If you’re getting a little bit bored of the same holidays in Spain or Italy every single year, you’ve probably already considered booking your family on a cruise. Although the prices often seem a bit steep, you really do get more for your money. It’s important to remember that cruise ships are like mini cities floating on the ocean. You’ll find bars, restaurants, all night entertainment and everything else you could possibly want, so if you’re not a huge sufferer of seasickness, maybe you should try it.
This guide will fill you in on everything you need to know about the pros and cons of cruise ship holidays.
Pros
Whether you’re thinking about a European jaunt or even cruises from Australia, you’ll nearly always find that you spend less money whilst aboard a ship. The initial cost may well be higher than you’d pay when booking standard flights and accommodation, but with all inclusive deals available with most cruise providers, it’s more than possible to ensure you stick to a budget.
Another huge benefit is the lack of planning a preparation on your part. If you’re taking a normal holiday involving flights and hotels, you’ll need to spend time working out your itinerary before you go away. This is not the case with cruise holidays as the provider will sort all that out for you. All you need to do is arrive at the port on time, and everything else will fall into place.
Also, cruise companies offer pre-planned shore excursions and package tours that will mean someone else is in charge of getting you from A to B. This can save you a lot of money on taxis and ensure your day is spent in the most efficient way possible. Alternatively, you could opt to stay on board and enjoy the 24/7 entertainment.
Cons
Admittedly you’ll have much less time to explore with cruise holidays as ships usually only dock for a day (two at most), so you’ll need to be back on board by a certain time. This can be a problem for some people as they like to have a good look around, but it does mean that you’ll be able to see more places.
Also, the range of destinations you can visit will be limited to the plan of the ship. In most cases cruise vessels only dock at major towns and cities, so you might well miss out on some of the most interesting sights.
Other passengers can also be a problem. Depending on where in the world you opt to cruise, your fellow passengers could all be young ravers, or old codgers, either could be a problem if you don’t fit into their category. Young people may be boisterous and noisy, whereas old people may be boring and mardy; that’s just the risk you take.
So there you have it my friends. A simple guide to the pros and cons of booking a cruise ship holiday. Just remember that each of us is different. What suits one person may not suit the next, so consider what you’re really after and make a decision based on that.
Good luck!