Cruise right for you depends on how you like to travel, relax, and explore new places. From onboard activities and dining to destinations and daily pace, cruising offers a unique experience that suits some travelers better than others. This guide breaks down what cruising is really like so you can decide if it fits your travel style, expectations, and vacation goals.
Is a cruise right for you? Many travelers ask this question when planning a vacation and weighing their travel options. Cruises offer a unique mix of comfort, variety, and convenience that appeals to many people. Understanding how cruise travel works makes it easier to decide if this style of vacation fits your travel preferences.
For more information on cruising, read The Best Cruise Vacation Tips here, or visit us on Pinterest.
Top Questions About Taking a Cruise
When travelers consider a cruise, a few common questions almost always come up. Most of these concerns come from not knowing what cruising is really like. With a better understanding of how cruise vacations work, many people discover that cruising offers comfort, variety, and an easy way to enjoy travel without stress.
With that in mind, these questions highlight what many travelers enjoy most about cruising.
What is the best first cruise to take?
For many travelers, the best first cruise offers a balance of sea days and port stops. This mix allows you to explore new destinations while also enjoying time onboard. Sea days give you a chance to relax, try activities, and experience the ship itself, which often becomes a favorite part of the trip. A balanced itinerary helps new cruisers fully understand what cruising has to offer.
What about seasickness?
Seasickness is one of the most common concerns for first-time cruisers. Modern cruise ships are large and well stabilized, which reduces motion for most travelers. Many people who worry about seasickness find that they feel comfortable once onboard. Choosing a mid-ship cabin and using simple remedies can make the experience even smoother.
Do I have to dress up every night?
Cruising today is much more relaxed than many people expect. While some ships still offer formal nights, dressing up is optional on most cruises. Casual dining venues are available every evening, and guests can choose how formal or relaxed they want to be. This flexibility allows travelers to enjoy dining in a way that suits their personal style.
Do I have to sit with strangers at dinner?
Cruise dining offers more choice than ever before. Some guests enjoy meeting new people at shared tables, while others prefer private seating. Many cruise lines provide flexible dining options, including tables for two or open seating. Making your preference known early helps ensure the dining experience feels comfortable and enjoyable.
How does tipping work on a cruise?
Most cruise lines include gratuities as part of the onboard experience. Many automatically add them to your shipboard account, making tipping simple and stress free. These gratuities cover the staff who work behind the scenes to keep your trip running smoothly. Policies vary by cruise line, so checking details ahead of time helps set expectations.
Will I gain weight on a cruise?
Cruises offer plenty of food, but they also provide many ways to stay active. Fitness centers, walking tracks, pools, and exercise classes are common on most ships. Many travelers enjoy indulging while still staying active throughout the trip. Cruising allows you to choose how relaxed or energetic you want your days to be.
Can I do laundry on board?
Many cruise ships offer self-service laundry rooms, often for a small fee. Full-service laundry and dry cleaning are also available for added convenience. Some ships even offer laundry specials during the voyage. These options make it easy to pack lighter and stay comfortable throughout the trip.
Why Many Travelers Choose a Cruise
Cruising offers several advantages that make travel easier and more enjoyable. For many travelers, these perks remove common stress points that come with traditional vacations.
Easy Planning
Cruises bundle accommodations, meals, entertainment, as well as transportation into one trip. This setup reduces planning time and makes budgeting more predictable. So, once onboard, most details are already handled.
Visit Multiple Destinations
A cruise allows travelers to explore several destinations without constantly packing and unpacking. You wake up in a new place while keeping the same room and routine. So, this makes travel feel smooth and relaxed.
Something for Every Travel Style
Cruise ships offer a wide range of activities and spaces. Relaxation areas, entertainment, dining options, as well as fitness facilities allow travelers to shape each day to their own pace. So, you can stay busy, or slow things down. It’s your choice.
Comfortable and Convenient Travel
Modern cruise ships are designed for comfort. Spacious cabins, attentive service, as well as well-planned layouts help travelers feel at ease. And, everything you need stays close by throughout the trip.
Strong Value for the Experience
Cruises often provide strong value compared to land-based vacations. Many costs are included upfront. So travelers can enjoy dining, entertainment, and amenities. Without all the constant spending decisions.
More Helpful Cruise Guides
If you’re still planning your trip or want to dive deeper into cruise travel, these guides can help you feel even more prepared. Each one focuses on a different part of the cruise experience, from choosing the right ship to packing smart and getting the best value.
- The Best Cruise Guide: How to Find Your Perfect Cruise
A helpful overview for choosing the right cruise based on destination, ship style, and travel preferences. - The Best Cruise Essentials: Pack Light and Cruise Better
A practical packing guide that covers what you really need for a smooth and comfortable cruise. - Book a Cruise Easily and Get the Best Value
Tips for finding deals, understanding pricing, and booking with confidence. - The Best First-Time Cruise Advice You Need
A must-read guide for new cruisers, covering what to expect before you sail. - Cruise Tips to Make Your Vacation Easy and Enjoyable
Simple tips that help reduce stress, avoid common mistakes, as well as make the most of your time onboard. - The Most Important Cruise Safety Tips You’ll Need to Know
Practical safety advice that helps travelers feel confident onboard and in port. This guide covers simple habits and awareness tips that support a smooth and worry-free cruise experience.
Final Thoughts
Cruise travel offers a unique mix of comfort, variety, and ease. In many cases, it removes much of the stress that comes with traditional vacations. Travelers can visit multiple destinations while enjoying onboard amenities in one place. As a result, cruising often feels simpler and more relaxed.
Ultimately, whether a cruise is right for you depends on how you like to travel and unwind. Understanding what cruising offers helps make the choice clearer. With the right expectations, a cruise can become one of the most enjoyable ways to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Travel
Is a cruise right for first-time travelers?
Yes, cruises work very well for first-time travelers. In fact, everything from accommodations to dining and entertainment is organized in one place. Because of this, travel often feels easier and less stressful, especially for those who prefer structure.
Are cruises relaxing or busy?
Cruises can be as relaxed or as active as you want them to be. For example, some travelers spend their days by the pool or enjoying quiet spaces. While, others fill their schedule with shows, excursions, and activities. The flexibility allows each traveler to set their own pace.
Do cruises feel crowded?
Modern cruise ships are designed with many open spaces and venues. While some areas feel lively at peak times, quieter areas are always available. As a result, many travelers feel less crowded than they expect.
Are cruises good value for the cost?
Cruises often include lodging, meals, entertainment, as well as transportation in one price. As a result, many travelers find cruising offers strong value compared to planning separate hotels, meals, and travel. Overall, this makes budgeting easier and more predictable.
Who might not enjoy a cruise?
Cruising may not suit travelers who prefer complete spontaneity or long stays in one location. However, for travelers who enjoy variety, convenience, and comfort, a cruise can be an excellent choice.
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Another great post! I love traveling, especially on a cruise ship, though I have not had a chance yet. Your informative post has talked me into considering it. Well, I am really glad that I have found this informative post on cruising! Thanks
Sarah, anyone will enjoy cruising. I am glad I have you talked into giving a cruise a try. If you have any additional questions or need help with booking, please let me know.
Hi, Leahrae,
You gave me a few excellent pieces of advice on what to look for when I plan a cruise trip! Is a cruise right for me? I guess yes when I read your guidelines. Sounds like being exciting, and at first sight, without any disadvantages.
Do you know what typically happens, when the ship is on shore, and a passenger gets late coming back on the deck? Does the crew wait for him, or not?
Yes Tony, the ship will leave you behind. But they have a port official to help you with getting back to the boat. This is pretty rare, but it does happen. Thanks for visiting!
Leahrae, I have been considering a cruise trip for a while and am thrilled I found your article. I suffer from motion sickness frequently and often wondered if the larger boat would have a less noticeable effect. Good to know I will still need my Dramamine. I guess I never even realized they had you sit with other passengers at meals. Glad I read that before I looked foolish at dinner. Thank you. Maryann
Thanks for visiting Maryann, but you are right that the larger the cruise ship, the less you will feel any movement. In rough waters of course, there will be some movement. I never feel any movement when I am on board, but I have always been on a very large cruise ship. My son gets sea sick easily, but he did not get sick either.
I’m so glad you addressed the sea sickness issue that I was worried about. I personally have gotten motion sickness when I was touring on a large ship that was just sitting in the port. I could sense the movement. I was really grateful when I got back on land. (I think I was touring a WWII navy ship. It stayed anchored the whole time, but the gentle movement was too much fore me.) I think I may not do too well on a cruise. Maybe I’ll just bring along a lot of dramamine.
Yes Melinda, Dramamine will do the trick. You also have to remember the dimensions of a nave ship compared to those of a cruise both. A navy ship is going to sway a lot more because of its shape. Cruise ships are so big anymore, that you can’t feel that sway. Only in rough waters, will you begin to notice anything. My advice would be to take a cruise on one of the larger cruise boats. This is would eliminate a lot of the problems for you 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I love the sea and I was thinking about a cruise. I’m kind of worrying about the motion sickness, though. I have it pretty badly, so I’ll probably choose some medication. Which cruise line do you think is the best? I’m thinking about the Mediterranean sea.
Thanks for the article.
I would go with Norweigian Cruise Line or Viking. Both have great cruises to the Mediterranean. I think anybody with sea sickness can have a great time, just as long as they make sure to have medicine on hand. My son also gets sea sickness, and he did just fine. Thank you for visiting!
I love reading articles on travel. My wife and I travel a lot. I have always been dreaming of taking my wife on a cruise someday.
Last year we realized that dream. We took a 3-week cruise from Cape Town to Venice aboard the MSC SINFONIA. We had a ball and are planning an another to the Carribean next year.
I would recommend a cruise to anyone. I would certainly bring less clothing next time as I spent most of the time on deck or in the pool.
I was at the gym daily and ate lots of fresh fruit and drank plenty of water. Can hardly wait for the next cruise
Sounds like you two had a blast. Wow, a 3 week cruise sounds absolutely wonderful! I would love to be able to take a long cruise like that some day. Thanks for stopping by and visiting Is a Cruise Right for Me.
Leahrae,
A friend of mine just got a job as an entertainer on a cruise line. His parents are going to go on a cruise with him next month. I have never been on one, I do not know what to expect.
You have lined things out pretty well in this article. If I get a chance to go on one of Devin’s cruises, I will know what to expect for my first real cruise. I really don’t like to dress up and do get motion sickness sometimes, both things for me to think about before going.
John
John, you will enjoy for sure. The last cruise I went on, we had one “formal” dinner. Really it is like dressed up casual. I saw very few men in actual tuxes. I am more of a care free casual dresser, so I had to buy a sundress for this night 🙂 Cruising is a great bargain and a ton of fun! Plus you can meet so many new friends. Thanks for reading!
Hello Leahrae,
You summed it well – I LOVE CRUISING!! I did my first cruise a few years and I am still cruising. I agree that the ‘mood’ has changed but it still basically a worry-free, easy to plan vacation. Sometimes you might even not want to leave the ship. And yes, you might be inclined to eat all you see, but it’s all good…it is vacation time. Great questions answered.
Michelle
Yep, I agree Michelle, I love cruising too. What is not too love. Get on the boat, and be worry free. I have skipped ports before, because then it is pretty empty with everyone taking to port. Great way to relax, and really a great bargain! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for this informative article. It has been so many years since I last went on a cruise. Reading this has made me want to go on one! I didn’t know they have laundry rooms on cruise ships. That’s a great plus, considering I have four kids. If we can laundry on board, then the luggage we carry can be lighter. Thanks for the great tips and advice!
Yes, most think they need to take enough clothes for each day on the cruise, which you really don’t. I don’t like to do my laundry on the boat, so I try to bring clothes I can wear more than once if possible. You will have to go again for sure! So much fun! Than you for stopping by and visiting beach travel destinations.com.
How did you know my wife and I are considering our first cruise? We are considering going on a seven day Alaskan cruise. I have a free one for us on NCL for this year. She does get motion sickness, but I think she will be fine. I was in the Navy so not an issue for me.
I appreciate all if the great information you provided. I will show it to my wife.
I can’t wait to go!
Great, you guys are going to love it! I lived in Alaska, so I know how beautiful it is. If you go any time besides June-July-August, make sure you take warm clothes and rain gear. Let me know what time of year you are going and I can tell you how to prepare for the weather 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I have often thought about taking a cruise, but the bit about getting sea-sick always bothered me. But I see now that I have some options, and like the idea of a cabin with a balcony for fresh air. I also didn’t know that there is a doctor on board, which is comforting!
As for eating, I suppose it is like any vacation — it doesn’t count if you are on vacation, right? So I guess that is a personal choice how much we want to eat or not. I love the idea of 3 ports and the rest of the time being on the ship. I could use some forced relaxation, and where else to get that but the middle of the ocean…?! Thanks for the great info!
You are welcome Amy. My son gets sea sick easily, but he did great on a cruise. Just have to be on the right part of the boat I guess. I think you would love the relaxation! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
This was great information regarding taking a cruise. I have honestly never taken or thought about taking one. I think you have talk me into considering it now. Sounds like it can be a great deal with everything included. Thanks for all the great information.
A lot of people think that they are too expensive and they don’t want to be stuck on a boat. Cruises are all inclusive, including everything but drinks (for most cruise lines). I think they are a bargain. You would find you love it and will find yourself going on a cruise more.
Is a Cruise Right For Me? I have a friend who works on cruise ships and he is a musician. I have heard a bit about what they are like from his experiences. The good news is that you can get online and feel almost like you’re able to do normal activities. If I ever decide to go I will most likely see which one he will be working on and fly to that location to try the experience out myself. They definitely sound fun and worth the cost to try a new way to vacation.
They are worth it Eric, I can tell you that. I love cruises. I actually like a mix of both land vacations and cruise vacations. You will enjoy! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Going on a cruise is one of those things on my bucket list. I really want to do it soon. You covered all of the questions I would have asked. Is there a way to find out if there are any deals going on?
Yes Wendy, please keep posted as I will provide with some great deals. I have found Avoya Travel (link on my site) to have the most competitive prices, and have used them myself. Thank you for visiting my new Take A Cruise section.
I have been on 1 cruise and can’t wait to go back on another one! I t was definitely an awesome experience and the part I liked the best was the food. I for sure gained weight but it was allll worth it lol. I’ts also pretty safe for those wondering about things go wrong. the crew prepares you thoroughly before you leave with drills so you know what to do and where to go in case of any mishaps. Overall, it was a great experience and I highly recommend it.
I love cruising myself. People don’t realize what a great bargain it really is. Everything is included, except for alcoholic beverages that is. Thank you for reading my post, Is a Cruise Right for Me?