There are a lot of different ways to have a holiday. From city breaks to camping closer to home, a holiday is what you make it. Perhaps you think you’ve ticked most of them off your list, from beach holidays to longer escapes – but have you ever tried a cruise?
Cruises are an excellent way to see the world. A floating resort, they bring together the best bits of holidays, from eating and drinking to relaxation, and multiple destinations to explore. If you’ve never thought of yourself as a ‘cruise person’ before, maybe now’s the time to change it. Could a cruise be your next travel adventure? Let’s find out!
Are cruises the next cool holiday destination?
Like fashion, travel has its trends. Remember 18-30 holidays? What about backpacking? Now, cruises are one of the popular travel trends. Gen Z and Millennials are being credited with making cruises ‘cool’ again, and it’s easy to see why. With exciting itineraries, luxury onboard experiences and impressive entertainment, a cruise could be your perfect holiday. From comedy cruises to live gig experiences, there are all kinds of things happening – you just need to find the right itinerary for you.
If you want to find out a bit more about cruises, head to TikTok. There are so many videos about the benefits of cruises, as well as specific cruise experiences. Once those videos hit your algorithm, you won’t be able to get a cruise out of your head!
@katerubina 3 reasons why you must go on a cruise! #cruiselife #royalcaribbean #odysseyoftheseas @Royal Caribbean #whycruise ♬ original sound – Katerina Rubina
Exciting itineraries to suit your style
The great thing about cruises is that there is a range of itineraries to choose from. Caribbean cruises are popular if you want to soak up the sun, while Mediterranean cruises can help you explore multiple exciting cities at once.
Not all cruises are built the same. While there are your typical sun destination-style cruises, you can also find several other cruises on offer. A Mekong river cruise takes you through Cambodia and Vietnam, while an Antarctic cruise takes you through South America and some incredible spots in Antarctica. There are also shorter cruises available that can take you to some popular European destinations, or themed cruises based on music, movies and more.
Take a look at some of the top cruise destinations to give you some inspiration – you’re sure to find something to suit!
Ideal for exploring multiple destinations in a short space of time
Many of us wish we could spend more time travelling, but let’s face it – it’s not always possible. Between work commitments, family and other priorities, most people can’t travel for months at a time.
That’s where cruises are ideal – not only do they stop at multiple destinations as part of one voyage, but they range from two to 301-day itineraries that take you around the world! That means you can find a cruise type to suit the amount of time you have, allowing you to see as much of the world as your chosen window permits.
Pre-planned itineraries for nervous, inexperienced or unsure travellers
Another significant benefit of cruises is that they often come with a pre-planned itinerary. While some people prefer to make their own travel plans, there are plenty of people who’d prefer a ready-made itinerary – including nervous, inexperienced or indecisive travellers. With a cruise, you’ll know exactly which destinations you’ll be exploring, taking away the guesswork and the planning. When you arrive at your different ports, you’ll be able to either go on your own adventures or take part in organised excursions, giving you plenty of flexibility to see and do the things you want.
Cruises are a fantastic solution for solo travellers if you’re looking for a safe and social travel experience. You’ll meet plenty of new people on board, and there are even specially-created singles cruises where everyone else is travelling solo too!
If you want to explore somewhere for a little longer, you’ll find that many cruises start from different destinations, with New York or Barcelona being popular starting points. This means you can book a flight to arrive a few days before your cruise departs and explore the city at your leisure. Disney cruises are popular with families who want to combine the magic of Disney, with stops at Disney World in Florida for an extra special experience.
A great option for those on a budget
A common misconception about cruises is that they are expensive. And while yes, some cruises do come with a hefty price tag, many are much cheaper than you expect. Not only that, but if you decide to book a last-minute deal, you could get an amazing bargain!
If you’re looking to travel on a budget, then a cruise could be just the ticket. Your meals are all included, as well as tips and gratuities. Alcoholic drinks are generally charged as an extra, but you can purchase drink packages to enjoy an all-inclusive experience. Beyond that, you may need money for excursions and meals away from the ship, but this won’t be as much as you would pay if you were staying in one location for multiple nights at a time.
Spend time doing the things you love
Cruises are like their own floating cities – there is so much to do on board that it’s unlikely you’ll get bored! Some of the facilities you can find on board include:
- Spas
- Theatres
- Cinemas
- Casinos
- Nightclubs
- Fitness facilities
The range of facilities on board means you can relax during the day and let your hair down at night. Once you’re on board, you can choose your activities to create a personal and unique experience.
Something to try at least once
Ultimately, going on a cruise is something you should try at least once. If you don’t give one a go, how will you know if they’re a good fit for you or not? You could start with a shorter cruise to see how it fits, before deciding to try a longer cruise in the future. If you’re passionate about travel or you want to enjoy a multi-destination holiday, this could be an unforgettable experience that brings it all.