The Pros and Cons of Cruises: Are Cruises Right for You?

I recently saw a segment on ABC News about a woman who lives on a cruise ship year-round. I’ve often wondered if I could do it since I love cruises so much. But when I mention this to my friends, some say they could never do that, and furthermore, they tell me they have no interest in EVER taking a cruise. Why, I wonder? I loved my first cruise at age 17 and I’m still loving them in my 60s.

I went and polled friends on Facebook as well as fellow travel advisors and the answers vary greatly. So, it got me thinking about land vacations versus cruises, and here I’ll uncover some new information that might convince you to try a cruise.

In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of a cruise to help you determine if it’s the right vacation for you.

The Pros of Cruises

1. Price

Hands down, cruising is a more economical way to travel. You get excellent value for your hard-earned money with food, accommodation, activities and entertainment included in the fare.

There is a price point for every budget AND a cruise line for every type of traveler. Bargains CAN be found last minute. As I write this blog, I just booked a six-day cruise on Carnival Elation that will sail in 30 days. A friend and I are going, and my part will cost $664 – that’s $110 a day. Even better than that, it departs from Jacksonville, Florida, so I can easily drive down the morning the cruise begins.

I knew there would still be some inventory left on March and April sailings because students are in school and it’s the wave season. The term “wave season” refers to the “tidal wave” of promotions and deals that cruise lines offer during the period of January through March.

The name of the game is flexibility.  If you can be flexible with your dates, you can find bargains during the season and at other times of the year when demand is lower. You can check out fares for Carnival and other cruise lines at Cruise Direct to find a cruise in your price range.

Find cruise deals with Cruise Direct

2. All-Inclusive Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of a cruise is the all-inclusive nature of the experience. Your accommodations, meals, entertainment, and transportation between destinations are all included in the price. This simplifies planning and budgeting since you don’t have to worry about booking hotels, finding restaurants, or arranging transportation between cities.

Hollie Roman of Las Vegas, a fellow Dream Vacations travel advisor, explains why she and her family favor cruises. “I love taking cruises, and so do my husband & young kids. We enjoy a traveling hotel that brings us to a new place each day. The fact that all your food and basic drinks are included, there are no unexpected fees, you only check in to one room but there’s never the same view from your window, and there are activities for everyone anytime. Even all-inclusives can’t offer that,” says Hollie.

If you want to save money on excursions, I suggest checking out Viator and paying attention to traveler ratings to book your tours. Viator offers a “worry-free guarantee” to get you back to your ship on time.

Check tour deals on Viator here

3. Variety of Destinations in One Trip

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of changing hotels or dealing with transportation logistics. You can wake up in a new city or country every day.

This is especially great for travelers who want to explore multiple locations but prefer a seamless experience. Stacie Yarbrough, who works with the Stowaway Travel Group out of Lewes, Delaware and is also a Dream Vacation travel advisor, loves that you only have to unpack once. “Then you can check out multiple destinations and decide where you want to visit again for a longer land vacation,” she adds. 

4. Endless Entertainment Options

I love that cruise ships are floating resorts filled with entertainment options for all ages. From Broadway-style shows and comedy clubs to water slides and casino nights, there’s always something to do on board.

Many ships also offer workshops, fitness centers, and educational lectures, ensuring that passengers never get bored. And, interestingly, sightseeing on board and people-watching offer a great form of entertainment.

I like to wander around the ship in the early morning hours and look at the interior design. It’s interesting to examine the use of fabrics, textures, light and color to create unique settings. 

If you ever get to do a “behind the scenes” tour of a ship, take advantage of that opportunity.

I got to go on a three-hour tour to see the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady’s bridge, engineering control room, garbage room, laundry areas, kitchens, and cold store rooms and freezers. I’ve never seen so many eggs in my life! And, I was amazed at how the laundry room attendants shot all the bed linens through this steam press to iron them beautifully. Utterly cool to watch!

5. A Wide Range of Dining Experiences

Cruise ships offer an impressive variety of dining options, including buffets, specialty restaurants, fine dining experiences, and room service. Some people “poo poo” buffets, but I have also been amazed at the diversity of food selections.

On my Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady cruise, there is “The Galley,” a food hall with multiple themed stations. I loved their Bento boxes, the variety of their “to-go” boxes that offered healthy snacks as well as the restaurants offering cuisines to suit all palates. For instance, if you want to try Korean Barbeque, it has a cool restaurant called Gunbae, which happens to be the first Korean BBQ restaurant on a cruise ship. 

Pink Agave offered elevated Mexican cuisine, and I dined on the most delicious steak and seafood at The Wake, which is located at the aft of the ship. Desserts were amazingly creative and portioned correctly, so you get a smaller portion. For people who love Italian food, there’s Extra Virgin, which serves handmade pasta.

Many cruises cater to different dietary needs and preferences, making it easy to enjoy delicious meals without the stress of finding good restaurants at every port.

6. Great for Families and Groups

I had the opportunity to go on an MSC Cruise aboard The Seashore with a friend who is in his 60s, two girlfriends in their 60s, two more senior ladies in their 80s, a young couple in their 30s and their daughter, age 5. So we essentially spanned almost all generations. 

It worked out beautifully because everybody did their own thing during the day, and then we all met for dinner at night. The five-year-old got to spend time with her grandfather at the Pirates Cove Playground, which has water slides and water cannons.

The parents got a break, and all of us girls went to the spa some days, and other days we all enjoyed MSC Cruises’ private island called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve together as a group.

We rented a large cabana and set up on North Beach, which is situated on a lagoon that offers shallow water and multiple water activities. We lounged, floated in the lagoon, and taught the five-year-old how to use fins to swim.

Additionally, cruising eliminates the stress of coordinating transportation and accommodations for large groups.

7. A Relaxing and Stress-Free Experience

Unlike traditional vacations that require constant planning, navigating, and decision-making, cruises provide a structured yet flexible itinerary.

Guests can choose to be as active or relaxed as they want. With the ability to lounge by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, or participate in onboard activities, cruising is a stress-free way to travel. 

Read: Cruise Dress Code: What to Wear on Cruises

8. Safety and Security

Cruise lines prioritize passenger safety, with strict security protocols, medical facilities, and trained staff available at all times.

Many travelers find cruising to be a safer alternative to exploring new destinations independently, especially for solo travelers or families with young children.

The Cons of Cruising

1. Limited Time at Destinations

You’ve probably seen those video clips of people sprinting to the cruise pier only to be a few minutes late for the cruise sailing and missing the ship. This almost happened to me! I was in Roatan, Honduras, two years ago and guess what? The clock on the cruise ship didn’t quite align with our taxi driver’s clock, and when we returned to the ship, we noticed there was NO ONE in the cruise terminal shops. Like, I’m talking, it was a ghost town! YIKES…

Well, my friend Hugh Darley and I began running as fast as we could, and fortunately, we made it to the Celebrity Silhouette, but we were absolutely the last ones to board the ship. Phew.

Cruise ships do not wait for guests, and when they say that 4:00 p.m. is sailing time, it is exactly that time! They will leave you, and you are responsible for finding a way to get to the next port by plane.

While cruises allow you to visit multiple places, time at each port is often limited to a few hours. In this case, in Roatan, we had about seven hours, but we had gone an hour away with a driver to check out a Yoga Retreat space near a cove.

If this scenario makes you fret, here’s what you can do to ensure you get back on time. Book your excursions through the ship, and you will never get left behind.

Personally, I’ve been able to see quite more than just a “glimpse” of my destination while in ports. I’ve ridden bikes to private beaches in St. Marteen, participated in chocolate-making in Mexico, gone to hippy markets in Ibiza and had plenty of time to have these experiences and not feel too rushed.

For travelers who prefer in-depth exploration, a cruise may not be the best option, however.

For some destinations, you do sometimes have enough time to take a tour. I always use Viator as it offers a “worry-free guarantee” to get you back to your ship on time.

Check tour deals on Viator here

2. Additional Costs for Extras

Although cruises are marketed as all-inclusive, many onboard amenities and services come with extra costs. Specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, and gratuities are often not included in the base fare. These additional expenses can add up quickly, making the overall cost of the cruise higher than expected. 

I suggest you go ahead and add gratuities and wi-fi before your cruise because you’re going to need these and pay for them anyway. If you believe you can go on a cruise and not need Wi-Fi, that’s absurd. Trust me on this one. In our iPhone and Samsung world, you will miss it if you don’t have it, so you might as well sign up for the basic package. Plus, if you sign up for wi-fi before, it will be less expensive. 

Also, decide on your drink package beforehand. You will save money there as well if you buy it in advance.

3. Crowds and Limited Privacy

Cruise ships can accommodate thousands of passengers, leading to crowded public spaces, lines, and limited privacy. Popular attractions, dining areas, and pools can become overcrowded, especially on large ships.

If you value solitude and quiet environments, a cruise might not be the ideal choice. But, I will say that cruise lines have gotten so much better about designing spaces to make you feel less crowded.  

I spent a month on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, and Richard Branson’s team has upended the cruise line industry with their forward-thinking design. Do you remember the days of long lines at buffet bars? They don’t exist on Virgin Cruises. 

You can go to “The Galley” and never stand in line. The Scarlet Lady ship had little red flags at each table, which you can flip up if you want to order from your table. The stewards pay great attention to you and quickly come over if they see a red flag. Or, you can stand in front of many food stations, and they will serve you. 

Either way, they have re-imagined this space in a passenger-friendly way where you will be totally satisfied. In contrast, the sizes of the pools onboard the Scarlet Lady are not adequate. For a ship that can carry 2,770 passengers, I expected large pools and was disappointed to see the two small pools. There were times during my journey that I disliked feeling like a sardine in the pool areas.

4. Seasickness and Motion Sickness

For those prone to motion sickness, the constant movement of a cruise ship can be a drawback. While modern ships have stabilizers to minimize rocking, rough seas can still cause discomfort for some passengers.

Interestingly, I did not take a cruise for 20 years because I got vertigo from being on a cruise ship for only five days. I’m talking vertigo that would not go away for months! 

But since I started cruising again in 2021, I’ve never had motion sickness again. The cruise ships are larger! The technology has improved. 

Also, here’s a tip. Try to book mid-ship. I always do! It has the least motion since the middle of the ship has less sway from the waves since it’s closer to the ship’s center of gravity. Also, even though the higher decks may seem appealing, choose a lower deck closer to the water level to minimize sway and movement. Fortunately, seasickness medications and remedies are available to help alleviate symptoms.

5. Environmental Impact

Cruise ships have been criticized for their environmental impact, including fuel emissions, waste disposal, and damage to marine ecosystems.

Some cruise lines are making efforts to become more sustainable, but overall, cruising is not the most eco-friendly way to travel. Travelers concerned about sustainability may want to research cruise lines that prioritize environmental responsibility.

6. Risk of Illness Outbreaks

Based on my research, this is one of the most likely reasons people choose not to cruise. They fear a norovirus outbreak. 

Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness. Due to the close quarters and shared spaces on cruise ships, illnesses can spread quickly. While cruise lines have implemented health and safety measures, there is still a risk of outbreaks, which could disrupt the vacation experience.

But how likely is it that you will get norovirus? If you pay attention to the news, you would think outbreaks happen every day. Not so!

Since cruise ships are required to report cases to the CDC, we perceive it to be a huge problem. However, the good news for cruisers is that the rate of illness decreased from 2006 to 2019, in which 127 million passengers sailed on 252 cruise ships under VSP jurisdiction. Throughout those 14 years, just  0.02% (two one-hundredths of 1%) of cruisers reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.

My advice is to wash your hands frequently, carry a travel-size sanitizing spray and use it often after you touch utensils at buffet bars and before you eat.

7. Limited Flexibility in Travel Plans

Cruises operate on strict schedules, which means passengers must adhere to designated departure times. If you enjoy spontaneous travel or prefer to spend extra time in certain destinations, a cruise may feel restrictive.

Additionally, weather conditions and itinerary changes can impact travel plans, sometimes leading to missed ports or modified schedules.

Pros and Cons: Is a Cruise Right for You?

Deciding whether a cruise is the right vacation for you depends on your travel preferences, budget, and priorities.

If you love the idea of a hassle-free, all-inclusive vacation with diverse entertainment and dining options, a cruise might be a perfect choice. However, if you prefer independent exploration, flexibility, and a quieter atmosphere, you may find other types of travel more appealing.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if a cruise is right for you is to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal travel style. Whether you choose to set sail on a cruise or opt for a different adventure, the most important thing is to enjoy your journey and create unforgettable memories along the way.

You might also like:

• Cruise Dress Code: What to Wear on Cruises
• Packing Light for a Cruise: 8 Hacks You Need
• 28 Creative Things to Bring on a Cruise

Jenny Lynn on a Journey Travel Blog contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate marketing programs. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.