One of the most popular vacations for families’, solo travelers, and friends, is cruising. Many cruises offer the opportunity to explore several places in one trip while having the ability to enjoy many luxurious amenities including fine dining and a lot of onboard activities. but even with all of these things you may wonder is a cruise vacation still worth the money? Let’s explore a few of the pros and cons which can hopefully help you decide.
Some of the pros of cruising:
All-inclusive experience: Most of today’s cruise lines offer an all exclusive experience which means that your food entertainment and accommodations are included in the price of the cruise. This can be a great money saver when traveling because you don’t have to worry about the cost of meals, drinks, or any activities you do on board.
1.)Variety of destinations: Going on a cruise allows you to visit many destinations on one trip. This is a great feature because you don’t have to spend time packing and unpacking or having to worry about transportation between the places you visit.
2.) On-board amenities: Today’s cruise ships offer a wide range of amenities which include swimming pools, spas, nice fitness centers, elaborate theaters, water slides, even roller coasters in some cases.
3.) Fine dining: There are a variety of dining options which include fine dining, casual restaurants, buffets and many more. There is usually many options to choose from and they give you the chance to try cuisines and experience an unforgettable dining that may not be available elsewhere.
Cons of cruising:
1.) limited time in port locations: one of the disadvantages when choosing to cruise is that you only get a certain amount of time in each port before the boat decides to leave. Since you itineraries are limited by time it could be frustrating if you are looking to explore that destination all day. There is always more to see than time allows unfortunately.
2.) Crowds: during peak travel seasons cruises can be very crowded. A crowded cruise ship means longer lines to eat, participate in excursions, and other activities on board.
3.) Lack of privacy: if you are sharing a cabin with others, which may even include a shared bathroom, this could be an issue. You may not have all the space you have at home, and it could be a little tight for the duration of your cruise. This could also be a challenge for families with young children who may need their own space. Be sure to check the size of the cabin as it may be beneficial to upgrade to a larger cabin, providing you with the extra needed space.
Types of cruise lines
1.) Carnival Cruise Line: Is known for its fun-themed atmosphere and is a very common and popular choice.
2.) Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean has large ships. They are known for their innovation and the ability to offer many activities and amenities that would not be available on smaller ships. They can cater to travelers of all ages.
3.) Norwegian Cruise Line: if you are looking for a relaxed and casual cruising experience this cruise line might be for you. They also offer a variety of dining options which includes flexible dining ,which gives you the option to dine at any place at any time.
4.) Disney Cruise Line: this is a popular choice for Disney fans and families with young children. The Disney-themed cruise ship features many Disney characters and fun activities for a memorable vacation.
There are a variety of destinations available when deciding where to go on your next cruise. Some of the most popular destinations available are the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Europe, South Pacific, Asia. There are a wide range of schedules to choose from when booking your next cruise. When choosing a short term cruise it typically lasts between two to five days. Midterm cruises are anywhere between 5 and 10 days and will allow more time to enjoy the ships amenities and more destinations. These types of cruises are popular for those looking to take a longer vacation but want to keep it within a manageable time frame.
Longer term cruises are also known as world cruises and can last several weeks to several months. These types of cruises offer the ultimate travel experience. There is a unique opportunity to visit multiple destinations while experiencing new cultures, beautiful scenery and adventures. These cruises often priced higher, but offer ultimate comfort and convenience including all your meals entertainment and activities all in the price for the length of the cruise. Whether you are looking for a short term or long-term cruise, a quick getaway, or a luxurious adventure, cruising has something to offer for everyone.
