Have you ever been on a cruise? Or, have you ever thought about going on a cruise?
On one hand, it's a fantastic way to travel. You have everything you need in one place. You want to go "out" for dinner? Done. You want to see a show? Done. You want to do some souvenir shopping? Done. You want to explore places off of the ship? Done. You want room service? Done. You want to grab a drink? Done. You want to meet new people? Done. Of course, the offerings of these options will vary pending which cruise you book, although, this summarizes the beauty of cruises. They are convenient. You don't have to worry about the planning and the details of your trip. All you need to do is ensure you get on the boat before it departs.
With this said, cruises are not for everyone, and I'm one of them. I appreciate their inclusivity, although, I like or need some more freedoms. In turn, I've rounded up some key points to help you decide if cruises are for you or if you should plan your own adventure:
You want a stress-free vacation. You could get this by an all-inclusive resort too, although, if you want to add the ability to see different sites on your vacation, then a cruise may be for you. As mentioned earlier, your main concern will be making sure you make it back to the ship. Otherwise, the planning has been done, and you just need to show up.
You want a "taste" of your destinations. One of my favorite parts of traveling is getting to understand and enjoy the culture. On a cruise, you often get one day to explore a destination. Now, this could be good, especially if you are just looking to get a "taste" or see a particular location. It's about setting your expectations beforehand.
You are looking to bring multiple people together. I've often heard of people booking cruises when they are having family reunions or family trips, as cruises offer a little something for everyone. Additionally, cruise ships are often large enough where you may not see anyone all day! Yet, you are all still together.
Overall, cruises are a fantastic option for many people, and I appreciate what they offer. It's just important to weigh your options before you book, and I do recommend getting a sea view room, if you go. And, there are more than ocean cruises. There are also river cruises that are smaller and offer different experiences. I've ran into a group of river cruisers while on a vacation of my own. This option may be worth investigating, if you want the convenience but a slightly different experience than an ocean cruise.
Let us know. Have you gone on a cruise or plan to go on one?
