Are cruises worth it? The pros and cons of a cruise vacation

Table Of Content

• Do I enjoy travel experiences that revolve around a single resort that offers lodging, meals and activities?
• Con: Lots of people in one place
• Cruising appeals to a lot of people
• Do I prefer trips that are heavily planned out in advance or left up to serendipity?
• Alternatives to Consider
• Limited time in port

There is so many positives about cruising, but there are still a few disadvantages of going on a cruise that you should be aware of. One thing that’s amazing about the cruise industry is the loyalty programs. Cruise companies offer amazing discounts and perks to returning customers.

Do I enjoy travel experiences that revolve around a single resort that offers lodging, meals and activities?

The servers in the restaurants go out of their way to win over your little ones. Our server had jokes, paper airplanes, and other games ready for my three-year-old at every meal. This extra mile service was definitely appreciated when my son was a bit grumpy and the servers worked hard to cheer him up. That said, any short cruise shouldn’t be taken as a representation of a longer cruise with that cruise line. Similarly, if you wanted to cruise to a specific place on a short cruise you would probably have to be flexible when it comes to the cruise line. Sometimes cruises may start in one port and finish in another, which can cause logistical problems.

Con: Lots of people in one place

It’s worth trying out different models to see which one suits you best. Remember to read reviews, compare prices, and consider your budget before making a decision. The Sony WH-1000XM3 features a sleek design, touch controls, and a long battery life, making it a popular choice among music lovers and frequent travelers.

Cruising appeals to a lot of people

Some cruise lines are known for their entertainment offerings over others, which is why it is important that you do your research prior to booking anything. You wouldn't want to book a cruise on a specific ship just to learn that the show you were hoping to see is on another line. If you like to have a packed vacation with nonstop activities, you can book your days full of fun both onboard and in-port. Those who prefer to kick back and do very little planning will find cruises equally as worthwhile. In short, there is a level of service on cruise ships that is relatively rare in the travel world — at least if you look at like-for-like properties and ships at similar price points. An entry-level cruise ship is likely to have a higher level of service than an entry-level hotel.

Do I prefer trips that are heavily planned out in advance or left up to serendipity?

2 or 1-night cruises are occasionally available but these are less common. Look for a cruise with a beverage package or note when drinks are included. Make sure you check about city ordinances, however, as some allow 30-night minimums per reservation. Some condo and apartment buildings are not too keen on long-term guests so it’s best to check with the landlord or condo association. Another option to find a long-term renter is to contact local universities for leads on graduate students or visiting faculty.

We particularly enjoyed the martini tasting class on our Alaska cruise on the Norwegian Pearl. Similarly, we have participated in wine tastings and scotch tastings on several cruises. The number of onboard options definitely depends on the size of the ship. That said, even the smaller ships will do everything they can to keep you entertained, especially on days at sea. Instead of asking when the best time to cruise is, you should ask where’s the best place to cruise based on when you’re traveling. For example, if you want to take a summer cruise, try Alaska for the balmier temperatures and wildlife, or Bermuda, which is so far north that it’s not a great fit in the winter.

Sleeping on Land vs. Sleeping Onboard

A cruise may feel too structured if you prefer a more spontaneous travel style or wish to immerse yourself deeply in one particular place. You can even start making contact with fellow travelers before you leave home. Join a roll call for your cruise date or a Facebook group to meet others on the same cruise. This social aspect often leads to lasting friendships and memorable shared experiences. Many cruises also provide entertainment, such as Broadway-style shows, live music, themed events, and quiz nights, ensuring there’s always something to enjoy onboard. One of the standout advantages of cruises is the convenience of having your trip planned for you.

Limited time in port

The majority of guests on board haven’t been on cruises before, but many find they love the ship and the weekend. The price per night on a shorter cruise is not normally as good value as on long cruises. I personally think the perfect cruise length is days, it’s long enough to really get to know the ship and to settle into life on board, but it isn’t always crazily expensive.

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The main dining room will feature set menus that change daily. This is a great time to be adventurous and try something new. If you don’t like it, you can order something else because it’s all included. One common misconception is that the main dining room is only open for dinner, some cruise ships open the main dining room for breakfast and lunch.

You’ll also generally have two or three specialty restaurants at a small charge. Some ships even have a couple of complimentary specialty restaurants. If you don’t like travel schedules and prefer to just show up at a destination and see where the wind takes you, you might not like cruising. Yes, you do have your pick of cruising activities during sea days when the ship is docked. However, when you’re touring a destination, you must get off the ship at a particular time (And, that may take even longer if the port you arrive at has tendering).

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If nothing else, you need plenty of space to store all your clothes. The line's ships, however, are much more modestly sized and offer a sweet spot between the small, ultra-luxury ships and the larger, more modern vessels. If you just can't get away during the traditional world cruise start date in January, don't despair.

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Although your basic cruise fare is very inclusive, most cruise lines do not include port tours, internet, or alcohol onboard. This means you’ll need to pay for each of these a la carte if you want to have access to these amenities. You also don’t have control over the cruise ship’s sailing schedule. If the ship is departing port by 7pm, you will need to be onboard when the cruise line requires. If you aren’t back in time, you will miss the ship and can expect to wave goodbye from the port as it leaves you behind. Ultimately, you don’t have the freedom to stay in the port and explore at your own pace.

We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip.Click here to rent an RV. We typically stay at Hilton properties, so we use the Hilton website. You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express.Click here to book a Hilton property. One cruise we’ve had our eye on is a Southern Caribbean cruise to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.