You Should Not Go On A Cruise If...
Truth: Every vacation destination/type is not for everyone.
We all like different things. You might choose your hotels based on the fact that they offer room service. Your best friend may choose their hotel based on who has the lowest price. Neither one is bad. We just all look at things with different perspectives and desires.
So, while I think cruises make for an amazing vacation, it might not be the best choice for you and your family. (That's something I help my clients figure out, when they’re not sure).
But, if you've never cruised or maybe have once, only to have a mediocre experience, how do you know if you'll like it? How do you know if you should try it out again?
First and foremost, you’ll want to get picky about which cruise line you choose to sail with and what destinations you’d like to visit. Both of these factors will influence your cruise vacation experience more than anything else. When talking with my own clients, I make sure that they are aware of what each cruise line has to offer, and which options really sound like the best fit for their personalities and needs.
But after those factors, how can you REALLY know if a cruise is for you?
Well, you're in luck my friend! Because on today's blog post, I'm listing the 6 reasons a cruise might not be for you. I hope you find it insightful, and a little humorous.
Let's begin, shall we?
Looks like a piece of paradise to me!
#1: You don't want to see more than one vacation destination.
One of the awesome (or maybe not awesome if you don't like that kind of thing) things about cruises is that they stop at multiple ports. Which means you can visit popular cities and even multiple countries in a SINGLE vacation! And you get to sleep in the same bed every night back on the ship. Cruises are a great way to see many destinations, giving you a great idea of what places around the world you would like to go back to for a longer stay. So if you only want to go to one place, cruising might not be the best option.
#2: You like to pay separately for everything and don't like all-inclusive options.
This one kinda speaks for itself. Because on most cruise lines, most all your food (besides specialty items & alcohol) and on-board activities are included with your purchase price. So if you want go back to that buffet for ice cream 5 times a day.. yeah, you can do that. And don't even get me started on listing all of the fun activities to do and see on your ship. If you would rather 'pay for every little thing', maybe don't go on a cruise.
My husband and I during a port excursion in Ephesus, while on our 12 Day Mediterranean Honeymoon Cruise
#3: You don't like for your vacations to be convenient.
Simply put, if you don't like having almost everything you need and want within walking distance while on vacation, or don't like being chauffeured around on a giant boat to beautiful vacation destinations around the world, then a cruise is DEFINITELY not for you. Cruising does not have to mean boring, but it definitely does make everything easy.
#4: You don't want to have vacation activities that the whole family will love.
Don't want to have adults only spaces for you and your significant other? Don't want your kids to have a safe place to hang out while you and your honey go to a Broadway style play? Don't want to have fun and maybe even adventurous activities for you and your kids to do together while your on vacation? Then by gosh, do NOT go on a cruise; because cruises are a wonderful place to get in great family time, along with some adult only time.
#5: You like for planning to be more complicated.
I'm pretty sure vacation planning cannot get more simple than it does for cruises. Now, does that mean you don't need a travel planner? Goodness, no! (Why would you not want someone to do what planning work there is for you, find your family the best excursions and make sure you know the in's and out's for your trip?) But, cruises are pretty straightforward as far as logistics are concerned. So if you're not into that sort of thing, you probably ought to pass.
Another port excursion, this time in Istanbul.
#6: You don't want any kind of luxury, even if it's included no matter what you pay.
That's right. If you don't want someone to turn down your bed and put mints on your pillow every night, or remember your name every night at dinner while they wait on your table, or don't want to be able to call room service for a slice of chocolate cake at any hour of the day, then a cruise is definitely not the vacation you should choose.
So! To cruise or not to cruise... that is the question, isn't it? What's YOUR answer?
While I had fun writing this quirky post full of what I would call ‘opposites’, there may be many of these factors you want in your vacation, but cruising might not be the best option. With so many ways to see the world, you don’t have to feel pressured to cruise simply because everyone else says it’s great. Speak with a trusted travel adviser to find out if cruising really is a great option for your family. And don’t be afraid to give it a try if it sounds like it is!
Let me know in the comments if cruising sounds like it is or isnt for you! What sparks your interest the most about cruising? SHARE WITH ME BELOW!
And until next time, God bless!
- Lauren
