Why Cruise? 22 Compelling Reasons To Go On a Cruise
Are you considering a cruise for your next vacation? We give you 22 compelling reasons why a cruise is an awesome vacation that makes sense.
Why go on a cruise? While we love cruising mainly for its all-inclusive offerings, diverse amenities, dining options, and the fact that we can visit multiple destinations within a short vacation time we recognize that it’s not for everyone.
Cruises are a popular choice vacation for couples, families, and solo travelers. Keep reading to discover why a cruise might be perfect for you. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to book your first cruise.
Why go on a cruise? Explore 22 compelling reasons to go on a cruise vacation that makes it make sense. You’ll be booking your first cruise in no time.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.
What is a Cruise?
A cruise is a vacation on a large ship equipped with everything you need, from room and board to dining options and entertainment, while it travels across the ocean to various destinations. These destinations, referred to as port-of-calls, become accessible for exploration once the ship reaches them.
Cruises Are (almost) All-Inclusive
1. There is an all-you-can-eat dining
Food when traveling is an added expense. On a cruise, the food is included and is all-you-can-eat. As a fellow foodie to another foodie, the food alone is enough of a reason to go on a cruise.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are included with your cruise fare. There is almost always more than one location option to eat and room service (sometimes at an extra cost). You can ask for seconds and even thirds in the main dining room. You will never starve on a cruise vacation.
Specialty restaurants are an additional, optional, and unnecessary cost.
2. Cruising can be cost-effective with its nearly all-inclusive package pricing
Cruising can be cost-effective because the upfront price often includes accommodations, meals, and entertainment, making it easier to budget for the overall vacation expenses.
You may still have to worry about airfare, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, and other expenses, like shore excursions. However, the cruise is the lump sum of your vacation, and if you book early enough, you can also pay off a little.
Some cruises also offer package deals that include airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, further streamlining the travel expenses.
3. Cruise ships are like floating hotel resorts
A cruise is like a floating resort with spas, pools, gyms, restaurants, bars, dance clubs, and kids’ clubs. It’s an all-inclusive vacation experience on the high seas. You can relax or participate in cruise ship fun as much as you want. Cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re looking for an intimate setting, you can cruise on smaller ships with a more boutique and luxurious feel. Yacht cruising and river cruising are also great options.
Read more: What’s the difference between Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort?
Cruising Is For Explorers
4. Cruises allow you to explore multiple destinations within a short time frame
One of the best parts about cruising is visiting multiple destinations within a short time frame. This allows you to discover and explore new ports of call you may never have visited. Opening up a new world of travel possibilities, adventures, and cultural experiences. Whether visiting historic landmarks of European cities, snorkeling in the Caribbean islands, or seeing your first whale while cruising Alaska, each destination offers a unique opportunity for exploration and discovery.
Of course, this has pros and cons, especially for slow travelers. However, if you’re short on vacation time per year, cruising helps you enjoy more of the world in a limited timeframe.
Cruises Are For Everyone
5. Cruises are family-friendly, so the fun extends to the kids too
Cruises are ideal for all ages and occasions, including kids. Kids are especially thrilled with the exciting options, including waterslides, rock climbing, and more. Many family-friendly ships even feature carousels and go-karts. Parents can also take advantage of kids’ clubs to carve out some relaxing time, knowing their children are making new friends and engaging in various onboard activities.
6. Cruises cater to solo travelers
Solo travel has become increasingly popular, and some cruises cater to solo travelers by offering discounted solo fares, dedicated cabins, social gatherings, and designated areas for those traveling alone. It’s a fantastic way to embark on a solo vacation surrounded by like-minded fellow passengers.
7. Cruises are a wonderful option for group vacations
Cruises are an excellent choice for family reunions or group vacations. They provide a wonderful setting for groups to unite, strengthen bonds, and enjoy each other’s company.
Cruising allows the option to either dine together or pursue individual preferences. While some may attend a show as a group, others prefer to unwind at a poolside party. Additionally, when the ship docks at port destinations, there’s the flexibility to plan group excursions or for everyone to choose their preferred activities for the day.
8. Adult-only cruises do exist if you’re looking for a no-kid zone cruise
If cruising with everyone, especially kids, does not appeal to you, don’t worry. Adult-only cruises do exist. Virgin Voyages is one of the top adult-only cruise lines worth checking out.
As a kidless cruiser, I can’t deny that I mostly cruise off-season to avoid when kids are off from school.
9. Cruises can be accessible for individuals with disabilities
Cruises can be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Many cruise lines have taken significant steps to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all guests, offering accessible staterooms, wheelchair ramps, elevators, and various facilities designed to accommodate special needs. To make the most of your cruise experience, consider researching the cruise ships’ accessible cabins and the accessibility of the ports you plan to visit during your journey.
Entertainment and Activities On A Cruise Ship Are Fun
10. There are all-day activities and entertainment from morning to night
During your cruise, the Cruise Director and their team organize daily and night activities. You’ll receive a daily newsletter in your cabin each evening, listing all the activities for the following day. You can choose to join any that interests you. As the cruise director said on our Celebrity Solstice cruise, you can’t have fun if you don’t participate.
Here are some examples:
- Live shows
- Musical performances
- Comedians
- Themed parties
- Silent disco
- Morning Yoga or Zumba
- Bingo
- Deal or No Deal
- Trivia Games
- Painting classes
- Glass Making Demonstrations
- Movie Times
- Sport Challenges
- Wine Tasting
- Dance Instructions
- High Tea
- Special Events
- AA or LGTBQ Meetings
- Single Meets
- And more…
And, if you do a Disney cruise, you get to meet Disney characters and enjoy live Disney shows, movies, and more.
Note that some of these may require an extra charge to participate.
Read more: What Are Fun Things to Do on a Cruise
11. The spa experience on a cruise
Spa services are available for those looking to treat themselves, although they can be pricey. Some people choose to cruise solely for the spa experience –we have a friend who does. It’s a great opportunity to indulge and pamper yourself. Sometimes, you can even buy spa passes to use the onboard thermal suite throughout your cruise.
The ship’s gym is open to all guests.
12. Cruises have onboard casinos
Most mainstream cruise line have casinos onboard their ship. If you like to have some fun gambling, you may choose to hit the casino at some point during your cruise. They will have tournaments and slot machine competitions, providing entertainment for those who enjoy gaming.
You may receive comped or discounted cruise offers for future sailings if you gamble enough. Never forget to insert your cruise card into the machines.
*Please play responsibly.
Read more: Activities on a Cruise Ship
The Cruise Ship Food
13. There is more than just the food at the buffet
While buffets are popular on cruises, they’re not your only dining option. Don’t worry; I know buffets are not for everyone. Cruise ships offer sit-down breakfast, dinner, and sometimes lunch. Many guests prefer dining in the main dining rooms at night. The menus at these dining establishments change every night, allowing you to enjoy multiple appetizers and entrees. However, some cruise lines are simplifying their main dining menus to reduce waste and offering fewer daily specials.
14. Specialty restaurants can be a delicious alternative
Specialty restaurants typically have extra costs (except on Virgin Voyages), but they can be a fun and delicious alternative for one or more nights of your cruise. The number of specialty restaurants and cuisines varies from cruise line to cruise line.
Sometimes, the per-person fee is quite reasonable. Making it worthwhile to sample one or two of these dining venues, especially if it’s a restaurant you normally wouldn’t find or eat at where you live. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the exceptional dining experiences at some of these specialty restaurants.
15. Cruises can cater to dietary restrictions
If you have dietary restrictions, don’t hesitate to go on a cruise. Cruise lines are known for their flexibility in accommodating special dietary requests. Inform them of your requirements before your cruise. Once onboard, ask to speak to the manager of the main dining and the head check. They do their best to prepare and accommodate meals that can work for you.
Cruises and Ocean Wonders
16. The ocean breeze and saltwater
Embrace the soothing sound of ocean currents, the smell of seawater, and the gentle caress of the ocean breeze as you step out onto your balcony’s cabin or take a leisurely walk on the lido deck.
17. Spotting wildlife from the cruise ship is magical
During your cruise adventures, experience the thrill of spotting sea life like whales, dolphins, and more. We’ll never forget all the wildlife we saw sailing to Alaska.
18. You’ll witness the most spectacular views
Enjoy breathtaking moments, whether it’s witnessing a Caribbean sunset or cruising past a city’s skyline, all from the unique vantage point of your cruise ship. It’s a different perspective you won’t get on land.
Cruise tip: Get that camera ready! Sailaway is a perfect opportunity to capture or take in the unique view of the city skyline or island you’re departing from.
A Cruise is a Worry-Free Vacation
19. Everything is at your fingertips
Enjoy a carefree vacation where everything you need is within easy reach on the ship.
20. No need to deal with the hassle of dragging your luggage around
Forget about dragging your luggage around! On a cruise, you can leave it behind at port while freely exploring and enjoying your day. No reason to pack and unpack to hop to another destination. You don’t have to look at luggage again until the day you disembark the ship.
21. Relax and let the captain steer the ship
Relax as the captain and crew expertly navigate the ship, transporting you to new destinations while you savor your time onboard. Waking up in a new destination is an exciting part of the cruise experience.
Cruise Loyalty Programs
22. Cruise loyalty program can have its benefits in the long run
Cruise frequently and accumulate points to unlock additional perks and benefits for your future cruises. Cruise loyalty programs offer remarkable rewards and benefits that, as a devoted cruiser, can save you money as time goes on. Going on a cruise is another reason you can rack up those loyalty points toward perks, including credit card points.
Quick Tips to Book a Cruise Vacation
- Research and compare rates and perks from different sources if you don’t have a travel agent.
- Check promotions on cruise lines’ websites.
- Compare these promotions with offers from other travel sites.
- Consider consulting a reputable travel agent.
- Booking with an agent may result in additional perks, such as onboard credit, to enhance your cruise experience.
Are cruises fun?
Yes! Cruises are so much fun, and they are what you make of them. The cruise ship is full of activities from when you wake up to when it’s time to go to bed. That’s not even including when you’re off the ship exploring port destinations. You can choose to relax or choose to be as active as you want.
Is a cruise worth it?
Cruises offer exceptional value for a complete vacation experience. From delicious dining options to top-notch entertainment and exciting port destinations, cruises provide a comprehensive package that makes it worth it.
What are the benefits of a cruise?
The benefits of a cruise include the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one trip, all-inclusive amenities, diverse onboard activities and entertainment, a variety of dining experiences, relaxation, and the chance to form lasting memories with loved ones.
BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
Hey, girl,
UM, LOVE THE NEW BLOG THEME. Hehe. Rocking it! I thought it looked familiar ; ) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! The font for this comment alone is banging. Pipdig rocks.
Also, can we talk about that gorgeous picture of you with an equally gorgeous drink? Yesssssss!!!
Ok, so you know I am not a cruiser (motion sickness), but I do love this post. I have friends who only go on cruises 200% for all inclusive food and drinks (with an extra $$$ package). They seriously come back 10 pounds heavier and relaxed. It is SO tempting. Plus, they get to see anywhere from 2-10 bucket list places all at once.
What is equally appealing is the worry-free part that you mention. We have so much to plan and driving around the world can be stressful. I think back to wayward Irish sheep, narrow roads, and driving on the wrong side of the road.
You make cruising sound amazing. Maybe one day…
Glad you rocked out a blog post before your amazing adventure. I CANNOT WAIT for you!! Share, share, share! Have fun, don’t stay on social media too much, and I’ll miss ya in between.
Love,
Christine of The Uncorked Librarian
P.S. I just ate chocolate so this post sounds extra HYPER. Oops.
Thank you for the theme comments. As soon as I saw it, I thought, that’s the theme for me and the rest is history! I have some tweaks to make and I will eventually get to them, but we are always working on our blogs, aren’t we?
I love that picture of me too! It’s one of my favs. I felt great. Probably because I had lost over 10 lbs a couple of months before because of gallbladder surgery. My skin was glowing too! This trip my skin was not glowing because I had stress acne… ugh. At least I can always look back at this photo of me holding a French Manhattan.
I’ll be sharing a ton of new content soon! Stay tuned.
Okay, I’ve got to hand it to you, you really are selling me on this cruise thing. I’m still kind of nervous about the idea, but it does sound so nice. I want to see dolphins and/or whales and see land from the perspective of the boat! I want to read a book by the pool with a cocktail (or two or three), I want all you can eat food, I want to see a bunch of places in one week, and towel animals!? I’m kind of sad that there won’t be any towel animals in my apartment tomorrow. If you read this, please capture pics of all the towel animals you get! ?
I also love your idea of calling the night before for a coffee wake up “call.” You’re brilliant!
Okay, I booked it!! I’m joining you guys on your cruise tomorrow! ??
Have an amazing and wonderful time! We will all miss you here but enjoy!!!
I have to be honest, this cruise was not the one I would have brought you on. The ship was, eh. It was pretty closed off and not what I’m used to. Not the cruise experience I would have recommended for you as your first one. The itinerary was fantastic though and i think you would have loved it… and the towel animals. 😀 Thanks so much for you great comments. Made me smile.
Great post! Love cruising!!
Thank you for stopping by!
A Western Mediterranean cruise…….that sounds really lovely! My hubby and I love short cruises. We’re dreaming of taking longer cruises someday to various destinations. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and tips with us. By the way, the towel animal is soooo cute! Have fun on your next cruise!
We’re back from our cruise and the itinerary was fantastic. The ship was just okay, but it got us to multiples places we enjoyed so thats what matters now. Hubby and I are always looking at long short weekend cruises but unfortunately we do no like the itineraries that leave from California. I definitely recommend trying for a longer cruise and if you’re all about the destinations, pick one with that doesn’t have too many sea days. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I must say I have a love/hate relationship with cruising too. Everything you listed above are definitely the perks of cruising. I love the almost all-inclusivity of a cruise and the fact that there’s always something to do, even on a sea day. Unfortunately, I get land sickness for at least a week after being on the boat ?.
That happened to me after a cruise a few years ago, but it only lasted a couple of days. I was afraid of it happening again on our next cruise, so far, so good. Maybe our bodies are telling us we need more cruises in our life to adjust? Hope you don’t get sick next time.
It’s been many years since I was on a cruise, but I still remember all the wonderful food…anytime we wanted it…and the anticipation of seeing how our robes or towels were shaped on the bed when we returned to the room in the evening. Good memories!
Those are some great memories to have. 🙂
I have always wanted to go on a cruise. I have not yet managed to do it. I am hoping in the next couple of years I can cross it off my bucket list.
I hope you do too! Another reason I love to cruise (which I didn’t mention above) is that you can brook a great deal a year, two and sometimes even three years in advance. You can place a downpayment (sometimes they have low downpayment specials) and you pay it off slowly. Just make sure you find out what your final cancellation date with full refund is, just in case. Wishing you a great future cruise (cause I know you’re going to make this happen for you) and don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice.
Very informative. I am still torn on whether I want to go on a cruise at some point. I love the water, but I really also like being on land. Though admittedly, I do feel that after reading your cruise-related posts that I would enjoy a cruise as long as I picked the right one.
I love the sea. I enjoy being out in that great big ocean but I need off the ship after a day. I understand what you mean. I always look at the itinerary and make sure there are more days at port than sea days. That’s just what works for us. I know others that like the sea days and that’s great, but not for me. Make sure to compare itineraries available and you should find something that works for you. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I really enjoyed reading this! I have so many mixed feelings when it comes to cruises…I went on one when I was in 4th grade (so Forever ago), but since I’ve gotten older the idea hasn’t appealed as much to me, as I think I’d feel antsy and prefer to get up and go when I want. I also worry about feeling rushed on each of the stops…but I have to say you highlighted so many convincing benefits in here that I may just have to give it another shot! Great work, there were points in here I never would have considered (like dolphins!!)
I still have mixed feelings about cruising myself. I have a lot of love for it, but there is a ton I don’t love about it, like being rushed. I will write cons about it all in the near future. After this European cruise, I think I appreciate cruising the Caribbean more. Not sure if I can cruise Europe again unless if it is a smaller part of a bigger adventure. I want more time at the ports. It didn’t feel quite the same as when cruising the Caribbean. For you, I suggest trying to see if there are any long weekend cruises to like the Bahamas or something for cheap to try out. Also, there is a week cruise that goes out of NY to Bermuda which I’ve been dying to do and its at the Bermuda port for 3 days. Just some suggestions. It is a cost-effective way of having a vacation sometimes and it’s different. Anyways, thanks for stopping by and commenting! Really appreciate it!
I see I have stumbled upon one of your more recent blog updates! Going back to revise old posts is always fun, haha!
So, I’ve never been one for a cruise. I hate the thought of being surrounded by so many people all the time – especially children! However, the thought of venturing on a cruise seems a bit more tolerable than I once thought. And the more that I read your cruising adventures – the more it calls out to me! No luggage hopping? Yes, please! At least I’d like to try a cruise once! (Alaska!) I don’t know if I could handle more than a few days – and I am totally sad that spa services aren’t included in the price!
Oh, Alaska would be a great introduction to cruising. Or at least I think so. I haven’t been to Alaska yet, but it is a great way to visit Alaska for the first time. I keep saying every year that we will finally go on an Alaskan cruise but the cold keeps me from booking it. I tell hubby that I need to book a week in Mexico after getting back from an Alaska cruise LOL.
The best time of year to cruise without children is when they are in school. Like this past cruise, I think I saw a total of 10 children the entire week. I even asked one of the crew members were the young people were and he told me, oh the shipped was filled with families during the summer. Stay away from cruising during the Summertime and Spring Break. While there are a lot of people on cruises, there are always quiet spots around the ship to get away from it. Worst case, book a balcony so you have your balcony to escape to whenever you want.
Spa services should totally be included! They are so expensive.
And yes, this is one of those posts I will revise yearly and republish. Hopefully. Going back through all my old blog posts as we speak. So stressful and so much work. Anyways, thanks for stopping by.
I retired in May 2014 and that November I took a cruise to Hawaii. I loved it so much my wife and I have done 5 more. We have 1 planed in May to Iceland and 1 in December back in Hawaii. Getting the funds together for another in May. I like longer cruises. The only problem I have is where am I going to eat and what show I want to see when. The only Major problems I have had in my short cruise carrier, 1 In Hawaii a typhoon was 1500 miles away in the Sea of Japan and it was rough. Like if you had a port hole room on bottom 3 decks you would have been under water. 2 We took a cruise up New England coast and into Canada. We missed Prince Edward Island because 100 mile winds on hurricane Dorian. It is the only trip we do any more other than weekend trips around Our state of Indiana. I liked your article. Keep up your posts and will be looking for future articles.
I love that you retired and set your eyes on a cruise! What a fantastic way to celebrate the beginning of retirement. I hope when I retire later in life, hubby and I can cruise more often. Now we kind of like try to fit it within our vacation days and that’s if we don’t have our hearts set on a land vacation. I think there will be no cruises for us in 2020. I do hope to cruise to Hawaii as I have my eyes set on a Norwegian Cruise that hits most of the islands. We just did a land vacation in Kauai this past Spring and absolutely loved it. Iceland sounds amazing too. Have you gone to Alaska? That’s also on our list.
There are so many downsides to cruising like hurricanes, typhoons, and storms. The weather, in general, can really put a damper on a cruise. It can also be very scary and true, as people may not want to cruise for these reasons. I don’t believe it should stop anyone from booking a future cruise.
I appreciate you commenting. Your words truly mean a lot and I hope I can continue this blog for as long as possible.