What Makes a Cruise the Perfect Vacation
Cruises can make wonderful vacations for all kinds of people. There are cruise ships that cater specifically to families, party-goers and those that enjoy more luxurious vacationing. When on a cruise, you can expect delicious food, exciting entertainment, and on-shore adventure. Cruises go to all different parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe. Some cruise ships even do world tours. Best of all, cruises can often be less expensive than traditional vacations.
Ports of Call
A cruise allows you to see many different islands or countries during one trip. You’ll make stops every one to two days. During your time on shore, you’re free to enjoy the island or city any way you’d like. You can decide whether to relax at the beach, enjoy authentic foreign cuisine or go shopping for souvenirs. Cruises offer additional guided tours and excursions for the adventurous type. On a Caribbean cruise, for example, you may have the option of going on a stingray feeding tour. All kinds of tours are available, and usually include water tours, rural land tours, city tours, and historic tours.
Dining
Cruises feature an array of different cuisine. Midnight chocolate buffets, pizza stands, and poolside bars are the norm. Dinner is an extravagant affair. You’re seated at a large table with other guests, where you enjoy a five course gourmet meal. You’ll get a menu so you can choose what you’d like to eat for each course. For those who want a more romantic setting, an exclusive dining area with two person seating is usually available. If you’re exhausted from your adventurous day on shore, you can always opt for 24 hour room service.
Entertainment
Even when at sea, you’ll never run out of things to do. The after dinner shows are full of singing, dancing, and glamour. Afterward, you can dance the night away at a nightclub or relax with a cocktail or two at the late night lounge. There is a casino available for those who enjoy Vegas style fun, and the pool and hot tubs are open late for the outdoor partiers. If you’d like something more low-key, you can take a stroll around the promenade, or browse the various inboard shops. A fitness center and spa are also available.
Price
Some cruises can seem expensive, but you’re paying for an all-inclusive vacation. The price of a cruise covers the room, the traveling, the food and the entertainment. Compare that to buying plane tickets, cheap flights and last minute flights included, hotel reservations, eating three to five meals a day, and going out to fancy shows every night. It’s not hard to find cheap cruises either. Cruise companies have deals for those that book early and those that book last minute deals, especially if the cruise has a lot of space left. You can also get good rates during the off-season.