Pros & Cons of Cruising

Pros:

• unpacking once




• lots to eat




• sailing to places vs bus or train or plane is really relaxing




• cover a lot of distance in a relatively short time




• lots of cities were built by the water for transport/trade purposes so lends itself to this style of travel




• clean environment




• makes you realize just how little you need in terms of space and things




• hotel like service




• lots of places where you don't encounter even 5 people




• opportunity to dress up




• laundry services




• great overview of many countries




• ships are amazing feats of engineering




• lots of exercise classes to choose from




• efficient check in & out




• all age ranges




• travelling with so many people made me even more determined to avoid the tourist traps as they can get over runned




• forces you to really prepare for the ports because you don't have days to find your way around




• locations where you'd otherwise need a Visa, like St Petersburg or Turkey you are covered by the ship's Visa

Cons:

• lots of people around top deck where the pools are -- that's where the "action" is




• spa is pricey-- $95US for 1 hr massage




• certain ports do require you purchase excursions




• excursion cost add up




• announcements can be loud




• getting to and from the ship can be far and difficult to do on your own




• easy to over eat




• stateroom and dining attendants can be over attentive




• sea sickness if sailing over rough seas or if susceptible




• lots of people at meal times




• lots of examples of fellow passengers over indulging (food)




• your room key as your charge card can tempt one to spend more

Over all I found it a really neat way to travel. I am still happy to have seen so many harder to reach places for a fraction of time and cost of doing my own itinerary. I would consider taking a cruise again.

The cruise line I sailed with (Royal Caribbean) was I think considered middle of the road service and price wise. Some higher class lines offer pretty impressive 30 - 60 day itineraries that would be quite something to experience.

I'm not sure I would bother with a more expensive cruise line as I see this mode of travel as not much different than a place to sleep and eat. It just gets me to places I want to see in comfort.

There were a good number of people who would come back onto the ship for lunch or dinner (at late dept ports). I didn't get that. For me, what I look forward to on a trip is to try out the local food. Most of my spending money goes to those experiences.