Cruising is a vacation option that gets glossed over because of the many misconceptions that surround it. With other travel methods that'll get passengers to their destinations fast, cruising seems like an expensive waste of time. The problem is in thinking of the cruise ship as a mode of transportation instead of the destination itself.

These ships are more like a resort with restaurants, luxurious rooms, exotic scenery and activities galore. The only thing is that these resorts happen to move. Factoring in all that cruise ships have to offer can turn skeptics into happy passengers in Hawaiian shirts.

With that in mind, we’re now going to dispel 20 myths that people still believe about cruise ships to ensure we consider all our options.

20 Only retirees go on cruises

The age range of the cruise depends on the activities advertised. A ship that hits all the party cities will attract a younger crowd. Chances are that if you choose a cruise based on your interests, you’ll end up on the right ship without having to think too much.

19 Cabins are only for sleeping

Investing in a nice cabin is a crucial component for an enjoyable cruise. Every ship has its hidden nooks and crannies where you can escape the crowd, but nothing compares to getting time to yourself in your own room. Having a room you like will make escape much more pleasant.

18 You can't go alone

Being stuck on a ship with young families and couples sounds rough if you’re on your own. However, many cruises provide social events like cocktail parties designed for solo travelers to develop bonds of their own. Singles cruises are also an option if romance is part of your dream vacation.

17 You won't engage with new cultures

Cruise excursions are pre-planned outings at various stops along the ship’s trajectory. They provide a direct dive into the local cultures without requiring any research. These excursions can range from crafting chocolate in Belizean villages with Kekchi Mayans to cheese tastings and factory tours in the Netherlands.

16 Not worth the price

Before scratching cruises off your list of vacation options, make sure you know what you’d be getting. Food, on-board entertainment, and sometimes excursions come out of the price on all-inclusive cruises. Having everything organized for you adds a big bonus on top of that deal.

15 Everyone spends their days drinking

Carnival Cruise Line has made an effort to slow down heavy drinkers by imposing a 15 per day limit. Tastier beverages in family-oriented restaurants, like the Royal Caribbean Johnny Rockets restaurant in the above photo, for example, give other options for passengers who drink more moderately.

14 It's just not safe

Cruise ships deliver tens of millions safely to their destinations every year. These crews are responsible for passengers for much longer periods of time than those on airplanes yet maintain similar records. Of course, accidents do still happen so passengers should be careful to avoid any unnecessary risks.

13 In emergencies, you're on your own

So everything will probably be okay, got it. But what if something does go wrong? Every major cruise line is prepared with a ship doctor, medical facilities, and two nurses at a minimum according to Cruise Critic. Onboard pharmacies supply medicine for less urgent issues that may arise.

12 All the food is old

The modern era of cruising is bringing changes to the menu. Chefs are beginning to take shopping trips at ports so that guests can experience fresh dishes a week into their journey. Introducing local ingredients into onboard cuisine has the added benefit of bringing other cultural elements into the trip.

11 All you'll see is the ocean

Most of the ocean travel gets done while passengers are fast asleep. Sea days are necessary for traveling long distances, but by picking a smaller ship that makes multiple stops in a single region or an expedition cruise that includes less touristy areas, you can avoid sea days altogether.

10 No cure for cabin fever

The world’s largest ship, the Symphony of the Seas, has 18 decks and a real garden at its center. From the above picture, you can tell that this behemoth looks more like a condo than a ship. Its rivals don’t match up in size, but the homey atmosphere is similar.

9 Weight gain is guaranteed

Self-restraint is a tall order when multiple buffets are including in your trip package. Choosing the healthiest options out of the ones presented is the key. For those days where you just can't stay away from the desserts, cruises with onboard gyms and coaches can offset your indulgence.

8 Everyone has to dress up

A dress code may sound silly if you’re used to wandering hotel lobbies in your pajamas, but most ships aren’t asking their passengers for a lot. Show up for dinner with a shirt and shorts and you’ll be fine. Stricter dress codes are more common for luxury cruises.

7 Say goodbye to social media

Most cruise lines provide Wi-Fi access at a per-minute price. Purchasing a package will lessen the cost for those who already know their internet needs. Service at sea is slower and less reliable, but if you’re dying to know what’s trending on Reddit, it’ll get the job done.

6 You'll spend the trip seasick

Getting seasick on a boat doesn’t mean you’ll face the same symptoms on a ship. The much bigger sea vessel cancels out the rocking sensation that brings on nausea and dizziness. For those with stubborn bodies, medication, motion bands, and a cabin at the center of the ship can help.

5 A cruise won't take you anywhere new

Winding roads that scale the Andes mountains stop short of Ushuaia, Argentina, the colorful port city pictured above. A ferry is necessary to complete the trip by land but Norwegian and Celebrity Cruise Line make a direct trip. This is just one unique destination opened up by sea travel.

4 There's nothing to do

Arriving at a heavily anticipated destination is one of the highlights of a cruise ship vacation, but the opportunities for fun onboard are part of what make this mode of transportation so special. Exciting activities can include skydiving simulators, arcades, rollercoasters, and zip lines to name a few.

3 Every place is packed

Large cruise ships contain thousands of boisterous guests who are ready for a party. Luckily, that’s what these ships were designed to do. Multiple common areas break up crowds into comfortable groups of smaller sizes. Paying for club packages opens up restricted areas for an even more private experience.

2 They're too long

Cruise lines offer trips that’ll return you home before the weekend is up. This limits you to one destination, but three additional days is enough for a diverse ride. Spend a week on the Sea Lion and you’ll visit museums, see Hells Canyon, and go kayaking in the Palouse River.

1 Prices are better online

If this list has you interested in booking a cruise, make sure you’re getting the best deal. According to Travel and Leisure, travel agents get a heads up on deals before they go public. This method of travel planning is certainly old school, but worth a few bucks saved.