Are Cruises Boring?

Are cruises boring? It’s a question that many potential first time cruisers ask. The idea of spending days or even weeks on a cruise ship can seem unsettling, especially for those who prefer more active vacations. However, the reality is that cruises are anything but boring. From luxurious amenities to upscale food and beverage offerings to exciting destinations, there are plenty of reasons why cruises are a popular vacation option for many.

If you are considering your first cruise, we’ll show you why cruises are not boring, from the many activities and amenities available onboard, to first class dining and entertainment, to the various ports of call and excursions that can be experienced. We can guarantee that you won’t be bored. A cruise vacation is as active or as relaxing as you make it!

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Cruises Are Anything But Boring – Here’s Why

Activities and Amenities Onboard

One of the biggest misconceptions about cruises is that there’s nothing to do onboard. In reality, modern cruise ships are like floating cities, with a wealth of activities and amenities to keep passengers entertained.

For starters, there are typically several pools and hot tubs on deck, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying some downtime. Many megaships also offer a variety of other pool deck fun. There are sports courts with hosted competitions and free play time for basketball, soccer, and the newly-popular pickleball. Cruisers of all ages can also enjoy other amenities like waterslides, mini-golf, and ropes courses.

Some cruise lines even have signature attractions. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line has a race track on select ships where cruisers can twist and turn around a multi-level course at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Royal Caribbean features the brand’s signature Flowrider surf simulator and an ice rink on many ships, in addition to a 10-story dry slide, zipline, bumper cars, and a sky diving simulator on select ships.

Carnival’s Vista Class ships feature a one-of-a-kind bike suspended high above the pool deck, the Sky Ride; the Excel Class features Bolt, the only electric rollercoaster at sea. Not to mention, MSC Cruises’ newest ship features one of the most thrilling attractions at sea, the Robotron.

The amusements don’t stop at the pool deck either. There’s always something happening on a cruise ship day and night. From live music and dance parties to movie screenings, game nights, and trivia contests, we’re sure you are starting to see that cruises are certainly not boring.

While a few of the unique experiences do cost extra money, most of these onboard attractions and amenities are included in the cruise fare.

Additionally, there are casinos available on most cruise lines for those who want to try their luck. There are also typically gyms and fitness centers, as well as spa services for those looking to relax and unwind. Not to mention, there are plenty of bars to make good use of your drink packages.

Wellness and Relaxation

Speaking of spas, cruises are a great way to focus on wellness and relaxation. Many cruise ships have spa facilities, offering massages, facials, and other treatments. Many even have thermal suites, saunas, and steam rooms for those looking to unwind and detox. Of course, spa treatments and use of the thermal suite do come at an added cost on most mainstream cruise lines.

Further, some cruise lines have even begun to place an emphasis on well-being offerings, like Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises.

Virgin Voyages offers free fitness classes with some unique takes like boy band dance classes and VHS workouts. Celebrity Cruises features the AquaClass. This group of staterooms comes with complimentary access to the thermal suite, free fitness classes, and more. Princess Cruises too has started to offer more wellness and relaxation options, with the all-inclusive Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages including onboard workouts.

For those who want to stay active, cruise ships have fitness centers, offering a range of strength and cardio equipment, in addition to yoga rooms, cycle studios, and more. Some ships even have outdoor fitness areas and jogging tracks.

Finally, many cruise lines have even started to offer healthy eating options and mindfulness classes.

So, a cruise can be a great way to focus on self-care and return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Kid-Friendly Options

Of course, families with children will find plenty to keep them entertained on a cruise ship as well. In addition to all the family-friendly options already mentioned, most cruise ships have kids’ clubs and teen centers. These facilities offer supervised activities and games for children of all ages. So, there’s no need to worry that your kids and teens will find that cruises are boring.

These kids clubs have dedicated spaces with play areas and video games, allowing them to play, engage, and socialize with others in the same age group. There may also be special activities like scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and movie nights. Some cruise ships even offer character meet-and-greets with popular characters. For instance, Disney Wish has some of the best themed kids areas at sea, including the Star Wars Cargo Bay.

The best part is that these kids clubs and activities are completely free!

For families with younger children, many cruise ships offer babysitting services for a fee, allowing parents to enjoy some time alone while their kids are supervised by trained professionals.

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A Variety of Dining

Just in case you didn’t already know, there are plenty of options for dining and drinking onboard cruise ships. Cruises offer a range of restaurants and bars, serving everything from casual pub fare to gourmet cuisine.

In fact, one of the most appealing aspects of cruising is the wide variety of dining options available, many of which are complimentary. From casual buffets to formal main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and room service, there’s something for every type of traveler.

Even the multi-course meals in the main dining rooms now come with options. You can still choose to have a set dinner time each evening; however, many cruise lines now offer some form of flexible dining as well, meaning you can dine whenever you’d like. If you like to get dressed up, most cruise lines still offer at least one “formal” or “elegant” night. Though, the dress codes have become more relaxed over the years.

In addition to the cruise ship buffet, many newer megaships offer a plethora of other casual dining options. These include burger joints and grills, pizza parlors, Tex-Mex fare, cafes, and more. So, you may not ever need to step foot in the buffet if that’s not your thing. Also, you may never need to eat in the main dining if that’s not your thing.

One popular dining option on many cruise ships is the specialty restaurant. These restaurants do come with an up-charge but offer a higher level of service and gourmet cuisine. Popular options include steakhouses, sushi bars, hibachi, and Italian trattorias. Many cruise lines also offer Chef’s Table experiences, seafood-centric restaurants, and experiential venues.

Further, many cruise ships also offer unique dining experiences, like cooking classes and wine tastings. Some ships even have celebrity chefs onboard, offering cooking demonstrations and special menus on select sailings.

Finally, many cruise ships offer 24-hour room service, allowing passengers to order food to their cabin at any time of day or night. This can be a great option for those who want to relax in their room after a long day ashore. Many cruise lines have begun charging nominal fees for room service, though some are still complimentary.

Princess Cruises even offers OceanNow technology where guests can order food and drinks from an app on their phone and have it delivered to anywhere on the ship.

When you get thirsty, there are a variety of bars as well serving up your favorite cocktails. From martini bars, to pubs, poolside watering holes, champagne bars, sports bars, and even robotic bartenders, you’ll certainly find your ideal spot to pull up a seat.

First Class Entertainment

Beyond eating and drinking, cruise ships offer a wide range of nightly entertainment options. Most modern day cruise ships have theaters that host nightly shows, ranging from Broadway-style productions to comedy acts and magic shows. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are known for having some of the best signature shows in the main theater. These include Broadway hits like Grease on Royal Caribbean to Choir of Man on NCL.

Many cruise lines also feature additional entertainment venues beyond the main theater. These can include comedy clubs, piano bars, rock clubs, and even one-of-a-kind spaces like Royal Caribbean’s Aqua Theater or Studio B ice rink. With a focus on music, Holland America Line ships feature the Music Walk with some of the best live music at sea, ranging from the Rolling Stone Rock Room to Lincoln Center Stage.

Yes, we know many don’t like theater productions, but that’s still not a reason to think cruises are boring. For those who prefer more interactive entertainment, there are game shows, trivia contests, and karaoke nights.

These can include full-on productions of shows like the Price is Right on NCL Prima or Deal or No Deal on Princess Cruises. Then, there’s more adult-oriented game shows like Majority Rules, Love and Marriage, Battle of the Sexes, and even Royal Caribbean’s Crazy Quest scavenger hunt.

Additionally, many cruise ships have themed parties, like the popular white parties or silent discos. There’s also 80’s night or 70’s night. These events can be a fun way to dress up, dance, and socialize with other passengers.

Ports of Call and Excursions

While there’s plenty to do onboard a cruise ship, there’s even more to explore at the various ports of call that the ship visits. From tropical beaches to historic cities, there’s no shortage of destinations to choose from on a cruise.

The beauty of a cruise is that you can visit multiple destinations in a single trip, without the hassle of packing and unpacking. You can wake up in one place and go to bed in another, with all the logistics taken care of by the cruise line.

Once you arrive in port, there are a range of shore excursions available. These can include everything from guided tours of historic sites to adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining and ATV’ing. You can also simply explore the local area on your own, sampling the local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs.

Some of the most popular cruise destinations include:

The Caribbean/Bahamas: With its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and warm temperatures, the Caribbean and Bahamas are a favorite choice among cruisers. This region is easily accessible from several departure points along the East Coast, with a variety of cruise lengths and prices to accommodate all travelers. Short 3-day and 4-day Bahamas cruises are a great escape with friends and family. Many of these sailings also visit the cruise line’s private islands.

The best part is that you generally don’t even need a passport to visit these destinations via cruise ship.

Alaska: For those who prefer cooler temperatures, Alaska is a stunning destination. It is a bucket list destination for many, and a cruise is actually the best way to visit this region. Cruises typically visit ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as scenic locations like Glacier Bay National Park. Most Alaska cruises depart from Seattle and Vancouver, making a 7-day roundtrip itinerary a good introduction to this 49th state.

The Mediterranean: With its rich history and culture, the Mediterranean is another popular destination for many travelers. Mediterranean cruises give passengers the option to explore historic sites, sample local cuisine, relax on famed beaches, and so much more. Popular ports of call include Barcelona, Rome, and Athens.

Bermuda, Northern Europe, the Mexican Riviera, and the Panama Canal are among other cruise destinations. However, cruise ships literally travel across the globe visiting even the most remote destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos. For a more intimate experience, there are river ships that traverse many of the world’s rivers as well.

The Atmosphere of a Cruise Vacation

Beyond the activities, dining, entertainment, and destinations, there’s something special about the ambiance of a cruise vacation. Cruise vacations are extremely dynamic, appealing to a wide range of travelers.

The atmosphere onboard a cruise ship is one of the main reasons why cruises are not boring. The ships are designed to be comfortable and welcoming to everyone. If you prefer to lounge by the pool, read a book in the library, or sip a cocktail in a cozy lounge, there’s a space onboard for that. If you prefer to party, dance, and let loose, there’s also a space onboard for that.

It’s important to note that there are several cruise lines that cater to different tastes as well. When someone says cruises are boring or that they don’t like cruising, our first question is on which ship did they cruise. Picking the wrong ship is one of the biggest mistakes first time cruisers can make.

If this is your belief, we challenge you. When you find the cruise line/ship that suits your travel style best, we can bet that your opinion will be different. Are you cruising solo? Are you cruising with the family? Would you prefer a smaller, luxury, and more all-inclusive cruise ship? Are you looking for a party scene or do you want to avoid that atmosphere?

There are even really niche themed cruises, catering to specific interests like food and wine, music, or wellness. These cruises can be a great way to meet like-minded travelers and enjoy activities that align with your interests.

Finally, the social aspect of a cruise vacation is another reason why cruises are not boring. With so many people onboard, it’s easy to meet new friends and form connections with other passengers. Whether you’re enjoying a meal together, participating in a group activity, or simply striking up a conversation by the pool, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others and make lasting friendships.

The idea that cruises are boring is simply a myth. From the activities and amenities available onboard to the diverse range of ports of call and excursions, there’s plenty to keep travelers of all ages engaged and entertained on a cruise vacation. It’s a fun and exciting way to explore the world and create lasting memories.

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Comments

What’s your response to naysayers who think cruises are boring? What activities and amenities do you look for when booking a cruise vacation? Drop us an anchor below to share what you love most about cruising.