Should You Book a Cruise? Pros and Cons of Cruises to Consider

What are the pros and cons of cruises? Cruising is one of the most popular vacation options. While we cruise addicts sing its praises and love every minute, cruising still has its faults.

We love to cruise. The pros outweigh the cons for us. We get so much value from cruises with amazing food, comfortable accommodations, and wonderful experiences both onboard and at ports of call. But we understand that not everyone is the same. The cons may be enough to put you off from cruising. So, before you book your next cruise, consider the pros and cons.

You may not like the idea of sea days, spending only a few hours at each destination, or sharing a small cabin with your kids for seven days. Every trip and vacation is a journey and what you make of it.

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Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of cruising to help you decide if you should book a cruise.

Pros of Going on a Cruise

Convenient Vacationing

Your cruise fare typically covers accommodations, food, some beverages, and entertainment, making it easy to plan and budget. One of the best perks is unpacking once and not dragging your luggage from destination to destination. Plus, you do not have to worry about planning where to eat every night – it’s all taken care of.

Diverse Itinerary Options

Cruises take you to amazing destinations worldwide, from tropical beaches to historic cities. We’ve cruised to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe; each trip has given us unique and unforgettable experiences. Exploring ancient ruins, lounging on pristine beaches, and seeing multiple destinations without the hassle of multiple flights and hotels is fantastic. Cruises are also great for those with limited vacation time, allowing us to visit and discover destinations we thought we’d visit later in life.

Shore Excursions

Each port offers unique shore excursions, allowing you to explore new destinations and cultures. One of our favorite parts of cruising is the opportunity to take guided tours, try local cuisine, and participate in exciting activities like snorkeling or hiking. Shore excursions provide a taste of each destination and often highlight the best attractions and experiences.

Opportunity to Really Disconnect

Cruises provide a chance to disconnect from technology and enjoy a relaxing break from everyday responsibilities. While most ships offer Wi-Fi (at an extra cost), the limited connectivity is a blessing in disguise. It forces us to put away our devices and be in the present.

Plenty of Entertainment

There’s always something to do on a cruise ship, from live music and shows to pools and casinos. We’ve enjoyed Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and even themed parties. The variety of entertainment options means there’s never a dull moment. You can dance the night away or enjoy a quiet evening watching a movie under the stars or in your cabin. It’s up to you.

Something for Everyone

Cruises cater to different groups, including families, singles, couples, and friends, ensuring there’s something for everyone on board. We love how there are activities for all ages – kids’ clubs for the little ones, relaxing spa treatments for adults, and fun group activities for everyone. This makes cruises perfect for multi-generational family vacations. For those looking for an adult-only experience, cruise lines like Virgin Voyages offer a more adult-focused atmosphere.

Ocean Views and Fresh Sea Air

The ocean views and fresh sea air can be incredibly peaceful and relaxing. There’s nothing like waking up to the sight of the endless sea or watching the sunset from your balcony. The soothing sound of the waves and the salty breeze make cruising a truly serene experience.

Meeting New People

Cruises are a great opportunity to meet new people. As introverted as I am, I always meet like-minded folks on cruises who we chat with and see around the ship multiple times. We’ve even had dinner with some of them. Sometimes, that connection starts with targeted Cruise Facebook Groups and Cruise Roll Calls before getting on the ship. The ship also has activities and events that bring people together, making it easy to make new friendships.

No Everyday Responsibilities from Back Home

One of the best parts about going on a cruise is leaving behind the everyday responsibilities from home. Everything on the cruise ship is taken care of for you. You don’t need to make the bed, cook, clean, or do the dishes. The staff onboard are ready to handle it all, and their goal is to make sure you enjoy your vacation.

Cons of Cruises

The Nickel and Diming with All These Extra Upcharges

Upcharges are becoming more common among the mainstream cruise lines. While many basics are included, additional costs for spa treatments, shore excursions, specialty restaurants, and drinks can add up. It’s important to budget for these extras if they matter to you, as they can quickly inflate the overall cost of your trip.

Read more: Proven Tips for Saving Money on Your Cruise

Dealing with Crowds

Ships can feel crowded, especially during peak times, which might impact your enjoyment. Embarkation and disembarkation days are particularly busy, and sometimes ships can feel overcrowded, especially if there aren’t enough crew members to provide attentive service. This can make you feel like just a number on the ship. Once we’re on board, we usually find our own quiet spots. Choosing smaller ships or traveling during off-peak seasons can help avoid the crowds.

Potential for Seasickness

Cruising might be challenging if you’re prone to seasickness, though there are remedies to help alleviate symptoms. While I occasionally feel queasy, packing ginger chews and taking motion sickness pills greatly helps. Modern cruise ships also have advanced stabilizers that minimize motion, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the trip.

Cabins Can Be Small

Cruise cabins, especially the standard rooms, can be small and feel cramped if you travel as a family of four. The size might be disappointing if you’re used to spacious hotel rooms. Sharing a compact space with kids or multiple people can get cumbersome. We’ve learned to pack light and how to stay organized to maximize the space.

However, most people don’t spend much time in their cabins. We see it as a place to sleep and shower while enjoying the ship’s amenities for most of the day. If you prefer more space, you also have the option to splurge and book a luxury suite.

Limited Time and Structured Itineraries

Cruises follow a set itinerary, so your time at each port is limited to a few hours to several, and occasionally, you might get an overnight stay. This might not suit those who prefer spontaneous travel. While it can feel restrictive, planning ahead and prioritizing what we want to do at each port helps. When booking a cruise, look for itineraries that maximize time at each port to get the most out of your experience. Sometimes, cruise itineraries are changed at the last minute.

Risk of Overspending

With numerous upcharges, specialty dining restaurants, gambling, and shops, it’s easy to exceed your budget while onboard. We always monitor our spending and set daily limits to avoid a surprise bill at the end. Pre-paying for packages like drink plans or specialty dining can also help manage costs.

Quality of Entertainment Can Vary

The quality of entertainment can vary between cruise lines and ships, so research ahead to see what each one offers. We’ve had amazing and mediocre experiences with onboard entertainment, so we always check reviews and itineraries before booking if it matters to us. Knowing what to expect helps set our expectations accordingly.

You Might Feel Restless

A cruise might not be the best fit if you’re always on the go and love being constantly connected. The pace on a cruise is more relaxed, with some downtime between activities and destinations. While there are plenty of things to do on board, you might miss the hustle and bustle of a more spontaneous and dynamic vacation. If you thrive on constant movement and variety, you might feel restless during those quieter moments at sea.

Is it worth going on a cruise?

Whether a cruise is worth it depends on what you enjoy. Some people, like us, love the convenience, variety, and unique experiences cruises offer and can’t imagine vacationing any other way. Others might find it a bit confining and prefer to explore destinations on their own. The best way to see if cruising is for you is to try a short cruise and see how you like it. There’s no harm in giving it a shot!

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

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