When it comes to cruises, something not to overlook is the itinerary. Seems obvious, but it’s not only about the actual ports visited and the region of the globe the ports are located in.
It’s also about Days at Sea, and how many you will have. True, it depends on the itinerary: some areas always call for more of them, like 2 or 3 (on a typical 7-day cruise, for example Eastern Caribbean).
Many first time cruisers are worried about the perspective of being “stuck” on a ship all day, impatiently waiting for land on the horizon. However, once you’ve experienced it, you realize how much there is to do (or nothing if you so desire).
For example, you will have plenty of time to get up, have breakfast and get to know your ship… plus you’ll actually be … cruising!
PROS:
- Plenty of time, no rush, no lines to disembark or get back on the ship
- The opportunity to enjoy all that ships have to offer from a library, computer classes to a rock climbing wall and of course shopping
- The romance of cruising, the breeze, being in the “middle of the ocean with nobody else”, wildlife watching…
- You can drop the kids at camp and enjoy your day, while you carry a pager in case they need you
Your cruise picks: Transatlantic (6 days at sea!), Eastern Caribbean, Hawaii from the Mainland, Cruise to nowhere, World Cruise… all have more days at sea.
CONS:
- Everybody is on the ship, but that may be OK, especially if it’s a newer, bigger ship or you are on a luxury cruise liner
- You may be bored just because you’d rather be on land, on the beach or shopping Main street
- Can’t think of anything else
Filed under: Advice | Tagged: cruise type, days at sea, days in port, romance, transatlantic
