Why you should Choose to Cruise!

Cruising is something that we love to do

and I've been receiving a lot of questions as I review of our Baltic Cruise. 

So, I've decided to put all of my answers in a little series for you.

 

   Welcome to the first post in that new series!

 I met an interesting fellow on one of our recent trips.  We sat on either side of an almost empty bus, watching the Spanish countryside go by.  We were comparing travel stories.  He's been to hundreds of places and is an old pro.   I'm new to traveling extensively but I was eager to rattle off the dozen or so places I've visited recently. 

I proudly ticked through my short list until I got to this one.
 "And we just took a Mediterranean Cruise and stopped in Gree..." 
He immediately cut me off loudly and with a condescending eye roll.
"Oh, well that doesn't count.  Cruising is not traveling.  I wouldn't be caught dead on a cruise ship."
Dude.  Way to burst my bubble. 

I was embarrassed at the time.  I lowered my head and started scrolling through the photos on my camera intently.  This game wasn't fun any more. 

At the time, I didn't know how to respond (other than sticking my tongue out at him when he wasn't looking.)

This is what I should have had said to him.
 

(I'm American so I can use the word "Awesome" even though I'm forty-blah-blah years old. Besides, it applies here.)


1.   Bang for Your Buck. 

Cruising is a great value, especially if you book early and look for special deals.  If you were to plan a 7 day trip including travel, similar accommodation, food and entertainment,  stopping in five countries along the way you would likely spend a lot more money.  You can book a cruise for less than £100 per day.  If you have your vacation money budgeted, a cruise might be the perfect way to get the most for your money. 

2.   Unpack once and see five countries. 

One of the biggest complaints that I hear about cruising is that you are only in a place for such a short time.  I completely agree.   You can't truly experience a locale in 8 hours.   But, I've been able to spend a little bit of time in 13 countries that I would probably never experience otherwise.  If I had to chose between a little taste of a place or never visiting at all, I'm going to pick a cruise.  We consider them like a Travel Tasting and if we really love a place, then we add it to the list for a longer visit.   (I'm lookin' at you, Turkey.) 

 3.    Quality Time

 

This is a big one for me.  I've cruised with family and friends and have always had amazing experiences.  I love cruising with Matthew.  We have so much fun!  From the research and planning to the actual experience and then all of the memories that we bring home.  This is something that we do together.  We don't have to worry about logistics or all of the stress that comes with other modes of travel.  We  relax and enjoy our time together.   After a great sleep, we wake up with a new country to explore.  And it's the only time I can get him to pose for a professional couples photo, however, unwillingly. 

4.    So Many Options
 

There are as many options in cruising as there are travelers.  Ships in all shapes and sizes.  Hundreds of different itineraries and places to visit.   Luxury cruise lines.  Family cruises.  Exotic locations.  Sailing ships.  With a little bit of research and knowing what you want, you can find a cruise that is perfect for you.   Another big concern is that you will feel bored or trapped on a cruise ship.  We've never had that experience.  We are in complete control and take full advantage of all of the flexibility to make it the perfect experience for us.  

5.    Cruising is  just FUN! 
 

Ohmygosh, y'all, cruising is a blast!  I love it.  There is just something about being out on the water.  I'm so addicted.  I love the smell of the sea and the wind messing up my hair.  I love hanging out at the piano bar, singing loudly and off key to every Elton John song ever recorded.  I love that relaxed and contented look on Matt's sun-kissed face as he enjoys a cigar and a cognac at the end of the day.  I love breakfast in bed.  I love ordering two starters, no main and two desserts for dinner.  I love that the bartenders know our names and drink orders after day one.  I love when Matt and I kick everyone's butt in trivia and win gold medals.  I could just go on and on.  Suffice is to say, I'm a huge fan of cruising.

I've noticed it even more on this side of the pond, but apparently people have very strong feelings about cruising.  You love it or you hate it.  But, now whenever someone makes a strong negative comment about cruising, I ask if they've actually ever been on a cruise.  I'm sure they are out there, but I've yet to meet anyone that has been on a cruise and didn't enjoy themselves.  

I realize that cruising is not for everyone.  Backpacking around the world isn't for everyone.  Neither are rollercoasters or Marmite.  But if you turn up your nose too quickly, you might just be missing out on an amazing TRAVEL experience.  (And I just might stick my tongue out at you when you aren't looking.)

What are your reservations about cruising?
What do you love about cruising?

 

I hope that you enjoyed the first post in the series.  

In future posts, I'll be sharing tips on how to choose the right cruise, planning shore excursions and Matt is also going to share some of his thoughts.  If you have any questions that you would like for us to address, just comment below or send me an email.  And if you are a cruiser and would like to guest post in the series, I'd love to hear from you.  

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