What is cruising, is a question I’ve been asked a few times.
If you haven’t been on a cruise, it’s a very legitimate thing to ask.
I can appreciate why some people may have some apprehension about going on a cruise ship for a holiday or vacation.
Understanding what a cruise is will most certainly help you make a decision as to whether it’s a trip you’d like to take.
What is a Cruise Ship
Cruise ships are large passenger vessels that take a round trip around various ports of interest.
You could describe a cruise ship as a floating hotel, but in many respects it is more than that.
A cruise ship will contain everything you need for a luxury holiday.
You stay in cabins while you are on a cruise ship, and there are going to be different sizes and locations available depending on your budget.
Inside cabins tend to be cheaper and will not have a window.
Outside cabins are as they suggest, on the outside of the vessel and may have windows or balconies so that you can enjoy a sea view.
Cruise ships will also contain everything else you need for your trip.
There will probably be a number of restaurants, including buffet and formal service.
Themed restaurants are very common on cruise ships too.
You can often access various styles of dining to suit your mood.
If you’d like to dress up, then a formal restaurant is for you, but if you feel like being a bit more casual then seek out the buffet restaurants.
As well as restaurants, there will also be different bars that you can visit, and there is bound to be live music available if you want it.
I’ve seen champagne bars, cocktail bars, Irish pubs and even ice bars on cruise ships so they always have everything covered.
You will also find plenty of entertainment on a cruise ship.
Commonly there will be theatres and shows for guests to enjoy most evenings. Cinemas are also popular on cruise ships.
You might find fair grounds, climbing walls and bowling alleys.
Most cruise ships have at least one pool, but large cruise ships will contain multiple pools and even splash parks to keep the children entertained.
Large luxury cruise ships are always wanting to provide the next best thing to its guests.
Going on a cruise should be fun, even while you are at sea, so expect to be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do.
Cruise ships also have shops, beauty parlours, hairdressers and many other facilities depending on the size of the vessel.
The general idea is that you will want for nothing and they aim to provide something for everyone.
What is Cruising
A cruise holiday can last for as little or as long as you like.
It could be a 2 night mini cruise or last 7, 10, 14 or more days.
Each cruise will have an itinerary of the different ports it will visit during the trip.
A cruise is usually a round trip so you will embark and disembark at the same port.
Nights are usually spent at sea, so you will arrive in a different location most mornings.
One of the joys of going on a cruise is waking up in a different destination every day without the hassle of packing your bags and travelling yourself.
Once you arrive in a new port you can either explore the area yourself or book one of the cruise excursions available.
If you are confident in finding your way around and happy that you will get back to the ship on time, then doing your own thing will work fine.
If you are less confident about exploring independently it might be worth looking at the excursions available.
If you’d like to make the most of the ships facilities, you can also stay on board and enjoy the ship with fewer passengers.
If it’s a destination you have visited before, it’s definitely worth considering this option. I promise you will enjoy it!
Another added bonus of going on a cruise, is that you don’t have chance to get bored.
Waking up somewhere new everyday really does make the very most of the time spent on your holiday.
The other wonderful thing about going on a cruise is that you will want for nothing, and you won’t have to lift a finger.
The waiters, stewards and all other staff members will make sure everything is taken care of for you.
Your luggage will arrive at your cabin once you have boarded the ship, your room will be turned down several times a day and you will likely find some creative towel art on the bed when you return from your evening’s entertainment.
At dinner your glass will never be empty, and if you want to try everything on the menu, the waiter will make it happen.
If you love the idea of feeling thoroughly spoilt, trust me when I say that a cruise holiday is definitely for you.
Taking your First Cruise
So now you’ve learnt what a cruise is, what should you think about when booking your first trip?
If you have never cruised before, you might want to want to consider how long you go for and how much you want to spend.
It can also be a good idea to start with a smaller ship to try your first cruise holiday.
Our first cruise was a last minute deal which we got at a very reasonable price.
We spent 7 days sailing around the Mediterranean with what is now called Marella Cruises, and it was the best introduction to going on a cruise.
We did feel a little apprehensive before our trip, and were not convinced that we were going to enjoy it.
It did not take long for us to realise that were were going to love cruising. I was most certainly one of our most memorable holidays.
Now that travel is very much back on our agenda, I don’t think it will be long before we are booking our next cruise.
>> You might also enjoy Best Cruise Tips For First Timers <<
