Are Cruises Worth It?

Have you ever wondered if a cruise is worth your valuable vacation time? Are they too crowded? Will you feel rejuvenated afterwards? Will motion be an issue? I will try to answer all of these very reasonable questions in this blog entry.

Is a cruise worth your valuable vacation time?

With only a handful of vacation days each year, most travelers want to be sure they’re spending them wisely. This is perfectly sensible and is a very valid concern when it comes to selecting your trip type.

Cruises offer an assortment of benefits that other types of travel may not: 1) convenience, 2) value, 3) variety, 4) stress-free planning, and 5) an opportunity for the perfect group getaway.

Cruises are incredibly convenient. You unpack just once, but you visit multiple destinations.

There is an unparalleled value with cruises. You get meals, entertainment, and lodging all bundled together with the added benefit of seeing those aforementioned multiple destinations.

Cruises provide a tremendous variety of activities for different ages and interests. From pools and hot tubs to gyms to spas, from casinos and arcades to water slides and theater productions…cruise ships have an abundance of activities that serve every age group, interest level, and attention span.

Cruise activity directors and shore excursion teams are well paid to keep your cruise as stress-free as possible. Activity directors run onboard entertainment like deck events, shows, trivia, parties, and other scheduled happenings while shore excursion teams plan, negotiate, coordinate, and run the excursions in each port. They work with local tour operators and handle logistics and safety standards. In other words, you can just show up and all the hard, stressful stuff is done.

From immediate and multi-generational family vacations to friend group and corporate retreats, cruises are great for groups. Ships have multiple cabin options to maximize sleepers and space; there are several cabins on each deck with connecting doors to expand the living space for you and your group; kids of all ages can enjoy the exciting events and activities prepared for them in the on-board childcare facilities; adults can join in the fun on the main pool deck or they can opt for the adults-only areas for a more quiet experience; and most mid-size and large ships have dedicated conference rooms with projectors, screens, and sound systems for team-building events. While cruises are undoubtedly designed to create a memorable family/friend vacation, many ships are really stepping up their solo-traveler game as well. If you’ve ever considered taking a solo cruise, you will find all of the amenities can also cater to you.

Are cruise ships too crowded?

Cruises do have a lot of people, but it really depends on the ship and how you use it. Newer ships are designed to spread people out with their multiple dining areas, lounges, adults-only spaces, and private decks. There are plenty of quiet areas, and if you avoid peak times, you may find it doesn’t have to feel crowded at all. Most of the crowds show up around the buffet and pool; the rest of the ship has loads of space you can explore.

Will you feel rejuvenated after a cruise?

There’s something about being on the water with no chores, no driving, and no stress that really resets you. Sea days, adults-only solariums, and spa time really adds up and can be incredibly rejuvenating. A few days of no cooking, no cleaning, and waking up to an ocean view works wonders on a tired brain.

Will motion be an issue?

If you’re sensitive to motion, choosing the right ship and cabin can make an enormous difference. Cruise ships are basically floating hotels with very high-tech, modern stabilizers that work to reduce, and often even eliminate, motion detection for its passengers. Midship on a large ship is surprisingly smooth and most passengers report that the only time they felt motion was during rough weather. While weather can be present on any trip, cruise ships do their best to navigate around it when it’s severe. Throw a bottle of motion-sickness prevention medicine in your carryon for peace of mind, but today’s ships have really stepped up advancements in this department and have been able to turn avid “never cruisers” into lifelong customers.

So what’s actually stopping you? Experience why some travelers cruise multiple times per year and prefer this method over traditional vacations. Redeem the time and book the cruise.