I love cruising. I was hooked after my first Caribbean cruise about ten years ago and have been cruising ever since. In my opinion, there is a lot to appreciate about cruising: the simplicity and convenience of it all. Not having to worry about meals or itineraries, entertaining shows every night, sumptuous dinners, a chance to really dress up, and fun, even though sometimes hilariously cliché activities on board.
Cruising today is a lot different from what I remember from watching ‘the Love Boat’ on television. It is no longer just a lot of elderly folk spending their retirement savings. Cruise lines have truly done a great deal to attract a younger audience and young families. There is a cruise for every taste from the young, non-stop party lovers to the family oriented.
Some of the advantages of cruising are:
- A wide range of beautiful destinations. You really have access to practically anywhere in the world from the Galapagos Islands to Alaska.
- One cost to cover accommodation, destinations and food. You only need spending money and money for tours which can be pricey but it is always better to splurge on some really good tours and not only have wonderful adventures on land but be back in time so that the boat does not set sail without you. Trust me it happens.
- A wide variety of food for every palate. If you want, you can eat all day and then burn it off later at the gym or in a challenging yoga class. My tip is to get there early. Note: jogging on a treadmill in the middle of the ocean is an experience in itself.
- You can pamper yourself at a spa on pure sail days.
- There are some great shows and entertainment. Some cruises even have lectures about the history of the places you are visiting and opportunities to tour the engine room.
- Good line up of activities for children and teens. In fact, for my first cruise, I felt as if I had to make an appointment to see my pre-teen daughter, she was so busy.
- There is always something to do from on-board shopping inclusive of sidewalk sales on sail days to all-night casinos and discos.
- The staff really do treat you like royalty. Get to know them. Some of them are quite friendly and they will go out of their way to ensure you are comfortable.
Things to consider:
- The size and vibe of the boat matters. Do your research, check reviews, health and safety ratings and activities available. There is nothing worse than feeling trapped on a small ship with few activities – unless of course, that is what you want…
- Pay the extra for an alcohol band. You will save money in the long run and mimosas for breakfast every morning is a good idea ☺
- Although you do get to see the sights, it is usually within the time the ship stipulates, so if you are one of those who likes to really explore and have the freedom to move around as you like, cruising may not be the best for you or, it can just give you a taste for places you want to return to later to fully explore.
- Wi-Fi is extremely expensive on board. I tended to wait until I got to port and took advantage of any free Wi-Fi hot spots on land.
- Do your research on the available tours and plan your itinerary when you get on board. Sometimes the description and tour write sound a lot more exciting than the actual tour itself, so choose well.
My top 10 cruise memories:
- Sailing out of the port of Venice, Pavarotti blasting on the boat speakers. It was pore raising
- Sailing through the Greek Isles, the views are absolutely stunning
- Urging the onboard DJ to play soca at the disco and dancing the night away
- Midnight chocolate lovers fiesta – my all-time favorite memory
- Being serenaded by the crew at the Captains dinner
- Sipping wine and napping on the balcony of my cabin as I watched the ocean just pass by…complete peace
- My first spa massage and pedicure on board – heavenly
- Karaoke night….I’ll leave that there
- Amazing and very flattering photos…they cost a pretty penny but excellent quality
- My first sunset over the ocean
