Have you considered taking a cruise but aren’t sure where to start? Or perhaps you’ve started cruising and you’re ready for more! Maybe you’re even I was – I never thought I would want to cruise, but the more I learned about them, the more excited I got about going on one. Many people choose a cruise because the level of service surpasses all of their other vacation experiences. Here are 8 reasons why.
Convenience
When on a cruise with multiple destinations, you only have to unpack once: in your stateroom! As opposed to vacations where one travels from hotel to hotel to see a variety of sites and locations, a cruise ship carries you seamlessly to each destination – essentially, you get to take your hotel room with you.
In addition, all of your activities are right there for you, should you want them. No issues with transportation, cars, or parking to get to where you’re going! Essentially, it’s everything you need in your vacation in one package – brought right to you!
Floating Cities / Activities
Cruise ships have it all: from gyms to movies and shows to classes, cruise ships have literally hundreds of activities for travelers of all ages. Badminton, basketball, tennis, casinos – almost anything you could want. Of course, there’s always the option to do nothing at all!
Age-appropriate kids’ clubs are valuable features on family-friendly cruises, allowing time for kids and adults alike to enjoy their vacation, relax, and spend time with both new friends and family.
Many ships offer WiFi, as well, so cruisers don’t have to worry about being disconnected from their technology or loved ones at home.
Social Opportunities – or not!
Many cruise travelers enjoy engaging in games, dinner, and walks on the deck with friends old and new. Many people even meet others who become lifelong friends! Some enjoy finding a quiet recliner and simply watching the waves or chatting with a loved one.
Whatever your social inclinations or lack thereof, there’s something for you on a cruise. Personally, I’m looking forward to some “me time” in the ship’s Spa and reading a book while reclining on a deck overlooking the ocean.
Value
Cruises can be very budget-friendly. One great benefit is often being able to pay for everything in advance (even shore excursions, should you choose to book them) so that you don’t have to worry about paying for anything on your trip! This way, a budget can be planned and kept, and families can easily anticipate expenses.
Family Friendly
While adult-only cruises are available, many cruises are entirely family-friendly, offering safe, staffed recreation for children in different age groups. Disney, for example, hosts different clubs for kids, tweens, and teens, with entertainment and activities geared just toward kids of those ages. Kids AND adults can have a great time making friends and relaxing on a cruise!
Romance
Cruises are an excellent way to blend family time and romance. While the kids are off meeting new friends and having a great time in their special, age-centered, chaperoned areas, adults can enjoy dinner, moonlit walks, and special time alone.
Variety
Cruises vary from 2-day weekend cruises that allow travelers to get a taste of what a cruise is like without committing to a longer itinerary, to 3-7 (or even 10) night cruises with a variety of opportunities and destinations. conveniently, most 7-night cruises begin and end on weekends to better accommodate most travelers’ working schedules.
Niche Cruises
Want to go on a cruise where you learn and practice culinary skills? Global wine tasting? Yoga and wellness? There’s a cruise for that! Many families hold their reunions on cruises, where family members can run and play during the day and come together for dinner and activities at night. And many millennials are recognizing cruises as a way to see the world and to give back through voluntourism.
Cruise Ship Lingo
Cruises quickly learn that there’s a special language that comes along with traveling by ship! Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Staterooms
- Interior Stateroom: This room does not have a porthole that looks outside the ship. Many feature technology or artwork that give the impression of a view of the sea. Some Disney cruises feature a real-time video feed “porthole” of the ocean as it looks outside the ship – with cartoon character visitors!
- Oceanview Stateroom: This room offers a window that looks out over the ocean.
- Verandah/Balcony Stateroom: These rooms feature a door to a balcony or verandah overlooking the ocean or the ship’s interior.
- Suites: Suites are larger staterooms that often come with upgraded amenities such as private whirlpools or decks, butler services, and balconies overlooking the ocean.
- Accessible: Accessible rooms are those designed for travelers with disabilities and often have roll-in showers, wider doorframes, and other options to meet cruisers’ special needs.
- Specialty Staterooms: Travelers can book spa packages or dining options that provide extra luxury not available to other guests on the cruise.
Ship Terminology
- Forward: toward the front of the ship, as facing the oncoming ocean.
- Aft: to the rear of the ship
- Starboard: the right side of the ship, as facing forward.
- Port: to the left side of the ship (“port” and “left” both have four letters – to help you remember!)
Dining Lingo
- Traditional Dining: most cruises offer two dining sessions: “early” (6:00-6:30ish) and “late” (8:00-8:30ish). Travelers usually sit with the same group of people throughout their trip.
- Special Dining Requests are usually available for those with specific dietary needs.
- Specialty Dining: the option of eating at a themed onboard restaurant or with the cuisine of a celebrity chef
- Room Service: usually offered 24/7 for your dining convenience, sometimes a fee applies to orders placed after midnight
Other Need-to-Knows
- Gratuities: Gratuities can be confusing, as it varies by ship. Some have a no tipping policy, others have a traditional tipping system, and others have a set gratuity that cruisers can pay in advance. Definitely ask your travel agent which style of gratuity applies on your cruise!
- Stateroom Steward/Attendant: The steward will clean your room twice a day and make sure you have everything you need! They are a great resource if you have any questions while on the ship.
- Cruise Director: The Director is in charge of keeping everything going and orchestrating all the fun on the ship!
Will I get Seasick?
While those prone to motion sickness (like me!) will want to be prepared, modern cruise ships have stabilizers that minimize motion. The center of the ship on a lower deck experiences the least movement; if this is your first cruise and you’re concerned about seasickness, consider booking a stateroom in this area.
Time of year and location is also a factor. Your travel agent can help you try to avoid cruises with potentially rough seas and unpredictable weather.
Consider bringing along seasickness pills or patches, a non-medicated sea band, or (my favorite!) ginger chews to help stave off potential illness due to motion sickness.
Whether you are new to cruising or you have yet to take that first step onto a ship, a cruise can bring the best of travel right to you. Your floating resort hotel can take you to all the beautiful places you’ve been longing to see, with greater value and luxury than you have ever imagined!
Ready to talk about the cruise that is right for you?
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