Are cruise vacations a better value than a land vacation? Depends on where you go. As my friends are getting married and families are growing, I’m able to get intel as to how much they are paying for a week at Disney, versus a week long cruise.
Of course, it all goes back to preference and everyone’s vacation preference is objective, but here are seven reason why I think cruise vacations are better.
1. All-Inclusive Factor
I know, cruises aren’t technically all-inclusive if you’re counting alcohol, excursions, and specialty venues – but when you package it up with all your meals, room and entertainment – it kind of does have an all-inclusive aspect and feel.
2. Different Port Daily
Instead of waking up in the same hotel room on land and looking at the same groundskeeper doing his daily routine, why not wake up in a different port every day? No other vacation lets you leave from one place and see the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, or Europe, all while having only unpacked once.
3. Bucket List Adventures
There are certain things you can only do if you’re on a cruise and not at a land resort. While a land resort has some cool activities like diving, drinking, zip lining, and boating, a cruise lets you take it to the next level. On a recent Alaska cruise I was able to hike Mendenhall Glacier via helicopter, go whale watching, take part in an all-you-can-eat Alaskan King Crab feast in Ketchikan, and see a glacier cave in Glacier Bay, all in a week.
4. The Service is Better
When it comes to the service you get on a cruise compared to a service at a hotel, it can’t be compared. On a cruise the waiter remembers what you drink with your meals, knows your food allergies, and takes the time to get to know you. But it just doesn’t stop with the food. The room stewards are pretty awesome too.
5. The Captain is Driving
No need to Uber or hail a taxi if you want to go to a comedy show or have a drink at the local watering hole because it’s a short walk from your stateroom (unless you’re on deck 1). Save the taxi fare for another round at the bar instead.
6. Never Ending Sunsets
…and sunrises if you’re an early bird. Every cruise I say I’m going to catch the sunrise the next morning and every morning I turn the alarm off at six o’clock and roll back over. The beds are just that comfortable.
7. All You Can Eat
It’s no secret that I like to eat (although I’m down 11 pounds). On a cruise you can get whatever you want to eat and how much you want to eat, all without paying another $13 for another pasta dish or shrimp cocktail.
8. Ships Are Smart
Don’t believe me? Check out the robotic bartender on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas or the IMAX theater that’s going to be on the upcoming Carnival Vista. Cruise ships are floating theme parks in and of themselves these days. Just check out the three-story ropes course on Norwegian Escape or the bumper cars and indoor skydiving on Anthem of the Seas.
9. The Ship is Home Base
After a day of exploring ports of call, it’s good to come back to a place where people speak your language, know what you want, and where you can be around like-minded travelers.
It shouldn’t take you long to figure out why cruise vacations are better. Albeit I am a little biased.
