Why go on a cruise?
For those who enjoy a vacation that incorporates a little (or a lot) of adventure, a cruise might not seem like the perfect choice.
However, cruises offer a unique form of travel and one that can be full of adventure and memorable stories.
Unlike most other vacations, cruising allows you to take a journey through some sensational areas, where your trip becomes all about the traveling.
In this article I, therefore, want to show you several reasons why taking a cruise can be a great way to travel, even if you thought it wouldn’t be something for you.
Why Go on a Cruise
1. Cruises Offer Unique Journeys

As you travel from place to place on a cruise, you’ll see a whole host of things that other everyday tourists aren’t seeing.
While you’re sitting on the top deck, you’ll be surrounded by a vast ocean and stunning nature, keeping your eyes peeled for jaw-dropping vistas and breathtaking wildlife.
Cruises can take you to some of the world’s most fascinating places.
Whether it’s the Indian Ocean, South America, Africa, the Norwegian Fjords, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or perhaps even a cruise around the world.
With websites such as Cruisedirect offering so many cruise vacation packages for you to choose from, you’re definitely going to find the adventure you are looking for.
There’s an incredible variety of cruise styles and destinations. Whether you’re after a small, luxury ship exploring the Galápagos Islands, a river cruise through Europe, or a massive ocean liner filled with non-stop entertainment cruising the Caribbean, there really is something for every type of traveler.
You can even find expedition cruises to Antarctica or cultural cruises along the coast of Japan. If you’re looking for a unique travel experience, cruising offers more options than you might think.
Also Read: 10 Best Wheelchair Accessible Cruises
2. Cruises Offer Fabulous Shore Excursions

Not only do you get to venture far and wide on a cruise, but you also get to hop off the boat and explore inland areas.
Once the cruise ship docks in a new port for the day, you get to go on excursions that take you around the local area.
A lot of cruise providers offer organized excursions. But if you’d prefer, you can arrange your own day trips so you can see all the sights you’ve got on your to-do list.
To get the most out of these excursions, my advice is to do a little extra planning before you set off on your cruise.
Research the various destinations you will be visiting and the activities available there. Sometimes the excursions the cruise ship offers are the best option, but at other destinations you might want to explore on your own or book a local activity.
Tip: if you are planning a snorkeling excursion then read How to Snorkel, to come prepared. And if you are booking a cruise to the Caribbean, check out this article about packing for a Caribbean cruise.
3. A Cruise is Great For Meeting New People

Another good reason to go on a cruise is the fact that you can meet and socialize with new people while you’re on board the cruise ship.
With so many people sharing the same experience, you’re bound to meet like-minded people.
It’s a great way to meet people you would probably never have come across in everyday life, and many leave the cruise ship having made friends for life!
4. There is So Much to Do on a Cruise

Cruises are definitely not just about lying by the pool and sipping cocktails all day—unless that’s exactly what you’re after, of course!
Most cruise ships offer an impressive range of facilities and entertainment. From fabulous dining experiences and large swimming pools to onboard cinemas, spas, and live shows, there really is something for everyone.
If you’re looking to relax, you’ll find quiet lounges with ocean views, hot tubs, adult-only sun decks, or even full-service spas offering massages and treatments.
Want to stay active? Many ships have gyms, yoga classes, dance lessons, climbing walls, or even zip lines and water slides.
There are also plenty of activities to keep your mind engaged. Depending on the cruise, you might be able to join a wine tasting, cooking demonstration, or photography workshop.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family, you’ll find plenty to do on board—whether that means relaxing or staying busy from morning to night.
Just be sure to check what exactly the ship offers before you book, as facilities and entertainment options can vary a lot between cruise lines and ships.
Tip: if you are thinking about going on a cruise with kids, then read this article about going on a Disney Cruise.
5. Cruise Travel = Great Value

Not all cruises are cheap, and not all land-based travel is expensive—but cruising can offer surprisingly good value for money.
When you book a cruise, you’re getting your accommodation, meals, transportation between destinations, and onboard entertainment all bundled into one price. For many people, that makes budgeting a lot easier.
Of course, prices vary depending on the cruise line, destination, and ship. But especially when you find a good deal or book off-season, a cruise can cost less than a traditional vacation when you factor in everything that’s included.
Plus, there’s something to be said for the simplicity of paying once and having most of your trip taken care of.
6. The Convenience of Cruising

One of the things I personally love about cruising is how easy it all is.
You unpack once and get to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of constantly catching flights, packing and unpacking, or figuring out transport logistics. It takes a lot of the stress out of travel, especially if you’re not a fan of planning every single detail.
Cruises are also great for traveling in a group or with family. Everyone can do their own thing during the day and then meet up for dinner or a show in the evening. It’s a stress-free way to travel together without being on top of each other 24/7.
Go on a Cruise at Least Once!

Even though cruises are often deemed lazy vacations where all you do is soak up the sun, eat, and drink, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Cruises are actually about exploring areas of the world you haven’t visited before, experiencing new cultures, sailing across the ocean, and meeting new people.
And I think these are the perfect ingredients for a memorable adventure.
Tip: if you are looking for a cruise, check out Cruisedirect.com, which is one of the largest online booking platforms for cruises.
I hope this article has shown you why going on a cruise can be a great option for your next vacation!
Also Read:
- Going on a Disney Cruise: Things You Should Know Before You Book
- Going on a Small Ship Cruise in Croatia
- How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Anywhere in the World
- Why You Shouldn’t Take Shells From the Beach or Buy Them as Souvenirs
- Incredible Bucket List Destinations For a Once in a Lifetime Trip
- Top 10 Reasons to Travel
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I have been debating the pros and cons of taking a cruise vacation, and all the points you make are convincing me. I can see this happening in the very near future, I’m sure of that now.
Cruises are great I have taken over 17 of them and try to take at least one a year.
Cruises sure have a lot to offer. I’ve so far only been on one, but I’m heading out on a small boat cruise in Norway in a few months that I’m really looking forward to.
I never really thought of going on a cruise as a way of traveling. But reading through your post I must admit it sure has some advantages! Really, interesting post! Great pictures too!
I’m an adventure traveller and never really considered a cruise as I love to be climbing the mountain as opposed to be looking at it but maybe it would be cool to have a different perspective, would make for some awesome pics… and I do love meeting new folk!
I have always wanted to go on a cruise, but years of suffering with terrible seasickness always puts me off a little bit. I do love that you get to pack a lot into a short amount of time – perfect for people like me who work 9-5 with limited vacation days. I think you’ve convinced me its time to book a cruise!
I’ve been on 3 cruises! Must admit, I never thought I would, didn’t fancy it, but it was a real eye opener, there was just so much to do on the first 2 ships and the kids loved it. I love your shot of the cruise ship coming into Venice, incredible that they can get right in there.
So I consider myself an avid adventurer and seasoned traveler who has done some crazy trips. However, I LOVE CRUISING! Like you said, it offers some great shore excursions. For example, I have been able to ride in an Submersible Underwater Bubble in the Bahamas, Swim with the Dolphins in Mexico, Cave tube in Belize, swim with Sting Rays in the Cayman Islands, & hike a Glacier in Alaska. All of these are major bucket list items I got to experience while cruising!
I haven’t been on a repositioning cruise yet so I can’t personally recommend anything, but I know Explorer of the Seas went from Seattle to Sydney (with stops in Hawaii & South Pacific Islands) and that sounds like an amazing cruise! A long one though: 23 nights.
Although I’m not a fan to taking a shore excursion from the cruise itself (I prefer exploring the city by myself), I do agree with all your points here. Cruises are amazing and it is not possible that you’ll ever get bored in one.
For my husbands 40th I booked us on a cruise to see the Northen Lights. It was fabulous. Different experience all together from what we were used to. I loved the fact that you didnt have to think too hard. I am looking into a reposition cruise for next year. Do you have any reccomendtions? Thanks!
I can’t believe I haven’t cruised yet. But I will, someday. I especially like the concept of packing once and not moving from day to day to another motel! And yet, from what everyone says, there’s so much more to cruising than just that!