Have you wondered why so many people go on cruise vacations? Have you wondered if a cruise might be something your family would enjoy? Do you have questions about what benefits a cruise might provide over another type of vacation? Then, this post is for you! Read on to find out some reasons why you should take a cruise vacation.
We took our first cruise vacation in 2000. We sailed to the Western Caribbean. The cruise was a lot of fun but we didn’t’ go on another cruise until the summer of 2017. Why? Other vacation opportunities (aka DISNEY) called us elsewhere. But in 2017 my interest in cruising the high seas was renewed.
What’s great about a cruise vacation?
This post is all about why I think that taking a cruise is a great vacation option for your family. So, keep reading (this kind of long post) and find out why I think cruises are great!
Cruises are all-inclusive
On a cruise, you pay one price and that includes all of your food, lodging, entertainment, a lot of activities, and transportation to different places.
Cruise lines differ in the amount of all-inclusiveness. Some cruises include almost all the food and activities onboard. On others, there are sufficient complimentary choices to have a fantastic vacation but also have quite a few options with additional fees. A few cruise lines even include an excursion in each port.
On the cruises we have been sailed, we pretty much stick to the included stuff and have a fabulous vacation. I think the only thing we have spent extra on is a basic beverage package. Although, if we were on one of the ships with the go-karts we would have to splurge on a ride or two.
Delicious food
Dining options are abundant on almost every cruise line. Larger ships usually have more than smaller ones. The amazing selection of dining options is a great reason to take a cruise vacation.
- Main Dining Room–This dining option is included in the cruise fare. These are fabulous sit-down meals at which you choose appetizers, salads, main entrees, and yummy, yummy desserts. Meals in the dining rooms are served a specific times. The really awesome thing is that you can order whatever you want. Do you want two entrees? Order both. Do many desserts look delicious? Order them all? Want a side from one entree and a different one from another? Feel free to mix and match. Where else can you order with such freedom! (Note of caution: be a bit mindful of wastefulness. If there are many things you like maybe think about sharing)
- Buffet–The dining room serving the buffet is usually open more hours than the main dining rooms. At the buffet, you will discover many different fantastic food options. There is something for everyone and eating at the buffet doesn’t take nearly as long as in the dining room.
- Complimentary Restaurant–On some ships there might be a smaller restaurant option that is included. It might serve lighter fare and a smaller menu.
- Signature Restaurants–Signature restaurants are another fantastic dining option. On some ships, you might have one or two options but on larger ones, you could have 10 or more to choose from. These restaurants often have even better food than the classic dining room. These restaurants usually have a specific type of food such as sushi, Mexican, Italian, Bistro-style, and others. Most of these restaurants charge a small fee. But, sometimes cruise lines offer dining in their restaurants as an incentive and then you only have to pay the gratuities.
- Snack Options–Your cruise might have a complimentary pizza parlor, hot dog stand or lounge with desserts. Maybe you can enjoy an ice cream soda shop or Coffee Bar (both usually additional fees apply).
- Room Service–Most cruise lines offer room service right to your stateroom. Leave a placard out the night before and awaken to a delicious breakfast delivered right to your door. Maybe you would like an afternoon or evening snack. All possible with room service. Some cruise lines have complimentary room service and on some, there is a small fee. Check with your travel advisor about your specific cruise line.
Excellent lodging
From the simplest interior stateroom to the sprawling suites, the accommodations are top-notch. Your room Steward is always nearby to help you with anything you might need. Feel pampered with your bed turned down each night and put back together each morning. Your bathroom is cleaned twice a day as well as your room tidied.
For even more luxury on the major cruise lines, you can opt for suites and concierge-level service. Many lines have a special suite level that allows you to access special dining rooms, reserved outdoor pools and relaxation zones in addition to the glorious rooms that are just a cut above the rest.
Of course, you can step off the luxury even further by cruising on one of the actual luxury cruise lines.
World-class Entertainment
Entertainment abounds on a cruise ship. You might see a death-defying water show or a beautiful production on ice. Some lines produce Broadway-caliber plays and musicals for their guests. Evening shows are even worked around dining schedules so that each guest is able to see each production. You don’t have to worry about missing anything.
In addition to the nightly entertainment, you will find many other opportunities. Some ships have jazz clubs, piano bars, comedy shows, and more. Join in the fun of a Newlywed Game or Talent contest.
Abundant Activities
From morning to night activities are planned for your enjoyment. Trivia, pool games and parties, sports tournaments, Bingo, karaoke, contests, arts and crafts are just a few diversions to help you pass the time.
In addition to planned activities, there are many other things to do onboard the ship. Relax by the pool or jump in for some fun. Waterslides, other slides, rock walls, ice rinks, bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag, escape rooms, sports courts, movies, carousels, trampolines, VR activities, video game rooms, and so much more. For those looking for tranquility, some ships have libraries, cozy nooks and crannies, and game rooms. Each cruise line and even each ship has different levels of onboard activities. Larger ships might have many while the smaller ones have just a few.
Cruises Help You Explore the World
A cruise ship is your floating hotel that takes you from one destination to another. You only have to unpack once and you get to explore many different countries and cultures. You can find an itinerary that will explore almost any part of the world you want.
Ocean cruises can take you to:
- Bahamas
- Caribbean
- Mediterranean
- Coastal Europe
- Northern European Countries
- Great Britain
- US and Canada’s East and West Coast
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Panama Canal
- Central America
- South America
- Polynesia
- Australia and New Zealand
- Singapore, Thailand and Southeast Asia
- Japan
- China
- Antarctica
- Africa
- Middle East
- India
River Cruises will explore these rivers around the world:
- Danube–Europe
- Rhine–Europe
- Moselle–Europe
- Main–Europe
- Elbe–Europe
- Rhone–France
- Seine–France
- Dordogne and Garonne–France
- Douro–Portugal and Spain
- Volga–Russia
- Dnieper–Ukraine
- Mekong–Cambodia and Vietnam
- Yangtze–China
- Ganges–India
- Nile–Egypt
- Chobe–Southern Africa
- Amazon–South America
- Columbia and Snake–Washington and Oregon
- Mississippi–United States
- Cumberland, Tennessee, and Ohio–United States
- Great Lakes–US and Canada
- St. Lawrence Seaway–US and Canada
A Cruise Line for Every Traveler
No matter how you like to travel there is a cruise for you.
Small Ships
Does a small ship that can cruise into small ports in out of the way locations appeal to you? There are cruise lines that just have small vessels that carry from 6 to just a couple hundred passengers. Love to sail? There is even a line that is made up of luxury sailboats. Wow!!
Large Ships
Are you someone who wants to go, go, go? You want to have many, many options for food, entertainment, and activities? Do you love to be in the middle of all the action? A very large ship that carries 4000-6000 passengers might be just for you. There are also cruise lines that cater to this more than others.
Major Cruise Lines
The major cruise lines have somewhat different flavors. Are you a foodie? Do you like to party? Do you like more tranquility? Do you want to cruise with a generally younger or older crowd? Do you want a very family-friendly vacation? Do you want a cruise that caters to your children?
Luxury Cruise Lines
Are you all about luxury, concierge service, and gourmet meals. Do you like educational, cultural learning and education on vacation? Certain cruise lines cater to this travel style beautifully.
Do you want a cruise that focuses on the family? Do you want to travel without any kids? There are cruises specializing in this too.
As you can see there is probably a cruise line out there that would fit the desires of your family!
Vast Array of Itineraries
Oh my goodness! As you saw above you can travel all over on a cruise ship. You can stick to oceans or travel inland waterways to see even more. But you can customize your trip even more which is another reason why you might want to take a cruise vacation.
Pick your number of cruising days
Do you want to cruise to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 days? Yes, these are all choices. How about longer, 2 or 3 weeks? Maybe a month? Or even a year?
Pick Days at Sea vs. Port Days
More days at sea
Cruises are a combination of days in port and days at sea. Do you like to relax on the ship more? Cruise on an itinerary that has more days at sea and less ports. You could take a Transatlantic cruise, Transpacific or repositioning cruise.
More days exploring different countries
Are you hungry for adventure, culture and different countries? Pick an itinerary that stops more frequently in port. River cruises really do this well. Most of your time on a river cruise is spent in port exploring the area. There are also cruise lines that excel in this more than others.
Enjoy the ship on port days
Or, you can choose an itinerary that has some ports that you like and some that you don’t. Explore the countries you are interested in seeing. Stay on the ship for the ports that don’t excite you. You can stay on the ship on port days and enjoy all the ship has to offer with less people onboard.
Private Island Beach Days
Some travelers love having beach days. Often ports will have a beach excursion option. But some cruise lines have their own private island stops for their guests to enjoy. They provide many beach activities as well as food that is included in the cruise fare. To make your day extra special, some up the ante with extra activities, beach clubs, cabanas, and water parks that are available at an additional cost. Plus, they often stay at their private islands all day so you can soak up all the sun.
Choose your itinerary wisely to either avoid private islands or to stop at your favorite one. If beach days are your absolute favorite you can even find itineraries that stop at private islands twice in one trip. Score!
So, Let’s Find the Cruise for You!
I kept this post pretty basic to get you thinking. Once you decide that a cruise vacation might be for you and your family it is time to dig into the details. A travel advisor will be able to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect trip for you.
Please comment below if you have other reasons you love cruising!
Questions about cruising? Let me know in the comments.
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Want to do a little cruise research? Cruise Critic is a good place to start.
Other links you might be interested in:
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