I count down from #10 to #1 the reasons why everyone should try a cruise! If you want to try one, I recommend trying a 4-5 day cruise first instead of committing to a 6-8 day cruise. On a 4 day, it's enough for you to get a taste of the cruising lifestyle to see if it's a fit for you. Enjoy reading my list!
8. Great for foodies! You are within walking distance to 5-star restaurants for 3 meals a day! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner! You can also eat at a buffet for every meal of the day and there's always something open all the time for those that get hungry at the oddest times. (24 hour pizzeria)
7. If you've never felt the wind on an open deck, or witnessed a sunset over the ocean, you are missing out on something amazing. Enough said.
(Norway)
6. Destinations! Cruises stop at some of the most popular tourist locations, as well as some lesser known ports for a great mix of "I've always wanted to do that!" opportunities and "I didn't know you could do that?!" experiences. (horseback riding on a beach at sunset, parasailing over the Caribbean, tube ride through a cave river)
5. World-traveling experience all on board! The people who work on cruise ships hail from all over the world! Meet people from India, Philippines, China, Russia, Ukraine, Canada, England, Australia, and more!
4. Satisfaction Guaranteed! Cruise ship employees are there to make sure you are 100% satisfied 100% of the time! If you've ever had a bad vacation before due to the lack of friendly service, you will not have that experience on a cruise ship.
3. Safety first! While there has been news over the last several years about cruise ship disasters, let me be the first one to tell you that those level of "disasters" are actually very rare in the business. Plus, a cruise ship is a floating city, and just like any city, there will be emergencies. But, I promise you that the cruise lines have your safety first at all times and contingency plans for every situation. If you see someone doing something stupid (playing with fire or causing violence), get help! I would be like, heck no, you are not ruining my vacation!
2. Care-free vacation! If you're like me, when you do a "land" vacation, you plan out all the details. On this day you'll eat lunch and dinner here, go to this resort on this day, go to this park on this day, eat at that restaurant for dinner on this day, stay at this hotel for two nights then check into another one to be closer to xyz resort. With a cruise, you don't have to do any of that! Lodging, meals, entertainment all in one place! The only decision you'll have to make is, do you stay in bed and rest, or go out and enjoy the day on the boat? Plus, the cruise ship will have an activities itinerary for you so that you can participate in all sorts of things, from card games, trivia, mini-golf, scavenger hunts, movies, games, and competitions! Or, be like me and take your favorite book, find a quiet nook on a deck and pick out "your chair". Wait for a cocktail waiter to come by, and bingo. Relaxation!
DRUM ROLL....#1:
Best "Bang for your Buck"!! Seriously, cruising is the best way to stretch your dollars. Where else can you get lodging, meals, transportation, and entertainment for around $100 per person per day? Seriously.
