Imagine selling everything you own and setting sail for the rest of your life. One US couple did exactly this three years ago, and haven't looked back since. Originally planning to travel the states in a motorhome, John and Melody grew tired of all the driving, prompting them to change tack and begin their permanent life at sea.
If you're considering your first foray into cruising, you're not alone.
According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), “more people are open to trying a cruise than ever before”. Indeed, around 35.7 million passengers are expected to cruise in 2024, up from 31.5 million in 2023.
And 70% of those who have never cruised before would consider a cruise in the next few years.
So, why are cruise holidays so popular? Read on to find out.
5 top reasons cruising may be growing in popularity
1. Easy to plan and organise
Organising holidays can be fun, though not always easy. In comparison, booking a cruise can be quite straightforward.
Since a cruise is often sold as a complete package, you’ll find that you can book flights, the voyage, itinerary, and accommodation in one go.
You can also organise day trips through the cruise company for when you are in port. Unless, of course, you prefer to book independent excursions.
So, whether you want to experience a selection of European countries, head to the Caribbean islands, or check out cooler climes of Alaska, the Norwegian coast, or even Antarctica, the world really is your oyster, and you can attain it with minimal effort.
Once on board you can relax and enjoy the journey as you sail from port to port knowing that everything is taken care of.
2.Discover multiple destinations
If you enjoy exploring and discovering new places, a cruise is a great way to visit a variety of different destinations in a relatively short amount of time. With a huge choice of possible destinations and itineraries, cruising holidays open opportunities to experience multiple cultures, foods, architectures, and geographies – with minimum hassle and stress.
Unless you make a very bad choice or the weather is against you, there’s little excuse to grow bored as new possibilities and adventure arrive every day.
Plus, if you’re not keen on where you dock, there’s always something new to look forward to tomorrow.
3. Enjoy wide variety in all things
It’s unlikely you’ll grow bored on a cruise as there are so many things to do. From playing bridge or unwinding in a yoga class, to sumptuous spas, bathing decks, swimming pools, and well-stocked libraries, every ship offers something different.
You're also likely to have the opportunity to learn new skills or fascinating facts. Indeed, many cruises invite world-renowned speakers onboard and use theatres and public spaces to host talks about a wide variety of subjects.
Most cruise ships also have shops, a range of evening entertainments – from live music and stand-up comedy to theatre performances and movie screenings. There really is something for everyone.
4. Feast on incredible food
Variety continues and multiplies when it comes to the food – and the quality is often amazing, too.
Expect fine dining from Michelin-starred chefs, steakhouses, pizzerias, ice cream parlours and everything in-between.
And, naturally, there’s also cuisine from around the world – be it Italian, Asian, or Mexican. There’s bound to be a menu to keep your taste buds tantalised, no matter how long the voyage.
5. Meet new people
Being on a cruise ship means you’re in the same place for a period of time so you’ll find you often bump into the same people.
Depending on the cruise and circumstances, you may find that you dine with the same group of people, too.
Onboard activities also offer great opportunities to meet and socialise with other passengers. As such, it’s highly likely that you’ll meet people with similar interests, especially if you take part in a series of classes or bridge sessions, for example.
If you’re a solo traveller, many cruise lines provide solo meet and greets on board and some even have dedicated lounges that are specifically reserved for solo passengers.
Potential drawbacks to consider before setting sail
As with all things, where there are pros, there are also cons to consider. Here are three of them:
- On port days, because you don't have much time in each location, you may not get to see everything you hoped to.
- With no flexibility, if you discover and fall in love with a particular destination, you can't easily change your plans and stay a while, like you could if you were travelling independently.
- Your waistline could expand. Having read about the food on offer above, little surprise that you may find you gain some pounds at sea. You can help this by walking the decks, and hitting the gym, but what are holidays for, if not a little indulgence?
Get in touch
If you’ve been on a cruise or would like help planning ahead to fund your retirement at sea, we’d love to hear from you. Email enquiries@alexanderpeter.com or give us a call on +44 1689 493455.
