Cruises are addictive, and that’s not me saying it, but the data.
According to a 2024 study by the CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), 82% of those who have cruised once will do it again, and over 20% of travelers go on a cruise at least twice a year.
Why is that? Why are cruises so popular? Here are 10 reasons why a cruise is the perfect vacation!
1. Gives You Great Bank for Your Vacation Buck
The number one reason people choose cruises over land-based vacations is that they’re affordable.
Sure, cruises aren’t as cheap as they once were. But there’s still a 25–30% pricing differential between resorts and an average cruise.
A few years ago, this difference could reach as high as 40%, but in recent years, cruise prices have increased quite a bit (also driven by strong demand). However, in general, cruises can be considered quite inexpensive for everything they offer between food, entertainment, and the places you visit
2. You Can Be Lazy With Your Planning (And Still Have a Blast)
Planning for a cruise is easier than you might expect.
I’m not just talking about finding a travel agent and booking. I also mean that figuring out the logistics and day-to-day activities is a breeze for two main reasons:
- Cruises are basically floating cities. Almost everything you could need is right there (and usually included in the fare).
- Many lines provide a daily planner with all of the shows, activities, events, and services.
So, you only need to grab the planner (ask for a paper one if your cruise line uses an app by default), browse until you see something you like, and mark it with a highlighter. All that’s left is to show up and have fun!
3. There’s Something There for Everyone
Mega resort-like ships offer so many entertainment options and activities that it’s virtually impossible to try them all.
Think Broadway shows, trivia nights, live bands, comedy clubs, escape rooms, rocking climbing walls, zip lines, and surf simulators.
These ships would be perfect for families and large groups of friends with different interests.
And if you want to relax and do nothing? That’s a valid option, too!
Just look for more laid-back cruises. Holland America, for instance, tends to be quieter, a bit more refined, and full of middle-aged folks.
4. It’s a Great Way to Check Places off Your Travel Bucket List
A typical cruise will take you to about 4–5 ports in a week. On a port-intensive cruise, you’ll pretty much wake up every day in a new place.
Is there a faster, more convenient (but still fun) way of checking items off your bucket list? I think not.
Some passengers also like to think of the cruise as a sampler pack. They visit lots of ports in a short duration and see if they like any place enough to come back later and spend a few days.
5. You Won’t Have to Bother With Packing and Unpacking for a While
Do you know what’s even better than visiting multiple places in a single vacation? Visiting multiple places in a single vacation without having to pack and unpack every time!
Think of those road trips where you sleep in a different place every day and have to pack every morning. It’s really tiring!
On a cruise, it is like your closet is moving with you, so everything is much more handy.
Pro Tip: Look for the luggage mat in the closet and use it to protect the bedspread as you unpack.
6. You’ll Avoid the Worst Part of Traditional Vacations (AKA Flying)
For most of us, traveling by air sucks.
So, anything that lets us travel this far without having to deal with the shrinking legroom, long security lines, or obnoxious seatmates is a blessing.
In addition, many people are afraid of flying, and cruising is a very good alternative.
7. The Food Is a Journey
If you’re a foodie, you’ll have a blast on a cruise.
The fare covers meals in the MDR, there’s a lot of variety on the menu, and you might find special food events.
Plus, some cruise lines let you order as many dishes as you want so you can try a lot of new food. In some cases, even quite fine foods such as lobster tails or filet mignon.
More Info: Check out my guide on enjoying the best food cruises have to offer.
8. Cruising Is as Romantic as Can Be
You can turn many land-based vacations into romantic getaways. Still, there’s something undeniably romantic about a cruise.
Think about it. You’ll choose a magical destination and enjoy the journey together anyway.
But with a cruise, the journey includes couples massages, watching the sunset from a two-person lounger, and having date nights under star-filled skies. Not too shabby, right?
Many cruise lines also have discounts or special activities for those who are honeymooning or celebrating an anniversary on board.
9. Cruising Is Fun and Safe for Solo Travelers
Cruising can be safer than traveling to a different country alone.
After all, there are security cameras and trained security personnel all over the place.
It’s a type of vacation that I always recommend to women who want to travel alone, especially after a certain age.
It’s also possible to opt for group tours on port days and there are many opportunities on board to make friends with other passengers.
10. Experts Say Being Near Water Is Good for You
Call it the blue mind or the sea air effect, but according to different studies, being near water makes us happy.
A cruise vacation will offer all the breathtaking views of the sea you need and even a bit more!
Obviously, if your budget allows, I recommend the balcony cabin, but the window cabin also has several pluses.
If you don’t have a lot of money, don’t forget also to consider the inside cabin. There are really 7 reasons why an inside cabin could be the best choice on a cruise.
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
