12 Reasons Why Your Next Vacation Should Be A Cruise

So, you’ve never taken a cruise but you’re curious about it. While the travel industry has done a great job dispelling long-outdated notions associated with cruise vacations, we’ve gone a step further: This list has insider intel that, after reading it, will ensure you know why a cruise is the next vacation you should book. Get ready to set sail.

1. It’s Easy To Plan

Once you choose your itinerary and pick your stateroom, the majority of your planning is done: no searching for hotels or coordinating transportation between destinations. You can even select air-inclusive packages or add pre- and post-cruise experiences, such as overnight land tours of the Canadian Rockies or Alaska’s Denali National Park, when you book. Finally, you can set up your dining choices in advance, booking special packages and guaranteeing your table at times that best work with your schedule (or lack thereof)—guaranteeing you peace of mind.

2. Your Options Are Endless

The array of cruises you can take is dazzling—when you consider that Royal Caribbean sails to more than 260 destinations worldwide, you have the chance to span continents, cities, islands, climates and cultures. Beyond your choices for destinations, you can also try themed cruises tailored for music, sports and culture.

3. You Only Have To Unpack Once

This could be one of the biggest advantages of cruising, especially if you’re traveling with a large group. If you’ve ever lugged suitcases out of cars, across cobblestone streets, onto trains and up several flights of stairs, this may be the ultimate benefit and music to your ears.

4. It’s Perfect For Thrill-Seekers

Today’s cruise ships offer a wide range of adrenaline-inducing activities you can experience without ever having to leave the ship. On Royal Caribbean, for example, you can climb a rock wall, learn to surf, ride a zip line, do in-line skating or ice skating, and on Harmony of the Seas, ride the Ultimate Abyss, the world’s tallest—and most daring—slide at sea.

5. It’s Also An Ideal Getaway For Two

There is an undeniable romance to traveling at sea, whether enjoying candlelit dinners on a private deck or exploring far-flung destinations together. You’ll also find there are packages specially designed for weddings, honeymoons and vow renewals.

6. It’s An Excellent Value

Cruise fares include nearly everything you need for a great vacation—accommodation, food, entertainment and sailing you directly to each destination on your itinerary. You’ll get all this often at a price well below what you would pay for similar experiences on land, or if you booked each part separately on your own.

7. You Can Bring The Whole Family

From toddlers to teens, grandparents and everyone in-between, family friendly cruises guarantee a great vacation for all ages. On board, there are kids’ clubs and activities, teen hangouts and adults-only pools, yet dinner can be a family affair, along with a range of shore excursions ideal for a diverse group.

8. You Can Indulge

Royal Caribbean stands out for offering more than 20 outstanding restaurant concepts on any of its ships, some created with renowned celebrity chefs, including Jamie Oliver and Michael Schwartz. In addition to their eateries, there are a variety of specialty dining experiences like Wonderland and Izumi, not to mention the main restaurant. If you’re looking for a casual or quick bite to eat, you can swing by Johnny Rockets or the hot dog and cupcake stands

9. You Can Get (Or Stay) In Shape

Believe it or not, a cruise is a fun, easy and delicious way to stay disciplined about working out and eating right. Fitness facilities on board feature cardio and weight machines you’ll find in top-notch gyms, as well as a packed schedule of classes spanning yoga and Pilates, spinning and boot camp. There is also a variety of other ways to stay fit, such as on the FlowRider, the on-board surf simulator, running track and more.

10. You Can Explore With Experts

Shore excursions in every port have been chosen by the cruise line to be reputable, reliable and among the best offered, so you don’t have to look for a tour operator who safely can provide the right experience for you—especially when you’re in another country. More importantly, these guides can offer you an authentic way to experience the destination that can be hard to do without insider connections, whether it’s learning to dogsled in Alaska from an Iditarod veteran, or hiking through a rainforest into the dormant Mount Liamuiga Volcano in St. Kitts.

11. You Can See A Lot In One Trip

Can’t decide which Caribbean island to visit, or which European city you’d most like to see? Don’t choose just one, then: On a cruise, you can wake up in a different city—or even country—almost every day.

12. You’ll Get Time To Relax

There is something incredibly peaceful about being on the water, and there are few vacations as restful as a cruise. Yet even in port you’re free to explore each destination at your own pace, whether that means perusing local shops, touring the biggest sites on foot, tucking into hole-in-the-wall spots for authentic eats or simply visiting beautiful beaches.

Dreaming of a spa day featuring the latest therapies and treatments? Or an exclusive tour of a hyper-local destination led by an area expert, capped off with an intimate dinner served on the balcony of your luxurious suite? These indulgences and more can be arranged with all inclusive luxury cruises.