I've never been on a cruise, am I an outlier?
They say there are certain kinds of travelers, those who love cruises and those who hate them. Count me in the latter. I will also admit at the outset that I’ve never been on a cruise and have vowed never to go on one. However, I have been rightfully asked if I’ve never been on a cruise, how could I dislike them? Easy, as a germaphobe I don’t want to be confined in a boat in the middle of the ocean with a mini horde of people who I don’t know. Now I am aware that one can point out examples of mass congregations that are part of our everyday lives, like conferences and meetings, musical festivals, and sporting events. But these occurrences tend to be singular and I can leave at my discretion.
The other thing is that I love prowling cities and select rural areas. I also like the idea of getting on a plane and arriving at my destination in hours, allowing me to enjoy the location and all it has to offer. Another reason for me to avoid cruises is that my leisure time is just that, leisure time. No schedules, I can eat what I like in a venue that offers an opportunity to indulge in other cultures. However, it can be argued that cruise lines have become more creative in terms of activities and cuisines, but the way I see it, those still occur in the middle of the ocean. So I decided to take as an objective look as possible into cruises and here’s what I found.
I will concede that one of the biggest advantages of vacation cruises is the convenience they offer. Most cruise packages include accommodations, meals, entertainment, and access to various amenities—all conveniently bundled into one price. This all-inclusive nature eliminates the need for constant budgeting and allows you to relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about expenses.
Cruises also offer the opportunity to explore multiple destinations in a single trip. Whether you're yearning for pristine beaches, vibrant cities, or cultural landmarks, cruises often feature diverse itineraries with stops at different ports of call. This variety allows travelers to experience the beauty and uniqueness of several destinations without the hassle of planning separate trips.
Cruise ships are known for their vast array of onboard activities and entertainment options. From swimming pools and spas to casinos and theaters, there's something for everyone. Passengers can indulge in live performances, comedy shows, cooking classes, or even rock climbing—all without leaving the ship. This abundance of entertainment ensures that there's never a dull moment on a vacation cruise.
The cruise industry also touts that they do a great job in catering to families by offering a host of kid-friendly amenities and activities. Many ships have been configured to offer children's clubs, water parks, and supervised programs to keep the little ones engaged while parents relax. The industry believes that creating a family-friendly atmosphere on cruises makes them an ideal choice for multigenerational vacations, ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy their time together.
So let's look at what I consider to be the drawbacks. First, while cruises allow you to explore multiple destinations, the time spent at each port is often limited. This can be frustrating for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in a particular location or experience its culture in depth. The brief stopovers may not provide sufficient time to fully explore and appreciate the local attractions, leaving some with a sense of rushed sightseeing.
Further, cruise ships accommodate thousands of passengers, and this can lead to crowded common areas, especially during peak travel seasons. The pool decks, dining areas, and entertainment venues may become crowded, making it challenging to find a peaceful spot for relaxation, let alone exposing yourself to a group of strangers whose personal hygiene habits could be questionable. If you prefer solitude and serenity, the bustling nature of cruise ships may not be the ideal setting.
Moreover, for those prone to motion sickness, the constant movement of a cruise ship can be a significant hindrance. Although modern ships are equipped with stabilizers to minimize rocking, some individuals may still experience discomfort or nausea. It's important to consider your susceptibility to motion sickness before embarking on a cruise to ensure a pleasant experience.
Additional costs are another concern. While the upfront cost of a cruise may seem all-inclusive, there are often supplemental expenses that can quickly mount up. These expenses may include gratuities, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining options, shore excursions, and spa treatments. These extras can significantly increase the overall cost of your vacation cruise. It's essential to factor in these potential additional expenses when budgeting for your trip to avoid any financial surprises.
One of my biggest criticisms of Cruises is that itineraries are typically pre-planned, and once you're onboard, you have limited control over your schedule. The ship's departure and arrival times, as well as the duration of port stops, are predetermined. This lack of flexibility can be a nonstarter for travelers who, like me prefer to have more control over their daily activities and explore destinations at their own pace.
Finally, the industry has faced criticism for its impact on the environment. These massive vessels consume large amounts of fuel, resulting in air and water pollution. Additionally, waste management and disposal practices can be a concern. It's important to consider the environmental implications of cruising and choose companies that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices.
Adding to all of the aforementioned negatives is the spread of viruses on ships and the physical melees that have occurred on several cruises. Back in May, the Washington Post reported that the total of gastrointestinal illnesses had "already exceeded the total number of outbreaks reported in 2019 and tied for the yearly number for both 2017 and 2018." Because of the travel interruption due to the pandemic recent figures aren’t available. As far as the fights on select cruises are concerned, the mixture of stupidity and alcohol, unfortunately, can't be fixed.
Many people find cruises enjoyable and in many cases exhilarating, but they’ve never been activities that have attracted me. The drawbacks of cruising far outweigh the benefits in my mind. I’ve been told by friends who consider themselves avid cruisers that I’m being overly critical, particularly having never been exposed to one. I’ll concede that they do have a point, but I also don’t see a reason to start boarding a big ship now.
Am I being too judgmental and what has been your experience with cruises? Leave a comment below or a Note on Substack and let me know your view. In the meantime, for those of you who enjoy the experience, cruise on.
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