The Real Reasons Why People Love And Hate Cruises

Boarding a cruise ship for that desperately needed vacation to the tropics or other dream destination could be just what you need. Yet, when it comes up in conversation, people are quickly polarized in their opinions about cruising.

Negative comments are frequently expressed by those who have never been on a cruise. Meanwhile, passionate proponents are happy to describe why it was one of their best vacations ever.

Keep in mind that everyone is different and what may be a plus for some may be a “no way” for others. We hope this article objectively highlights the pros and cons of taking a cruise. If you decide cruising isn’t for you, there are many ways to enjoy similar experiences near water such as resorts, villas, and even boats!

Benefits of a cruise:

Simple to plan.

It’s ready for you on a silver platter, whether you want to see several countries in Europe, travel to the Bahamas, or see the vast beauty of Alaska. Once you get to the ship, you are transported from port to port with plenty of proven adventures waiting for you. If you need to fly to the originating port, here are some ways to grab some cheap airfare, even at the last minute.

Cost-effective.

Cruise rates may appear pricey at first glance. However, when you break it down into nightly cost, along with the included meals and entertainment, it becomes a rather affordable deal compared to other vacation options. It’s easy to stay within your budget and you can tailor your stay with a cheap cabin or luxurious suite. Sales are always happening, so take advantage of a special deal to get the most bang for your buck.

Less packing.

You only need to pack and unpack one time on a cruise. Your bags are put away and everything is waiting for you after each excursion. Many travelers see this as a significant advantage. There are items you may wish to avoid taking with you to save space. Hanging shoe organizers, curling and flat irons, and formal wear can be replaced with some packing creativity. Lighten the load with a versatile wardrobe and visit the ship’s salon if you want a classy hairstyle for a special event. Check our helpful article on effective packing before you go.

So much to do (or not).

There’s lots of time to unwind when at sea and in the hours between stops. Cruise ships are famous for amenities like spas, pools, shopping, and entertainment. Or, just enjoy the scenery while sipping a cup of coffee.

Cruises are unique.

There is no such thing as a typical cruise and you’ll have an entirely different experience every time. There are cruises for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Specialty cruises are hosted by celebrities and themed cruises are organized for every taste. There is truly something for everyone.

Excellent food.

The variety of cruise ship cuisine is as impressive as it is delicious. Cafes, buffets, barbecues, pizza places, steakhouses, dessert bars, and so much more are available during most hours. You’ll never go hungry on a cruise.

See the world.

If your time away is limited to a week or two and you want to explore a variety of locations, a cruise is an effective way to do it. You’ll have access to some of the world’s most popular destinations, as well as enough time on land to sample a wide range of activities while in port.

Make new friends.

One of the most surprising things on a cruise is the potential to develop meaningful friendships. You’re bound to eat and play with the same people during the trip. Due to the relaxed and social nature of cruising, it’s easy to make friendships that last a lifetime.

Drawbacks of a cruise:

Little flexibility.

If you genuinely enjoy a particular excursion, you won’t be able to modify your plans and remain there as long as you want. Time off the ship is limited and the cruise itinerary must be adhered to.

Extra fees.

Shore excursions are often not free and they might be more costly than if you planned them yourself. Beverage packages (namely alcohol) are a profit center for the cruise lines and, depending on how much you drink, they’re not always worthwhile. Most cruise ships allow you to bring certain beverages on board, so do this when you can to save money. Remember that optional services on board such as spas, some restaurants and other attractions are likely not included in your fare. Tipping is expected, so plan for that expense as well.

Putting on weight.

This is a problem with every vacation, but especially true on a cruise. There’s simply too much delicious food available. You might be able to fight this issue with a daily visit to the ship’s gym.

Poor internet coverage.

Wi-Fi on board may not be reliable. While this is acceptable for most, it might be aggravating if you have business to accomplish or people to contact.

Health concerns.

As the Covid pandemic demonstrated, a cruise ship is not where you want to be if there’s an outbreak of a contagious illness. Although it is rare, food poisoning has also occurred on cruise ships and wasn’t identified before passengers became sick. In addition, if you have health issues which keep you close to home or might negatively impact your enjoyment of a cruise, such a vacation may not be right for you.

Seasickness.

A massive cruise ship is nothing like being in a ski boat for the afternoon. Even with state-of-the-art stabilizers, the ship can rock and move with the ocean. To check your tolerance, try a local dinner cruise or sightseeing boat trip offshore before committing to a weeklong cruise. If you do have some motion sickness, Dramamine works great. Just remember to take it before symptoms for best results.

As we’ve mentioned, what works for one individual may not work for another when it comes to cruising. The key to enjoying your dream vacation is selecting the ideal cruise for you and your companions.

Read the offerings online be sure to avoid scams. You might wish to consider seeing a travel agent. They’re happy to answer questions, even if you’re not booking anything right now. Another way to see if a cruise is right for you might be to take a short trip closer to home, perhaps just a few days, to see how it fits you.

We warn you, though. Once you’ve experienced the many benefits of a cruise vacation, you’ll probably want to go on another… and another.

Happy cruising!