Hearing occasional horror stories on the news about sinking cruise ships and passengers stranded at sea for days without power and eating onion sandwiches can scare anyone away from taking their family on a cruise vacation. With countless cruises departing daily with numerous routes to choose from, there is rarely any need to be fearful. Weighing the pros and cons of nautical travel can help determine whether to book your cruise today or skip the ship altogether.
Who Are Cruises Right For?
Depending on the cruise line and route, cruise ship demographics can vary drastically. For example, a Disney Cruise is more likely to be noisy and overrun with families and small children. However, a Viking River Cruise through the Fjords of Norway is commonly crawling with retirees and couples seeking an upscale scenic experience with a smaller crowd.
Honeymooners, spring breakers and solo travelers can find plenty to do on board and on land with cruise ship amenities such as comedy shows, karaoke and nightclubs, in addition to signing up for on-shore excursions. One of the biggest draws to cruise travel is the bang for your buck. As an affordable, all-inclusive option, having meals and lodging roped into one manageable bill makes travel less of a headache for those looking to relax.
Want to dip your toes into taking a trip out of the country? Cruising is a great way to get a taste of international travel yet still feel safe the entire time. Ports of call are tourist friendly, offer organized tours through historical sites, private beach experiences and more. As long as you make it back to the ship on time (preferably with room to spare), stepping foot into another country while on a cruise can be a piece of cake.
Most cruise lovers rave about the abundant, tasty options awaiting their bellies at the ship’s buffet. With alcoholic beverage packages available for purchase on most cruises, relaxation and entertainment without the need for a designated driver also make cruising appealing for travelers who value sipping a margarita in the tropics over thrill-seeking vacations.
When to Rethink Cruising
Prone to seasickness? Claustrophobic? Hate crowds? Perhaps taking a cruise isn’t for you. When seas are rough, motion sickness may interfere with your ability to fully unwind and enjoy the experience. Feeling cooped up in a ship (although a very large one) isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and seeing the same hordes of people day after day may be grating to those craving solitude or novelty.
Unless you are prepared to pay a pretty penny, don’t expect much from your cruise ship accommodations. Because cruise lines expect their passengers to spend most of their time elsewhere on the ship, extravagant sleeping quarters and bathrooms are not their top priority. Even a window or outdoor seating space can raise your cruise cost significantly, so those seeking a top-notch hotel experience onboard most standard cruises will likely be dissatisfied.
Looking for authenticity while visiting new places? A cruise may not be the right choice for you. With only a few hours available to explore a port of call, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to see the realities of the countries you’re visiting. Multi-course dinners and formal nights onboard are excellent options for most travelers, although some find the food mediocre or lackluster, depending on personal preference. If you’re hoping to get a taste of local cuisine or take a trip off the beaten path, you might feel slightly underwhelmed at the dining and exploration options available during your vacation at sea.
