• Unpack once. No matter how many countries you visit during your cruise, you don’t have to haul your luggage until you return home.
• Your lodging goes with you. If you visit multiple countries on land, you have to change lodging every time you change location, which may require time looking for appropriate lodging, visiting multiple options, checking in, and hauling your luggage to your room. With cruising, your lodging goes with you.
• Transportation is provided. If traveling on land, you will have to arrange for transportation (air, train, car, or other), not only between countries and cities, but also to your hotel. With a cruise, this is eliminated.
• Meals are included. You will never go hungry. Even better, you don’t have to cook! Most cruises offer a great variety of food, all you care to eat, that is available 24/7. You can even call room service, often at no extra charge.
• Multiple Ports-of-call. Depending on the length of your cruise and its itinerary, you can easily visit multiple countries in one short trip, and without the hassles of land and air travel.
• Kids can roam free (and safe). Depending on the age of your kids, they may be able to roam free without constant supervision. For younger (and older) kids, many cruise lines offer special programs that entertain them while you do your own thing.
• Activities and Entertainment. Many cruise lines offer a great variety of activities and entertainment, such as stage shows, water parks, rock climbing, casinos, exercise classes, and seminars, most of which are included in your fare. You would be hard pressed to become bored on a cruise.
• Adventure in every port. To shake things up a little, optional excursions are often available in every port, giving you the opportunity to explore the country you’re visiting a little more in depth. Otherwise, you can shop, eat and explore around the port. Just be sure you’re back on the ship on time.
• Relaxation is included. Cruising can be a great way to get away and just relax. Some cruise lines even have adult only areas (no kids) and spa amenities (for a fee).
• Safety and familiarity. When you travel from town to town, you have to acclimate yourself to the new environment, i.e., finding the ATM, restaurant options, is the area safe, what areas to avoid. With cruising, your surroundings remain consistent and safe.
• Know your costs up front. Because so much is included with your cruise, and if you book your excursions in advance, you can pretty much know up front what the cost of your trip will be.
• There are cruise options for everyone. With cruises targeted to singles, couples, and families, you’d be hard pressed not to find a cruise that suits you. Even social and professional groups organize cruises.

Cruising has become a popular vacation option. With the great variety in destinations, cruise lengths, activities and amenities, cruising may be an option worth exploring.

Copyright © The Lady Nomadand Sharon E. Williams, All Rights Reserved