Are Cruises Worth It? The Pros and Cons of a Cruise Vacation

If you’re new to the world of cruising, you may be asking yourself ‘Are cruises worth it?’ Here at Eat Sleep Cruise, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we are big proponents of cruising. We think they’re a wonderful way to travel and vacation with loved ones. However, they aren’t necessarily the perfect vacation option for everyone.

To help you decide whether cruises are worth it for you, we’ve put together a list of the pros and cons of a cruise vacation.

Are cruises worth it?

Pros of Cruising

Most Things Are Included

Every cruise line is different, but there are some standards that are true across most cruise brands. That is that accommodations, most food, and most activities and entertainment are included in the base cruise fare. This makes cruising a great and easy option for vacationers who want more of a one-and-done pricing structure. Then they don’t have to worry about all of the separate costs that come with a more standard vacation where you pay for your hotel, restaurants, and activities separately.

Many luxury cruise lines have even more inclusions with the base fare. Alcoholic and specialty beverages, spa thermal suite access, wifi, and shore excursions are examples of this.

Unpack Once and See Multiple Places

One of the best things about taking a cruise is that you have the opportunity to see multiple places (usually multiple countries!) on a single trip while only unpacking your suitcase once. Instead of having to lug around your things from place to place on a traditional multi-destination trip, your “home” travels with you. All you have to do is hop off the ship for a day of exploring and then step back on in the evening.

Many people love cruising not only for what it is, but also use it as a way to get a “sampler” of new destinations. If they fall in love with one of the destinations on the itinerary, they then decide to go back to that place for a full land vacation. Personally, I love cruising for both reasons. I love the experience and would continue to cruise even if the ship didn’t go to any ports. This is because being out on the water and being on a ship is a wonderful experience to me. But I also love getting a taste of different places too. I’ve certainly visited destinations via a cruise that I now want to go back for an extended time to visit again someday.

Perfect For Multi-Generational Travel

If you’re planning a trip with extended family or have several different ages in your group, a cruise is an excellent type of vacation to consider. Most cruise ships offer amenities and activities for all ages from babies to 80 year olds and beyond!

Kids’ clubs are often divided up by age, where young kids can be dropped off for a bit while parents enjoy an afternoon to themselves and teens have the option to come and go from their club as they please. Water slides, sporting activities, and organized events keep kids busy while parents and grandparents can enjoy lounging by the adults-only pool, attend a wine tasting, or listen to live music.

When it’s time for the family to come together, there are activities and amenities created for the whole family, such as game shows, family pools, and onboard attractions. Restaurants serve dishes to suit everybody, with most including kids’ menus.

When it’s time for an adult’s night out, some specialty restaurants are for adults only and there are nightclubs and bars to enjoy around the ship as well.

Great Way to Meet New People

When it comes to vacation styles, cruises are one of the best options for meeting new people from different walks of life and making new friends. Though it’s fairly easy to get a table to yourself, most cruise lines offer the option to sit with new people during dinner in the main dining room. You may also strike up conversations with new people at a bar, in the pool, or at an organized activity.

You truly never know who you might meet, either. One time I was on a cruise in Europe and overheard some people talking about the small region of New York where I live. It turned out they were from the area as well. Similar instances have happened on other cruises with people I’ve sailed with, too. Finding connections with others on a ship in a far away place can be so much fun, and it’s also nice to just meet new people and hear their story and travel experiences.

A Passport May Not Be Required

Though we strongly recommend using a passport to cruise no matter what type of sailing you’re taking, it’s not technically required for all cruises. If you’re a U.S. citizen taking a closed-loop cruise from a U.S. homeport, you don’t need a passport to sail. (Closed-loop meaning it starts and ends in that same homeport.) Instead, you can choose to use your original birth certificate (or a certified copy) and a government-issued form of ID, such as your driver’s license.

This means that for many cruises to places like the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mexican Riviera, you can get onboard without needing a passport. The downside is that if something were to happen and you needed to get off the ship and fly or drive home, it’s a lot more difficult trying to get back to the U.S. without a passport than if you have one. We don’t recommend cruising without a passport, but wanted to share that in this instance, it is possible.

It’s the Best Way to See Some Destinations

Some places are popular and easy options for many forms of vacations, such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Mexican Riviera. Millions of people visit those places every year not on a cruise, and there are thousands of resorts and hotels available to them. Some destinations, however, lend themselves better (and some would say best) to a visit via a cruise ship.

Two such regions come to my mind: Alaska and Norway. The reason has to do with how similar they are in many ways: many towns in both places are quite remote, and both have beautiful fjords that are stunning when viewed from a ship sailing down them.

Yes, it is possible and I’m sure is so much fun to take a traditional land vacation to Alaska and Norway. But truly one of the best ways to see lots of towns and the natural beauty of the regions is to sail the coastlines. On my cruise to Norway, there was barely ever a time where we couldn’t see the coast from the ship — it wasn’t endless sea like it is in the Caribbean. There was always something outside the ship to look at. Antarctica is another great example of this. Expedition cruises are one of the best and only ways the general public is able to get up close to and actually walk on the icy continent.

Cons of Cruising

Limited Time Ashore

If you’re all about exploring a destination and immersing yourself in its culture day and night, a cruise may not be the best option for you. Though overnight port calls do exist, they’re not the norm. Most times, a cruise ship will arrive to a port in the morning and then depart sometime in the late afternoon or evening. Most port calls are around six to eight hours long. This usually gives cruisers time to do a tour of the main sights, spend some time at the beach, or do an activity or two, but it isn’t enough time to really relax and enjoy a place for some people. As mentioned above, those that like to spend more time in a destination may consider using a cruise as a sampler, but otherwise it might not be the right fit.

Cabins Are Generally Small

Those who are used to the size of a standard hotel room may be in for a surprise when they walk into a cruise cabin for the first time. The standard cruise stateroom is quite a bit smaller than the average hotel room, and that goes for the bathroom as well. For most people, this isn’t a huge drawback and is easy to get used to — and that was the case for me as well. But if you want more room to move around and spread out, it can be a bit of a downside. The good news is that if you have accessibility issues, accessible cabins are available. As well, cruise ships have many types of staterooms to choose from, including those with balconies and larger suites that will give you the space you may be looking for.

May Cause Motion Sickness

One issue that comes up for many first-time cruisers is whether or not they’ll have issues with motion sickness while at sea. Many modern ships are huge and have minimal noticeable movement for most guests, but it can still be an issue for some. Motion sickness patches, acupressure wristbands, and medications like dramamine are all good options to minimize motion sickness. However, they may not work for some people or some may not want to use external remedies. Even if you follow classic tips for reducing motion sickness on a cruise, it may still be an issue for some people that could affect the enjoyment of a cruise.

Can Be Unnerving For Some

When thinking about being on a big ship out in the middle of the sea with nothing in sight, some people (such as myself) get excited and love the feeling that brings. Others might be quite unnerved at that mental image. They might picture sea creatures lurking below and hate the thought of being alone out on the ocean with no land or other ships nearby. Some people feel trapped on a ship, realizing that when they’re at sea there’s no way to escape the floating city they’re on. If you have a fear of deep water or are afraid you’ll feel trapped when on board, a cruise might not be your best vacation option.

However, on the flip side, I want to reassure you a bit. When on a large cruise ship — especially if you’re indoors — it can be easy to forget you’re even on a moving vessel. The fear of the ocean, for many, is not as great as you might assume when on a cruise. As well, if you’re afraid of feeling confined, don’t go for a small luxury cruise line. Pick a bigger vessel from a mainstream line that’s full of activities and space. I’ve taken many cruises and know many people who cruise and I’ve never once heard someone say that they felt claustrophobic or confined while on board.

Onboard Spending Can Add Up

Though many things are included in the cruise fare, some things do cost additional money (especially on mainstream cruise lines) — and it can add up. From cocktails and wifi to specialty dining and souvenirs, your onboard account can go crazy if you don’t pay attention to how much you’re spending. Pre-purchasing as many things as you can — such as drink packages, shore excursions, and wifi plans — helps. However, there are still more ways the cruise line will try to part you with your money once on board. We recommend setting a budget and sticking to it.

Comments

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