Why your next vacation should be a cruise vacation
For those of you who have already caught the cruise bug, congratulations! You’ve already experienced one of the best ways to travel, and one day you’ll no doubt sail again. For the rest of you, those of you who haven’t surfed before, this article is for you.
I have been on several cruises, the most recent being Allure of the Seas this year. Cruise ships have it all: fun, food, excitement, food, romance, food…and did I mention food?
When you travel, you usually have to choose a destination and then decide when to go and how to get there. With a cruise, you still do that, but a typical 7-day cruise will stop at at least three ports of call, which means you get to see several exciting destinations, not just one. When you start looking, be sure to sign up to receive push notifications about cruise deals from various cruise lines, and maybe even some notable travel sites like CruisesSoloY travelzoo. Cruises are often not full, and you can get some great deals if you’re willing to wait for last-minute prices. These days, there is also a wide variety of ports of departure. Not just Florida and California, but also Texas, Louisiana, Seattle, New York, and even Boston. You’ll want to check all of this to decide where you want to go and how much cruise time you want. They usually oscillate between 3 and 7 days.
Nervous about getting dizzy? don’t be. Most cruise ships these days are so big you can barely feel the roll of the ship. If you think you’re prone to seasickness, do yourself a favor and take a tour of the gulf. For example, cruises to the Western Caribbean are much smoother than those to the East because the ship is in the calmer waters of the Caribbean, not the Atlantic. And there are many brands of motion sickness medication, including the patch that works wonders.
You made your reservations, arrived at the port, and now you’re on board. What does she do? Have fun! Cruise lines are spending more and more money these days to make sure there’s plenty to do on board so no one gets bored. Take the Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) for example. This ship has over 2,700 staterooms and nearly one staff member for every two guests. There are several restaurants on board, including Johnny Rockets and Starbucks. There’s also a full-size carousel, two rock climbing walls, and two wave zones for learning to surf or boogie board. There is a zip line that rises 9 stories above the boardwalk, as well as a 9-hole miniature golf course. There are several theaters, an ice skating rink, a casino, more than 5 swimming pools, 8 jacuzzis, a gym, ping-pong tables, bingo, shopping, cinema…
You get the point: there is a ITS of things to do! For those traveling with children, there is a children’s area on each ship where they can meet other children their age and have fun while parents explore on their own. And there are enough kid-friendly activities for the whole family to be entertained if they choose.
Food is also worth talking about. On most ships, you can choose to sit early or late, and your dinners are usually in the same place every night. These range from casual to formal dining, and are filled with exquisite menu items. Expect three-course meals ranging from lobster to filet mignon, with options for the kids. If you decide you want something a little more casual, most ships also have buffet-style cafeterias serving everything from chicken nuggets to burgers and hot dogs. There is usually a pizzeria on most ships as well. Expect to eat well on a cruise. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and cruise ships understand that, with a wide variety of eggs, meats, breads, and fruit to start your day off right. Do you feel like relaxing? Call room service – they will bring whatever you want to your room free of charge! It’s all part of the food package.
Lastly, there are the ports of call. At each stop, there will undoubtedly be plenty of suggestions for things to do, such as excursions, shopping trips, beach days, boating, snorkeling tours, etc. You do not need to take an official tour when you arrive at a port. In fact, you don’t even have to get off the boat if you don’t want to. Some take advantage of an empty boat to schedule a relaxing massage. However, if you are going ashore, be sure to bring your passport and cruise ID so you can get back on board. And whatever you do, don’t be late! The captain has to leave on time, and if you’re even a few minutes late, they’ll get a hefty fine, so they won’t be able to wait for you!
As I say, there is a lot to do and a lot of fun on a cruise. Why not consider a cruise for your next vacation? I know you’ll be glad you did. Have a good trip!
david michaels
PS Full disclosure: I love to travel and I really do love cruising, but I do not work for Royal Caribbean or any other cruise line, nor do I receive any incentives from anyone. Just passing on my love for cruises!