Years ago when Billy and I were working 80 hours a week at our restaurant, we would treat ourselves to cruising holidays through the Caribbean. We loved these vacations away from work and worry.
These days one can go on cruise ships that will take you all over the world from Antarctica, South Africa, The Mediterranean, South America, Alaska or the Canadian Fjords. It doesn’t matter which season it is or what the weather is like at home, it’s always a good time to go cruising.
Because cruise ships offer so many activities to passengers, trips via ship work well for family reunions, weddings, or any sort of large gathering for celebration. Having assorted choices available of learning salsa dancing, seeing a Vegas-style performance, taking a culinary class, lying by the pool or spending the day being pampered at the spa, fill the various needs of family and friends, taking the burden off the host of the event.
There are lots of reasons to go cruising. For one thing, all inclusive packages save you money. Once the ticket is purchased, you have your room, your meals and snacks, on board activities and entertainment all paid for. You don’t have several different hotels to call to confirm reservations, and you don’t have to drive to restaurants or fight traffic.
Some cruising companies offer Family Holiday packages where children under 18 cruise free. That’s a huge savings. And if your teenager wants his own spending money for his vacation on the ship, you can purchase a prepaid teen card which acts like a credit card but without any devastating monetary surprises.
The fact that you only have to unpack once and yet be able to see several exotic locations is another benefit to taking a cruise. You get yourself comfortable in your cabin or stateroom and leave the transportation to the captain and crew. Every morning could be a new destination, but you don’t have repack, load your car up and unpack again.
Some cruise lines offer theme style cruises where you can meet people who share your same interests. They might be an educational cruise, one on finances and investing, wine and food, photography or architecture and history. Finding those of like mind and sharing these adventures together can be the basis for new friendships developing.
Cruising has come a long way from where only the super rich could enjoy the experience. Now, cruise lines are geared to attract all age brackets, financial levels and individual interests.
What sort of cruise might you like to take?