Cruising As A Vacation
These ideas are based upon what I have learned from my six cruises on Carnival Cruise Lines. Cruising as a vacation is truly the only time I feel like I’m completely on vacation. Maybe my favorite part is no cooking or cleaning – such a great break.
Cruising offers a great value and is budget friendly
It offers almost everything you need for a great vacation – food, accommodations, and entertainment. You can make it more budget friendly with planning ahead – time of year, length of cruise, cruise line, and size of ship can make a difference.
At the top of most cruisers favorite – Carnival’s famous Warm Chocolate Melting Cake is offered each night in the Main Dining Room – and it can be addicting. Some like a side of peanut butter with it also. You can order an additional dessert too. I have been known to have Creme Brulee and this.
Watch for specials – discounts if you can sail soon, free upgrades, or lower deposits are often offered. It can be paid off over time but it does need to be paid in full approximately 90 days prior to sailing. For example, book your cruise a year out, and you basically have 9 months to pay it off.
Those last 90 days can be used to book excursions and plan and budget for your cruise.
Traveling with family – the 3rd & 4th person in a cabin is usually heavily discounted.
Think about how much your food, hotel, entertainment, and snacks could cost you at a resort for a week. I think you will find cruising a great bargain.
You might say there’s unlimited food and ice cream. Buffets are open during normal dining times,* room service*, pizza, and ice cream are available 24 hours a day. All of this is included with the exception of a few room service items, or specialty restaurants. The main dining room is open all evenings, and for breakfast or seaday brunch, depending on if it’s a port day. Alcohol, specialty coffee, and Cokes are not included but packages are available. Again, the website can give you all the details.
You only have to unpack once
Think about making a trip of a few thousand miles, visit a few exotic islands, and you don’t do any packing and unpacking. Once in your cabin, unpack and forget it until it’s time to end your cruise (insert sad face). I still haven’t mastered the idea of packing light but I’m working on it. That’s another advantage of a cruise, and driving to the port, I can take what I want.
Most mornings you wake up in a new port or enjoy a sea day and enjoy it at your own pace.
For all types of families
We usually cruise during January and February to escape the cold weather, and you will see less kids on the ship at this time. You do tend to see a lot of younger than school age kids though. Most families need to travel during school holidays and summer so these weeks tend to get booked quicker and be a little more expensive.
There are activities for kids ages 2 – 17
Camp Ocean is for 2 – 11 and Club O2 is for the teens. Each group have their own activities and hangout areas. There’s even some nighttime activities offered, but there could be an additional charge. Maybe think about a romantic dinner without the kids.
Larger ships will offer more food choices and activities
Cruise ships are getting bigger all the time, and more activities are offered. It’s basically a floating city.
It’s easy to compare ships and everything onboard through the website.
There’s something for everyone – want to spend time in the casino, go to the spa, play basketball, watch a movie on the big screen (we saw Sully while sitting under the stars on our recent cruise), attend a cooking demo, or learn to make martinis. Or, just sit on the deck and enjoy the warm weather and read a book.
What to do at a port
Again, this is where planning comes in. You can book excursions through Carnival, or even consider local taxis to get around. It’s a great time to just spend a little time exploring the area right off the ship, maybe do a little shopping, and spend a quiet day on the ship as the majority of passengers are off.
Some of my favorites have been Grenada known as the spice island – touring spice and herb gardens, seeing flamingos in Aruba, exploring of San Juan (Don has found a favorite vintage store for records), Maho Beach at St. Maarten watching a plane land just a few feet overhead, and sampling rum on several islands.
Many enjoy the water – whether it’s laying on the beach, scuba diving, snorkeling or swimming with the dolphins. Again, so many choices.
Don’t forget your camera. Yes I still tote a camera, or two, around. It’s so easy to snap a few thousand pictures. I have never seen such beautiful colors of water. It can go from a light blue to a deep turquoise. This is actually Eric Clapton’s home in Antigua.
Also the sunsets can be the most beautiful you will ever see. This is an untouched photo somewhere near Grenada.
Consider a honeymoon or a getaway
Remember “The Love Boat” – there were always couples on a honeymoon. You can even plan a wedding onboard for a port of call. It’s fun to dress up on elegant night for a couple’s picture.
Although ships are very family friendly, it’s also a great way to spend time with your special someone. There are cruises starting at just 3 nights so if you don’t have a lot of time.
Want to meet new people
We like to be seated at open tables, which means it could be a table for 8 or 10 people. Everyone enjoys talking about where you are from, their favorite cruises or ships, and those experienced cruisers can give you a suggestions on excursions or other activities.
We have met several people who we are still in touch with, and of course FaceBook helps that. A couple of cruises ago we met 2 couples from different parts of Canada. It was very interesting to learn more about Canada and in fact met up with one of them while in Toronto last year. Another couple we are meeting up with on this upcoming cruise.
A few more things:
Easy to plan for everyone – it’s really a package deal. And, if you are wanting to take a large group, it’s easy to coordinate by calling the cruise line.
I’ve never used a travel agent since booking online is so easy and if you do have questions, just calling customer service gets your answers.
Some people think they will get bored being stuck out in the middle of the ocean. That is one thing I have never experienced. Carnival has a daily newsletter – Funtimes – which gives you a schedule of everything to do daily.
If you don’t want to be active, relax
There is Wi-Fi offered for a charge if you just have to stay in touch, and some ships have a Hub app for $5 per device. This makes it great to message each other or keep up with the kids. The ship can be large so finding someone can be near impossible if you don’t make plans.
There’s usually a sports bar so you can watch your favorite teams, and a few TVs might be on deck bars.
Shopping onboard is a favorite for some or just for convenience in case you forgot something. The FunShop onboard offers some larger bottles of liquor at a discount compared to buying at home but it is kept for you until the last day.
As with any vacation, planning is the key. Check the website, join FaceBook groups, and think about what your family enjoys.
Getting to the port and home are not included in the cruise so that’s another item to budget. We have sailed out of Florida on all of our cruises so we try to take advantage of these areas to do a little sightseeing.
Planning on spending a few days before or after your cruise is a great way to extend your vacation. Although we sailed out of Miami a couple years ago, we didn’t get to explore the city so that’s on our list this time, along with visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Look for special events in port cities
I’m excited there is a Downton Abbey exhibit in West Palm Beach we will be able to visit.
Have you been on a cruise? We leave in a few weeks to enjoy Grand Caymen again and Jamaica for the first time. Cuba is on our list for possibly later this year. Think of exploring a new place, maybe New England or Bermuda is always an option. Alaska is on our list – never heard anyone say they didn’t enjoy Alaska.
What did you enjoy most on your cruise? Your favorite ports or excursions?
Wondering what to pack? Ultimate packing list is here. These are suggestions and ideas on things you might need.
I’ve included affiliate links to Amazon for you to find some products easier. I may receive a small commission, but the price is the same for you. It just helps my blog out.
Happy Travels,
Rosemary
cruising as a vacation is definately the way to travel in style, it is more of an adventure than staying at a resort for a week or two, just to cruise around the oceans and to see a country approaching is spectacular.
We love it. I don’t think anyone gets tired of seeing land or a port come into sight.
I love cruising for all the reasons you mentioned!!! I’m hoping to cruise again soon!
It is so fun – glad you enjoy it.
I’ve always been a bit hesitant to try Crusing but you make a lot of good points in it’s favor! It sounds like it could be a blast!
Thanks for the great info!
We love it. We aren’t really “water” people but more sightseeing, so a great way to see lots of areas in a short time.
Thanks for sharing. I’ve never been on a cruise – to be honest, it makes me really nervous. There are so many fun things you can do on one though!
There’s a little bit for everyone. We are older so we go when there’s not as many younger kids around so look at times if you do have kids.
I love to travel but I have never considered cruising before. Mostly because I am so scared of the water.
I don’t do water stuff – maybe walk on a beach and that’s about it.
I am a travel junkie, but have never been on a cruise- perhaps because I watched Titanic too many times. Your article has given me something to think about. It might be fun to take my girls!
Oh you should do one. We love it and looking at one next year but someplace new.
Perfect time to read this. My parents are world cruisers and just got back from a 15 day cruise. We have been thinking that we may take the kids on a cruise in a few years when they are just a little older. Great Post
We did a 14 day once and loved it. Cruising is really the only time I feel like I’m truly on vacation. Hope you get one planned.
thanks for sharing all the great information. As a mother and grandmother I love the fact there are so many things for children and teens to do
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There’s a little bit for everyone on a cruise. And for all ages.
I love visiting the Caribbean Islands. We have cruised in the past (years ago) and it’s a great way to see several islands on one trip. These days we fly to whatever island we’re visiting and usually stay for a couple of weeks. I’ve never visited Grenada and would love to. My daughter and her husband are cruising next week.
Is it Aruba you love? I would love to spend several days in a place but my husband isn’t big on flying. I wish more ships would spend the night in a port.
what a wonderful time my friend- i love going on cruises and this one did not disappoint according to all your great pictures!
We love cruising. Our thing is though – why did we wait so long to do it?????
My sons just returned back from a cruise and they enjoyed it completely. We are thinking of cruising New Zealand and Australia next year.
Those places would be on my list too. I’m hoping for Alaska in the next couple of years.
I’ve been on several cruises to the islands, which is easy since I live in Miami. Contemplating a Nordic cruise for late summer at the moment.
I’m afraid if I lived in Miami it would be a bigger habit. Can’t wait to explore Miami this trip.
I love to cruise but for some reason that’s not my family’s first choice in travel. I need to make a girls cruise club. So fun!
Let me know if you need an extra. But, my husband loves it too.
I LOVE a good cruise vacation! Between all the fun on the ship and the excursions, you really can’t ask for more to do in one trip.
We are going to Jamaica for the first time in a few weeks. So relaxing.
And you do not need to tell me twice to go on a cruise. I love cruises. They are probably my all-time favorite thing to do on a vacation. It is so much fun to be able to see all the shows all the different areas of the world and all the yummy food. I would go again in a heartbeat.
I say it’s truly the only time I feel like I’m on vacation. Can’t wait for about 20 more days.
I’ve only been on one cruise before and it was about 15 years ago. I would love to go on another one.
We love it. Great vacation time.
Ooh I dream of going on a cruise! It sounds amazing and I think all of my family would really enjoy it. Cruise ships are pretty amazing these days!
We’ve never been on one of the mega ships but I want to try it. The smaller ships though have many advantages too.
I’ve never been on a cruise before. However, I’m open to the idea. Especially with winter and spring break fast approaching.
Getting away from the cold is a good reason to cruise.
I went on a cruise recently for the first time as an adult and I had a blast. I can’t wait to go again with my family!
They are so much fun. And see so many things in a week.
What a great idea to do a cruise as a vacation. I love the idea of meeting different people while traveling. Makes for a wonderful experience.
We’ve got 2 couples now we truly call friends.
Cruising is one of my favourite ways to vacation. Cruises make me feel so relaxed, a great option to have fun and see new places.
It’s truly the only time I feel like I’m on vacation.
I read every word, thank you so much. I am planning on going on a cruise with my kids for the first time and your article has given me a lot of ideas and takeaways. Nice to know that I can pay in instalments as well.
Learning to read the website can give you so much information.
I’ve never been on a cruise but I would love to experience it one day with my boys. Looks like you had a lot of fun. That photo of the sunset is beautiful!
I have got several great sunsets but every morning I get up early, it’s usually cloudy and I miss it.
Our 30th anniversary is this year and we have been thinking of doing a cruise for it. It seems like a great way to see several places.
Make sure to let them know you are celebrating an anniversary and they will usually do something extra – maybe just an extra dessert at dinner, but once we got a gift card to spa.
This is a great family vacation or for honeymooners. I honestly never been to a cruise but I would love too one day. I have to convince my husband more because he had sea-sickness. But this cruise is so big and I love the line up destination.
I have never got sick but do get dizzy. I just take the sea-sickness and am usually fine.
These are great points to consider. I have a number of relatives that go on cruises often and love it. I have never been on a cruise personally.
People are usually love it or hate it. We love it. You should try it.