Three Reasons Why You’ll Love to Cruise

Our 2010 home away from home

I never really pictured myself as the cruising type. I couldn’t stand the thought of being stuck on a ship for any extended period of time – and I couldn’t imagine getting on board with the whole cheesy Love Boat thing.

Cut to me – 6 cruises, 29 countries, and countless buffet dinners later – and I really can’t imagine a better way to see the world.

Accessible (most of the time)

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, most cruise ships have a standard of accessibility that they must meet. Unfortunately, “accessible” is always a bit subjective, and older ships are infamous for their thicker carpets and awkward cabins.

Boats built (not refurbished) after 2006 have proven to be easier for Jason and I. I would also recommend avoiding a boat that is coming out of dry dock, as you risk encountering a slew of post-construction problems.

For the most part, wheelchair accessible rooms are quite large. They are typically located in the mid-ship section, close to the elevators – which happens to be the least turbulent section of the boat. Bathrooms are equipped with handrails and roll in showers, and the closets have lower, easier-to-reach racks.

TIP: Always ask your travel agent about the dimensions of your room, and make sure it will fit your individual needs.

Cost effective

Hotels, food, and transportation can add up quickly when you’re on vacation. Resorts are great for being all inclusive – and if you have a favorite destination in mind, then they are a great option – but for those of us who need more variety in your vacation, cruising is the way to go.

For about $100pp a day (depending on the length of the cruise) your basic costs are covered. Booking your excursions and what you spend on board are really up to you, and you can be as lavish or as stingy as you want to be.

TIP: I typically book our excursions with tour providers in the ports of call and you can find some tips on how to do that in this post.

Be a busy bee or a lazy lizard

For those of you who like to be occupied every moment of the day, Cruise Directors live to fill your waking hours with ‘staff vs guest’ volleyball games, cooking demonstrations, formal high teas, and more trivia than you can handle.

Relaxation – for me – is the ability to say, “You take care of this, and I’m going to go take a nap. Wake me when we get where we’re going.” For those of us who enjoy laying low, you can chose to sunbathe on the deck, soak in the hot tub, book a massage at the on-board spa, go for a run in the gym, or spend the day in bed with a good book and room service.

As far as I’m concerned, everyone wins.

TIP: Check out cruise line’s websites to see what they offer onboard. Once you’ve done your online check-in you can sign up for shows, activities and shore excursions.