I love to go on cruises. In fact, almost all my vacations are cruise vacations. I find myself consistently choosing to go on a cruise over other types of vacations. Here’s why.
Good Value
I like a good deal, so I keep choosing to go on a cruise over other types of vacation. I haven’t found another type of vacation that is a better deal than going on a cruise.
For example, I recently went on an MSC cruise vacation for $120 per person per day with everything included such as gratuity, port taxes/fees, etc. This is a great deal, considering I got unlimited food, outstanding service, a balcony cabin, a wide range of free onboard activities, and I got to go to the Bahamas and their private island. The best part was that I simply took an Uber to the cruise port in New York City – it was so convenient. I didn’t even need to spend on airfare.
If I compare this with a different type of vacation, such as an all-inclusive resort vacation in the Bahamas, the airfare alone from New York City would cost $250 per person. Then add the cost of the all-inclusive resort, which is $3500 for two people for a week. That comes out a lot more expensive than a cruise vacation at almost $300 per person per night.
No Need to Plan
Another reason I keep choosing to go on a cruise over other types of vacation is that it’s so easy. With cruises, everything is taken care of, and the cruise line handles all the planning, allowing me to truly relax.
Typically, I’m the one responsible for organizing our family trips and managing all the logistics. On a cruise, I can relax. I don’t have to worry about researching and planning what restaurant to go to or coordinating and planning our activities.
It’s also easy to explore destinations since I can simply book cruise shore excursions. The cruise shore excursion staff did all the research for me so I could just relax and enjoy.
I love that I don’t have to bear the burden of planning our vacation when we go on a cruise. It’s truly an effortless way to vacation.
Being Pampered
One of the main reasons I consistently choose to go on cruises over other types of vacations is that I want to be pampered. Regardless of the cruise line, the experience is always lavish.
Instead of quick-service meals, you’re treated to elegant three-course dinners with white tablecloths. A dedicated team, including a waiter, assistant waiter, sommelier, and head waiter, tends to your every need.
Plus, the cabin steward will pamper you with a nightly turn-down service, so you walk into a tidied-up room with fresh towels and a beautifully made bed – it’s just like staying at a 5-star hotel without the hefty price tag!
I also love indulging in room service- waking up to a tray of fresh pastries, eggs, bacon, sausage, and hashbrowns while leisurely sipping coffee on my private balcony! You will really feel pampered on a cruise.
Exceptional Service
Another reason I keep choosing to cruise is the exceptional service. The level of service on a cruise ship is truly incredible—it’s like experiencing the 5-star service at a Ritz Carlton, but at a much more affordable price!
For example, the cabin steward goes above and beyond, providing evening turndown service, creating towel animals, ensuring your ice bucket is always filled, and offering different pillows or comforters if you’re not completely satisfied.
Even dinner in the main dining room on a cruise feels like a luxurious experience, similar to what you’d find at an expensive steakhouse like Capital Grill, but at a fraction of the price! You not only have a waiter who takes your order, but you will also have an assistant waiter who gets your drinks and refills your water.
Also, a sommelier is available to help you select the perfect wine, and the maitre d’ is always around to ensure everything is going smoothly or to assist with any special dietary requirements, such as placing orders if someone in your party has a food allergy. The type of service you get on a cruise ship is truly exceptional.
Food
The food is another reason why I keep choosing to cruise over other types of vacation. Whether it’s a buffet, sit-down dinner, sit-down brunch, or poolside grill, there’s always a variety of delicious food available. What’s great is that it’s not just basic fare like pizza, pasta, and burgers; I get to enjoy fancy dishes such as shrimp cocktail, lobster, lamb shank, osso bucco, steak, escargot, and steak tartare. And the best part is that it’s all included in the cruise fare, so I can indulge as much as I want!
When I compare this to what I would eat on a land vacation, the cruise food is far superior. I’d never be able to treat my family to steak every night on a regular vacation, but on a cruise, we can eat steak every day! The best part is I’m spending so much less but eating expensive, high-quality meals on a cruise ship!
Easy Way to Explore New Destinations
Another reason why I choose to go on cruises over other types of vacation is that it is an easy way to explore new destinations. One of the best things about cruising is the convenience of visiting multiple cities and countries without the usual travel hassles. You don’t have to deal with airport lines, waiting for taxis, or lugging your luggage around. Essentially, cruising is like staying in a floating hotel, so there’s no need to pack and unpack at every stop. You just walk down the gangway – it’s that simple.
I find that cruising is great when vacationing in Europe because it allows you to see many places in a short period of time without the need to fly or take the Eurorail to visit other cities and towns. There’s no need to switch hotels, and it’s efficient since the cruise ship sails to the next destination while you’re sleeping. So when you wake up, you’re already at a new port. There’s no time wasted traveling to a new city. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with kids since cruising makes it easy to visit multiple European cities without the hassle of travel logistics.
All-Inclusive
I find that the all-inclusive nature of going on a cruise is one of the main reasons I prefer it over other types of vacations. I appreciate that the cruise fare covers food, accommodation, and onboard activities, making it a hassle-free way to vacation.
Easy to Vacation with Multi-Generation
I always choose to go on cruise vacations when traveling with the grandparents and extended family. Cruising is conducive to multi-generational vacations because everyone can do their own activities during the day and still come together for dinner as a family.
For example, the younger kids and their cousins can enjoy the kids’ club while the teenagers hang out at the teen club or play in the arcade. The grandparents can relax on their private balcony with a good book, and I can spend time with my sister at the spa or lounge in the adult-only pool. Even though we are all doing our own activities during the day, we will still get together for a family dinner in the main dining room.
Even on port days, we can do our own activities. Typically, my husband and I go ashore with our kids to explore the port through a shore excursion or on our own.
Meanwhile, my in-laws prefer to take it easy and remain on board the ship. I appreciate not having to worry about them while I’m out at port because I trust that they will be well taken care of and can enjoy the ship’s food and onboard activities. While if I’m on a regular land vacation, part of me always worries about what they will do while we are out exploring the city. Check out 25 Things People Forget to Pack for a Cruise
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