Living in the southeastern United States there are many different choices for vacations.  The beach is just around the corner.  Europe is a long plane ride away.  But cruising holds a special place in our hearts.  So, the questions is – why do we cruise so much?  

Growing up we stayed in a hotel by the beach and body surfed the waves all day and ate too much seafood at night.  A Caribbean ocean cruise provides a great alternative to that.  There are many other types of cruises and many other reasons to cruise, but this post mostly advocates cruising over beaching.  Not that we don’t love a good beach, but sometimes you have to make hard choices. 

Price

Because money is what makes the world go ‘round.  If for example, you were to rent a condo at a Florida beach during the summer it would cost at minimum $2,000 for a week.  Plus, the cost of food.  Depending on who is travelling this can range in price from a small amount for two people who are willing to cook or a lot for a large family wanting to eat seafood in restaurants daily.  And is it just my family that requires at least one box of Krispy Kreme donuts for the week? 

I enjoy days of sitting on the beach, but I also enjoy a good game of miniature golf, a movie and maybe some outdoor activities.  These additional activities can run up the budget for a beach vacation, however many of these are included in the price of a cruise (depending on your cruise line of course). 

Ease of Travel

On our cruises, we have been to many countries including Mexico, Belize, Honduras, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, Italy, Spain, France, and more.  There are other types of vacations that would allow you to visit many different countries, but those vacations all require monumentally more planning and packing and unpacking your suitcase way too many times!  On a cruise ship, you unpack your bag once, have fun while you travel to your next destination and then arrive refreshed to see what new sights are in store for you in that port of call. 

And don’t forget – on a cruise someone cleans your room for you and you never have to do the dishes.  Need I say more?  

Entertainment Value 

On a cruise ship, there are many different types of entertainment to choose from.  These differ by cruise line, but the big lines have shows at night, miniature golf, water slides, rock climbing, ziplining, and many other ways to entertain yourself day or night.  And if you want to gamble you don’t have to drive to do it – the casino is conveniently located down the hall (and probably up some stairs)!  There are bars you can walk back from without putting anyone in danger from driving and more food than you could possibly want.  There are also kid-free zones such as a 21 & up deck or an 18 & up pool on many ships across different brands. 

There are plenty of activities for kids too.  They have clubs, babysitting, waterslides and kids water zones.  There are character events (think Dr. Seuss, animated movie characters, and Disney on Disney ships).  Some ships even provide communication devices, so you don’t lose your children for too long. 

Excursions

Almost every day you are on a cruise ship, it will dock in a different country. At each port you find a HUGE variety of things to do.

You can opt for a shore excursion through the cruise ship and they will safely shuttle you around and make sure you make it back to your ship on time after you have snorkeled and drank or gone to an unlimited beach resort or whatever you choose.  You can also wander around the port area, do a little shopping or drinking or whatever and then amble back on board.  You can even arrange to do something with a private company or individual that will allow you a more authentic experience in that country.  You can choose from cultural experiences like the Mayan ruins at Tulum to water options like snorkeling on reef with unlimited rum punches on your sail back to your ship. 

This variety of options allows families to travel together and be able to still do what interests them.  Cruising is a great choice for extended families or friend groups for this reason.  You do not have to spend your day together – you can choose excursions or daily activities that appeal to you and then at dinner you have fun stories and photos to share. 

Is Cruising Right For You? 

I don’t know. 

But I do know it has been a great choice for us over the years.  We have enjoyed every balcony stateroom, every snorkeling trip and sunset cruise and most of our ports of call.  We have enjoyed traveling with family and friends and just the two of us.  Each cruise is different even if you go to the same port and even if you go on the same ship again. 

You must choose the right cruise and the right option for you.  If you’re looking for fun around every corner choose the fun ships of Carnival.  If your kids absolutely love Elsa, choose Disney.  If you want an in-depth cultural experience, choose Viking. 

Do your research.  There are many choices and many types of cruises. Find which one is right for you. 

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