Cruising is becoming more and more popular, but many wonder if it is worth the money.

The answer is a definite, YES.

There are so many options for cruising available now that there is literally something for everyone and every budget.

In fact, choosing to cruise can give you the biggest return on your vacation investment.

There are many advantages to cruising. There is something for everyone, making it easy for many people to enjoy this type of vacation. While there are many reasons to cruise, the best reasons are…

Value

Whether you choose to go for a three-day or thirty days cruise, your ticket includes a comfortable room, all the food you could possibly eat as well as various types of entertainment during your trip.

As an example, it’s possible to book a 3 or 4 days cruise for less than it might cost to book a weekend at an ocean front hotel + meals (no entertainment included).

On a cruise you…

• unpack once.
• have a driver (the ship’s captain)
• visit different ports.
• never worry about where or when to eat as there’s almost always some type of food available.
• don’t have to cook or do dishes, clean a bathroom or make a bed.
• enjoy all types of entertainment from trivia to art & crafts; music including strings, piano, guitar and talented singers; dance parties and Broadway style shows.

If you make your reservation several months 0r even years in advance you may have the ability to pay for your cruise in installments after the initial deposit. This is a great advantage for some on a strict budget.

That means that by the time you’re ready to sail everything is paid for and there is nothing left to do but enjoy the experience.

Entertainment

There is almost always something to do on a cruise ship.

From people watching to game shows and musical numbers you can find an activity if you want to.

Here’s a short list of activities you’ll find on board:

• trivia
• arts & crafts
• karaoke
• bingo
• game shows
• various contests
• board games in the library
• card game & slot machines in the casino
• themed dance parties
• art auctions
• different types of music acts around the ship

However, if you’re looking for quiet time that can be found in sweet little pockets around the ship or in your cabin.  Don’t be afraid to explore until you find your perfect spot with a comfy chair.

Food

The only way you could starve on a cruise is if…well, there is no way. Most passengers have a hard time not eating all the time. All meals are included in the ticket price.

While there are specialty restaurants onboard for an additional charge there is so much food available in the dining rooms and buffets around the ship that there’s no reason that you would NEED to visit them unless you’d like to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself.

Typically, you’ll have your meals in the Main Dining Room (MDR) at your assigned time or up at the buffet where you can eat in a more casual atmosphere.

If you have special dietary needs the chefs take extra care to make sure you’re able to enjoy all of your meals, as well.  Just let them know in advance.

Family

While there are some cruise lines that are adults only or that cater more to adults, most cruise lines have some sort of youth programs – almost like a day camp for kids aged 3-17.

Programs like these have age-appropriate activities that allow both kids and parents to have an enjoyable cruise.

You’ll often find water slide and wading areas where parents & kiddos alike can enjoy time together.

Relaxation

After you’ve exhausted yourself with non-stop entertainment, you may be looking for a place to just sit and relax for a while.

There are plenty of places both inside & on deck to catch a little bit of quiet.  Pull up a lounge chair on the pool deck to catch some rays or find a lounge with a comfy chair and your drink of choice and watch the sea flow by.

Accessibility On Board

It is not unusual to see people in power chairs or being pushed in wheelchairs around the ship and there are accessible rooms on board to accommodate them.

Most cruise lines are working very hard to accommodate passengers that have various needs such as:

• Mobility Limitations
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Blind or Low Vision
• Children with Disabilities
• Sensory Issues
  Medical Care, Diabetes, Dialysis & Oxygen
• Dietary Needs
• Service Dogs

Check with your specific cruise line to verify the accessible features on each cruise line/ship.

Safety

You can rest assured the cruise line is doing everything it can to keep your safety in mind. You will attend a short session after the ship sails to explain the use of lifeboats and personal flotation devices.

They have carefully choreographed procedures to follow in case of any emergency. Also, all ships are equipped with a medical infirmary. They can handle minor injuries and illnesses. If you have special health needs please talk to the personnel in the infirmary after boarding.

 Locations

Almost every major port city along the coast in the U.S. has a cruise terminal.  Cruise lines have tried to make it so you can drive no more than 6 hours to get to a cruise port.

You can choose a ship with an itinerary that includes going to the Eastern or Western Caribbean locations, Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Hawaii, or perhaps a transatlantic trip to many of the European ports and that’s just from U.S. ports.

Don’t overlook a cruise to anywhere in the world that might be on your bucket list.  You can cruise to almost anywhere in the world.

Once you get to your port there is secure parking for the duration of your cruise for a daily fee.  If you’re flying in and staying at a hotel near the port there are sure to be shuttles to get you from the hotel to the cruise ship.

Adventure

A visit to the information desk might be something you want to do after the ship is on its way out to sea. They provide pamphlets and information about many different excursions you may want to take. Some excursions include high adventure treks through tropical rainforests, horseback riding on the beach, historical sites, or maybe an afternoon of snorkeling.

These types of excursions cost extra, and the prices can be anywhere from reasonable to quite expensive. This depends on duration and whether or not a meal is involved. If you prefer not to pay the extra money for excursions, you can always explore on your own. Take your time and meander through the local shops. Many islanders make their living by depending entirely on selling merchandise to the cruise ship’s passengers. And prices are very reasonable.

Keep in mind, however, that on a paid excursion there will be a coordinator making sure that you arrive back at the ship on time. The educational merit of visiting these faraway places is a huge bonus. Some prefer to simply stay on board rather than go ashore. The day is yours to enjoy, whatever you choose.

Friendships

With all the activities and adventures, you will experience, there are many opportunities to create lasting friendships. Many of the passengers will be from the same area or state near the ports where they departed. You might meet new friends while dining, in one of the lounges, or maybe while strolling on the deck.

You will find that you are relaxed and having fun and there couldn’t be a better time for meeting people. It is possible that you might make new friends from a different part of your own country, and future visits to their locale would be a fantastic way to visit other new places.

Bonus: Cruising is easy!

Many people find cruising easy. You can visit a lot of different places and you don’t need to worry about figuring out lodging, food, and things to do.  You even have a lot of entertainment included at one price. For someone nervous about traveling, this can be a comfortable way to do it.

Cruising is also convenient because it gives you a lot of different options. Many destinations have cruises available from South America to Europe to Alaska and many other locations. You can choose the duration of your cruise as well, making it easy to be gone for a week or even a month.

A cruise is a great stress-free way to travel, with so many options in terms of destinations, durations, entertainment and food, you really can’t go wrong.