Cruise Pros and Cons: Is a Cruise Holiday Right For You?
Find out if a cruise is the right kind of holiday for you and your loved ones, with our comprehensive guide
The cruise industry has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with cruise firms building ever bigger and more activity-packed vessels. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, for instance, has capacity for up to 7,600 passengers, and boasts the tallest waterfall, the largest waterslide, and the biggest waterpark of any cruise ship.
At the other end of the scale, there are smaller, luxury-focused vessels that ply the seas and riverways of the world, and are better suited to those seeking a more intimate, low-key sailing experience.
But should you join the cruise ship revolution?
What are the benefits of cruising? How does a cruise trip compare to a regular, land-based holiday?
To find out, read on.
Is a cruise for me?
Here we explore cruise pros and cons, so you can decide if going on a cruise is right for you and your loved ones.
What is a cruise?
First, let's start with the basics. A cruise is an organised voyage that takes place on a ship with multiple cabins, numerous dining options, and lots of activities and attractions.
A cruise might take a day or several weeks to complete. And since cruises are synonymous with relaxation and comfort, many place an emphasis on luxury.
Easy/no planning
If planning a trip abroad feels onerous to you, a cruise could be ideal.
You won't need to worry about finding suitable accommodation for every night of your getaway, finding places to eat (a big issue for those with special dietary requirements), or dealing with transport.
One of the main benefits of cruising is that it's all done for you.
Everything you need is onboard the cruise ship
Since all your basic needs are met by the ship's facilities and crew, you're free to do as much or as little as you want.
For the active, there are always usually lots of things to do - including for children. Think water slides, tennis courts, fitness classes, and evening entertainment.
For those who want to kick back and chill, there are poolside loungers, balcony hammocks, and yoga sessions.
You'll visit many places on a cruise
Most cruises feature a number of different port stops, often including historic attractions. Many cruises also visit several countries, so you'll experience plenty of diverse culture during your getaway.
Some people believe cruises are a little "unadventurous", but cruise-goers get to see some of the world's most exotic and history-rich locations.
Whether you're pining for Caribbean vistas or Arctic beauty, there's a cruise itinerary for you.
Explore the world in comfort
Cruising is a great way to see the world (often for a relatively affordable price) without having to worry about finding land-based accommodation every few days.
After pit stops at historic ports and stunning beaches, you always get to return to your cosy, familiar cabin.
It's also a great way to explore more challenging destinations: the chaos and noise of some developing countries can be exciting, but with a cruise, you get to return to the quiet of your onboard accommodation each night.
Pack all of your favourite outfits
Since your cruise ship is a giant floating hotel, there's no need to move your luggage around. This means you can be fairly liberal with how much you bring; if you decide to pack multiple suitcases of 'just in case' evening wear, you only have to worry about getting it to, and from, the port.
Best of all, perhaps, you only have to unpack once!
All-inclusive benefits
Most cruises include all the basics you need for a memorable holiday: room, food, and entertainment.
Of course, modern ships offer a host of ways to spend more money - from casinos to high-end restaurants, not to mention plenty of on-shore attractions which can be rather spendy. However, if you're determined to stick to a budget, a cruise could be perfect.
Dine like royalty
Gourmet dining doesn't feature in most people's normal lives - and certainly not every night! But onboard a cruise ship, you get to enjoy all manner of high-end cuisines, all just a stone's throw from your cabin.
Excellent food also makes it extra rewarding to return to your ship after a day's sightseeing on land (and is equally pleasant when at sea for multiple days and nights).
Spectacular entertainment
While evening entertainment is a feature of most of today's cruises, some of the larger ships have really taken the stops out, with regular performances of big-name Broadway musicals such as Mamma Mia and Grease.
High divers, synchronised swimmers, ice skaters, and comedians are also to be found in many nightly entertainment schedules.
Drinks packages
Whether you love fine wines, exquisite whiskies, or good old-fashioned beer, many cruise firms bundle drinks as part of their deal. This means you won't have to shell out for your evening imbibes, as you might with a regular land-based holiday.
Flexible dates
Some - but certainly not all - cruise companies allow you to change your cruise dates without penalty. This can be a godsend for those who worry they may have to change their holiday plans for family, work, or medical reasons.
This also eliminates the concern that you may have to cancel your trip altogether - and deal with any financial hit that goes with it.
Adults-only cruises
Taking a cruise with families isn't everyone's idea of fun: the noise and chaos of younger cruisers can upset the vibe for couples and older travellers. With this in mind, cruise firms have developed a host of adults-only cruises, with adult-focused entertainment such as movie nights, dancing classes, and musical performances. It also means the entertainment can be a little less censored or a little more cerebral. But ultimately, an adults-only cruise is more refined and dignified - which suits some travellers better.
Make new friends
Since you'll be sharing your vessel with the same group of people, you'll have the time to spark up new friendships. You'll also meet people from all over the world - as will your kids, if they're joining you.
Escape the 'rat race'
Spending a week or two onboard a cruise ship can help to "depressurise" from the stresses of modern-day, land-lubbering existence.
Some travellers like to disconnect from the news cycle and enjoy the freedom that comes with the ocean breeze, or gazing up to the heavens at night and seeing countless stars in the sky (free of any light pollution!).
Enjoy all the comforts of home
While getting away from it may be appealing, you won't have to go without the things you love from home. With onboard gyms, pools, bars and restaurants, plus shopping outlets, medical centres, and laundry facilities, you'll have all you need onboard.
Ships to suit all tastes
The expanding cruise industry offers all kinds of cruises, from huge, ocean-going entertainment vessels with all mod-cons, to intimate river ships for a handful of guests.
Other options include expedition ships, luxury ships, and minimalist sailing ships.
Cheaper than living at home?
While living on a cruise ship permanently might not be everyone's cup of tea, a CNN report from 2022 suggested it might actually be cheaper than living in a bricks-and-mortar home.
CNN told the story of Angelyn and Richard Burk, from Seattle in the USA, who found it was cheaper to live on cruise ships than stay at home.
Living their ship-borne existence, their combined annual outgoings for food, accommodation, and food was $32,485 (£25,750). Year-round cruising wouldn't be appealing to most of us, but it does demonstrate how wallet-friendly cruising can be, especially when loyalty programs are factored in.
Don't worry about tipping
As Brits, tipping can be a rather unfamiliar - and seemingly costly - experience. But many of today's cruise lines cover the gratuities, so you don't have the anxiety of deciding what to tip the staff several times a day.
What are the cons of cruising?
In answering: is a cruise for me? - it’s not always plain saillng.
Here are a few of the drawbacks of taking a cruise:
A cruise can get crowded
No matter how big your vessel is, there will be people everywhere (cruise lines have to make a profit, after all). So if you don’t like crowds, a cruise might not suit you.
You’ll also have to deal with big groups of people when you get on and off the ship, and especially around the port area.
Costs for extras can add up
Even if you’ve chosen an all-inclusive package, there will be little extras - such as impromptu coffees and drinks - that will add up. And note that on-shore excursions will cost extra - unless you plan on simply wandering around - so do factor those in.
But if you’re determined to only consume the free (included) items, you can control your outgoings.
No control over your itinerary
Take care when booking your cruise itinerary because you probably won’t be able to modify it later on. For cruise-phobes, this is one of the chief drawbacks.
Also note that your itinerary can change for any reason - such as hurricanes or even political unrest ashore.
Destinations can be packed with tourists
Many destinations are world famous - and have the tourist crowds to match. So if you don’t like “touristy” locations, take care when you choose your itinerary, or consider a land based trip where you have more control over where you go.
Food options can get repetitive
You may find your dining options get a little “samey” after a few days onboard.
This is one of the reasons the specialty dining outlets can be worth the extra cost - at least once in a while.
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