7 Reasons Why I Love Cruising
My husband and I, Mr.Travel, have resisted cruising. After much persuasion, my daughter convinced us to try it and booked us on a quick four-night Caribbean cruise. I have to mention that living in South Florida makes cruising pretty convenient, so we agreed, and you probably know the rest of this story. We loved it! There are many reasons to cruise, but here are my 7 top reasons why I love cruising.
1- Ease Of Planning
Have you ever hosted a large family gathering? While the memories are lovely, the planning, work, cost, and clean-up (all while working your full-time job) are exhausting. Then there is the relative that complains about the food, drinks too much, or lets the kids run all over your beautifully upholstered sofa. As you sweat in the kitchen, you swear someone else will be hosting this shit show next year.
Here is why I love cruising. Everyone can participate.
What other form of travel has so many multi-generational activities built in that you can simultaneously include your youngest child and grandparents?
It is the easiest way to gather family and friends with relatively minimal planning. Your ship is a floating hotel with self-contained restaurants, swimming pools, durable furniture, live entertainment, and no transportation concerns.
If Uncle Joe gets drunk at dinner, no one has to worry about driving him home. The kitchen, well, it is not your problem; you get to enjoy your meal like the rest of the clan and not sweat the small stuff. And, when you have had enough, you can retire to your cabin, put your feet up and enjoy the breeze from your private balcony. Sounds like a plan.
2-Never Unpack
You most likely have made beach trips with friends, family members, and children. The preplanning for this is the equivalent of a NASA space launch. Parking spaces, Sunscreen, umbrellas, chairs, sand toys, towels, treats, and somewhere to hide your valuables and flask.
And this is just the beginning...don't forget you get to deal with the sand that follows you home, camps out in your car seats, and NEVER completely lifts from the floor mats.
Here is why I love cruising. You can visit exotic locations and never have to unpack!
How does waking up to a new tropical destination every morning sound? Your private beach awaits. Gather your flip-flops, Sunscreen, complimentary beach towel, and beach bag. Board the shuttle and head out to a tropical island that provides you with cabanas, chairs, and umbrellas.
Perhaps you will enjoy the Tiki Bar’s live music or DJ tunes. Maybe you prefer the sound of the crashing waves, the breath of fresh ocean air, and a sunkissed tan. The choice is yours.
This is why I love cruising…I can leave the sand at the beach!
3-No Hassle Security
Guess what.. when you cruise, you can keep your shoes on...and the belt too. But what I love about cruising is that there is no 3 oz liquid rule! No baggage fees. Bring as much luggage as possible; remember, your room is small. Security will run your bags through an X-ray machine and take your photo. The process will be complete within 1 minute. Additionally, most cruise lines allow you to pack one or two bottles of wine per cabin.
4-Numerous Dining Venues
If you know how to make a dinner reservation, then dining is a breeze. Many cruise lines have the main dining room, and you select early or late seating for dinner. You can also upgrade ( for a fee) to other restaurants.
Cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages, have ditched the main dining room concept, and for no additional cost, they offer over 20 top-notch restaurants. This concept allows you to make a reservation that fits your timeframe,which is convenient if you have booked an offshore excursion. And don’t forget there is always room service..or somewhere to grab a pizza.
So many food options.
5-You Can Do Nothing
Does the thought of laying around eating and drinking on a large boat filled with strangers seem like your version of hell? That was me. My initial resistance was so strong that I refused to cruise for YEARS. But once I did, I loved it.
Why I love to cruise…this is me doing nothing.
Here is why I love cruising.
My first time cruising took about three days before I finally started to relax. Waking every morning in a luxurious bed with no alarm clock is fantastic. I could start my day with room service or venture downstairs to the coffee specialty shop—my choice. After dinner, I could catch a show, hang in the casino, go to the club, or retreat to my room and enjoy a glass of wine on my balcony. Again, my choice.
6-You Can Do Everything
If you like to be on the go, then you certainly can. You can book ship-sponsored or independent excursions at every port. If you are a first-time cruiser, it is best to book a ship-sponsored excursion. If your tour gets delayed, the ship will wait for your return. Otherwise, if your independent tour runs late- the ship will sail; without you.
You won't be bored onboard.
There is plenty to do during sea days or any time during your cruise. You can wake up early to watch the sunrise. Go to the fitness center. Take a Yoga class, Zumba. Class, or Spin class. Attend a lecture. Participate in a Wine Tasting class. Enroll in a Cooking Class. Reserve a basketball court. Take a swim in the pool. Go to an art exhibit. Play bingo. Get a seat at the main bar during game times and play trivia. Schedule a spa treatment. Catch a movie.
Time to party…silent karaoke
Adventures after hours
Enjoy some live music. Share some laughs at the Karaoke bar. Catch a stand-up comedy show. Get lucky at the casino. Watch a poolside drive in style movie under the stars. Attend a themed party. Dance the night away in the nightclub.
Your ship awaits…
6-You Can Do Everything
Most of your typical travel expenses are covered. Your hotel, meals, entertainment, transportation, and much of the planning are inclusive. If you decide to spend on upgrades, you can choose what upgrades work for you. With cruising, you have a magnitude of choices. For me, it is purely the choice to relax. Cruising is the best experience to stop, do nothing, and love every minute. If you haven't tried it, now is the time.
Your ship awaits,
Debbie & Henry