Happy Veterans Day, everyone!
Thank you to all who have served in the military and helped protect our nation.
Though I'm all about learning about cultures and getting authentic experiences, cruises have a special place in my heart because I can just disconnect and relax. Honestly, I haven't had the opportunity to do too many cruises lately because I have to use my travel time wisely—there's so much of the world to see!
However, cruises offer a fantastic way to experience multiple destinations in a short time. While planning a trip to three cities can require careful planning, cruises handle all the details for you. Plus, if you're not feeling a particular stop, no worries—you can always relax on the ship!
In this guide, I'm going to cover how to pick the best cruises.
Bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to cruise ships. Larger ships often mean more people on board, which isn't always a good thing. You might face bigger crowds and less availability for activities you enjoy. The key is to find the right ratio of space to people that you're comfortable with.
Just like anything in business, each cruise line targets a different audience. Some cruise lines are more laid-back, some are family-oriented, while others are party cruises. Make sure you pick the right one, or you're in for a rude awakening.
Also, look at the dining options. Some cruise lines offer private tables, while others require you to sit with a group of people. Personally, I like having my own space, and though I can be social at times, I prefer to meet people organically rather than being forced to meet them.
Get the drink packages. I know they're expensive, but they're worth it. One thing you don't want to do on vacation is pay for every drink. It feels great when the bartender slips you your favorite drink as soon as you finish your current one. And you have the freedom to leave the bar without worrying about the tab. The drink packages are so worth it—you'll get your money's worth.
Don't go too crazy with the food. I'm like a horse when it comes to eating—I won't stop until all the food is gone. But with cruises, I've met my match. Food is always available, and you'll lose if you try to compete. It's not fun being sick for a silly reason like overeating. So, the key is to pace yourself and don't go overboard (pun intended).
Do your math when looking for cruise deals. Cruise lines often offer discounts, but they can be tricky to understand. Don't just look at the perks they offer. Instead, focus on the money value of each discount. Add up all the discounts and compare the total prices between different options. This way, you can find great deals, sometimes even getting luxury cruises for the price of a regular one. Remember, cruise lines use lots of different discounts to make things confusing, so pay close attention to the numbers. By doing this, you'll be able to see exactly what you're getting for your money.
Do the excursions—they can make or break your trip. Look at the excursions beforehand and the types of activities available. I'm not saying you always have to do an excursion when your ship is at a port, just be aware of what's available and be willing to try the ones that interest you. Some of my best cruise experiences came from excursions.
I like cruises because they're really affordable. You can find some great packages that are action-packed. Follow the above tips and your experience will be even better.
Keep Traveling,
Andrew
How do you feel about cruises?