To miss this cruise opportunity because I'm scared of boats.

[HodorHodorHodorHodor]

I am lucky enough to have the chance to go on an all expenses paid, all inclusive cruise around the Caribbean next year.

I have been abroad once in my life (I am now mid 40's) and haven't been on holiday for over 15 years.

Childcare, time of work etc will be fine but the only thing that is stopping me from saying yes is my fear of boats. My family told me that I would be mad not to as I don't get out much but I feel as though something terrible is going to happen.

I'm posting to get some thoughts or advice from others about going on cruises and whether or not I should or shouldn't go because I cannot make the decision.

What is it that you are frightened of? And could you get some private counseling to help overcome your fear? It sounds like an amazing opportunity!

Can I go instead?

OK think about how many car accidents you hear about and then think about how many cruise accidents you've heard about. (Hope that doesn't stop you going in a car!)

Cruise ships are so large you won't even notice that you are on a ship. Go!

You must go! Sounds like a fantastic opportunity! You have plenty of time to seek therapy or counciling to get over your fear. Don't miss out on a fantastic opportunity!

I would go and get some counselling or hynotherapy in the meantime to handle the feelings of anxiety.

*hypnotherapy

what are you nervous about? Can you see it before you go?

I had lunch on a cruise ship once. I was really surprised that they chose to pack so much on - so tons of tiny themed rooms etc with very low ceilings instead of making the space seem more airy.

I don't travel - as many will know from the other thread! - but my sister is a big travelling person and she was really put off cruise ships after we saw that one.

not trying to put you off, just wondering if you have seen it. Also she felt very strongly about the "cabin fever" thing. My late father was a very keen traveller and he also refused to go on cruises, partly because of the boxed-in thing but also he felt there wasn't enough time to be on land and explore.

loads of people absolutely love cruises, so just wondering if you can get a feel for the boat before deciding.

It seems quite reasonable to me that you wouldn't want to go. It isn't an amazing opportunity for someone who hates boats..

I agree with seeing the ship you’ll be on. Quite frankly with some of them you may as well be on the Isle of Wight they are that massive..

I’m not sure what bit of a boat you are anxious about but they are incredibly distracting once on. Loads to do, pools to swim in, restaurants to eat in and clubs to visit. It’s not like a ferry where you can feel the waves even.

Which ship is it? Round the Caribbean I doubt you’d feel the boat move st all on a big one and there is so much to do on them. However, if your fear is so great you hate the thought of being on a boat then it’s not for you!

Why would you go on a cruise if you hate boats? I don't mind boats, but the thought of being stuck on one for days on end makes me feel a bit claustrophobic so YANBU!

Depends. Do you hate small boats, in which case you should be fine, or do you hate all boats, in which case it could be awful for you.

I'm not keen on small boats, but love cruising.

I love cruises so if you'd like to send me the ticket over I'll happily go in your place instead if you'd like!!!

It’s not an ‘amazing opportunity’ if you hate boats and travel isn’t a priority for you, surely.

You couldn't pay me to go on a cruise.

As far as I'm concerned, Billy Connelly got it right when he said a cruise is like prison with the option of drowning!

I’ve done a Caribbean cruise. It was fab! Ship had roomy cabins with a view, plenty of restaurants, lots of stops, lots of activities... if you look at records, how many cruise ships have sunk? It was a great experience.

Sea was so calm that you couldn’t tell you were at sea most of the time. Go for it!

You are. Honestly at more risk in your car...

Honestly I was the same. I hate flying too, terrified of it. I really wanted to go away on holiday without having to get a plane for booked a cruise.

Closer to the time I stated panicking about it, I bought sea sickness arm bands & medication. I remember when we got on the boat, it hadn't left yet & I started getting really anxious, my husband suggested we walk around the ship to take my mind off it. A while later I said to him that I hoped we don't feel to much when it moves, he said 'It left the port 40mins ago' I didn't even feel anything, they are huge boats.

The Cruise was amazing, so much to do & it's so lovely waking up & being in a different country. I've been on two more since. Definitely go for it!!

I would turn it down too. I'm OK with some boats but I couldn't deal with a big boat in a big ocean.
Mind you I do have a variety of anxiety disorders so perhaps don't listen to me

Go!!!!

And in the interim look into therapy.

But agree the boats are huge and inside is like a hotel. You forget where you are so easily

I'd rather eat my own feet than go on a Caribbean cruise.

But what exactly is it you are scared of?

I like a good sail.

Are you just not keen on boats or are you phobic?

I have pretty bad claustrophobia and the thought of caving or potholing makes me feel sick, I can't even look on telly. So if I won a prize to look at Ali Babas caves and come back with buckets full of diamonds I still wouldn't do it.

Even typing about caves and potholes made me feel sick then. How averse/phobic are you?

Cruises are awful.., sorry.. tacky, fake and erhhh I could go on for hours .......

I’m not sure I could either, extension of claustrophobia

What are you afraid of?

I'm claustrophobic and I don't like gastrointestinal issues so I wouldn't pay for a cruise. They always seem to get norovirus.

However if you've barely travelled and this is the chance to see the Caribbean for free... I'd do everything I could to make it happen.