5 Reasons Maybe YOU Need to Take a Cruise

If you live in a cold climate like me, you are probably buried in winter right now, with many long months ahead before we can go outside in a t-shirt and bask in some rays again.
So I thought it being a new year, for Travel Tuesday it would be a great day to show off a few reason's why you may want to take a cruise in 2016.



 #1 THEY CAN BE A CHEAP TRIP

When you figure in costs as far lodging, food you really can't beat the prices you can find when you search for deals on cruises. Depending on the cruise line you take, your looking at inclusive prices that start at $299 for 4 day cruises. I've seen them as low as $399 for 7 day cruises.  (They really can be great deals, you can't even find hotels for prices like that.)

Shop around, and don't be afraid to find a deal. You'll have access to the same all you can eat buffets or dining rooms or dessert bars and entertainment as everyone else. Other than your room size, you will have pretty much the same amenities as guests who pay much more for theirs.



#2 GREAT WAY TO SEE MANY NEW PLACES

Cruises usually have 1-2 days at sea depending on the length of a 1 week trip. So when they are not at sea, you are docked at a port where you can go out and explore new places and try new things.
You might find you are able to visit a few islands or countries that you never normally would have booked a trip to go on.
SAFETY TIP: Stay where the tourists go when you visit these places. Don't venture into odd area's or away from the tourism sections mostly for your own safety. Most places are safe, but not all areas welcome tourists or are patrolled for visitors safety.  If ever in doubt, ask a tour guide or cruise director before you venture out.



#3 FIND DEALS ON EXCURSIONS/ADVENTURE

So many first time cruisers will only book excursions through the cruise line themselves. Which is totally fine, if you don't mind paying nearly double for the exact same thing you could have booked on your own.

Many think that if you book with the cruise ship that is the only way to make sure you make it back in time before the boat leaves the port. While this is a definite plus for booking them through your cruise line, it's not always true.

Those same companies that the cruise line sends you to when you dock and meet up, also book these adventures on their own. The difference is, you don't have to pay a heafty price for the cruise agent to book it.

I literally have saved half and sometimes more by booking them on my own and because I do a little searching I have always been safe and surrounded by many others on the ship doing the exact same thing.
Additionally, if you don't want to worry about planning ahead and have a relaxing go with the flow type of trip. When you dock the ports, you will see MANY tour excursion companies with signs with their prices and you can book and go right then, most the time they will even send you on the same exact tour group as others on your ship that booked through the ship.




TIP #1, double check on the end time of the excursion so you won't have to worry about getting back in time.  They will tell you exactly what time you will be back!
TIP #2, if you are booking on the spot when you get off the ship. Go ahead and barter with the tour company. If they aren't full and want to sell more tickets you can talk them down right on the spot on occasion!



#4 LOTS OF FREE ENTERTAINMENT

While yes cruise ships have casino's and spas you can spend your money at. I have to say on all the ones I have taken I have never even paid once to do those things.  There is no reason to, unless it's something you really want to do.  There are so many awesome free shows, and entertainment going on around the ship.  From musicals, to movies, pools, rides and more. You'll be surprised with the talent they have in the evenings at the comedy clubs or shows they really have great productions!

Not to mention you don't have to sacrifice your health either, you can eat all that yummy buffet foot and go work it off in the gym, or even many ships have outdoor tracks that run around the ship. What a fun way to get a workout in!



#5 THE VIEWS

Where else can you get 360 degree views at any time you want? Whether you want a full view of the islands or countries you arrive at places/locations/sights you are passing, or want to watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset. You can't beat the ease and availability of the views.  So don't forget your camera!



Those are just five reasons, that a cruise just may be something you should consider.
While there are several reasons a cruise may not be for you, if you are looking for a low cost, low stress alternative and more of a relaxing vacation. Then a cruise might just be something worth looking into taking.





Have you been on a cruise before? Or is it something you may be considering?
What was your favorite thing about a past cruise you took?

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