I am often asked about cruising from those who have never set sail on a vacation at sea. “Why do so many people who have cruised before LOVE cruising and sail again and again?” And more directly – “Why should I cruise?”
So, let’s talk about what makes cruising so popular with so many!
Vacation Value – The fact is that cruising allows you to visit incredible destinations around the world with one of the best vacation values around, since so much is included in your cruise fare. You can choose from itineraries that sail pretty much anywhere in the world, where you can enjoy stunning ports of call during the day and enjoy world-class dining, entertainment, and activities on board your ship.
And perhaps best of all, cruising is an incredible value simply because of how much is already included! From multi-course dinners and casual snacks, to nightly entertainment and daily activities, to kids’ club programming, to your accommodations and even transportation to ports of call around the world – all of this is included in your cruise fare.
Relaxing and Stress-Free – Cruising allows you to see the world but only unpack once. Your cruise ship is like your floating hotel – unlike a land vacation, you don’t have to go through the hassle of re-packing, heading to a new hotel, and unpacking again each time you move to a new destination. With a cruise, your accommodations go with you! You’ll only have to unpack once, and you’ll have access to all the conveniences and activities of your cruise ship throughout your entire vacation.
Sample New Destinations – Thinking about a new vacation spot but not sure you want to spend your entire budget and vacation days? A cruise is the perfect way to get a taste of the culture and vibe of the city or country that you’re curious about. Most cruises have several different ports throughout the itinerary, and you’re free to explore the ones you want to visit – or not! And if you discover a destination that you love, you now have the perfect reason to go back and visit longer!
Learn Cool Stuff – When I said “learn”, did your eyes just glaze over? Hopefully not, because this learning is FUN! Most lines offer informative seminars about scheduled ports and regions – for example, on your way to Japan you might learn how to use chopsticks or hear about the cultural importance of the process of making tea. You will find cooking classes and wine tasting, sometimes led by famous culinary experts. You may learn how to make sushi or decorate cakes. You’ll even find that computer, photography and language lessons are offered. So many fun things to learn – so little time!
Something for All Ages – While many feel that cruises are for older adults, the reality is that most cruise lines actually offer something for everyone, no matter the age. If you’re looking for a cruise line that specializes in a certain age group though, there is that as well, so whether you’re taking the kids, taking your parents, going on your honeymoon, celebrating with friends, or enjoying your retirement, there’s a cruise that is just for you.
In fact, because of the wide range of activities, cruising is also a great vacation option if you’re traveling with multiple generations. Most cruise lines provide a variety of programs dedicated to keeping kids engaged and active, with fun venues that provide time apart from the grown-ups while interacting with other kids – and making new friends. What a great way for parents to open their child’s eyes to different countries and cultures while managing to have time to themselves. This means grandparents can enjoy coming along too, with time spent enjoying the quiet comfort of their own cabin verandah for part of the time and then enjoying quality time with the rest of the family and the grandkids later.
And if that isn’t enough to convince you, how about one more bonus benefit of cruising…
Super Service with a Smile – One of the best parts about cruising is how cruise lines go above and beyond in providing excellent service. One of the many highlights for frequent cruisers is the service and staff, many who become close friends over the course of multiple cruises. From the dining rooms to your stateroom, there is always someone there to help make your vacation special, whether it’s knowing that you love tea every morning, to special needs you have for your stateroom, to helping you create a special moment with your family. The staff on your cruise truly will go the extra mile for every single passenger – and it’s pretty easy to get used to those chocolates on your pillow every night before bed!
Whether it’s a short 3-night getaway to a Caribbean island, or a weeklong ocean adventure, or a multiple-week transoceanic cruise, or a leisurely river cruise, there’s something pretty special about cruising that keeps people coming back again and again.
Unpack once and see the world! Who’s ready to set sail?
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