Are cruises worth it? Pros and Cons of Cruises

Are you looking to go on your first cruise, or are you a seasoned cruiser? Maybe you are asking yourself, are cruises worth it? In this article, we will explore the Pros and Cons of taking a cruise to help you decide if a cruise is right for you. 

Pros of Cruising

Cruises Are So Convenient

Cruising offers a hassle-free way to travel, where everything you need is accessible in one place. It’s all on the cruise ship, from accommodation to dining and entertainment. This convenience lets you relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about logistics. The onboard services cater to your every need, making it a stress-free experience.

Everything is taken care of for you, and you can do as little or as much as you want. If you want to sit all day at the spa, relax by the pool, or even do a zipline on one of the bigger cruise ships like Royal Caribbean or MSC. Cruises are great at making your vacation extremely convenient. 

Ability To See New Countries and Ports

One of the greatest advantages of cruising is visiting multiple destinations in one trip. Whether you’re exploring tropical islands or historical ports, a cruise allows you to experience diverse cultures and landscapes without the hassle of packing up and flying to a new destination. This makes it an efficient an convenient way to travel, maximizing your vacation time.

Pay One Price for the Basic Fair And Be Done

Cruise fares often include various amenities and services such as accommodation, meals, onboard activities, and entertainment. This all-inclusive approach means enjoying many experiences without constantly reaching for your wallet. It provides good value for money and simplifies budgeting for your trip. All cruise lines have everything you need included in your cruise fare, with the ability to upgrade your experience at and additional cost. 

Cruises Are More Affordable than A Typical Vacation

For many travelers, cruises offer a cost-effective way to explore new destinations and enjoy a luxurious vacation experience. You can plan your trip without worrying about overspending with inclusive packages that cover accommodation, meals, and entertainment.

On a typical vacation, you have your hotel, food costs, entertainment, transportation to and from activities and more that you need to budget for. On a cruise, everything is included, and you can choose cruise lines to fit your price point. From budget cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises to family oriented lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line to the upscale and luxury lines like Celebrity Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, you will find the best cruise for your budget. 

A cruise is an excellent option for those looking to make the most of their travel budget. Check out our guide on how much a cruise costs, where we analyze where you will spend money when booking a cruise. 

Relaxing & Stress-Free Vacation

Taking a cruise is a perfect way to unwind and escape the stresses of daily life. With the soothing motion of the ocean and the serene atmosphere onboard, you can relax and rejuvenate while traveling to exciting destinations. 

Cruises are always a great way to disconnect from the real world. If you do not purchase WiFi or choose to keep it off, you can leave your stressful life behind and enjoy a mojito poolside under the Caribbean sun. It provides a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday routines, allowing you to focus on enjoying your vacation.

All You Can Eat Dining

Cruise ships are known for their exceptional dining options, ranging from the main dining room to the gourmet restaurants to casual buffets. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or just looking for a delicious meal, cruises cater to all culinary preferences. You can savor diverse cuisines and indulge in culinary delights as part of your cruise experience.

Most major cruise lines have a dining option open late into the night and even 24/7 that can fit your hunger needs as they arise, even if it is 4 am. As you stumble back from the onboard nightclub at 2 am, you can stop by and grab a slice of pizza or four to take back to your cabin. 

Entertainment

From Broadway-style shows to live music performances and themed parties, cruises offer a wide array of entertainment options for guests of all ages. Whether you prefer relaxing by the pool or dancing the night away, there’s always something fun to do onboard. The entertainment onboard will make it so you never have a dull moment while onboard. 

When booking your cruise, look into the different types of entertainment you will find onboard your ship. Depending on what you’re looking for will determine which ship is best for you. If you’re looking for high end Broadway Productions, Royal Caribbean’s full broadway productions may be best for you. 

It’s Easy To Plan A Group Cruise Vacation

Organizing a group travel trip can be challenging, but cruises simplify the process by providing various activities and amenities to suit different preferences. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or colleagues, everyone can find something they enjoy on the ship. It’s a convenient way to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Cruises are great for larger families. With so many options, there is something for everybody onboard a cruise. You can even go different ways, meeting back up for dinner. Our teenager will often break off to visit with friends he made on the ship, play basketball, rock climb, hit the water slides, and meet up in the evening for dinner. 

Unpacking Only Once

One of the perks of cruising is the ability to unpack just once while visiting multiple destinations. This eliminates the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking whenever you move to a new location. Instead, you can settle into your cabin and focus on enjoying the journey, knowing your belongings are safely stored throughout the trip.

Check out our Cruise Packing Checklist to make sure you do not forget anything important on your next cruise!

Many Different Types of Cruises

From luxury cruises to themed cruises to expedition cruises to adults-only cruises, there are many cruise ships to choose from. If you want to book a cruise, you can start by asking yourself what type of cruise you find most enjoyable. 

When taking a cruise vacation, we like to mix it up. We will take a family cruise with our son on Royal Caribbean or MSC and then switch it up with a cruise on Virgin Voyages for an amazing adult-only cruise for the ultimate relaxation. 

Want a bit of luxury? There are many different lines you for those that want to cruise in complete luxury. From mass market options like Celebrity Cruise Lines to the top-of-the-line luxury cruise ships that Silver Seas and Regent Seven Seas offers, there a cruise for every level of luxury. 

Then there are the expedition cruises. These cruises will take you to the ends of the earth. These ships are smaller but will take you to places like Antarctica. 

Cons of Cruising

Rough Seas

Typically the weather is great and cruising can be smooth, however, rough seas can occur, leading to potential seasickness and discomfort for some passengers. The unpredictability of weather conditions can impact the overall enjoyment of the trip, especially for those sensitive to motion sickness. It’s essential to be prepared for such situations and take necessary precautions.

We recommend packing non-drowsy Dramamine just to be prepared. Don’t let a few rough waves ruin your vacation. Check out our list of other items you should not forget on your next cruise.

Limited Time at a Port

One downside of cruising is the limited time allocated to each port of call. While you get to visit multiple destinations, the time spent at each place is often brief, limiting the opportunity for in-depth exploration. Usually, a cruise ship will arrive in port around 7 or 8 am and leave by 4 or 5 pm. This leaves you limited time to explore the port and get back on the ship. This can be frustrating for travelers who prefer to immerse themselves fully in a particular destination’s local culture and attractions.

Lack of control

When you’re on a cruise, the cruise line largely dictates your itinerary and schedule. This lack of control over your daily activities and excursions may not appeal to those who prefer a more spontaneous or independent travel style. It’s important to consider whether you’re comfortable following a structured itinerary during your vacation.

Cancelled Ports & Last Minute Itinerary Changes

One of the risks of cruising is the possibility of ports being canceled or itinerary changes due to various reasons, such as adverse weather conditions or port restrictions. These unforeseen circumstances can disrupt your travel plans and impact the overall experience of the cruise. It’s important to be adaptable and flexible to make the most of your trip. 

When ports get canceled, you are only entitled to a refund of the port fees and taxes. If you booked your excursions through the cruise line, they will be refunded, however, if you booked them via a third-party, you might not be refunded. 

Lots of Extras Beyond The Basic Fair

While cruise fares may cover basic amenities, additional costs can quickly add up, especially for shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and internet access. These extra expenses can significantly increase the total cost of your cruise vacation. It’s essential to budget accordingly and be mindful of optional add-ons that can impact your overall spending.

Crowds

Cruise ships accommodate many passengers, leading to crowded spaces in common areas such as dining venues, pool decks, and entertainment venues. The presence of crowds can result in longer wait times, limited seating availability, and a lack of privacy during your cruise. If you prefer a more intimate and secluded vacation experience, there may be better options than the crowded nature of cruises.

Comparing a Cruise to Other Vacations

One of the great things about cruising is that it’s all-inclusive, so you don’t have to worry about booking hotels or resorts separately. There’s something for everyone on a cruise, whether you love roaming around the ship, enjoying the food and entertainment or prefer exploring different ports of call. 

One of the reasons why cruises are so convenient is that they are comparable to an all-inclusive resort, where all your meals, accommodations and entertainment are all included. 

One of our favorite reasons to book a cruise over a typical vacation is the ability to relax by the pool while the ship takes us to our next port to explore. Other vacations you will need to pick one place you want to go, but when you go on a cruise to the Bahamas or any other Caribbean cruise, you can visit multiple countries and find that perfect beach! 

So, Are Cruises Worth It?

After weighing the pros and cons of cruising, deciding whether a cruise vacation is worth it ultimately depends on your travel preferences and priorities. While cruises offer convenience, multiple destinations, and inclusive packages, they also come with potential drawbacks, such as limited time at ports and additional expenses. Consider what matters most to you when traveling – relaxation, exploration, or cost-effectiveness – to determine if a cruise aligns with your goals. Remember that each cruise experience is unique, and finding the right cruise line and itinerary can significantly impact your overall satisfaction with the trip.