider booking a cabin without a window. Read on for more and cast your vote in our poll to let us know if her recommendations have influenced your decision...

Myth 1: I'm too old for solo travel

'Solo travelers often enjoy cruising,' says Bolton-based Gaynor. 'Norwegian Cruise Line stands out in this regard by providing a casual coffee lounge where singles can easily meet others with similar interests. This relaxed, informal setting creates a comfortable atmosphere with no pressure to engage, allowing passengers to easily form lasting connections, and in some cases, even lifelong friendships or marriages have developed on these cruises.'

Myth 2 - I'll definitely get seasick.

Cruising has made tremendous advancements in terms of on-board accommodations. Many ships feature fin stabilizers that minimize the ship's rolling and pitching motion. For the most part, you don't even notice the movement until you hear the gentle vibration of the engine. In extreme cases, ginger teas and biscuits can help alleviate seasickness.

Some people are put off by the idea of cruising because they think it's only for high-society types or people with a lot of disposable income. But that's just not true. The truth is, cruising is a cruise line's most affordable option and can be a super affordable way to see several places without breaking the bank.

According to Gaynor, cruises are by no means uninteresting or formal.

She clarifies: "A lot of people misconstrue cruises as being stuffy and pretentious environments, but they're mistaken. Indeed, there are fantastic cruises that craft an elite, tailor-made experience flawlessly.

For instance, Cunard offers bell service and white-glove treatment, and access to exclusive areas of the ship and dining venues based on your cabin category. Celebrity Cruises boasts luxury standards with exceptional dining and beverage options.

'On the other hand, many other cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages and NCL have very casual dress codes, where you can wear whatever you prefer. Furthermore, you can interact with staff, some of whom eat in restaurants alongside you.'

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People who have never cruised before often comment to me that they thought the ship would feel like a ferry," says Gaynor. "Cruising is a far cry from that! Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, one of the world's largest ships, is capable of hosting nearly 5,000 people, yet it has ample space that I have sat for a nearly an hour in the ship's outdoor Central Park with a glass of wine, and not seen a single person. Ships are so well-planned that they have distinct neighbourhoods and areas that can be incredibly quiet.

Myth 5 - You'll be bored

Manuals are impossible on a cruise boat," states Gaynor. "With a vast array of activities available onboard contemporary ships - from ice rinks to indoor skydiving and aerial acrobatic shows and from cinemas to go-karts, cooking classes and even gin production - there is an option for every person of any age.

Myth #6: Cruising Is Only for Older Generations

'Cruising, initially popular among affluent retirees, has undergone a significant transformation,' Gaynor explains, 'appealing to a much wider demographic.'

'Currently, families with children, couples in their 20s and 30s, and those with grown children at home all enthusiastically choose cruise vacations - not only as a luxurious adventure, but also as a regular part of their annual travel schedule. The pattern is evident: repeat bookings are surpassing initial reservations, as many individuals become intoxicated with the excitement of cruising and make it a yearly priority to discover new destinations and attractions.'

The TV show or movie's entertainment is merely a backdrop for its central idea. Impactful and captivating stories aim to make viewers feel a certain way by shifting their thoughts.

"Cruise ship entertainment has evolved into one of the most technologically advanced, innovative, and thrilling experiences available," says Gaynor.

Consider the expense of attending top-tier West End musicals in the UK - then factor that cost into the overall price of your cruise. Everything you can experience on a ship, already included in the cost of your cruise, would likely total hundreds of pounds to see individually on land.

Royal Caribbean's spectacular drone show, The Effectors, brings Broadway skill to the seas, combining breathtaking performances with a fleet of drones that hover above the audience.

'MSC Cruises presents an exclusive range of Cirque du Soleil shows, one-of-a-kind performances created specifically for their ships - experiences that can only be found onboard.'

In fact, did you know that the P&O Cruises assigned music director is Gary Barlow?

'Cruise lines are consistently setting new standards, forming innovative collaborations with forward-thinking entertainment companies and engaging celebrity ambassadors to create spectacular experiences that surpass industry norms. The outcome is a vibrant and constantly evolving vacation choice that lets you travel without worrying about expenses.'

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Define your needs beforehand – before looking at prices

Gaynor explains: 'The key to having an ideal dream cruise is to first determine what you're looking for in your holiday, rather than focusing solely on the price tag. You might snag a fantastic deal on a cruise, but if it doesn't align with your preferences and you find yourself on the wrong ship, you won't have the best experience. To illustrate this point, Royal Caribbean is ideal for families who value flexibility, and their kids' clubs are truly exceptional. For travelers on a budget, MSC offers an attractive option. Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages caters specifically to couples seeking a child-free getaway, while Celebrity and Cunard deliver a luxurious cruising experience.'

Planning a trip can be challenging, but it can also be a process to try different options and tools to help you find the best time to book flights, hotels, or car rentals to get the lowest prices.

We often see a surge in bookings extremely shortly after the cruises become available," notes Gaynor. "Voyages with P&O Cruises and Princess cruises often get booked two to three years in advance. The majority of standard cabins for school-holiday cruises with P&O Cruises and MSC for 2025 have sold out. Some global journeys are booked up immediately upon their release.

'If you're not too particular about your destination, you can generally find a good last-minute deal on a cruise that's departing within three months.'

Looking for a budget-friendly voyage or a convenient, hassle-free experience? An interior cabin makes a great choice

'For those who are reserved, the concept of staying in an indoor cabin - essentially a basic hotel room without a window - may not initially seem alluring. Nevertheless, the cost disparity between cabin types can be substantial. Choosing an inside cabin on your first voyage allows you to enjoy the cruise experience at a more affordable rate. Should you end up falling in love with cruising, you can always upgrade to a balcony room on your next trip.'

'Several well-experienced travelers usually recommend inside cabins. They are a budget-friendly choice and offer a wonderfully dark atmosphere that is perfect for an excellent night's rest. On busy, modern cruise ships filled with various amenities, many travelers see their cabin merely as a basic space for sleep, showering, and recharging, allowing them to allocate their budget for dining, activities, or shore excursions.'

My clever trick for viewing windows.

Uncomfortable with not having a window? There's a simple solution, notes Gaynor, who explains: 'Use the cabin's TV as your "window." Most cruise ships feature webcams streaming live ocean views. Leave the feed on overnight, and while it'll be dark when you first start it, you'll wake up to a virtual sunrise or real-time views of your destination as you approach. It's a surprisingly effective way to replicate the feeling of natural light.'

Desire seclusion? A balcony cabin provides peacefulness.

"For those who cherish moments of quiet solitude and a secluded retreat, a balcony cabin is truly worth the indulgence,' advises Gaynor. 'Sitting on one's own outdoor space, immersed in a good book or serenaded by the gentle sound of the waves, is an experience that is difficult to surpass. The level of luxury also varies among cruise lines, ranging from uncomplicated chairs to more elaborate features, such as hammocks, as seen on Virgin Voyages.'

Whichever cabin option you prefer, whether it's an interior one or a balcony, there's a choice to suit everyone's taste and budget.

Want a stress-free experience? Use a cruise specialist - it's complimentary!

Gaynor explains: 'Booking your first cruise or sailing with an unfamiliar cruise company can be an overwhelming experience. That's why it's a good idea to work with a travel agent who specialises in cruises, who can guide you through the booking process and be prepared to reserve exactly what you're looking for as soon as cruises go on sale.

'Many travel agents have gone on numerous cruises and ship visits while they are in port and thus know where, when and in which cabin you should go. Moreover, their concierge-style service doesn't incur any additional costs!'

'The cruise company reimburses the agency for its commission, not you, and the cruise prices are the same as if you had booked directly with the cruise line.'

Similarly, hotels may leave themselves open to revenue loss by allowing kids' clubs to interfere with room bookings. Some kids' clubs anticipate that parents might opt out of specified hours or consideration periods due to prior bookings, citing inconvenience or schedule constraints.

Gaynor reveals: 'One reason to book early that many people don't know about is the availability of kids' clubs.

In the event that kids' clubs reach their maximum capacity for children of a certain age, a ship may have limited cabin availability for families seeking accommodations specifically catering to their children's needs.

When booking a kids' club, please note that there are strict staff-to-child ratios in place. If the age of your child aligns with specific staff rotations, you may see limited availability due to the staff assignments. To secure a place for your children, it's highly recommended to make early bookings.

Want a touch of exclusive ambiance? Consider joining a club

'If it's exclusivity you want for a good price,' says Gaynor, 'some cruise lines, such as MSC, offer an inclusive "ship within a ship" experience where part of the ship is exclusively for their Yacht Club members. You'll enjoy a unique type of accommodation, a private members-only pool, a special restaurant, and VIP access to the spa, plus expedited entry off the ship at ports and a privileged deck with enhanced views.'

Head to www.facebook.com/NotJustTravelGaynor for more.

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