Should I take a cruise?

Cruises have become increasingly popular as more people seek to add travel to their time away from the office. With the opportunity to have an all-inclusive, more budget-friendly experience in mind, cruising is an excellent option for some.

While a vacation at sea has its benefits, it may not be for everyone. Today, Shipping Industry explores some reasons why you should consider a cruise for your next break, or possibly remove it from your bucket list.

AFFORDABILITY

Cruises are among the most affordable vacations, with prices sometimes half that of staying at an all-inclusive resort for the same period. This reasonably priced option – which includes the cost of food, entertainment and lodging – offers great value for the traveller on a budget. It is also easy to tailor your vacation to your budget, as cruise lines allow you to choose cabin size, better meals, drinks and tours as against paying for things you may not need or use.

QUALITY FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT

Cruises have some of the best food and entertainment you will find anywhere. While the thrill of visiting new ports during the daytime is the reason many get onboard, the stay is just as exciting, with gourmet dining and electrifying entertainment available to make the experience special. Having multi-course meals and entertainment, which may include aquatic displays, theatric performances and light shows, make cruising ideal for leisure hunters.

POOR PLANNING SKILLS, NO PROBLEM

Taking a trip that includes constant activities requires significant planning, the idea of which can numb people who tend to be indecisive or easily overwhelmed. With that in mind, a cruise vacation may be for you, if you would prefer the logistics be handled by a team of people who are aware of the experiences you are interested in having.

RELAXATION AND ADVENTURE

Cruises are perfect for the individual who wants a mix of rest and exploration. While lying in the sun with refreshments nearby is all some require for a memorable vacation, others may want to indulge in the offerings of the destinations they visit. The right cruise choice can offer both, removing the threat of boredom while on deck or an agenda-filled trip that leaves you more tired than when you boarded. This works well for those travelling in pairs or groups with diverse interests and intentions for their holiday.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

It may seem that cruising is the perfect mix of affordability, value and travel, but there are some considerations which the prospective vacationer must bear in mind before to booking a cruise.

One major drawback of cruising is that while you visit multiple destinations, you also spend limited time in each, which restricts how you see any port. This is especially difficult for the traveller seeking cultural immersion rather than rushing through activities on an agenda.

Cruises also remove the control you have over your vacation, as unfavourable weather and itinerary changes, which can happen at any time, may result in your experience being significantly different from what you booked.

Additionally, cruises generally exclude the cost of tours, Internet and alcohol from the basic cruise package. Some cruise lines have moved towards having these in all-inclusive packages, but these charges can counter what was initially a reasonably priced trip.

You should also be prepared to have people around you at all times, unless the plan is to remain in your cabin. Large ships are designed to have several thousand passengers when at capacity, which can make the experience overpowering for those who do not do well in groups. Consider that ship personnel will also number in the thousands to cater to these guests’ needs before committing to several days at sea.

While cruising has its benefits, it isn’t for everyone. Understanding what you hope to get from your vacation. Doing your research on the various lines and their offerings will help you decide if it’s right for you.