Top 5 Reasons I Love to Cruise
I love to cruise. I have been on ten cruises so far, and don’t plan to stop any time soon. Why do I love cruising so much? Read along to learn about the top five reasons I love to cruise.
1. A cruise is an efficient way to travel
The number one reason why I love to Cruise is that it is an efficient way to travel. I am not one to stay in one place for a long time. I like to spend a day or two in a city and then I’m ready to check out someplace new. When I travel this way by car, I have to check in and out of hotels, packing and unpacking my suitcase over and over and spend time traveling between cities by planes, trains, and/or automobiles.
On a cruise, I love that I only have to unpack once when I get on the ship. I go to sleep at night after a wonderful day of exploring, and I wake up the next morning with a new port to explore.
2. Cruising great for solo travelers
The first time I told my mom that I was going to Europe on my own, she was understandably nervous. I assured her that a cruise was one of the safest ways that I could travel and see the world. Cruise ships offer excursions where you are with a group and a guide from the time you leave the ship until you get back. If for some reason the excursion is late getting back, they will either wait for you or get to the ship at the next port.
On the ship, there are also usually nightly meet ups for those traveling solo. They often hold these before dinner, so if you don’t want to eat alone, this is a great chance to round up some dining partners. On cruise lines with set dining times, they assign me to a table with other solo travelers. Either way, dinner with new friends usually leads to a fun evening hitting up the bars on the ship.
I really love to cruise solo. It makes me feel strong and independent, but in a comfortable and friendly setting.
3. There is always something to do – or you can do nothing at all
Now, despite what I just said about dining and drinking with new friends, sometimes I just want to lay low. A dinner at the buffet or room service (usually for a nominal charge) and a quiet evening in my room are just what the doctor ordered.
If I’m feeling up for some action, there is no shortage of possibilities on a cruise ship. From Broadway shows to comedians to dance parties and trivia, there is something for everyone. These activities usually go on well into the night and start up bright and early the next morning.
4. Food (and sometimes drinks) are included in the price of your cruise
The sheer amount of food on a cruise ship is astounding. From the formal main dining room, to specialty restaurants, to room service, to the buffet, it’s a seemingly endless supply of opportunities to eat. While there are some restaurants or items that are an upcharge, you can still eat like a king or queen with the food that is included in your fare.
Depending on the cruise line and the fare you choose, sometimes drinks are included. If they aren’t you can usually purchase a package for the duration of your cruise. While this might not make financial sense for everyone, it is nice to know that all of your drinks are already paid for and you won’t end up with a huge bill at the end.
5. There’s nothing better than staring at the ocean
Being on a cruise ship means water views in every direction, and I can’t think of any way I’d rather relax and refresh than to enjoy such a calming view. Whether I’m in the dining room, at the pool, or on my private balcony, I can never get enough of the views. I like to plan my days around watching the sun rise and set over the water.
One of my favorite things to do on a cruise is to get up early and walk around the jogging track, usually on one of the top decks, as the sun rises. This often coincides with pulling into port. Watching the gorgeous colors of the sunrise and getting a first look at the city we get to explore is a great way tot start the day. As a bonus, we’re often pulling in at the same time as other ships, and I like having the chance to check them out from across the pier.
I usually like to take in the sunset from the privacy of my own balcony, if I have one, with a nice beverage. It’s a great way to wind down the day before going to dinner. My favorite room location has been the aft balconies. The views are great and staring at the wake adds to the calm.
Cruising is not for everyone, but if you are someone who appreciates the reasons I’ve outlined above, then you might just find you love to cruise too!
If you’ve cruised before, what are the top reasons you love to cruise?
