Discover the Benefits of a Cruise Vacation
With so many vacation options, it’s important to weigh the benefits of a cruise vacation against other vacation options. Here are a few good reasons to choose a cruise:
Value: Cruises provide excellent value. Typically room, board, meals, and entertainment are included in the cruise price. Cruises can be ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Excellent cuisine: Cruises offer excellent cuisine, on par with top-notch restaurants. Additionally, cruises often feature the cuisine of your destination. For example, if you’re sailing to the Bahamas, you can sample the local seafood while on board the cruise ship.
Entertainment and adventure: With hundreds of activities from sightseeing and sports, to dancing and gambling, cruises are always entertaining. Moreover, cruise lines can help you plan and book your activities while you’re in your port of call.
Specialty cruises: Many cruises are geared toward your special interests. Find a movie lover’s cruise, a crafting cruise, or a family-oriented cruise.
Select the Right Cruise for You
Cruise lines such as Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Disney Cruises, and Holland America Cruises offer an astonishing assortment of cruise packages. To determine which cruise is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
How much cruise can I afford? Cruises are all-inclusive. However, expenses such as bar drinks and sodas, spa services, and shore excursions are extra. Remember to factor these costs into your evaluation.
How many days do I want to cruise? Cruises now range in length from two-day cruises to 130-day around-the world cruise voyages. You can even book a last-minute cruise if you want to make the most of a three-day weekend or holiday.
Where do I want to cruise? Cruises enable you to explore virtually every continent. In the U.S., many first-time cruise passengers enjoy cruising to the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, or Bermuda.
What kind of cruise cabin do I want? While inside cruise cabins are the least expensive, they have no windows and are often quite small. Today, more cruise ships feature balcony cabins and cabins with larger square footage. However, the larger the cruise cabin, the higher the cruise price.
Do I want to meet lots of new people, or do I prefer a private, romantic cruise getaway with my significant other? Some cruise ships have fixed seating at dinner time and only a few tables for two. Everyone else sits at large tables. If that doesn't appeal to you, look for cruise ships that allow more flexibility or privacy when dining.
Do I want a formal cruise or casual cruise atmosphere? If dressing for dinner isn’t your style, look for a cruise that offers a casual, relaxed environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy black-tie events, consider a cruise line that holds cocktail hours and formal dinners.
What kind of special cruise services or activities do I want? Look for cruises that offer everything from comprehensive spa treatments to those that offer all-night gaming. Some cruises are geared especially for families, providing kids and their parents with unique, fun activities and games throughout the day.
Can I use a cruise voucher? Cruise vouchers are travel incentives or promotional offers that define the terms of your travel, such as the length of the stay, blackout dates, restrictions, and expiration dates. Before you book a cruise, check to see if you can apply a voucher.