When we think of a cruise, our thoughts immediately turn to warm, white sand beaches, crystal clear water and tropical drinks. For those who like to travel on cruise ships, it can be a wonderful opportunity to relax and be pampered, or, if you prefer, to spend your time participating in activities you thought you would never try. For those with certain phobias, however, the thought of a cruise may bring fear and trepidation. Here we will discuss those phobias that might be triggered by a week at sea.
Aquaphobia
Aquaphobia, or fear of water, is an obvious possibility. If you are afraid of large bodies of water, a cruise may not be the best choice for you. This fear is generally related to a fear of drowning. Non-swimmers and those who have seen Titanic may be especially prone to developing aquaphobia.Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is another common phobia that could be triggered by cruising. Although agoraphobia is best-known as a fear of leaving the house, this is not always the case. Some forms of agoraphobia are triggered by specific situations such as standing in lines. Long lines to get on and off the ship, lines at the dining buffets and lines for photographs can trigger agoraphobia in some people. In addition, agoraphobia is often related to panic disorder. The simple knowledge that you are “stuck” on the ship in the middle of the ocean may be enough to trigger a panic attack.Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia can be triggered by cruising as well. Although some of the public areas have sweeping, open vistas and soaring atriums, cabins are extremely small with tight, narrow hallways. An inside cabin is the least expensive, but does not provide a single window. Depending on your cabin’s position on the ship, it could be a long walk to the nearest open deck or large public area. Claustrophobia can also be a factor at some of the ship’s events. Large crowds tend to gather during showtimes, in some cases providing standing room only. If crowds make you claustrophobic, you may wish to skip some of the shows.Social Phobia
By definition, cruising is a social activity. Your dinner seating will likely be at a table for six to ten. You will be matched with other cruisers, who will likely be sociable and expect you to participate in conversation. Most of the activities are participatory in nature, encouraging you to dance, sing, join a conga line or answer trivia questions on stage. Even on the open decks, conversations naturally ensue. If you participate in shore excursions, you will find yourself on a boat or a bus with 20 or 30 other cruisers, most of whom are eager to get to know the others in the group. Even if you go it alone in port, you will be greeted by hawkers hoping to braid your hair, sell you jewelry or simply tell you all about island life.Hypochondriasis/Nosophobia
It seems that we cannot turn on the news these days without hearing about the latest outbreak of ship borne illnesses. Norovirus, a nasty but short-lived gastrointestinal disorder, spreads easily among groups of people who live in close proximity, as on a cruise ship. Colds and flu also spread easily when people are in close contact. Although the number of outbreaks is actually quite small, and each outbreak affects only a small percentage of passengers, it is easy for those with a tendency to fear illness to become afraid. Whether you suffer from hypochondriasis (fear of illness) or nosophobia (fear of a specific disease), being in close contact with others for an extended time could trigger your phobia.Other Specific Phobias
In bad weather, astraphobia, or fear of thunder and lightning, could occur. Mythophobia could be triggered by the sometimes-eerie tales of ghosts and pirates that are told during many shore excursions. Coulrophobia may be triggered by some of the shows or activities. If you suffer from nyctophobia, you may become nervous in an inside cabin with no natural light.
With so many possible phobia triggers, you may wonder whether you should avoid cruising. However, a ship can be a safe place for you to face your fears. In Coping at Sea, we will discuss ways of coping with phobias on a cruise.
Source:American Psychiatric Association. (1994). [i]Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th Ed.[/i]). Washington, DC: Author.
