When I told my boyfriend I wanted to take him on a cruise, his immediate reaction was, “Aren’t cruises for old people?” His parents were regular cruisers, and he had always assumed it wasn’t his kind of trip. That’s when I shared stories of my teenage cruise adventures: Meeting new people, indulging in endless activities, and eating amazing food, all while surrounded by breathtaking ocean views.
Sure, those trips were a little different – I spent a lot of time chasing boys with my best friend, knowing they had nowhere to run! But cruising still feels magical to me, just in a more relaxed way now :D. I was determined to change his mind.
Last October, I finally got him on a ship, and we had an absolute blast. From sipping champagne at an art auction and ice skating to watching a Broadway-style show and savoring gourmet meals, the variety of activities, and how easily you can go from one to the next, blew him away. We loved it so much that we went on another cruise this November to the Bahamas, convincing two new first-timers to join us. They were hesitant at first, but ended up loving it too.
Now, my mission is to convince as many people as possible that cruising is the ultimate vacation. Here’s why it’s one of my all-time favorite ways to travel:
5 Reasons Why I Love Cruises
1. Everything Is Conveniently Close
Cruises are perfect for everyone – whether you want to do nothing, everything, or a little of both. All the activities, entertainment, dining, and relaxation options are just minutes away from each other.
For instance, you can spend the morning at a trivia session, hit the pool in the afternoon, and grab dinner without breaking a sweat. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups with different interests since you can explore separately and still meet up easily.
2. The Unique Community Feel
Cruises create a special kind of community. You spend a week with fellow travelers, cruise directors, and staff who are all focused on making sure you’re having a great time.
One of my favorite moments is when I bond with someone, whether over a shared laugh at a pool competition or reaching for the same food at the buffet bar, and then bump into them again later on. Everyone’s relaxed and in a good mood, well… most people… 🙂 making it the perfect environment to form new friendships.
3. Breathtaking Ocean Views
There’s nothing like waking up to the vast, calming beauty of the ocean. Whether I’m running along the deck, lounging by the pool, or catching a sunset, the views never get old.
As a teenager, I didn’t fully appreciate these moments (I was too busy chasing boys!), but now I make sure to take the time to stare out at the water and let the vastness of the ocean remind me how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot on a crowded ship, don’t worry – there are plenty of tucked-away places perfect for reflection or soaking up the scenery.
4. New Destinations Every Day
One of the best parts of cruising is exploring a new destination daily without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Unlike backpacking trips, where I need to pack carefully and keep everything minimal, cruising allows me to unpack once and enjoy the freedom of accessing my things throughout the week.
For someone with ADHD like me, cruises are a dream – constantly moving, exploring, and looking forward to the next destination keeps me engaged and excited.
5. Endless Activities for Every Mood
From thrilling sports competitions and trivia games to elegant shows and relaxing spa treatments, cruises offer activities for every interest.
Here’s what a typical day on board looks like for me:
- Morning run on the track
- Group buffet breakfast
- Trivia competition
- Lounging by the pool
- Men vs. Women poolside games
- Group sit-down dinner
- Evening theater show
- Dance class
- Comedy show or game show
And that’s just scratching the surface – there’s always something new to try!
Of course, cruises also offer unlimited food, drinks, and incredible deals, but for me, it’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and connection that makes them so special.
On our last group cruise, everyone enjoyed the trip their own way. Some splurged on specialty dining packages, others preferred early nights, while others hit every show and activity they could (me). Cruises truly have something for every budget, personality, and preference.
Ready to Set Sail?
I’m currently working on incredible deals for the upcoming year, and I’d love to help you plan your next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, there’s a trip out there waiting for you. Keep an eye on my page for tips, reviews, and updates – or better yet, let me plan your dream cruise! 😀