Cruises are known for their all-inclusive nature. With Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC, your accommodation, meals, and entertainment are often bundled into one package. Some cruises might not offer drinks, and some might go as far as offering excursions. The level of ‘all inclusive’ can depend on the cruise, but you’ll generally have quite a lot covered with your holiday, which can make budgeting a little more straightforward.
Here are some key benefits:
- Convenience: Unpack only once but visit multiple destinations.
- Onboard Entertainment: Enjoy a variety of shows, activities, and dining options from the comfort of your ship.
- Relaxation: Cruise ships have all kinds of ‘lay back and be pampered’ options, from spas and pools to lounging areas and luxury cabins. If the open sea isn’t your style, there are smaller operators like Uniworld River Cruises who still offer luxurious amenities, spas, excellent restaurants, and serene river views.
You should consider that at times, you may have limited time at ports which could mean less in-depth exploration, so if you’re the type that wants to stay in one city for a week, it may be more fast-paced than you’re used to. And some people love the buzz of exploring the nightlife side of a new destination. On cruises, you won’t always have that opportunity for every single port stop.
Another great alternative to your Ocean cruises are River cruises. You can explore countries like Europe and South America along the beautiful long rivers in style with all the perks that cruising offers. Avalon Waterways and Uniworld are the best options if you want to travel differently and try river cruising.